Where the Red Fern Grows.

[Zeke]

I have a lot going on in my life right now. Much of it could be ego debilitating and/or hard on the psyche. I am merely trying -- with faith -- to get through it.

I just re-read this book, in a single sitting, for the first time in thirty years. As I presume most of you know, I adore verbiage. Words are a gift to me: why would you ever use three words when seven will do?

I've spent the past half hour in chest heaving catharsis, reading a young adult novel that could have only occurred long before I was born. I consider it a gift and, in a perfect world, such prose is why I would love to be a writer.

In a much more likely scenario, I will spend a new life as a menial laborer trying desperately to support those whom I love. It is a horrible waste but I consider it honorable and I am willing to do it, at my advanced (40) age, anywhere, to give my children the opportunity to write.

It's been a long day.

[merrylander]

Hang in Zeke. There will be more long days, believe me.

[HatchetJack]

I read that book about 20 years ago and it is an excellent read. I was once
a coonhunter myself and raised/ trained several good dogs.
Another book you might enjoy is The education of Littletree. It's an easy
read and similar, sort of anti political too.

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by Zeke

In a much more likely scenario, I will spend a new life as a menial laborer trying desperately to support those whom I love.

There's nothing menial about labor, Zeke. Any work is as dignified as you make it. I went from white collar to blue collar by choice when I was in my 50s. Never been happier.

John

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Boreas

There's nothing menial about labor, Zeke. Any work is as dignified as you make it. I went from white collar to blue collar by choice when I was in my 50s. Never been happier.

John

1. Never meant to imply any disrespect for labor.
2. I just REALLY enjoyed (needed?) the cathartic book.

The "waste" merely meant to imply that I am a bit low on the idea that "loving what I do" is currently attainable. Given that, it doesn't matter what I do: I'd just like to do it well for enough $$$ that the things and people I care about get what they need.

Oddly, some things get SIMPLER with age! (Also, never post on Johnny Walker. Introspection comes out and, the next day, you think "there's a thread by me?")