WHEN in the course of human Events, it becomes necessary….
Announcement: blogs and books
byVanderleunonApril 14, 2023
Neo here.
I want to let you all know that this site, americandigest.org, has been paid up for the next two years. However, I’m letting the newer site, newamericandigest.com, lapse. Most of what’s on there is redundant to posts that are here, plus some people are having trouble canceling their subscriptions.
Gerard worked hard on that site and was very happy with it – and with all the people who signed up – so I thank all of you on his behalf. But although he left instructions to continue the older site (that is, this one) for two years, he didn’t say to do the same for that newer site. Therefore it’s going to be closing in a couple of days, although I don’t know the exact date it will happen. After that, none of you should be charged for it.
I’m still working on those two books of Gerard’s writings, but their publication will take a while. One will be of his essays and one of his poetry. He left somewhat incomplete instructions about the essays he wanted included, and I’ll try to follow what he said plus I may add a few of his essays that I especially like but that he didn’t include. The poetry book is my idea, because so many readers have enjoyed his poetry.
I don’t have a time frame for when the books will come out, but I think in a few months. There’s a fair amount of editing involved, as well as trying to select accompanying photos (probably black and white, because color books are far far more expensive) that aren’t copyrighted. Then of course I have to figure out what publishing platform to use; there are a great great many of them. My thought at the moment is that each book will have an e-book version and a print-to-order hard copy version.
Sign me up for all of the above.
FWIW, I’m willing to pay the cost for color rather than B/W.
I would prefer a hard back, but a perfect binding softback would be acceptable.
Gerard’s work was worth it.
Just think, it’s very possible that 100 years from now the writings of Gerard in hardback, Vol 1, 2, and 3, could be something very valuable. I’m all for taking chances in investing in “things I can hold in my hands” rather then letting them FRN’s rot on the table.
Casey KlahnApril 14, 2023, 9:56 AM
Thanks again for your labors, here, Neo. I am very grateful that you’re continuing this blog.
I’m all for the books, too. I tried a POD book many years ago when all of this was new, and I bought a test book to make sure it was quality. They sent it with C Klahn C, or some such, on the spine, and did not answer my complaints. Anyway, my word of caution.
I just ordered some graphic t shirts and am testing them ahead, as well. My wife tried to do this for me with some basic image t shirts a couple of years back, and our very first people who ordered them got: blank t shirts.
SKApril 14, 2023, 11:16 AM
I think all readers of Gerard’s wonderful blog are very grateful for your efforts, Neo.
I’ll certainly sign up for books in black and white or colour.
I was a member of the new site and new matter was delivered to me by email but for some reason I always went anyway to the old site.
Your site has also made for very good reading this year.
I’m all for paying for color, as well. Thank you, Neo, for moving forward with these.
Bob ClarkApril 15, 2023, 3:17 PM
Thank you Neo. What a wonderful treat — being able to visit this website (his original) for two more years. Thank you!
David SpenceApril 17, 2023, 8:45 AM
What a treasure these will be!!
TerryApril 17, 2023, 9:43 PM
Please count me in. I can hardly wait to order these treasures.
My wife attended the same high school as Gerard started at in Sacramento. Susan was two years behind Gerard. And I watched the same girls as Gerard did when he was in Santa Cruz at the beach.
Neo, I’m reluctant to bring this up in public. I’d gifted GV a couple fire arms past five years. One an Ithaca Feather Weight 12 guage SG. Recently another “ Lower high end build.
My concern is those tools go to you his brother or other trusted patriot. Gerard easpecially enjoyed the Ithaca Feather weight as it’s what the “ Nam Era SEALS carried down in the Rung Sat region. Bottom loaded and ejection a shotgun I wanted him to have, I have many, I’m a collector so!!!,Mm
Anyways a touchy possible situation. It’s my hope that both were kept by family or yourself, both are fine tool, I’m aware that GV attended one high speed shotgun class their in Butte county with the feather weight, he proudly reported back that the instructor and other students complimented him on his choice of tools.
I’d also gifted GV with a setof older but very clean Dynaco Speakers.
speakers rather remarkable actually. Again just hoping the went to a collector of high end vintage stereo gear. If it’s you or his brother I never finish3d getting him the rest of the stereo. Theirs a tube amp ST70 and a Tube pre amp I can send along.
Hoping all went to good homes.
Dirk Williams
ThisIsNotNutellaApril 19, 2023, 8:53 PM
@Dirk:
You *had* many before that unfortunate boating accident in alligator-infested deep water.
Real World Address for Donations, Mash Notes and Hate Mail
Gerard Van der Leun
1692 MANGROVE AVE
APT 379
Chico, Ca 95926
Green Pants Interior by Klahn
Who Am I? by Carl Sandburg
My head knocks against the stars.
My feet are on the hilltops.
My finger-tips are in the valleys and shores of universal life.
Down in the sounding foam of primal things I reach my hands and play with pebbles of destiny.
