In today’s Writers Almanac, Sarah Vowell is quoted as defining a nerd as “going too far and caring too much about a subject.” I think that might be me. However, Vowell is quoted also as saying it’s a good way to make friends. So maybe not me.
I have been thinking about my blogging as letters to people in the past. People who are not now who they were then. These are letters to their former selves. I think about this when I know my kids are busy and probably not checking the blog very much.
I’ve also been pondering Thoreau’s phrase, “civil disobedience,” as in On the Duty of Civil Disobedience.
Many people with whose political position I strongly agree are reacting hysterically to the election of Donald Trump, calling for an abandonment of civility. It’s probably a good time for me to read (reread?) Thoreau. The Oxford English Dictionary defines “civil” many ways. The first meaning refers to warfare within a community as in “Civil war.”
It’s not until the 7th definition that courtesy enters.
I like to fantasize that Thoreau would have wanted both meanings.
Despite it being the day after Christmas yesterday, I not only practiced organ I also worked on planning. I continued tracing the Sixteenth Century Anthem Book: Twenty Anthems for Four Voices online. Here’s a link to my working document which has links to these anthems online as well as telling how their texts fit into the church year.
I also worked diligently on choosing my first piano postlude for Eucharists in the basement. Our closing hymn a week from Sunday (our first Sunday in the Basement) is “O Love, How Deep, How High.
I thought it might be clever if I could find a piano piece that is in Bb and reminiscent of the hymn melody. I looked through Mozart Bb piano sonatas, Bach Bb preludes and fugues. Finally I started working my way through Scarlatti Bb sonatas. I have narrowed down to three.
I’m leaning toward the first one, even though the meter is duple. The other two have triple meter and the right key. I’m going to show them to Eileen when she gets up and see what she thinks. [Post script: She liked the first one best as well.]
Wielding Claims of ‘Fake News,’ Conservatives Take Aim at Mainstream Media – The New York Times
This is insane. Trope after trope is reframed and meaning diluted.
What’s the Best Book, New or Old, You Read This Year? – The New York Times
The Year in Reading – The New York Times
I love lists. And more books in some comments. Cool beans. This inspires me to figure out what books I read this year. Of course the year isn’t over and I’m still reading.
Not checking the blog? Psh.
We can always Skype too, you know… and you can chat to our present selves! 😀
I know you check the blog, but I also know that sometimes you wait and read several at a time. Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting! love from Dad
Hey! You don’t call. You don’t write. Of course I read your blog.
Everyday? Well my hits fell way down and I know somebody (or some bot) is not reading these days. At any rate, I’m glad you’re having time in England. Thank you for reading and commenting. love from Dad
I love you! Usually daily if I’m home. But with a VPN so I’m not sure how that registers with google analytics. On the road definitely not every day.
“I have been thinking about my blogging as letters to people in the past. People who are not now who they were then. These are letters to their former selves. I think about this when I know my kids are busy and probably not checking the blog very much.”
I find this fascinating. In two parts. Part 1: I’m not sure I would spend much time writing letters to folks that aren’t who they once were – and maybe/probably weren’t all I thought they were from the start. I admire that you do and it must bring you some peace. I often think I’m missing some genetic code of emotion, but not sure which one.
I love the people that are currently in my life, and I spend very little time thinking about those that are no longer in my life. (until I read your blog, anyway – Ha!)
Hopefully I’ve not over-shared.
Part 2: I believe your kids are never so busy that they don’t check your blog much. Smiley face.
Loving people currently in your life is an admirable thing! I do that, too! And Elizabeth and Sarah both responded saying they read the blog regularly.
I’m not seeking peace with people in my past. I just wondered if they were my idealized audience as I blather on here. But who knows?
Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
Hope you’re having a good holiday!
love from Uncle Steve