This is just the best! Always loved Kurt, now I feel like I know him better; more as a complete, real human being.
Thank you for this, I am sure I won't read anything better than this piece today. Plus I know I will be more mindful, pausing to experience the simple passing happinesses.
Minor error: He was sent to France, not Dresden by the US army. It was the Wehrmacht that sent him to Dresden. Nice post, though, revealing yet sympathetic.
What a delightful remembrance of one of my favorite writers--thank you! I knew he was married to the photographer Jill Krementz but I had never seen her wonderful portraits of him before. I named my first Labrador and second dog Montana Wildhack after the character in Slaughterhouse Five, and now all my dogs have the last name of Wildhack. I even named my property the Wildhack Ranch, and the little pond on it Lake Wildhack, in honor of both the dog and Vonnegut himself. Thanks again for this--it made my day.
My mother went to Shortridge HS with Vonnegut - same class.
Her father was an architect like Vonnegut’s and also lost his practice in the depression. Her mother was a bitter and angry woman - so many similarities. Mother admired Vonnegut and I think she identified with his pain. I read all his books. And I agree with his general outlook - how can one not? Thank you for this!
I had no idea about all this tragedy in his life. I adore his writing, and the name pumpkin for a dog. I even wrote, secretly until now, one issue of Process in tribute to his writing style after being bowled over by yet another set of short stories. Even if I work a lifetime toward it, I will of course never write anything like him, but it felt good to try a little bit, as an homage https://wesley.substack.com/p/paris
What a great issue 👏 I really admire Vonnegut.
P.S. there's a quote that consistently resonates with me:
🌱💧🎨
“To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.”
~ Kurt Vonnegut
This is just the best! Always loved Kurt, now I feel like I know him better; more as a complete, real human being.
Thank you for this, I am sure I won't read anything better than this piece today. Plus I know I will be more mindful, pausing to experience the simple passing happinesses.
Wow, thank you for saying that, Brad!
I agree, farting around is our only purpose of our existence! 🤣
Minor error: He was sent to France, not Dresden by the US army. It was the Wehrmacht that sent him to Dresden. Nice post, though, revealing yet sympathetic.
Aha yes, good catch thank you!
His unit was probably captured in the Hurtgen Forest in '44, dead of winter.
Suggest looking up the battle.
What a delightful remembrance of one of my favorite writers--thank you! I knew he was married to the photographer Jill Krementz but I had never seen her wonderful portraits of him before. I named my first Labrador and second dog Montana Wildhack after the character in Slaughterhouse Five, and now all my dogs have the last name of Wildhack. I even named my property the Wildhack Ranch, and the little pond on it Lake Wildhack, in honor of both the dog and Vonnegut himself. Thanks again for this--it made my day.
Wow that is incredible! Thank you for sharing. Jill has some spectacular photos of their lives published here that are really worth checking out
https://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/a-remembrance-of-summers-past-or-in-search-of-a-lost-time/
https://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/jill-krementz-photo-journal-city-sidewalks-pretty-sidewalks/
Fabulous photos--a treasure trove. Thanks!
My mother went to Shortridge HS with Vonnegut - same class.
Her father was an architect like Vonnegut’s and also lost his practice in the depression. Her mother was a bitter and angry woman - so many similarities. Mother admired Vonnegut and I think she identified with his pain. I read all his books. And I agree with his general outlook - how can one not? Thank you for this!
Now I have permission to just “fart around.” I never realized that was possible. I haven’t lived. Thank you Kurt.
Great article.
Kev and I call it “Tootin around” haha 💕 Lovely as every Bailey!
Y'all are master Tooters!
I like that .. We use the term ‘foofing’ 😉
As *ever 😅
I had no idea about all this tragedy in his life. I adore his writing, and the name pumpkin for a dog. I even wrote, secretly until now, one issue of Process in tribute to his writing style after being bowled over by yet another set of short stories. Even if I work a lifetime toward it, I will of course never write anything like him, but it felt good to try a little bit, as an homage https://wesley.substack.com/p/paris
I’m convinced that dogs make us better human beings.
Lovely post
I loved this!!
Thanks for this one. I loved every word and yes, you should definitely get a dog.
Lovely, truly lovely post! TY
Great read. I copied the quote: The writer once said: “It's a terrible waste to be happy and not notice it.”
Be well.
I love you, merry Pumpkin! Thank you for making Kurt laugh.