The Long Game
[Quick update: next week, the Wednesday post will arrive in your inbox in a slightly different manner. I will say no more! Hope you like it. Lemme know in the Comments.]
Who are we? As our works pile up, we begin to see. The contours of our gift are becoming clearer to us.
The Bluest Eye
Sula
Song of Solomon
Tar Baby
Recitatif
Beloved
Jazz
Paradise
Memoirs
Love
A Mercy
Burn This Book
Home
God Help the Child
Race
The Source of Self-Regard
The Measure of Our Lives
We realize we have a subject.
We realize we have a theme. We have a point of view. We have an obsession. We have an artistic identity.
The simple act of working over time, like Toni Morrison, has revealed that which we did not know when we first set out.
It has revealed who we are.
Posted in Writing Wednesdays
114 Comments
Leave a Comment
Patronu aradığında sürekli hasta olduğunu söyleyerek iş yerine yalan söylüyor
porno hikaye Patronu artık bu kadarının gerçek olamayacağını ve rapor görmek istediğini dile getirip telefonu kapatıyor
türbanlı Olgun kadın hemen bilgisayarının başına geçip özel bir doktor buluyor ve onu arayarak evine davet ediyor
porno Muayene için eve gelen doktor olgun kadını muayene ediyor ve hiç bir sıkıntı olmadığını söylüyor
brazzers porno Sarışın ablamız ise iş yerine rapor götürmesi gerektiğini bu yüzden rapor yazmasını istiyor
brazzers porno fakat doktor bunun pek mümkün olmadığını dile getiriyor
sex hikayeleri Daha sonra evli olan bu kahpe doktora iş atarak ona yavşıyor ve istediğini alana kadar durmuyor
Porno İzle Karılarını takas etmek isteyen elemanlar hep birlikte evde buluşuyor
türkçe porno Güzel vakit geçirdikten sonra kızlara isteklerini iletiyorlar ve hatunlarda kocalarının bu isteklerini kabul ediyorlar
seks hikayeleri Hemen ellerine telefonları alan elemanlar karılarına video eşliğinde sakso çektiriyorlar
porno izle Hiç beklemeden sikişe geçen elemanlar hatunları değiştire değiştire sikmeye başlıyorlar.
Every step will show but also determine our direction. Let’s find the way so that every step we take directs us toward that destination. Every second being guided by that calling of our soul. We must find that, a trait of our energy perhaps that we can keep energized all day.
Thank you so much, I send my love to all our friends.
And right back at you dear Tolis!! Have a beautiful week, my friend! Full of art, music, good books, and inspiration.
Thank you So much Kate!! We are together in this, and we will make it. None of us must ever stop, even if we are still here trying when we’re in our 90’s 😉 (we will have so much wisdom!)
But we still be stupid.
So well put, Tolis!
V82AKL7s’ OR 34=(SELECT 34 FROM PG_SLEEP(15))–
X12lRMSE’) OR 245=(SELECT 245 FROM PG_SLEEP(15))–
wRZOE29y’)) OR 713=(SELECT 713 FROM PG_SLEEP(15))–
20-30 years ago I would have thought this pablum. The idea that I would have to work to uncover who I am would seem so foreign an idea that I would be unable to even consider any possible merit.
I knew who I was, what I wanted, and what would make me happy and successful. Sadly, I admit those idols were money, comfort, life of ease after money, maybe toss in a bit of fame as well. I worked very hard for the shallowness of Instagram before Windows 98…
Doesn’t take the gift of prophesy to see how that turned out. Fortunately I was able to return to the military when my generation was tested with combat. I am fortunate to have experienced a true rite of passage our comfort-laden culture dismisses and seems to abhor.
Now I see the unfolding of oneself through one’s effort as sacred, beautiful, and intrinsically motivating. The labor(s) are the fruits.
Since I can remember I had this reoccurring thought, “Once this is over…(midterms, finals, long day at work, undergrad, house purchase, promotion…) then life will be easy.” Ease was my aim. This underlying motivation or understanding of what I thought I wanted had persisted 35-40 years. It was an incredibly durable lie, false idol, misguided value. But boy did it stick.
