An introspective reflection on life’s lessons, passions, and the pursuit of immortality through teaching and expression. From the improvisation of jazz to the artistry of writing, and the journey of self-discovery in food, music, and words. A heartfelt narrative on creativity, mentoring, and the wisdom of embracing life’s patterns and imperfections.
A heating pad bungee corded to my shin and thigh is the cleversolution to a problem my wife solved. My mainly recliner bound ass ishere to say a wearable heating pad feels great and is genius. Thank you, love. In the last week pain changed from tear your face off to sometimesnegligible. Sleep has returned after 2 months and most of the lack ofREM fog has lifted. Less consequences are felt after pushing it whichis… Read more: 500 Words </br> (on publishing except </br> when it isn’t and this wk it’s not) #43- It’s Getting Better All The Time
A chef recounts a painful journey battling lumbar radiculitis and arthritis while preparing for a dreaded out-of-town gig. Through resilience, love, and an unexpected mantra, he navigates sleepless nights, holistic remedies, and unwavering support from his wife—all while striving to uphold a 20-year tradition for a loyal client.
On November 5th Donald J. Trump- traitor, sociopath, felon, rapist and racist (for starters) was reelected with the help of propaganda (both domestic and foreign) and an electorate that cares more about the price of eggs than democracy.
Composer, Producer, Arranger, Player, Innovator, Bad Ass Motherfucker Quincy Jones has left the world one superlative, iconic, genius short. 75 years of shaping air to our liking from Basie, Ellington, Sinatra and Miles to Ray Charles, Michael Jackson and Joy Division. They sought him out as did hundreds of others too many to list, but a few good ones if i were going to list would be Leslie Gore’s “It’s My Party” or Austin Powers Soul Bossa Nova or the soundtracks to Roots, The Color Purple and Sanford and Son. Moody’s Mood For Love or We Are The World get honorable mention as well.
During it all I had a recording session and quite a bit of chef work to do which aggravated it considerably. Riding in a car hurts. So does sitting or sleeping in the wrong position. Hobbling more than a few steps? Forget about it. 2 trips to urgent care and double doses of Advil and Tylenol coupled with some Meloxicam, Lidocaine patches, CBD ointment, kinesthetic tape, a cane, a heating pad… nothing provides anything but brief relief. Lucky for me my ever loving wife sees to my every whimpering need. I’ve always been a bad patient and can’t imagine what I’d do without her.
Publishing wise the book covers are covered. Home Cookin’ The Stories Behind The Food via Midjourney (an advanced AI image generator utilizing text prompts) apparently preferred over ChatPT, or so I’m told by the people helping me. This from their website “explore the intersection of personality and aesthetics”. I’m paraphrasing what I’ve heard but it seems to humanize the machine, and therefore the image created. That you can do things, like ask it how it would do it better?
A 7:30 am Zoom call with a member of my authors group last week proved quite valuable. The reason for the early time was it was mid day where he lives in Ireland but I’m in Chicago 6 hrs behind. After our last call podcast host, strategic coach and expert authority accelerator Alastair McDermott took stock of my obvious shortcomings and kindly offered to help me use Linkedin (and the like) more effectively- in turn giving me sage advice for what up until this moment I’ve not known, or done wrong
I often have my best ideas in the swimming pool far from pen, paper or computer. Gazing through a skylight seeing tall buildings slowly
move through 30 panes of glass lends a cinematic effect as I swim by
watching the clouds groove to music. The ideas most often come in the form of what I should or shouldn’t have done and how I should or shouldn’t do it.
A little bit here and then a little more in time turns into something sizable. I’ve found it true in recording studios and restaurants and is the same in writing. Slowly building and achieving anything inch by inch is an arduous task often filled with doubt. The tenacity it takes for any project to come to fruition is a test of attrition. Success happens for those who don’t give up. So we muddle through misinformation, detour around obstacles and gather new insights-both how to and how not to, and when you look you see progress.
Some parts of the DIY method of publishing or making records are fun. Creating the content for one. I also enjoy conceptualizing and choosing the artwork for the covers. Marketing I fucking hate. Approached in need but with little knowledge, social media platforms can eat you up and spread you so thinly that you don’t do any of them justice.
Expounding on good timing and luck (and the need for it) we spoke about how people, in this case my phone mate, can make positive differences in someone’s life. The mensch factor was how I described it while acknowledging my thanks for her efforts on my behalf. Selfless acts of kindness I believe it’s called. Traits decent, noble people possess.
