24 Comments
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Jenni Thorne's avatar

Oh Mike I am so sorry to hear this, kidney stones are bloody horrific. I hope you make a speedy recovery 🙏

And I hope you do do Filey Litfest next year. I went this year and had a great time. Will definitely be going again, although based on the description above I really need to come see you read sooner ☺️

Everything you have done this year has clashed with other commitments!

Mike O’Brien's avatar

Cheers Jen - I love Filey - think i may spend a little of my enforced leisure time pestering them.

Jenni Thorne's avatar

We met the hosts when Dave and I were there, they were a lovely couple. I think he may try to do a show there next year as well.

Alex Oliver's avatar

Bloody horrific:) hee hee

Jenni Thorne's avatar

They are. I had one years ago and I thought I was dying, and then when I found out I wasn't, I started wishing I was!!

Anjie Wastling's avatar

Glad you're feeling a bit better❤️

Solivagant Wisdom's avatar

Ouch! That sounds horrendous! Feel better soon, Mike!

Johnny Solstice's avatar

Ouch! Have you been living a sedimentary life style Mike? ;o).....I'll get my coat

Chris Bilton's avatar

Stone me! Sorry to hear about the kidney rubble, Mike, but be sure to make use of those pesky pebbles by wearing them at your next recital, a natty necklace is recommended, truly a badge of honour to the agony and ecstasy (morphine) of the kidney stone experience. Also a great conversation starter and you can begin your set with a rendition of I'm a kidney Stone Cowboy. Sorry, seriously pleased you’re on the road to recovery, take care and rest up. Cheers.

Mike O’Brien's avatar

I’m a kidney stone cowboy

Getting constant ag’ny from organs I don’t even know!

David Harmer's avatar

Get well soon Mike! It sounds very nasty

Matthew Paul's avatar

Sorry to hear this, Mike. Very nasty - my mum had great problems with kidney stones, so I sympathise. I hope you have a quick recovery. All the best, Matthew

Alex Oliver's avatar

The massive shame about that was that I didn't go. I thought it was an open mic, and rabid O'Brienite that I be, I ben't gangin all the way to Bawtry to just catch five minutes. I'm so glad it went well and I envy you that ability to perform in such a way that we are captive (not in a dodgy sense).

Mindst thee, I'm losing the will to go out annd perform even though I'm now addicted to writing as much if not more than I was rock music. Indeed, curmudgeon that I am, my idea of going out is fashioned around avoiding people as much as possible. And my ambition is tempered by the thought that, if my poetry is on parr with my guitar work, I'm a wee wormy in a puggle, ni mind fish/pond allergies:)

Just as reassurance I've heard that kidney stones are agonising to pass. Women say it's worse than sextuplets. Even maths homework.

I vote that Mexborough be on the tour dates please! Get reyt quick

Pete Douglas's avatar

Get well soonest Mike - the world need you

Mike O’Brien's avatar

Hahaha. that made me smile !

Stephen Hooker's avatar

Recover and get back into good health. See you at the next 60 Odd Poets.

Mike O’Brien's avatar

Looking forward to it!

Geoff Hunton's avatar

Hopefully I'll get along to your next reading, Mike. In the meantime, get well.

Mike O’Brien's avatar

Chers Geoff, it would be good to see you - even if I wasn't reading.

Geoff Hunton's avatar

I'm keeping an eye on upcoming events.

Judy Smith's avatar

How about seeing if these could give you a gig? A new venture I understand

https://www.facebook.com/share/1GDAf12eqM/

Judy Smith's avatar

Glad to hear you have recovered Mike. Awful pain. Look after yourself.

Alex Oliver's avatar

Nude Scientologist: you can have this copy or for ref it's 11 April, 2026 no 3590

Grey cover with bllue/white bowl broken/glued/coming apart. Mind's Eye p36.

I'd avoided using references to avoid clutter. Serves me right...

Some friends read it - we have fscinnating debates about a range of bllks, she being ex uni we try to exert our superior knowledge and methodologies:). But she's ACCOC whatever and he''s 'eccentric' (probably why we get on). And why they're OK with this anal periodical:). It's like facebook for academics - nit-picking when no-one has any answers.

Actually I should look closer at the mind training to see if I can bring order or memory or memory to mine...

Take care and ta for the likes