You're right Amy, Keith's book was so good and so honest; I was bereft when it ended. And I'm so looking forward to your next book (so impressive to say "next") and that picture is a stunner! Your garden and new life seem to suit you so well, I'm so happy for you both to have landed in such a beautiful spot!
daughter there was Lily, born 1991. Zoe was born in 1986, and live with us, along with husband John and 7 1/2 month old Asher, my 1st grandchild. my old line was: my kid sister is a great-grandma, and I'm not a grandpa yet. wow thankfully have enough room.
Welcome to the confusion of what Britishness is- I have some idea of Welshness but still trying to work out the English ways- and as for Britain as a whole ! My philosophy is wonder at it all , subconsciously mould into some of it ( as you describe) but embrace your own ecentricity and " don't ever change". Oh and worship.the insects without which humans cannot survive xx
Sure it’ll be a good read. Would the cringy english expression be ace? (Have said “Bob’s your uncle” and “gone pear shaped” at least once and well, best to leave the cultural appropriation to others…). Just back from the lake district to Doha 45F to 45C in 7 hours, so funny to hear about a heat wave. Seriously looking forward to the book & it’s always a treat to see another Amy Rigby post pop up in the e-mail.
Love it! Made me laugh at seeing how it all creeps in. Thanks for sharing the simple things, too. And I'm going to read Keith's book, and looking so forward to reading yours, as well. Happy Summer to ya!
This is such exciting news. Now I need to read Keith McNally's book AND Molly Jong-
Fast's and yours when it comes out. I once threw out an entire poetry manuscript when I a friend sent me his and I realized I had to start over with a stronger theme holding it all together. And I don't know what to wear offstage either or what to wear in summer but I do wish I could sit in an English garden for a while.
Thanks Puma! I'm really enjoying reading your Substack posts. I feel so lucky to have this garden to sit in, hope you can cool off in the 12th St Garden or thereabouts soon!
re yr garden-back in the 90s I took youngest to acting school near Union Square. she hated it, and after much pleading, I let her quit. but there I was, Saturday AM at the greenmarket, and I discovered almost a dozen amazingly delicious grape varieties, all tasting vastly different, which had always been way sold out by the time I usually came. ever since I've been telling the few folks with a back yard to do research, find their fave, and plant them! no idea if there is a tasty grape scene there, but...
I’m trying to remember your daughter’s name Peter! I have seen grapes growing in a garden further south , in Sussex - and also just bought a bottle of nice-looking rosé from Kent. Not sure if we can grow grapes here, but figs, apples and pears yes!
I've missed your last couple of posts Amy, being one of those Substackers who keeps subscribing to more of them, but yours was one of the first and, maybe it was the title, or this just hit at the right moment. But any which way, lovely fascinating article. I did eat at Odeon and Balthazar, but you didn't miss much, except the scene, which I thought was the point of them!
But much more to the point, absolutely fascinating that Keith's book forced you to rewrite. I can't say if you were right or wrong, but it's important to feel comfortable with the past being the past and if you keep it too present, well... then it might be imperfect (and) tense. I am sure it is announced somewhere but who is publishing?
Also, you clarified the garden situation. I was trying to explain to Paula about British gardens and it didn't occur to me - oh yeah, climate!
Enjoy the easy living, if you can find any. The girl done good!
Ha ha! Thank you Tony - I'm sorry I've fallen behind with your Substack writing too, had to pause a lot of my faves to keep on track to finish this book. It'll be me publishing again, a lot of work and some $ outlay but I really did enjoy the process overall with the first book.
And thanks for filling me in on Odeon, I think I was too intimidated, could've just gone in for a glass of something. Now having read Keith's book - well he seems like the opposite of intimidating, highly recommend. I'm glad it inspired me to put the past in its rightful place, I don't know why I'd hit on the idea of rewriting everything in the present, ah the steps we have to take!
