It’s time, and this one is much more than a simple hiatus.

I’ve been struggling for several years with sustaining a blogging or short-work posting presence. Those who’ve followed me (thank you) may or may not sense my pattern of short bursts alternating with long absences, but I’ve been keenly aware.

After more than two decades of this type of writing, I’m burned out. These days, time is more precious, and I have other creative projects I’ve wanted to do for years. I’m ready to pivot 87° or -129° away from blogging and see where my starving creative muse takes me.

This site will remain up, and at some point (early 2026?) I’ll be back to sharing some of my new creative projects here.

Thanks for following along.

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“Hello, my name is Gary and I’m addicted to coffeehouses.”* If I were in a twelve-step program for such an addiction, that would be my introduction.

A good coffeehouse provides a nice visual and seating ambience with the hum of floating conversations mixed with sounds and smells of the barista art. The lure is strong to a place serving excellent coffee and tempting baked goods while offering community, a safe place to sketch or write, or just slowly sip hot java while thinking about anything, everything, or nothing.

History

Coffeehouses’ appeal goes back centuries. Kiva Han, in Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey, was the first recorded evidence in 1475 of a public coffeehouse. Europe’s first appeared in Vienna around 1529, encouraged by the then-new trend of adding cream and sugar to coffee.

Despite thinking Britain is a country of tea drinkers, coffee culture began there early as well. An early English merchant imported Turkish goods, including coffee. He spurred a coffeehouse boom when a few of his servants left him with some coffee to set up The Turk’s Head in 1652. Interestingly, the concept of tipping first appeared in an English coffeehouse where they wrote on a jar “To Insure Prompt Service.” Soon shortened to just “Tips”, the acronym stuck into modern times.

Britains would refer to such places as “penny universities,” since that was the coffee price and most of its clientele were upper-class businessmen. From there, coffeehouses opened up across Europe, eventually coming to the Americas. The dumping of tea during the Boston Tea Party, and the subsequent boycott of English tea, pushed the colonists to drink coffee instead.

Fun facts

• Politics – Since the 1700s, coffeehouses have been hotbeds of discussions (sometimes including radical/revolutionary planning). From France to Colombia and finally to America, such places were incubators for artists, intellectuals, and politicals.

• Espresso machines – Realizing coffee made workers more productive, Italian Luigi Bezerra in 1901 invented a self-serve espresso machine. Later in 1946, the company Gaggia introduced a commercial piston-based espresso machine and started the widespread public coffeehouse use of espresso and coffee variants.

• Prohibition – The crackdown on liquor and moonshine during this period in U.S. history caused people to switch to coffee, and the dark elixir became a favorite drink.

• Beat generation – This 1950s group of writers and poets, a new generation confronting cultural norms, often met in coffeehouses. Ginsberg and Kerouac’s favorite New York City coffeehouse was Greenwich Village’s Caffe´ Reggio, one of the first American coffeehouses to offer cappuccinos.

• Vietnam War era – Protesters meeting in U.S. coffeehouses were so common that these meeting places earned the nickname “G.I. Cafes.”

• New York City – In the 1960s one chain dominated public coffeehouses: Chock Full O’ Nuts, serving a combo of a cup of coffee and a muffin.

• Starbucks – 1971 saw the quiet launch of a small coffeehouse in Seattle. Few predicted this chain would become the world’s largest coffeehouse chain.

Back to the present

I’ve frequented coffeehouses and cafes for decades across the U.S. and occasionally beyond its borders. Before then, I was an avowed tea drinker, slowly seduced over time by the aromatic black brew with its extra caffeine kick. Whether drinking coffee or tea, such places were my choice away from home or office to think, work, or write.

Escaping from distractions and todos (and honey dos!) seems to boost productivity for me. I wonder if my prior soul bearer was a nomad wandering from one refuge to another, in search of peace or good coffee? I’ve always had a small home study or studio, yet I seem to write more freely in a coffeehouse. And even when living in a camper van wandering America, I’d often stop in small towns at curious or cute coffeehouses to enjoy the local brews and community.

I’m not a fan of Starbucks coffee or its shops as places to write or work, but sometimes they are the only option. On my first visit to New York City well before Covid, I was looking forward to finding quirky local coffeehouses. To my dismay, Starbucks had already invaded, replacing most of the local coffeehouses. Starbucks occupied THREE of the four corners near Times Square at one street crossing. Made little sense, but each had lines and were busy.

Good coffeehouse criteria

I’ve explored many of my local coffeehouses and settled on a short list of four or five to rotate visits, each meeting most of my criteria:

1. Good to great coffee – I don’t drink the fancy coffee concoctions, but go black with a tiny bit of cream (less than a teaspoon and no sweetener). So, coffee quality is important.

2. Ambience – Conducive to work, enjoyment, and if possible, visually interesting. Prefer ones with tables spread out versus a small room with crammed-together seating (more typical here the closer I get to the University campus). Covid-19 times taught me the importance of airflow/table separation inside such places.

3. Good to great baked goods – Not store-bought but locally made with hopefully some savory options.

4. Access – Available free parking or an easy bus ride matters when one spends close to three hours in a coffeehouse. Two of my favorite places are a few blocks walk from the bus transit center in nearby Ypsilanti. They are my go-to places when I want to let someone else do the driving.

5. Bonus points – Meal foods (especially non-baked-goods breakfast options), free coffee refills, or outside seating.

Productivity

Not every coffeehouse visit yields gold when writing, planning, being productive, or whatever the reasons for the visit. Often it’s nice just to get out of the house and go somewhere to sit and think with a good cup of coffee or sometimes a good book.

Sometimes I’ll get distracted down a rabbit hole (thank you very much, Internet), or my writing expectations were too high. While I grimace at the Internet’s “plague” of social media and what it’s done to many people’s ability to have a face-to-face conversation, I marvel at the pure magic of working remotely and connecting online.

Our modern lives are like washer rinse cycles: spinning so fast we get caught up in the whirl. We rarely slow down, and a coffeehouse visit offers a chance to relax and ease up.

I’ve visited so many coffeehouses over the decades that you’d think I’d have enough data to predict when a visit will be productive. That icing on the cake continues to elude me. Sometimes my writing muse fails to show, perhaps because she slept in, working off a hangover from a muse party the night before. I imagine a group of muses get together, drink too much, then start griping about working too hard because their creatives are so lame! Blowing off stress, muse-style, probably.

There are moments I think having a home study or studio is a waste of space, and instead go every day to different local coffeehouses to work. Three reasons that’s flawed thinking:

1. If/when another pandemic like Covid-19 hits,

2. Coffeehouse escapes are a treat, which might fade to the mundane if I did that all the time, and

3. My waistline couldn’t take the hits!

Parting thoughts

I probably frequented one place in Ohio way too often during my last years living there doing the corporate worky-work thing before retiring. At this small coffeehouse, I seemed to channel Norm, the much-beloved character from the TV series Cheers. When I walked in, the baristas would shout “Gary!”

Plus, like Norm, I had a favorite spot: a table in one of the bay windows at the front. If regulars were sitting there, and I walked in, they’d often get up without my prompting and remark, “We’ll move so you can have your table.”

Respect. Norm-style. But still embarrassed me a bit every time.

* A note about the twelve-step comment at the beginning. No offense meant or intention to trivialize the seriousness of addictions requiring such programs. Those who go through those programs and come out clean are heroes to self and society, at least in my mind.

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Does this title’s iconic phrase from Highlander, one of my all-time favorite movies, suggest I’ve found my answer to the ultimate journal?

If so, my long journey full of FOMO (fear of missing out) temptations and new journals teased from a variety of makers around the world, may be over.

Tossing the “only one” declaration to the winds of fate and expecting permanence seems risky. My fickle journal muse just snickers, “We’ll see about that!,” making it all seem about as reliable as believing in fortune cookie prophecies.

A year ago in search of a more minimal, simpler system, I stopped using a mongrel collection of loose notebooks and journals. Each one was for a specific use, e.g., journaling, project planning, todos, calendar needs, evening pages, and so on.

My fancy then turned to the Traveler’s Notebook (standard size). If you’re not familiar with the brand, their ecosystem has endless options for notebook inserts supporting a variety of needs, amazing accessories, and limited editions appearing every month or so. Just moving to same-size single notebooks held by elastic bands inside a Midori-style cover seemed like progress … but not yet minimalistic nor simple.

Temptations from constant limited edition releases of Traveler’s notebooks, cover wraps, plus accessories, proved too much for me. When I justified needing TWO covers stuffed with notebooks, I realized this rabbit hole was bottomless and I needed to find a way out.

Leaving the Traveler’s Notebook world behind in my rear-view mirror, I discovered and adopted a Lochby Field Folio A5. If you’re not familiar with Lochby, they specialize in making stationery accessories using waxed canvas, making them durable with a travel or nomadic vibe.

This beauty features a zipper to keep contents safely inside, an outside handle, inside pen loop, and pockets for notecards and such. Still has the Midori-styled bands, ala the Traveler’s Notebook system, to keep three+ A5 notebook inserts inside the cover, so seemed like more consolidation than simplicity.

Fast forward to my aha quest moment while reading a recent post by Stu Lennon. He shared the tempting concept of using just ONE journal to contain all one’s daily words and such needs.

Stu is a fellow paper nerd constantly in pursuit of stationery nirvana. He owned the wonderful Nero’s Notes shop, a UK stationery store many of us miss. Now living in Cyprus, he writes an engaging newsletter across a variety of topics, but frequently shares wit and wisdom on all things stationery.

Could this single-journal approach work for me?

Can’t get much simpler than using just one bound notebook to hold everything! Helps to use a journal with printed page numbers with content pages at the front to list those important pages to find later.

