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Thursday, November 7, 2013

The life we forget to write about.




Calendars are everywhere, on google, phone, paper by the computer, paper in the kitchen, and one for each organization I belong to. A collated mess of dates and appointments are distinguished  in various colors and graphics.  Keeping track of time must have been a real necessity from the time we came down from the trees and roamed the savannas.

And yet, even with all the doctors and specialists' visits, writing and responding on blogs,  running organizations whose activities keep different calendars than my household's, I do not chronicle my life much. I seem to pretend that it is self evident, and who in their right mind wants to know that I skipped dinner last night?

Who indeed?

You just have to read Zadie Smith, and you will realize how these stupid details in your life can account for so much of its meaning, or lack of it.

I've been reading NW by Zadie Smith, and everything I know about writing is being challenged.

No wonder that the only thing my husband wanted to do during our visit in Boston was to eat at No Name Restaurant.




10 comments:

Brian Miller said...

alright you sold me...off to find some Zadie...i like my writing challenged....

Helen said...

Did you REALLY skip dinner last night? { A few of my relatives 'share' so much of their day to day lives on Facebook, I roll right past their posts.}

hyperCRYPTICal said...

I have never kept a(n) (appointment) diary and hope I never will or have to.

You do not chronicles your life much - good for you and long may it continue.

Forget Zadie Smith - her novel is not novel - so do not let her influence your writing.

Live long and prosper!

Anna :o]

mxtodis123 said...

Amazing that you publish this post today. I'd been thinking the same thing, and even thought of a special blog for just my daily activities. Who knows if by tomorrow that thought will be gone? Seems since I have retired I often have ideas that I get so excited about, but then, after a night's rest, they suddenly don't feel right. I guess that's because I am so used to working, 51 years, that I don't know what to do with all this time on my hands.
Mary

Kerry said...

I've read White Teeth by Zadie Smith, a highly acclaimed novel from at least 10 years ago, and I liked it. From reviews I've seen she has continued to mature. I will put this on my list. Your recommendation is superb.

rjerdee said...

I enjoy the way you write. You always provide us with interesting brain challenges, thought-provoking ideas.

ds said...

I love Zadie Smith, but haven't read this one. Yet. The details are all, but sometimes there can be too many. I think you get it perfectly. Thank you.

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

I'll take your recommendation to heart and look up Zadie! I love your insights and your writing!

LindyLouMac said...

Just keep writing as you do, I always enjoy your posts. :)

Maggie May said...

Well I keep a journal but I don't expect that anyone but me would be interested in it.
I keep a calendar on the wall for appointments an that is scribbled on with crossings out and Birthdays & anniversaries etc. I also keep a tiny diary that I carry in my bag for the same reason. I have to remember to synchronise them all.
My blog...... well I don't know what that is really. A journal of a different kind maybe.
Maggie x

Nuts in May