What a post, Portia! (Here I come weeks late. My knitting takes up too much time.)
I vainly believed I was a revolutionary in my youth, though not Soviet-style. I'm still in favour of some form of socialism, especially in view of where capitalism is leading us. I'm also radically against Heaven (all that hanging with the Saints by the river singing hymns FOR ETERNITY...) and Hell (at least the demons there are having fun but not me or you), and right now it seems it's all that's on offer to replace gainful employment (knitting colourful scarves, for instance).
Aw, John, aren't you a sweetheart?🩵 Yes, it's socialism the democratic, pluralistic way for me now – no revolutions, no demonising the other side, definitely no killing each other.
It was Mark Twain, I think, who said "Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company." But I'd rather rest in peace in a small urn, thank you very much.
More power to your elbow, John, may your "knitting" create something warm and beautiful every time, and may you have fun!
Now sitting down to give your May 24 piece - This Writing Thing, the attention it deserves it.
Yes writing is an adventure and the whole .doc bit is a great way to get the the point of departure. It creates a ‘don’t give up on me’ cry from the idea in one’s head!
Of equal importance and fascination was the back-story around your time in Russia and how it remains with you and shapes your writing and your intuitive grasp of those other writers about Russia, its writers and poets, that are published on Substack.
My enjoyment of Operation White Birch will be richer. Each new twist and turn.
The line in Marge Piercy’s poem:
The real writer is one who really writes.
This applies other forms of creativity like painting, reminds me of the line ‘while you are thinking about doing it someone else has done it. So I’d better get back and get doing. However I was keen to call out a telling piece of work Thank you. T x
It's a Master of Fine Arts, a school for creative writing, mostly an American thing.
Yes, the real writer, or the real artist, is the one who does the thing, who sweats on it, who wants to give it his/her own best. It's us, Tim!
I'm so happy for your ever so generous compliments. God knows I need to hear encouraging words. Thank you so much, they're received with gratitude and joy.
This is an interim comment. There is much more I want to say. However, being overly excitable when I read something as important as your piece on writing and Russia then I just have to start blurting.
You have head butted your way into two important topics.
The business of writing.
And as importantly the business of growing up (if it is a ‘business’). More from me soon.
Dear friend, your musings on writing, on your love for Russia, and the communist idea about building a new, noble Communist society are so extraordinary and becoming a pioneer because ot it are very touching, because, as you know, I even went to Siberia to build this impracticable and unrealized dream. The difference was only- I was a Russian, and you were- a foreigner, and it makes you extraordinary.
About writing. Thomas Mann. Yes, writing was very hard for him. As I remember reading about his family, he ignored it completely, and the result of it was very sad. Klaus committed suicide; his wife and daughter were unhappy, but he got the Nobel Prize.
We are the regular people, and let's enjoy our regular torments of the art of writing, as we are able to.
I was just naïve and completely out of touch, Larisa. You, your mom, the people of the USSR were the extraordinary ones: you had to live through the fire and the sword of History. That's why I feel this enduring love for Russia.
I don't want to make anybody unhappy with my writing! Being a genius looks like a terrible burden, I'm happy with my lot. Yes, let's enjoy writing and reading, let's celebrate life this way.
Frankly, my dear Portia, I finally came to the conclusion that life on earth, including humans and writers, began with a flash of electro-magnetic force (a thunderbolt) into a pool of chemicals. This should make sense when you think how chemicals can distort the brain in ways that affect behavior. (thus, drugs) Writers had the need to tell stories, either orally or on papyrus, that explained why life is so scary, calming people down so they would destroy themselves and the world. Words have even more power over behavior that drugs. They produced a body of myths that do this whether or not those hero tales and other stuff is based on true people and events. Some people thought so hard that those stories were the absolute Truth, they invented religion.
So, as far as I can reckon, we all have that electro-magnetic force and when it gets bored with us and leaves our bodies, it returns to the vastness of the universe, which has got to be a helluva lot more fun than Heaven. Write on, dear friend, and celebrate each piece of writing you do, dreck or not. It's an extension of that life force.
Wow, this mini essay is powerful stuff, Sue, thank you for writing it! And you know, when you put it that way, this final return to the universe looks like something to look forward to.
Doesn't it, though. Kind of takes the fear and angst out of dying and spending eternity with a bunch of really boring, awful people. Just for kicks, here's a link to a poem I posts not lont ago about this:
I remember it, Sue! And the final line of Dante's "Paradiso" calls the vision of God, or the Divine, "l'amor che move il sol e l'altre stelle" – the love that moves the sun and the other stars.