Since starting this approach, putting words on paper for a variety of needs and uses seems easier and more accessible in the moment. I dubbed this new process “Only One,” to encourage my hopeful optimism that I’ve found my practical holy grail journal.

Truth is, everything I write daily, whether inside one or ten notebooks, is a consumable effort. When journaling, it’s all about the process of putting thoughts on paper and out of the head, rarely to be reread later. Most everything else: todos, projects, general notes, etc., goes obsolete quickly.

I’ve stored boxes and boxes filled with used journals and notebooks, thinking I’d need them someday, or naively thinking my two sons would want to read “Dad’s ramblings” after I’m gone. Unless a famous author’s heirs can exhume such “graveyards” for profit, they’re all just recycle fodder. I ain’t one of those (the famous author, not the recycle fodder … although aren’t we all the latter?).

There have been two reasons I’ve gone back into my paper archives. One is to retrieve details from old travel journals for new articles. Another was to occasionally reread pages I wrote on faith years ago during an especially low period. That long treatise was not about religious faith, but about believing in yourself and the courage to wait and trust things will work out.

Several weeks of living with the Only One is almost everything I’d hoped for and more than I expected. As an EDC (everyday carry) journal when out and about (or on my desk at home), I can capture everything I need in there.

Where I’m seeing the honeymoon fading is with daily/weekly/monthly scheduling. Those are in there amidst all the other writings, but less practical to access frequently. I am developing a new mini-booklet for scheduling needs that could slip inside the Only One, to help it achieve stationery holy grail status.

The simplicity of carrying a single journal is a luxury, compared to the 4-5 I used to use. Will I stick with this approach? My history would cast a doubting glance, but we’ll see.

And the Lochby Folio? It’s alive and well as what I use to carry the Only One when I’m out writing in cafes or on planes or trains during next year’s travels.

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To be clear, this philosophy is not about acknowledging the right or wrong of something, nor sticking our heads in the sand and ignoring things. It’s all about how we react (and act) to things affecting us, often in the temporary but as we age, frequently in the inevitable.

One of the more perverse aspects of aging is the misalignment of a declining body with the memory of what was once possible. We’ve all been there: “No problem, I used to do this all the time.” Usually followed by the “Did you forget?!” protocol involving lots of ibuprofen and Ben Gay ointment as the sun sets on another “What was I thinking” day. Sigh.

My first dance with this concept came not long after my first back surgery in ‘04. After physical therapy concluded, I saw my surgeon for the last time to learn about post-surgery limitations:

“So … can I ride a motorcycle?”

“Absolutely not, and no horseback riding either.”

“No worries, I don’t do either.”

“And lift nothing over 20 pounds, plus avoid vertical shocks to your spine for at least a year.”

“Sure, no problem doc.”

As you might anticipate, this is going to be an “in one ear, out the other” story. 

No horses or motorcycles were harmed since then, but three months post-surgery, I flew from Texas to see my girlfriend in New Hampshire for a planned trip to New York City. I didn’t connect the need to baby my lower back when I agreed to take the bus ride from her small New Hampshire town to the Big Apple.

The bus, almost full, forced us to sit in the back, where the ride comfort is the worst. It seemed to stop at every tiny town en route. After the five-hour bus ride, all the while feeling like a living lab experiment proving, “…for every action force by one object on another, there is an equal and opposite reaction force back [vertical shock!],” we arrived mostly in one piece. Beat the crap out of my repaired back and likely prolonged my recovery time.

Fast forward to the following summer (still months away from a year post-surgery). A friend asked if I could help him and a buddy move a hide-a-bed sofa to the second floor of his apartment. As I recall, my “I’m still a twenty-something” body declaration ignored my 40-something mind’s strenuous protest. Alas, that did not go well either.

Lessons learned.

Now, decades later, I’ve narrowed the common-sense gap between body and mind. I meet new challenges, body or situational, with a quick meeting of the two mes to determine if it’s in our control. If so, how can “we” adapt to this new challenge?

This approach is a core principle of stoic philosophy that extols focusing on how we react, act, and respond to something within our control. If it’s not something in our control, then let it go and move on. This does not mean ignoring it, but realizing our limitations so that anxiety, fear, and depression don’t drag us to dark places.

It’s never easy, always humbling, but results in a more peaceful approach to life’s hiccups. And of course, no more bouncy bus rides.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #22

I write about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Enjoy!

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Beware the Brinicle!

Not sure if that sounds like an undiscovered H.P. Lovecraft short story, or a found Dr. Seuss book deemed too scary for the little ones! Neither, of course, but still a weird phrase.

I love immersing in nature, watching well-filmed nature documentaries, and especially oddities and unusuals only Mother Nature can dream up. File this in the category of "you can't make this stuff up."

When I stumbled on this BBC documentary YouTube video on a little known artic water phenomenon, I was intrigued and surprised. The ~5 minute video is worth watching, if for no other reason that to understand my title!

Trigger Words

Going through some age-related body less-thans right now, which requires me to remember to do certain things in a new way. Some old dogs (“arf arf” here) learn new tricks at the speed of molasses in winter, so to help stick beneficial habits, I usually adapt and adopt a trigger word or phase to remind me to do things correctly.

Some useful trigger words/phrases I’ve used in the past (and still do):

• Clouds – An old trigger word from decades past that helps me while mediating to detach from my monkey mind as though I was lying on my back in the grass and watching the clouds drift by. Like when beach combing for sand dollars, watching clouds go by seems to empty the mind and only focus on the clouds (unless one of them resembles mean old Aunt Clara and off you go remembering THAT past!).

• It is what is is – For the record, I’ve used this phrase since long ago, and well before it became “popular” and overused. Useful in reinforcing my stoic philosophy of life to accept things as they are and work from there, rather than wishing them to go away or ignoring them.

• Remember the Pain – Rhymes with “Remember the Maine” from my history lessons and slaps my thinking to remember the pain I fixed by doing X. We humans have such short memories and can forget how bad we felt before, when we swore NEVER to feel that way again. I fixed a long-endured digestive issue in part by eliminating sugar. But now when out for coffee, I’ll often “forget” and get a cookie or bakery nosh. Once might slip by, but it’s rarely once over a short period. I forget that old pain and do the wrong thing anyway. I need this trigger phrase all the time to stay on the path.
  Wouldn’t it be cool to save the feeling of that old pain on your iPhone so you could zap yourself for 10 seconds for a “Ah, okay… that sucked and I don’t want THAT again”. App developers get to it!

• Motion is Lotion – If I could tattoo this on the inside of my eyelids and it would help me remember this, I would. Translates to take every chance, every day to MOVE: walk every day, park far away to add extra walking, take stairs not elevators, change work positions frequently, get up and move around during football timeouts, etc.

• Up and back – My newest trigger used CONSTANTLY now to remind me to stretch my spine up, and push my shoulders back. It’s all about good posture, baby (especially now!) Also a hint about the body issue mentioned in the opening.

Got any good trigger words you use to keep yourself in line? Share them down below in the comment thingy if you’d like.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #21

I write about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Enjoy!

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Ish

Sure, Merriam-Webster, take the easy road and pick “Polarization” as an obvious choice for the 2024 word-of-the-year. It was used a ton everywhere and certainly paints an accurate picture of our culture. But me thinks… too specific, too… painful.

Other major word companies had their say as well:

• Dictionary dot com: Demure – popular on TikTok and an example on how social media can alter word meanings (don’t use TT, so clueless what that means in context, but hey, it showed up in a Google search).

• Oxford University Press: Brain rot – as if we need to remind us of our common malady caused in a large part by doomscrolling and other mental anti-fitness pursuits.

• The Cambridge Dictionary: Brat – an example of a word chose simple because it maxed out the search counters, no doubt. Weird one, IMHO.

Had I been in charged (or dare I say, even asked), I would have raised the banner to get “Ish” elected.

Why ish?

Because it enables mental survival in our evolved culture, one where it’s hard to stay in balance, hit deadlines, do the expected thing on time, etc. Oh sure, you’ll point out, that’s NOT A WORD. True, but we live in weird times so we could’ve pretended it’s a word-like-suffix-add-on-thingy and vote it in anyway.

I, for one, used this suffix a zillion times in 2024:

• “When are we going to the gym?” – two o’clock-ish.

• “How many pancakes do you want?” – three-ish

• “How long do you need to finish the project?” – three weeks-ish… maybe.

Why confine oneself to specificity when the freedom of ish releases all such anchors?

The beauty of ish-ness is akin to the beauty of Hawaiian time:

“When will we get to the luau?”
”We’re on Hawaiian time.”
”So when will that be?”
”When we get there.”

In a time when facts and truths have left the building (seeking Elvis no doubt), why be stuck on exactness and punctuality? Note that another word embracing vaguity—meh—like ish, is a mere three letters long. Succinct, simple... spooky coincidence? I think not.

Maybe it’s the “I’m retired” vibe that makes this word work so well to remove personal responsibility and dispose of punctuality. Or maybe it’s just a trigger word for “it’s not that important, so it’ll happen when it happens.”

*i kēlā me kēia manawa, baby.

(*Hawaiian for “whenever”)

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #20

I write about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus bonus sections. Enjoy!

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Fanning the Flames of The NaNoWriMo AI Debate

The AI debate continues to be… interesting. Those of us who dabble/play/publish in creative mediums have a guarded view of the new Elephant dancing in the Room. Many extol the coming AI integration akin to the launching of the Internet (only on a massive dose of steroids).

I’m somewhere in the middle, leaning toward wanting to protect creative human efforts, but enjoying the AI-assist helping hand here and there. It’s not like AI is something new: It’s been in our GPS devices, smartphones and such, for a long time. Order something online? AI plays a role in that workflow and the logic behind offering you add-on options. Unfortunately, it also plays the creepy half-cousin after you’ve researched or checked out a product or service, then nagged for days with targeted ads. Shiver.

