Friday, September 22, 2017

Not so much a hiatus. More of a suspension.


It's not what you think. Not entirely.

Here. Read this.

So. Anyone (not sure if there's anyone, but you know) who's been following for the last few years might remember me occasionally mentioning someone named Hannah, moving to the Virgin Islands, breaking up in the Virgin Islands, reconciling a bit later on, and so forth.

There are only two dots to connect here. Get it?

I'm not going to pretend that everything is just business as usual.

Maudlin though it may be, one of the reasons I've kept this blog going is because she never stopped reading. Not the only reason. But if there's an audience for whom I've been writing in the last four, five years, it's her. You—you, who checks this thing from time to time—I know you're out there, and this one I'm writing for you. But: these last few days, whenever I've sat down to complete a fragmentary and long unfinished post about the misapplication of Moore's Law in casual talks about technology, and how specious it is to invoke "increases" in tech as factors of social change without specifying what is increasing, I feel as though I'm just talking to the wall in an empty room. 

This is not business as usual.

I'm stepping back until she's found, with a prayer that she's found alive.

EDIT: Finally actually read the Newsweek piece from start to finish.
When Upp was missing in 2008, police reports said she spent a lot of time in places like Riverside Drive, which overlooks the Hudson River, according to The New York Times. After she was found, she said her attraction to the area made sense—an answer that may also shed light on why she found her way to Sapphire Beach almost 10 years later.
My advice to Newsweek staffer Josh Saul is to refrain from speculating about people he doesn't know, especially when he's reporting a story without actually visiting the site. Also to fuck off.

14 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear. I hope everything works out, and I'm sorry I have nothing more to offer than a generic platitude.

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  2. I've got nothing for you, man. But somehow I feel as though this shameful admission is superior to an empty silence that could be imagined as apathetic. I add my prayer to yours.

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  3. I wish her all the best, I hope she will be fine.

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  4. That's crazy. Stay strong brother, good luck. Let us know if things turn out ok.

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    1. Thanks. I'll post something if I hear anything substantive. (There seem to be rumors of a sighting in Puerto Rico, but...)

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  5. Patrick, I had no idea. I came (back) across your blog after reading Amy, Her City. Thinking of you and Hannah, hoping for the best.

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    1. 1.) jesus christ where the hell have you been

      2.) Thanks for reaching out, G. It means a lot.

      3.) Oh, so you read the story? What'd you think?!

      4.) jesus christ where the hell have you been

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  6. Patrick,

    This is the first time I've written to you, but you have (more specifically, your writing has) had a strong influence in my development as a person for well over a decade. I truly hope that the situation improves, and I pray for the best for you and Hannah.

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    1. Thank you, Earnestly. Sorry for the belated answer, if you've come back. I haven't been around here much lately.

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