Oh you have to keep writing, no matter what! This world is only interesting because we are all different beings, care about different things, and have our own weird cravings. As long as we share one thing in common, kindness, then it’s a wonderful place and we should write about it! 😊
Write what you know and what you like. You'll probably fail - if being published or earning money from it is one of your goals - so at the very least you should have fun.
You MUST write about being a Soviet Pioneer. I can't wait to read about it.
As for writing, I think these must be nearly universal feelings. I've never heard a writer say "I know I'm a great writer." Those people certainly exist, but they aren't talking about it.
Merci bien, Betty! Yes, can you Imagine Proust thinking himself a great writer? He had bigger fish to fry. Or Shakespeare, too busy to make money and theater for the masses. I know my limitations, and want to make well within them. If our readers are entertained, mission accomplished.
Thanks, Michael, it'd be better to realize it when we're younger though, but I guess it's just the way it is. Parenthood heightens our sense of responsibility, apparently.
That's why we (and with "we" I mean everybody, politicians included and first) should do everything in our power to avoid spreading injustice and brutality.
What a post, Portia! (Here I come weeks late. My knitting takes up too much time.)
I vainly believed I was a revolutionary in my youth, though not Soviet-style. I'm still in favour of some form of socialism, especially in view of where capitalism is leading us. I'm also radically against Heaven (all that hanging with the Saints by the river singing hymns FOR ETERNITY...) and Hell (at least the demons there are having fun but not me or you), and right now it seems it's all that's on offer to replace gainful employment (knitting colourful scarves, for instance).
Yay Tom Gauld! And thanks for this post, Portia.
Aw, John, aren't you a sweetheart?🩵 Yes, it's socialism the democratic, pluralistic way for me now – no revolutions, no demonising the other side, definitely no killing each other.
It was Mark Twain, I think, who said "Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company." But I'd rather rest in peace in a small urn, thank you very much.
More power to your elbow, John, may your "knitting" create something warm and beautiful every time, and may you have fun!
Now sitting down to give your May 24 piece - This Writing Thing, the attention it deserves it.
Yes writing is an adventure and the whole .doc bit is a great way to get the the point of departure. It creates a ‘don’t give up on me’ cry from the idea in one’s head!
Of equal importance and fascination was the back-story around your time in Russia and how it remains with you and shapes your writing and your intuitive grasp of those other writers about Russia, its writers and poets, that are published on Substack.
My enjoyment of Operation White Birch will be richer. Each new twist and turn.
The line in Marge Piercy’s poem:
The real writer is one who really writes.
This applies other forms of creativity like painting, reminds me of the line ‘while you are thinking about doing it someone else has done it. So I’d better get back and get doing. However I was keen to call out a telling piece of work Thank you. T x
PS Had to look up M.F.A. I left school early :)
It's a Master of Fine Arts, a school for creative writing, mostly an American thing.
Yes, the real writer, or the real artist, is the one who does the thing, who sweats on it, who wants to give it his/her own best. It's us, Tim!
I'm so happy for your ever so generous compliments. God knows I need to hear encouraging words. Thank you so much, they're received with gratitude and joy.
I tries m' best Gov'nor..
Comrade you must now tell us all about that summer…
I will, Comrade, my glorious summer on the glorious path of International communism...
Count on it. I just need to calm down and contribute! Have a lovely evening. 33 deg C in Wiltshire! Time for supper - Pasta (bronzed of course).
Lah-deh-dah, your Lordship, bronzed pasta🍝. Enjoy your dinner and the sun, Tim!
He he, your grasp of English continues to amaze as does your forbearance for a old ponce comme-moi. Toodle Pip!
Toodle Pip, me ol' china!
This is an interim comment. There is much more I want to say. However, being overly excitable when I read something as important as your piece on writing and Russia then I just have to start blurting.
You have head butted your way into two important topics.
The business of writing.
And as importantly the business of growing up (if it is a ‘business’). More from me soon.
A gushing fanboy aus England.
Oh Tim, you're such a delight, can't wait to hear from you!
Now Portia,
the idea of artist's license,
makes a lot of sense.
let's one and all apply, and take the test,
we'll make our own awards, and hang them on the wall.
This is a worthy follow-up to Marge Piercy's poem, Tod. If I have readers like you, that's my award.
Likewise friend.
🩵
Dear friend, your musings on writing, on your love for Russia, and the communist idea about building a new, noble Communist society are so extraordinary and becoming a pioneer because ot it are very touching, because, as you know, I even went to Siberia to build this impracticable and unrealized dream. The difference was only- I was a Russian, and you were- a foreigner, and it makes you extraordinary.