Take care and hope you have a brilliant summer in the woods there x
congrats, AR!!! i know it is a relief!! also, i hope you are doing the photography for that book, or some book!! that photo of the garden is AMAZING!! and nice garden!!
personally (and maybe like everyone), i am finding reading a bit more, uh, daunting, these days. i find myself getting easily distracted - EASILY! - when i sit down with a book. when i used to be able to just pour myself into a novel, it is tough to not stall-out, these days. i need to improve. can't wait to try with yours, xxxcm
Thanks Clarke! The photos just about take themselves here in Norfolk, the light is SO BEAUTIFUL.
I feel lucky when I'm trying to do my own writing, I look at reading other's writing as work I need to do and so it forces me to make time for it. Oh how I still love a good novel or autobiography - please read Mike Campbell's Heartbreaker (or listen to the audiobook, I never wanted it to end) Take care buddy xx
mike's memoir is DEFINITELY on my list!! jesperson's is next, tho. there is a GREAT campbell vid, now youtubing, where he goes into DEPTH on almost ALL of his guitars. he's the coolest!! xxxcm
I often remind myself of the poet Williams Matthews who said, “Revision isn’t cleaning up after the party. It is the party.” Congratulations on such a smart party.
I absolutely loved it - couldn’t put it down. (And see that handwriting on my new book cover, totally a nod to Iones’s cover design - it had that realness that was there in her writing and I aim for in mine)
You're right Amy, Keith's book was so good and so honest; I was bereft when it ended. And I'm so looking forward to your next book (so impressive to say "next") and that picture is a stunner! Your garden and new life seem to suit you so well, I'm so happy for you both to have landed in such a beautiful spot!
Same Kate - didn’t know where to turn when Keith’s book ended!
i have to admit that I was panicking more than a little when i clicked on a newsletter with the title "the end...at last"
Oh my god, I'm so sorry Caryn - after all the sad posts of the last couple months, didn't mean to raise any alarms.
daughter there was Lily, born 1991. Zoe was born in 1986, and live with us, along with husband John and 7 1/2 month old Asher, my 1st grandchild. my old line was: my kid sister is a great-grandma, and I'm not a grandpa yet. wow thankfully have enough room.
That's wonderful Peter, what fun!
Really looking forward to your next book Amy.
Welcome to the confusion of what Britishness is- I have some idea of Welshness but still trying to work out the English ways- and as for Britain as a whole ! My philosophy is wonder at it all , subconsciously mould into some of it ( as you describe) but embrace your own ecentricity and " don't ever change". Oh and worship.the insects without which humans cannot survive xx
Thanks for your reminder about the insects Cath! So true. I like your philosophy to being here, perfect.
Sure it’ll be a good read. Would the cringy english expression be ace? (Have said “Bob’s your uncle” and “gone pear shaped” at least once and well, best to leave the cultural appropriation to others…). Just back from the lake district to Doha 45F to 45C in 7 hours, so funny to hear about a heat wave. Seriously looking forward to the book & it’s always a treat to see another Amy Rigby post pop up in the e-mail.
Ha ha Jim, the thought of you saying Bob’s your uncle really makes me laugh! Take care in Doha.
Love it! Made me laugh at seeing how it all creeps in. Thanks for sharing the simple things, too. And I'm going to read Keith's book, and looking so forward to reading yours, as well. Happy Summer to ya!
Thanks Angie - happy summer to you!
Can't wait to read it!
Hi Amy! It's hot here in NJ, USA too. Fireflies (lightning bugs) and mosquitos have arrived.
Take it easy and try to keep cool Brian!
This is such exciting news. Now I need to read Keith McNally's book AND Molly Jong-
Fast's and yours when it comes out. I once threw out an entire poetry manuscript when I a friend sent me his and I realized I had to start over with a stronger theme holding it all together. And I don't know what to wear offstage either or what to wear in summer but I do wish I could sit in an English garden for a while.
