35 Comments
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Rick Lewis's avatar

Hello . . . is this customer service? I hope I'm in the right place. If so, please advise the author that his spotty publication schedule is leaving me feeling as though I'm being robbed of his hoarded brilliance. Thank you.

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thank you, my friend. Customer service says that after a brief summer intermission, all services have been restored.

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Rick Lewis's avatar

: )

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Jack Dixon's avatar

Loved everything about this, Rob. Such amazing writing and a great story. Echoing Rick Lewis in that I really really enjoy your writing and would love more, if the spirit moves you.

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thanks, man! Good to be back at it, after a pause.

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Janine De Tillio Cammarata 🖊️'s avatar

Love how your story of Rick Springfield wove into the darling story of your mom. We define our age and society shows us many possibilities.

I was in my freshman year of college when that song came out. My roommate had a large poster of Rick Springfield.

I enjoy seeing bands and musicians from my youth and my husband never wants to go! I’m going to try what your wife does. Buy the ticket and see what happens. Hopefully he reacts as you do! Thanks for the fabulous story!

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

What a lovely comment, thank you, Janine. I hope he goes along with you!

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James Bailey's avatar

Rob this is brilliant. As a 58 year old - Jesse’s Girl was a staple for me when I was a teenager. Rick Springfield makes his way around the Pacific Northwest and I will check him out when he comes through next year.

Thank you also for bringing your mom to us again. The segue to her and back to Rick, and then to your wife and daughter was seamless.

From one spotty publisher to another - whatever your schedule is, it correlates with high quality - so by all means, keep it up!

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thanks so much, James!

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Mikaela Blackler's avatar

I enjoyed this, thank you! Of course I know the song but I too (like others above) loved the weaving of the stories and the clear humanity.

I went to see a band this summer where I had the same feelings entering the night. By the end I was like, these guys are damn good, doing what they love, still singing their old hits with the same amount of passion. What was I thinking going into the night?!

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

So glad you liked the piece, Mikaela, and I appreciate the kind words.

I’m happy to hear you had a similar revelation seeing another band rolling out the hits. It’s good work if you can get it!

Good to have you here.

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Abigail A Mlinar Burns's avatar

Well that sprung a tear. I’m glad Substack Notes brought this my way. Exactly what I needed to read.

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

That’s so lovely to read, thank you, Abigail. So glad this connected, and that Notes sent you this way.

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Abigail A Mlinar Burns's avatar

As am I!! You’re very kind to subscribe too. I hope you enjoy!

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Jane Elliott's avatar

I read this yesterday and have been thinking about it ever since. You really conveyed what it's like to see someone who has stayed in the flow of what they love and are good at, through the ups and downs, all the way up to age 75. And how, when you can really do that, the 'downs' aren't really downs at all—even if you're playing a county fair instead of having a number 1 hit. It's such a joyful and inspiring vision. Thank you!

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

This is so lovely to read, and very much appreciated, thank you, Jane!

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Ally Hamilton's avatar

I loved this, Rob. Of course I will now have Jessie’s Girl on a loop in my head for the next 48 hours, but it’s worth it. Plus I love that song. So glad to know Rick Springfield is out there having such a good time doing what he loves and still sounding great. That’s the way to be 75 if you can swing it. And that birthday lunch with your mom was so touching. Fantastic piece. I hope you’re well.

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Yes, I hope he keeps going for a long time. Thanks so much for reading, and the thoughtful comment.

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John Dolan's avatar

Thanks Bob. Great piece…….well written with a big heart ……and easy to relate to at 65 & married 40 years. Brought back many happy moments. Appreciate.

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thank you, John—I really appreciate the read and the thoughtful comment!

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Cherie Lee's avatar

I enjoyed this so much, Rob! And I'm going to read it to my husband after his nap. He's been pulling that trick for 40 years! And then we're going to listen to Jesse's Girl. Thanks!

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thank you, Cherie!

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Alex Michael's avatar

Rob...you are a really, really talented writer. This was a pleasure.

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thanks, man—really kind of you.

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Peter Gugger's avatar

I loved this Rob. You’ve made me feel guilty about saying no to my wife’s suggestion that we go to some avant-garde opera I’ve never heard of. She’s said no to plenty of stuff I’ve suggested over the years but she did enthusiastically agree to go with me to see Alison Moyet when she tours Australia next year so I guess I’m off to the opera. And if Rick Springfield comes back home anytime soon we’re off to see him too thanks to you.

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thank you, Peter! I hope that tour comes your way.

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Jeremy's avatar

I'm inspired just hearing about the energy Rick has on stage!

Really appreciate the levity you brought to this dynamic between you and your wife. I would love to read a piece by her about her experience dragging you to things for 20 years and then having you reliably say "You were right!"

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thanks, man—I appreciate it. And yes, I usually get to read about things like that in the fiction Emma writes. Sometimes there's a husband who does something ridiculous, and I'm like, "Wait, is that me?" She'll say, "No. Well... not really, it's exaggerated. But sort of, yeah."

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Jeremy's avatar

That's actually hilarious

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Gyan's avatar

Beautifully said and lived ! Thanks to your other half x

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thank you, Gyan! And yes, thanks very much to her.

I so appreciate your being here, taking the time to read and comment.

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Sandra Stephens's avatar

I rather like that you inserted this particular song in my head with this very acceptable essay :)

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Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Oh, I'm so glad to hear it, Sandra. Thanks so much for reading, and commenting.

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Sandra Stephens's avatar

(by acceptable of course I mean great)

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Samson Midigo's avatar

Rob, this is awesome. All of your pieces I have read so far.

Do you have my vote or thanks? Yes, you do without asking.

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