I now see that a life of ease, at least for me, is the first shovel-full of dirt in my own grave. I am a beast of burden, happiest when I hit the pillow a spent matchstick. Completely used up in the service of something demanding and outwardly focused.
I am not presumptuous enough to think I’m certain of my theme, but I am beginning to see the outline however hazy. Layers and layers and layers of callous, denial, and falsehoods I’ve told myself for decades have been scraped away (painfully much of the time) to get closer to my own self.
I have been doing one particular activity for the past 12 years, and it has only been in the last few months that I am beginning to understand what the fbomb I’ve been trying to do this entire time. It has softened my approach, given me different metrics with which to define success, and most importantly to me–has made every little action much more meaningful.
What a blessing it is to be on a journey.
bsn
Brian,
This made me smile. What a journey.
Insert heart emoji.
bsn
Another level another devil. Just when I think I have myself figured out, I am convicted deep down in my gut of something I did, didn’t do, said, or didn’t say–I feel regret then try not to overthink myself into a spiral! I try to reframe by saying to myself, “that is the only way I would’ve learned that lesson” and like a hopeless addict, I ask God for guidance. I may not do drugs or alcohol, but my toxic stinkin’ thinkin’ goes into hyper drive anytime something good happens to me. It’s a defense mechanism and it makes me sad that no matter how old I am, I am still struggling with the same childhood issues. I second your sentiment Brian–what a blessing it is to be on a journey. A journey that can take different shapes and turns at any moment. Inspiring stuff!! Gratitude!
Kate,
Another level another Devil! I know that well myself. There is probably no there there, a continual scraping through until…we either expire or simply transcend all of this and explode!
bsn
Thank you dear Brian, I think that one of the most beautiful phrases I read today was “The labors are the fruits”. And one really challenging was, “(being) completely used up in the service of something demanding and outwardly focused.” Damn, we must get rid of the “Ease” part. It’s a war, isn’t it? And in the end we will all be dead. And we feel alone in the field even with so many comrades around us. So no time to waste: conquer and persevere. When death takes us, let it feel awe for the time when we still had powers. It will be an honored passing.
Tolis,
I’m beginning to see comfort as my enemy. I can only handle it in very small doses—or it turns me into a self-absorbed megalomaniac.
It is war. For sure. And the only battle that truly matters.
bsn
“Comfort be my enemy”. You are so right. It’s not enough to hold on while working. We could also set it’s opposite not as neutral but as enemy. Phew! Hadn’t thought much of that.
“Now I see the unfolding of oneself through one’s effort as sacred, beautiful, and intrinsically motivating. The labor(s) are the fruits.” Beautiful, Brian! It is a great journey, isn’t it? Don’t worry about seeing your theme yet. You’ll probably see it in hindsight. That happened to me about a week ago. All the different threads and paths I’ve taken suddenly coalesced and I knew what I had to write about–and that I am indeed a writer after fighting it for years. You’ll see yours too, probably when you least expect it.
Steve’s post today starts with the question: “Who are we?”
That question resonates with today’s Daily Dose from meditation teacher Light Watkins. He titles his post “What you are”:
“You must have a room, or a certain hour or so a day, where you don’t know what was in the newspapers that morning, you don’t know who your friends are, you don’t know what you owe anybody, you don’t know what anybody owes to you.
“This is a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are and what you might be. This is the place of creative incubation. At first you may find that nothing happens there. But if you have a sacred place and use it, something eventually will happen.”
— Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth
Nice Joe. It has been some work for me to be able to sit. About 12 years ago—I set a timer on my watch for 5 min—and gutted through it NO MATTER WHAT. 5 grew to 6, 6 to 7…even did a full day retreat a few years ago.
I now enjoy it—but unlike physical exercise, the payoffs/outcomes seemed to be noticed by others before I noticed anything.
I don’t have a specific sacred space in my house—but plenty of sacred places outside—mostly enjoyed while walking dogs or running. I even consider the Bowl where we do our event is sacred to me. I’ve finally stopped beating myself up that I find renewal in places not mentioned in ancient/sacred texts or current guidance from books, apps, or podcasts.
