It's not only being comfortable with being uncomfortable, it's being comfortable with being invisible. Sometime around the 55 mark I began to be harder and harder to see. I need to raise my voice to be heard, wave my hands to be served. It's OK though. Solitude has it's advantages....
Pete, I was invisible after about age 4. But I know what you mean. Great post the other day about a guy sitting alone in the diner. Many assume th guy is lonely or has no life. But he might be exactly where he wants to be, making no compromises, happy to be out, ordering whatever he likes, wise to the world. Instead of youthful looks, we now get wisdom. Not such a bad trade.
I loved your quote about comfort and discomfort. And I thought to myself it definitely is where growth, courage and even joy tend to live. Thank you for those simple but strong words.
I pray for you too Chris, and thank you for thinking of us. When I see you walking White Fang I am inspired by your strength and spirit. Keep on keepin' on. It's all we can do....
Are unshaven faces passed over for jury duty? Or for women, maybe it's the snoring? I suppose a profound and disturbing doctor's note could work. Life's little mysteries.
Cheryl, I did find out what DOESN'T work for an excuse to be dismissed. As we were all being interviewed by the judge, a no-nonsense, slightly sardonic Judge Judy type, she asked one potential juror if he had any medical conditions that would prevent him from serving. "Yes, Your Honor. I have high cholesterol." Needless to say, she didn't excuse him. Nice try, though.
Hey gang, sometimes the comments are as good or better than my posted piece. I think this is one of those times. Thank you for enhancing the experience with your words. Cheers!
Barb, I am a little bit jealous that you got to meet Chris and tell him face to face how much you (we, all of us) enjoy his work! Thanks for being our spokesperson. As for you, Chris, knowing I, we, all of us are in your and White Fang's daily prayers gives me great hope and joy. As for Steve C., we could all do way worse than to emulate his on-screen and hopefully IRL too sweet kindness. Thanks for another great post. Any defendent who is innocent should demand to have you on their jury.
I have actually always wanted to be on a jury, but being self employed with mouths to feed, I always get excused. If and when I ever get to retire, if I still have all my marbles, I would show up for every summons and hope to get picked. I would probably be the Bag Lady on that jury.
The Office Ladies Podcast hosts, actors Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, always praise Steve Carell for being a wonderful human being and a kind and generous number one on the call sheet. It gives me hope. Thanks for your column and the expanded photo drop each week.
That's good to hear. Since I mentioned him, several people have said they've run into him in supermarkets and such, and he is always very kind and genuine. Does give you hope.
I've been a fan of yours for years. I'll never forget that perhaps earlier this year or last year I saw you sitting by Gate 4 at Burbank airport as I was getting off the plane we just took home from Seattle (landed at Gate 5). I said hello and told you how much I enjoy reading your columns. I always chuckle a time or two when I read your column. This column was wonderful, as always. Barb
Hi Barb, please never approach me like that in public again. Just kidding! I remember that. Not sure how you spotted me in the congested hallway. Looking forward to the new, bigger Burbank airport. But will miss the simplicity and familiarity of the old one. Cheers!
Look at you, Forrest, bringing your rich poetry to Substack! I agree, comfort is a state of mind. And I agree that you, more than most of us, are both young and old, but mostly young. Cheers, my friend.
Funny thing, but my Gen Y nephew Paul and I were shopping last week at the North Hollywood Gelson's and ran right into Steve Carrell in the bread aisle (for real). Or was that you, Chris? There really is a commonality. My nephew doesn't live in the land of celebs, so he just had to say something to Steve, and remarked about Steve's best-known role as a clueless & difficult boss. Steve struck me as comfortable with being uncomfortable in that moment, smiled, muttered "Thank you," and we all moved on with our common, mundane task. Life in Hollywood, where I toiled for 40 years...
David, that's so good to hear. I suspect Steve Carell could send someone out to buy the bread, but I appreciate that he does it himself. I suspect he needs connection, just as we all do. Isolation is the enemy. That's why we hold Happy Hour Hikes, as we did yesterday. It was great to see you both!
You are anything but a simple man--expressively creative, semantically talented, and devoted to a lovingly selective honesty in expressing your experience of your own domestic zeitgeist embedded in the unique hydra of L.A. life. It is the intimate whimsy of your usual tone that I find so disarming. I think Bittner and the others are the fortunate ones. Steve Carell eat your heart out; or better yet, drive across town and hang with your personified self.
Like you, I still believe kindness counts and that God has a plan. Prayer sustains me and gives me hope. Your writing helps sustain me as well - I couldn't imagine starting a Wednesday or Saturday without you. Thank you for being a shining example of kindness and good in this hurting world.
