Oh, wow
curious evidence
I have been at a loss for what to write about, as recent experience has been interrupted with a randomness that is compounded by current events. More and more, this image explains a lot. My old suitcase painted with the title of a solo art show I presented nearly fifteen years ago stands in for all of that.
As things become curiouser and curiouser, deadpan coolness becomes so inviting. When author Joan Didion read a less-than-supportive critical comment on a review she wrote about the Woody Allen movie, Manhattan, she responded in characteristic understated fashion—simply…
Oh, wow.
Apple founder Steve Jobs uttered the same words upon his 2011 deathbed, as reported by his sister, the author Mona Simpson.
I look forward to the possibility that the ultimate experience of death might inspire such enthusiasm. Lately, daily life seems to require navigation of increasing frustrations and a much larger version of Oh, wow.
I listen to the sharp and often coarse language of Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan on their I’ve Had It show. It makes me laugh and find perspective on the social political world of today. The segment that originated the show is so relatable. I have certainly had it with so many small things (first-world problems).
The endless charging of just about everything.
Aside from laptops and phones, we have Bluetooth speakers, headphones, toothbrushes, and an array of household gadgets, such as lights easily installed inside dark closets or cupboards. All require frequent charging. I had one stick-on light go rogue in the middle of the night, awakening me with a blast of light oozing out the cracks in the door—enough to make me get up to remove it and place it far outof view since there was no way to turn it off the glowing stick.
My husband recently acquired an electronic nail clipper. The instructions warn to be sure to use only the original charger. Otherwise, there could be a risk of to fire.
What? Now I have to worry about these devices erupting in flames? There are so many cords and charging ends that appear so similar, differing in size only just slightly. There is no turning back from all this.
Offers to optimize expenses.
I appreciate a good sale or bargain, but in the past, I often ignored coupons, discounts, points, rewards, but lately, not taking advantage feels lazy. Inevitably, any attempt to cancel a subscription is followed by a discounted offer. No…just give me that price in the beginning!
Online Coach/Entrepreneur/Writer/Artist types who aim to show you how to earn big money.
It’s all marketing—buy/sell/repeat. My social media is full of them, including Substack. Ugh. Need I say more?
Reliance on online ordering.
I am not one of the self-righteous who cancelled all their online accounts and streaming services. I do not live near to the kinds of stores I need things from and the convenience of push-button ordering is remarkable. Still, the quick delivery of pandemic days has slipped. Whenever I am told that items will arrive in 3 days, I am sure it will be at least a week. I waited an extra-long for the arrival of a dress that fit perfectly. I would have been happy keeping it had it not arrived with a plastic security tag attached—the kind requiring a special tool to remove. The annoyance of needing to send it back squashed any interest in having a replacement shipped.
Basking in the lives of others.
All this detail management has become endlessly tedious and a drain on my time and psyche. Therefore, sometimes it helps to take a break. I was sick for a few days and indulged in a break that included a lot of watching.
Vladamir…new morality inside academia.
Scarpetta…family drama including one A.I. character. That ending!
The Madison…urban family grieving in the wild west.
The common denominator is some kind of mystery behind the lives of people with good looks, lovely clothes and homes—financial comfort to soothe the pain of human concerns. As I move through various series fresh on the stream, I am struck by how this seems to be the new form of novel reading. Lately, I lean to nonfiction and hate to admit that I rarely finish them. Instead of eagerly moving through the words of my latest pages by Michael Pollen or Rebecca Solnit, an eight-part series beckons me.
OH WOW.
The dance between consume versus create is unique to our era.
I feel it every day.
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Love your quip about the dilemma consumer or create. It is a question I struggle with. I have always appreciated your non judgmental approach to life, on line ordering works well for me too, lots of immersion in stories not my own, ways to learn about life’s questions, human conditions, the agony and ecstasy. Just watched Pricilla last night, story of Elvis and Priscilla (I was never a fan). It was disturbing, but not surprising, the attraction people feel which defies social norms requiring the rest of us to deepen or expand our understanding of the human condition. Fame requires cost most of us don’t understand.
Good one. I can relate to the annoyance with everything since the internet has made our lives so much "easier".