This Space Reserved…
One of the nice things about having twelve years worth of journals lying around is that I have a near-limitless reserve of material to post and make fun of when I have nothing better to blog.
Today, I have nothing better to blog.
Last night, I found myself once again thumbing through my first journal. I tend to keep an old journal or two close at hand because they serve as instant triggers for reminiscing. They are also incontrovertible proof that cocky kids grow up to be humble, kind and meek adults1.
As I was nosing around in the middle of my 1996 journal, I came across a half-page entry that made me smile and laugh at my crazy seventeen-year-old assured self. Since no good joke should go unshared, I knew I had to post it here.
And so I give you, tongue planted firmly in cheek, an entry from June 20, 1996:
Isn’t it glorious?
Four things:
1) I appear to have left plenty of space for “my masterpiece.” Apparently, my contribution to all of art is to be a single haiku.
2) I can’t really draw.
3) Why do people write diagonally when scrawling things across the page?
4) That alien is not giving you the finger.
The peace-sign-wielding alien in this picture was copied from the liner notes of George Clinton and the P-Funk Allstars’ T.A.P.O.A.F.O.M. (The Awesome Power of a Fully Operational Mothership). I was really into George Clinton as a teenager.
I still am. I saw the Funk master in Austin in the fall of 1996 with Fishbone and De La Soul.
It was awesome.
And it reminds me now that I haven’t talked much about music on this blog, which is quite out of character. I’m a music junkie, and that has played a big role in my writing.
Next time then.
Popularity: 36% [?]
- who am I kidding here? Cocky kids grow up to be narcissistic adults, but I am still a nice guy, really. [↩]
If you liked this post, subscribe to my RSS feed, or subscribe via Email.
February 28th, 2008 at 7:20 am
Try this the next time it is offered :^)
Drawing for People Who Think They Can’t Draw: The Secret Artist Within
As young children, we were encouraged to stay within the lines in our coloring books and beginning drawings. But, is that what really makes a drawing “good”? How many frustrating experiences did it take to convince you that you can’t draw? Susan Meyer, drawing instructor at DU’s School of Art and Art History, believes that anyone can learn to draw with the right instruction, even in just a few classes. She loves to watch the secret artist emerge in people from varied walks of life. Learn to see in a completely new way, and then record what you see and express what you feel. With exercises and topics that include understanding line, negative space and perspective, composing still life, and drawing from nature, you’ll gain important tools to help you create more sophisticated works of art. Back by popular demand, this course is for beginners or those looking to refresh their drawing skills. Space is limited so enroll early! Registration cost includes supplies.
https://universitycollege.du.edu/learning/ep/catalog/courses.cfm?qtr=200801&crn=1037&subjectID=18
February 29th, 2008 at 6:22 am
Ha, maybe I will! I don’t expect that “the secret artist within” is clamoring to produce any masterworks of drawing, but I have been thinking for a while that it would be nice to take a basic art class like this so I can at least have some concepts and foundation. Hopefully that would take my drawing from “horrible” to “bad.” That would make it a real hobby, based on Marcus Buckingham’s definition from yesterday.
February 29th, 2008 at 9:25 am
[...] Words of Redemption On writing and becoming a writer… « Home « This Space Reserved… [...]