Thinking about mentorships being a way to make themselves obsolete I don't quite like that characterization. A good mentor in my mind is a more experienced companion for some part of our journeys, and when it comes time to part, as all journeys will diverge, they'll have given us the tools to continue well.
Our mentors still remain part of us and we part of them, Just as teachers from classes aren't obsolete, they just have new students to prepare and other lives to touch.
George Fowells, a skinny bald guy who used old paint buckets as ball hoppers and ate a half-gallon of ice cream per day. He coached the University of Tulsa’s women’s team for a spell, but ultimately the big-haired girls didn’t like his pared back ways. I think he was really a carpenter at heart… liked this one, too! Sorry about the traffic.
HOO-AH! (My usual callout to Mr. Pacino, by way of Scent of a Woman, of course.) Such a heartfelt piece from you, as always. You made me remember my two high school English teachers, Ms. Flynn and Mr. Ripley. She introduced me to T.S. Eliot (J. Alfred Prufrock, of course, a staple), while he introduced me to William Faulkner (Absalom, Absalom!, exclamation point totally deserved). They were just doing their jobs (and doing it superbly), but their contribution to my literary life has been monumental. ❤️❤️❤️
Superb piece and kudos to Barbara - I knew I liked her, and even more now. Coaching is a dangerous sport - I see people get totally absorbed and obsessed. What I always found best was laughing about the silliness and futility - really helped people reset. I heard Maria Sakkari say - David Witt is so funny (well its in the name you know) - it helps me relax. Exactly. And of course my go to saying - when you lose it is always the coaches fault - and win or lose the photos always turn out great.
Just let her choose the writing and you do the reading. And be thankful such a physical specimen and tennis expert ever graced our TV screens, now willing to share her thoughts with commoners such as us.....
Thinking about mentorships being a way to make themselves obsolete I don't quite like that characterization. A good mentor in my mind is a more experienced companion for some part of our journeys, and when it comes time to part, as all journeys will diverge, they'll have given us the tools to continue well.
Our mentors still remain part of us and we part of them, Just as teachers from classes aren't obsolete, they just have new students to prepare and other lives to touch.
I am hoping your substack journey is a primer for your memoir, that of which I will buy immediately.
haha, one reader in the bag ;)
I always thought you were a most intelligent person. It’s a pleasure to read your posts
George Fowells, a skinny bald guy who used old paint buckets as ball hoppers and ate a half-gallon of ice cream per day. He coached the University of Tulsa’s women’s team for a spell, but ultimately the big-haired girls didn’t like his pared back ways. I think he was really a carpenter at heart… liked this one, too! Sorry about the traffic.
HOO-AH! (My usual callout to Mr. Pacino, by way of Scent of a Woman, of course.) Such a heartfelt piece from you, as always. You made me remember my two high school English teachers, Ms. Flynn and Mr. Ripley. She introduced me to T.S. Eliot (J. Alfred Prufrock, of course, a staple), while he introduced me to William Faulkner (Absalom, Absalom!, exclamation point totally deserved). They were just doing their jobs (and doing it superbly), but their contribution to my literary life has been monumental. ❤️❤️❤️
Very enjoyable, thank you Andrea. This is an essay about my first boss. He was a hard man who had no problems with the truth.
https://westonpparker.substack.com/p/first-boss
Superb piece and kudos to Barbara - I knew I liked her, and even more now. Coaching is a dangerous sport - I see people get totally absorbed and obsessed. What I always found best was laughing about the silliness and futility - really helped people reset. I heard Maria Sakkari say - David Witt is so funny (well its in the name you know) - it helps me relax. Exactly. And of course my go to saying - when you lose it is always the coaches fault - and win or lose the photos always turn out great.
Hi Petko, Is Angelique Kerber in your list? Just wanted to know your thoughts on Angie. Nice series though.
https://www.theparisreview.org/letters-essays/7799/tennis-is-the-opposite-of-death-a-proof-joy-katz
Might help all of us who love tennis to write about it.
Just let her choose the writing and you do the reading. And be thankful such a physical specimen and tennis expert ever graced our TV screens, now willing to share her thoughts with commoners such as us.....