Something Else to Consider?

It occurs to me that no matter what anyone says, the government is a big part (if not the biggest part) of the problem with regards to the current economic situation. After all, the government decided to dabble in the mortgage market, came up with some rather insane idea, and implemented its strategy of the course of a couple of decades. Now, let’s not argue or even waste time considering the rights or wrongs of that. The point is, given that they put the taxpayer at risk playing this game, I wonder if the taxpayer shouldn’t step back and say, thanks but no thanks with regards to the government jumping in with both feet to try to “rescue” the situation. Really, they don’t know how deep the water is, or if there are sharks, or if it is water they’re jumping in to. (might be toxic waste they’re headed for)

Just something else to consider.

Published in: on October 9, 2008 at 6:25 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Practicing Your Craft

While walking through New York City, I came upon this man painting a street scene.

What impresses me most about people like this is that they are out there practicing their craft. It’s not easy to set your creative self to work every day. Things like self-doubt, criticism, and the necessity of paying the bills often get in the way. Nonetheless, you have to get out there and do what it is that makes you an artist. For me this means writing pieces that I know aren’t always my best or even good enough to be seen by the public. Still, practice does make perfect, or at least better.

So, I’m taking the fountain pen and paper out just now and getting to work.

Published in: on October 6, 2008 at 1:45 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Brilliant Photography

Regular readers of this blog will know that I’ve mentioned a few great photographers. I also post those old-time panoramic shots. Well, I came across this fellow Arnaud Frich. His website is www.arnaudfrichphoto.com. His photography is brilliant, both literally and figuratively.

In the first place, he photographs cathedrals, palaces, and open spaces with stunning clarity. His perspectives are interesting and insightful. He used panoramic cameras as well as others and the work shown on his website is consistently impressive. I particularly enjoyed his church interiors. He captures the weight and light of these structures as well as the sense of place that they impose upon the visitor. This is a photographic challenge few practioners of the craft are capable of achieving.

So pay his sight a visit. I’m sure you will be impressed.

Published in: on October 5, 2008 at 3:08 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Why A Fountain Pen?

Today I was in one of my haunts, doing a bit of writing. Of course I was using a fountain pen. A lady happens by and asks me, “Is that really a fountain pen?” I said that it was. She then asked, “Why would you use one?” Well, in the first place I write upwards of 2500 words per day in one form or another. Do that day after day and the equipment used becomes very important. A fountain pen has much less “drag” across the paper. All this I explained and the lady says, “Why not just use a computer and type it in the first place?”

That last question is much deeper than the first. Everyone has their method of writing. For me, I typically write a story long hand first and then type it into a computer later. This serves two purposes: The first draft can be conducted anywhere, without electricity or a computer. When I type it, it instantly becomes a second draft as I edit on the fly while inputing the text.

But what about that archaic writing instrument, namely the fountain pen? Well, it’s simply cool, for lack of more elegant explanation. Fountain pens require a bit of care and respect. They become heirlooms. They can be messy, but mine have never let me down in that respect. They also take on the character of the writer in terms of the type of pen and ink utilized.

Does it make sense? Not really. It’s one of those quirks that makes us human. Beyond that, I offer no better explanation.

Published in: on September 30, 2008 at 8:18 pm  Comments (3)  
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