I admire and respect those with opinions which defer from my own.
That said, there is one particular crowd of people which, more than anything, perplex me. Those who once believed in God, and who now, for various "tragic" reasons, deny His existence yet hate Him all the same. That's very oxymoronic.
Allow me to truly lament for a moment, by recounting a few of the more eventful moments of my life over the past two years:
1. My then-twelve year old sister contracted an auto-immune disease called "juvenile bacterial arthritis" which caused her to lose most of her hair and grow a type of fungus on her skin as her muscles deteriorated and she was reduced to being pushed in a wheelchair. My family was turned into the state by a doctor for "child abuse", though the doctor knew the circumstances behind my sister's brittle appearance. I almost lost my younger siblings; luckily we could prove there was no abuse going on. We took my sister to specialists in a large hospital who declared "there is no cure." My mom refused to believe it, and took her far away from people who constantly talked about my sister's "impending death." For one year my sister struggled to survive. One day, a light came on and she realized she wanted to live. Pleading with God, she fought to make it through, and now my sister looks as though she was never ill for a second. She runs around, boundless energy coursing through her healthy bones. There are no remains of scars from the fungus, and her hair has grown back as lush and thick as before.
2. With the economy's struggles, my dad was laid off work. His van was repossessed by the bank.
3. My car's transmission just died; I had no warranty, and so the money must come from my own pocket. I still don't have the means to pay it.
4. This last December my parents' home burned to the ground. My family lost everything within it, and several precious pets died in its intense flames. Something told my parents to leave my younger brother with me, rather than alone in their home. He was spared from death.
I don't hate God. Tragedy isn't a good enough reason for that. We can't blame someone else for life's surprises--we certainly don't hate God when something good happens.
You may choose not to believe in God. That is your right. Personally I choose to believe in a divine power. I don't go around attacking other people simply because they have different beliefs from my own. I would appreciate the same courtesy from those around me.
Life is too short to spend it pointing fingers and attacking others. Try kindness. When it comes back to you, it's not so bad as other repercussions might be
2.26.2009
Lament #0014 - Ah! pain.
There was an early critique for the prologue of my novel Paradise?, which said "you seem to be alienating the 'masochist' audience," referring to the line, "...up until the part where one actually crashed into the ocean. That might not be so enjoyable. Unless of course one is a masochist, which, I hope, one is not. Or was not, seeing as how one is dead now."
An interesting thought, to be sure, and I appreciated the feedback. But here's the thing.
A true masochist would be grateful. Why, you ask? Simple. If the line from Paradise? singles out the masochist audience, and they are hurt by the reference, doesn't that help them, as they enjoy pain so much?
Honestly. I'm doing them a service.
You're welcome.
An interesting thought, to be sure, and I appreciated the feedback. But here's the thing.
A true masochist would be grateful. Why, you ask? Simple. If the line from Paradise? singles out the masochist audience, and they are hurt by the reference, doesn't that help them, as they enjoy pain so much?
Honestly. I'm doing them a service.
You're welcome.
2.16.2009
Lament #0013 - The Almighty Football!
Religion -noun
1. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices
2. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience
A lot of people are religious, even if they don't attend church. I'm also very aware that there are many people who aren't at all religious in the traditional sense--but, like it or not, most are religious. No, really.
May I suggest that there is a religion that has recently become apparent, even though its many, many practitioners aren't aware of such? It's actually an organization which has been around for decades, in point of fact, and most people, despite their vocal religious affiliation, are actually devote followers of this new faith more readily and zealously than they ever were of any prior faiths?
Sports.
Le gasp! How dare I mock the sacred event called sports? (May I point out that if any of you are offended that I mock this, it only further proves my point.)
In my own religion, despite its definite appointment that Sunday is a holy day where one should rest from worldly cares and focus on the Savior, most men (and women too) make Super Bowl Sunday a special "exception", justifying it easily. Never mind it can be recorded and watched the following evening.
Granted, my religion also supports choice. Heaven (literally) forbid agency be taken away. We are taught certain Godly laws and principles, and then are given the choice whether to obey or not. It is a much-debated point whether the Super Bowl is actually not within keeping the Sabbath holy, although it really oughtn't be such a point for debate, if people were truly honest with themselves.
Even outside of organized religion, how many people that you know (perhaps yourself included) take time out of life's essential matters (family, for instance), to watch that important [insert sports name here] event.
Is there something wrong with enjoying sports? Certainly not. But once again it comes down to how much time is spent pursuing the sporting world rather than our own lives, families, jobs, or religions? What responsibilities are shirked in the name of the Almighty Football?
Life is about moderation. We should pursue hobbies which we enjoy--there isn't anything wrong with that. But balance is essential for a healthy, happy life. If sports is causing a conflict with your other priorities; if sports is causing a rift between you and your significant other; something is wrong. Now is a good time to step back and examine how much time you spend pursuing your own hobbies, versus those of someone else, or versus the other goals and responsibilities you have in your life.
