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| I interjected myself in this photograph in the same way I do when I write my blog. Can you find me? |
I broach today's topic with care and a strong sense of humility. I turned to The American Heritage Dictionary to locate the precise meaning of humility. With its root so close to humiliate and its resemblance to humble, I was reluctant to embark on a topic without a pitch perfect understanding of the word humility.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
A further search of the word brought with it the exact tone I was seeking to find.
Humility (adjectival form: humble) is the quality of being modest and respectful. Humility, in various interpretations, is widely seen as a virtue in many religious and philosophical traditions, being connected with notions of transcendent unity with the universe or the divine, and of egolessness.
Wikipedia
This remarkably long reflection on the meaning of humility has a bearing upon the subject about which I wish to write: my blog. Over the 178 days that I have felt compelled, drawn and committed to writing a blog, there are a few questions that I have been asked numerous times. After a friend visited today and asked me many of the same questions that I have heard before, it dawned on me I should have a few remarks prepared. That way, in the unlikely event that someone would like to reach into my life with curiosity, I will have a meaningful response in my repertoire.
Why do you write a blog? I started a blog as a way to commemorate my birthday. My great-grandfather was a sea captain and kept logs of his travels to China and back. I thought I could keep something like that,,,except it would a log of my travels through a year of my life.
What do you write about? I write about ANYTHING. When I used to write for magazines and newspapers, editors had the habit of requiring that I stay on topic. There is an unbelievable latitude when I write, edit and publish my own work. Inspiration is drawn from everyday life. Nothing more, nothing less.
When do you write? Often, I write late in the afternoon, just before dinner. That is a general rule, however. I feel truly pleased on those occasions that it is done by noon. When I used to run, I liked getting my run in before noon; that way I felt free from commitment for the remainder of the day. My sentiment with writing a blog resembles the one I had when I was running.
Who is your audience? I write for anyone who is willing to take ten minutes out of their day and spend it with me. I am enormously grateful that folks are interested - some once a month, some weekly, and others daily - enough to read my posting. I am not sophisticated with the computer and the internet interface. I do not know how to track readers, nor would I want to. It is when people write in the Comments box or send me emails that I know I am being read. Thank you one and all for writing! It encourages me when I waiver...The thought “Who reads this anyway?” can be stifled. I have a folder in which I save all comments, thank you very much.
Are you writing a book? Do you know an agent that might want me? Honestly, this seems like a trick question. I have a manuscript completed for a work of fiction. I have not generated much excitement with my query letters thus far. Either my query is not good or there is not interest in my work. I have had nothing but positive feedback on the actual manuscript from those who have read it. Maybe it’s time for a qurey overhaul. I have three other projects that I am working on with only the most optimistic of intentions. Again, I must ask, do you know an agent?
What will happen on September 5, 2012? Ostensibly, that is the day I stop writing the blog. Like any good plot, life has lots of twists and turns. I don’t want to give away the ending. I can say that, whatever I do, I will do with the utmost of humility.
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