When I started writing for this blog about 6 months ago, it was basically a lark – an experiment to see if I could muster up something that I wanted to say, with enough passion to take the time to write it down. I had been an occasional writer of letters to my local newspaper, but usually about sports or local politics when something really got under my skin. This time, while there was a lot under my skin, I wasn’t fully aware of it all, and was not sure if I could sustain a continuous flow of ideas. I was wrong. The ideas were there, but I needed something else to inspire me to write them down, and to really care that I was expressing them in more than just a random stream of disjointed thoughts.
That something is a person - my partner of over 10 years, who I will refer to here as T. Although T. is not a writer, T. is a deeply emotional thinker – an unusual way to describe someone, but in this case it fits. T. frequently expresses strong ideas, thoughts and feelings about a wide range of topics, many of them political. Because of her infectious desire to share her views, formed while growing up in a much different culture than the one I’ve experienced in my life, I am frequently encouraged to view American culture and politics as a more objective and detached observer that I could possibly imagine on my own. I am continuously inspired to find ways to express those views, often shared views from our discussions, in my writings for Left-Over.
T’s influence is a strong and important part of my life, and my blogging. Without it, I would not be the person I am. Although I don’t often take the time to thank her for inspiring me in so many ways, I would like to do so now.
(the graphic is of a favorite vacation spot in the town of Rovenska, on the Island of Losinj, Croatia, where some of our most enjoyable conversations have taken place)
Retardo -I can't figure out your alias. Are you really retarded, or is there some deeper meaning to your screen name? Either way, I can't help but feel sorry for you -you seem like such a bitter and unhappy person.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading this blog for awhile now, and would like to put out an observation.
ReplyDeleteWe used to have Anon Con always coming in. Since we discovered he is in the military, he has not said a word. I'm worried, he may have been sent to Iraq.
But now we have retardo. He's really very upset about everything said here. Does he know if Anon Con has been sent to IRAq? Just an observation!
seenos, that's a lovely photo. It's nice to read of your relationship with T. Everybody should be so lucky.
With the recent tragedy with my friend - I too have taken stock in just how lucky I am to have a wonderful wife and two great boys and a supportive, progressive extended family.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I hope T. gets to read your post.
retardo bot, I was not seriously implying that you are in the military. Just wondering if you had any connection to Anon Con, since you spoke when he stopped.
ReplyDeleteThis blog has dedicated itself to pointing out the flaws in our present administration, and does not pretend to do otherwise. It does in no way indict the American people, but makes brilliant, detailed explanations from facts gathered to support discoveries.
I'm sorry that you dislike the American people so much, but that is your problem.
We are who we are and blogging is
one of the highest expressions of who we are in a democracy, in my opinion.
Words are real and powerful. Blogging is not a passive reaction to life, nor is it a dishonest participation in events.
I agree with some parts of what you say. Peace Be With You!
ReplyDeleteI've been to the islands while covering the war briefly...as a Serb, traveling in Croatia/Bosnia presented some touchy situations, but I still have family in all three countries.
ReplyDelete