No Snappy Pictures.

So I've been thinking a little bit about how my blog thus far has had some snazzy links, pictures, and quotes but not that much substance from me. Substance being text. I wont say it's that hard, but that I'm just a little lazy when it comes to such things. And with a deadline looming close (Sept. 1, ack) for a college application, well, the pressure can just cut one off at the knees.

I'm good in sound-bites, so here goes. Noteworthy (in my opinion) thoughts of the last week or so:

-feminism and how it affects my life. I have the tendency to dote on things, and this is definitely one of them. At one point, a relative had recounted to me the fact that her husband wouldn't let his kids go to a school "out east" because it changes you forever. I tend to agree, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. That said, I've had a compulsion for reading, thinking, and writing about issues that involve or affect women like planned parenthood, the importance of relationships between women, the ERA, et. al. Also, this guy who infuriates me; I should probably write some kind of response to this particular article. It's not the worst compulsion, but it is one. Ahh, there, I said it.

-family. Parts of my family encouraged me to write about this topic (since they don't care at all) so I guess I'll take 'em up on it. I bought a plane ticket home over Labor Day weekend since I've been homesick for friends, my parents flaws and all, the house that I grew up in, etc. I can't wait as parts of me thinks that, ideally, I will "end up" in Cleveland, and parts of me are jealous of the friends that have already. I'm glad for my time away but let's get real: this move to Minneapolis was pretty arbitrary though I do love it at times.

-productivity. I have a tendency towards slacking and it bugs the hell out of me. Once I get down to it and write, and edit, and re-visit, I love the process. It's just sitting down and doing it mindfully. This book has helped me a lot so far, but if there are any recommendations for (even more) other texts re: the creative process, I'd love to delve in. I don't have a well-formed competitive spirit and am not really interested in that sort of "motivation", though.

Productivity probably has a lot to do with this whole grad. school thing too. I think it's a great idea to get a degree but I don't really think it's necessary to lead a productive, fruitful, fulfilling life. For me, it's kind of a crutch but one that I need. I wish that was different but it's not. I mean, I started telling those around me that I've been "taking siesta" so it sounds like I'm doing more than "passing out" after lunch everyday this week.

-humanism. Okay, that's just from today, but I got this book from the library and it's pretty wonderful so far.

This is a ramble, but I hope it opens the gates to larger, newer, brighter, more vibrant, bursting plateaus.

Love.