In matters of religion and matrimony I never give any advice; because I will not have anybody's torments in this world or the next laid to my charge.
-- Lord Chesterfield
AdviceWednesday, October 15, 1997 I had dinner at my sister's house tonight. Her fortieth birthday is this weekend, and we are celebrating by going to a cabin, a whole big group of women. My sister from Delaware, cousins from both sides of the family, a woman who lived on our street in Virginia when we were growing up, friends of my sister. It's a genius idea! Then we will have the families join us on Saturday. So I was doing a drawing lesson with my nephew J---. We are using the Monart method, but I think I'm not doing it correctly. At the age of six, he is incredibly self critical! I could tell he wasn't pleased with what he did. I do believe in her methods, though! We'll keep trying a while longer, with more planning of the lesson, and more emphasis on training the eye.
So I'll do like Al and Renee, and talk about what I've been noticing in some other journals. I try to keep the meta-journal talk to a minimum. Why? It just seems too inward-looking, like the worm orobouros biting its own tail. But it is tempting, and might point people to some journals they haven't looked at yet.
Jeff in SNAFU was surprised by carpools and riders getting together in Northern Virgina. They've been doing the car/rider matchup in Springfield, VA for at least 15 years! I think it's great! It happens at Microsoft here too, because the carpool lane takes three from the eastside (where ms is) to Seattle, but there is no carpool lane going the other way. So when people need a third rider, they pull up to the bus stops on campus and ask "Who wants a ride to montlake?" or wherever. I've been trying to put Karma in contact with British Fandom via remote control. It may be presumption on my part to think that because I enjoy the fannish life, she would too, but the diverse set of folks I've met that way make me offer that as a solution for all problems. Luke included me in his "Dinner for 10" Diary Collaboration entry. So did Zach! Luke's party would be fun in real life. I've enjoyed the get-togethers we've had at that house, putting Vonda's tables in a long row, and eating that yummy lamb curry. I'm always flattered to be invited anywhere. Well, I thought Alan had disappeared a few days ago. Then it turned out he hadn't. But now he really has. Or has he? I just don't approve of people moving around. They should stay put! (Strictly for my comfort, of course.) Seriously, I wonder about moving all around the country in search of personal fulfillment. I think most people can find the ingredients for their happiness where they are right now. In any location, there is diversity and strangeness that you haven't examined yet. If a place seems boring, banal, that is a reflection of your own internal state. Going somewhere else won't change that for long.
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