We met at a concert– technically a music festival. Simple enough, but it was the wrong stage. I never thought being at the wrong place could lead to the only time I’ve ever felt right in my life. You were pushing through the crowd trying to get a glimpse of your favorite band. The stage wasn’t completely set up yet; there were no emblems or … Continue reading Music is a Time Capsule for Lovers and Loners
The thought of death has never scared me. To me it seems like death is falling asleep but simply not waking up. The fear comes from the way we die; the uncertainty of the pain or struggle and the unsureness of if we’ve lived acceptable lives by our own standards. My biggest fear isn’t from falling asleep and never waking, but waking up one morning, … Continue reading Fear of Aging
The summer prior to leaving for the next milestone adventure in our lives known as college was different than every other summer we had shared together. Street signs and overpasses would no longer separate us, but multiple “Now entering…” signs and thousands of miles would. We were reluctantly trying to move past adolescence. We had three months to fill with debauchery and memories, but we … Continue reading The JAG Spot: A Pilgrimage to Serenity
A pen is my weapon of choice to take into whatever battle I feel compelled to write about at any time. This pen can create problems it will never be able to erase, but can only write until there is a resolution. The pen is more powerful than any firearm or blade if used properly. Words can be the sole determining factor in how people perceive one another; use them eloquently regardless of intellect, and people assume genius. Use words sophomorically, and people assume asininity.
The reason it is the pen that is so powerful and not just words alone is because words can be spoken. Once a word is spoken it cannot be retracted, but when words are written they can be revised and perfected.
Writing is a craft, an art. Anyone can do it, but to do it well is laborious and time-consuming. Being a good writer doesn’t mean that other people enjoy reading your work, but it is enjoying the activity and believing that what you are writing is good and has meaning.
I’m not going to pretend that I’m a great writer. I have a thesaurus to help me find words that roll off the tongue better than the simpler ways of describing things. Robin Williams’ character in The Dead Poet’s Society had a quote that has always stuck with me through every essay I’ve ever written, every poem, every sentence.
Recounts, Reflections, and Other Writings 