Thanks Pam. I’m sure this is not the world any of us signed up for. It needs to be mentioned more often. That isn’t easy, I get it. Appreciate the encouragement.
I’m happy you are going to stop by your local library. I was going to ask! I happen work in one. While I offer story times for littles, we offer adult programs too. From crafting to poetry to ESL. there is Much talk about libraries being a “third place” ~a much needed gathering and connection place for the community. Part of my service and job as I see it is to chit chat with customers, Some of whom I’ve come to think of as friends. I know their lives. Sometimes they even remember & ask me about mine. I may be the only live human some of my folks, particularly the older ones, may talk to all day.
Daytalking or Loneliness? If the former can it be a song written by Beyoncé and the latter by Taylor Swift? Either way, we cash out and I create the International Substack Human Rescue Fund, and Stacky goes on tour with his mama Olivia Rafferty to everyone’s great pleasure and relief.
Let's get her to woodshed that into the next hit album, shall we? Then launch that Substack International Human Rescue Fund and get songwriters and filmmakers fanned out across the globe telling stories and singing songs. Then, the Beatles dream will become reality. MAKE IT SO.
I understand and embrace the same deeper knowing of a longing for people closer by. I’m an introvert by nature, and will often need days of quiet rest after a large gathering (which I loved very much of course. It’s just a lot). I miss sharing moments with someone who knows me. Watching the osprey catch a giant carp in the lake, being delighted when the birds actually take the cat fur I put out for their nests. Things like that. Things not large enough to warrant a zoom or a call, and the essence passed so quickly.
Hey Michael, I can totally relate to the loneliness that comes from working from home and living alone. I am right there with you. I've mostly worked from home since 1996. Trips to the market are frequent, sometimes daily. The pharmacy, the library, walking around WalMart and not buying anything (gets the steps in). My daytalking pals have all either passed or moved away.
Thank you for writing so honestly and poignantly on this important topic.
What an interesting read! There are so many pros and cons to this "new world" of remote work, and I am intrigued how it all plays out. You broach a notable point on the topic, which is the price behind loneliness. I have found that I, too, prioritize and capitalize on as much "free" stuff/activities as I can in order to as you put it, engage in some "daytalk." We need it. Thanks for sharing your work and for reading mine!
Loved that Peter Sellers, Dudley Moore, and Peter Cook video. So funny.
I was quite lonely when I moved to this area two years ago, despite family being nearby. Went to a volunteer fair and signed up for about ten different things. Tried most of them and none really worked out, but one led me to a group that meets to discuss a well-known author every month. Really, it's a group to eat, chat, and watch a video. Which has led to other activities with those people. I think joining odd groups you would normally never consider can be quite fun and you meet all kinds of people.
If there's any improv comedy in your area, try that -- talking in gibberish is one of the games they play. Very fun people too.
I daytalk with my cat all the time. He actually answers with different sounds. I talk all kinds of nonsense to him. He talks sense back. The perfect relationship.
I miss daytalking, too. Years ago I had a job in an institution where staff and residents alike blew off steam by telling stories and making each other laugh. Friday afternoon meetings? Forget it; we’d be out under the trees developing backstories for the stray cats who we’d feed on stolen kitchen scraps until they were too fat to run away.
Thanks Pam. I’m sure this is not the world any of us signed up for. It needs to be mentioned more often. That isn’t easy, I get it. Appreciate the encouragement.
I’m happy you are going to stop by your local library. I was going to ask! I happen work in one. While I offer story times for littles, we offer adult programs too. From crafting to poetry to ESL. there is Much talk about libraries being a “third place” ~a much needed gathering and connection place for the community. Part of my service and job as I see it is to chit chat with customers, Some of whom I’ve come to think of as friends. I know their lives. Sometimes they even remember & ask me about mine. I may be the only live human some of my folks, particularly the older ones, may talk to all day.
You have a super valuable job! Thanks for commenting!
I am incredibly lucky. 🙏 I love my day work.
...wallsh dink a dunking dwitter tip dab doof...wibbit wonf...smersh enhashen...all to say your plan sounds sound...good luck at the library...
Love this concept! I think there is a song in it!
Daytalking or Loneliness? If the former can it be a song written by Beyoncé and the latter by Taylor Swift? Either way, we cash out and I create the International Substack Human Rescue Fund, and Stacky goes on tour with his mama Olivia Rafferty to everyone’s great pleasure and relief.
Ha! I was thinking Daytalking which does sound like a Beyoncé song.
Let's get her to woodshed that into the next hit album, shall we? Then launch that Substack International Human Rescue Fund and get songwriters and filmmakers fanned out across the globe telling stories and singing songs. Then, the Beatles dream will become reality. MAKE IT SO.
I understand and embrace the same deeper knowing of a longing for people closer by. I’m an introvert by nature, and will often need days of quiet rest after a large gathering (which I loved very much of course. It’s just a lot). I miss sharing moments with someone who knows me. Watching the osprey catch a giant carp in the lake, being delighted when the birds actually take the cat fur I put out for their nests. Things like that. Things not large enough to warrant a zoom or a call, and the essence passed so quickly.
That sounds like a good plan, go for it!
Hey Michael, I can totally relate to the loneliness that comes from working from home and living alone. I am right there with you. I've mostly worked from home since 1996. Trips to the market are frequent, sometimes daily. The pharmacy, the library, walking around WalMart and not buying anything (gets the steps in). My daytalking pals have all either passed or moved away.
Thank you for writing so honestly and poignantly on this important topic.
What an interesting read! There are so many pros and cons to this "new world" of remote work, and I am intrigued how it all plays out. You broach a notable point on the topic, which is the price behind loneliness. I have found that I, too, prioritize and capitalize on as much "free" stuff/activities as I can in order to as you put it, engage in some "daytalk." We need it. Thanks for sharing your work and for reading mine!
Loved that Peter Sellers, Dudley Moore, and Peter Cook video. So funny.
I was quite lonely when I moved to this area two years ago, despite family being nearby. Went to a volunteer fair and signed up for about ten different things. Tried most of them and none really worked out, but one led me to a group that meets to discuss a well-known author every month. Really, it's a group to eat, chat, and watch a video. Which has led to other activities with those people. I think joining odd groups you would normally never consider can be quite fun and you meet all kinds of people.
If there's any improv comedy in your area, try that -- talking in gibberish is one of the games they play. Very fun people too.
I daytalk with my cat all the time. He actually answers with different sounds. I talk all kinds of nonsense to him. He talks sense back. The perfect relationship.
I miss daytalking, too. Years ago I had a job in an institution where staff and residents alike blew off steam by telling stories and making each other laugh. Friday afternoon meetings? Forget it; we’d be out under the trees developing backstories for the stray cats who we’d feed on stolen kitchen scraps until they were too fat to run away.