Topics, etc.
1. My first wife's ongoing request that I write down a story she'd had in mind all her life.
2. Treatise on how we've become a nation of narcissists.
3. Letter to a former boss and business owner on why he is not and never will be a success in business.
4. Description of motion.
5. Poetry of any kind.
Meals
1. Several by both my first and second wives.
2. None by me, I'm afraid.
Significant Moments
1. When, as a kid, I was fishing off a dock and hooked a fish through the eye.
2. The first time I got drunk.
3. The first time I made love to a woman.
4. The first time I got 'dumped'.
5. Witnessing the birth of my daughter.
6. Real confession when it occurs.
Significant Conversations
1. With my music teacher when I was an early teen -- can't remember the content, but I remember that it was significant.
2. Many while stoned (years ago, I might add).
3. With a guy who picked me up while hitchiking and turned my head on the whole nature of the Vietnam war, just before I had to report for duty with the Marine Corps.
4. When I advised a particularly competitive senior sales manager that I didn't feel I needed to conquer everyone with whom I came in contact.
Things I Love Most
1. The sight of pine trees against a blue sky, because the two colors are so beautiful together.
2. My daughter, because her complexity is like a fine wine.
3. My current wife, because she is so independent.
4. A cold beer on a hot day, because it tastes so good.
5. Cats, I don't know why.
6. Kids, because they're just so much fun to be around.
7. Being alone for long periods of time, because the mind can settle and stuff comes out of that.
8. Real shit-kickin' country music, because it resonates with something in me and makes me feel good.
9. Flying dreams, because they're fun and they mean I'm happy.
10. Deep friendship and communication with another man, because it's fulfilling.
7 comments:
Bob, some good stuff here that you should expand upon:
Coversation #3 has the makings of a serious psychological drama - war and the new recruit.
Things I Love Most #7 because I'd be interested to know how being alone for long periods affects the "conversation with self."
'Topics' #2 because I'll probably disagree with you on our narcissistic trends as a nation (since I disagree with the premise), but I could be pleasantly surprised.
Frank
Bob – these are the most compelling to me:
With a guy who picked me up while hitchhiking and turned my head on the whole nature of the Vietnam war, just before I had to report for duty with the Marine Corps.
When I think about the potential with this story, I am intrigued: the serendipity of the event. How did this conversation affect your behavior, life, perspective? What would have happened had you not met this individual? What did happen because you had a conversation with this person?
The sight of pine trees against a blue sky, because the two colors are so beautiful together.
I too love pine trees. What amazes me is that why are the pine trees so different in other states and other countries? Pine trees are one of the items that I feel if you blindfolded me and put me in the “Sauerlands” in Germany, over the bridge from Massachusetts to Cape Code, or in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. I could immediately tell where I was by the smell in the air. Your comparison to the sky too is intriguing, because I think you could say the same about the color, texture, feel of the sky throughout the world.
Cats, I don't know why.
I’m intrigued about the “I don’t know why?” So many people love cats and they have very specific reasons. Many people hate cats, so that is an interesting slant as well. Why don’t you know? Are there other things you like that you like don’t know why, or is it only cats? Do you have a cat or do you admire from afar?
Bob. Sorry for not being original but I wanted to hear more about the dude who picked you up hitchhiking and who changed your opinion on the Vietnam war. How did you report for duty in the Marine Corps after the conversation? How did the encounter change the course of your life? I picture "Hair" but obviously this is your life.
I also was intrigued by the "flying dreams" when you are happy. What does that mean? In what way does it mean you are happy. I also dream all the time and most people are telling you to get back to planet earth. What are your most recent flying dreams?
Finally, the description of drinking a cold beer. I am Italian so understand wine but my partner is English and obsessed with beer. When he takes his first sip after a long day, he is in heaven. I don't understand but I guess it would be a great thing to describe. These simple pleasures that make life so special.
Bob--there are gorgeous and specific items on your list that make me want to read more!
1. the moment of hooking a fish through the eye--this sounds like such a visceral and memorable moment. I want to know what this moment made the narrator meditate on. As well, this seems like a moment you could write vividly upon--using the five senses, giving us a sense of who the narrator is at the time, the surprise (and satisfaction?) of hooking the fish
2. the conversation with the man who picked you up--that sounds like an amazing moment to write about. You could write about what you saw out the window, about the man, the way the conversation unfolded and the aha moment it inspired in you. What makes it all the more interesting is the tension of the narrator having to ship out soon afterwards.
3. I am also really interested in your item about deep friendship with another man. I don't hear or read very often about friendships between men and I think this would be a unique opportunity to write about it. I'm fascinated to hear about this--how you spend time together, how you build intimacy. I remember hearing an interview with a woman who lived a year as a man and the friendships she made as a man with the men she bowled with. She said that there was a particular way that the men she befriended showed their concern for each other--it was just as deep as women's friendship, but it might have appeared more distant.
Any of these are terrific moments. Can't wait to see what you decide to explore!
Bob-
Almost everything you have down sounds fascinating. Great lists!
What jumped out at me:
-why you think we are so narcassitic as a nation- i agree and would like to hear why you think this, and what can be done about it
-hitchhiking and your discussion of the war
-country music- what do you feel, what do you listen to
- the blue of the sky and the green of the trees- these are my favorite colors, and I'd love another perspective on why they are so meaningful and peaceful
hi Bob
I know you're busy and I can't remember if I emailed you back, but just wanted to say that I informed your group. We look forward to your return when you get the time.
All my best,
Grace
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