Hi there!
Reflections and Farewells
And what if this were your last day? How would you spend it?
I would be happy to spend a significant part of it writing this Substack. I’d make time to spend with my wife. I would check in with my son and daughter.
I would file my incomplete tax return, with a note stating what is missing. And yes, despite my promise to myself not to drink alcohol again until I have finished recording and editing the audiobook edition of my second memoir, I’d break that decision and have a drink to bid me goodbye!
Relief, Concern and Legacy
I wouldn’t need to do any more work organising the free Book Launch for Saved by a Woman, scheduled for 8pm GMT on Thursday 7 March by zoom.
Who would Eamon Murphy interview? Who would answer questions from the audience? The Rayne and Andrea Patron could still perform and entertain. Those who have read either memoir might care to comment on them.
Neither would I worry about the trees and hedges we recently planted. We need to protect them from a large herd of cattle which, by the end of this month, could trample them, undoing our work, investment, and legacy.
Video shows copse of 30 trees recently planted, which we’ll need to protect from a herd of cattle.
I wouldn’t have to worry about most of the things I tend to worry about!
Creative Ventures
Paul Hulm and I recently recorded a new version of my poem We Are Leaves. It combines narration by me and musical accompaniment by Paul on the guitar. He has mixed it nicely, with reverb, and I think it sounds great.
Click here for Audio clip of a short snippet of Joe Armstrong reciting his poem We Are Leaves, with music composed and played by Paul Hulm on guitar.
I’d regret that it never saw the light of day. Mind you, it could be played at my funeral! It would be appropriate at any funeral or commemoration ceremony.
Songwriting Collaborations
The Rayne and Andrea Patron and I have also co-written a new song, one begun a number of years ago by Andrea and I. The plan is to perform it as the last of three songs at the book launch on 7 March.
Engagements and Events on the Horizon
I’ve put my name down to enter a Toastmaster’s club contest, which takes place the night before the book launch. I’ve been thinking what I might talk about.
I’ve a wedding to conduct too, soon enough; the first new wedding I’ve taken on for, I think, two and a half years. And I’ve been invited to speak at an event in Sligo: it’s an honour to have been asked.
Pending Projects and Unfulfilled Dreams
And what about my audiobook? If I breathed my last today, it would never see the light of day. I’ve recorded and edited the front matter and the first nine, of 100, episodes! At this rate, I’d be lucky to finish it by Halloween!
Click here for audio of short snippet from the audiobook recording of Saved by a Woman, written and narrated by Joe Armstrong
Cherished Moments and Reconnections
I’ve had a lovely week. Last Friday, I met a good friend I hadn’t seen in 33 years. As I’m 61, we’ll really have to improve the frequency of our contact as I might not make it to 94!
I’d also a meal in a fancy restaurant with Ruth. There were many courses, most of them tiny and the establishment was packed, so there was quite a wait before the next morsel arrived. Turned out to be a three-hour meal. Delicious. Many thanks to Ruth’s friends who gave her a voucher as a gift.
Deep Conversation
We also visited a best friend for a lovely meal at his home. The conversation was intelligent, stimulating and engaging; especially as we discussed shame and our perceptions of it. And how the media and society can shame individuals.
Societal Reflections and Moral Debates
While I am no longer a Christian nor a believer in any deity, the story of Jesus’s response to a baying mob who wanted to stone a woman for committing adultery resonates with me still. Jesus bent down and wrote in the sand and said: ‘Let him who is without sin, cast the first stone.’
And one by one, they each dropped their stones and went away. If all of us had all of our acts and omissions etched on our foreheads, would anyone go out in public?
Time for a Debate on Shame and Humility
I think it’s time for a debate in society about shame, shaming, self-knowledge and humility. I think it’s time for us all to drop our stones.
Join Us at the Book Launch
I would be delighted if you, beloved reader, could attend the book launch. It will be a special event, with live music by The Rayne and Andrea Patron. My very good friend Eamon Murphy will be hosting the event and interviewing me and there’ll be readings from Saved by a Woman and audience participation with questions and answers. It should be a good night. And it’s free! Guests need to register in advance to secure their place.
Date and Time: Thursday 7 March at 8pm GMT.
I hope you can join us!
Happy days,
Joe
Saved by a Woman is now available on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback, and Hardback editions.
In My Gut, I Don’t Believe is available on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback, Hardback and Audible editions.
Please note that if the Amazon link to either memoir says that any edition isn’t available, simply change the .co.uk or .com or .de in the Amazon domain name or territory in the URL or address bar. For example, you might need to change to Amazon.de, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com or Amazon.ca, etc. depending on the territory you’re based in.
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Happy days,
Joe