"I'm going to speak my mind because I have nothing to lose."--S.I. Hayakawa
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

First Things First


In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m putzing around, trying to figure out how to tell you about my latest trip—the one to Russia. Despite frequent evidence to the contrary, I’m one of those tell-it-from-the-beginning and tell-it-in-chronological-order OCD types. Thing is, I’m not writing a travelogue here, and don’t want it to even resemble one, which is what starting at the beginning will do.


My twelve days in Russia weren’t long enough to offer any sage pronouncements on things Russian—their politics, living conditions, history, soul, or anything else. And my muse, unreliable thing that she is, wants to jump mid-way into the trip and tell you about the explosion and the beginning of a new revolution, the home-hosted dinner that started out ominous, the limerick challenge, or the three hour lecture on Russian history that had us begging for more. Or incredible Kazhi Island. All of those things would be out of context, their meanings and effects diluted.


So what to do? I’m still thinking, waiting for things to coalesce. Maybe I’ll go write those stories the muse seems to be so interested in, then see if I can figure out a way to string them together before she loses interest and rushes off to something else. Wish me luck.


4 comments:

  1. Rots of ruck, my friend.

    Go with your gut. Let your heart lead you to what matters most and go from there.

    I tend to like to put things in order too, but lately, I'm just doing what makes sense to me regardless of whether it's the "proper" way to present my writing.

    I figure as long as I eventually get around to telling everything that is important to me and hopefully to others, the order is really insignificant.

    That's me at this time. I'm sure you'll find your way and don't need me directing traffic.

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  2. so start in the middle and work your way to either end! I would Love to hear about your trip in any order! Got pictures?

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  3. Shaddy: Good advice. I like to hear advice that agrees with what I want to do anyway...

    Mary Lou: got pictures? Umm, 1580 of them, and my traveling pals will be sending their own soon.

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  4. Great read and super photos. You look young!!!!Ms Milie

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