I should be writing my thesis...

but here's a slice of life from February. Jessica can feel free to critique my timing and fingering choices.

A Cache of Knowledge or a Nest of Falshoods?

I've been thinking a lot recently about the responsibility of artists to be as truthful and clear as possible. Frequently when I'm discussing an issue with a friend, I will just toss off an idea that I haven't thought thoroughly about because it kind of fits what I want to say. In a discussion setting, my friend can call me on it, and a real dialogue ensues. In art, it is not so easy. While much art is responsive to other works, they can only present their creator's message with one face, which often leads to confusion as to the piece's meaning or else too much simplicity, depth being sacrificed for clarity's sake. Life is complicated, and dialogue is required in order to help sort it out. Lately, when I've been writing for the newspaper, I'm struck with almost a fear of the sort of conversational laziness that I indulge in with my friend. Without my knowledgable friends to help keep my musings in check, I worry that I might send something to print that is untrue or incomplete, simply because I have a deadline and not an extensive amount of time to always think through what I'm saying. Further, as my recent review points toward, people seem more inclined to believe something if they see it presented in a more "official" medium. The film industry is often guilty of fancifying factual events to create a more photogenic story. Likewise, my writing at times might be guilty of hyperbole or exaggeration, simply to emphasize a point. It's a responsibility that I worry about, but must embrace. Anyway, there is now an author archive that you can access to see my old pieces. If you object to some of the things I've said, I'd love to discuss it. In the meantime, I'll continue marching forward in determination and hopefully in awareness.

The Universe is a Cold Dark Place...

But maybe more habitable than we thought.
Life , it seems, will always find a way.

Respite

I'm taking a short sabbatical from the world. If you should need to get ahold of me before Saturday afternoon, Matt knows where I am.

An observation...

Nothing is more awkward than pedaling home from the grocery store with two bags full balanced on your handlebars. Nothing looks more stupid than a grown man doing the same on one of those ridiculous kid-sized trick bikes. Lord, grant me some awkwardness soon before I drown in my own superiority.

Following in Milla's steps...

I have dipped my toe into the pool of arts journalism. My first published article can be viewed here.

An addendum to yesterday's post - I went to the Boise Weekly to fill out my paperwork for them to print the article, and ended up walking out with a freelance writer position with them. They told me that I should e-mail them with proposals for stories, and they'll give me deadlines and space considerations. Thus, I shall probably be using the internet quite a bit more, and may be able to match the blogging powers of my "gainfully" employed sisters. But don't count on it.

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Cheeky Rudolph

This comes from a charming documentary called "Fonteyn and Nureyev - The Perfect Partnership." Photos from the North Idaho tour can be viewed here

A new journey

As you may know, I'm currently residing in San Francisco, studying at the LINES Ballet I'll be here for a month's time, and have already discovered that I relish big-city living, and have great contempt for tourists.
I arrived yesterday morning just in time to head to the park with my Aunt Judith and cousin Mariah, where I scraped myself on the funeral pyre of Joaquin Miller, the enigmatic poet/hermit of Oakland. This morning I had my first classes, and I'm already exhausted. Knowing that I had the option of either staying home and vegging or getting out and seeing the city, I opted to visit this interesting combination cafe/laundromat where I sadly missed the band I was hoping to see, iamb, but I did get to hear their fraternal group, Candle, who also plays pretty good music. I had forgotten how much I miss this sort of show. It encouraged me to come home and practice my own music a bit. The fog here is very cold.

WAHH!

Don't Try This @ Home!