Conversations with Calliope- A Cup of Good Cheer

(Snorkeling in Antigua)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Chipper.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear about it. I was getting worried about you.
JOE: Why?
CALLIOPE: Yesterday's post seemed quite morose. I thought you were depressed.
JOE: Actually no. I probably would not have ventured here again except as an exercise for The Vein of Gold.
CALLIOPE: The events you described took place many years ago didn't they?
JOE: Yes they did. For me it was what John of the Cross called the "Dark Night of the Soul." Graham Ledgerwood describes this as "a lengthy and profound absence of light and hope." See what he has to say at www.themystic.org/dark-night/index.htm. Fortunately I didn't get stuck there.
CALLIOPE: What brought you out of it?
JOE: Two angels, Gerry and John, who came to my aid, accepted me for who I was and stayed with me while I learned to believe in myself.
CALLIOPE: You were fortunate.
JOE: I am still grateful to them for bringing me back to life and teaching me how to appreciate what I have and how to not take life too seriously.
CALLIOPE: Have you stayed that way?
JOE: I can't say there weren't ups and downs but I have been able to stay on an even keel and weather whatever life threw at me. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- A Cup of Loneliness

(Spring Briers)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Pretty good. I started on the next assignment Julia Cameron suggests in Vein of Gold.
CALLIOPE: Which is?
JOE: Picking out some of the themes from my narrative time line and wring about them in more depth.
CALLIOPE: And you chose loneliness as the first?
JOE: I did. This theme keeps recurring in my thoughts ever since I wrote about it last week.
CALLIOPE: What have you learned by examining it in more depth?
JOE: I'm not finished yet, but I am starting to appreciate the depth of my isolation.
CALLIOPE: What do you think led to it?
JOE: Part of it was my father's treating me as if I was not worth anything, or at least that's how it felt to me.
CALLIOPE: That would certainly make it difficult to trust others to accept you.
JOE: Exactly. I also think that moving from the world at large to an artificial seminary environment cut me off from most anything I had learned to value in myself.
CALLIOPE: Any other factors?
JOE: My father's valuing commitment. Once you said you would do something you did it. I think I stayed in the seminary for nine years to satisfy him to some extent.
CALLIOPE: What are the implications of all this for you?
JOE: That's what I haven't finished yet. Perhaps I will have more to share with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- A New Day

(Morning- Leroy, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Good. Yesterday I finished working on my narrative time line.
CALLIOPE: Any further discoveries about yourself?
JOE: I think I am getting a better understanding of how my life has progressed.
CALLIOPE: What has been your pattern?
JOE: I have experienced periods of feeling competent and alive amid some long stretches of loneliness and feeling rather worthless.
CALLIOPE: Sorry to hear it. How are you feeling about yourself now?
JOE: Happy to say, I have overcome the doldrums and feel happy with who I am and what I have become.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear it. How does what you have learned in this process affect your outlook on the future?
JOE: I'm still working on that and will keep you posted?
CALLIOPE: How about the effect on your writing?
JOE: That remains to be determined as well. I hope to spend some time on both these issues over the weekend.
CALLIOPE: I'll be interested in seeing what you come up with.
JOE: You'll be the first to know. Talk with you on Monday.

Conversations with Calliope- Moving Right Along

(Oatka Festival Parade)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How is your narrative time line coming along?
JOE: Pretty well. I have finished documenting my life line up through age forty.
CALLIOPE: What have you learned about yourself so far?
JOE: I am beginning to see how my teenage isolation affected my rush to marry without due consideration as well as my professional and social relationships.
CALLIOPE: Do you have any regrets?
JOE: It doesn't help to wish your life had been different.
CALLIOPE: It could have been worse.
JOE: Of course. I have seen the lives of people I have worked with over the years. I am grateful to have had as good a life as I have had.
CALLIOPE: If you can't change what has happened, what will you do with what you have learned?
JOE: First I plan to try to make sense of it.
CALLIOPE: How?
JOE: When I have finished the time line, I will write down what I have learned from the exercise and then look for patterns.
CALLIOPE: To what end?
JOE: I hope that seeing the patterns which have developed in my life will give me some hints about where to go next. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- College Years

