loc on Broken Toys #5
As promised, here's that loc I've been meaning to write to your new zine.
Glad to see that New Toy isn't dead: just on hiatus then. Sometimes that's just how these things work, and that's fine by me. Besides, you've never been one to be at a loss for words, nor topics to write about.
Yes, I know Arnie Katz is redefining yet again; it seems that's a common theme in much of his recent writings and fanzines. Historically, fans love doing this: we love to natter endlessly about our hobby interest, and so Arnie is simply carrying on this long tradition. I tend you agree with your definition of fandom, Taral. Fandom is definitely an invitational interest group, and most fans that I have met over the years have been quite receptive to new blood. It always depends on how much a person - young, new, energetic neofan or old, fanned and tired veteran fan - brings to their fan-related activities. That is always the bottom line since the enjoyment a person gets out of doing something, no matter what it is, is dependent on their involvement to it. So there.
Man, your drug tale is quite an eye-opener. I thank you for explaining what you are dealing with - I freely admit to not knowing much about it before now, only that you had mobility issues in recent years - and that information definitely helps understand the drug regimen you are on. Better living through chemistry sounds like it could be your personal motto.
By the way, I really liked that segue into the third section of Broken Toys #5, in which you detail how you acquired that walker. Definitely serendipity lives. Good bit of luck for you!
Eric Mayer's letter describing his and Mary's cottage, then you with your apartment, makes our house sound positively palatial, and we're less than 1300 square feet. Of course, with three kids - two still at home, though one of those is about to move out - we need the room. But you live with what you need, sometimes only with what you can afford, and even some other times those two actually meet; most of the time they don't. Bugger.
Thanks for the issue, Taral, and I look forward to your next one in a week or so. Keep this publishing rate up and you'll catch up to Chris Garcia and Arnie Katz Real Soon Now.
All the best,
John Purcell