Sunday, February 15, 2015

soon




“Your mind is also blocked.
Yet the right road awaits you still.
Cast out your doubts, your fears and your desires,
let go of grief and of hope as well,
for where these rule the mind is their subject.”


~ Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy.



Hoping to do justice to my years of conscientious work on this site, I’ll begin the year with this short note. My recent three months of exhaustion have brought my creative pursuits to a detrimental silence. Along with tireless full-time employment, I’ve taken on the role of caregiving and advocating family member. Between these two spheres, journal writing has been thinly inserted during short breaks and in places such as waiting-rooms, kitchen counters, and surgical units. On most nights, after work, my appetite has intuitively gravitated toward reading- reading consoling words. I intend to explore the latter theme with an essay. Added to these trying times, northern New England remains in the throes of winter weather which has exceeded most recorded statistics.





Today, I reminded myself of an employment burnout experience- years ago- when I drove to an ocean cove, rather than back to my apartment. I needed to interrupt the breakneck pace, and clear my thoughts. Looking at the crags, the vast sky, and the waves, it occurred to me that I hadn’t been making any new photographs. Possessing the tools and the vernacular was not sufficient; these instruments and the mind needed to be put to greater use than to merely punch the time-clock. The following weekend, I began developing film and printing my own work again. Needless to say, this led to several shows. But the important thing was the retaking of my own creative threads.



This past week I gave a lecture, and referred to my concept of the archives of the soul. Each one of us collect, curate, and organize our own preserved thoughts, images, and “recordings.” We bring life to our archives as we share them. Later that night, I thought of how I must continue practicing what I preach. Vigilant daily journal-writing, in and around participating in life, will surely lead to something. Just that small shred of hope, albeit beneath some eighty inches of snow, is enough to record these words and post them. More to follow, as I persevere.





8 comments:

Bill M said...

When I see all the snow on the news it brings back many good memories of the times I was snow-bound in the country for a few days at a time before I could get to work. I did not have a typewriter then. I did journal though -- just not enough.

Hope things go good for you and your family.

Joe V said...

I'm glad you've posted this article. Creativity is so essentially important to the human spirit, and yet so difficult to muster at times. I look forward to more.

inlovewithjournals said...

Beautiful post. Best of luck with all of your commitments.

speculator said...

Thank you- to all of you.
I remember enough to write through all situations. Even if it's just to write about the weather, it's still writing, and some direction always follows.

Sharon said...

What a beautiful post.May the God of all peace be with you at this very busy season in your life.May He grant you a heart and mind at rest even in the midst of it all and may the outcomes be for your good and His glory.And may He continue to grant you the time and place for your creativity. Soli Deo Gloria ~Sharon Goemaere

crofter said...

Blessings to you and whoever of your family you are giving your attention to, they are in good hands. As always, will look forward to your future posts and great photos.

Johnny said...

Hope things are looking up soon and that you good folks up North stop getting pummelled with snow. We were reminiscing about your blog the other night after recoding Erasable. I'm incredibly glad to see you back. :)

lissa said...

winter - if we can survive it, we get to see warmer weather, that is the hope.

I actually don't write journals but I have now started to write down some things that aren't fiction, I mean, there is some calmness in writing things down even if it's a small thought.

I hope you get back to writing and to better weather.

have a lovely day.