It Is Like A John Denver Song

Somewhere in the echoes of memories long since past a voice rises to the surface and tells our class that if people misunderstand or misinterpret our essays/articles we have to take responsibility.

Good writers practice their craft and learn how to tell stories that have a beginning, middle and an end. They write clear and concise pieces that make it easy for the reader to understand.

Just as I was about to ask whether the reader ought to be given some responsibility for their level of reading comprehension we heard, “in spite of your best efforts you will encounter some idiots.”

I have encountered more than my fair share and am confident some villages have sent their best Mensa candidates to engage with me.

But I am certain there have been moments where misunderstandings that occurred are entirely my own doing, or if not whole, partial and that’s why I spend so much time practicing my craft.

Can’t expect to always have the write stuff but can push to be right more often than not.

It Is Like A John Denver Song

One of these days I need to fix the picture above so the entire quote is easily seen/read. It serves little purpose to insert something that is supposed to have meaning if it is not easily felt.

I watched the second Kingsman movie last night and though I enjoyed it I am glad I didn’t pay to see it in the theater.

It was too goofy and over-the-top in places for me to have walked out feeling good about having spent good money on tickets and popcorn.

But it did help me come up with the idea for this post and I am grateful for that.

This morning I got a few notes and calls about the previous post asking if it was about moving homes.

The answer is I may be moving the home of this blog but as far as I know I am going to continue living where I am for years to come.

Circle back to our opening comment about the echoes of the past and responsibility of a writer and you find yourself asking if I should blame myself for any misunderstanding.

Maybe yes, maybe no.

****

As I thought about what to write it occurred to me that if you model a post after a John Denver song you’re probably going to to come up with something where misunderstanding the message is less likely to take place.

Take a look at these excerpts:

“Come let me love you
Let me give my life to you
Let me drown in your laughter
Let me die in your arms
Let me lay down beside you
Let me always be with you
Come let me love you
Come love me again”

Annie’s Song

and

“Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia
Mountain mamma, take me home
Country roads”
Take Me Home Country Roads

and

“To sail on a dream on a crystal clear ocean
To ride on the crest of a wild raging storm
To work in the service of life and living
In search of the answers to the questions unknown
To be part of the movement and part of the growing
Part of beginning to understand”
Calypso

I mulled over whether to include Calypso because if you don’t know who or what the song is about it might seem to lack the clarity of the others.

But I stuck it in there anyway because there is a story in it that can be followed and that fits the overall message anyway.

A Few More Words

This day got away from me and I didn’t get everything done that I had planned on doing.

It was/is a holiday so it is not a horrible thing to look at the list and see a few boxes left unchecked. I am spent from all that has been going on, so rest isn’t bad.

Instead of expanding this and taking some time to meander here and there I have to go back to attending some small details, like packing.

But before I head off to roll clothes and confirm all I need is either packed or placed I have one other thought to share.

During a time in which many of us are feeling doubt, fear and uncertainty about our political leadership and our other issues in our personal lives it is nice to be reminded of how simple it is sometimes for us to help each other feel better.

A soft word, handshake or hug go a long way.