(Fishing Boat- Antigua)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Still wading through my time line. I just finished writing about my early twenties.
CALLIOPE: Any new discoveries?
JOE: I think my realization about not having close high school friends influenced my relationships after leaving the seminary.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: I was lonely and desperate to have a girl friend. Since I had no experience in relationships with girls as most boys do in high school, I was like a fish out of water.
CALLIOPE: How did it end up?
JOE: Not very well. My first date was set up by a friend who also left the seminary. She turned out to speak no English and my Polish was nonexistent.
CALLIOPE: Did it get better?
JOE: I met a nutty girl and one who turned out to be mentally ill.
CALLIOPE: No one in their right mind?
JOE: One, but for only for a single date. She was a lovely girl, and we resonated well. Unfortunately she lived in the country, I had no car and could not get to her on my own. The person we relied on for a ride had no sense of what we both wanted and liked to tell jokes and drink in bars. It just didn't work.
CALLIOPE: Sorry to hear that. Do you think these experiences influenced your writing?
JOE: I think so but that's another story. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Life Context

(Outdoor Handball Court- Dunkirk, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Good, but little perplexed.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: I have been working on the narrative time line we talked about yesterday.
CALLIOPE: You mean the structured interview about your life events?
JOE: Exactly so.
CALLIOPE: Is that what perplexed you?
JOE: Yes. When I wrote about my early years I discovered how happy a child I was.
CALLIOPE: That doesn't sound perplexing.
JOE: It isn't. When I got to my early adolescence, I realized how lonely and isolated I was.
CALLIOPE: You don't remember that?
JOE: I think I buried it from my consciousness. When asked to name my best friend from that time, I couldn't think of anyone.
CALLIOPE: That's sad.
JOE: I agree. I can't change anything about it now, but maybe it will help me understand myself a little better. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Back on Course

(Sunrise on the Allegheny River)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Feeling much better about myself and my life direction.
CALLIOPE: What brought about such a quick change from yesterday?
JOE; I wish I knew for sure. Maybe I was just in the doldrums for a while.
CALLIOPE: Any other possibilities?
JOE: Several. Admitting I was stranded probably helped. Several good things happened yesterday as well.
CALLIOPE: Such as?
JOE: I managed to fix my e-mail problem on my own and turned out not to have a virus on my computer after all. It gave me a sense of accomplishment.
CALLIOPE: Anything else?
JOE: I wrote my column for Saturday on Yvonne's life and was proud of what I produced. I also started working on my narrative time line as suggested by Julia Cameron. I feel this will give me a sense of context for continuing my writing at this stage in my life.
CALLIOPE: You sound grounded again.
JOE: Perhaps not an apt metaphor for a sailor. Back on course sounds better.
CALLIOPE: Point taken. I'm glad you are sailing again.
JOE: Me too. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Finding a Direction

(Mayan Road- Cozumel)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. On Saturday you sounded stuck. Any progress?
JOE: I would say so. I found some time to reflect on where I am right now.
CALLIOPE: What did you discover?
JOE: I came to a standstill in my writing recently when I started reading Vein of Gold by Julia Cameron.
CALLIOPE: I thought that book was designed to stimulate your creativity.
JOE: It is. I started feeling more energized until I came to her recommendation of writing my history.
CALLIOPE: And that paralyzed you?
JOE: I'm not sure it is quite a matter of paralysis.
CALLIOPE: What is it then?
JOE: I have been mindlessly plodding ahead with little sense of direction, flitting from one project to another.
CALLIOPE: And?
JOE: I think I need a better sense of direction. As I thought about it over the weekend, writing my story might help me regain my momentum.
CALLIOPE: Is that you next project?
JOE: I don't see it so much a project as a refocusing. I will try and see where it leads me. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Waiting for Spring

(Storm Clouds over the Lagoon- San Juan)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Waiting for Spring.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it?
JOE: I feel as if my mind has been fallow lately, like a a field not yet plowed and planted for the new season.
CALLIOPE: How did you reach that conclusion?
JOE: It just occurred to me this morning while I was writing my journal.
CALLIOPE: What did you realize about yourself and your writing?
JOE: I don't feel creative ideas tugging at me anxious to be written.
CALLIOPE: What about the computer virus problem you wrote about yesterday?
JOE: I think it was just an excuse for not doing anything. I could have turned off my computer and written on paper.
CALLIOPE: No doubt. What do you think is paralyzing you?
JOE: I hadn't thought of it as paralysis but now that you mention it, I suppose that is what I am feeling. I think it might be a philosophical problem. My chosen goal is to help others understand themselves and take responsibility for their interactions with others. Lately it seems many people are giving up any concern about each other and just grabbing what they can with no concern for their own integrity or effect on anyone else.
CALLIOPE: Sounds depressing. Do you plan to just give up?
JOE: I'm not that desperate. But I do need to get refocused. I just need to figure out how. Talk with you on Monday.

