TheGins
@thegins
Opinionated + passionate about life: people, politics, music, culture. Dog dad. Public radio guy. Occasional writer.
The three stages of telling Annie Grace that I had to empty the vacuum canister twice in one session due to her floof. (Then she rolled over and resumed napping in full Not My Problem mode).
“Did I just step in drool?” is a real question I just asked aloud. Perpetrator was unavailable for comment…
The humor, the pathos, the wistfulness and wanton longing for days gone by and days that never happened…these poems blew my mind. Here’s a snippet of Now II & maybe it’ll spark something in you, too.
I’d tried for a couple years to get a copy of David Berman’s ‘Actual Air’ before finally finding a beautiful hardcover print via @bookshop.org a few weeks ago. It’d been referenced often in @lukeoneil47.bsky.social’s Hell World, piqued my curiosity, and somehow still exceeded expectations.
After two years or so of trying to track down a copy, today I received a beautiful hardcover edition of David Berman’s (RIP) poetry masterpiece”Actual Air.” So psyched I finally was able to get it via @bookshop.org!
Scenes from a low-key gem of a MDW in which Annie Grace hilariously made herself the center of attention at all times
Ever crack an egg, get a double yolk, and think “aww, it was gonna be twins?”
Annie Grace here would like to remind you that the most amazing puppies (and adult dogs like her) are available at shelters and rescues across the country. Skip the breeders and designer dogs. The best friend you’ll ever have is waiting for you right now at your local shelter/rescue. 🐾❤️🐾❤️
Amidst the madness of the moment, spending the weekend with two of the ladies I love most (along with a couple indulgent and f’n worth it sandwiches) was the real treat.
A short story from earlier this evening: “Annie, be patient. I’m working on my notorious impatience. You’re along for the journey.” Annie: Ninety seconds later: “Good girl!”
Tauntauns are also drinking iced coffee from Dunkies while plowing (probably)
society unraveling in real time while you watch it, bewildered, wondering "what the fuck" and trying to about your normal day, whatever "normal" is or ever was. My reading companion had no notes, only a bit of drool on the cover while eerily mimicking my expression as I read...
Just finished @lukeoneil47.bsky.social new collection 'We Had It Coming' and here to urge you to put this next on your must-read list. Micro-fictions, short stories, stream-of-consciousness essays, poetry threaded throughout, all of it filled with pathos and longing and laugh-aloud black humor. *
Everything sucks and it’s freezing cold so here’s a bunch of recent pics of my impossibly cute Great Pyr, Annie Grace:
I was 16 when Mel started dating my mom. I’m 54 now. Mel had a huge impact on my life. He showed me what it meant to be a good man, to always show up for the people you love, and to do the right thing even when no one’s looking. Mel also suffered from depression that went largely untreated.
I raised a glass tonight in honor of my stepdad, Mel Smith, who died Saturday afternoon at 92. He had dementia and suffered a stroke two weeks ago that did him in after suffering miserably for years. Yeah, it’s a blessing his suffering has ended. It’s still so f’n weird that he’s gone.
The weed store oughta have a strain called “Bread & Milk” but nonetheless storm prep is complete
Every dog is a therapy dog in some manner. WTF I think my dog has IBD too tho
Cmon man. She’s too much. In the midst of all the madness and gross family cruelties, a moment like this is everything.
Annie Grace’s DNA test results came back today. In the least surprising news of ever, she’s a purebred Great Pyrenees, albeit a smaller than normal one. To me, she’s just perfect. Dogs are the greatest creatures on earth.
Bedtime. Few things in life are as meaningful as the bond you build with your dog. Pats win and Annie Grace is here for it all, thankfully.