If you’re self-publishing you may not need this but if you’re attempting to place your work with a literary agent or publisher, a book proposal is a must.
Proofreading 277 pages of publication formatted manuscript (one of three no longer residing only in my computer monitor and undergoing similar treatment) was not how I thought I’d spend my week. Checking spacing and spelling and making last minute edits as per norm- they’re being prepared for publication because a friend likes my writing and made it happen as a gift.
Doing record sessions in LA we knew hits relied on multiple things and that talent was only 1 of the notes needed to strike the chord. Luck, connections and marketing abilities also come into play- things creators often lack (I know I do). Established artists have infrastructure in place doing it for them i.e. a record company.
I saw a comedian complaining about reading books. How there’s so many words page after page without a few blank ones in between so you can rest… but no, the words just keep coming. It was very funny and led me to consider how much worse it is writing them, in this case, 500 a week.
Write Fearlessly, Edit Mercilessly.
Words of writing wisdom applicable to many things. That said, a couple things happened last week to further my publishing quest. One was reading at an authors event which was a nice evening in a beautiful room filled with about 70 people. Surprised by the turnout, people listened and watched intently and by and large asked thoughtful questions.
At the beginning of the year this blog ostensibly on my publishing quest (now expanded) didn’t exist. Efforts regarding my manuscript Home Cookin’- The Stories Behind The Food were suspended in amber. It was my first client/now friend Melissa who suggested that stories are more like evergreens- and like good songs, have no expiration date.
A family reunion was the scene of my bondage. My plan last week was to familiarize myself more with Substack, Instagram, Linkedin and Twitter- but instead opted for swimming with unicorns, playing Candyland with Scarlett’s ever-changing rules and jumping on the bed.
Spent the better part of the week researching and editing a new Home Cookin’ profile I’m doing in order to finish the first draft. Hacen is the first subject in years that’s compelled me to write a new profile (with 20 others in the can). As a result I’ve been doing a deep dive into the Northwest Saharan African country of Mauritania where my subject escaped because hereditary racial slavery is still current events there as opposed to mainly legacy as it is here.
Transcribing recent interviews for the most powerful piece I’ve written for Home Cookin’- The Stories Behind The Food, my POV should be noted.
Storytellers relate anecdotes and recite tales and their narration makes the audience identify with scenarios and characters. Creativity, humor, timing and merciless editing (aka “killing your darlings”) are important skills to possess. AKA chronicler, fabulator, raconteur, griot, spinner of yarns or anecdotist.
I stopped writing “Home Cookin’- The Stories Behind The Food” a few years ago. I’d written 20 profiles, a seemingly respectable number that was already a couple hundred pages. After 100 unsolicited queries were unsuccessful, and then Covid – the manuscript wasn’t going anywhere so minimal effort was expended by moi.
Did my “influencer” dinner. They were lovely, appreciative and fun. It went well- but it was also arduous and turned into more than I bargained for. 8 courses became 2 menus filled with substitutions as vegans were in the house and it had to be soigné. Add some last minute menu requests, a 2nd floor load in with a heavy cooler and kitchen equipment, no (requested and agreed upon) parking spot, and a “do you mind if we go to the liquor store?” as I’m plating the amuse bouche…
There’s also been movement on some cyber stuff. A few podcast interviews are happening and another is a food shoot in NY for a possible internet show. Eat This Tv wants me to come to NY to tape a pilot. I’d have to get there on my own dime but they pay all production and I’d retain the rights. It’s worth a shot so will move forward with it.
I don’t need a ring or watch, but new cultural experiences I never tire of.
Having learned more from travel than from any book or class, and subscribing to the “you never lose when you invest in yourself” adage, it was time for a trip. Nearly 3 weeks in Europe were on the menu.
“In pursuit of joys untasted”
a quote from Verdi’s La Traviata could be my on my calling card just after “phoenix from the ashes.” A long standing pleasure junkie looking for his next fix is an accurate description of how I’ve led my life.
As a pleasure glutton that prefers collecting experiences over objects,
the Great Wall of China or sipping vintage port overlooking the Douro Valley wins over a Rolex or designer clothes. The rich tapestry that informs who I am over what I have gives me the mindset to draw upon as life enfolds.
The last one was filled with unpleasantries. A couple deaths, a doctor’s appointment I unnecessarily feared, a friend’s bad diagnosis, an insulting and dismissive business decision directed at someone I love.
