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It has been said of me, quite a number of times, that my more recent parenting style is way too permissive and slack.
Tully started work experience today at my workplace and I couldn’t help feeling a little glow of pride watching him fit in so quickly and managing the often difficult task of relating to workmates in an all-male workplace. I suppose much of this has to do with him being naturally gregarious but I take some comfort from the knowledge that, by allowing him considerable slack from the parental leash, he feels some level of confidence in his “maleness”; by this I mean the ability to feel pretty much equal to all the other men in whatever group you happen to be in. And I guess by this I mean the ability to drink a bit more beer and smoke and talk tougher than your parents and significant others might think is advisable.
Now I happen to think masculinity is far more than this and I even think elements of this concept are not particularly good, but after many years of wishing the world was a fairer and gentler place, I’ve come to the conclusion there are worse things than the stereotypical Australian male. And whether I like it or not, the world Tully is fast becoming a part of is pretty rough and tumble and a bit of confidence this end of his life won’t go astray.
Epiblogue: And the work experience minimum pay of $5 per day will teach him that even decent employers will seldom pay you more than they are legally obliged.
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Despite feeling very much under the pump, the gig with Rory went quite well and he said later, “If that’s your worst case scenario then things can only get better.”
There are a few gigs in the pipeline including a support gig with the ex-The Angels Brewster Brothers at Don’t Tell Tom on the 30th of this month and the Maldon Folk Festival in November.
In other recent Good Things, I dropped up to see the amazing Fats Wah Wah on Saturday night and, halfway through, got a call from Bernie inviting me down to Upwey to see Deborah and Willy. I caught their second set and it was rather exquisite. The guitars Jack built them really added to the show and Willy seemed to be enjoying the ability his instrument gave him to add a huge degree of dynamic to the sound.
Epiblogue: There are worse things than enjoying recreational activities that pay.