Any hobby which can cause harm to your family relationships or career should not become a central point in your life. On the other hand, if sports is helping bring your family closer, by all means, pursue it, so long as the purpose is a happy family, not a worshiped football.
Balance, balance, balance.
1. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices
2. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience
A lot of people are religious, even if they don't attend church. I'm also very aware that there are many people who aren't at all religious in the traditional sense--but, like it or not, most are religious. No, really.
May I suggest that there is a religion that has recently become apparent, even though its many, many practitioners aren't aware of such? It's actually an organization which has been around for decades, in point of fact, and most people, despite their vocal religious affiliation, are actually devote followers of this new faith more readily and zealously than they ever were of any prior faiths?
Sports.
Le gasp! How dare I mock the sacred event called sports? (May I point out that if any of you are offended that I mock this, it only further proves my point.)
In my own religion, despite its definite appointment that Sunday is a holy day where one should rest from worldly cares and focus on the Savior, most men (and women too) make Super Bowl Sunday a special "exception", justifying it easily. Never mind it can be recorded and watched the following evening.
Granted, my religion also supports choice. Heaven (literally) forbid agency be taken away. We are taught certain Godly laws and principles, and then are given the choice whether to obey or not. It is a much-debated point whether the Super Bowl is actually not within keeping the Sabbath holy, although it really oughtn't be such a point for debate, if people were truly honest with themselves.
Even outside of organized religion, how many people that you know (perhaps yourself included) take time out of life's essential matters (family, for instance), to watch that important [insert sports name here] event.
Is there something wrong with enjoying sports? Certainly not. But once again it comes down to how much time is spent pursuing the sporting world rather than our own lives, families, jobs, or religions? What responsibilities are shirked in the name of the Almighty Football?
Life is about moderation. We should pursue hobbies which we enjoy--there isn't anything wrong with that. But balance is essential for a healthy, happy life. If sports is causing a conflict with your other priorities; if sports is causing a rift between you and your significant other; something is wrong. Now is a good time to step back and examine how much time you spend pursuing your own hobbies, versus those of someone else, or versus the other goals and responsibilities you have in your life.
Any hobby which can cause harm to your family relationships or career should not become a central point in your life. On the other hand, if sports is helping bring your family closer, by all means, pursue it, so long as the purpose is a happy family, not a worshiped football.
Balance, balance, balance.
2.05.2009
Lament #0012 - Can't anyone get it write?
Do you read fiction? I do. Or rather, I try to.
How much of the fiction you've read have had markedly satisfying endings? I'm not referring to those whose endings answered all questions or whose writing was decent or whose main male and female characters lived happily ever after. I mean, what was the last book you read which actually ended well. Very well. Like, with no sense of dissatisfaction whatsoever? (That feeling of let-down is something entirely different, as it just means you re-entered reality after a thrilling good read.)
The best book will leave you wanting more, because it was so good. Not because it missed a crucial element.
I can count the number of fiction novels which left me feeling content on one hand. I can't count the number of novels I've thrown across the room, burned (yes, burned) or left sitting on a shelf collecting dust because its ending was so poor. Perhaps I'm alone in this, but it says something of the state of things when a reader is left feeling like reading the bloody novel was a waste of her freaking time.
I hate it when you adore the characters, but there is not plot. Or it's a bad one. Or the plot is good, and the characters suck. Or both are great, but the end was abrupt, predictable or downright deplorable. I loathe it when the character you enjoy so much disappoints you by doing something stupid, and never redeems him/herself, ever.
Granted, not every reader will be satisfied with every book. Take the Twilight series for example. Obviously there are some pretty satisfied readers, as it's got quite the cult following. I am not among them. I tried reading it, and I will give Meyer points for not thoroughly sickening me. I simply couldn't handle the 17-year-old "romance", and so quit. That's perfectly fine with me. I tried, it failed me. Not to say it doesn't have its merits--it's just not my sort of readery. Your opinion, whatever it is, doesn't hurt me in the least. If Twilight gives you what you want from a novel, GREAT!
One of the first things which prompted me to write my own work was this dilemma: I can't find anything new worth reading. I keep resorting to the old and familiar, because those few books I thoroughly love are guaranteed to satisfy. But there are only so many times you can read the same thing. Where is the next J.K.Rowling or Lorna Freeman? I'm waiting, despairing, praying someone will write something right. Well. Good.
I want something which speaks to my heart, not my head and more base desires. I want something which motives laughter or tears or inspiration to be better. We need better books. We need better writers.
I have no doubt that out there, someplace I haven't yet explored, are the sorts of novels I'm looking for, and I hope I find them. Someone must have written one specifically for me. Where's my Twilight? Where's my next Harry Potter? Where's my lovable, eccentric Rabbit?