Conversations with Calliope- Human and Computer Virus

(Frozen Culvert)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you yesterday.
JOE: I thought you might. I have been wrestling with viruses.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: A cold virus has been stalking me for the past month or so. It laid me flat for a while but lately I have been overcoming it.
CALLIOPE: Is that the end of the story?
JOE: I wish. Just as I was starting to get back on my feet, it seems a virus might be infecting my computer.
CALLIOPE: How can you tell?
JOE: I can't for sure. A few days ago I started having trouble with e-mail messages. I received them erratically but then got a message after they were received that my provider didn't recognize my password.
CALLIOPE: It doesn't sound earthshaking.
JOE: It isn't but it is annoying.
CALLIOPE: What do you plan to do about it?
JOE: I tried every antivirus program I could think of with no results. Finally I made plans to take it to a shop for a professional look.
CALLIOPE: How did that go?
JOE: It was canceled because my man came down with his own virus (human type.) I'm waiting for him to recover. In the mean time I'll try to get back to concentrating on my writing. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Spring Awakening

(Magen's Bay Beach- St. Thomas)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Not bad. I'm enjoying the return of spring weather and not having to bundle up before going outside.
CALLIOPE: It is a nice time of year, one of rebirth and beginnings.
JOE: Well said. My mind is filled with new ideas.
CALLIOPE: Such as?
JOE: I think I might have mentioned my idea about a virtual beach where ideas could lounge and meet each other.
CALLIOPE: You did. Is it on your mind?
JOE: Yes. I awoke early this morning imagining it.
CALLIOPE: What ideas are up and about?
JOE: One is the mystery of abuse.
CALLIOPE: Oh?
JOE: I've wondered what prompts people to leave their senses and abuse others with no thought of their welfare. Another is the mystery of addiction.
CALLIOPE: Do you think they are connected?
JOE: Perhaps, but I'm not sure. I have read a few explanations of both issues but they both remain mysterious to me. Maybe I will let them play on the beach and see what happens. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- There's Always Something

(Creekside Path- Leroy, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: I was reflecting yesterday on Yvonne's death, the fragility of life and implications for my future writing when my brother called.
CALLIOPE: What did he have to say?
JOE: He recently had knee surgery for a torn meniscus.
CALLIOPE: Did it go okay?
JOE: All except for the pre-op tests. He was found to have a very high white blood count which turned out to be due to his having a form of leukemia.
CALLIOPE: I'm sorry to hear it.
JOE: Thanks. It's little early to tell what the future holds. He is having more tests next week and plans will be made pending the outcome.
CALLIOPE: How is he taking it?
JOE: I think he is still somewhat in shock but seems to be taking it in stride. I think it is difficult for a surgeon to be a patient. We're both hoping for the best.
CALLIOPE: Are there any indications for hope?
JOE: There always are. He has a less virulent form of leukemia and does not have any symptoms except fatigue.
CALLIOPE: How are you taking it?
JOE: I guess it has not really registered yet. I'm worried about him of course but will do anything I can to help although I'm not sure what I can do except be supportive right now. I will at least do that. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Goodbye to Yvonne

(Tangled Roots)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How was your weekend?
JOE: Saturday was rough.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: Carol and I went to a wake and funeral service for her cousin Yvonne.
CALLIOPE: What happened?
JOE: She had struggled for years with alcoholism and finally succumbed apparently to an overdose of pain medication.
CALLIOPE: Sorry to hear it.
JOE: It was a tragedy waiting to happen. She had a great zest for life but not much control over her attraction to chemicals.
CALLIOPE: Did her death surprise you?
JOE: Not really but it did sadden me to see her life lost to addiction which remains one of the mysteries I have not been able to crack in all of my years as a psychologist and a writer.
CALLIOPE: Are you still working on it?
JOE: I'm not working on it so much as wondering about it.
CALLIOPE: Do you plan to write any more about it?
JOE: I wrote a novel about sexual addiction which just engendered more questions. I suppose I will work on it some more. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Artist's Date

(Rock Waiting for Spring)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Just barely.
JOE: You mean just barely morning or just barely good?
CALLIOPE: Just barely morning.
JOE: Don't pout. I have had a great morning. I was up early to read the paper, write my morning pages and take a walk.
CALLIOPE: Glad you are enjoying it.
JOE: I'm on a roll from yesterday.
CALLIOPE: Oh?
JOE: I mentioned that I was reading Julia Cameron's Vein of Gold.
CALLIOPE: You did.
JOE: One of her suggestions was a weekly "Artist's Date."
CALLIOPE: Did you have one?
JOE: Yesterday I set out on a journey with my camera and found quite a few interesting images within a mile of my house. I realized that there were probably many other places within walking distance.
CALLIOPE: Is that where you were this morning?
JOE: Yes. I was scouting new photo sites and walked through a local cemetery where several people I knew are buried. I'm looking forward to more adventures. Talk with you on Monday.

