Well, like all things human, there’s a time to come and a time to toddle along. Especially in these “toddle along” years when the emotional energy wears out and a job starts to feel overwhelming, and lacking the visceral push one needs to create something new and worthy over and over. Creation starts to go flat like a day-old unfinished brew. That’s where I am. And that’s where my column is.
After nine years of writing my humor and wacky editorial column here, the task has gotten tougher and tougher, and advancing age is certainly of no help.
But I like to believe that along the way, I may have served a purpose: to provide a bit of light-heartedness to the tough times we went through over the last decade. For me, the time has come to move on to other projects and challenges, or to learn to play the flute.
It’s been a privilege writing for this newspaper. The team here works hard and, amazingly, gets out an edition every week on time, and with the key news events, local and otherwise, and of the most relevance and importance to our English-speaking communities. They are to be commended for their hard work and extraordinary dedication.
I want to thank readers of my column for their support, something that always served to up my motivation and enthusiasm to find that subject that may have needed a little ragging and a little spoofing, and could be worth a laugh or two. Certainly, there had been plenty of them over the years.
And to those readers who may have been nettled by my opinions or writings, let me say I have never intentionally sought to berate any subject, save one. My goal was always to portray chosen topics in an amusing, even amiable light or simply to inform on topics that were just weird and laughable.
With sincere thanks to long-standing readers and to the Guadalajara Reporter team, I’ll say farewell. It’s been a stimulating ride each week that changed recently to every other week, and I hope that it served its simple purpose to lighten up the news a bit and change the tone from dark and sober to buttery and whimsical as I intended. I may still pop up here once in a while, if the muses slap me awake or kiss me good night.
It’s been fun, although at times stressful, especially when there just seemed to be nothing left to tackle or tickle that Lakesiders hadn’t already heard from me.
Stay healthy and stay informed. And let’s hope that today’s era of plague, discord and disappointment may shift, and brighter, easier times lie ahead. Ahead may last only until next weekend. But it’s how humanity rolls.
And always keep in mind that a few good laughs every week are spot-on meds for whatever ails you.
PS. Lamentations aside, there are still wacky things going on. I just read this: A new stress-relief trend is emerging among young adults in China and coming to our hemisphere: the use of the adult pacifier. Once considered a baby comforter, these silicone soothers have grown in popularity for adults as consumers turn to them for tranquility and sleep support. So, can’t wait for mine to arrive.
Editor’s note: As Ed wraps up this chapter of his writing career, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for his years of wit, humor and thought-provoking commentary. His unique voice and insights have brought smiles and laughter to our readers week after week, and his contributions will be missed. Thank you, Ed, for brightening our pages and offering us a delightful balance of fun and reflection over the past decade.