personal

 I use social media to let people know I am still alive when I don’t show up at the bar in Dallas. Beyond that, I find myself increasingly disconnected from, and troubled by, social media. It’s the era of everyone believing they are a star… the whole world is watching them every moment of the day. No talent or training required, no unique character needed. 

Alas, I am currently in Madrid, Spain, after a week in the South of France. France was work, this is holiday… but I am surrounded by people who are at a company event, and it makes me feel like I am working. It should not trouble me, the view is beautiful and the alcohol is flowing. Madrid is a wonderful city, my old home, one I cannot get tired of. It seems a little busier these days, but that may be because I am used to living in Texas where there is more space and less people. 

                  In terms of global events, it was feared that we might be heading towards a new nazi Germany in the USA… but, reading a book published in Germany in 1919, Demian by Hermann Hesse, and then reading the notes and letters written about it after World War II, I realize that we are not heading towards it, we are well and truly there. The behaviour was identical, even as far as the hatred that rose in a wave of nationalism, just as we have today in the US. So, I can only look at Germany today, some 80 years on from those events, and feel hope. Sadly, a country I always admired and wanted to live in, the USA, has had to suffer so much turmoil during the time that I finally made it there thanks to those who lead through hatred and fear. 

                  But our problems are more intimate and personal than all of that. Yes, we must be aware of politics, and we should contribute and fight for what we believe is right and fair, and that which leads to a better life for all. But, on a personal level, travelling the world and trying to meet old friends is almost impossible. There used to be a meme, or one thousand memes, about Europeans taking it easy and not stressing about work whilst Americans are sending emails from their death beds. I can confirm that it is quite different now. Even the creative, liberal, progressives that I was in bands with, or who are ex-lovers, are now all too busy with work to meet. Even on a Sunday, or an evening. Or, perhaps, time simply passes and they no longer wish to see me. The lonely lost… only they want to see me. The beautiful and desired, they are as scarce as a day without bad news. 

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