Larry, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office

 Hello ocelots. 

I hope you’re doing well. 

You may notice I’ve switched Patreon back to monthly and charged you this month. That’s mainly because I’m trying to make a thing this month. As always I won’t be giving any details away, but yes – I hope you dig it.

The new book is coming along all right-ish. I work on it in the mornings with the feline on my lap. Then we stop for lunch, do a spot of cuddling, and continue. 

Exciting times. As a Brit living abroad one is usually asked, even before your name: What do you think about Brexit? I’ve found it’s quite useful to perform some kind of frenetic dance move in response to this and hope the person doesn’t ask again. Fun counter fact: Did you know the Prime Minister employs a cat called the Chief Mouser? His/her official title is Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office. The current cat’s name is Larry. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Mouser_to_the_Cabinet_Office

So that’s my government.

I’ve been rediscovering a lot of music I loved years ago. However old you are, I’m sure you’ve experienced going back to something you liked once, and either not quite getting it anymore, or realising it was way deeper than you thought at the time.

I was raised on The Beatles and they continue to be amazing, obviously. But I’ve come around to two more bands/folk who I liked back in the day, but having rediscovered them can’t believe what one hears in their music as an older man. (Older man. That doesn’t sound great. I was in a museum the other day and the cashier informed me I could get in for half-price if I was under twenty-seven. I told her I would not be getting in half-price then and looked for a toilet to cry in.)

I won’t bombard you, but try these two if you get a chance. The first is a band who I’ve never understood why they aren’t huge. They’re called Two Gallants and this is the shit. https://youtu.be/5mMfJIIF328

The second I suspect you will’ve heard of: Elliott Smith. He defined my teens and I’d very much like to have met him before he died. This is my favourite of his. I hope you like it too: https://youtu.be/TgOn7wuC3tk

Please bear with me while I make the new thing. I suspect it’ll turn out a bit different to usual, but I hope you’ll come with me on it. 

All in all I just hope everything’s well on your side and, as always, am grateful beyond words for your support. I’ll try my hardest to make something decent this month. I hope your projects are fruitful too.

All the very best,

Ex.