May 26, 2004
May 23, 2004
May 22, 2004
May 18, 2004
From the Rumi list today. So applicable for us software types:
We're quite addicted to subtle discussions;
we're very fond of solving problems.
So that we may tie knots and then undo them,
we constantly make rules for posing the difficulty
and for answering the questions it raises.
We're like a bird which loosens a snare
and then ties it tighter again
in order to perfect its skill.
It deprives itself of open country;
it leaves behind the meadowland,
while its life is spent dealing with knots.
Even then the snare is not mastered,
but its wings are broken again and again.
Don't struggle with knots,
so your wings won't be broken.
Don't risk ruining your feathers
to display your proud efforts.
Mathnawi II: 3733-3738
Version by Camille and Kabir Helminski
"Rumi: Daylight"
Threshold Books, 1994
May 14, 2004
Trying to be intentional at the computer today, conscious of every "decision". It's incredible how much is automatic -- clicking a link in a moment of waiting, waking up to my intentions minutes (and pages) later. And that's just the stuff that should be conscious. The countless typos and rewrites are staggering.
What would be like to use the computer as if there were no backspace or delete key -- as though it were pen and paper?
May 12, 2004
We were reminiscing about our youngest daughter; how when she was three or so, she used to run with her whole body slanted forward, arms swept straight back like airplane wings.
Sometimes I feel like I'm going through life like this -- lunging headlong to the point of imbalance, running just to keep from falling over.
May 10, 2004
Theory & Harmony for the Contemporary Musician
by Arnie Berle. Excellent music theory basics!
May 08, 2004
Is it just me? Am I becoming blasé, or is it really harder recently to find stuff that matters to me at Arts & Letters Daily?
May 07, 2004
Finding myself awake and well-rested at 5:30 is like finding money in an old pocket. What will I do with the time? Just what I do.
May 05, 2004
Marco walks into the office today and improvises as he goes: "There he is. Steve Yost. drummer ... sax player ... spiritual man ... live at the Middle East this Thursday."
May 01, 2004