An older obviously autistic older guy detaches from his gang of 3 nerds in their 60s, and comes to me asking if I’m an author.
Me: “soon to be”,
He’s like “oh wow”
I ask him if he writes and in which language (this is a European author event)
He: “In Klingon!”, with totally serious face.
I was supportive and gave him my card since he asked.
Honestly people, if you’re border, live a little: go out and talk to random people, humans are fascinating. Endlessly more entraining than TV with endless commercials.
Asked for advice on writing my first book and the legend of the hour: Jean-Claude did the needful by providing me with legit great advice, I took notes too, bought his book.
Belgians are underrated.
Also he writes about Vikings, total badass.
So I went to this literary event, with Lithuanian, Czech, Belgian, Austrian, German authors, etc. and of course at the panel it’s the Irish one who’s monopolizing the mic, even though he writes in Irish… it’s always a battle for non-anglos to be heard because their English is “slow” and less articulate, that’s why I’ll never freaking will ever freaking shut the F up ever! I’m doing it for all of the minorities I represent.
People who are religious or wish to develop their spirituality often see metal or hard music as evil-inspired. I was actually challenged by this early on in my teens, as I aspired to be pious and devoted to a spiritual life while simultaneously being drawn to “heavy” music, heavy guitars, bass and drums. A push and pull a lot of Christians watching p0rn experience I bet, even though shame wasn’t there for my case.
I deleted my entire music library once, only to regret it months later. I acted as though ripping off a Band-Aid would somehow solve my temptations. I mean, I used to fall asleep to this kind of music. I sold albums to older metalheads at my school, only to find myself drawn back to it later. I never wore “metal” clothing because I hated the poser scene. I don’t need to belong. I started wearing all black when I moved to NYC.
Anyway, only today do I understand that people who look down on metal musicians or their music have no clue what these people have gone through and haven’t reached that understanding yet. Metalheads are sensitive souls, and if you care to listen to the lyrics, they often talk about pretty profound things. (Obviously not all)
I see it as a reminder that depth can be found anywhere, especially in deep, dark waters. It’s your judging heart that blocks you from seeing beauty in every corner of this realm, even in the crevices no one cares to look at, or wants to venture into because they’re afraid of getting dirty. It’s a bit like touching or cleaning gunk. We fear that whatever we touch will somehow contaminate us too.
I’m not saying I encourage everyone to take this path, but it’s one I eventually came to understand and appreciate. I’m less judgmental about it now, even though I’ve been criticized for being judgmental myself. I’m just an autistic “noticer” of patterns, and I candidly share what I observe without ill intent.
People who are religious or wish to develop their spirituality often see metal or hard music as evil-inspired. I was actually challenged by this early on in my teens, as I aspired to be pious and devoted to a spiritual life while simultaneously being drawn to “heavy” music, heavy guitars, bass and drums. A push and pull a lot of Christians watching p0rn experience I bet, even though shame wasn’t there for my case.
I deleted my entire music library once, only to regret it months later. I acted as though ripping off a Band-Aid would somehow solve my temptations. I mean, I used to fall asleep to this kind of music. I sold albums to older metalheads at my school, only to find myself drawn back to it later. I never wore “metal” clothing because I hated the poser scene. I don’t need to belong. I started wearing all black when I moved to NYC.
Anyway, only today do I understand that people who look down on metal musicians or their music have no clue what these people have gone through and haven’t reached that understanding yet. Metalheads are sensitive souls, and if you care to listen to the lyrics, they often talk about pretty profound things. (Obviously not all)
I see it as a reminder that depth can be found anywhere, especially in deep, dark waters. It’s your judging heart that blocks you from seeing beauty in every corner of this realm, even in the crevices no one cares to look at, or wants to venture into because they’re afraid of getting dirty. It’s a bit like touching or cleaning gunk. We fear that whatever we touch will somehow contaminate us too.
I’m not saying I encourage everyone to take this path, but it’s one I eventually came to understand and appreciate. I’m less judgmental about it now, even though I’ve been criticized for being judgmental myself. I’m just an autistic “noticer” of patterns, and I candidly share what I observe without ill intent.
Glass cups from the Iron Age. Apparently, the Vikings purchased them from the Romans, who were highly skilled at glassmaking. Other Roman artefacts, such as coins, have been found as far away as Japan.
I’m going to Fengshui out of my bedroom! Send tips. It’s facing a loud NYC street so not too idealistic, the tips.
The world will never go round if our incentives come exclusively from external sources. The motivation that comes from within, from our own will, is far more powerful than anything imposed from the outside. No one can truly manipulate someone who is self-motivated, acts selflessly and understands that the good they do for themselves will ultimately shine through and benefit others.













