First one's free...

...tell your friends.

I have an old friend named Steven. I say “old friend” sheepishly, as it’s been well over 20 years since we’ve seen each other. I keep tabs on him via social media, and it brings me joy that he’s a teacher. He was always dropping science and kicking the new k-nowledge (we share love and reverence for Beastie Boys’ sophomore/sophomoric release, Paul’s Boutique), and was one of my go-to guys when it came to discovering indie rock bands.

Steven reached out to me last week via messenger to share an article that he knew I’d dig. In doing so, he said “allow me to flatter you; your written voice merits a substack.” I had the same feeling that he elicited from me decades ago when he’d encourage me to check out bands like Archers of Loaf, Silver Jews, etc. I knew not of this “substack,” but if Steven Garnett was pushing it on me…then it would behoove me to check it out.

So, I did. You’re soaking in the result right now. As fate/destiny/kismet/serendipity would have it, last week I encountered and went through a relatively-terrifying health situation that continues to permeate every ounce of my being. It’s nowhere near over. Writing has always been one of the best forms of therapy for me, and this here platform can help me monetize that. For those of you who have told me, after reading my countless and verbose Facebook posts, “you should write a book,” well…this might be the first step.

Does it feel a tad cheesy to solicit money for my personal writings? Of course. But a quick look at the daunting potential medical costs for the situation in which I’ve found myself outweighs the clunkiness of The Cheese Factor. I guess I could put on a clown suit and charge people for a video “happy birthday” greeting or some nonsense, but that ain’t me. These are my words, this is my journey, and you can decide whether or not they’re worth your money. I will write frequently, if not prolifically, and I will share the most intimate of my thoughts with you in this space. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and thanks in advance to those of you who decide to subscribe. Be well.