2/22/2026

"Hold On" John Lennon

Just watched a great show on Netflix called Danny Collins starring Al Pacino, that is loosely based on a true story. Premise: After reading an interview by Danny Collins in a magazine, John Lennon wrote a letter to Collins (British musician Steve Tilston).

Tilston, who is the real-life inspiration for Pacino's Collins, was unaware of the letter's existence until 2005, at which time he was contacted by an American collector who owned the letter. Based on the true story of musician Steve Tilston, who received a letter from John Lennon 34 years late (in the movie it is 40 years). Danny seeks redemption by leaving behind his glamorous, empty life to find authentic connections and write new music.He rethinks his life, wondering how things would have been different for him if he received the letter at the time--what choices he would have made given Lennon's advice.

I think about my life, and I wonder what if I stayed on the path I was on, where would I be now. I don't think I would be as happy. I also wonder if I were to receive a letter by someone I admired, even if it were to arrive decades later, how would I react.

The soundtrack includes 9 Lennon songs. Pacino kills the role.

The snow falling outside is lovely. Once chores are completed, I am building a fire-- one of my favorite pastimes in winter. There is nothing like the sounds and smells of a crackling fire. I haven't felt motivated to do much as of late. I think it might be some low grade depression. Not the best time for it, as my class is winding down and I have about 7 wine write ups to do. Those tastings started in January, and I have no idea what I tasted back then.

We went looking for kitties yesterday. It feels like a bit of a betrayal looking for a replacement so soon. I saw a few that were sweet, but I'm not ready just yet. I am holding a place for Perc.

So much to do today. That's what happens when you decide to enjoy your weekend and then wait to the last day to do all of the life maintenance crap. One more week of class for me--then what?

"When you're by yourself/

And there's no one else/

You just have yourself/

And you tell yourself/

Just to hold on."