I don’t often read an entire book, that is at one time. When I become temporarily bored by the subject matter or when I catch myself beginning to skim large bits of text or when another book crowds its way into my hands, I don’t hesitate to close the cover and find a spot for it on one of my book shelves.
Almost always when I choose to open to the bookmark where I stopped reading, the subject matter I discover fits what I need or want to read at that moment.
Monday of this week, I was drawn to peek inside The Art of Slow Writing by Louise DeSalvo. Hunkered down with several books of its kind on my dresser in the bedroom, it was patiently waiting for me to return. The bookmark, snuggled between pages 162 and 163, announced the beginning of chapter 33: Ship’s Log.
DeSalvo describes how by looking through the ship’s log of the aircraft carrier her father served on during the late 1930’s, she was able to re-create his time aboard the carrier.
I felt instant recognition of why I needed to read this right now.
So I will ask you to ponder for yourself, and hopefully let me and other readers know, what feels important enough to you to actually keep a written record?
I’ll tell you my answer next post. Since this is 2016, I’ll expand the question to include what feels important enough to you to put it on a spread sheet or wear a computer on your wrist?
Please let us know! What do you want to record for posterity?
Thanks for exploring they mystery – Nicky Mendenhall
2 comments
Hi Nicky, are you enjoying the time change?
Your blog made me think of Dads meticulous mileage tracking in that little notebook. Also reminded me of the new Lark fitness app I'm using even though I don't write anything down. It is nice to look at my progress but don't think I'll keep it for posterity.
Thanks Nolan.
Funny you should ask – I am enjoying the time change – this morning it was so bright when I opened my darkening shades!
Dad was meticulous about mileage wasn't he? I also think of the drawer where the tax preparation ledgers were.
I actually thought of your Lark fitness app when I wrote this post. Your comment that you won't keep for posterity makes me think that there are probably lots of things that vanish in the air because of computers. There used to be manuscripts that documented the progress of a book being written – but now corrections are made that make the first draft disappear.
Thanks so much for responding!
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