I think the practice of sitting for just 10 minutes, however, has given me the ability to open up to my own sacred places outside.
bsn
Thank you Joe! We are all in this infinite place that I think you refer to. And although it may seem chaotic at first, it is also powerful: in the endless space of existence, we have infinite choices -and thus some excellent ones too- from which to choose to morph our “no-head” self. Let’s try to choose wisely.
I love Toni Morrison. Who am I? This is an existential question. I am loved. I am alive and breathing. My given name is Kate and I work as a Foreign Language Coordinator to pay the bills, but that isn’t who I am. I am a singer-songwriter creating large amounts of work so I can become more and more into the artist I am meant to be. I am putting it out into the ether–I am a songwriter of sophisticated indie-pop with poetic lyrics and a love of collaborating with diverse influences. I am inspired by the mundane.
Thanks for forcing me to define my work today, Steve. Resistance had me telling myself I am self-centered and narcissistic for doing so, but I DO THE WORK and that was the assignment.
Hugs to all today!
Yes you are, Kate! Yes you are.
Kate!!!
You inadvertently bumped into one of my serious geek spaces! I attended DLI back in 91/92–built a language immersion (12 hours a day for 2 weeks—savagely cramming 150 contact hours of language down my Soldiers’ throats) back in 04–then in 09 we built a website called “LingFit” mashing up CrossFit principles (short intense workouts—workouts of the day or WODS) to bridge the gap between immersions.
I love the difficulty of foreign language study—it is a nut I’ve tried to crack for 20+ years. It still has its talons in me—I just proposed a program to bring civilians into this training and found a way to give college credit. Wanna give high school, college, 17-25 year old men and women, an opportunity to ‘test drive’ the military with no questions asked…and be able to award them credit at the same time.
We did this with 3 college students in 2010–it was my own counter-insurgency against the haters in academia. Worked famously. Everyone won.
I’d love to chat with you about this—even though this is not your art—it has been one of mine in the past. I realized I’m a creative without artistry…I like to build programs, events, solve crazy-ass big problems with innovative approaches.
The connections here never end…
bsn
Brian, to be a creative means you possess artistry because you create with thought, purpose, commitment and intention–that’s all artistry really is. Doesn’t matter how you apply it, but when you do great things happen, don’t they?
creating large amounts of work so I can become more and more into the artist I am meant to be”–I love that line! Finding your creative definition means a lot, Kate, and you are not self-centered or narcissistic, just focused and committed. I’m looking forward to listening to your music.
Joe, thanks for sharing this, so true.
I see them all hanging up before me, like clothes on a rack, all the jobs, tinker, tailor, soldier, and you have to pick one and then you have to pretend for the rest of your life that that’s what you are.-Graham Swift, Last Orders
I just finished Last Orders and have an upcoming blog post addressing this quote. I agree with you Kate. I am not my day job even if I’ve given pieces of myself to it. We all must do the work to bring our unique self into the world. This work might not necessarily be our paying job. Have a productive week. Do your WORK.
You too Jackie! Go and meet yourself. It’s home, it’s the only place where you are real. Meet it with discipline and power, or else with patience and relentless desire for discipline and power.
Just got Last Orders. Nice suggestion. Now…BACK TO WORK!
Have a great week Jackie!
bsn
Another great book for my to-be-read list. Thanks Jackie. Looking forward to that blog post.
This is absolutely the best information I have looking forward to get, and I must say that that you are doing a very nice job here in this fantastic blog. just keep it on, you are good.
Sincerely very satisfied to say,your submit is very exciting to examine. I never stop myself to mention some thing about it. You’re doing a remarkable process. Hold it up Star Wars Andor Outfits
Your blog website provided us with useful information to execute with. Each & every recommendation of your website is awesome. Thanks a lot for talking about it. Blade Runner 2049 Jacket
The information provided by you is really very good and helpful for me. Keep sharing good information Text Me When You Get Home Hoodie
Hi everyone, it’s my first go to see at this web page, and paragraph!
Your good writing makes many people feel happy.
With a lot of writing, you are moved a lot. I also have a lot of interactions with you
I want to feel alive and be happy, saying that I will be a good friend with you, and I will be very happy too. I hope there are always good things and happy days. I always cheered for you.
