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John Brizzolara’s Last Column
I was going through some old reunion material and came across some of your cartoons from when you were positive though cynical. They were fresh and always amusing. You've taken a few twists and turns since. Well keep on breathing, it's what God ultimately gave us, a life.— March 27, 2012 5:51 p.m.
I Wasn't Crying for My Mom
Your mom MJ was a woman who lived her life fully and raised a brood of creative sons and daughters without the help of her late husband. She may have scolded you at times but was equally supportive of your endeavours.— September 27, 2010 10:28 a.m.
Chicago Blues for a San Diego Summer's End
I'm sorry but I was catching up on tgif back issues and noticed that this one had no quips, so I thought I would add some wisdom. Here goes:— September 27, 2010 10:22 a.m.
Nightlife in the Rearview Mirror
You guys played some good music back then and experimented with a variety of sounds. You certainly were as good or better than many of the midwest breakout bands.— September 27, 2010 10:14 a.m.
Life as Workweek
xians421, I just turned 61 and John was about a year and maybe a couple of months behing me.— April 22, 2010 8:03 a.m.
Life as Workweek
SDaniels, I live on a glacier lake in a rolling hilly area parttime, though more there than anywhere else. Since retirement I do remodeling there, remodeling for my daughter in Illinois and remodeling for my son in Vermont. In between I kayak aroung Tamarack islands, Blue Heron nesting islands and just poking around bays. In the winter it is snowshoing over the hills and ice. Because of that I have gotten myself elected commisioner of the district and involved in waterway workshops. Limnology, the study of lake environments, has become a new passion and an introduction to a new culture of people. You are absolutely correct that it is a great life. For someone who was badly strung out for a number of years, this ia a far far better way to live in my last few chapters. Getting high now is sitting by the lake, having a drink, listening to Zouk, Cape Bretton or cowboy music and reading John's tales of morose.— April 22, 2010 8:01 a.m.
Life as Workweek
Blair, back in the mid 60's, John and I would go listen to KM's band. They were very good, ahead of their times and had a lot of play throughout the midwest. KM went on to Hawaii, bandmate Timmy became a radio announcer. John became a Bohemian, his brother died of substance abuse. Sadly, all John's family was at the memorial except John. Another old mate from back then, Dr "Cosmo", visited this forum a year ago or so. Everyone moved on. I'm living on a rural lake, engrossed in limnology and loving it. Peace.— April 14, 2010 8:14 a.m.
Life as Workweek
Hey Blair, to be libertarian is to accept the consequences of freedom and not denigrate another for doing the same. I paid the price for my indiscretions and have no regrets. John made his bed, pushed the limits in some areas and slacked off in others. God was indulgent with us all and will hopefully also be forgiving. Until then, cheers and let's be thankful for the lives we've had. Frankly, I enjoy the stories John weaves because they are amusing and slightly over the top intellectually but with the ease of a coffeeshop or local tavern yarn. I hope to hear many more, good and bad.— April 12, 2010 8:20 p.m.
Life as Workweek
Well I agree with KM and his advice to John. The KM and JB I knew many many years ago lived life exceeding fullness and should have no regrets. If you want to feel sorrow for someone, feel sorry for those who refused to live life and have existed in lethargy and despair. I was given up for near death several times in the past and each time rebounded with new adventures. In my 60s, I am just getting started in the next stage of life whatever it may be. Life is grand, life is great. It beats most of the alternatives.— April 9, 2010 12:08 p.m.
Loosening Family Ties
Ah, you never aspired to be Ozzie and Harriet. Your great fear as you dropped your first acid in your teens was that you would end up a Republican. You would lay with your head inches from the tracks as a long freight shook the ground you lay on and ponder the Bohemian life. Well you lived it and lived it well. Be thankful that you have the talent in art, writing, personality and charm to live life on the edge. Most people look back and see little of experience. You look back and see tales upon tales. Pura Vida i Vaja Con Dios mi amigo. Thoughts from a bottle of saki.— December 5, 2009 7:13 p.m.