I rarely check the blog’s mail bag any more, Modern Philosophers.
That was a task that fell to the interns, and since the University will no longer send me interns due to COVID precautions, I rarely even pick up the mail from the post office, let along open any of it.
This weekend, however, I decided to get all crazy and tackle that job. I drove to the post office, loaded two huge bags of mail into the RAV 4, and brought it home to The House on the Hill.
Sadly, no one sent me cash or gifts. What’s the deal, guys?
A running theme that I found in the mail was that you’re upset that I don’t post as often as I once did. In my defense, when I started this blog, I was trying to distract myself from how much I missed Rachel. As a result, I posted something every day for years.
Yes, that was how much I missed The Girl Who Moved Away, and how much focus I needed to not completely lose it over how sad I was that she was gone.
Sure, I still miss her, but that was a long time ago, and there are other things to mope about. Luckily, none of those things require me to write zany blog posts on a daily basis.
The second running theme of the reader mail was a disappointment over the fact that I don’t dedicate the entire month of October to Halloween posts.
I must admit, it was fun to write those posts back in the old days. Life at The House on the Hill was a lot more exciting when the place was overrun by Zombies, Werewolves, Witches, Leprechauns, Aliens, Gargoyles, and the myriad of Otherworldly Beings that populate Maine.
I’m sure the All Hallows Society is gathering right now to decide if I should be expelled as a member because I haven’t given the Halloween Season the respect and publicity it deserves.
Sorry, scary hooded strangers. I’m not trying to offend or let down anyone.
It’s just that Halloween, which used to be my favorite holiday, hasn’t been any fun for a long time.
This was the second consecutive year that I didn’t get a single trick or treater. Last year, I can understand because of all the COVID precautions, but I know kids were out and about this year, excitedly knocking on doors and demanding candy.
But no one knocked on my door.
Even though I had three bags of candy at the ready.
I’m not sure why no one visited me, but I’m starting to feel like the Invisible Man. Do I not exist outside of my work environment? Are my cats the only ones who can see me? Have I become such an introvert that people have forgotten I’m here, or have I become such an introvert because no one seems to know I’m here?
That’s a Philosophical question I have plenty of time to ponder because there’s nothing else to do. You know, because I’m invisible to the rest of the world and no one spends time with the Invisible Man.
So what does the Invisible Man do? For one, he wonders why people who were once a big part of his life seem to have vanished.
After that, he watches a lot of television, reads, and writes.
On rare occasions, he reads the blog’s mail.
The Invisible Man also sits alone on his couch and eats the Halloween candy that no one else wanted.
Lucky candy. At least someone knows it exists and wants it.
I guess this is why I don’t check the blog’s mail bag…
It was hard for me to hit the like button. Not because of the writing, but because you feel invisible, and I’m very sorry you feel that way, Austin.
I know it’s not the same because I’m not there in person to interact with you, but for what it’s worth, I’m aware of your existence, and I’d miss your words terribly if you weren’t around to write them.
Awww. I’m sure I could get one of the interns to take over the blog and no one would ever know…
I would know! Maybe not at first if somebody REALLY studied your writing, but I would quickly realize I wasn’t reading my favorite writer’s words, and instead, the words of an imposter.
No one else mixes humor and tragedy, or writes a twist like you do. It’s part of the reasons why you’re my favorite writer.
Awww. WordPress says today is the blog’s 9th Anniversary. Plenty of writing for you to enjoy. I even wrote a post tonight!
I will run out eventually. I’ve been going back and reading older posts of yours. It often lifts my spirits when I’ve had a bad day. Plus, I know there’s usually something that makes me laugh!
Yay!!
I’ve deleted so much of the old stuff. Sorry you didn’t get a chance to read it…
That’s okay. You had no way of knowing I’d come along and become a super fan. I also understand the need to clean up the blog once in a while. No worries.
So many of the original posts were just flat out horrible…
Growth is a wonderful thing!
I had no idea what I was doing. It was so bad…
I think that’s true for all bloggers when they first start.
True. I had no theme for the blog, didn’t know how to tag and promote posts. It was a disaster!
You figured it out. That’s all that matters. 🙂 It’s phenomenal now!
Awww…shucks!
we all look forward to hearing from you, Austin. you new certainly not invisible
Thanks, Beth. I hope you can see this comment. 🙂
I think your porch light must have blown out, Austin … Bet those Mounds taste good, though.
The light was on, but you’re not home, your will is not your own. Your heart beats, in double time…
Might as well face it, Austin.
True. I guess I’m addicted to love…