Oh my goodness, it’s really happening. You’re moving. It stresses ME out to think about it. That’s how much I fear moving. but like the man said it’s “the beginning of a great adventure“. Keep these coming…
I'm sorry to stress you out Chuck! I'll talk(write) us all through it. I don't think the enormity really hits me til I'm writing about it, I cried writing about the Steelers guy in the liquor store. More soon buddy.
The Steelers guy! That’s you. You draw people out. You have the poets eye. How else could you write a song like “don’t ever change“. This brightened my Monday.
I’ll miss you, just knowing you’re up north snug in that cabin. Hopefully I’ll visit England someday, I’ve never been, just like the guy at the paint store.
It'll be wonderful to have tea with you in England someday Sarah! Or we can be like these older ladies I saw who set up a whole table, blankets etc on the beach and poured champagne in flutes and ate cake. It was a beautiful sight.
I moved last October after 16 yrs in the same place. We all had to move as developers bought the building and gave us initially one week notice to find a place and move. That was stressful being forced to move and with so many books. It is far better to make the choice on your own to move and to appreciate where you are as you are doing. You can always visit places and people. After all the logistics of moving stuff, a new chapter awaits. That calls for a drink. 🥂
"every encounter, lunch date, walk or festive happening feels momentous, touchingly vivid. When you know you’re moving on (yes, I’ve done this before) life is cast in amber as it’s happening."
I know exactly how you feel. That was my wife and I 5 1/2 years ago preparing to leave the Bay Area for Europe and saying goodbye to dear friends.
I think we are about the same age, so let me add this perspective. Maybe it's a good thing at this stage to shake things up a little and be forced to learn new routines. Good for the brain, and hopefully at some point also good for the soul.
Looking forward to the book and the album, and at some point in the future maybe crossing the Channel (we're in the Netherlands) to see you and/or Eric playing a gig.
Thank you Rick, that is comforting to read. Really appreciate it. If you don't make it across to the UK for a gig hopefully we'll see you in the Netherlands, I've really enjoyed what gigs I've done there in the past. Take care!
Have you played TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht before? Great multi-room venue. Among many others, Johnny Dowd, Jolie Holland and Magnetic Fields have upcoming gigs.
Do write more about the cultural differences in England between the rural poor and the urban poor. We are still learning how great the divide is in Washington state.
One thing lacking in the US in rural areas for any economic strata is good public transportation. In the UK there are trains almost everywhere and buses too...and walking - "right to roam" and rights of way (you can basically walk your way around the entire country, even across private land). Is there an urban poor anymore - most people of lesser means live in the outskirts/suburbs (not that I know that much but just what I have witnessed riding in and out of London on trains and being in the city centre which seems to be all money). It will be interesting to learn more.
So relatable as I'm a bit of a nomad and thanks for sharing all that you do! Here's hoping your move goes as smooth as butter, (or whatever liquor you're warming the cockles with ;) Sounds like a great adventure awaits after all the minutia of moving is gone through. We're rooting for you both.
while i fully realize that i will see you just as much as i regularly do, ha ha, it is a bit sad to hear you are wrapping up things, there. i wish you nothing but the best, in jolly old, of course, and fully support the move!! but, still, there is this feeling of loss that i know is ridiculous, ha ha ha. it is like an(other) institution is down the drain. ?? you'll need to promise, like atticus, that we'll go on reading, just like regular, if we promise to behave. xxxcm
Isn't it weird, it does feel like a loss when you say goodbye to a place even though the place (and you/I mean me) will still be there. I know you'll behave and I know I'll keep writing!
Reading your last couple of diary entries I almost feel like we are moving on parallel tracks, only with the names and places changed. My wife and I are planning to move to Slovenia, just not immediately (maybe in two years or so?) and are seriously looking into getting rid of all our immovables and unwanteds (we're calling it "having an estate sale where nobody's died"). I don't think I'll miss Austin nearly as much as you'll miss the Hudson Valley -- I'll miss the friends I've made here, and maybe the barbecue and the Continental Club but not a whole lot else (certainly not the politics). I know there'll be plenty of things to occupy us in the new locale, anyway! Whenever I get close to a major life change I can sort of feel it deep within, waiting to burst forth like another caterpillar metamorphosis. It's hard to explain but I sort of know WHEN it's getting closer to That Time, you know?
