John Denver, for some reason, pulls the tears right out of me. I hear one song and instantly remember where I was, with whom and when.... and I sigh. James Taylor, too. The girl I was is still in here deep down.
Thank you so much, Meg. Ah yes, I’m familiar with the Sam Smith song! Haha, now that is true love without question. I’m almost positive my wife is in love with it, too...I’ll have to report back. 😄
I’ll need to check out that book! That’s amazing. Thank you for the suggestion. Ah, now we’re talking! There are some great songs in that wheelhouse that come to mind.
That makes me so happy to hear! They’re incredible musicians and have quite the discography. I used to go see them live all the time but haven’t in a few years. My kiddos (5 and 2) love dancing to “Ants Marching” around the house. 😄
Guilty pleasure ... I listened to the 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' album for the first time in about 40 years after catching a clip of Elton John at Glastonbury. A mighty back catalogue but not my usual listen. Loved it. Guilty? Not a jot!
A sweet story, Justin. My guilty pleasures, musically, would definitely be Olivia Newton-John and Celine Dion. Their "girl music" is sometimes saccharine, over-the-top, or cheesy. And definitely not "cool." But I just love their voices. And I had a major crush on OJN when I was a teen. 🤣
They are powerhouse vocalists! I don’t blame you for liking them. My wife loves both of them, and I’ve grown to appreciate them more. My wife and I were just singing “You’re the One that I Want” from Grease the other day in the car and our kids were cracking up. 😄
Beautiful story. I guess I have to admit my guilty pleasure for Machine Gun Kelly- reminds me of my emo middle school days haha. Music that makes you feel nostalgic for a different era of your life can’t be beat, even when it’s cringey!
I respectfully suggest that the story could be improved by losing the flatly expository opening line and letting the reader learn about the car accident through Penny's own thoughts. " Penny was thrilled to be able to use the bathroom on her own 8 months and 4 days since their favorite Blue Subi got t-boned coming home from Bennington..."
I always welcome all forms of feedback, especially from you. It’s a great suggestion. At some point this week I may throw on the editing cap and go through and do some revisions.
I always try to take what I learn and apply it on the next story. To me there's something satisfying about building the new model car instead of polishing the old one.
Makes sense. I seldom revise anything here on Substack unless there is a glaring error. Thanks again. I continue to keep your nuggets of wisdom in mind when writing, so don’t ever hold back. I learn a ton from you and am super appreciative for it!
Loved this one, Justin. Okay, John Denver. There you have it.
John Denver, for some reason, pulls the tears right out of me. I hear one song and instantly remember where I was, with whom and when.... and I sigh. James Taylor, too. The girl I was is still in here deep down.
Yep, two of my faves from my youth.
I'm glad there's another author on the 'stack I can feel old with.... ha ha!
Shall we say "seasoned"? Mature? Experienced?
Thanks, Andrea! I remember that you used to talk about John Denver from time to time.
WMMCTW 🥹🥹🥹
Beautiful story, Justin.
Re: Guilty pleasure music. Right now, I'm hooked on Megan Trainor for getting off my butt and out of my head. And I'd gladly accept this duet by Sam Smith and John Legend intravenously on my death bed. https://open.spotify.com/track/64GRDrL1efgXclrhVCeuA0?si=b97524bda9f8443e
Thank you so much, Meg. Ah yes, I’m familiar with the Sam Smith song! Haha, now that is true love without question. I’m almost positive my wife is in love with it, too...I’ll have to report back. 😄
Samantha Irby wrote a very funny, full-throated defense of Dave Matthews Band in her new book, Quietly Hostile. Worth a read!
I think my guilty pleasure music is novelty hip-hop, like Buggin’ from the Space Jam soundtrack (written by Jay-Z).
I’ll need to check out that book! That’s amazing. Thank you for the suggestion. Ah, now we’re talking! There are some great songs in that wheelhouse that come to mind.
Here’s a song that gets no respect: https://youtu.be/mWTKhQzQl1A
Hahaha! I’m saving this. Absolutely priceless...so many great lines. “I called suicide prevention and they put me on hold.” 🤣 Thank you for sharing!
Wow! Can’t believe I have never heard them - brilliant sound. New playlist on Spotify just added. Thanks for the find!
That makes me so happy to hear! They’re incredible musicians and have quite the discography. I used to go see them live all the time but haven’t in a few years. My kiddos (5 and 2) love dancing to “Ants Marching” around the house. 😄
I’m playing them now as I write - difficult not to get up and dance! 🕺 I might just do a happy dance if my writing has gone well!
A touching story well written. I have never heard of the Dave Matthew’s Band... will look them up.
I really appreciate the kind words, Rosy. Thank you. You’re in for a treat! 🎶
My guilty pleasure band is.... ABBA!
What a sweet story, Justin. We never know what challenges might come our way. Your tale of commitment encourages your readers, thanks!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Jenise. And thank you for sharing your guilty pleasure band! 🎶
Ok Justin, you have me reading this tender tale at the gym. Why you doin this to me?! Very nice!
Touching, heartwarming.
Guilty pleasure ... I listened to the 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' album for the first time in about 40 years after catching a clip of Elton John at Glastonbury. A mighty back catalogue but not my usual listen. Loved it. Guilty? Not a jot!
Great story, Justin.
Thank you, Dascha!
Did I ??? I know I used to talk about a lot of stuff all the time and you were always the best listener.. Thanks for remembering.
LOL. We seem to be!!!
Exquisite! Thank you Justin!
Thanks so much for reading! 🙏
A sweet story, Justin. My guilty pleasures, musically, would definitely be Olivia Newton-John and Celine Dion. Their "girl music" is sometimes saccharine, over-the-top, or cheesy. And definitely not "cool." But I just love their voices. And I had a major crush on OJN when I was a teen. 🤣
They are powerhouse vocalists! I don’t blame you for liking them. My wife loves both of them, and I’ve grown to appreciate them more. My wife and I were just singing “You’re the One that I Want” from Grease the other day in the car and our kids were cracking up. 😄
That’s awesome. Keep it up.
Beautiful story. I guess I have to admit my guilty pleasure for Machine Gun Kelly- reminds me of my emo middle school days haha. Music that makes you feel nostalgic for a different era of your life can’t be beat, even when it’s cringey!
Haha! Yes. I went through a similar stage. There are plenty of bands/groups that have the ability to bring me back in an instant.
I really appreciate the kind words, Ellen. Thank you!
I respectfully suggest that the story could be improved by losing the flatly expository opening line and letting the reader learn about the car accident through Penny's own thoughts. " Penny was thrilled to be able to use the bathroom on her own 8 months and 4 days since their favorite Blue Subi got t-boned coming home from Bennington..."
I always welcome all forms of feedback, especially from you. It’s a great suggestion. At some point this week I may throw on the editing cap and go through and do some revisions.
It’s very much appreciated, Jimmy. Thank you!
I always try to take what I learn and apply it on the next story. To me there's something satisfying about building the new model car instead of polishing the old one.
Makes sense. I seldom revise anything here on Substack unless there is a glaring error. Thanks again. I continue to keep your nuggets of wisdom in mind when writing, so don’t ever hold back. I learn a ton from you and am super appreciative for it!
I liked this one a lot--simple and sweet
I really appreciate it, Tom. Thank you!