Thanks Puma! I'm really enjoying reading your Substack posts. I feel so lucky to have this garden to sit in, hope you can cool off in the 12th St Garden or thereabouts soon!
Thanks, Amy. I've got Octopos' Garden in my head since I read your entry. Could be worse, I suppose.
re yr garden-back in the 90s I took youngest to acting school near Union Square. she hated it, and after much pleading, I let her quit. but there I was, Saturday AM at the greenmarket, and I discovered almost a dozen amazingly delicious grape varieties, all tasting vastly different, which had always been way sold out by the time I usually came. ever since I've been telling the few folks with a back yard to do research, find their fave, and plant them! no idea if there is a tasty grape scene there, but...
I’m trying to remember your daughter’s name Peter! I have seen grapes growing in a garden further south , in Sussex - and also just bought a bottle of nice-looking rosé from Kent. Not sure if we can grow grapes here, but figs, apples and pears yes!
Good job. Smart choice. Congratulations!
I've missed your last couple of posts Amy, being one of those Substackers who keeps subscribing to more of them, but yours was one of the first and, maybe it was the title, or this just hit at the right moment. But any which way, lovely fascinating article. I did eat at Odeon and Balthazar, but you didn't miss much, except the scene, which I thought was the point of them!
But much more to the point, absolutely fascinating that Keith's book forced you to rewrite. I can't say if you were right or wrong, but it's important to feel comfortable with the past being the past and if you keep it too present, well... then it might be imperfect (and) tense. I am sure it is announced somewhere but who is publishing?
Also, you clarified the garden situation. I was trying to explain to Paula about British gardens and it didn't occur to me - oh yeah, climate!
Enjoy the easy living, if you can find any. The girl done good!
Tony
Ha ha! Thank you Tony - I'm sorry I've fallen behind with your Substack writing too, had to pause a lot of my faves to keep on track to finish this book. It'll be me publishing again, a lot of work and some $ outlay but I really did enjoy the process overall with the first book.
And thanks for filling me in on Odeon, I think I was too intimidated, could've just gone in for a glass of something. Now having read Keith's book - well he seems like the opposite of intimidating, highly recommend. I'm glad it inspired me to put the past in its rightful place, I don't know why I'd hit on the idea of rewriting everything in the present, ah the steps we have to take!
Take care and hope you have a brilliant summer in the woods there x
At some point, you should “go into detail” about your “quest to dress”. That paragraph was so funny!
Thanks Pascal, I would love to! I should take photos of my fails, only it’s too depressing!
congrats, AR!!! i know it is a relief!! also, i hope you are doing the photography for that book, or some book!! that photo of the garden is AMAZING!! and nice garden!!
personally (and maybe like everyone), i am finding reading a bit more, uh, daunting, these days. i find myself getting easily distracted - EASILY! - when i sit down with a book. when i used to be able to just pour myself into a novel, it is tough to not stall-out, these days. i need to improve. can't wait to try with yours, xxxcm
Thanks Clarke! The photos just about take themselves here in Norfolk, the light is SO BEAUTIFUL.
I feel lucky when I'm trying to do my own writing, I look at reading other's writing as work I need to do and so it forces me to make time for it. Oh how I still love a good novel or autobiography - please read Mike Campbell's Heartbreaker (or listen to the audiobook, I never wanted it to end) Take care buddy xx
mike's memoir is DEFINITELY on my list!! jesperson's is next, tho. there is a GREAT campbell vid, now youtubing, where he goes into DEPTH on almost ALL of his guitars. he's the coolest!! xxxcm
I often remind myself of the poet Williams Matthews who said, “Revision isn’t cleaning up after the party. It is the party.” Congratulations on such a smart party.
Wow, what a thrill - thank you for your kind comment Ann, I am a fan!
Ione Skye's new memoir was a fun read if you need another for your list.
I absolutely loved it - couldn’t put it down. (And see that handwriting on my new book cover, totally a nod to Iones’s cover design - it had that realness that was there in her writing and I aim for in mine)