About writing. Thomas Mann. Yes, writing was very hard for him. As I remember reading about his family, he ignored it completely, and the result of it was very sad. Klaus committed suicide; his wife and daughter were unhappy, but he got the Nobel Prize.
We are the regular people, and let's enjoy our regular torments of the art of writing, as we are able to.
I was just naïve and completely out of touch, Larisa. You, your mom, the people of the USSR were the extraordinary ones: you had to live through the fire and the sword of History. That's why I feel this enduring love for Russia.
I don't want to make anybody unhappy with my writing! Being a genius looks like a terrible burden, I'm happy with my lot. Yes, let's enjoy writing and reading, let's celebrate life this way.
D’accord!
Frankly, my dear Portia, I finally came to the conclusion that life on earth, including humans and writers, began with a flash of electro-magnetic force (a thunderbolt) into a pool of chemicals. This should make sense when you think how chemicals can distort the brain in ways that affect behavior. (thus, drugs) Writers had the need to tell stories, either orally or on papyrus, that explained why life is so scary, calming people down so they would destroy themselves and the world. Words have even more power over behavior that drugs. They produced a body of myths that do this whether or not those hero tales and other stuff is based on true people and events. Some people thought so hard that those stories were the absolute Truth, they invented religion.
So, as far as I can reckon, we all have that electro-magnetic force and when it gets bored with us and leaves our bodies, it returns to the vastness of the universe, which has got to be a helluva lot more fun than Heaven. Write on, dear friend, and celebrate each piece of writing you do, dreck or not. It's an extension of that life force.
Wow, this mini essay is powerful stuff, Sue, thank you for writing it! And you know, when you put it that way, this final return to the universe looks like something to look forward to.
Doesn't it, though. Kind of takes the fear and angst out of dying and spending eternity with a bunch of really boring, awful people. Just for kicks, here's a link to a poem I posts not lont ago about this:
Finger of God
https://suecauhape.substack.com/p/finger-of-god
I remember it, Sue! And the final line of Dante's "Paradiso" calls the vision of God, or the Divine, "l'amor che move il sol e l'altre stelle" – the love that moves the sun and the other stars.
Dante knew a lot.
He did, and he could write about it truthfully and beautifully. Thank you so much, John!
💖
Oh you have to keep writing, no matter what! This world is only interesting because we are all different beings, care about different things, and have our own weird cravings. As long as we share one thing in common, kindness, then it’s a wonderful place and we should write about it! 😊
You say it so well, Xue! Thanks for your wise words.
Write what you know and what you like. You'll probably fail - if being published or earning money from it is one of your goals - so at the very least you should have fun.
You MUST write about being a Soviet Pioneer. I can't wait to read about it.
Grazie, Gianni! I know I'm never going to make money with my writing, but boy, do I have fun! And how many wonderful persons I'm meeting.😍
OK, stay tuned, paisa'.
This is very rich and full of interesting tangents, Portia. I found myself wanting to know more about your swerve towards revolutionary socialism!
Thank you so much, Jeffrey! I'm going to write how I became a Pioneer, but I think I'd have made a very bad Pasionaria for the Cause.😂
Loved this (and quite keen to hear about your Pioneering; David G's right, of course). And Choppy...
Thank you so much, WTRI! Tom Gauld's a genius, I love how he drew Choppy and the frozen sea within us.
Well, it's a writing date, then.
Your story sounds very interesting!
As for writing, I think these must be nearly universal feelings. I've never heard a writer say "I know I'm a great writer." Those people certainly exist, but they aren't talking about it.
Merci bien, Betty! Yes, can you Imagine Proust thinking himself a great writer? He had bigger fish to fry. Or Shakespeare, too busy to make money and theater for the masses. I know my limitations, and want to make well within them. If our readers are entertained, mission accomplished.
Artek??
(I'll tell you a story.Someday...)
Thank you for always being able to be a ray of light to my darkness, dear Portia
Orlyonok! You're a ray of light for us, my dear, try to see it also for yourself.
❤️✨💫
"I had to become a mother in order to understand that violence is never the answer."
That’s a great line. I can say the same, as a father.
Thanks, Michael, it'd be better to realize it when we're younger though, but I guess it's just the way it is. Parenthood heightens our sense of responsibility, apparently.
Then again, if you live in Gaza, you may want to take up arms to help your children have a better future.
That's why we (and with "we" I mean everybody, politicians included and first) should do everything in our power to avoid spreading injustice and brutality.
Yeah, I guess so.
You know what they say: (S)he who is not a socialist in youth has no heart.
Merci bien, David, you always have the right words.