I should outline what this blog is and what it's not, most importantly what it's not. An unfortunate side effect of the digital age is shameful, narcissistic self-celebration. I know. I know. A blog by its very nature is a tribute to the blogger. But, I think there's a marked difference among the approaches to online communities (i.e. pointless "status" updates on certain social networks conveying mundane, quotidian details with the tacit assumption everyone in cyberspace is on the edge of his or her seat over said detail, or entries talking solely about oneself verses sharing thought-provoking ideas to try and connect to people and find that which is universal). I've resisted blog writing for the longest time, because I don't think I'm going to be very good at it. The best blogs have some sort of theme or focus -- no, I haven't seen that Julia movie -- and this blog won't. It's going to be a mix of my thoughts on certain issues, conveying interesting happenings in my life, or reviews and recommendations regarding culture like books, movies, music, art, restaurants, libations, and events. I don't think I'm a very interesting person, but I hope you enjoy my point of view, and this log of my experiences as I take the mysteries of life in stride. Here's one of my favorite poems -- an impressive villanelle -- about doing just that.
"The Waking"
Theodore Roethke
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.
Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me, so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.
This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.
Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me, so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.
This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.
It is clear to me that this blog should simply be a remake of "Julie and Julia!" Whose recipes could you make every night? Emeril? Guy Fieri? The movie made of your adventure would be epic - I mean, you share so much in common with those two men!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love the poem and have to say that I think you're an interesting person whose knowledge informs the fact that you have an enjoyable, passionate, and well-endowed point-of-view. To blogging!
Thanks, Claire! Or maybe I should just say "screw it!" and blog about French wine -- an idiot's guide. I wonder who would play me in the movie.
ReplyDeleteI'm an English ignoramus in many respects. Had never heard of a villanelle (neither has spell check) - has quite a nice meter. You've already informed me.
ReplyDeleteMy blog has the same lack of focus. One of the handy aspects of having your own blog, though, is being able to link to it through various online communities. I had mentioned to Claire that she can link to her restaurant reviews from sites like Yelp or... Facebook. Likewise, if you visit poetry discussion boards (or whatever), you can link here from there. I've always encouraged people to buy their own domain name for longevity (who knows how long you'll stick with blogspot). I can't believe michaelholladay.com isn't taken yet! This guy's a little verbose, but here's some more food for thought: http://josemiguelcarvalho.wordpress.com/2010/09/28/10-tips-to-effectively-and-proactively-manage-your-online-reputation/