Having an estate sale in advance but mostly giving it away sounds about right Wes. Was it Slovenia where you lived before Austin? Good luck getting closer to the change.
I am so sorry to hear you have left the shop…I have been wanting to come up and meet you and get an autographed copy of Girl To City. Are you planning any gigs in the NY or CT area in the near future?
I do have another shift on Sat Mar 2! Picking up the odd shift while I'm still here. It's weird, I know Girl To City came out almost 5 years ago but there were those 2 years when the shop was pretty much shut to customers. I will always come back to play in NY (CT too if anywhere there will have me), for sure in the fall when my new album comes out!
It sounds idyllic - I hope you find that small town vibe in England. I always thought leaving the city would suit me - tried it in the north cascades - and felt smothered with the politics of the hunting fishing culture.
We do love the countryside/seaside in Norfolk and so far have met some interesting folks there. Someone pointed out the transient nature of river towns keeping them more open than other rural areas and I think that really does apply to the Hudson Valley. I don't think we could've handled being in the mountains!
I remember the saying “When The Student Is Ready The Teacher Will Appear” but didn’t think it meant “at the liquor store.” Love it! I had such a personal thrill the day I saw the Abbot of my Monastery in the supermarket with a 6-pack in the shopping cart - though in fairness, they could have been buying it for someone else! And I think that sense of "awareness" as you come to the end in a place is a beautiful feeling. For just about all my years in Manhattan, I remember saying to myself as I went about my daily business: "soak this in, it's amazing, you will look back on this so fondly," and I did. Good luck with it all.
Thank you so much Tony - you got it. I don't know why it takes knowing we're leaving to really soak it all in as we're all going to be umm...leaving at some point, but it does. Thanks again!
Oh my goodness, it’s really happening. You’re moving. It stresses ME out to think about it. That’s how much I fear moving. but like the man said it’s “the beginning of a great adventure“. Keep these coming…
what Chuck said.
I'm sorry to stress you out Chuck! I'll talk(write) us all through it. I don't think the enormity really hits me til I'm writing about it, I cried writing about the Steelers guy in the liquor store. More soon buddy.
The Steelers guy! That’s you. You draw people out. You have the poets eye. How else could you write a song like “don’t ever change“. This brightened my Monday.
possibly my fave Amy Rigby song. And that's saying something ain't it?
Chuck, you're so right. The poet's eye indeed. And ear.
I’ll miss you, just knowing you’re up north snug in that cabin. Hopefully I’ll visit England someday, I’ve never been, just like the guy at the paint store.
It'll be wonderful to have tea with you in England someday Sarah! Or we can be like these older ladies I saw who set up a whole table, blankets etc on the beach and poured champagne in flutes and ate cake. It was a beautiful sight.
It’s as good as done, Amy! I’ll see you very soon on that beach. ❤️🎂🍾
Just imagine what songs that green and pleasant land full of eccentrics will inspire.
Here's hoping Don!
I moved last October after 16 yrs in the same place. We all had to move as developers bought the building and gave us initially one week notice to find a place and move. That was stressful being forced to move and with so many books. It is far better to make the choice on your own to move and to appreciate where you are as you are doing. You can always visit places and people. After all the logistics of moving stuff, a new chapter awaits. That calls for a drink. 🥂
So hard to do it quickly like that Karen! Thank you and cheers!
"every encounter, lunch date, walk or festive happening feels momentous, touchingly vivid. When you know you’re moving on (yes, I’ve done this before) life is cast in amber as it’s happening."
I know exactly how you feel. That was my wife and I 5 1/2 years ago preparing to leave the Bay Area for Europe and saying goodbye to dear friends.
I think we are about the same age, so let me add this perspective. Maybe it's a good thing at this stage to shake things up a little and be forced to learn new routines. Good for the brain, and hopefully at some point also good for the soul.
Looking forward to the book and the album, and at some point in the future maybe crossing the Channel (we're in the Netherlands) to see you and/or Eric playing a gig.
Thank you Rick, that is comforting to read. Really appreciate it. If you don't make it across to the UK for a gig hopefully we'll see you in the Netherlands, I've really enjoyed what gigs I've done there in the past. Take care!
Have you played TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht before? Great multi-room venue. Among many others, Johnny Dowd, Jolie Holland and Magnetic Fields have upcoming gigs.
Do write more about the cultural differences in England between the rural poor and the urban poor. We are still learning how great the divide is in Washington state.