Thank you
Wow! This could be one of the most useful blogs we have ever come across on thesubject. Actually excellent info! I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort.
fnaf world is a famous horror game world five nights at freddy’s here you can participate in many levels of fnaf game and it’s completely free you just need to choose any screen and enjoy it.
Lightning God เกมสล็อตเเตกง่าย เกมใหม่ล่าสุด สล็อต xo เกมสล็อตเทพเจ้าสายฟ้า ที่มาพร้อมมกับรูปแบบการเล่นสุดอลังกาล กราฟฟิกปัง การหมุนสปิน เเละ การออกเรางวัลที่เป็นจุดเด่นสุดอลังกาล เล่นได้ไม่มีเบื่ออย่างเเน่นอน เกมสล็อตเเตกง่าย โบนัสไว ตัวคูณเยอะ ซื้อฟรีสปินได้ ตอบโจทย์เกมสล็อตทำเงินมากที่สุด คอสล็อตห้ามพลาดเด็ดขาด.
The Long Game is a novel by Jonathan Franzen that follows the character of Patty and her son Tommy. Tommy has just turned sixteen and has been put in the custody of his father, who he has never met. Patty has had to deal with a divorce and has no support from her ex-husband. The novel is written in first person perspective from Patty’s point of view. It is the story of how Patty comes to realize that her son’s life is not all about her, and how she comes to accept that she cannot control every part of his life. Book Publishing Online
At TechToROMs, we pride ourselves on being the go-to destination for ROMs. We have the most up-to-date and popular games and emulators for every system and device.
Thats a little bit funny!
This information is really amazing, thanks for sharing. Looking for more post from you. Ultimo Fashions UK
I like your article, it helps me understand more things I don’t know.
This is a wonderful post, and no doubt interesting, as well as your discussion of the history and concept of Pascal’s triangle. Mardams Leather
Book cover is nice, nice color selection
MenLeatherCoat
if(now()=sysdate(),sleep(15),0)
1 waitfor delay ‘0:0:15’ —
-1)) OR 862=(SELECT 862 FROM PG_SLEEP(15))–
1*DBMS_PIPE.RECEIVE_MESSAGE(CHR(99)||CHR(99)||CHR(99),15)
1’||DBMS_PIPE.RECEIVE_MESSAGE(CHR(98)||CHR(98)||CHR(98),15)||’
Easy to make money, try it
BagyWagy is the second biggest export-oriented industry in the manufacturing sector and is third in its contribution to the oveerall exports of the World. BagyWagy Leather Jackets
New York Leather Company (NLC) is the manufacturer of the best-quality replicas of the Biker Jackets worn by the celebrities, famous personalities, and popular characters in their various appearances. We provide you the best and the top-notch quality product with such amazingness that they just keep you satisfied as long as you wear it. Not just the huge amount of Men Leather Jackets present at this extraordinary store are for casual wear. men leather jackets
Good Post, I am a big believer in placing comments on weblogs to let the blog writers know that they added something advantageous to the world wide web! Emily In Paris Cropped Jacket
A while the remarks are approved at promptly and sometime the comment predicted as comment spam or moderate it for approval. Do comply with blogs are very really hard to uncover and won’t be able to manage to reduce that our responses turn into spam and unapproved. There are several points. Cobra Kai Red Leather Bomber Jacket
I have never heard of this information before. Thank you so much for sharing!
debris junk removal lantana
A 100% crispy chicken patty topped with cheese, crispy onion, fiery sauce, lettuce and tomato. Served in a corn dusted bun. Online Restaurant Karachi
LedgerBook accounting is a comprehensive, well matured software designed specially for small and medium scale enterprises to meet their day to day Trading Business Requirements. It working environment is very simple, easy to understand due to its integrated work at all levels.