A recent New York Times article from September 6 discussed the kerfuffle at famed NaNoWriMo regarding the decision by the nonprofit organization NOT to stand a stand against AI:

It started with a statement from NaNoWriMo, the nonprofit organization that coordinates the writing marathon every year. It ended — though perhaps there is more to come — with resignations, a lost sponsor and plenty of prickly feelings in what is meant to be an uplifting community.

The irony of the NaNoWriMo organizers’ decision flies against their About statement (emphasis is mine):

NaNoWriMo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes in the transformational power of creativity. We provide the structure, community, and encouragement to help people use their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds—on and off the page.

To me, the outrage is justified. The NaNo challenge runs the month of November for participants to write a 50,000 word novel and is all about human creativity and persistence. The reason NaNo exists is to encourage “…people [to] use their voices, achieve creative goals…” not craft a 200-character prompt in an AI program and wait for the finished novel to appear (or even use AI for any part of this challenge process, IMHO).

To be upset about an entity doing or taking a stand you think is wrong is usually the first activism step. To personally, and actively, tell others of your feelings is step two. And finally, step three is usually boycotting said company and product to draw more attention to what one perceives is an injustice.

When refusing to buy and encourage others not to for a product or service from a company whose moral compass is broken, is refusing income to that entity. Enough people do the same and the impact on their bottom line and reputation cannot only get the message across, but perform an ad hoc miracle to possibly reverse their egregious stance.

NaNoWriMo? It’s a free service, so not quite the same impact in protesting against them. Yet they are highly visible in the creative writing word. Hopefully, this kerfuffle becomes more widely known among writers, published authors, and wannabes to get more people thinking about the AI creative works issue.

Myself? In writing this post I’m taking the anti-NaNoWriMo stand for this year (perhaps longer). As a seven-campaign NaNo veteran, I’m not without experience there, with two completed 50k-words novels among the seven staycations. (nota bene: “completed” doesn’t mean published: one was/is so bad I feel I should list it in my will to be destroyed when I pass on, while the other is in later edit stages and may get published at some point).

AI itself (or at least one version of it) infers why NaNoWriMo should stand against AI in creative written work via one NYT article’s commenter:

So no one thinks me a hypocrite, I’m not anti-AI universally. That image at the right in my opening photo? I made it using an AI prompt (and yes, I know AI is not a visual robot doing the writing, but it gets the “replace human” impact of AI across). I use ProWritingAid to check my writing, a fully AI-enabled utility, and as mentioned before, all the other myriad of “fringe” AI things that help our life.

But I, as many I know, draw a line in the proverbial sand for AI replacing copyrightable creative works, whether written, drawn, or painted. The value of human creativity is not just for those on the receiving end, but is an intrinsic human freedom to create with all the physical, metaphysical, and soul-satisfying benefits derived from the process.

Nota bene: The right side of the image above is not something I support doing (using AI images in my work) for one simple reason: like this one, it’s artwork lifted from some artist with attribution impossible to the source (nor any path to a license). I debated using it, but wanted to do so to emphasize the threat to creatives when AI provides unauthorized (and potentially copyrighted) material. Apologies for getting distracted before publishing and omitted this statement in the original release. The siren song of AI is nearly irresistible, but clearly needs regulation..

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #19

I write about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus bonus sections. Enjoy!

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I Fell Down the Rabbit Hole… Again

Sometimes the velvety smooth linings of a rabbit hole go long periods lonely for something to ruffle things. Other times, bordering on obsession, certain things slide down often enough to crush a path in that velvet.

My long history with Rickshaw Bags over countless canvas and plush-inside goodies makes that last statement an easy claim.

I love their minimalist aesthetic, and well-crafted merchandise that seems to last forever. Over the years, I’ve usually put something up for adoption to offset a new one coming from them into the “family.” Often my rethinking on how to carry different things has me wandering their website for inspiration.

Now we come to now.

I knew Rickshaw was soon unveiling a new zippered small folio, perhaps inspired by Lochby’s Pocket Journal. And I’ve been thinking about carrying some custom graphics Rickshaw goodies in the store and for pen show tables, and thought new folio (whatever it is) would probably work well. At the D.C. pen show, I talked to Mark Dwight, Rickshaw Bags’ owner, about such a collaboration and learned it would debut at the San Fransisco Pen Show.

Once the pix of the new Fillmore popped up in my Instagram feed, I immediately ordered one as a company write off (product R&D, of course…). And of course, it had to have a fun design so when I spotted their graphic reminding me of my quasi-hippie days of youth I thought, much like the iconic meme of Philip J. Fry from Futurama, “Shut up and take my money!” Sigh.

When it arrived and I opened the package, I was a bit disappointed. You know that feeling when your mind is expecting one thing and a different thing shows up? Throws one for a loop, at least initially. I had expected this new form to be pocket-notebook size overall. Thus, my first impression was a “Whaaa…” as this A6ish lovely little thang emerged from the shipping envelope with a smile and a knowing wink at me.

The “Whaaa...” passed quickly as I explored the folio inside and out, realizing in a light bulb moment that while there are many pocket notebook covers/folios, fewer exist for A6s. Brilliant size choice.

I’ve evolved my EDC journaling down from an A5 to an A6, so this was, after all, a perfect fit for me.

Bottom line: I love it! Now at least I know why, for the last day or so, those 60s rock songs have been playing in my head. Groovy.

Odd Socks Update

To paraphrase Yoda, “Write often I have not.”

I can blame the summer, but more likely the intense, distractive effort to get my Notegeist Bindery (handcrafted notebooks) to a deep-stock starting point.

Despite all that, the itch to write is back!

So… from this issue forward, I’ll strive to write more often. To help enable that, I’ll write just one article in each newsletter plus my fave Insights/Laughs shares. Hopefully, the frequency of posting will increase from this new, lighter form.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #18

I write about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus bonus sections. Enjoy!

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Evolution of A Rabbit Hole

Those you who enjoy, partake of, and sometimes curse the varied world of cool stationery stuff can relate.

One of stationery’s holy grails is finding a daily paper-based system that meets one’s needs. I’m talking about a single system that covers one’s needs for notes, planning, to-dos, sketching, ideating, and whatever else comes to mind when putting pen (or pencil) to paper. Some of this effort is about capturing notes for later, others about thinking on paper with new ideas, while some are simply for keeping a toehold in a busy life, with one place to track dates, events, and person requirements.

It can be a lot to manage, and some give in to the digital siren and do all of this in apps or online. But ever-wanting to get a firm grasp on some analog ways, I prefer to do much of this via paper, covers, binders, pens, and pencils with tried-and-true reliability. No batteries needed, and all that.

Over the decades, I’ve been through many systems, processes, and approaches to meet these needs. Some stick around longer than others, but eventually all fade in usefulness.

Sigh.

Astute readers will have noticed the pretty picture at the top of this article, and figure that’s my new system. I must say, I can’t remember being as excited and encouraged by any system as much as I am with the Traveler’s Company regular Midori-style covers and refill system (and accessories!).

I confess trying this system briefly years ago, but within days didn’t take to it. I’ve also tried their smaller Passport system; promising, but eventually fell short (no pun intended).

Fast forward past that somewhat boring backstory to now and my new system comprising not just one, but two Traveler’s covers containing the functions I’ve evolved to like and use.

The Traveler’s Company system is probably at or near the top of the most popular system in use, rising to becoming a favored system worldwide for creatives and workers. This vast culture of users keeps the Japan-based company busy innovating. Traveler’s is part of Designphil Inc., which includes other stationery companies such as Knox, Midori, Plotter, and Touch & Flow.

My System

Aptly named, many people who use the Traveler’s Company cover and refills are avid travelers. While not currently traveling, it’s always in the back of my thoughts to get back to traveling more frequently. Thus my occasional afternoon excursions to a coffee shop are, in my mind, mini travels and this system works as well there as if I were trekking the Scottish Highlands (bucket list!). Admittedly, real or not, using this system makes me feel I’m on the verge of real travel… any day now! And more importantly: prepared (at least stationery-wise).

I settled on using two covers/notebook fills because I couldn’t fit all I needed within one cover. Plus, aesthetically, forcing to choose just one cover design is torturous! There are so many options out there that, at least for now, dividing functions into two lets me enjoy two different cover ambiance. Some Traveler’s uses go extreme and stuff one cover until it soon resembles a small loaf of bread. Not very portable, in my mind.

My EDC Traveler’s Notebook

I wanted to go away from a leather wrap cover, the de facto Traveler’s Notebook standard, for my everyday needs. The cover you see at the left in the photo is my EDC, a Scottish tweed fabric cover I found through Etsy that makes my EDC Traveler’s softer and more distinguished.

Inside is a dot grid notebook for general notes, thoughts, and as a standby journal should I leave the house without my travel journal. Behind that is a custom weekly/to-do list notebook I made (will put up in the shop soon), since Traveler’s does not make one like this to meet my needs. This one is a simple seven-day. Monday-start daily tracker on one side, and a bullet-journaling friendly, flexible to-do list on the opposite page. Wrapped around these two notebooks, a kraft folder insert contains index cards, business cards, a Traveler’s writing board, my list of personal goals on cardstock, and whatever other slip of information I need to take (or receipts that come back).

Will the contents change over time? Of course. One of the key features of this system is that it’s nimble and change-friendly. Past systems were usually too rigid (which led to their mothballing).

My Sketching/Ideation Traveler’s Notebook

For sketching and graphic planning (or ideation), notebook #2 fits these needs.

For this one I wanted a limited cover, something not uncommon but only available for a short time. A curse of most of us stationery nerds is the extra tingle of thrill that comes with acquiring something limited or rare. I searched and found the limited Traveler’s Company KYOTO dark blue (near black) embossed leather cover (at the right in the top photo) to house my right-brain stuff.