One thing lacking in the US in rural areas for any economic strata is good public transportation. In the UK there are trains almost everywhere and buses too...and walking - "right to roam" and rights of way (you can basically walk your way around the entire country, even across private land). Is there an urban poor anymore - most people of lesser means live in the outskirts/suburbs (not that I know that much but just what I have witnessed riding in and out of London on trains and being in the city centre which seems to be all money). It will be interesting to learn more.
So relatable as I'm a bit of a nomad and thanks for sharing all that you do! Here's hoping your move goes as smooth as butter, (or whatever liquor you're warming the cockles with ;) Sounds like a great adventure awaits after all the minutia of moving is gone through. We're rooting for you both.
Thank you Amy!
while i fully realize that i will see you just as much as i regularly do, ha ha, it is a bit sad to hear you are wrapping up things, there. i wish you nothing but the best, in jolly old, of course, and fully support the move!! but, still, there is this feeling of loss that i know is ridiculous, ha ha ha. it is like an(other) institution is down the drain. ?? you'll need to promise, like atticus, that we'll go on reading, just like regular, if we promise to behave. xxxcm
Isn't it weird, it does feel like a loss when you say goodbye to a place even though the place (and you/I mean me) will still be there. I know you'll behave and I know I'll keep writing!
Reading your last couple of diary entries I almost feel like we are moving on parallel tracks, only with the names and places changed. My wife and I are planning to move to Slovenia, just not immediately (maybe in two years or so?) and are seriously looking into getting rid of all our immovables and unwanteds (we're calling it "having an estate sale where nobody's died"). I don't think I'll miss Austin nearly as much as you'll miss the Hudson Valley -- I'll miss the friends I've made here, and maybe the barbecue and the Continental Club but not a whole lot else (certainly not the politics). I know there'll be plenty of things to occupy us in the new locale, anyway! Whenever I get close to a major life change I can sort of feel it deep within, waiting to burst forth like another caterpillar metamorphosis. It's hard to explain but I sort of know WHEN it's getting closer to That Time, you know?
Having an estate sale in advance but mostly giving it away sounds about right Wes. Was it Slovenia where you lived before Austin? Good luck getting closer to the change.
Thanks and yes it was!
Perfection. You're just one of those people I wish I knew IRL. So looking forward to your new book and album.
That's so sweet, thank you JC!
I am so sorry to hear you have left the shop…I have been wanting to come up and meet you and get an autographed copy of Girl To City. Are you planning any gigs in the NY or CT area in the near future?
I do have another shift on Sat Mar 2! Picking up the odd shift while I'm still here. It's weird, I know Girl To City came out almost 5 years ago but there were those 2 years when the shop was pretty much shut to customers. I will always come back to play in NY (CT too if anywhere there will have me), for sure in the fall when my new album comes out!
Been beginning the process of making the move to (most likely) Scotland. Enchanted by it for decades. Looking forward to new releases.
Good luck with the planning Bill. Scotland is for sure a magical place.
It sounds idyllic - I hope you find that small town vibe in England. I always thought leaving the city would suit me - tried it in the north cascades - and felt smothered with the politics of the hunting fishing culture.
We do love the countryside/seaside in Norfolk and so far have met some interesting folks there. Someone pointed out the transient nature of river towns keeping them more open than other rural areas and I think that really does apply to the Hudson Valley. I don't think we could've handled being in the mountains!
Looking for the new book Amy.
Thanks Mike! Just trying to tighten it up now. Got to make it the best I can.
Can’t wait for the delight of your new book and album.
Thank you Joan! I'm getting excited, feels like I've been working on these things forever.
I remember the saying “When The Student Is Ready The Teacher Will Appear” but didn’t think it meant “at the liquor store.” Love it! I had such a personal thrill the day I saw the Abbot of my Monastery in the supermarket with a 6-pack in the shopping cart - though in fairness, they could have been buying it for someone else! And I think that sense of "awareness" as you come to the end in a place is a beautiful feeling. For just about all my years in Manhattan, I remember saying to myself as I went about my daily business: "soak this in, it's amazing, you will look back on this so fondly," and I did. Good luck with it all.
Thank you so much Tony - you got it. I don't know why it takes knowing we're leaving to really soak it all in as we're all going to be umm...leaving at some point, but it does. Thanks again!