Larry, thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your friend and to the impermanence of life.
The thread you wove through the plants really stayed with me. That idea that something can be both impermanent and eternal at the same time is so striking. It reminded me of a book I just picked up by Thich Nhat Hanh, where he talks about how nothing is truly permanent—not even the cells in our own bodies—and how everything is interconnected and dependent on one another.
It’s clear that Bob’s legacy was shaped by so many forces that made him who he was, and that it will continue on long after him in the people and plants he nourished.
Plants create a wonderful legacy. I've given several of my late son's loquat plants to friends and family and I love getting updates on how they are doing.
Beautiful, Larry, just beautiful. Sorry for the loss, of course, but grateful anytime I see evidence of friendship, of curiosity, and of subversiveness. Glad you got to know Bob, and glad he got to know you.
The world lost one of the good ones when this guy crossed over.
BTW, I've been in the process of relocating to a new abode, and now that (most of) the dust has settled, I'm back on reading / commenting on the work of others. I've been "off the radar" for a while.
Also, I can't find my notes about that goofy screenplay idea I mentioned in SS Chat, but when my brain goes back online, I'll try to dig up some details.
By the way, I'm reading a novel right now for my book club that is blowing me away ... so much so, I thought of you. You obviously love fine literature and express your interest in great writing so very, very well. (And in FOUR languages!!)
I recommend "Culpability," which is in Oprah's Book Club (for what it's worth). Its message is quite compelling, and the story and character development are extraordinary.
Thank you for this book recommendation, Larry! I just looked it up (I hadn’t heard about it yet) and it looks interesting. Just this highlight alone: “No matter what parents do, their children's outcomes are neither predictable nor inevitable.”
Thank you for such a fitting tribute, Larry. Bob was (is) a remarkable being and all of us who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him and spending time enjoying his generosity and brilliant mind and heart are so fortunate. I feel the same way about you and the rest of our remarkable group of guys who gather around coffee and share stories, support, and friendship.
Thank you, Chris. Bob was (and is) one of the fine founders of our unusual men’s group … and it isn’t the same without him. The world needs more folks like Bob.
Just lovely Larry. You're so right about the curiosity conversations that bent time with Bob. And thanks for sharing the duck photo with him long ago. We in the family have all enjoyed it for years.
I guess that's a cosmic trade-off, right? You cook dishes – and write essays, it's also worth noting – that blow people away, which is a pretty good swap for having to buy plastic plants. (I don't really know how "green" my thumb is, but I'd trade you in a heartbeat.) BTW, sorry about not being more available of late; this whole "moving thing" is a real time suck!
Yup, from one apartment in Prescott to another. If I EVER get two whole years at one address, I may drop dead of surprise. (On the other hand, it's a great way to stay ahead of credtiors!)
Truth be told, Henny, it was almost worth getting probed for the opportunity to drive home semi-looped. (I said "almost.") BTW, once I'm settled into my new man/plant cave, I'll be more responsive to your posts etc. And I'm quivering in anticipation for when "Moses & the Doc" is finally available at the local library.
Larry, What a beautifully written, yet, humorous tribute to Bob. He sounded like a real kick in the pants up for anything kind of guy. I’m sure your new place will soon be crawling all over with those baby spider plants. I’m sure Brutus would be real pleased. I do need your new address btw. ;)
Thank you, Flori. I've always wanted my own House O' Plants, and I hope / intend that this will be that place. I may even do a throwback decor thing and have plants hanging in macrame thingys from the ceiling (never say never). I'll ping you with my address once I come up for air. Move day is Thursday, and I'm jugging 2 deadlines; no rest for the weary / wicked!!!
Larry, thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your friend and to the impermanence of life.
The thread you wove through the plants really stayed with me. That idea that something can be both impermanent and eternal at the same time is so striking. It reminded me of a book I just picked up by Thich Nhat Hanh, where he talks about how nothing is truly permanent—not even the cells in our own bodies—and how everything is interconnected and dependent on one another.
It’s clear that Bob’s legacy was shaped by so many forces that made him who he was, and that it will continue on long after him in the people and plants he nourished.
Beautifully written.
Rachel, this is one of the kindest, most thoughtful comments I've received here on Substack. Thank you for everything!
Aww, what a heartfelt story - everyone should have a friend like Bob, and have subversive adventure like Larry!
Thank you, Chao. And yes, subversive adventures are good for the soul!
Plants create a wonderful legacy. I've given several of my late son's loquat plants to friends and family and I love getting updates on how they are doing.
My condolences about your son’s passing. I applaud your strength in continuing on.
