But I was also doing odd jobs around Portland, like spreading gravel and transplanting bamboo trees.

I don't really think of time off as writing blocks. I think that's a western notion of demonizing inactivity. When your imagination decides it needs to take a nap. maybe that's what it needs to do.

Static in my head, the reflected sound of everything, tried to go to where it led, but it didn't lead to anything.

Theres a bunch of Elvis Costello records that made all the difference between feeling like a total freak and feeling like ... only a freak. A freak among other freaks

I truly hope the future will bring me something to feel nostalgic about, because there's really nothing much so far I can remember fondly.

I watched myself put my paw in the bear trap on that one because there was this clause about leaving members

There's always that argument to make - that you're in better company historically if people don't understand what you're doing.