Michael Bernard Loggins, Nikon Coolpix 4500
I’m afraid. Afraid of what we’re doing to the world, afraid of the bombs, afraid to listen to the radio and hear anymore bad news.
I thought it was brilliant that this week, when fear is at its height for so many, that the radio show This American Life featured Michael Bernard Loggins and his book, Fears of Your Life, A Whole Brand New One.
Michael is a student at Creativity Explored in San Francisco, an art center for adults with developmental disabilities, and a place where I have been volunteering for about 4 years. The art that comes out of there is extraordinary, free, unusual, and beautiful.
Several years ago, Michael made a list of all of his fears (138 of them) which was made into a zine. The list is poignant, deep, and full of poetry.
Michael mentions me, in the sweetest of ways, as one of his fears.
Give a listen.
(Note: If you want to skip over a sad story at the beginning of the episode, Michael’s piece begins 34 minutes into the show.)
Another note: When Michael inscribed his book for me he wrote, “I love you Andrea. You are my special friend. You are #2.”
5 Comments
Michael is brilliant and beautiful.I can see and hear why he is your superhero…..
“I love you Andrea. You are #2.”
Wow. How great is that?
I listened to that story and remember thinking, wow, I’m afraid of those things too, but never knew how to put it in words.
i LOVE this photo of Michael. The smile on his face and the sparkle in his eyes….Fabulous! (I also love the black edges on the photo…did you have this photo printed full frame or was it done in photo shop?) I remember reading a letter Michael wrote to you …you posted it in one of you superhero e-mails…it touched me deep. I have thought about Michael time and again since that e-mail.
I miss you, Andrea. Come back to see me soon. And you will always be my friend throughout this life. That’s all.
Michael Bernard Loggins