Fountain pens for sale

Trifles and other things that keep me from writing

This has been a thoroughly frustrating week for writing. I had planned to rework a Rembrandt Parable, then record it as a podcast. All that changed when I reread my story for an audience Sunday night. There are few things so terrifying as reading a story for a group of people and discovering I have to improvise several sections. The tepid response validated my suspicions.

The several attempts to settle down with my story were thwarted by the myriad of trifles that impose themselves on our lives. I was finally able to sit down with my story for a few minutes this morning. It still hasn’t met with my satisfaction. So, the struggle continues.

But would you put it on your wall?

I’ve taking this painting class at the local community college. So far it’s been a great learning experience. The greatest challenge I’ve faced this far is translating my imagination onto the canvas. I’ve also learned the truest test of art appreciation. Most people, when examining someone else’s work, will say how much they like it. I don’t want to claim that most people are being disingeuous when they say that, but flippant praise does seem to be the norm. I’ve discovered that the truest praise the willingness of someone to hang your work on their wall. That means they think enough of your work to make it part of their daily experience. And, just in case you’ wondering, no one has done that with my work. Not yet, anyway.

Ah, the rewards of gardening

Yesterday morning I was making breakfast for the kids. Instead of the usual breakfast cereal or toast, I went out to the garden and picked raspberries. The kids feasted on fresh picked homegrown berries for breakfast.

I love the feeling of satisfaction that comes in enjoying the bounty of my garden.

The humour of Stephen Leacock

Earlier today discovered the writings of Stephen Leacock. He was British born Canadian humourist who is now primarily known for the annual award named in his honour for Canadian humour. Prior to his posthumous award naming, Leacock was considered to be Canada’s preeminent humourist. Reading an anthology of his work I’m discovering just how clever and genuinely funny he was.

The Rembrandt Parables are my first attempt at humour. A few posts ago I mentioned that in order to be an effective writer its essential to be an avid reader. Having lapsed in my reading I gravitated to Leacock. I’d heard about him in relation to the award, but until now I hadn’t really read any of his writings. In my early assessment I am impressed with his sense of timing. He understands how to draw the reader in and carry them reader forward to his comic perspective. In one short story I read, “Lord Oxhead’s Secret”, Leacock carries the joke to the very end. In effect, the joke is on the reader. He draws us in to a story and makes us part of the conversation such that when we reach the punch line, we guffaw in embarrassed recognition of the jest.

I’m thoroughly enjoying his work. I’d long heard of his comic acuity. Having the opportunity to read him for myself, I now understand just how talented he was.