Here's To Beto Days (052522)
Reflecting on an American hero in Texas, why I've been MIA on my Substack, and how the radio brings a smile to my face. Day 63! What's on your mind today?
Did you know that back in the day the courageous Mr. Beto O’Rourke was part of a rock band named “FOSS” formed in El Paso, Texas? I adore this man. One of my dear friends in Austin (and a rock star who performed at my wedding) wrote me this yesterday when we were messaging about Beto, “I live in Texas. My faith in the electorate is minimal at best. The red is deep in the country, the rural underbelly entrenched and indoctrinated, and the oil interests even further to the right, to protect their interests. LBJ was no saint, to be sure, but he would puke if he saw what was going on now.”
Two months after starting this newsletter, I wanted to scale back on the daily posts because my second book is (finally!) coming together, and the weather is getting nicer in Western Massachusetts! I’m devoting more time to setting up an outside office in the afternoons. And if you’re curious about my first book, you can find it here! (Or message me, and I’ll send out a personally signed copy for you!) https://www.amazon.com/Better-Worse-Short-Stories-Tantalizing/dp/1519373821
Do you still listen to the radio? I always have our kitchen Alexa tuned to WWOZ in New Orleans, and it makes me smile, dance around, just be. It made me tear up today when my dear friend (who happens to be a fabulous bartender) was interviewed on-air promoting a “drink with purpose” event coming up to benefit first-responders in NOLA. Some people are good deep down… sometimes.
I love the pic of Mr. Snugs, the troubadour, and I'm so happy to hear the update on your next book. Very cool! I will say this about Beto: He showed tremendous courage yesterday, telling off the sitting TX governor who failed miserably to connect the dots between the terrible tragedy and horror in his own state with the obscene proliferation of guns there. Abbott has betrayed the sacred trust the voters put in him. Shame on him and his ilk. Your friend in TX is completely right about LBJ. He would hate what's going on in his once-great state. Beto reminds me a lot of RFK, who, had he lived, would very likely have been LBJ's successor. Finally I love what your friend in NOLA is doing to support first-responders. They, like Beto, are courageous and what is good in the big world out there. Cheers to that. I've missed your MATs but totally understand now, and I always look forward to the next installment.
Sneak attack photo! Lol. I love our afternoons playing tunes and enjoying the outdoors. It’s such a luxury! And Beto is an incredibly courageous human. That’s what we need right now. Can I also say that I’m incredibly proud of the progress you’re making on your second book? You’re amazing Mrs Snugs!! ❤️❤️❤️