Sometimes there’s no one theme that presents itself for a post. Instead, a mixture of many motifs manifests. (Alliteration apparently attracts A Dude. ) I’ve noticed myself thinking about three main topics: 1) creativity, especially the art of writing, and the necessity of commerce; 2) all the bicycling I do (and to a lesser extent, walking and yoga), and 3) issues about nutrition and health. Of course I also consider weightier things like the temporary end of the federal government shutdown, the sad passing of a former neighbor, and the goings on in the lives of friends, family and my town. So I’m gonna touch on the three themes, and perhaps we’ll stumble upon some insight or wisdom useful to you. But sometimes, a blog is just a web log of what’s going on, and its not going to change your life. To quote the farmer in the movie Babe, “That’ll do, pig. That’ll do. Continue reading
creativity
Thoughts on Melissa McCarthy’s Movie About a Writer’s Struggle to Succeed
It’s the opposite of my last post about being inspired by creative people. The recent Melissa McCarthy movie “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” paints a bleak picture of a lonely, struggling writer who turns to forgery to pay her bills. McCarthy was nominated for a Golden Globe for her moving portrayal of one author’s quest for respect and success. It’s difficult to write about a movie without spoilers, but I’ll try. This isn’t a review so much as some thoughts about the difficulties for writers to be creative and stay true to their vision while dealing with the realities of commerce. This is a theme I often struggle with as I continue to blog and write my book without any compensation in sight. A review in Town and Country was titled “Can You Ever Forgive Me Is the Funny-Smart-Sad Crime Caper You’ve Been Waiting For” . By the way, it’s based on a true story.
Finding Your Muse: How Being Around Other Creative People Helps You Create
Last night I attended my first Third Thursday free event held by the Texas Writers League. I’d heard of the League, but it took me hearing their director Michael Nolin speak and also met him at another event, the One Page Salon, to get me to a TWL event. After the panel, I went to a book release party for OPS host Owen Egerton, who has helped inspired me to keep on writing and to call myself a writer. At the latter event I met a couple involved in the Austin film industry, and had a good long conversation with them about their art. And then a fellow blogger made a really heartfelt comment about a recent post of mine. A day later I still find myself energized by this synchronicity. So I gotta write about it.
Stormy: Weather, News and Mood + Movie Review: Phantom Thread
It was a dark and rainy morning. After a late night re-creating my blog that the crappy wifi connection ate (I’ve since installed a wifi extender), I awoke to thunder and lightning. So I padded over to the toilet, the one that is inside the shower stall, Asian-style. Job done, I stumbled back to the cubby hole that my bed is in, drew the curtains, and slept as long as I could. I dreamt vividly, but of what is now shrouded in the folds of my hippocampus. Which always sounds like a university for hippopotamuses. Or hippopotami, to use the correct Latin. I awoke in a foul mood.
- Also Stormy. CBS News / 60 Minutes
Tuesday Tidbits and SXSW, the Gift That Keeps On Giving
Today was another day of walking, yoga, and writing, as well as biking to an appointment and a movie. Since every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for now) are book writing days, I’m normally just posting a few photos. But I cain’t quit you, WordPress! So here are a few tidbits. Continue reading
SXSW Day 9 Photos: 4 Bands and 1 Movie
Bike Zoo, four bands and a movie. Continue reading
Rubbing Shoulders with Bloggers Around the World and Writers at One Page Salon in Austin, Texas
Over the last few weeks I’ve been interacting a bit more with other bloggers. It’s been really interesting to see what other people are doing around the world. It’s also very nice that people are liking and commenting on A Dude’s work, so I’m trying to step up my game and return the favor as I’m able, which takes more time than one would expect.
Also, last night, I again attended the monthly event where writers read one page from a work in progress that’s held in my town. Not only did I find more inspiration there, some fairly well-known folks were in attendance. So here’s a blog about blogging and writing and all that jazz. Continue reading
12 Years (NOT) a Slave to Cars
One year ago I wrote about my anniversary of not owning a car when my car was hit on January 25, 2005. So now it’s another year, and I suppose A Dude Abikes is a little bit proud about that accomplishment. In last year’s post, I referenced Trump’s hair, Star Wars, real war, the environment, love and of course, bicycling. Well, what a year it’s been! Yes, the nightmare of a proto-fascist becoming president has come true. But so has resistance come alive; A Dude Abikes attended the March on Austin with 50,000 friends, where he experienced a great deal of hope. We’ve had another Star Wars movie, Rogue One, which if you think about it was about suicide bombers. War in Syria and other places, probably some love somewhere, the hottest year on record, threats to re-open pipelines, etc. ad nauseam. But most interesting to me, the biking. So much biking. ALL THE BIKING! Did I mention I biked 5,306 miles in 2016? I’m STILL sore!
A Dude Abikes 