Brad Delp, Tom Scholz, and the rest of the band Boston get credit for the title. I couldn’t think of one any more apropo than that. I can’t even say for certain how long it’s been, but if memory serves I last posted sometime in July 2010, I believe. For the record, I haven’t written much period, much less done any blogging. I have had a multitude of ideas, voluminous considerations concerning topics to blog about, and yet I have found the compulsion to sit down and write just out of reach, my fingertips too lazy to grasp the chalice and drink of inspiration.
I have selfishly hoarded my words to myself, perhaps concerned that exposing them would subject me to my own harsh criticism—and so they tumble soundlessly about in my head, day after day, the weeks gliding into months. I have not forsaken writing. Perish the thought! I have abdicated to a need to breathe life itself for a while. I have been reading, studying, working, and when I can participating in my son’s baseball.
Does this mean I am ready to get back to blogging more often?
Frankly, I’m not certain. But I do know I want to stay here, I absolutely want to ramble for any who wish to read it. I have a silly hope that sometime after I have shuffled off from this mortal existence someone, anyone, might find my words and take comfort (or even knowledge) from them; perhaps even a small inkling of what this one tiny human life was like.
And I think we’re all here for roughly the same reason. If I have learned anything from the prior silent months it is that not writing—willingly or not—is my own private kind of hell.
Maybe being here, with the rest of you bloggers, is the most sublime of divine equalizers to my singular descent.
A long time, yes . . . but it won’t be forever.
Will patiently wait for your return. I’ve enjoyed your writings. You are very talented. 🙂
Thank you very much, Carmen! You’re a peach 🙂
**Carmen and I went to the same high school, junior college, and church in Tucson, Arizona. Our lives have diverged considerably and we were only recently reacquainted when she sent me news of our next high school reunion (which I passed on). Carmen is the most recent example of someone from the past who crossed my path again for some reason I have yet to understand, but I know for certain it is nothing short of grace.
Yes, it’s been such a long long time. The reader in me says,
“What? He’s been keeping all this in his head? Why, he’s like that kid who
hoards all his Halloween candy without sharing a single one. How about a Snicker now and then?”
Then the writer in me says, “Yes, I understand. A successful writer is like that Tortoise who teaches us to be patient and when he’s ready, he will come to us with all that he has to offer. He is not that cocky Hare whose leaps and bounds leave more dust in his trail than anything else as he rushes to the finish line.
Some things are worth waiting for. And you are, with your magical words.
Folks, speaking of magical words, Ms. Kakugawa has a new book coming out titled Breaking the Silence: A Caregivers Voice. If you know anyone trying to cope with caring for someone with the ravages of Alzheimer’s Disease I heartily recommend this book. I have read it and found it full of compassion, soul, and unrestrained heart.
As for your comment, Ms. K., thank you so much! It might be easy to be offended by the comparison to the tortoise, but the fable is a classic and to be associated with it is an honor, indeed.
Ah, the tortoise, the turtle, the slow poke, the one trudging behind, wearily and slowly. Until you think Hawaiian and Japanese culture.
The turtle, called Honu, is considered a Hawaiian symbol of longevity, peace, good luck, humility, long life and the spirit within. I have a red Hawaiian turtle decal on my Honda for good luck. The turtle is seen in many of the arts in Hawaii. On t-shirts, too.
The turtle is a symbol for longevity in Japanese culture and is so honored, that my parents and grandparents always added the honorific “san” after turtle:
Ka-me-san.” The turtle is present as often as birthday candles at birthday celebrations.
I thought it fascinating that my choice of the tortoise could be
viewed quite differently outside of my cultural up-bringing. Thank you, I learn something every day. THank you, too, for endorsing my next book.
Can I have a Snicker candy?
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I was searching for old man writing, i came across your blog. I used one of the picture for my blog post. I think you write very well.
May be you will like to read my post about a 60 year old man writing to his 30 year old self.
http://www.outofthecave.in/2015/08/an-old-man-writing-to-his-30-year-old.html