There Was No Mountain
December 19, 2009
I’m on the plane typing on a dying laptop. I made the font big and the screenlight the lowest it can go. It seems I write when I need writing. It’s mostly during troubled moments. Burke would say this isn’t a bad thing. Strong emotions (more associated with negativity) produce works of art. As a greedy student, it has put me in a perpetual state of grief. Because my art outweighs my contentment.
So I’m told I don’t occupy a real study and there’s nothing for me post-grad, but I push back the “loser” sign. I’ve been drafting my second working title since July. Since July, I’ve been walking stiff like I’m not working hard enough if I could afford a smile. The process actually forced me inside a confessional by myself. No hail mary’s to follow, only recitations I must vow with my own mind. I came up with “I’m sorry.” That I act like my life sucks right now. When I let that go, took art down from its Aristotelian pedestal, nothing changed. A lack of discontent never inhibited my creative output. Burke was wrong. And those guys greeting so brightly at the coffee shop—they were onto something.
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that mountain was only as high as you made it to be. you can make it low enough just to see what's on the other side and not lose the motivation you would have if it was the tallest in the world. good work
you said it better than me !
Writing happens – it's a beautiful process that may or may not need a catalyst like strong emotions. Like a visionary or a painter the artist feels something and responds to that.Don't worry how it comes in these circumstances just thank God and forge ahead – you can do it as you are quite capable."And those guys greeting so brightly at the coffee shop—they were onto something."The best lines in these post – I fell in love with them ^_^
Again, Thanks for your very keen, perceptive comment on my blog. You are a very skillful writer–your sincere postings are always worthwhile reading and you have attracted a good bunch of commentators who are also consistently informative and interesting.Thanks for the photos too. TW
Thomas,I appreciate how you incorporate some visual sketches to each post. I guess the images might have been my way of nurturing that tradition. Maybe a text-heavy site can be softened by some snapshots?
Just so, Angela. A picture is still worth a thousand words.Blocks of text can be intimidating, I think, and I have always liked illustrated stories–so I am taking the time to draw cartoons with every blog posting–if my story doesn't grab 'em–maybe my cartoon will!
"I’m told I don’t occupy a real study and there’s nothing for me post-grad"If no one studies and continues to keep art, literature, and music alive then what will be left? Don't worry you're definitely not the only post-grad going through this. It's hard to be an artist, a writer or a musician when the world thrives on material wealth. Keep writing and polishing your work. It will pay off.
simply love tha way this piece ends
apparently, I'm not tha only one (INK)…not surprised. You have very strong followers of this blog. mtp