Gorgeous account. Kurt was from Indianapolis, where I was born in 1959, and where the language was like, I think he said, "common speech sounds like a band saw cutting galvanized tin, and [it] employs a vocabulary as unornamental as a monkey wrench." Dead on. Our family left Indiana in the mid 1960s and move east to Maryland where I got that upbringing and then hurled back to the Midwest where a new Death awaits unless you escape it. The shitshow is all around. Pick your playground, Mr. Vonnegut would say, and I feel him present as we speak.
We are where we are from, wherever we go. Your piece was lovely, thank you. You follow StoryShed's Substack, so you're a friend. Call me Mike. Best to you.
I'm also from Indiana and I think Vonnegut was from Terre Haute. Although I no longer live in Indiana but now suffer in southern heat and humidity, I am a true Hoosier. I miss farm tractors, cornfields, huge pork tenderloin sandwiches, the Ohio River, and the rolling hills of southern Indiana.
You're probably right about Indy. Perhaps I was having a brain fart. I have just about every book written by Vonnegut but I don't feel like going to another room to check his birthplace. Yes, I'm conceding. For the record, I'm from Evansville and Perry County.
Ha! I went to college in Richmond, Indiana, which shocked me with how backwards it was in many ways, but grew up in Urbana, Illinois, an oasis in the Midwest. There's more to the Midwest than just Indiana, and there's more to Indiana than just Indiana. ;-)
I'm no where near it but you can research it on the web. I'd choose something closer to the border with Kentucky rather than northern Indiana, but who knows. I left that state years ago and counting down the days to leave Minnesota. Where? who knows.
I can't like your comment. People MUST leave Minnesota. Must. Dylan. Prince (he did but he didn't but he really did), and that guy from Albert Lea who did "20 Flight Rock" he left too, oh yeah Eddie Cochran. We all do if we're any good. We just hang here for a while.
I grew up in the Broad Ripple neighborhood of Indianapolis (shoutout to David Letterman!), which is currently home to a lot of colleges and young people. If I had to live in Indianapolis again, probably there, but likely can do better elsewhere than Indiana. Thanks for great comment!
Thank you!! We used to stop in Indianapolis for a last civilized meal before the college cafeteria food, but I never got to know it. I still love Urbana, IL deeply (grew up there long ago, in the '60s and '70s) but would prefer not to live there. I could make it work if I had to, but am loving California!
Hey all ye who are criticizing the great state of Indiana -- you're talking about the northern part that is flat as a pancake. Visit the rolling hills of southern Indiana. Take Hwy.62 east from Evansville to Louisville for an exciting, scenic ride with many sharp curves. Grandma started praying as my grandfather had too much to drink. "What did you pray for, Grandma?" She said, "If you get me home safe and sound, I'll never ride with that son of bitch again."
Your story resonates heavily upon me. We all at one time or another find ourselves in a situation that's way beyond our level of confidence if not competence, but we've got to start somewhere, right? And getting through that situation while in the presence of greatness is intimidating indeed. Thank you for sharing this wonderful account of your experience. Bravo!
Thank you for your kind words and empathetic reading, Sue. Much appreciated. And yes, we've got to test ourselves at some stage and go beyond our usual zones of competence and confidence.
I not only have been a fan of Vonnegut, though I read these books you mention long ago, but more key is that I find this telling so honest, so open, so self deprecating while also showing a firm confidence with your pen. Read Jeffrey Streeter folks: he makes you think and open your heart.
Thank you for your tribute and list of those who also wrote tributes to Gabe Hudson. I commented on a few of his notes and posts. He always commented back to me. Sometimes a connection is made with others online, and in his case my intuition told me he was a caring, special person. It saddened me that he felt so bad in life to end it. May he RIP.
I took my oldest son to hear Kurt Vonnegut speak at Oklahoma City University in February 2003. My son had just finished reading his second Vonnegut book. He said it was more fun than the many rock concerts we had attended. I went home and queued up Kurt's novels, and read them in order, again. After reading this post I am reminded that it is way past time for another Vonnegut reread. Thanks for sharing such a great memory.
Charming account, Jeffrey. "Earth, swallow me" is now in my lexicon.
I was unaware of Gabe Hudson. I'm impressed by what he meant to so many. In the early days of Twitter and my time blogging, 2008, there was a young man named Chris Al-Aswad who played a similar role for many, including me. He too died unexpectedly to great outpourings of appreciation and loss. Chris left a legacy in the fantastically named arts journal Escape into Life. It's clear Gabe will have his legacy too. To the Gabes and Chris's of the world.
I enjoyed this very much, Jeffrey. A very compelling read. I have not been a Vonnegut fan, nor have I ever been to Devon, but I happen to have a character in my novel-in-progress who is from Devon and loves Vonnegut! I just made this up out of the air in the last week. I wonder if I might ask you some questions in future when I get this character further developed? It seems funny now reading your essay that these random characteristics formed in my mind.
Unbelievable, not at all. In fact I wonder things or write a poem and then see similar themes around me. But this was specific! Vonnegut fan from Devon.
