Local Motion

Reports from the Meat World & Invitations

Hey Y’all,

If I keep popping in to announce, yet again, that I’m still taking a break, is that like the younger version of me who—yes, I am embarrassed to say—would sometimes jump up and down and essentially holler HELLO I’M IGNORING YOU! to whomever failed to respond to me ignoring them?

Nah.

I keep popping in because, while I am enjoying time off from writing, I still have a lot going on in the Meat World. Much of what I’m doing involves my ongoing attempts to fight fascism by cultivating real world community. I’m writing today mostly because I want you to know about all these gatherings in case you’d like to come and join in the fun. With rare exception, these events are either flat-out free or donation-based so even if things are tight for you, please don’t let (lack of) money be an obstacle.

It’s been interesting not sending out weekly essays. I’m observing how it feels. So far it feels pretty fine. I am getting very good at letting myself sometimes simply daydream. I am practicing feeling what it feels like to not be reacting to a weekly looming deadline—because I did keep myself on a strict writing schedule.

I’m not fabulous at unstructured time so the daydreaming sessions don’t typically last long. But even when I do feel the urge to get up and do something, well, the older I get, the more I realize that (for me, anyway) the what that I choose to dedicate time to is, increasingly, less important than the doing. Actually, it was probably unimportant all along. But now I am understanding that whether I’m attempting to write a bestselling book or simply crank out another pinch pot, at my age either will equally scratch my productivity itch. I think some of this newfound ability to derive as much satisfaction from playing with rubber stamps as I do from writing a carefully crafted essay, hinges on no longer “needing” (wanting?) so much external validation. (Though you may feel free to compliment my pinch pots in the comments. By all means…)

Whatever the case, I seem to be chilling more than usual. Not that I will ever actually be chill. But relative to earlier iterations, Spike.61 seems to be learning to more often relish the joys of each moment, in the moment. A good trick anytime, but especially so in these days of fascist bullshit. Joy continues to be an act of rebellion. Don’t let that fucker and his minions steal your joy. That’s exactly what they want. Repeat after me: No. No. A million times no. Fuck no. You may not steal my joy.

There, doesn’t that feel better? Welcome. You’ve just stepped onto the Path of Joy. Congratulations!

I’d like to get to the visual part of this offering now. I’m taking far fewer photos as no longer do I hear a voice saying, “That would be great for you IG!” Still, I’ve been a passionate photographer for decades, so I still do take quite a few photos on the regular. I hope you enjoy them. After the photos are the invitations.

JOY & BEAUTY DEPARTMENT—Extended Dance Mix!

THE LAWN MOWER REPORT

Tuesday November 18, 2025 would have been Pop’s 97th birthday. As a lot of you know, Bob LOVED mowing the lawn. And so, in honor of both of those things, enjoy this video of one of the greatest moments of his life. And mine.

INVITES!

BIZARRE BAZAAR! On Saturday December 6, 2025 10 am - 3 pm I’m hosting a craft bazaar at the ranch. If you’re interested in selling your stuff, shoot me a note. There will be crafts, pastries, coffee and LIVE MUSIC! This is going to be a wonderful, low key, COMMUNITY event. Please join us!

SPIKE’S 62nd BIRTHDAY PARTY AT HYDE PARK THEATRE! January 3, 2026 7 pm. If you’ve been to one of my Dick Monologues shows or Birthday Parties at Hyde Park Theatre, you already know this event will be fun, wacky and utterly unpredictable. If you’ve never been—what are you waiting for? This is a small room and the show will sell out [MORE THAN HALFWAY SOLD OUT NOW] so don’t wait to make your reservations. Tickets are $20 and I have an amazing lineup of performers. Hit reply to this newsletter if you want in on the fun.

WRITING WORKSHOPS:

MONDAYS—Ongoing: 10 am-noon San Marcos Public Library FREE just show up.

MONDAY Writing Workshop at Hyde Park Theatre—11/17 & 11/24. 1:30-3:30 $20 suggested donation. Just show up.

HAMPTON BRANCH LIBRARY in Oak Hill. Our next meeting will be Tuesday November 18th—aka BOB’S BIRTHDAY! FREE 5:30-7:30.

WriteWithSpike.Substack.com— Here’s a way to be part of the community even if you’re far away. It’s my substack for writers, all levels welcome. Come share your stories!

I’m on the fence re: December Ranch Writing Day. I’ll let you know soon if we are on.

Thanks for being here y’all! Here’s a bonus photo that just popped up on my iPad from a long time ago. That was definitely a memorable wedding.