ledger book for pc
The experience was excellent the product Biker Jackets For Men is excellent and it fits perfectly I will continue to buy it again. Leather Biker Jacket Mens
Hello! I want to offer a enormous thumbs up with the fantastic information you could have here with this post. I will be returning to your blog post for much more soon. Bbc Letterman Jacket
I’m going to read this. I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing. and also this article gives the light which we can observe reality. this is a very nice one and gives in-depth information. Thanks for this nice article… Leather Bomber Jacket
Impressive website, Distinguished feedback that I can tackle. I am moving forward and may apply to my current job as a pet sitter, which is very enjoyable, but I need to additional expand. Regards! Biker Jackets For Men
You need to indulge in a contest first of the finest blogs on the internet. I will recommend this website! Dark brown leather jacket
I enjoy every little bit of it. It is a great website and a nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog and have some great content. Keep up the good work Brown leather bomber jacket
In May 2023, we opened our doors to the public, delivering a fusion of the best fast food and Chinese cuisine from Pakistan. Karachi Restaurant Near Me
I know your aptitude for this. I should say we ought to have an online discourse on this. Composing just remarks will close the talk straight away! What’s more, will confine the advantages of this data. Bomber Shearling Jacket Mens
Wow, this is interesting reading. I am glad I found this and got to read it. Great job on this content. I like it. Brown leather bomber jacket
Your current blogs normally possess a lot of really up to date info. Where do you come up with this? Just saying you are very inspiring. Thanks again bomber puffer jacket
Very useful and Great article post in this page. thanks for sharing it. you can visit here for Shopify development Dubai
I’m constantly searching on the internet for posts that will help me. Too much is clearly to learn about this. I believe you created good quality items in Functions also. Keep working, congrats! Leather Bomber Jacket Men
I think this is one of the most significant pieces of information for me and I’m glad to read your article. But should remark on some general things. Celebrity Leather Jackets
Very interesting to read this article. I would like to thank you for the efforts. Celebrity Leather Jackets
I enjoy every little bit of it. It is a great website and a nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog and have some excellent content. Keep up the good work. Bomber Shearling Jacket Mens
women’s shearling jacket
women’s shearling jacket
Shop Premium Leather For mens & Womens At Arcane Fox With Free Shipping Worldwide.
The Long Game is an excellent episode of Doctor Who that features the Doctor’s past, present and future. Lukasz Fashion This is a great fashion brand with a wide selection of trendy pieces. Lukasz Fashion The quality of the clothing is excellent and the prices are very reasonable.
I would definitely recommend Lukasz Fashion to anyone looking for stylish and affordable fashion.
This outfit looks great! Bazooka Clothes
The fit of the shirt and trousers is spot on and the color palette is on point. A great look for any occasion.
Himalayan salt is rock salt (rock salt) mined in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Salt, which is often pink in color due to its trace minerals, is used primarily as a food additive to replace refined table salt, but is also used in cooking and food presentations, decorative lamps, and spa treatments increase. This product is often advertised with unsubstantiated claims of health benefits. Address:P429, Street#7, Muhammad Abad – Faisalabad Pakistan Email: [email protected] Phone Number: 03357908888
pink salt
useful article
1st birthday wishes for baby boy from parents you can more images like this in my blog,
Shop Premium Leather For mens & Womens At Arcane Fox With Free Shipping Worldwide. Beth Dutton Coat
Thanks for this article. Keep on sharing. You have good point of view towards life. xfinity cable and internet plans
Thanks for the Information hannah waddingham
This dress is gorgeous! vision3d
The shirt and trousers fit perfectly, and the color scheme is perfect. A fantastic appearance for any situation.
I definitely recommend this game to anyone looking for an entertaining and rewarding experience. Sony PS Plus Game 2023
Thank you for sharing such great content. It is very interesting and knowledgeable . We are provide 3D hologram technology which help you in software technology .
3D Hologram room
I’m grateful that you shared this blog post. Awaiting more reading with great anticipation. Exceptionally cool. I you want your business in the future, then you will need a 3D hologram table very much. more information by visiting our website.
We have thousands of happy customers whom we have helped with our experience and professional team. Nothing is worth more than our relationship of trust with our well-esteemed customers, so our priority is to provide risk-free performance with high satisfaction. The Dream Cool AC Service team is highly equipped and ensures top-notch work delivery.
