Monday, October 27, 2008

Nostalgia

Nostalgia

n.
1. A wistful desire to return in thought or in face to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Nostalgia

One of the most powerful images one can possibly draw from is the illustration of memory. Throughout our lives, we experience countless events that manage to etch themselves into the many neural connections within our brain. From a first "boo-boo" to a the recent heartbreak, memories are a great inspirational factor. At the moment, I have been inspired to write. With music as my muse, I feel as if words must flow from the orifice of my mouth and onto a more formal format. I want to speak from the heart here, despite the contrary remarks of the more logical sort. I suppose this kind of feeling hits us from time to time; a feeling in which we feel this longing for the past. It was a different time, back then. It was a wonderful time. It was a better time. Or so we thought. Do we remember when we were plucked from the bliss of the Innocent bosom and thrown into the mayday of this chaotic world? Maybe. Maybe. Maybe we don't want to remember such a horrendous event. Most people would think little of it. It's a natural occurrence in one's life. Everyone, at some point or another, needs to grow up. But what of us who never wanted to grow up in the first place? What say did we have? Did we ask to be shown the cruelties of this world? Were we asking for all the woes to pour out of the figurative Pandora's Box and douse us in its adulterated filth? Probably not. But it was as inevitable as it were necessary. It's moments like that, moments where one must truly cherish the peace and stability they have at the moment. Eventually, the calm seas of life will become a tumultuous storm, wishing only for our own resignation. It would seem simple, wouldn't it? The idea of giving up to the harsh winds of change would seem like a sweet release from the Hell that was seemingly bestowed upon us. Every moment spent on this Earth must be taken to heart. Who knows? I may die at this very moment, at this very spot. What legacy do I leave behind? What mark do I leave in the midst of my passing? It's almost another means of looking at our purpose, here. In ultimatum, we're here to simply exist and make it through this. But at times, it's easier to look back rather than forward. We start to miss how easy it was, how wonderful it was. We miss family, friends, and loved ones. Our past continues to haunt us, while our future seems to elude us. It's a painful yet glorious struggle, for everything worthwhile in life isn't easy to obtain. The past exists for a reason: to teach us how to live in the present. That way, we can create a better future for ourselves, and perhaps the world around us. So many of us can rarely and truly see the beauty that life has to offer. In the end, we are but a passing grain in the ever-changing sands of time. 

Post Script: If you ever have a chance, listen to "How It Ends" by Devotchka. I heard it on the more recent trailer for Gears of War 2. It's wonderful, and it served as my muse for this evening's rant.

More Shortly.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Story

I have come to the conclusion, through the collective unconscious or otherwise, that a story is like a jigsaw puzzle. A story can be massive, encompassing a domain of ten thousands pieces or more. It can also be quite small, comprised of a meager twenty-four pieces. Regardless of size, the story cannot come together unless all of the pieces fit in place. There may be some fascinating or dazzling aspects of a story, but may never find itself in the puzzle you're working on. It cannot be forced, for the end result will look sloppy and misplaced. This ends with a broken story, as is a forced jigsaw puzzle ends with broken pieces. That is why one must simply, through trial and error or by another means, find out which pieces belong in the set story line. Depending on the story you're working on, it may take a few minutes. One may even spend an entire lifetime working on it. But in the end, when all is completed, the big picture should most definitely be astoundingly remarkable. The beauty of a story, as with a jigsaw puzzle, is that there are a variety to choose and work from. Just because you can't finish one doesn't mean all is for naught. Instead, think of it in terms of preparation. Perhaps you're not ready for this particular story, and should instead spread your net wide so that you may learn to complete other stories as well. If one were to devote all of their time to one singular story, why, that would make them a one-trick pony. Wouldn't it?
In lieu of presentable artwork, I have but my own musings to exhibit. After all, this is my blog, is it not? So until the next piece can finally grace its nakedness upon the world wide web, I shall leave you with nothing but a farewell.
More shortly.