It's funny, isn't it? Are we creating our world as we go or just noticing what our minds have turned to or ...? But yes, less specific examples happen regularly to me too.
This was a wonderful story, Jeffrey. I also enjoyed the writing of this piece just as much the story itself.
Also, this bit made me chuckle:
“There are moments in life when you are faced with a great challenge, think things are just all too much, and yet you find a way to overcome the obstacles and impress yourself and everyone else with how well you dealt with the situation. These are the moments in which you grow.
Thank you, Michael. I'm glad you enjoyed the story and also the writing. I had fun revisiting the experience from a safe distance. The episode didn't make me 'grow', as per the passage you kindly quoted. But nor did it leave too much by way of trauma, at least.
Vonnegut played a pivotal role in my journey as a reader, especially in my recovery from a traumatic childhood and a complex relationship with words. His works became a source of solace and inspiration, motivating me to find pleasure in the absurd.
Hola , Fascinante Y Hermoso Homenaje A Vonnegut , Uno De Los Mejores Escritores Del Siglo XX , Cómo Bien Dices Un Auténtica Estrella Del Rock. Esas Palabras Que Escribes Tan Genuinas: No Se Limitaron A Devorar Cada Palabra. Aspiraron El Habla Gesto Tras Gesto , Fonema Tras Fonema Y Pausa Dramática Tras Pausa Dramática. Son un Reflejo De La Naturaleza Imborrable De Su Exuberante Escritura. Un Saludo.
Gorgeous account. Kurt was from Indianapolis, where I was born in 1959, and where the language was like, I think he said, "common speech sounds like a band saw cutting galvanized tin, and [it] employs a vocabulary as unornamental as a monkey wrench." Dead on. Our family left Indiana in the mid 1960s and move east to Maryland where I got that upbringing and then hurled back to the Midwest where a new Death awaits unless you escape it. The shitshow is all around. Pick your playground, Mr. Vonnegut would say, and I feel him present as we speak.
Thank you, Michael. Great quote, great advice from Vonnegut. I love the idea/phrasing of picking your playground.
We are where we are from, wherever we go. Your piece was lovely, thank you. You follow StoryShed's Substack, so you're a friend. Call me Mike. Best to you.
‘We are where we are from, wherever we go.’ What a beautiful sentence, thank you.
I'm also from Indiana and I think Vonnegut was from Terre Haute. Although I no longer live in Indiana but now suffer in southern heat and humidity, I am a true Hoosier. I miss farm tractors, cornfields, huge pork tenderloin sandwiches, the Ohio River, and the rolling hills of southern Indiana.
Indianapolis was Vonnegut’s hometown, not Terre Haute. I grew up in Broad Ripple, north of downtown.
You're probably right about Indy. Perhaps I was having a brain fart. I have just about every book written by Vonnegut but I don't feel like going to another room to check his birthplace. Yes, I'm conceding. For the record, I'm from Evansville and Perry County.
You make Indiana sound very appealing! Though I'm not sure that Michael would agree :)
I have never been there or indeed to any of the neighbouring states. I hope one day to go and see for myself.
Ha! I went to college in Richmond, Indiana, which shocked me with how backwards it was in many ways, but grew up in Urbana, Illinois, an oasis in the Midwest. There's more to the Midwest than just Indiana, and there's more to Indiana than just Indiana. ;-)
There’s WINE in Indiana! Never knew that growing up. Lol.
Looking forward to trying that wine some day
I'm no where near it but you can research it on the web. I'd choose something closer to the border with Kentucky rather than northern Indiana, but who knows. I left that state years ago and counting down the days to leave Minnesota. Where? who knows.
Good luck with deciding where to go next. I read somewhere that people don't leave Minnesota. But I guess that's not quite the case
I can't like your comment. People MUST leave Minnesota. Must. Dylan. Prince (he did but he didn't but he really did), and that guy from Albert Lea who did "20 Flight Rock" he left too, oh yeah Eddie Cochran. We all do if we're any good. We just hang here for a while.
I grew up in the Broad Ripple neighborhood of Indianapolis (shoutout to David Letterman!), which is currently home to a lot of colleges and young people. If I had to live in Indianapolis again, probably there, but likely can do better elsewhere than Indiana. Thanks for great comment!
Thank you!! We used to stop in Indianapolis for a last civilized meal before the college cafeteria food, but I never got to know it. I still love Urbana, IL deeply (grew up there long ago, in the '60s and '70s) but would prefer not to live there. I could make it work if I had to, but am loving California!
Hey all ye who are criticizing the great state of Indiana -- you're talking about the northern part that is flat as a pancake. Visit the rolling hills of southern Indiana. Take Hwy.62 east from Evansville to Louisville for an exciting, scenic ride with many sharp curves. Grandma started praying as my grandfather had too much to drink. "What did you pray for, Grandma?" She said, "If you get me home safe and sound, I'll never ride with that son of bitch again."
this was beautiful
Your story resonates heavily upon me. We all at one time or another find ourselves in a situation that's way beyond our level of confidence if not competence, but we've got to start somewhere, right? And getting through that situation while in the presence of greatness is intimidating indeed. Thank you for sharing this wonderful account of your experience. Bravo!