On another note, the subject of what I believe will be among the most remarkable profiles I’ve written resurfaced and we’ve made arrangements to cook together next week so we can document his recipes.
This works twofold as it offers a relaxed environment for filling in the blanks of our initial interview. There’s always follow up questions and being in the same room cooking with guard down is often better than emailed responses to questions asked.
As is wont to happen with Home Cookin’ profile subjects, after agreeing to participate some come on board almost possessed to share their stories and others, not so much.
They’re reluctant and in need of gentle reassurance as most know trauma recently, if not currently.
Sharing thoughts in a blog or anywhere in public for that matter is a double edged sword. While spouting your impressions and feelings you run the risk of sounding vain or being misunderstood. Try as you might to be succinct in getting your point across with something you feel is obvious and without need of further explanation- that’s not
always the case for the reader and learned that first hand last week.
An open book with words still warm from reading. That’s the goal here. To publish a manuscript that takes you from page to heart and back. It’s more than writing though. In order for that happen besides luck, it’s understanding how it’s done by developing relationships and connections and marketing and all the other crap I’ve never cared about.
20 stories in and I’ve yet to hear anything like this. Missed an eclipse because I was with my new subject now brother, Hassan- but what he told me was equally significant.
In writing about the food that interested me most, that resonates deeper and vibrates at a higher level- it was more home cooked than hip cheffed. Meals in homes not restaurants. Home Cookin’s global course is of its own making, ending up including numerous newly arrived that are now citizens of our world.
Hearing peoples’ stories humanizes them. Often their accounts are stranger than fiction. Each chapter is an intimate profile of everyman/everywoman subjects’ lives in addition to some of their prized recipes that they graciously share.
Food reminds me of music and I cook like I play. Once I was good enough for other people to ask me about my cooking I coined a term defining it: “Jazzfood” i.e. solid technique coupled with tasteful improvisation.
Doing what you love as a career is a pleasure denied to most and the difference between existing and living.
Assorted arts, foods, cultures, music, books and travel nurtured me as a kid. It’s my comfort zone and get my mail there. Being a culinary sherpa, menu bully, non-fiction writing, pattern clashing, funky drummer comes naturally.
Melissa 1 has an ongoing zoom call amongst her authors every other week and invited me to sit in for an hour of knowledge and support from people in the same situation. So many good ideas, and so much good will I’m writing about it only moments afterward while still fresh in my mind. Smart thoughts on building symbiotic relationships with companies that may need content, like ancestry.com or even Sysco. Transference, approaches, proper packaging,… Read more: 500 Words #5 – <br/> Zoom Call Connections
The thought of working extended periods of time out of town haslost its appeal and the day to day reality of running restaurants,hotels or theaters is not one I’m interested in any longer. Notready to retire, in order to utilize 4+ decades of culinaryknowledge I write about food, and cooks in particular. Growing up in Chicago amongst the the Midwest’s overlooked andunsexy ordinary Americans, like Studs Terkel I share a fascinationwith everyday life but with… Read more: 500 words #4- <br/> Food As Connection
Since you can’t expect to see anything result wise 3 weeks in, let’s explore some fundamentals of marketing a brand in order to be ready if and when the muse shows up. It’s necessary to define your identity and purpose. Style elements, images, tag lines, websites, and social media are all part of that. For me if you need to see, taste or hear something of mine- that’s covered or at least under control. Then… Read more: 500 words #3- <br/> or what to do while <br/> waiting for the muse
con·tent2 /ˈkäntent/ noun noun: content An idea that turns into substance is content, and that would be me. Be it on the page or in a restaurant or recording studio… I’ve got plenty of ideas, leading to lots of content. 3 completed manuscripts and 50 feature articles, hundreds of songs written and produced with my partners over decades, 1,000’s of menus created and executed over 40+ years cooking and playing all over the world- but… Read more: 500 words #2: <br/> con·tent
Having Phoenix’ed from the ashes a few times, that’s not me isn’t me anymore so imma gonna do something I haven’t. Do what a friend suggests and step outside my comfort zone with no excuses no regrets. 500 words. That’s the length the algorithms and bots like. Hopefully same with you. Consistency too. Makes you easier to find if you’re always present and engaged. So, 500 words are what you’ll get from me every Wednesday… Read more: 500 Words – <br/> a Home Cookin’ Publishing Quest
