A Beginning

If I had been asked as I was growing up, what I wanted to be when I grew up, and, I had answered honestly, I would have said "A writer". Although I chose a field where writing was a skill set that was useful and, at times, essential; to say I was a writer would be inaccurate.

After much thought and for many reasons, I have decided to begin a blog. What few blogs I have followed, I have usually found them of varied and limited interest and value; and I'm sure my blog will fit into that larger category of blogs. But what I suspect is that the writing I will do here will benefit me far more than it will anyone reading it.

On the bulletin board above my computer one of the poems that I re-read often is a translated poem by a Greek poet, Konstaninos Petrou (1863-1933):
"Ithaca"
As you set out for Ithaca,
Wish for a long journey
Filled with adventures, knowledge.
Don't be afraid that
Bad things will happen:
If you keep your mind and feelings full
No evil will fit into your heart
Nor sneak up to spook you.
Wish for a long journey,
For many summer mornings;
Imagine the joy and pleasure
Of entering new harbors for the first time!
Stop at exotic markets,
Find good things:
Pearls, coral, amber, ebony,
Sensuous fragrances.
You can take your fill
At these far-off cities,
And learn from wise ones too.
And keep Ithaca always in mind.
It's your destination,
But don't rush the journey in the least.
Better for it to take a long time
So that, finally, in spite of the accrued years,
You will cast anchor fresh with all the journey's riches
You not require any of Ithaca's.
For Ithaca gave you the journey.
Without Ithaca you would not have set out.
It has nothing else to give.
If you find it empty, you haven't been tricked.
You've become wise with experience
And you already have what Ithaca means.

You are being invited to glimpse at my personal "journey to Ithaca" of which this blog is part.
Feel free to ask not to be included in future postings and I'll have no regrets. As I said before, my writings will surely benefit me more than you.