I read a statistic a while back which stated that if more people don't become interested in reading, then reading will virtually disappear within thirty years.
A separate group of statistics seem to back the first.
If that isn't proof that the literary world is failing, what is? We need fresh blood. We need new ideas, or perhaps very old and forgotten ones. Obviously novels are lacking.
Something must be done, or people will have no reason to read anymore.
How much of the fiction you've read have had markedly satisfying endings? I'm not referring to those whose endings answered all questions or whose writing was decent or whose main male and female characters lived happily ever after. I mean, what was the last book you read which actually ended well. Very well. Like, with no sense of dissatisfaction whatsoever? (That feeling of let-down is something entirely different, as it just means you re-entered reality after a thrilling good read.)
The best book will leave you wanting more, because it was so good. Not because it missed a crucial element.
I can count the number of fiction novels which left me feeling content on one hand. I can't count the number of novels I've thrown across the room, burned (yes, burned) or left sitting on a shelf collecting dust because its ending was so poor. Perhaps I'm alone in this, but it says something of the state of things when a reader is left feeling like reading the bloody novel was a waste of her freaking time.
I hate it when you adore the characters, but there is not plot. Or it's a bad one. Or the plot is good, and the characters suck. Or both are great, but the end was abrupt, predictable or downright deplorable. I loathe it when the character you enjoy so much disappoints you by doing something stupid, and never redeems him/herself, ever.
Granted, not every reader will be satisfied with every book. Take the Twilight series for example. Obviously there are some pretty satisfied readers, as it's got quite the cult following. I am not among them. I tried reading it, and I will give Meyer points for not thoroughly sickening me. I simply couldn't handle the 17-year-old "romance", and so quit. That's perfectly fine with me. I tried, it failed me. Not to say it doesn't have its merits--it's just not my sort of readery. Your opinion, whatever it is, doesn't hurt me in the least. If Twilight gives you what you want from a novel, GREAT!
One of the first things which prompted me to write my own work was this dilemma: I can't find anything new worth reading. I keep resorting to the old and familiar, because those few books I thoroughly love are guaranteed to satisfy. But there are only so many times you can read the same thing. Where is the next J.K.Rowling or Lorna Freeman? I'm waiting, despairing, praying someone will write something right. Well. Good.
I want something which speaks to my heart, not my head and more base desires. I want something which motives laughter or tears or inspiration to be better. We need better books. We need better writers.
I have no doubt that out there, someplace I haven't yet explored, are the sorts of novels I'm looking for, and I hope I find them. Someone must have written one specifically for me. Where's my Twilight? Where's my next Harry Potter? Where's my lovable, eccentric Rabbit?
I read a statistic a while back which stated that if more people don't become interested in reading, then reading will virtually disappear within thirty years.
A separate group of statistics seem to back the first.
- 58% of the US adult population never reads another book after high school
- 42% of college graduates never read another book
- 80% of US families did not buy or read a book last year.
- 70% of US adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years
- 57% of new books are not read to completion.
- Most readers do not get past page 18 in a book they have purchased.
If that isn't proof that the literary world is failing, what is? We need fresh blood. We need new ideas, or perhaps very old and forgotten ones. Obviously novels are lacking.
Something must be done, or people will have no reason to read anymore.
Lament #0011 - Why not APPLE?
Time for a silly rant, as the last few have been heavily leaning toward disparagingly negative.
I recently conducted research on the mystery behind the three American flavors: chocolate, vanilla and...strawberry? According to the poll results 59% prefer the first two flavors to the later, or hate strawberry flavoring altogether. So, why then do we have strawberry of every variety? I thought apple was the American preference.
No one likes strawberry; not really. Not compared to other things. Granted, there is that 42% left on the polls, and that percentage loves strawberries--but in everything? Milk included? (Don't get me wrong, I adore strawberry milk, myself.)
I dare you to walk into a grocery store, find the snacks and sweets aisle and just try telling me that there's more strawberry sold out than chocolate or vanilla. Chances are most of the strawberry-pink packaging will be slightly dusty from neglect.
Wanna take me up on that?
I recently conducted research on the mystery behind the three American flavors: chocolate, vanilla and...strawberry? According to the poll results 59% prefer the first two flavors to the later, or hate strawberry flavoring altogether. So, why then do we have strawberry of every variety? I thought apple was the American preference.
No one likes strawberry; not really. Not compared to other things. Granted, there is that 42% left on the polls, and that percentage loves strawberries--but in everything? Milk included? (Don't get me wrong, I adore strawberry milk, myself.)
I dare you to walk into a grocery store, find the snacks and sweets aisle and just try telling me that there's more strawberry sold out than chocolate or vanilla. Chances are most of the strawberry-pink packaging will be slightly dusty from neglect.
Wanna take me up on that?
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