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With Regrets

In Art, Culture, Philosophy, Writing on February 22, 2012 at 22:03

Sicilian actress awaiting for her cue in a classical Greek tragedy. Photograph by William Albert Allard

A writer should have a diverse source of reading material because information, new perspectives and ideas can come from the strangest of places (I find second hand gossip from my mother the most fun as they’re also the most convoluted).  Though, as a rule, one shouldn’t take too much stock in what one reads, especially in tabloids that caters too much to celebrities.

A couple of weeks ago, I came across an article that was about another article in which an actress proclaimed that the words “regret” and “should” are no longer part of her vocabulary.  She further explained that she neither like nor agreed with those words.  Moreover, she regrets nothing because the moments in her life which “could be considered mistakes” were the moments that she learned from the most.  A reader’s comment suggested that she was on to something as “should” and “ought” statements are “bad” as they make one feel guilty (guess he didn’t get my memo).

Sadly, the actress isn’t onto something original as living a life of no regrets as an affirmation of the self isn’t a new concept; and others have stated in much more compelling terms.  Nietzsche asked:

“What if a demon were to creep after you one night, in your loneliest loneliness, and say, ‘This life which you live must be lived by you once again and innumerable times more; and every pain and joy and thought and sigh must come again to you, all in the same sequence. The eternal hourglass will again and again be turned and you with it, dust of the dust!’ Would you throw yourself down and gnash your teeth and curse that demon? Or would you answer, ‘Never have I heard anything more divine’?”

It’s a curious question indeed…how does one want to view one’s life? 

The Complexities of Things

In Culture, Nostalgia, Writing on November 26, 2011 at 16:44

I know I’m well overdue for a blog post, and perhaps an update considering it’s been about three months since my last post.  The house has been on the market for about three months (obviously I’m still here).  There have been a few visits but no viable offers.  Given all the buyers’ feedback, it seems that I’ll be here for a while, and showings will likely decrease during the holiday season.

Yes, it’s a bit discouraging especially as my better half (the economist) is already in Italy.  Long distance affairs are always a bit complicated, but I know others have it worse so I shouldn’t complain.  So to bide my time, I’m starting on a few projects that I had set aside until I got settled in Rome.  Resuming my blog post is one of them. 

Morning Twilight Star Gazing

In Culture, Nostalgia on August 26, 2011 at 06:28

It’s twilight, but night still has a tight hold of the sky.  Outside my window I can see a constellation of stars arch above the dark treetops, a faint grey light outlines their silhouette.  Dawn’s not far behind.

I don’t know why I’m up so early: side effects from allergy medicine; stress of selling a house; anxiety over moving?  Who knows, but I doubt knowing will help me sleep.

So, what are those stars?  I count 9 visible ones.  I’m directionally challenged, but I believe the windows face north east.  There’s one star at the top left and one diagonally below it which align with five more in a gentle arc.  The last two stars are lined above the sixth one.  I’m sure I’m missing important pieces to identify this constellation, but the waning crescent moon has risen and the stars fade into the morning twilight.  It’s 6 am.

I’m tired and I can’t recall any of the items on my to-do list that made me restless.  Maybe I’ll go check out old out old “Jack Horkheimer: Star Gazer” episodes on YouTube to refresh my five-minute astronomy knowledge.  I have a feeling that morning twilight star gazing is going to be a hobby.

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