I wrote this in August of 2021, on what should have been the first day of instruction in my new Education Academic Building at Nevada State College.
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I walked onsite to address an issue that popped up in the new building.
I wondered if first day of school would bring a legion of students sharing the latest version of the newest germs.
It was dead quiet.
Just like the last eighteen months.
Ain’t that how life messes with our dreams?
We imagine a blaze of glory.
We get a puff and a fizz.
Next time won’t be a pandemic, but it’ll be something.
Moments are never pristine in real life.
But if the work was done right,
Maybe that imperfect flash might leave a lasting mark.
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Following my music theme from the past couple of OPM letters, I just came across this Bandcamp Weekly show. It’s exactly what I consider “cultured” music — eclectic, jazzy, world-ish, safely edgy. I feel seen. The girl calls it “restaurant music”.
Surfing on Bandcamp, I stumbled across Mille Morceau which has a surreal, architectural album cover. As I stared at it, I suddenly felt destabilized. Is this AI? The ground fell out from under me. It was a physical reaction even though I was just lying in bed. I need to explore this further.
I’ve been excited to read the newsletter 23 Sherwood Drive every day. Jo Paoletti collects journal notes over the years, interspersing it with commentary. As I slide past middle age, I treasure reading the reflections of someone who is a few steps ahead of me. It’s voyeuristic and edifying.
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Thanks for reading!
Justus Pang, RA