Thank you for your kind words and empathetic reading, Sue. Much appreciated. And yes, we've got to test ourselves at some stage and go beyond our usual zones of competence and confidence.
I wish I could come up with something better than 'beautiful' to describe this piece. I just can't at the moment.
I'm glad to have found you. And nice touch giving Amanda some of the credit. Very generous. Love that, too.
Thank you, Ramona. I cherish any word of praise from a writer as talented and accomplished as you.
Amanda deserves ALL the praise. She's a wonderful editor.
I not only have been a fan of Vonnegut, though I read these books you mention long ago, but more key is that I find this telling so honest, so open, so self deprecating while also showing a firm confidence with your pen. Read Jeffrey Streeter folks: he makes you think and open your heart.
Thank you, Mary! Your words mean a lot to me and thank you for sharing. Writing this piece meant a lot to me and I'm so glad it resonates with you.
This is wonderful. Thank you for mentioning my tribute to Gabe.
Thank you for your tribute and list of those who also wrote tributes to Gabe Hudson. I commented on a few of his notes and posts. He always commented back to me. Sometimes a connection is made with others online, and in his case my intuition told me he was a caring, special person. It saddened me that he felt so bad in life to end it. May he RIP.
Thank you for your kind words, Kathy. I believe Gabe was special, as you say. His passing in this way was deeply sad.
I took my oldest son to hear Kurt Vonnegut speak at Oklahoma City University in February 2003. My son had just finished reading his second Vonnegut book. He said it was more fun than the many rock concerts we had attended. I went home and queued up Kurt's novels, and read them in order, again. After reading this post I am reminded that it is way past time for another Vonnegut reread. Thanks for sharing such a great memory.
And thank you for sharing yours! That sounds like a special moment with your son.
Charming account, Jeffrey. "Earth, swallow me" is now in my lexicon.
I was unaware of Gabe Hudson. I'm impressed by what he meant to so many. In the early days of Twitter and my time blogging, 2008, there was a young man named Chris Al-Aswad who played a similar role for many, including me. He too died unexpectedly to great outpourings of appreciation and loss. Chris left a legacy in the fantastically named arts journal Escape into Life. It's clear Gabe will have his legacy too. To the Gabes and Chris's of the world.
Thank you, Jay. Yes, to all the big hearts out there who make life a bit better for the rest of us.
I so enjoyed this beautiful tribute and memory.
I enjoyed this very much, Jeffrey. A very compelling read. I have not been a Vonnegut fan, nor have I ever been to Devon, but I happen to have a character in my novel-in-progress who is from Devon and loves Vonnegut! I just made this up out of the air in the last week. I wonder if I might ask you some questions in future when I get this character further developed? It seems funny now reading your essay that these random characteristics formed in my mind.
Hi Leila, wow, that's quite the coincidence. And, of course, I'd be happy to answer any questions!
Unbelievable, not at all. In fact I wonder things or write a poem and then see similar themes around me. But this was specific! Vonnegut fan from Devon.
It's funny, isn't it? Are we creating our world as we go or just noticing what our minds have turned to or ...? But yes, less specific examples happen regularly to me too.
Thank you for noticing and sharing.
This was a wonderful story, Jeffrey. I also enjoyed the writing of this piece just as much the story itself.
Also, this bit made me chuckle:
“There are moments in life when you are faced with a great challenge, think things are just all too much, and yet you find a way to overcome the obstacles and impress yourself and everyone else with how well you dealt with the situation. These are the moments in which you grow.
But this wasn’t one of them.”
Thank you, Michael. I'm glad you enjoyed the story and also the writing. I had fun revisiting the experience from a safe distance. The episode didn't make me 'grow', as per the passage you kindly quoted. But nor did it leave too much by way of trauma, at least.
Well that’s good. And as a bonus you got this cool story out of it :)
Vonnegut played a pivotal role in my journey as a reader, especially in my recovery from a traumatic childhood and a complex relationship with words. His works became a source of solace and inspiration, motivating me to find pleasure in the absurd.
Thank you for sharing this, John. I'm finding Vonnegut meant so much to so many people, in a way that few writers have achieved.
What a wonderful read and such an awesome experience for you! Thanks so much for sharing this Jeffrey. Terribly sad that Gabe is no longer with us...
Thank you, Pamela. Yes. it is so sad that Gabe isn't here with us. I'd love to get his take on many things, this KV anecdote included.
This anecdote was very well told here! No doubt Gabe is applauding.
Hola , Fascinante Y Hermoso Homenaje A Vonnegut , Uno De Los Mejores Escritores Del Siglo XX , Cómo Bien Dices Un Auténtica Estrella Del Rock. Esas Palabras Que Escribes Tan Genuinas: No Se Limitaron A Devorar Cada Palabra. Aspiraron El Habla Gesto Tras Gesto , Fonema Tras Fonema Y Pausa Dramática Tras Pausa Dramática. Son un Reflejo De La Naturaleza Imborrable De Su Exuberante Escritura. Un Saludo.
Muchas gracias por el comentario! un saludo también
This is such a great post! A beautiful homage.
Thank you so much, Jeanine!