I stopped writing here because I felt I had nothing to say that I haven’t already said. I still feel that but now I’m worried that “use it or lose it” might apply to my ability to put words together in a pleasing way. I just read some advice to writers from Ray Bradbury, and most of it involves activating your language skills on a daily basis. I’m not going to argue with Ray Bradbury; he taught me (and most of us) to love reading.
My brain is barely firing, due to boredom, advanced age, or all my meds. I now take a pinch of Adderall with my two antidepressants, not to mention the Ativan for sleep. And the weed of course. I believe this pharmaceutical medley has impaired my thinking but a dull brain is better than one that is squirming like a toad.
I can spend days without one real conversation, because talking to one’s spouse doesn’t count as conversation. It’s more like a series of utilitarian questions and requests, interspersed with sighs and eyerolling.
So let’s talk about TV, because that is my life, second in importance only to my hair.
We started to watch that new Nicole Kidman thing, even though I knew I’d have trouble with her face. The face did not disappoint, and she added a dopey Russian accent. All the elements looked stupid, but I was game to watch until the Dead Son theme reared it’s triggering head. If you watch a lot of cable TV, you will have noticed how often a Dead Son elemement pops up, presumably to supply a dose of grief-porn to the numb viewer.
I am tapped out on this, and can’t take any more unless there’s a compelling reason, which won’t be found in TV dramas. So I refused to watch it. After The White Lotus, it seemed especially pointless, right? I know you loved The White Lotus as much as I did. I hope the hotel manager wins an Emmy! Mike White is such a nut case, in the best possible way. If you haven’t seen “Chuck and Buck,” go find it. You’ll be traumatized, but that’s Art.
Chuck and Buck brings me to a movie called “Humpday” that I watched despite all odds because the NYT suggested it. It’s about a pair of old college friends who decide to have sex for an amateur porn film. Since they are both straight men, hilarity ensues, ahem. More like extreme discomfort, but again, it is Art. I loved it.
I’ve also watched a bunch of violent foreign crime dramas, and there is no body part I have not seen chopped off. There are always hookers and glowering, swarthy bad guys who are hard to tell apart. I have to keep asking my husband, “Which one is this guy?” A perfect example of marital conversation!
Oh wait, I almost forget to recommend “Dave” and “Flatbush Misdemeanors!” They are so delightful, both of them, sharing the virtues of fresh characters, dialogue, and the sense that anything might happen. Go find them and you will thank me.
Finally, I just started watching The Sweet Life Los Angeles. This is going to be my go-to TV when the chopped up body parts and cries of “Putain!” wear me out. It’s a wonderful reality show where everyone is feeling some kinda way, and they refer to each other’s attire as “fits.” It is fucking heaven.
Okay, this is 574 words and I’m hoping Ray Bradbury is satisfied. I really desperately want to communicate, but my tools are either rusty or long gone. Try to bear with me. And let’s hear what TV you’re watching, and what meds you’re on.
Thank God you’re back. You make me feel normal. Love you! Miranda
My husband and I are both retired and we rarely have a meaningful conversation. What is there to discuss other than NCIS, crime shows or sports, his favorites. Retirement in the time of Covid is especially boring.I find the Prozac I take is especially blunting of feelings, which can have its downside.
I just started the Chair, which seems good, I love Sandra Oh.
I spend time watching You Tube. There are so many needy people in this world, desperate for attention and apparently can’t get on a reality show, so they make their own channel on You Tube.
I watch a man from Eastern Europe who cleans rugs in his shop. It it satisfying to see how he cleans them and the transformation. He plays music behind his videos. I also watch cooking channels of people from Siberia and other nearby countries who cook in a wood stove and show how they live. Also, a few from India. one of whom cooks for the whole Village. The through thread is no talking, in English anyway.
People who live in vans a la “Nomadland” are interesting, I watch them, but usually just to see their vans as they tend to yammer about nothing.
Re-sellers are good, they go to thrift stores, antique malls, yard sales and find things to sell on eBay. Oh, the storage units haulers, too. I am selective, though.
Anyway, I do enjoy your writing. I check several times a week to see if you have posted so I hope you continue but I understand if you dont.
Yours is the only blog I read or will ever read. Please keep writing.
Ok, TV: Bob’s Burgers, Younger, Killing Eve, Botched, Pose, Married at First Sight/Australia, 90 Day Fiance, Prodigal Son & Luther.
effexor 150 mg
no TV right now just crappy fanfiction
You’re a great writer, keep it up.
Miranda – Thank you, how nice of you! You make me feel worthwhile!
Marla – Your YouTube choices are so fascinating, they all sound great! I just had no idea! Yep, the Chair is okay so far. Just finished Los Espookys, which was so quirky that I couldn’t help but find charming. “The Other Two” is pretty good. I wish I could just take one antidepressant. I also wish I had the nerve to try ketamine therapy for resistant depression. But I don’t.xo
Stephanie – Keep the recommendations coming! I am counting the minutes for the new season of Money Heist. xo
anon person – Fuck, Effexor. If I skipped one, my brain went totally haywire, with the worst nightmares of my whole life. If it works for you, then good. And thank you for the encouragement. xo
The White Lotus is the first thing I’ve watched in ages that I actually loved. Mike White was great.
I would like a fresh season of Barry or Succession. Covid has delayed too many shows; I can accept all the death but not a lack of something to watch.
I see that ‘Sweet Life’ is produced by Issa Rae. I was forcing myself to watch Insecure when there was nothing else available.
Glad to have you back in regular rotation, Wonderful Wolfe. I sure did miss you.
Hahaha. I love your marital conversations. Your writing is on point and I’m reading you to my husband in an effort to broaden our marital conversation We are lucky in West Oz, life is relatively normal.