Inside at the moment are two inserts, one blank for ideation with Kyoto graphics on the cover, the other Traveler’s sketching refill (nice, heavy paper). Traveler’s is bringing back their fabric zipper inserts and plan to get one for this cover. Inside that piece will be some notecards, business cards, and the minimal sketching tools I use. Eventually, like my need for my approach to weekly/to-do list tracking, I’ll design and make my own insert, set up better for ideation than just a blank page.

Is this system just another short-lived rabbit hole?

Traveler’s Company creates a huge selection of accessories, refill types, and covers, always expanding with new goodies to keep their enormous user base happy. On top of that, they consistently produce limited covers and notebook refills, all designed to tempt me to avoid FOMO.

Will it be the end of my rabbit hole searches and explorations for THE system? Only time can answer that question.

My last point is about archival retention. While I have several boxes of journals from decades past, I have always been of a consumable mind for my EDC notebooks, thus recycling used notebooks or otherwise disposing of them once I’ve finished.

This time, thanks to that “what else can we design” Japanese spirit, Traveler’s makes a minimalistic and clever binder system to store finished notebook inserts. Yup, already bought two: not that I think anyone I leave behind will give a hoot, but it will give me warm fuzzys to now save all the notebooks I consume.

Velvet-lined rabbit's hole indeed.

A Cautionery Tale: Avocation <-> Vocation

They say the best advice for a contented career is to do what you love to do. Nice positive thought, not always easy to pull off.

Any who have been passionate about doing something for a long time, and thought (or their family/friends said) how amazing it would be to make that passion one’s paying business, undoubtedly entered such a change optimistically. Yet many discover the dark secret: when you switch from a hobby you love to making it a business, things change.

A beloved hobby is like a nice, fuzzy cat who loves to sit in your lap and purr as you lovingly stroke its fur. Cat’s happy, you’re full of warm goodness, all is golden.

Now the hobby becomes your vocation. That cat? Suddenly you notice how much it pesters you to be fed, fills the kitty box too often, sometimes pees on your rug, or if not, hacks up fur balls in your shoes. In other words, the gloves are off and it’s suddenly all about the work… and what you done lately?

No question if you make your living being around stuff or processes or creative efforts you enjoy, it’s way better that punching the timecard at some whatever job just so you can pay your bills every month.

I’ve experienced this more than once. Actually, every time I’ve launched my stationery shop, then closed it down. Rinse, repeat, lather. Pre-opening there was the thrill of times ahead, getting in all the cool stationery stuff and shipping it out to like-minded people. And after each closing, there’s been the relief of not being a demanding job anymore and back to enjoying looking at stationery stuff without first thinking, “how well would this sell?”

This is not an announcement of closing Notegeist, but is a riff of thoughts that’ve been on my mind for a few months. My intention was for the re-opened shop to be a part-time effort, allowing periodical time away from the shop to keep the pace right and avoid the passion loss. But sales have been great, pen shows successful, yet it has become a >40-hour week, seven-day “job.” Ugh.

Of course, adding to the load, I’ve gone rabbit-hole deep into learning how to make notebooks for the express idea of selling them in the shop. Having a blast with that, and the bindery’s just now getting started with handmade notebooks for sale.

The real answer is to get more practical about what the shop should be (for my needs), and change things to bring it back in line with my original vision. Plus, more traveling’s always been part of my retirement plan, and that’s been AWOL since the latest shop prepping and opening.

Anyway, /rantoff. Hopefully, if you’re being lured by the sweet song of turning a hobby into a business, be aware the change translators for such a shift are flawed and inherently broken! Not saying you couldn’t pull it off, but just remember this cautionary tale to navigate slowly.

Odd Socks: a free, alternate-Sundays newsletter written by Gary Varner. Subscribe for fresh, emailed new releases. Product links (when they appear) are affiliates, but don’t affect your purchase price yet help support Odd Socks.

Need some cool stationery stuff, like Blackwing pencils, Field Notes notebooks, and much more? Then stop reading this and visit my shop: Notegeist.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #17

I write about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus bonus sections. Enjoy!

If not already a subscriber, please click to join to get this free biweekly newsletter in your inbox every other Sunday!

Chicago’s Mitsuwa Marketplace

First, as I wrote last issue, I was in Chicago last weekend selling merch at their annual pen show. Had a blast, met lots of online faceless people (who are no longer faceless!). Best of all: I actually made more net profit at the show than I spent on personal stuff! To that last point, here’s my new beauty:

Post-show on Monday, I had planned to spend a full day wandering up and down downtown’s Michigan avenue: people watching, sketching a ton, and of course, eating! But after three intense days of pen showness, I was exhausted. I still made the departure-day visit Monday morning to the Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights, northwest of downtown Chicago.

Kinokuniya

First reason I always make the pilgrimage to the marketplace is Kinokuniya, a holy grail of a Japanese stationery store. You on the East or West Coast have easier access to Kinokuniya stores (the NYC store across from Bryant Park is three stories of amazement). We in the middle have to drive to Chicago.

Never fail to see something I love/want/need/(______) at Kinokuniya, and this trip was no exception. A few of the new, bright-and-shiny things I bought:

Misuwa Marketplace

Of course, Kinokuniya is not the only treat in the marketplace. Love wandering the aisles and seeing all the different Japanese offerings from housewares to cleaning tools to foods to snacks and more. Past years I’ve picked up a rice maker (no English on the unit, and it plays a choice of melodies when finished), and a fantastic deep-bowl wok-like non-stick pan.

Vending Machines

I think most people are aware of the love affair the Japanese have with vending machines! I can imagine a trip to Tokyo would be mind-blowing, in part for the sheer variety of things they sell in vending machines. The marketplace has a small vending alcove with some amazing offerings, mostly anime:

Lunch

Of course, stopping at the marketplace and not eating something from their wide variety of Japanese foods would be simply negligent. This time, I had a yakitori bento box which was delightful and tasty.

Channeling The White Rabbit

It seems these days I’m always behind on getting things done. Loving the activity and involvement in the stationery shop, and as I’ve often said, I didn’t retire so I could work full-time! Yet here I am. All in, it seems.

Thus, I’ve been wonky on the publishing schedule for this newsletter! Wednesday? No? How about Friday? Not good either, eh? Okay, fine… Sunday it is.

I doubt many of my readers care when Odd Socks arrives in their inbox. I’ve always strived to be true to my word when I say I’ll do something by a date, or showing up for meetings on time, or any similar promise. So it does bother my internal compass to fly by deadlines (despite, as Douglas Adams said: “I love the sound deadlines make as they go whooshing by.”).

Sundays may be the answer, since weekdays these days are crammed full, and even though this is only every other week, you’d be surprised (or maybe not) how that deadline stealthily creeps up then suddenly it’s, “Oh you again? Is it that time already?” Sigh.

Anyway, thanks for subscribing or visiting if you haven’t subscribed yet (why not? it’s free). I need a deadline approach to keep writing this newsletter, so onward through the fog to next Sunday! Er, the Sunday after next Sunday? Right.

Odd Socks: a free, alternate-Sundays newsletter written by Gary Varner. Subscribe for fresh, emailed new releases. Product links (when they appear) are affiliates, but don’t affect your purchase price yet help support Odd Socks.

Need some cool stationery stuff, like Blackwing pencils, Field Notes notebooks, and much more? Then stop reading this and visit my shop: Notegeist.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #16

I write about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus bonus sections. Enjoy!

If not already a subscriber, please click to join to get this free biweekly newsletter in your inbox every other Friday!

Handwriting Is Good For Our Minds

Not everyone has had the benefit of living through a period relying on hands-on approaches and mental problem solving, followed by the birth of digital tech and its silent coop to replace those two previous life skills.

I am a tech nerd and certainly use and benefit from the range of tech gear I have and use. But… I’m also steadfastly old-school in keeping analog ways alive and well. Tech is useful to save time for certain things, connecting distances, and easier (but not better?) access to information. Note that information alone does not imply knowledge. It’s the practical understanding of the subject gained not just through information, but experience, related connections, gathering of related information, and those old-school skills of critical thinking and consideration.

I may differ from some digital-dependents in that I still prefer to hands-on problem solve where possible versus Googling to find a YouTube video. There’s the irony of tech providing opportunities for problem solving when tech doesn’t work right (sometimes), inexplicably cannot do what it did yesterday (often), and doesn’t play well with others in the digital play pen (software, hardware, connectivity, etc.).

But that work is putting out fires or finding gremlins. Problem solving, for sure, but not problem solving in the old sense of figuring out how to make something out of wood, or physically prototyping a new idea, or starting with a blank page and through handwriting/mind-connecting sus out a new, inspiring story or idea.

A recent New York Times article (linked here) extolled the mental benefits gained from working with our hands. And no, typing out letters on a keyboard or thumb typing on an iPhone, aren’t really working with our hands. In the classic sense, whether it’s art, or writing, or crafting, or a myriad of other intricate work requiring both manual dexterity, accesses and uses far more of our brain than keyboard pounding. Researchers are realizing the mental benefits to humans, whether cognitive, mood, or gratifying in a personal accomplishment sense.

Some of the interesting findings from this research:

• Brains devote much larger areas and resources to movement, and particularly voluntary hand movements.

• Hands-on activities benefit not only emotional and cognitive improvements, but have shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

• Hands-on tasks, coupled with personal pride and control, improve our sense of accomplishments.

• Brain scans when writing by hand show a marked increase in activity over those scans conducted on volunteers using a keyboard.

As one researcher put it:

For these reasons and others, I’ve always continued analog ways (a term not just for the tools we use but the way we go about tasks). I do my best planning, to-do lists, and “thinking” on old-fashioned paper. While I still keep a digital calendar, sync email between my various digital masters, I have not let go of thinking on paper as my primary ideation process.

