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.
alanlake
500 Words (on publishing except when it isn’t and this wk it’s not) #43- It’s Getting Better All The Time
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 […]
500 Words
(on publishing except
when it isn’t and
this wk it’s not)
#42 Pain is Inevitable.
Suffering is Optional.
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.
500 Words – Closed for Repairs
500 Words
500 Words-
on publishing except
when it isn’t
#40 RIP Q
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.
500 Words #28- So Many Words
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.
500 words #23 – The Storyteller
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.
500 Words #22- “Art Is Only Abandoned, Never Finished”
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.
500 Words #21- That Time I Filled A Bathtub With Chocolate Mousse
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…