I can't decide if it'd be fun or scary as hell living inside that head of yours. A whole bunch of both, I suspect. Was this a public groping at the airport, or were you taken to a more private location?
So many gems you littered throughout. Ironically I brew half caff cold brew at home and add splashes of dark, organic, Canadian maple syrup, without an extended pinkie finger mind you. You brought back memories of my piece I wrote on my uncle Pete. Uncle probably would have enjoyed it if I took some liberties with it as you did. Write on sir.
In my humble opinion, fearing funerals is NOT neurotic; it's a really common and understandable source of anxiety. I'm glad if my little slice of craziness helps a bit.
I imagine the ol' boy is up on his cloud somewhere, giggling ...
By the way, the night after his funeral, I skipped the pizza for (wait for it...) chocolate, marshmallow, and cheesecake bagels. I'm such a high-brow purist ... :)
What a lovely account of a quintessential family ritual nearly everyone goes through -- many times, perhaps. It is that wonderful mix of poignancy, grief, humor, fond memories and -- when someone like you is in the mix -- an infusion of the absurd that allows for a release and some laughter (for some it may be in spite of their best efforts to not laugh).
Mainly, Larry, thanks for sharing your journey (and the whacky places your mind takes you -- and us). This is one of my favorites among your many creative posts.
If – and I think we agree on this – our minds are conduits to a higher Source, rather than the source of our own creations, I may be connected with some Almighty Spiritual Prankster. As such, I'm not responsible for the downloads ... but the choice to actually *share* them is indeed my option. Doing so has been fun, and somewhat revealing.
And I'm so glad you keep choosing to share. You're stories are the kind that not only make me smile, laugh, or ponder -- they're also the kind of stories that would have had both of my parents smiling, laughing, and exploring all of the deeper questions that your stories so often evoke.
Larry, what a trip! “Na, just kidding” - I loved that!
And this - I burst out laughing: “The purple-haired server, a rail-thin 20-something hipster weighed down by what I swear must’ve been a 10-ounce nose ring, looked relieved. Her likely internal dialogue: Easy-peasy. The old coot wants a simple brew.”
Why is this soooo true? Starbucks must have the most discriminating hiring practices, because that same person works in the last twenty I’ve entered.
I honestly think your genius is in your wit, and saying those things, writing those things that are always stirring about inside you. The world needs ‘em!
I firmly believe that hair dyed in a retina-melting color, as well as that 10-ounce nose ring, is a requirement of employment by Starbucks. And I'm waiting for the day that I *actually see* an emotional support Komodo dragon in a 737! (Never say never.)
I can't decide if it'd be fun or scary as hell living inside that head of yours. A whole bunch of both, I suspect. Was this a public groping at the airport, or were you taken to a more private location?
The TSA agent and I rented a motel. It was over in just a few minutes.
Seriously, living in my noggin is *both* frightening and fun. :)
Wow, what a wild ride!!!
Indeed it was.
And thank you, kind sir.
So many gems you littered throughout. Ironically I brew half caff cold brew at home and add splashes of dark, organic, Canadian maple syrup, without an extended pinkie finger mind you. You brought back memories of my piece I wrote on my uncle Pete. Uncle probably would have enjoyed it if I took some liberties with it as you did. Write on sir.
Thank you, David.
That half-caf with the maple syrup sounds like a winner!
Nothing alchemizes comedy gold like a funeral. Rest in peace, Uncle Sid.
…komodo dragon got me bud…may i never meet one in the wilds (of an airplane)…
Komodo dragons? On a 737?
The way the world is going ... it's only a matter of time. In fact, I can easily picture one in the *cockpit*.
I have a long-standing, neurotic fear of funerals, and your writing softens it, if only a little…Thank you, Larry!
Thanks, Brigitte.
In my humble opinion, fearing funerals is NOT neurotic; it's a really common and understandable source of anxiety. I'm glad if my little slice of craziness helps a bit.
Aloha Larry... you made TSA groping, air vents, and half-caf math feel like high art. Uncle Sid would’ve cracked up.
I imagine the ol' boy is up on his cloud somewhere, giggling ...
By the way, the night after his funeral, I skipped the pizza for (wait for it...) chocolate, marshmallow, and cheesecake bagels. I'm such a high-brow purist ... :)
Oh dear. I've incited a bagel riot.
What a lovely account of a quintessential family ritual nearly everyone goes through -- many times, perhaps. It is that wonderful mix of poignancy, grief, humor, fond memories and -- when someone like you is in the mix -- an infusion of the absurd that allows for a release and some laughter (for some it may be in spite of their best efforts to not laugh).
Mainly, Larry, thanks for sharing your journey (and the whacky places your mind takes you -- and us). This is one of my favorites among your many creative posts.
Thank you, Chris.
If – and I think we agree on this – our minds are conduits to a higher Source, rather than the source of our own creations, I may be connected with some Almighty Spiritual Prankster. As such, I'm not responsible for the downloads ... but the choice to actually *share* them is indeed my option. Doing so has been fun, and somewhat revealing.
On to the next slice of semi-insanity!
And I'm so glad you keep choosing to share. You're stories are the kind that not only make me smile, laugh, or ponder -- they're also the kind of stories that would have had both of my parents smiling, laughing, and exploring all of the deeper questions that your stories so often evoke.
Larry, what a trip! “Na, just kidding” - I loved that!
And this - I burst out laughing: “The purple-haired server, a rail-thin 20-something hipster weighed down by what I swear must’ve been a 10-ounce nose ring, looked relieved. Her likely internal dialogue: Easy-peasy. The old coot wants a simple brew.”
Why is this soooo true? Starbucks must have the most discriminating hiring practices, because that same person works in the last twenty I’ve entered.
I honestly think your genius is in your wit, and saying those things, writing those things that are always stirring about inside you. The world needs ‘em!
Bring it on!
Thanks, James.
I firmly believe that hair dyed in a retina-melting color, as well as that 10-ounce nose ring, is a requirement of employment by Starbucks. And I'm waiting for the day that I *actually see* an emotional support Komodo dragon in a 737! (Never say never.)
I appreciate your kind support, my friend.
You’re brilliant my friend. Such a gifted storyteller. Your wit is in a class by itself.
Thank you Kathy!
I see that you have a draft up. Will give that a read right now.
Awesome Larry. Really fun. Love the video. Great stuff. Keep em rolling.
I'm rolling down the hill with laughter. You're stories are just getting better Larry.