The original focus of this domain was to write about reading, writing my first novel and random topics that inspired me – but not enough did. Amazingly, while ducking work on my blog, I doggedly transcribed my handwritten diaries – dating back to December 1963 – into a digital journal.
There are portions of those journals I don’t want anybody to read, ever. There are also passages that might be of interest to baby boomers, fellow diarists or even millennials.
Much of the legwork (since my life was my research) was completed decades ago. Being a tad obsessive-compulsive, I wrote every day for most of my life which resulted in thousands of entries.
Every three or four days, I’ll reproduce the same day in a previous year supplemented by photos and anything else I find.
The blog portion will be my 2016/2017 perspective on what transpired in the past.
I’ll skip around in time to give myself a wider selection of topics. If and when I accumulate enough bits and pieces, I’ll put them in chronological order. Occasionally, I’ll post non-diary blogs but my primary focus will be excavating the past and examining it in light of the present.
The REPRISE section of this site focuses on the world of my novel-in-progress and features some of my hard-won research on LA in the sixties (most of which I culled from the internet. If you’re interested, you’ll find a lot of information here in one convenient location.)
I’m building a photo gallery of sixties fashions worn by real people so if you’ve got photos you’d like to share, please send them. Currently, a disproportionate number of photos feature me so I’m in need of fresh faces.
Your comments and memories are always welcome! After I approve your first comment, future comments will post immediately on the site. (If I didn’t screen the initial comment, the site would drown in spam.)
It isn’t easy for a Lutheran preacher’s kid like myself to reveal this much personal information or write at such length about myself. For some reason I can’t explain, I’ve got a strong feeling – maybe only a hope – that this is worth doing. I hope a few of you agree.
Roberta Gundersen July 12, 2015 at 11:43 am
I like your site and look forward to seeing more. What is a “Beta” reader? Taking your last sentence above to heart, I will not post the comments I was thinking of, specifically regarding Scandinavian roots and powerful latent narcissism. I look forward to watching your site grow.
skywhys July 12, 2015 at 12:41 pm
Beta reader – not sure it should have been capped – people who volunteer to read the book (which I download to them free in return for the favor) and give me their feedback on it – kind of like a focus group.
Lori Smith July 12, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Your heart is a generation of knowledge and color! I can’t wait to see it all unfold, as you share the places ,where we all wish to have left traces.
Janice Ackles July 12, 2015 at 2:47 pm
We have traveled different paths during the concurrent lives of our sons.
It has been fascinating to see how their stories play out.
I have always been a fan of your work and look forward to this next incarnation .
I am very happy to have had you and John in my life.
All the best,
Janice
Mark Knutsen July 12, 2015 at 4:13 pm
I understand your reticence regarding all things tooting…perhaps use a pseudonym…any name ending in “val, or beginning with “Tor” would work…and write in the 3rd person
Regina July 13, 2015 at 10:31 am
Maybe this reticence came as penance for Viking “Tooting”?
Jim Geiser July 13, 2015 at 4:10 pm
Hey Kathleen,
I’m so excited to see your looking forward to writing the next great american novel! I too am looking forward to writing something that can excite and/or move someone to look for more. I mostly write science fiction, had some agented but didn’t sell so I’m self publishing.
My first and probably best suggestion is to find a writers group in your genre. My group can be hard, but there is no malice.
If you have something you would like me to read, It would be my pleasure. I’m looking forward to seeing some of your work.
Good luck, Jim
Rick Morrow July 14, 2015 at 2:25 pm
Of course you’re blogging … another outlet for your creative talents. Although I’m looking forward to your completed novel, I admire (and forgive) your ‘delayed satisfaction” decision.
Five March 13, 2016 at 4:56 pm
Hi Kathleen, Is there anyway to contact you not through the comments section? I’m having difficulty finding it. I’d like to ask you about one of your screenplays for a podcast.
skywhys March 20, 2016 at 9:35 pm
I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to respond to you, personal matters had me off-line for awhile. You can reach me at kathleenkrowell@aol.com or skywhys@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you Kathleen
Bob Widding July 29, 2016 at 3:48 am
Your diary is a worthwhile effort and masterfully executed in every particular. Thanks and keep ’em coming!
Robin Brown August 20, 2016 at 11:56 am
Hello!
What a neat blog you have!!
An author, Harry Angus, six years ago began writing The Encyclopedia of Jerry Garcia Music Venues. Alphabetically by state, there are 1250 venues that include live performances, canceled shows, interview, rehearsal, and recording studios. It’s predominantly about the history of each venue which includes architects, builders, and owners. Taking notice of the venues murals, paintings, statues, stage prosceniums, backstage areas, pipe organs, secret rooms, hidden tunnels, restorations and demolitions. In addition, Jerry’s own history of each venue includes the bands he played with, opening acts and other information. Thus far, he has over 900 venue photos approved by over 860 photographers. With your help, he can come closer to his the 2017 self-publishing goal.
I am seeking your help or guidance to locate a photo of the Hullaboo (300 DPI scan or 1MB photo). Jerry performed here with the Grateful Dead on 6/16/67 & 12/14/69.
This marquee photo is what I am looking for:
http://media.photobucket.com/user/Girlhowdy233/media/playbill.jpg.html?filters%5Bterm%5D=The%20marquee%20from%20the%20Hullabaloo%20Club%20in%20Hollywood,%20about%201966&filters%5Bprimary%5D=images&filters%5Bsecondary%5D=videos&sort=1&o=0
Tom Rombouts August 9, 2017 at 9:30 pm
Hi – Your list of clubs is great! I want to mention that the Cinnamon Cinder was Sasch (or Sasch’s) dance club in the 1984 or 1985 era. It was also the center of the pop music world for a while on August 23, 1964 when The Beatles held a press conference there, a while before they would play at the Hollywood Bowl later evening.
Tom
FLOYD LEWIS May 3, 2018 at 10:16 pm
I have Zygmunt Sulistrowski movies..if you wish to see one..email me and I will send you a youtube link (MARIZINIA)
FLOYD LEWIS email: artoffloyd@aol.com
skywhys August 25, 2021 at 3:36 pm
I know this reply is year late, butI’d love to see one. Please send me the YouTube link!
martin April 19, 2020 at 9:44 am
Kathleen,
I love your writing so I certainly look forward to reading the RD (Real Dirt). You certainly turned out exceptionally well for a PK! Hat’s off to you, you super writer, you!
ps. How did your rewrite go? If you like, I would love to read it!
David Herbelin August 25, 2021 at 10:13 am
Hello,
I stumbled upon your blog this morning while doing research on Evans and Sontag. I am very intrigued on your work and research on the topic. I discovered the train robbers back in 2000 and have worked researching their story off and on for the past 20 years. I’ll put them down for awhile then pick them back up to rediscover them again. I have written a screenplay and produced an escape room based on them. Just recently I discovered one of my best friend’s family owned Stone Corral and much of the land Evans hid in. His family dates back to the the same time Evans and Sontag lived and worked in Visalia. Anyways, to make a long story short, I would love to see what you discovered about their story. If you ever want to share, you have a very attentive audience here on that subject.
Thank you for your time.
David Herbelin
skywhys August 25, 2021 at 3:35 pm
I’, very intrigued – my stuff might be too disorganized to share effectively but I’d be willing. I had taped interviews with some people who are dead now and I saw Eva’s manuscript about her life at the Huntington Museum in Paadena – off the top of my head, can’t remember if I copied it (doubtful) but surely I took notes. I was really good at this stuff years ago, but now I’m sure I’m way behind. Several book, articles, etc. though. Where are you located?