After the brain-cleansing vacation, I'm having trouble getting identified enough with anything to blog about it. I'm just working, practicing the piano, and rowing.
Oh, and entertaining ideas with Marielle about picking up everything and moving to Guatemala or somewhere in Europe, facing down and trampling over a creeping sense of stagnation. I'm reminded of my "I need a tribe" post as we discuss how hard it is to establish and keep social connections that we really value here. She remembers her Belgian upbringing and her young experiences in Spain and Italy, where people socialized seemingly effortlessly. Is it New England or the US in general that's the problem? Is southern Europe still as she remembers it, or has it gotten caught up just as much in lifesap-sucking commerce?
I'm wondering if these idealized beings exist, who have time to sincerely chat with you, reciprocate dinner invitations, have good manners, eat healthily, are well-traveled and worldly-wise, and aren't materialistic. And don't drive SUVs or live in McMansions. You, know, perfect. But not too perfect. A little rough around the edges. Creative and arty and outdoor-loving. Ethnically diverse. From many socio-economic spheres. And not too much better than me at too many things.
Tell me "yes, it's really like that here! What are you waiting for?". And even better if it's right here (cf. Rumi, In Baghdad, Dreaming of Cairo: In Cairo, Dreaming of Baghdad). But of course it's right here, in blogland. But really, come on. This glowing text only goes so far. Too bad you all can't meet us at the cafe.
I guess the above is inspired by Jeneane's question about "the payoff" and Halley, who lives in my town (and fer crying out loud I've never sent her email) and like so many others is going through "stuff", but also by Paul Perry, who definitely has a life (no kids, apparently), and Joe Mahoney, who seems to have a damn fun life for someone with three kids, even when he does have a real job.
July 24, 2002 03:23 PM