AC maintenance Dubai
We have thousands of happy customers whom we have helped with our experience and professional team. Nothing is worth more than our relationship of trust with our well-esteemed customers, so our priority is to provide risk-free performance with high satisfaction. The Dream Cool AC Service team is highly equipped and ensures top-notch work delivery.
Thanks for share this helpful post. Donate for women empowerment to improve there lives. Womens Empowerment NGO In Noida
It helped me a lot and was quite beneficial. I want to pay it forward and help those who are in need just like you.. Digital marketing agency in Karachi
It was quite good to me and really helped me. I wish to return the favor and assist people in need, just like you. Best Pakistani and Indian Dresses in Chicago
This is a great opportunity to visit such a site and I’m glad to know about it. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to take advantage of this opportunity Smart watch price in Pakistan
This is a great opportunity to visit such a site and I’m glad to know about it. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to take advantage of this opportunity Mobile accessories price in Pakistan
Great opportunity to visit such a site.
mobile pet grooming services dubai
mobile pet grooming service
Thanks for share this helpful post.
dubai desert safari tours
cheap desert safari dubai
Shop Premium Brown Leather Backpack For Mens & Womens At Alaskan Leather Company With Free Shipping Worldwide.
This is a great opportunity to visit such a site and I’m glad to know about it. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to take advantage of this opportunity Power Bank price in Pakistan
Mens Biker Leather Jacket Check this Biker Jacket, you’ll love this Mens Biker Leather Jacket.
Get the free robloxfpsunlocker download to play online roblox games
thank you for sharing such a great bog it is very helpful.
Donation For masjid
It’s great that you have experience in learning foreign languages and have participated in projects related to language learning. Your program is a great idea to help high school students, students, and young people get a taste of the military without having to join the military. Hopefully, your project will develop even more in the future.
Join the long-term game of Minecraft game with just one click on https://happyroms.com/minecraft-apk/, tari game is fast and free, currently there is no faster place than here.
This is a great opportunity to visit such a site and I’m glad to know about it. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to take advantage of this opportunity furniture in Pakistan This is a great opportunity to visit such a site and I’m glad to know about it. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to take advantage of this opportunity furniture in Pakistan
Thanks for sharing this . It’s great to visit such website And I am happy for this . For helping poor children click here .
Child education NGO in Noida
Donate for child education
Casual wear is all about comfort and style, making it perfect for everyday activities.Affordable Loose T-shirts Capable Apparel
This is a great article and you did an awesome work. Hope you will continue in future also Custom Spandex Table Covers
Jin Kazama Jacket is made up of premium leather. Order us now!
Jacket Attire is a popular american brand which manufactures premium jacket
Steira Air specializes in HVAC solutions focused on improving indoor air quality. They offer advanced services such as the Coil Monitoring and Management System (CMMS), which ensures HVAC coils operate efficiently by monitoring and managing contaminants in real-time. This technology helps reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and maintain optimal HVAC performance, particularly benefiting environments like healthcare facilities where air quality is critical. Steira Air’s expertise and innovative solutions make them a key player in enhancing indoor environmental health.
At Bridgecor LLC, we understand that the heart of every successful organization lies in its people. As your dedicated talent acquisition firm, we are committed to being your exclusive partner in discovering highly qualified, dependable, and diverse talent. Our mission is simple: to provide you with recruitment solutions that not only meet but exceed your expectations, ensuring 100% customer satisfaction.
Party Poison Jacket this jacket is great click the link.
Mens Leather Jacket With Hood This is a great jacket, you must try it.Check out this jacket
IAISP’s AI Cybersecurity Certification in USA is a game-changer for professionals. It offers cutting-edge knowledge on using AI to tackle advanced cyber threats, making it essential for anyone looking to excel in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity. Perfect for staying ahead of evolving challenges!
It’s your chance to step up, explore, and push boundaries, much like diving into the creative world of Minecraft download where endless possibilities await. Whether you’re building your dream castle or tackling obstacles, every moment offers a new way to level up your game.
Who knows? This could be your shot to craft something amazing—just like in Minecraft, where each block you place could lead to an extraordinary creation. Why not give it a try and see what’s possible?