"When I was active, any stiff breeze, any mild bit of reversal, was enough to send me down into the narcissistic ball of pain. Now, mostly, I am just exceedingly glad still to be here."
Truly beautiful, Rick! "Failure is a blessing for us. It’s poignant, it is the express train to humility, which as you know is from the Latin for “of the ground.” I, for one, didn't know "humility came from Lating "of the ground." WOW. Yes! Also "Wabisabi" -Love!
Gratitude, humility, wisdom = joy. In my own recovery I also aspire to "smoothly functioning human relationships where I am of service." That applies to my relationships with other people as well as with myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Tons of excellent insight. One thing I latched on to was that I also got to a point where I hated being told what to do. It started in my early 50’s and wasn’t the best characteristic to have in the corporate world. I was fortunate to be able to walk away at 55 and still don’t like being directed at 67! Best wishes as you keep going in sobriety.
This was so insightful. To be honest, I don't usually read the sobriety Oldsters because I can't really relate, but today I did because back in 1996 or so, I hosted Rick Moody for a book signing in Baltimore. It was not the world's best book talk and now I know why. Reading this opened my eyes to the experiences of that evening. I understand better now what was going on. Also, I didn't know Rick and I were the same age. Oh my, such huge success so young, must have been so confusing to him -- or if not confusing, it was something! Mindblowing? I have a lot more compassion for him now. And his books - unbelievable writing. He is just so talented. I also love John Cheever for the same reason I love Rick Moody books. For me, growing up in a loud, emotional, sober Jewish household -- both Cheever's and Moody's books were like exotic other-worlds to me. Rick - I'm so happy to read this and learn a bit more about you. Kudos.
It was wonderful to have you visit Iowa, Rick. Your relationship with your son is a treasure and you made an impression with foosball! I am grateful to see my bonus daughter so happy…and you do smile with your whole face. Enjoyed this honest interview.
I remember seeing Rick read in Bloomington, IN in the mid-90s when I was a graduate student in creative writing there. He was shy and self-effacing, and brilliant. I thought, He could be a show off! But instead, he seemed not to know how great he was. (Obviously, I haven't forgotten this!)
What a great read! Two things popped into my head.
First is that I also have had extremely frequent feelings of gratitude for years now but NOT joy. It feels like they should be linked but they don't seem to be...
The other is that, although it's impossible to ever know the counterfactual, I'm just so curious where Rick thinks he would be (emotionally, socially, spiritually etc.) If he had never been an addict in the first place.
I watched the Ice Storm and loved it. So funny and poignantly sad at the same time. The tagline says it best “when family’s didn’t know each other” (paraphrased of course)
What a great interview. Mr. Moody doesn't seem afraid to go against the grain. This is the definition of a good writer, and I'll have to read (actually reread) him.
An excellent question for anyone to ask every day!
>>My basic premise is sort of: “What am I going to make today?”<<
Truly beautiful, Rick! "Failure is a blessing for us. It’s poignant, it is the express train to humility, which as you know is from the Latin for “of the ground.” I, for one, didn't know "humility came from Lating "of the ground." WOW. Yes! Also "Wabisabi" -Love!
Gratitude, humility, wisdom = joy. In my own recovery I also aspire to "smoothly functioning human relationships where I am of service." That applies to my relationships with other people as well as with myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Tons of excellent insight. One thing I latched on to was that I also got to a point where I hated being told what to do. It started in my early 50’s and wasn’t the best characteristic to have in the corporate world. I was fortunate to be able to walk away at 55 and still don’t like being directed at 67! Best wishes as you keep going in sobriety.
This was so insightful. To be honest, I don't usually read the sobriety Oldsters because I can't really relate, but today I did because back in 1996 or so, I hosted Rick Moody for a book signing in Baltimore. It was not the world's best book talk and now I know why. Reading this opened my eyes to the experiences of that evening. I understand better now what was going on. Also, I didn't know Rick and I were the same age. Oh my, such huge success so young, must have been so confusing to him -- or if not confusing, it was something! Mindblowing? I have a lot more compassion for him now. And his books - unbelievable writing. He is just so talented. I also love John Cheever for the same reason I love Rick Moody books. For me, growing up in a loud, emotional, sober Jewish household -- both Cheever's and Moody's books were like exotic other-worlds to me. Rick - I'm so happy to read this and learn a bit more about you. Kudos.
It was wonderful to have you visit Iowa, Rick. Your relationship with your son is a treasure and you made an impression with foosball! I am grateful to see my bonus daughter so happy…and you do smile with your whole face. Enjoyed this honest interview.
I remember seeing Rick read in Bloomington, IN in the mid-90s when I was a graduate student in creative writing there. He was shy and self-effacing, and brilliant. I thought, He could be a show off! But instead, he seemed not to know how great he was. (Obviously, I haven't forgotten this!)
Wonderful interview.
<3
What a great read! Two things popped into my head.
First is that I also have had extremely frequent feelings of gratitude for years now but NOT joy. It feels like they should be linked but they don't seem to be...
The other is that, although it's impossible to ever know the counterfactual, I'm just so curious where Rick thinks he would be (emotionally, socially, spiritually etc.) If he had never been an addict in the first place.
I watched the Ice Storm and loved it. So funny and poignantly sad at the same time. The tagline says it best “when family’s didn’t know each other” (paraphrased of course)
1984 for me, Rick. What a ride it’s been. Loved hearing your story.
Well, this was beautiful. Thanks.
So wonderful, Rick! I’ve long held you in admiration and respect. Thanks for sharing.
What a great interview. Mr. Moody doesn't seem afraid to go against the grain. This is the definition of a good writer, and I'll have to read (actually reread) him.
The Ice Storm book and film resonated deeply. It is gratifying to know that the author has been on this journey and I wish him well.
Wonderful interview with one of my literary heros.