Plenty of laughs in here. “Stripper pole 180” and “eggnog down the neck hole”.
I grinned extra wide at the part where you mentioned looking at the speedometer going 65mph on an LA highway. Maybe they weren’t worried about your convo with the dashboard but rather, who was this maniac hauling ass down the shoulder when they’re all crawling down the 10 at 25 mph tops?
So many hilarious lines in this, Larry. I could absolutely relate to that stunned silence, followed by the avalanche of comebacks that arrive hours or days too late. For me, it usually plays out in endless mental replays, but you took it to a whole other level ◡̈
And I’ve got to say, it’s impressive that even in the moment, you could see Chip’s comment for what it was: a reflection of his own insecurities. That kind of insight, especially under pressure, is no small thing.
Larry, I find it incredible how gifted you are with words, how you can focus your intellect, humor and energy so acutely and sharply onto a page. As others have said, this is full of great lines. I especially loved how you wrote with such deadpan attitude that you were celebrating the Virgin Birth. That’s an epic description on so many levels of a Jewish man at what I assume was a mandatory Christmas party.
It feels like you’re dancing with some intense demons. If anyone has the skill to articulate them, to talk about them in a fascinating, impactful way with what I’m guessing are universal implications for the rest of us, it’s you.
Thank you, Kathy. I always appreciate your feedback and support.
I like how you picked up on the deadpan Virgin Birth reference. Truth be told, in an early draft, I included an admittedly crude joke about Christmas following that reference. But it was too much of a digression from the essay, and I imagine not everyone would've liked reading it. Feel free to DM me on Write Hearted if you're curious, and I'll run it by you. (If not, no worries!)
What you wrote was the right sardonic tone to be hilarious. Technically, we can’t prove beyond question she wasn’t a virgin. Some of us have been singing “Round yon virgin mother and child” at Christmas since Santa started going to the mall. We’re way down the road for there to be no virgin birth in December.
Actually I was kidding. I rule it out. I’m thinking “love God (Source/consciousness itself), love your neighbors and even love your enemies” sounded so crazy radical that someone along the way decided to make Jesus larger than life.
I just love being invited into Larryland! This essay landed particularly well. I broke out in a beaming smile when you started talking about those moments when it’s only years later you come up with a decent comeback. One of these days, you’ll nail it at the time!
Plenty of laughs in here. “Stripper pole 180” and “eggnog down the neck hole”.
I grinned extra wide at the part where you mentioned looking at the speedometer going 65mph on an LA highway. Maybe they weren’t worried about your convo with the dashboard but rather, who was this maniac hauling ass down the shoulder when they’re all crawling down the 10 at 25 mph tops?
Matt, you're psychic. I *was* doing 65 on the shoulder! I'm glad you like the nutty humor
So many hilarious lines in this, Larry. I could absolutely relate to that stunned silence, followed by the avalanche of comebacks that arrive hours or days too late. For me, it usually plays out in endless mental replays, but you took it to a whole other level ◡̈
And I’ve got to say, it’s impressive that even in the moment, you could see Chip’s comment for what it was: a reflection of his own insecurities. That kind of insight, especially under pressure, is no small thing.
Walls listen better than some people.)
Yeah ... like my therapist!!
Oh, I just saw that Chip stars in another piece of yours too! 🤣
Yes, that guy has had WAAAAY too much "rent in my head" over the years. Time to engage some selective amnesia, right?
Thanks again for your helpful feedback!!
"...as energetic as a coked-up wolverine during mating season," made me snort with laughter.
You've always been quite the quipster, Larry. I've witnessed plenty of those "snarky comebacks" in real time; many of them directed at me. ;)
Oops... Sorry if those comebacks went "sideways."
Perhaps that's my evil superpower. Gotta channel that in a new direction.
I would just call this your superpower; useful for both good and evil. You mostly use it to keep people hysterically laughing, Larry.
Mahalo, as dey say on de islands. :)
Larry, you should have a comedy act.
Funny you should mention that, Ken. I did a bit of stand-up in the mid-90s ... but I wasn't really funny!!
Larry, I find it incredible how gifted you are with words, how you can focus your intellect, humor and energy so acutely and sharply onto a page. As others have said, this is full of great lines. I especially loved how you wrote with such deadpan attitude that you were celebrating the Virgin Birth. That’s an epic description on so many levels of a Jewish man at what I assume was a mandatory Christmas party.
It feels like you’re dancing with some intense demons. If anyone has the skill to articulate them, to talk about them in a fascinating, impactful way with what I’m guessing are universal implications for the rest of us, it’s you.
Thank you, Kathy. I always appreciate your feedback and support.
I like how you picked up on the deadpan Virgin Birth reference. Truth be told, in an early draft, I included an admittedly crude joke about Christmas following that reference. But it was too much of a digression from the essay, and I imagine not everyone would've liked reading it. Feel free to DM me on Write Hearted if you're curious, and I'll run it by you. (If not, no worries!)
Thanks again!
What you wrote was the right sardonic tone to be hilarious. Technically, we can’t prove beyond question she wasn’t a virgin. Some of us have been singing “Round yon virgin mother and child” at Christmas since Santa started going to the mall. We’re way down the road for there to be no virgin birth in December.
A good friend once talked about rational evidence that this is possible. He’s a very sharp, logical person. So I guess you can’t rule that out
Interesting!
Actually I was kidding. I rule it out. I’m thinking “love God (Source/consciousness itself), love your neighbors and even love your enemies” sounded so crazy radical that someone along the way decided to make Jesus larger than life.
At least you had an excuse for gesticulating at a wall or while driving... some of us have such conversations without any provocation at all.
". . . someone whose cheese had obviously slid off his cracker." ha ha, just too good.
Thanks Rick. It was a toss-up between that and "a guy who was one burrito short of a full combo plate..."
I just love being invited into Larryland! This essay landed particularly well. I broke out in a beaming smile when you started talking about those moments when it’s only years later you come up with a decent comeback. One of these days, you’ll nail it at the time!
Thanks, Simon.
I doubt I'll ever come up with a spicy zinger in real time, but one can always hope ... and miracles still happen!