Lisa, you're far too kind. I'm like everybody else, except I tend to overshare. Sometimes it must seem like too much, but I'm glad you're with me every Wednesday and Saturday.
I always looked forward to being called to jury duty. Met a better class of criminals than the ones I worked with! Was on a murder trial once, very tough, but interesting. By the way, that statue at the Lutheran Church of the Foothills was designed by the artist, Lowell Grant. I have a story about that you might be interested in sometime
Along with several other of your readers, I too will accept the grace of your and White Fang's prayers. I figure that praying for someone or something something at worst, can do no harm, and at best, just might help.
This morning I was reading the Entertainment section of yesterday's LA Times, and I noticed that in Mikael Wood's interview with Jeff Tweedy, the concept of being comfortable with being uncomfortable came up at some length. I just thought that it is a bit of synchronicity. (I read your column when it first posted early this morning.)
I agree with you in looking for the good in other people, for seeing the good in life. There are days when I feel as if I cannot endure other people's negative attitudes much more, and then I get out for a walk and the sun's shining and it's just a gorgeous day outside, and experiencing the beauty in the world helps. So, *fangs* for the reminders!
Kay, well said. I think we're programmed, through childhood and school, to be like everybody else. We should be celebrating our true selves, right? That's the good stuff. And, yes, prayers are a form of hope. We can all use a bit more of that. Hugs.
It's not only being comfortable with being uncomfortable, it's being comfortable with being invisible. Sometime around the 55 mark I began to be harder and harder to see. I need to raise my voice to be heard, wave my hands to be served. It's OK though. Solitude has it's advantages....
Pete, I was invisible after about age 4. But I know what you mean. Great post the other day about a guy sitting alone in the diner. Many assume th guy is lonely or has no life. But he might be exactly where he wants to be, making no compromises, happy to be out, ordering whatever he likes, wise to the world. Instead of youthful looks, we now get wisdom. Not such a bad trade.
I loved your quote about comfort and discomfort. And I thought to myself it definitely is where growth, courage and even joy tend to live. Thank you for those simple but strong words.
Thanks, Kathy. Sometimes life is pretty simple, right? Work hard. Treat others well. Embrace joy and gratitude.
I pray for you too Chris, and thank you for thinking of us. When I see you walking White Fang I am inspired by your strength and spirit. Keep on keepin' on. It's all we can do....
I admit I was wrong about MizLizzie growing Puddles' curls.
It takes a lot of effort from both of them.
Are unshaven faces passed over for jury duty? Or for women, maybe it's the snoring? I suppose a profound and disturbing doctor's note could work. Life's little mysteries.
Sorry, my autocorrect gave you a new name, Cher!
Cheryl, I did find out what DOESN'T work for an excuse to be dismissed. As we were all being interviewed by the judge, a no-nonsense, slightly sardonic Judge Judy type, she asked one potential juror if he had any medical conditions that would prevent him from serving. "Yes, Your Honor. I have high cholesterol." Needless to say, she didn't excuse him. Nice try, though.
Hey gang, sometimes the comments are as good or better than my posted piece. I think this is one of those times. Thank you for enhancing the experience with your words. Cheers!
Barb, I am a little bit jealous that you got to meet Chris and tell him face to face how much you (we, all of us) enjoy his work! Thanks for being our spokesperson. As for you, Chris, knowing I, we, all of us are in your and White Fang's daily prayers gives me great hope and joy. As for Steve C., we could all do way worse than to emulate his on-screen and hopefully IRL too sweet kindness. Thanks for another great post. Any defendent who is innocent should demand to have you on their jury.
Caroll, it’s strange. I wouldn’t mind being on a jury. But lately, I never get past the jury pool room. Still, I show up.
I have actually always wanted to be on a jury, but being self employed with mouths to feed, I always get excused. If and when I ever get to retire, if I still have all my marbles, I would show up for every summons and hope to get picked. I would probably be the Bag Lady on that jury.
The Office Ladies Podcast hosts, actors Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, always praise Steve Carell for being a wonderful human being and a kind and generous number one on the call sheet. It gives me hope. Thanks for your column and the expanded photo drop each week.
That's good to hear. Since I mentioned him, several people have said they've run into him in supermarkets and such, and he is always very kind and genuine. Does give you hope.
I've been a fan of yours for years. I'll never forget that perhaps earlier this year or last year I saw you sitting by Gate 4 at Burbank airport as I was getting off the plane we just took home from Seattle (landed at Gate 5). I said hello and told you how much I enjoy reading your columns. I always chuckle a time or two when I read your column. This column was wonderful, as always. Barb
Hi Barb, please never approach me like that in public again. Just kidding! I remember that. Not sure how you spotted me in the congested hallway. Looking forward to the new, bigger Burbank airport. But will miss the simplicity and familiarity of the old one. Cheers!