As with many things in life, and as a healthy way to adopt new technology, seeing our digital gifts as enhancements not dependency, may be the best way to go (at least in my mind) toward a healthy balance of digital and hands-on work.

Chicago Pen Show

Next week, I’ll spend six days in an American city I love to visit: Chicago.

Granted, the first four days I’ll be working, manning a table of merchandise from my Notegeist shop at the Chicago Pen Show. If you’re in the area and attending, stop by and say hi!

But those last two days? Play time, baby. Lots of plans but primarily a walking day downtown Monday doing lots of sketches, wandering Art Institue, eating food I shouldn’t be eating (hey… vacation rules, right?), and indulging in people watching opportunities. Weather forecast appears ideal for such pursuits (crossing fingers). Tuesday I’ll make a pilgrimage out to Kinokuniya and wandering the fabulous Japanese market mall where Kino is located. Small market, but lots of fun wandering aisles of Asian goods.

With luck, I’ll have plenty of sketches and stories to tell from the six-days in Chi-Town in the next Odd Socks newsletter. Looking forward to it!

Odd Socks: a free, alternate-Fridays newsletter written by Gary Varner. Subscribe for fresh, emailed new releases. Product links (when they appear) are affiliates, but don’t affect your purchase price yet help support Odd Socks.

Need some cool stationery stuff, like Blackwing pencils, Field Notes notebooks, and much more? Then stop reading this and visit my shop: Notegeist.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #15

I write about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus bonus sections. Enjoy!

If not already a subscriber, please click to join to get this free biweekly newsletter in your inbox every other Wednesday!

Eclipse Moments

I’ve experienced… three?… eclipses in my lifetime, and they are certainly visually interesting. The one this week I wouldn’t rank high among those, not from the visuals, but for not experiencing my favorite part: the world as I'm seeing it at the moment goes dark in the middle of the day. I was surprised how non-dark it was, even though I'm close, but not within the totality band. Our area's 98.3% totality sounded like near-dark, yet was merely dusky daytime.

Those who were fortunate (and brave) to travel into the totality band got the full experience of the natural world’s denizens chattering and coming out for the routine of night ... only to be fooled in short order. Back when I experienced the night-during-day moment, I remember wondering what it must have been like for early humans lacking the science awareness and forewarning of an eclipse. How many went loco thinking the world was ending?

I laughed at the meme posted yesterday: “Only Americans can think rapture is about to happen from an eclipse.” Um, science moment: a solar eclipse happens somewhere over the Earth every 18 months or so. By that measure, and if you believe those rapture nuts, surely millenias ago the Earth would have shed itself of humans, plus that rapture place long overfilled.

And then there're the reports of price-gouging for everything from parking, to hotels, to food within the totality band. Mother Nature must either groan from such capitalism, or shake her head thinking, “Those crazy humans again …” We all know, of course, Mother Nature always has the last karmic laugh on such things.

Here’s hoping everyone reading this got their (correct) glasses on and experienced yesterday’s moments. Still, by any measure, a unique memory, one that, unless willing to fly all over the world now and then, most of us can count on one hand with some fingers uncounted.

There Is A Difference

As a bona fide, card-carrying stationery nerd, I often try to explain to some people why a Blackwing pencil is worth every penny over a Wal-Mart #2 no-name pencil. Or why I spend what I do for the notebooks and journals I use, versus picking a ruled, spiral cheapie at the dollar store?

Fair question … until you’ve tasted the good stuff.

Usually, it’s easy to explain by letting them try my Blackwing in my Blackwing Slate journal, or one of my favorite fountain pens in my Tomoe River paper journal. At least most of them can feel the difference. Not all, however, are so convinced as to change their choice of tools and paper. Can’t blame them. Unless they can relate the good stuff to nourishing their creative soul, they’ll keep using whatever’s lying around … and cheap.

What one does with a writing tool/writing notebook certainly influences choices. Scribbling only shopping and to-do lists in life doesn’t warrant the better stuff. Like fine wine, if all you want is a utilitarian quick drunk, you don’t buy the good stuff.

Whichever apt metaphor you prefer: “falling down the rabbit hole,” or “coming over to the dark side,” being a stationery nerd has a terminal “illness:” S.A.B.L.E. (Stationery Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy). This pragmatic thinking lands in one’s mind as “There’s no f*king way I’ll ever use all my stationery stash in my lifetime.”

A true-blue stationery nerd, of course, ignores such crazy thoughts. We also try not to think that our heirs someday, being unaware of what some of this stuff is worth, will simply donate it en masse. At least there’s some solace that someday, some budding stationery nerd will happen upon our good stuff in a thrift store. Almost makes me hope I could selectively reincarnate as that person.

Nota bene: The image above shows some appropriate stickers available in my shop, Notegeist.

Odd Socks: a free, alternate-Wednesdays newsletter written by Gary Varner. Subscribe for fresh, emailed new releases. Product links (when they appear) are affiliates, but don’t affect your purchase price yet help support Odd Socks.

Need some cool stationery stuff, like Blackwing pencils, Field Notes notebooks, and much more? Then stop reading this and visit my shop: Notegeist.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #14

I write about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus bonus sections. Enjoy!

If not already a subscriber, please click to join to get my free biweekly newsletter delivered to your inbox every other Wednesday!

Creativity For The Win

I’ve written some in Odd Socks articles about creativity, creatives, and the need (drive?) for all of us to be creative in some fashion. My insight: creativity is good for the soul, based on how I feel and the happiness factor when involved in some creative pursuit. While I’ve been aware my whole life that I have an innate creative need, my speculation about others has been (until now) a “sense” more than any data-driven reasoning.

Until now.

A recent poll asked U.S. adults what mark they want to leave behind to honor their lives resulted in a somewhat surprising answer: not fortune or fame, but for their creativity.

Some stats from those results:

• 79% consider themselves creative; 5% saying they do not

• ~72% wished more engagement in creative activities (and more often)

• Creativity outlets that help de-stress a lot of respondents: 14% creative writing, 12% painting, and 10% drawing or doodling

The 31% who preferred to be remembered for their creativity shared these motivators for becoming more creative:

• 27% – share with the world

• 24% – bonding with friends/family

• 22% – help relax or de-stress

Regardless of how respondents categorized themselves, 77% admitted they’d be more likely to explore their creativity if they were more confident in their abilities.

So what’s stopping them (or you!) ?

• 77% hesitate from lack of confidence in ability:

  • 44% of those need encouragement from people they care about

  • 43% of those want/need more practice

  • 36% need more products to help them become more creative

• 20% of all those polled engage in creative activities daily (18%) or weekly (37%)

The small data sample from this poll is, of course, not conclusive for the population, but is an indicator of sorts. I did not have access to the full survey results, but it would have been interesting to see all the creativity activities surveyees shared. After all, “creativity” is a broad term for an emotional, cognitive, and tactile experience humans pursue.

Still, it shouts loudly to anyone that if you’re not pursuing or engaging in frequent bouts of creative activities, you probably should! And sooner than later.

National Pencil Day

This Saturday, March 30, is National Pencil Day.

Not exactly shattering news… unless one is a confirmed pencil geek. (Um… that would be me.)

My usual response to these honor days is a meh and YAHH (yet another Hallmark holiday). Not that I think there’s anything wrong with bringing attention to such milestone days to remind us. But over the years, there’s been so many days established, ostensibly, to sell Hallmark cards.

Every so often, the simple pencil makes a cultural comeback and we’re at that time again. As people digitally detox and discover the tactile joys of using hand-held analogue objects, some fall back in love with that simple batteries-not-required wooden pencil. It’s long history of faithfully rendering human thought into words and images on paper is a testament to this old technology’s lasting power.

The pencil’s evolution as a common object came started after the discovery of graphite (plumbago) used for a pencil’s core, combined with inventions expanding mass production capabilities.

A few fun facts illustrate the pencil’s enduring power and usefulness:

• An average pencil can be sharpened 17 times, write ~45,000 words, or draw a line ~35 miles long.

• The average cedar tree supplies enough wood for ~300,000 pencils.

• Over 14 billion pencils are made world-wide each year (laid end-to-end, they would circle the Earth 62 times).

• Manufactured pencils are ~160 years old, while erasers are ~100 years (teachers thought erasers encouraged mistakes).

• Pencil cores never contained lead. They have plumbago (graphite), a crystalline form of naturally occurring carbon.

So find and sharpen your favorite pencil this Saturday and spend some quality time writing, doodling, sketching, or finally starting a bucket list or whatever list helps you be who you aspire to be and go where you want to go.

Nota bene: I’m having a National Pencil day sale at my online Notegeist shop this weekend. Jump over and check it out, and it just might be the start of some glorious analogue adventures for you!

Odd Socks: a free, alternate-Wednesdays newsletter written by Gary Varner. Subscribe for fresh, emailed new releases. Product links are affiliates, but don’t affect your purchase price yet help support Odd Socks.

Need some cool stationery items? Visit my shop – Notegeist.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #13

I write here about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus bonus sections. Enjoy!

If not already a subscriber, please click to join to get my free biweekly newsletter delivered to your inbox every other Wednesday!

Birthday Play Day

I’ve never been one to celebrate my birthday. Others sometimes insist, but it wasn’t a necessity for me. As I’ve aged, I have noticed the emotions on that day went from the youthful “Well, it’s me-day today!” to “Whew. Survived another-trip-around-the-sun day.”

So this year (last Sunday, to be exact), was that day.

Michigan weather being Michigan, that was not a good day for a little road trip with a few interesting stops. Yesterday, however, was a gorgeous spring-preview day, so off we went on a little country road driving, sightseeing, and visiting two of my favorite Lansing, MI places.

