The Absence of Analog

Over the last year, I’ve stopped keeping an analog journal for the first time in my life. It has, mostly, to do with my lack of a work/life balance, the absence of a good desk in my small NYC apartment, and free time. Still – I miss it.

Here are some old images from my journaling days:

I have over 45 journals of my writings. They are hidden in boxes and will probably be discovered after I pass. I don’t know what’s in most of them. I do know I keep important things written down. I chronicle the things that matter to me. I’ve moved to the digital realm but I miss the feeling of really writing. It cleans out the soul. I need to get in the practice of it again.

Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright

Well, it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe
If you don’t know by now
An’ it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe
It’ll never do, somehow
When your rooster crows at the break of dawn
Look out your window and I’ll be gone
You’re the reason I’m trav’lin’ on
But don’t think twice, it’s all right

And it ain’t no use in turnin’ on your light, babe
That light I never knowed
An’ it ain’t no use in turnin’ on your light, babe
I’m on the dark side of the road
But I wish there was somethin’ you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay
We never did too much talkin’ anyway
But don’t think twice, it’s all right….

I don’t know which came first.  My love for Bob Dylan or the cynicism.  Rob Gordon asks the question but the answer is never provided.  Still, I find such beautiful, cynical music to be so compelling.  I’ve been in a Dylan mood for the past few weeks and I don’t foresee it going away.

I’m writing a book.  It’s a love story of sorts and it’s a bit of a departure from my previous writings.  Stylistically, it will probably be the same because that’s just the way I write.  But from a plot perspective, I am starting to carve out a distinct plot where my previous writings were mostly just ramblings that I would edit down.

Me Write Pretty One Day

“Writing is pain. I’m not here to make it less painful for you. I’m here to take you to new levels where you will experience deeper and different kinds of pain.” – Pat Mouton, Liverpool High School English

I started writing this post 15 days ago, when the most influential teacher in my life Pat Mouton passed away. Without her, this blog wouldn’t exist. It’s arguable if I would have even made it to college. She challenged me and helped me during a very traumatic time in my life and for that, I’m forever in her debt. The fact that I’m at a loss for words about the death of the woman that gave me the power to use them is ironic….and poetic, in a way that I think Mrs. Mouton would appreciate. Thank you, Pat – for everything you gave me and the countless other students who you touched during your time as a teacher.

Creative Writing #1

Disclaimer: The entry below is a bit of creative writing that I did tonight – 6/13/2009. It does contain some reworked writings from my past. It’s also a work of fiction and, while life is always the inspiration for my artistic endeavors, enough of the story has been altered and changed that it no longer represents even a remotely accurate account of any events in my life. Please take this as something in rough form. Thank You ~GeorgeGSmithJr

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