Like many a phrase of Nohemi's
The truth there lies in Summer breeze
Blowing in one's inner ear
Not like so many things you hear
These days seeming by decree;
So being young while also old
I accept little of what I'm told
Less of what I read, and yet
Still wander on the internet--
A wilderness where truth is sold
And buy little I can vet
For there is little you can get
In media, but here there's wise
Meaning that is just my size
Thank you dear, now I'm all set...
To be at ease with a time
That's uneasy yet sublime
You know how little that you know
Yet live as if otherwise was so
When many things no longer rhyme;
So knowing this I can rehearse
living life like much modern verse:
Arhythmic, bumpy, time a ride
Uncomfortable, but I'll abide
For the alternatives are worse;
Could chaos ever be your friend?
I dunno; we'll see at the end
For now the style full of change
Is the one that seems least strange
So what is the message sent?
If old, change is where time went
If young, where you're being sent
Comfort thus a state of mind
At any age you fly blind
Where you land self evident
So be at ease with fate's intent
The bumps life's daily accident
The ride what counts it is clear
Also that you cannot steer
So relax, It's no place for fear..
Life's self-driving car has got you, dear.....
Search media for "truth" I can vet
Look at you, Forrest, bringing your rich poetry to Substack! I agree, comfort is a state of mind. And I agree that you, more than most of us, are both young and old, but mostly young. Cheers, my friend.
Being comfortable w being uncomfortable translates to being old and not worrying about it
So true! Thank you.
Funny thing, but my Gen Y nephew Paul and I were shopping last week at the North Hollywood Gelson's and ran right into Steve Carrell in the bread aisle (for real). Or was that you, Chris? There really is a commonality. My nephew doesn't live in the land of celebs, so he just had to say something to Steve, and remarked about Steve's best-known role as a clueless & difficult boss. Steve struck me as comfortable with being uncomfortable in that moment, smiled, muttered "Thank you," and we all moved on with our common, mundane task. Life in Hollywood, where I toiled for 40 years...
David, that's so good to hear. I suspect Steve Carell could send someone out to buy the bread, but I appreciate that he does it himself. I suspect he needs connection, just as we all do. Isolation is the enemy. That's why we hold Happy Hour Hikes, as we did yesterday. It was great to see you both!
You are anything but a simple man--expressively creative, semantically talented, and devoted to a lovingly selective honesty in expressing your experience of your own domestic zeitgeist embedded in the unique hydra of L.A. life. It is the intimate whimsy of your usual tone that I find so disarming. I think Bittner and the others are the fortunate ones. Steve Carell eat your heart out; or better yet, drive across town and hang with your personified self.
I think Carell is a deeply talented man, yet his saving grace is his commonality. Lind of like you, FG.
Like you, I still believe kindness counts and that God has a plan. Prayer sustains me and gives me hope. Your writing helps sustain me as well - I couldn't imagine starting a Wednesday or Saturday without you. Thank you for being a shining example of kindness and good in this hurting world.
Lisa, you're far too kind. I'm like everybody else, except I tend to overshare. Sometimes it must seem like too much, but I'm glad you're with me every Wednesday and Saturday.
I always looked forward to being called to jury duty. Met a better class of criminals than the ones I worked with! Was on a murder trial once, very tough, but interesting. By the way, that statue at the Lutheran Church of the Foothills was designed by the artist, Lowell Grant. I have a story about that you might be interested in sometime
Jan, good for you for serving justice. Meanwhile, I want to hear the statue story. Please email me at Letters@ChrisErskineLA.com
Along with several other of your readers, I too will accept the grace of your and White Fang's prayers. I figure that praying for someone or something something at worst, can do no harm, and at best, just might help.
This morning I was reading the Entertainment section of yesterday's LA Times, and I noticed that in Mikael Wood's interview with Jeff Tweedy, the concept of being comfortable with being uncomfortable came up at some length. I just thought that it is a bit of synchronicity. (I read your column when it first posted early this morning.)
I agree with you in looking for the good in other people, for seeing the good in life. There are days when I feel as if I cannot endure other people's negative attitudes much more, and then I get out for a walk and the sun's shining and it's just a gorgeous day outside, and experiencing the beauty in the world helps. So, *fangs* for the reminders!
Kay, well said. I think we're programmed, through childhood and school, to be like everybody else. We should be celebrating our true selves, right? That's the good stuff. And, yes, prayers are a form of hope. We can all use a bit more of that. Hugs.