It always amazes me how some people can manage to read so much. I am awed and inspired. And dumbfounded. I have only one child, not three or four, my house is not spotless, and there’s always a load of washing that could be started, but somehow I don’t seem to have time for much more than the mundane. I suppose I waste time on-line, researching the burning questions of the day. Hey, it’s research. (Along that vein, the one in which I am not supposed to be obsessing, I have just wasted several minutes browsing through 300+ girl names beginning with s before starting in to the j‘s and after reading about precisely what goes on at 6 weeks anyway, then looking ahead to 7 weeks, before deciding I should really try not to think about things and get ahead of myself, as I always do.)
I’ve been feeling off, lately. Uninspired. Blah. As if my inner spark has been snuffed out. My sister has been writing a book, feverishly, of late. She’s got an inspiration that is driving her, and she says the book is practically writing itself. How I long for such a creative inspiration! Needing something to rekindle my flame, I cast my eyes about the room and they came to rest upon a book, Farmer Giles of Ham, by J.R.R. Tolkien. How I love Tolkien! I bought this volume years ago, and haven’t yet read it. Ah, a nice little book will be just the indulgence I need to make myself feel better.
As I was reading the introduction, I was overcome with emotion, and tears rolled down my face. It’s not that the introduction is all that, but it said things that resonated with me. It spoke of the history of the work, from its beginning as a tale for his children, to its expansion for publication, and the uncertainty of whether the publisher would, indeed, take it on. There were fragments from letters to the publisher which made him seem like such a real person. I saw J.R.R. Tolkien as a person, a man, a father, earning an uncertain living, trying to provide for his family, and honor his craft. A spark. Hence, tears. Not that the early pregnancy (that I am not supposed to be thinking about) elevated hormones had anything to do with it.
I love the wit. I love the satire. I love the Latin names (Aegidius Ahenobarbus Julius Agricola de Hammo, “for people were richly endowed with names in those days”) coupled with the apologetic reversion to the vernacular (Farmer Giles of Ham). I simply love this book. Added bonus: illustrations by Pauline Bateman. I recognize her from the Narnia books. I’m not so keen on the farmer (and the wife’s) cruel attitude towards their dog, but I suppose the attitude is in keeping with the characters(s). I am reminded of my father, the Korean Anglophile. I wonder how much influence Tolkien had on him, because, I swear, this Farmer Giles and the deaf giant with his best copper pot certainly stir up visions of my dad. From the Latin to the cursing (Blast!) to the kicking of the dog. (Poor dog.)
I would very much like to be a brilliant and successful writer. What a life-long fantasy! I might be able to string some words together, and with some work I could scrub the grammar, but I’m lacking the inspiration. I’ve always fancied myself a children’s book writer and illustrator. Perhaps because of my love of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. I’m just not much of a story teller. The stories I make up for my little guy are very, very weak. Luckily, he has absolutely no attention span, so it doesn’t matter that there isn’t much going on after “once upon a time.” He’s moved on to other things by then. “Once upon a time. The End!”
I’d like to write a brilliant novel, but again, no inspiration. Where does the inspiration come for things like Confederacy of Dunces and Geek Love? I can find nothing of sufficient interest within the confines of my mind to form an engaging tale.
I could join the self-help revolution, but I can hardly consider myself an authority on anything. Although I might have quite a lot to say, it would likely mostly be hypocritical.
I can write volumes about being a boring person. Oh wait. That’s blogging.
I do have an art project milling about the back of my mind. I want to make a mosaic counter top (in my kitchen). I have a small counter that is not in the main stream, that will do nicely, because if it’s a flop, then it should be easy enough to hide or ignore until I can repair or replace it. I have an idea of the shapes of the tiles I want to use, however, I need to find the medium. Because I want a specific shape, I will have to hand cut. I don’t think I want ceramic. I don’t want sharp edges. I would love to find some material like that used in the Epicurean brand cutting boards. I think it’s some sort of a reclaimed paper product. It’s got a warm finish and holds up well to heat and isn’t hard and brittle. I may end up using Formica. It’s thin so it might be easy to cut, and it’s possible to find in several colors/finishes.
I’ve made a mosaic from vinyl floor tiles in the past,
but the vinyl tends to peel from the backing. Also, it wouldn’t do so well if one were to place a hot item on it. Not that anyone would do that. At least there is a wee bit of inspiration to tide me through.
