Let the Fall Begin

The fall as in the season, not the Fall of Humankind or something hifalutin' like that -- although, given the overall performance of humans, definitely including the current idiocies being committed on an hourly basis, if not more frequently, it can hardly be argued that the Fall of Humankind would be undeserved or even, from the perspective of other sentient beings out there or perhaps simply the universe in general, unwelcome.

It's not only that we make such a colossal mess of things -- but it should be noted that we do that on an ungraspably huge scale -- but that we are the source of so much completely unnecessary and entirely avoidable pain. And we inflict that pain on everything with which we come in contact.

My, my. You might gather that I am not in the best frame of mind. I do believe what I just stated; if I had more strength at the moment, I would still try to tie such bleak observations to a few strands of hope. Can't do it at the moment. Just can't do it. I deeply regret that I've been too sick to write any new articles during the past month. But the July heat had terrible effects on me -- and on Sasha, as well. We're both still recovering from it. The forecast is that it will get warmer again next week, but I will hope that the heat will not be too excessive. After that, cooler weather may soon arrive. Although I scribble a bit every day, I've been unable to summon the extended concentration required for the kind of writing I prefer. I pray that returns very, very soon. I will keep trying to hasten its return as best I'm able.

Now the first of another month is almost upon us. Thanks to the generosity of 24 donors (and the unusual generosity of a few of that number), I was just able to pay the August rent and the other required bills, as well as have a bit left over for food. I am profoundly grateful to all those who made donations. At the moment, though, I only have about $100 left. So I need to raise funds for the rent, the internet, and food (and a visit to the vet for Sasha, if the universe is in an especially charitable phase). After this weekend, I will have no food, and no money for food. The $100 will be kept for emergencies. Given my health and Sasha's, at least one emergency is all too likely to occur.

As always, I am deeply thankful to all those who make donations in any amount. The only reason I am still here at all is the miraculous kindness of readers who continue to drop by. So a truly heartfelt, "Thank you."

Many thanks for your time and consideration.

Help, Please

My deep thanks to the ten people who responded to my last post. I'm more grateful than I can express.

Unfortunately, I'm still unable to pay the August rent, since I'm about $700 short of what is needed. Included in the $700 figure is money for internet and phone service, both of which are critical. I'm not including money for food, which would be nice, but, well, you can't have everything.

If I can't pay the rent by Monday, I will be in very serious shit. I'm sure the owners will begin eviction proceedings promptly. And if I have to deal with eviction in the next month or two, in the midst of this ghastly heat, that will be the end of me. I'm not being dramatic. I have no idea at all how I would survive it. Chances are, I wouldn't.

I'm trying to put together a couple of posts, and I hope to publish one or two over the next several days. Looking ahead to the very near future, I see that they're predicting temperatures in the mid-90s through all of next week. Please keep good thoughts for Sasha and me for the indefinite time ahead. (Hah, "indefinite," indeed.)

I will be profoundly grateful for any help you may be able to provide. I know this is tedious and tiresome -- but, if it causes you to feel a bit more forgiving with regard to my circumstances, be assured that however bad you imagine my situation to be, I can guarantee you it is far worse. I confess that I sometimes wonder (make that, often wonder) if I even want it to continue. But, for the moment, I refuse to give up. Despite everything, my very strong sense that I still have work to do remains close to indestructible, in large part because I see no one else discussing certain issues that I view as absolutely critical. Granted, that may be, in part, a self-protective mechanism. But I also think it's true. My work is not done.

Thank you for your attention and consideration. Sasha and I remain forever thankful for your kindness and generosity, even in this goddamned hellhole called Los Angeles.