As a writer I find myself to be rather mediocre. I generally don’t use very big words and my sentences are usually very short and concise. Writing this blog has helped me to realize the true potential for becoming a journalist I never had. The idea of writing a novel or any other sort of short story doesn’t appear to be in my deck of cards either. In the recesses of my brain, I had once thought of those being possibilities. There is a mild flair for creativity in my veins, but overall I don’t believe I could sustain a reader for more than two sentences let alone a couple hundred pages.
I have come to appreciate more and more the ability of those that have the literary gift. One of the struggles I have with writing is the lack of true interpersonal relationship. There is a disconnect between the writer and the reader that I stumble over. I enjoy talking and conversation with someone that I can look in the eyes which this medium doesn’t allow for. Working on computers, in a database or some other form of the electronic interaction that I am relegated to all day long begins to drag on me after awhile. I suppose that is why I wear so many hats at work to get away from the computer when the need arises, but also able to get away from the people when they are overwhelming.
It’s a constant struggle for balance.
Debate, discourse, heated passionate discussion are usually very enjoyable to me because I love to see someone talk about something that elicits a strong opinion. The wish-washy, moderate tends to seem weak and unable to make up their mind. At the same time, I don’t wish to engage in conversation that leads to rage or hate for myself or for someone else. Religion and politics are the two subjects that are supposed to be avoided, or so “they” say. But they are my two favorite subjects! Avoiding them is not an option for me and these subjects are easily able to induce rage.
Realizing my blog is entitled, “Now I don’t want to get off on a rant here…” and that implies that I am about to go off on a rant, I don’t like being angry. I don’t like speaking from a place of anger, but I am prone to impassioned speech. I generally speak from a place of authority, in that I believe that what I am saying is 100% correct. That is not to say that I actually have that authority, nor does it mean that I am unable to admit when I am wrong. I guess I just don’t take the middle ground very often.
I have been uncertain what I wanted to do with this blog for a couple weeks now. What is its purpose? Am I serving that purpose? I don't have the answers to that yet and have been left with little to say lately, but these disjointed thoughts. The one thing I am certain of is that I want to always speak truth with a humble heart.
Posted by price at June 23, 2004 08:02 PMAw come on! anyone can write a Novel! look at Bill Clinton!
but really, i find that it helps to refresh ones weblogging spirit once in a while—for example, a new template or URL—but i always remind myself that a few years ago i met several of my best friends through my weblog, and they have built me up spiritually, even though i've never met them. some of which even live on the other side of the country. It's always fascinating the connections I realize I've made, without even giving thought to how I might have made that connection. I say all this to say, that even though it seems like there is no more purpose, there really could be, and you just don't notice it.
Posted by: Mark at June 24, 2004 10:23 PMHey Man,
I like your introspective comments. It's funny, you've made more comments on my blog than any of my friends or family, but most of them are fairly computer illiterate.
I just wanted to say I was posting a left-wing, anti-Bush cheer/jeer on my site and I thought of your blog, which you can see I link to from my own.
I think you're an excellent writer, despite your views which I definitely do not share. I think we're both sort of uncompromising in our views and that's not a bad thing and it's good for us as citizens to speak our minds and consider our community audience and also to reflect on our personal lives and thoughts.
For instance, even though I'm a left-wing godless feminist liberal, I really respect your comments about wanting to treat your fiance/wife like a princess. For the last four years marriage has been an awesome thing for me and my wife and hope it goes just well for you and yours! I am reminded by your comments to treat her better.
Sincerely,
Frank of Baltimore