First stop? The Habana Delights food stand. Good for an exceptional (and exceptionally large) Cuban sandwich with a side of flan which is, in valley speak, to die for. (That was a valley speak idiom back in the day, wasn’t it?). We took our food and went further into Old Town and ate by the fish ladder. Weird name, but does what it sounds like and apparently there are still several around the country. Built to aid migrating fish during spawning season to get around the small dams in rivers, this one is still in use, I guess.

After overstuffing our bellies, off across the street we waddled to Odd Nodd. There aren’t many small stationery/art supply stores left, but in the Old Town part of Lansing, Odd Nodd’s proprietor Casey is keeping that vibe alive. The shop has a great art supplies selection, but also lots interesting non-art stationery goods too, such as cute Japanese goods, notebooks/journals/memopads, a good supply of quality fountain pens and ink, and lots more. There’s lots of cute supplies, games, and toys for kids as well.

If you’re ever in the Lansing area, both are well worth a stop to check out.

Geezer’s Paradox

Okay, let’s clear one thing up: that’s not a picture of me! I may have approached that level of geezer cool when I roamed America in my camper van, letting my beard grow long, my hair well down my back and pony-tailable. Add my dark Wayfarers, and my Tilly hat, and maybe. City life has tamed those hairy “wild” parts of me, it would seem (tamed but not exorcised it!).

I resonate with this phrase. It’s not about how one ages gracefully into an automatically increased level of cool, more that one can age gracefully into a healthy (and delightful) f*ck-it attitude, especially when being pragmatic about how one looks. And in that spirit of not trying to be cool, one becomes cool? Possibly. For sure, youthful days were angst-riddled about always looking and acting cool (or cool enough), but over time, who cares?

My housemate still laughs when I sometimes come downstairs in the morning wearing three oh-so-obviously-miss-matched layers of plaid: robe, pj bottoms, t-shirt. Don’t care. In fact, just from the fashionista expectations of youth alone, aging gracefully has the wonderful side benefit of that doesn’t matter anymore. Comfy, casual, and what’s clean, rule my fashion choices most days.

The geezer’s paradox frees up a lot of things, practices earned by making it this far with two feet standing on this planet. We who wear the marks of many trips around Sol are proud to keep this philosophy alive and well.

Odd Socks: a free, alternate-Wednesdays newsletter written by Gary Varner. Subscribe for fresh, emailed new releases. Product links are affiliates, but don’t affect your purchase price yet help support Odd Socks.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #12

I write here about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus four bonus sections. Enjoy!

If not already a subscriber, please click to join to get my free biweekly newsletter delivered to your inbox every other Wednesday!

Bedgasm

There are lots of moments in our lives that pass by quickly, yet bring a dollop of joy to our days. Walking in the woods on a cool, spring day hearing the forest sounds talk to you… getting a perfect cup of coffee in that coffee shop with perfect ambiance… lying in bed listening to a thunderstorm while feeling safe and sound in bad.

And then there’s The Bedgasm.

Admittedly, I just learned this name for the wondrous feeling when one first slips into bed, snuggles down, and has that rush of mellow endorphins coursing through the body eliciting an audible “Aaah…” from your lips.

Silly name for a seriously cool sensation, but that’s fine. I’ve enjoyed these periodically for years without having a “label” to the sensation. And I notice on those nights when this visitor shows up, I have a great and deep sleep, waking refreshed in the morning. Could there be a connection? Seems so.

Back in those days when I had an electric mattress pad cover, winter nights had more of these aaah moments. These days, bereft of such decadence, I slip my large, rectangular heating pad under the covers by my feet five minutes before I slip between the sheets. Since I don’t wear socks to bed, the pad warms my cold tootsies which often triggers the bedgasm. That, and the five layers of blankets making the bed toasty (my housemate insists on a 60° nighttime thermostat, thus five is the magic number).

Sleeping as one ages is an odd artifact of this human timeline. The more we age, the less we sleep. I’ve become an extreme morning person in the last ten-ish years, regardless of when I finally nod off the night before. Not uncommon to be up drinking the first cup of coffee (or tea, if feeling more contemplative that early) before 5 a.m.

Nonetheless, I’ll take more bedgasm moments over sleeping in any day.

The Art of Puttering

I’ve worked with his hands most of my life. Being mechanical, and curious about how things work, I learned the art of fixing stuff and building hacks, jigs, and other process improvement helps to organize things better, plus (the holy grail of stuff) FINDABLE. Nothing irritates me more than doing a project and enduring delays because I can’t find a part or tool I know I have.

While always an organized nerd, I never tasted what ultimate organization until I retired and thus had extra time. Now I seem busy all the time doing something, and especially with the newly launched online stationery store. Even so, I’m fortunate to own my time and can putter at will. Puttering at your own speed is bliss. while puttering to a deadline is, well… work.

My puttering expertise came in quite handy over the last three weeks. As part of the shop, I’m also setting up a paper bindery in half of my shop space, where I can create and make paper-based stationery goods. Since that effort takes a lot of cool (but kinda weird) equipment, tools, and processes, a different organization approach is necessary. There’s an obvious process between all the pieces of equipment, thus there’s an order to what comes before what. And true to puttering pleasure, taking my time to set things up just right has been fun. One doesn’t measure such projects by the days to complete, but by uncounted hours lost in the pleasure of puttering.

I remember my days ways back when I was into sailing, even earning a charter captain’s certification up to 33’ yachts. Problem was, I was really into working on the boat more than I was in casting off the lines, hoisting the sails, and wandering around the lake. Seems the process and puttering was my passion, less so the work of sailing.

That contrast will not repeat itself in the weeks and months ahead as I hand make notebooks, memo pads, and perhaps some other interesting stationery paper crafting. My passion for all-things-stationery melded with my earned puttering (and crafting) “merit badges” ensures this new venture will be a fun experience.

Odd Socks: a free, alternate-Wednesdays newsletter written by Gary Varner. Subscribe for fresh, emailed new releases. Product links are affiliates, but don’t affect your purchase price yet help support Odd Socks.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #11

I write here about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus four bonus sections. Enjoy!

If not already a subscriber, please click to join to get my free biweekly newsletter delivered to your inbox every other Wednesday!

When Is Enough Enough?

I’ve been on a long journey to simplify my life, embracing my inner Henry David Thoreau. As years rolled by, stuff piled up, almost rabbit-like in its seemingly natural ability to multiply. Sure, periodic garage sales and donations offset some amassing, but it was only an illusion.

About 10 years ago I became more serious about reducing, seeing what was coming down the road and realizing stuff that goes unused for years seems silly to keep. Moving always helped foster an incentive to thin, then pack. But soon after moving, the silent sounds of new stuff coming into the house just continued.

Going through two parents’ passing years apart, gave some stark reality to this stuff syndrome. At some point, it all becomes unwanted, unsellable debris of a life lived long. When the sons and daughters don’t want it, and in closets and attics and basements for years unloved and unused, what was the point of keeping it?

Part of my hoarding-like impulses fell under the oh-so-innocent category of “collecting.” Not saying there’s anything wrong with collecting anything, but for me it slowly became satisfying only in the pursuit of a collectible. Once acquired, on the shelf or into the box, it was time to move on to the next I-don’t-have-it-but-want-it adreline rush. The high of collecting was in the pursuit, not the ownership.

Several years ago I finally broke from collecting and became a consumer. To say it was cathartic is an understatement. Having less stuff around, for me, was absolutely freeing. As I approach that nirvanic balance between what I need and use, the lifting of stuff responsibility, is a good feeling.

Now I’m about to do yet another move, perceived as possibly my last, Once again I began to eye stuff with a mind of what can I donate or sell because I’m not using or needing it. And to my delight, there’s not much that falls into that category.

Hiatus Extended

Well, I *intended* to take a month off in December, but inadvertently published the January return newsletter early. Then, the special project I’ve been working on since late November kept stealing more and more of my time. Thus, the one-month hiatus stretched to two and a bit more.

Back at it now, and resuming the alternate weekly newsletter postings (although this one’s a day late!). The unexpected delay reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:

I’m Back…

Now I can reveal the special project soaking up all my time for the past many months: I relaunched my niche-market online stationery shop! Took WAY longer than expected to set up, but results are bigger and better than the last shop I had, and that’s exciting.

This news may not surprise those subscribers who know that part of my recent history. Why not relaunch? I have the time and take great pleasure from finding cool stationery goodies (pens, pencils, notebooks, journals, accessories, etc.) to share with other like-minds.

If you love stationery goodies, then check out the new shop.

Roland Allen’s The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper is one of my top three books read in the last year. Granted, as a stationery lover and nerd, the topic is, as they say, in my wheelhouse. And Allen does not disappoint.

While it’s a very dense read because of his deep research and excellent historical storytelling, it is worth the effort. I thought I knew most there was to know about notebook/journal history and usage through the last 1,000 years or so. Or at least enough to pass a basic quiz about the subject.

I won’t spoil what’s here, but it is a delightful time-travel back through the evolving centuries of human writing, note taking, sketching, accounting, and so much more. I’ve enjoyed reading it chapter by chapter (re: the dense comment above makes consuming it in chapter-size bites most practical) and suspect if you’re a lover or user of paper notebooks or journals, I’ll wager you’ll enjoy it too.

Odd Socks: a free, alternate-Wednesdays newsletter written by Gary Varner. Subscribe for fresh, emailed new releases. Product links are affiliates, but don’t affect your purchase price yet help support Odd Socks.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #10

I write here about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus four bonus sections. Enjoy!

If not already a subscriber, please click to join to get my free biweekly newsletter delivered to your inbox every other Wednesday!

Dilemma

The following is a highly personal essay, but not fully sanitized of my verbal emotions. Apologies for the salty language, but left the usual words signaling frustration. Thus, it’s a fair and accurate statement of how I felt when writing. Hopefully, some may find a nugget of help from sharing.