Conversations with Calliope- Mysterious Deaths

(New Orleans Cemetery)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you this morning?
JOE: I've been thinking about death this morning.
CALLIOPE: On what account?
JOE: Two people I know recently died under suspicious circumstances.
CALLIOPE: Tell me more.
JOE: Chemical abuse seems to be involved in both deaths.
CALLIOPE: Do you know that for sure?
JOE: No, but I know that both people have struggled for years with substance abuse.
CALLIOPE: What are you thoughts about this?
JOE: I wonder why people would risk their lives to get high.
CALLIOPE: Maybe they are trying to get our of a hole rather than high.
JOE: Entirely possible. I hadn't thought of it that way.
CALLIOPE: I notice you have never written about drugs or alcohol.
JOE: True. I haven't understood it well enough to express any opinions.
CALLIOPE: What about writing about the mystery of drug use?
JOE: It's something to consider. Talk with you tomorrow

Conversations with Calliope- Playing in the Dirt

(Sunflowers- Leroy, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you yesterday.
JOE: I thought you might.
CALLIOPE: Where were you?
JOE: Playing hooky or more accurately playing in the dirt.
CALLIOPE: So I see from today's title. Tell me a little more.
JOE: I told you I was starting to read Julia Cameron's Vein of Gold.
CALLIOPE: Yes.
JOE: One of her suggestions is to relearn how to play. I set up a play date for myself yesterday on impulse.
CALLIOPE: How did that develop?
JOE: I was shopping and decided to buy some vegetable and flower seeds as well as a bird feeder and seeds for my feathered friends, especially gold finches and woodpeckers.
CALLIOPE: Sounds interesting.
JOE: Not just interesting but critical. When I spend all my time slaving away on my writing I tend to lose track of my creativity and playfulness.
CALLIOPE: God forbid.
JOE: My thoughts precisely. The seeds are planted. Today I will stock the bird feeders. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Appreciating Life

(Ganandigan Festival)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. Glad to see you up and at 'em.
JOE: Glad to be here.
CALLIOPE: What are you up to lately?
JOE: Yesterday I finished assembling the posts I will include in my next book based on our conversations.
CALLIOPE: And today?
JOE: Saturday is coming up quickly. I have a column to prepare for The Daily News.
CALLIOPE: Have you decided on a topic.
JOE: Yes. This week I plan to write about appreciating life. Everyone seems to be fretting about the economy and its implications.
CALLIOPE: You don't think we should be worried?
JOE: These are unsettled times. No doubt about that. I think it provides us with an opportunity.
CALLIOPE: Which is?
JOE: To realize what we have in our lives rather than concentrating on what we don't have. As bad as things are, by comparison with most of the world, we are still doing quite well.
CALLIOPE: Good point. I'll be looking forward to hearing what you have to say.
JOE: So am I. Time to get to work. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Checking Directions

(Sailboat by Peter Langen)

JOE: Good afternoon Calliope.
CALLIOPE: I hope you didn't just roll out of bed.
JOE: You should know me better than that. I've never slept this late in my life.
CALLIOPE: So where have you been?
JOE: Doing my part for medical research. I visited the University of Rochester this morning for a blood draw.
CALLIOPE: What are they doing with your blood?
JOE: Trying to see if we souls with rheumatoid arthritis have any different reaction to flu shots than the rest of the world.
CALLIOPE: How's the study coming?
JOE: It's beyond me and any case too early to know anything while they are still in mid study.
CALLIOPE: Did it take you all this time?
JOE: No. I stopped at Barnes and Noble for some browsing while bookstores still stand.
CALLIOPE: What did you discover?
JOE: Julia Cameron's book Vein of Gold. It is a follow-up on her book, The Artist's Way.
CALLIOPE: Any reaction you can share yet?
JOE: Just that it looks interesting. I'll keep you posted.

Conversations with Calliope- The Next Frontier

(Rocky Mountain Pass)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Starting to feel back to normal as my cold recedes.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear it. What's on your mind today?
JOE: Not a great deal. I feel at peace this morning.
CALLIOPE: That's a good feeling.
JOE: Indeed. It seems from reading the news that not too many people feel that way right now.
CALLIOPE: I agree. What brings you a sense of peace?
JOE: Knowing that I am doing what I have chosen to do. Sometimes I think I would like to have more money but then I see people gnashing their teeth about lost money and realize it's not that important.
CALLIOPE: What is important to you?
JOE: Like I said, doing what I have chosen. I can spend my time writing and expressing myself. I know that I am reaching some people. I have come to realize that no matter what I say, some people will like it and agree and others won't.
CALLIOPE: Can you accept that?
JOE: I can now. I think it takes maturity to reach that point.
CALLIOPE: One advantage of living long enough.
JOE: I agree. I'm not sure where I am heading next but I enjoy knowing I have a choice. Talk with you on Monday.