I have been to hell and back many times.
I know all about heaven, for I have talked with God.
I dabble in the blood and guts of the terrible.
I know the passionate seizure of beauty
And the marvelous rebellion of man at all signs reading “Keep Off.”
My name is Truth and I am the most elusive captive in the universe.
Duty, Beauty, Liberty, Country, Honor, Family, Faith — Plus a few simple easy to follow rules for guys
Men saw the stars at the edge of the sea
They thought great thoughts about liberty
Poets wrote down words that did fit
Writers wrote books
Thinkers thought about it
Take it where you find it
Can’t leave it alone
You will find a purpose
To carry it on
Mainly when you find it
Your heart will be strong
About it
Many’s the road I have walked upon
Many’s the hour between dusk and dawn
Many’s the time
Many’s the mile
I see it all now
Through the eyes of a child
Take it where you find it
Can’t leave it alone
You will find a purpose
To carry it on
Mainly when you find it
Your heart will be strong
About it
[Chorus]
Lost dreams and found dreams
In America
In America
In America
Lost dreams and found dreams
In America
In America
In America
And close your eyes
Leave it all for a while
Leave the world
And your worries behind
You will build on whatever is real
And wake up each day
To a new waking dream
Take it where you find it
Can’t leave it alone
You will find a purpose
To carry it on
Mainly when you find it
Your heart will be strong
About it
[Chorus]
Change, change come over
Change come over
Talkin’ about a change
Change, change
Change come over, now
Change, change, change come over
I’m gonna walk down the street
Until I see
My shining light
I’m gonna walk down the street
Until I see
My shining light
I’m gonna walk down the street
Until I see
My shining light
I’m gonna walk down the street
Until I see
My shining light
I see my light
See my light
See my shining light
I see my light
See my light
See my shining light
Gerard Van der Leun
Comments on this entry are closed.
Sign me up for all of the above.
FWIW, I’m willing to pay the cost for color rather than B/W.
I would prefer a hard back, but a perfect binding softback would be acceptable.
Gerard’s work was worth it.
Just think, it’s very possible that 100 years from now the writings of Gerard in hardback, Vol 1, 2, and 3, could be something very valuable. I’m all for taking chances in investing in “things I can hold in my hands” rather then letting them FRN’s rot on the table.
Thanks again for your labors, here, Neo. I am very grateful that you’re continuing this blog.
I’m all for the books, too. I tried a POD book many years ago when all of this was new, and I bought a test book to make sure it was quality. They sent it with C Klahn C, or some such, on the spine, and did not answer my complaints. Anyway, my word of caution.
I just ordered some graphic t shirts and am testing them ahead, as well. My wife tried to do this for me with some basic image t shirts a couple of years back, and our very first people who ordered them got: blank t shirts.
I think all readers of Gerard’s wonderful blog are very grateful for your efforts, Neo.
I’ll certainly sign up for books in black and white or colour.
I was a member of the new site and new matter was delivered to me by email but for some reason I always went anyway to the old site.
Your site has also made for very good reading this year.
We will be purchasing both when they are published.
Can’t wait.
Best I could say has already been said.
I too, would be willing to pay the extra for color.
Thank you Neo. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
JWM
Ditto on all.
Lots of us quiet ones out here that appreciate your efforts. I’m glad you’re putting together the books. L
Ditto.
Yes
I’m all for paying for color, as well. Thank you, Neo, for moving forward with these.
Thank you Neo. What a wonderful treat — being able to visit this website (his original) for two more years. Thank you!
What a treasure these will be!!
Please count me in. I can hardly wait to order these treasures.
My wife attended the same high school as Gerard started at in Sacramento. Susan was two years behind Gerard. And I watched the same girls as Gerard did when he was in Santa Cruz at the beach.
Neo, I’m reluctant to bring this up in public. I’d gifted GV a couple fire arms past five years. One an Ithaca Feather Weight 12 guage SG. Recently another “ Lower high end build.
My concern is those tools go to you his brother or other trusted patriot. Gerard easpecially enjoyed the Ithaca Feather weight as it’s what the “ Nam Era SEALS carried down in the Rung Sat region. Bottom loaded and ejection a shotgun I wanted him to have, I have many, I’m a collector so!!!,Mm
Anyways a touchy possible situation. It’s my hope that both were kept by family or yourself, both are fine tool, I’m aware that GV attended one high speed shotgun class their in Butte county with the feather weight, he proudly reported back that the instructor and other students complimented him on his choice of tools.
I’d also gifted GV with a setof older but very clean Dynaco Speakers.
speakers rather remarkable actually. Again just hoping the went to a collector of high end vintage stereo gear. If it’s you or his brother I never finish3d getting him the rest of the stereo. Theirs a tube amp ST70 and a Tube pre amp I can send along.
Hoping all went to good homes.
Dirk Williams
@Dirk:
You *had* many before that unfortunate boating accident in alligator-infested deep water.
Regardless: Well Done, Sir.