Sharing your son’t loquat plants is essentially … sharing your son. How awesome!
He sounds like a beautiful soul. This is a lovely tribute, Larry.
Thank you, Kathy. Bob was, and always will be, a beautiful soul indeed.
Beautiful, Larry, just beautiful. Sorry for the loss, of course, but grateful anytime I see evidence of friendship, of curiosity, and of subversiveness. Glad you got to know Bob, and glad he got to know you.
Thanks, Norm.
The world lost one of the good ones when this guy crossed over.
BTW, I've been in the process of relocating to a new abode, and now that (most of) the dust has settled, I'm back on reading / commenting on the work of others. I've been "off the radar" for a while.
Also, I can't find my notes about that goofy screenplay idea I mentioned in SS Chat, but when my brain goes back online, I'll try to dig up some details.
Looking forward to it!
Very beautiful and personal, Larry. Thank you so much for writing this, ; it comforts my heart to know about you and Bob, and these special plants 🪴
Thank you, Brigitte. Much appreciated.
By the way, I'm reading a novel right now for my book club that is blowing me away ... so much so, I thought of you. You obviously love fine literature and express your interest in great writing so very, very well. (And in FOUR languages!!)
I recommend "Culpability," which is in Oprah's Book Club (for what it's worth). Its message is quite compelling, and the story and character development are extraordinary.
Thank you for this book recommendation, Larry! I just looked it up (I hadn’t heard about it yet) and it looks interesting. Just this highlight alone: “No matter what parents do, their children's outcomes are neither predictable nor inevitable.”
I'm about halfway through it now, and it's quite extraordinary.
…love and light, that’s a drink more powerful than gasoline…
High-octane good vibes, man! Thanks.
I enjoyed your essay, Larry! So sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Christoper. Much appreciated.
The world sure needs more Bobs ...
Thank you for such a fitting tribute, Larry. Bob was (is) a remarkable being and all of us who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him and spending time enjoying his generosity and brilliant mind and heart are so fortunate. I feel the same way about you and the rest of our remarkable group of guys who gather around coffee and share stories, support, and friendship.
Thank you, Chris. Bob was (and is) one of the fine founders of our unusual men’s group … and it isn’t the same without him. The world needs more folks like Bob.
Just lovely Larry. You're so right about the curiosity conversations that bent time with Bob. And thanks for sharing the duck photo with him long ago. We in the family have all enjoyed it for years.
Thanks, Rick.
The irony here is this: Bob was (is) a one-of-a-kind person ... who, in a perfect world, would be cloned... :)
: )
Was that sleazy motel the Apache?Been there.
No, it was the Super 8 motel just down the road on Sheldon.
Hi Larry. Good essay. It sent me back in time for a minute, thanks.
Thanks, Rob. Too bad you never had the chance to meet Bob when you were in Prescott. I hope you're doing well in Cali!!
Loved this! Bob's plants are basically his ghost squad, quietly judging our (okay, mine) brown thumbs from the windowsill.
Thanks, Matthew.
I guess that's a cosmic trade-off, right? You cook dishes – and write essays, it's also worth noting – that blow people away, which is a pretty good swap for having to buy plastic plants. (I don't really know how "green" my thumb is, but I'd trade you in a heartbeat.) BTW, sorry about not being more available of late; this whole "moving thing" is a real time suck!
So, why am I always the last to know? You are moving?
Yup, from one apartment in Prescott to another. If I EVER get two whole years at one address, I may drop dead of surprise. (On the other hand, it's a great way to stay ahead of credtiors!)
I’ve placed an anonymous tip with the colonoscopy police. You really should be ashamed of yourself.
RIP Bob. Sounded like a great guy.
Truth be told, Henny, it was almost worth getting probed for the opportunity to drive home semi-looped. (I said "almost.") BTW, once I'm settled into my new man/plant cave, I'll be more responsive to your posts etc. And I'm quivering in anticipation for when "Moses & the Doc" is finally available at the local library.
I had a ride home from my colonoscopy…honestly, the whole experience was lovely 😀🤷🏼♂️
Larry, What a beautifully written, yet, humorous tribute to Bob. He sounded like a real kick in the pants up for anything kind of guy. I’m sure your new place will soon be crawling all over with those baby spider plants. I’m sure Brutus would be real pleased. I do need your new address btw. ;)
Thank you, Flori. I've always wanted my own House O' Plants, and I hope / intend that this will be that place. I may even do a throwback decor thing and have plants hanging in macrame thingys from the ceiling (never say never). I'll ping you with my address once I come up for air. Move day is Thursday, and I'm jugging 2 deadlines; no rest for the weary / wicked!!!