My execution of self-care efforts on a long-standing digestive issue have wavered from decent to poor. Despite countless episodes reaching tipping points that triggered serious pain and discomfort, every one a proverbial “2x4 behind the head” to get my attention yet did not fix things. (A dramatic, and hopeful, “until now” should follow that last statement.º Hits the point spot-on, but unfortunately, the expected bell-tone signaling a change for the better is, instead, a hollow sound, repeated too many fucking times to echo anything but silence.

One would think the aging thing would inspire me to correct behavior. Not so far.

Or the painful memory of past such episodes, scary moments when the body revolts to eating bad things or too much of anything. Nope.

None of these MFs have inspired change, no doubt from my mind’s self-preservation ability to forget these past painful symptoms mimicking a heart attack (yet emergency room visits and many doctors confirmed that wasn’t happening each time).

Intellectually, logically, and through every other fucking reasonable cause-and-effect awareness mechanism should, one would think and hope, be enough to make permanent changes stick. Yet, so far, no lasting change that breaks the pattern, now ongoing over the past 15 years. Sigh.

If there is a glimmer of hope, it may appear in the guise of finally had enough of it, paired with creeping mortality whispering “soon …”. Perhaps this will stick the right sense and presence of mind to a) recall now those bad moments felt, what caused them, and do anything to stay the hell away from them, and b) do the fucking right thing all day, every day, until my days are over.

Sounds simple enough, one might think. I’ve had these “come-to-you-know-who” moments looking in a mirror many times in the past. Each prompted temporary short-term change, but fell back to the old patterns. But we shall see what we shall see in the days ahead on this important quest. Hope springs eternal (or infernal) for those leaning to pessimism.

Getaway

I wrote a few issues ago about a formal annual retreat to a cabin-house in upstate Michigan. There I spent several days reflecting on the year, then looking forward to next year.

Another opportunity arose for a second mini-retreat, this one to refine the previous findings. Spawned by my interest in renting a Tiny Home for a few days, one with a cabin-in-the-woods vibe and aptly named Getaway Houses, I took three-night, two-day mini-retreat. The cool part is, assuming my stay turns out to be good, these Tiny Homes are available in 23 locations across the continental U.S.

As I write this, it’s near dusk on my first day here. Are they a good place to stay for a few days or longer? Is their setup conducive to “take very little, come back refreshed” (my slogan, not theirs)? Read on to find out.

Many readers know I spent a good part of two years living in a camper van and traveling the country. Those two vans were between 150 and 170 square feet. So staying in a cozy space with adaptations and do-withouts is familiar to me. Plus, I’ve looked at and fantasized about Tiny Homes,probably since they first became a popular notion, yet never stayed in one.

So what are Getaway Homes?

They are a typical Tiny Home, built on a trailer frame and towable. Designed and finished out with all the usual creature comforts: heat, A/C, hot water, toilet/shower, kitchen with sink/stove burners/refrigerator, queen bed/bedding, table/chair, and the usual kitchen plates/cutlery and bedding/towels. Placed on the site strategically, they’re leveled, then set up for a more or less permanent installation (meaning, connected to utilities, bottom skirt around for insulation, etc.). Outside, there’s a firepit, two patio chairs, and a firebox with wood and starter (wood/starter are extra $). They also have one- or two-queen-bed options (two stack bunk-bed style).

Incredibly ideal setup for a one-person getaway, or an intimate couple. For me, as a solo traveler, they’re perfect.

The one thing that struck me as soon as I turned off pavement on to the dirt road running through this site of 45 cabins/tiny homes, was the intentional minimalistic little touches throughout the site. From the discrete signage to each cabins setup and significant separation from other cabins, to the inside decor, utensils, and set up.

Glamping comes to mind as a descriptive term for these, since everything was top-notch quality, but in a minimalist design way. Nothing visually lavish, but suited to purpose in a classy simple vibe. The interior walls/ceiling of the cabins are unfinished pine boards, flooring all subdued commercial carpet. Bed has a down coverlet and four pillows, all in white (bath linens plain white too). Kitchen setup in stainless with high-quality utensils, pots/pans, and enameled dinnerware (including camping-style aluminum hot mugs and enameled drinking cups). They even provide a Tivoli radio with a bluetooth setting I used to connect my iPhone for some voice-less new age ambient background music as I wrote, planned, and plotted.

While this article sounds like a promo for the company, it’s only because (for me) it was that good of a setup and worth shouting about. I’m here in the early winter, where temps outside were high 30s daytime, low 20s nighttime. Not conducive to sitting outside, but I managed a nice half-mile hike through one of the two woodland trails cleared for guest use. Even their tasteful choices showed there, with trailhead pillars at entrances, and red triangular metal blaze markers frequent enough to stay on the trail. Nice touches. The whole site has a “feature nature, minimize signs” approach which I appreciate.

Back Home

So, what’s my verdict? Not only will I come here again since it’s within 90 minutes of home, but expect to stay at one of these in other locations if it aligns with my travels. Rate-wise it’s comparable to AirBnB, yet unlike there, you can expect the same setup at each of the Getaway Houses locations. Anyone who’s frequently uses AirBnB has their own tales about inconsistent cleanliness, ambiance, and the dreaded “doesn’t really look like the pictures.”

The company also runs discount deals and packages frequently (or at least so far in the three months since I reserved this one under a 25% off deal), so pays to stay on their mailing list.

My two full days here were relaxing and unwinding. I accomplished a lot of writing and planning in two short days and benefited from the quiet location that was absolutely pitch black dark at night. My only regret? Cold weather kept me from spending much time outside and cloudy nights from the rare treat of having full stars in the night sky so close to home.

Think you want to try one of these? If so, please use this link to reserve. You’ll get $25 off your first visit and I’ll get a nice credit to on my next Getaway in the woods! Win-win.

The owl is probably my favorite bird/wildlife denizen. I thought I knew a lot about them, but after reading Jennifer Ackerman’s delightful and educational What An Own Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds I realize I know comparatively very little about owls!

If you enjoyed Ed Yong’s books (e.g., An Immense World or I Contain Multitudes) and his deep dive into research and clear scientific explanations, then you’ll love Ackerman’s Owl Knows book. I find Yong’s books fascinating but hard to read except in spurts because he goes so deep and shares so many tangential nuggets. Ackerman’s Owl Knows is the same broad pursuit of science and history, but easier to read since she doesn’t quite go as deep at Yong.

Odd Socks: a free, alternate-Wednesdays newsletter written by Gary Varner. Subscribe for fresh, emailed new releases. Product links are affiliates, but don’t affect your purchase price yet help support Odd Socks.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #9

I write here about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus four bonus sections. Enjoy!

If not already a subscriber, please click to join to get my free biweekly newsletter delivered to your inbox every other Wednesday!

Hiatus

No matter what work you do, whether in creative pursuits or attending to your day job, it helps to take a break now and then from the familiar.

I’m taking December off from Odd Socks, mostly due to a special project I’m deeply working, one that won’t go public early spring 2024. It’s distracting me from the other things on my plate, so I think it’s time to take a slight break writing Odd Socks.

Writing or any creative work is challenging to work consistently. I know several published authors who work book projects to completion, then take 2-3 months off to refresh. I also know authors who churn out books and rarely pause between, quickly beginning the new work once the previous one’s released into the world.

This is not the first time I’ve taken a purposeful hiatus from creative pursuits. Each time I’ve returned a bit more enthusiastic about the work and with fresh thoughts. My December hiatus is not because I’m bored with Odd Socks or stuck for new ideas, but the break will give me a boost in interest come January when I’m back at it.

Just a short article this time, but I’ve doubled up on Laughs and Insights below to tide you over until the new year.

I remember when Alexander McCall Smith debuted his soon-to-be bestselling series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. I read the first book, or rather a dozen pages, didn’t like it and didn’t finish it. Since then, he’s written nearly 80 books and is a worldwide success.

On a lark, I picked up his latest book in the Detective Varq series at my library, not sure if I’d like it. The cover and dust jacket blurb were enough to get me to at least check it out and, well, check it out! This time around I’m enjoying his writing, the quirky characters, and so far, the surprises around every plot corner.

If you’re looking for a fun mystery or enjoy Smith’s other books, you might enjoy reading how this quirky Swede works his obscure but curious detective cases.

Odd Socks: a free, alternate-Wednesdays newsletter written by Gary Varner. Subscribe for fresh, emailed new releases. Product links are affiliates, but don’t affect your purchase price yet help support Odd Socks.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #8

I write here about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus four bonus sections. Enjoy!

If not already a subscriber, please click to join to get my free biweekly newsletter delivered to your inbox every other Wednesday!

Art Therapy

We all have a lot to think about these days, and much of it isn’t exactly positive stuff. Hopefully, each of us can find ways to mute the noise, or if lucky, turn it off all together.

I like many, turn to lots of walking, especially in nature, to help de-stress and relax. Works fairly well, but the thing with walking is your mind is still racing, replaying, regurgitating, and reacting to all the monkey-mind stuff in your head.

There’s only been a few activities over the years where, at least for me, it’s been possible to completely turn off the “noise” for a bit. Being engrossed in a movie, or deep inside a book works somewhat, although neither foolproof against nasty negativity to leak in uninvited.

Lately, through my rediscovered love of sketching and drawing, I found an ideal activity to focus thoughts on just that activity. It’s hard to think about anything else while sketching, drawing, painting, etc. The effect is like beach combing with eyes focused on finding seashells or, if lucky, a whole intact sand dollar. Strolling along on the sand with the sound of waves lapping the beachfront always shuts out everything else. Sketching, for me, has that same effect.