Conversations with Calliope- Blog Police

(Freize- Santilana, Spain)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What's this about blog police?
JOE: I post my blog on a number of sites as you know.
CALLIOPE: Yes.
JOE: We are in the habit of discussing writing, publishing, marketing and sales. One site apparently took exception to my mentioning Booklocker as a place where I might get my next book published as a free e-book.
CALLIOPE: How did they take exception?
JOE: By removing my blog mentioning the idea.
CALLIOPE: That seems a bit extreme.
JOE: I thought so too, but I suppose everyone has their rules.
CALLIOPE: So how to you plan to handle it?
JOE: I think I will stop posting my blog there and notify my associates of the change.
CALLIOPE: How do you feel about these developments?
JOE: I wasn't sure how much people cared about my blog with you.
CALLIOPE: And?
JOE: It's nice to know I stirred up some reaction. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Back to Work

(Inside a Beehive)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Feeling energetic for the first time in over a week. My head is clear, I can breathe and the wheels are turning in my head.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear it. Were you able to work yesterday?
JOE: I was gone until early afternoon to a funeral and reception. After that I felt energetic and got to work on our book, Conversations with Calliope: A Writer's Year With his Muse. At least that's the working title.
CALLIOPE: I'm honored. How far did you get?
JOE: I made all the entries for the whole year. Now I am going back to make sure I didn't miss any and am also revising the format for consistency.
CALLIOPE: What are your plans for this book?
JOE: I plan to approach Booklocker with it. They will publish writing related e-books without a setup charge.
CALLIOPE: Sounds good.
JOE: I think so.
CALLIOPE: What's after that?
JOE: Good question. I have some ideas. I'll elaborate when we talk tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Tabula Rasa

(Sunset- St. Lucia)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I'm Greek not Roman. I think your title is Latin though.
JOE: You're right. It means blank slate.
CALLIOPE: How did it get to be in today's title?
JOE: I arrived at the computer this morning without anything particular on my mind and thought it apt.
CALLIOPE: I agree. What's up today?
JOE: I am leaving for a funeral shortly.
CALLIOPE: Someone you know?
JOE: Not really. It is the mother of Carol's brother's sister in law.
CALLIOPE: Do you know the family?
JOE: Yes, from family gatherings.
CALLIOPE: So you are not directly involved?
JOE: No, but death and funerals have made me sit up and take notice more than in the past as I get older.
CALLIOPE: What personal meaning does it have for you.
JOE: It's a reminder to make good use of whatever time if have left to me. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Openness to Experience

(San Juan Surf)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: On the mend finally. This cold just doesn't seem to want to let go.
CALLIOPE: What's up today?
JOE: Plenty. I have a full schedule and hope I have energy for it all.
CALLIOPE: For example?
JOE: I have yoga class at 10:30, lunch with a writer friend at 12:00, my daughter coming for help preparing her taxes at 2:30 and a funeral home to visit tonight.
CALLIOPE: Is that it?
JOE: No. I have some calls to make in between.
CALLIOPE: Any time for writing today?
JOE: I might be able to work on our book for a while.
CALLIOPE: How far are you?
JOE: I have finished our conversations through July.
CALLIOPE: That sounds good.
JOE: I'm glad I am this far. I try to work on one month each day. It should be finished next week, or at least the draft should. Talk with you tomorrow after I catch my breath.

Conversations with Calliope- Jersey Boys

(Stoking the Fire)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I hope you are feeling better today.
JOE: I am. Thank you.
CALLIOPE: Any developments over the weekend?
JOE: I felt well enough to attend the Jersey Boys concert yesterday.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like fun.
JOE: That's what I thought. I went to relax and be entertained.
CALLIOPE: And?
JOE: I also had a chance to think about life and its vicissitudes.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: The show traced the development of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from their struggle for survival in a rough New Jersey neighborhood through their struggles on the way to fame and fortune.
CALLIOPE: They finally made it?
JOE: Yes, but even their success brought them further challenges. It reminded me that to be successful, I can never give up and in success more challenges await.
CALLIOPE: Interesting findings from a show.
JOE: I thought so and was happy to have the reminders. Talk with you tomorrow.