As far as writing, my biggest hurdle of all has involved the sheer amount of draft material I’ve either neglected to complete, or haven’t reconciled in a tangibly publishable form.
Over 2021 I’ve heavily increased the creative content coefficient. Most of it remains offline, uncertain of the proper outlet. Though much of it hasn’t sufficiently pleased me to further consider.
That means I haven’t published as much traditional material (digital simplification, lifestyle, travel, literature, etc). And that’s fine. This site constantly evolves; except for the design. :)
I’ve said before, don’t neglect bullet lists. Once in bullet time, ideas flow more readily. And I’ve quiet often found myself careless in that regard.
Having just shared my thoughts on technophobe travel, I always entertain the possibility of committing to some travel period computer-free. Beyond numerous other complications, that would also challenge updates to this very site, being that I’m entirely about offline and often self-developed tools.
And yet I’m not without ideas regarding not strictly technophobe travel, but further digital simplification. Will write more on the subject.
Some developments of taste
Regarding literature, heavy poetry and drama (mostly older if not ancient), followed by a fairly recent transition towards modernist prose.
Regarding music, nothing new. An ever increasing coefficient of Ornette Coleman to the remainder: The Shape of Jazz to Come, Change of the Century, Tomorrow is the Question, Ornette!, Science Fiction, Dancing in your Head, Soapsuds, Soapsuds.
Regarding art, increasing interest for ecclesiastic architecture, old B&W photography and certain (I emphasize, certain) schools of surrealism.
Regarding film, preference for the (older) B&W Noir, reasons quiet similar to my preference for the photography. Though also enjoyed some westerns. But better yet avoid this medium for a more rewarding existence supplemented by the above forms. Of course I’m heavily biased.
Some lessons
Don’t feel too resentful over occasional acts of hypocrisy or contradiction. Case point: from about early December, I’ve again consumed occasional alcohol after two dry years, reasons mixed. However, I stand behind everything I’ve written to the merits of an alcohol-free lifestyle, however much my credibility now menaced.
Travel-wise, know when to lodge long-term and when to toss commitments and eagerly drift.
Minimize baggage, move lightly, live stealthily. Carry even less clothes than I deem necessary. Fear not hand-washing.
Excommunicate spice. Time and time again, the body has reacted adversely (if not plain rebelliously) over what I strongly suspect to be spice.
Provide ample digestion time between meals. Forget snacks, a foul word. This makes the one guideline I’ve notoriously respected for an awfully long time. Just the three meals a day for me; two if overfed. Nothing in the interim.
Opt for the bar-level work surface. Seamlessly transition between the standing and sitting modes.
Drink water in overabundance. I’ve never regretted this, provided access to a toilet. Otherwise, I’ll forsake existence.
It’s dangerous of me to accept too much hospitality. I’ve come to exercise near impunity and oblivion to what’s around, treating nearly every environment as my home, having experienced it all in such a variety of settings. Gratitude has been lacking on my behalf.
Don’t sweat the occasional overpriced commodities and the being ripped off. Mentally write off some quantity per year expected to be squandered.
Questions, comments? Connect.