I’ve been devoting a small block of time each day to retreat into my sketch journals. During October, the Promptober Sketching Challenge made me aware of the benefit of concentrating on sketching for long periods of time. I’ve felt the same thing happening when I’ve been out urban sketching and sitting on a stool, shifting gaze and thoughts between the real thing I was sketching, and on the paper where I was interpreting it.

Anyone can sketch. You don’t need special pencils or pens, or even special paper. I have artist friends that sketch and draw constantly, and much of the time they do it on whatever paper is available. So if that is what’s been keeping you from picking up a pencil and doodling, or drawing the cat, you needn’t let that hold you back. Sketching is not only an effective form of mental therapy, it’s a free one, too!

As I progress my sketching skills, I’ll start sharing more of what I’m doing here in the newsletter. I’m waiting to be more comfortable sharing something, and then I’ll sketch a bit to accompany an article instead of finding a stock photograph.

Holiday Feasting

Ah, what a fantastic two months for a foodie. First the cherished tradition of the Thanksgiving meal, then next month another feast celebrating the late December holiday of your choice (all of them with special foods and meals).

Surrounding those are the usual holiday treats and munchies that make weight control difficult. If you’re in an ongoing weight-loss routine (hand raised on both accounts), such temptations seriously test even the stoutest of willpowers.

Moderation is the name of the game, but there’s not much fun in that! I plan to survive the blitz of deliciousness by eating lighter meals, enjoying goodies to taste (rather than making them a meal), and taking more daily walks to help offset the calorie bombardment. Still, it’s a challenge.

Memories of Thanksgiving family dinners through the years range from incredible food to amazing locations to the value of being with certain people more than the food or location. In recent years, I’ve made the Thanksgiving feast for my two boys. In my mind, it’s a family tradition continuing on; to theirs, it’s the chance for a huge (free) leftover haul to take back to their apartment to eat on for days.

One particularly memorable Thanksgiving happened during a time when my younger son was aboard a Navy sub somewhere in the Pacific, leaving me and my older son to handle feast duties. Deciding not to do a meal at my house, I drove up to Toledo, picked up my son, and we tried to find somewhere holiday-ish to eat, but with most places closed or just offering the usual, we thought we’d failed.

Happening upon a Boston Market, we noticed their huge “Thanksgiving Feast” banner, and enjoyed a surprisingly good complete Thanksgiving meal, including decent pumpkin pie. But what made it more poignant and memorable were the laughs and talk we had with just the two of us scrambling to hold to our traditional feast.

Whatever you do or wherever you go, I hope you enjoy the coming holiday feasts (with the requisite pumpkin pie in the north, and pecan pie in the south) for both the food and spending time with those you care about.

This month I’m sharing a quirky novel (seems most of the novels I enjoy lately are quirky). It’s a bit dark, slightly macabre, and set in a medieval time and place (yet is not a formulaic medieval story per se).

Lapvona by Odessa Moshfegh is a read you won’t soon forget. I’ve also read her Homesick for Another World which I also recommend. She is not a new writer, but one that avoids expected form and surprises the reader.

A couple of my current Apple Music listens are worth sharing. The first you can find on other audio streaming services, but the second is a curated Apple Music playlist (you can probably find a similar playlist on the other services).

Chickenfoot (band)

Despite the weird name, this is (was) a rock super group formed by Sammy Hagar (Montrose, Van Halen), Joe Satriani (guitar virtuoso), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Michael Anthony (Van Halen). As one would expect, this lineup rocks hard. It’s my current favorite playlist while walking/jogging around my fitness club’s inside track. I used to listen to mellow, new-agey stuff while doing the donut loop, but it mellowed me out and slowed my pace. Instead, Chickenfoot has me walking like a strutting chicken (er, more like a rooster), resulting in a better aerobic exercise.

Dark Ambient Music (Apple Music playlist)

Think of the usual new-agey mood music, but with a dark and poignant twist. Nice background music to listen to while sketching or writing, since it’s instrumental sans vocals. Unlike the usual mellow chill-type ambient music, dark ambient offers similar music but edgier and slightly moody. I find it keeps me from mellowing out yet intensifies my concentration. Check it out if you’re on Apple Music, or consider listening to a dark ambient music playlist to help concentrate on whatever you’re creating.

Odd Socks: a free, alternate-Wednesdays newsletter written by Gary Varner. Subscribe for fresh, emailed new releases. Product links are affiliates, but don’t affect your purchase price yet help support Odd Socks.

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Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #7

I write here about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus four bonus sections. Enjoy!

If not already a subscriber, please click to join to get my free biweekly newsletter delivered to your inbox every other Wednesday!

Retreat to Renew

Most years over the past decade, I’ve gone off somewhere during the last two weeks of the year for my Annual Retreat. It’s a time for me to be alone, reflect on the year, and look forward to (plan) the coming year. But it’s not yet the end of the year, you might be thinking!

Lately, our “years” are anything but normal. In fact, we should stop using that word associated with just about everything in life, the planet, and world events. We’re in an era of go-with-the-flow and not always in a good way.

So this year, based on several factors, I did my retreat in October and went north in Michigan, where I could catch some color. Through AirBnB I found a cabin of sorts not too far away, but enough to feel isolated from my (oops … almost said “normal”) daily routines. My checklist of places suitable included in the woods, a wood-burning fireplace, within 30 minutes of a town with stuff (e.g., good grocery store, and coffee shop options), and Wi-Fi/power. Not a tough list to match, but finding a place during fall colors season is tougher when one waits until a month before to reserve!

As the photos show, I found a gem that met all my needs and was comfortable to boot. Did not mention hot water on my list, but this place had that in plenty and an awesome shower to boot. Being alone during this week-long stay, I wasn’t concerned if it didn’t have a shower. Since no one’s here to be offended, I’m experienced from vanlife to survive for a week without a shower or bath.

As I write this, I still have a few days left here. When Odd Socks publishes, I’ll be back at home and living the (more) civilized life, some would say. As for my retreat’s agenda? Did everything I wanted to do and relaxed more than usual.

I would recommend anyone take at least a few days off at the end of the year to do a personal reflection/planning retreat. Not a vacation spot, just somewhere away from your usual responsibilities. Best is a place where you can be alone with your thoughts, have time to reflect, take walks, ponder, write, and renew yourself for the coming anything-but-normal year.

Turn the Page

Jeez … is it November already? As I shared last issue, October is my fave month, yet every dang year it seems to fly past faster than a deadline one doesn’t want to do.

Still, Fall and all that. November, after October, is my favorite familia month, with a history of fond memories since my youth. I grew up in a house with a traditional Thanksgiving feast, either just our family or alternating with the rest of the dispersed clan. But more on that in a later issue nearer to feast day (or, despite math geeks in March, Pie Day as far as this never-too-much-whipped-cream-on-pumpkin-pie kind of guy is concerned).

October is usually the first month of brisk weather, with November often being a transitory month and typically milder. Or is it that October is the first chill and by November, our bodies acclimate to the new cold? Bookended by December and it’s holiday madness, November’s a pretty chill (attitude-wise) month. Until Black Friday arrives. If, like me, you lived before the retail madness of Black Friday began, then you just shake your head in dismay every BF.

Until the National Novel Writing Month challenge (NaNoWriMo) came into my life during Novembers, I enjoyed it as a laid back month. This is the first year in the last 10 or so that I won’t be doing NaNo. I’m sure I’ll find things to take up the newly available November days. Plenty of chill weather for blankets, books, accidental naps, and walks in the brisk air.

This month features a novel that I read in two nights. Yea, while I rarely read fiction, occasionally one grabs me and I enjoy it. Didn’t hurt that I’m an all-things-medieval buff, but I think anyone who’d love a good, suspenseful, strong characterization story would enjoy this.

The Book Industry Study Group (BISCG) puts Haven by Emma Donoghue in the Action & Adventure, Historical - Medieval, Sea Stories topics. Eh … close enough. It’s a deep story on how blind religious fervor leads to suffering and disconnection, while being a study of how interpersonal relations build and break apart under isolation from others.

Summarily, it’s the story of three monks who leave an Irish monastery to set off in search of a island void of any former or current human influence. The lead monk yearns to find a place to do God’s work without the influence of civilization and picks two monks to go with him.

The eventual location is a place I’ve thought about a lot: Skellig Michael, a craggy spire of an island off the coast of Ireland. It’s true a group of monks settled there and set up a monastery of sorts, but Star Wars fans will know this more as the place where the aged Luke Skywalker retreated to in his elder years in The Force Awakens.

That’s all you get from me, other than to say it’s well researched and written, and, as with most novels I enjoy, not too long!

The photo above shows the hardback cover (left) and the paperback cover (right). In pulling the photos, I liked both and couldn’t decide which to share.

This issue features a part-listen/part-backdrop YouTube channel by Cozy Coffee Shop. They prepare and share themed, motion images with Jazz music for when you want something that sounds nice and looks great running on your TV, laptop, or extra monitor while you’re working.

Not normally a fan of full-screen static things like this, plus the constant bandwidth, but there’s a place for these, I suppose. This channel does some very creative things and imaginative themes. I’ve had one of their Halloween Jazz videos up on my laptop today as I’m doing some sketching.

If this is your thing, or are just curious, check this Haunted House Halloween Ambience with Spooky Background Jazz Music & Fireplace Sounds to Relax, Sleep release. Yes, I know … Halloween’s behind us now, but some of us pumpkin nerds are slow to let go. After all, it’s a WHOLE FRIGGIN’ YEAR before we get to ingest pumpkin spice in mass quantities again.

Worth checking out! There are a lot of other themes to choose from on this channel. And if you like this sort of thing, several other YouTubers produce similar content, so you might search for them.

Odd Socks: a free, alternate-Wednesdays newsletter written by Gary Varner. Subscribe for fresh, emailed new releases. Product links are affiliates, but don’t affect your purchase price yet help support Odd Socks.

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