On writing

In the process of composing our family's annual Christmas letter, I realized that I am forgetting how to write. I was really just struggling to put cohesive thoughts onto the screen, and it was concerning. This used to be something that I thought I was pretty good at, but only because I did not write often (and had even fewer people reading what I wrote). Desiring to remedy this situation I have taken it upon myself to write more with the idea that by doing so, I will eventually write better.

So, to begin with, I want to cover some bad writing habits that I know I need to correct.  The first is the double space after the period.  This is one of those habits that I cannot seem to break.  I will fix them at times, and eventually may retrain my brain not to double space, but in the meantime you will just have to deal with it.

I know that I also use commas inconsistently, and at times, incorrectly.  If there are simple rules for this I have not seen them in a long time.  Its one of those things that I just assume that I am probably screwing up.

I also repeat myself, and I know that i use modifiers way too often. Sorry.

Beyond a simple lack of ability, there are a couple of things that have kept me from writing more often.  The first is a lack of time, and the second is a lack of confidence in my own perspective.  I almost said that I don't have anything to write about, but that just is not true.  I read a ton, and I am sure the smallest amount of effort would present an abundance of topics for blog posts.  No, the real issue is whether I have a voice that is worth putting out there.  I have decided though that this actually does not matter.  People can read or ignore whatever they like, so there is no harm in putting my thoughts out there for the world to ignore.

Doubting Thomas

Maybe its because I am named Thomas, but I can't help but feel a certain affinity for this song.  At the same time, the earnest vocals and the straight forward approach make me slightly embarrassed to admit it.  I feel a sense of shame as the lyrics confront my own weaknesses, fears and doubts and I know that I would be far more reticent to express them in a song for the world to hear.  Its beautiful and humbling and embarrassing, but it is also inspiring.  

Sometimes I pray for a slap in the face,
Then I beg to be spared 'cause I'm a coward,
If there's a master of death I'll bet he's holding his breath,
As I show the blind and tell the deaf about his power,
I'm a doubting thomas,
I can't keep my promises,
'Cause i don't know what's safe,
oh me of little faith

What is expressed as a lack of faith actually implies a stronger faith than many, and the expression of doubt and weakness suggests a deeper humility that most musicians are sorely lacking.  We have a few too many betraying judases and persecuting pharisees and not nearly enough doubting thomases... those who are on the right path, but are struggling to advance.  

To Begin at the Beginning

Possible Themes For Posts on Eutropalia:

1. Forgotten Virtues - Reviewing forgotten virtues and how they can apply to our lives.  
2. Saving the Secular - Analyze secular songs, shows, and movies with a particular focus on the ways that they brush up against deeper truths.   
3. Family and Fatherhood - Finding joy in the day to day where the mundane points to the eternal in my daily vocation.
4. Books by my Bedside - What have I been reading and why.  
5. Woe in the World - Documenting our culture's decline in ways. 
6. Suffering through the Pseudo-Sacred - I want to call out the silliness of the modern church in a way that is both charitable and inspires positive changes, rather than causing deeper divisiveness.  If I can not find a way to speak out in charity than I hope to avoid this topic.  
7. Big Ideas (Don't Get Any) - Big ideas to make the world a better place that maybe someday I will get around to acting on, but in the meantime, maybe someone else will (or should).
8. Reclaiming the Net - Recognizing some of the great content that is available for Catholics that may not be as well known as it should be.
9. Subtle Pleas for Hits - This is where I will bring up an interesting or controversial topic, say nothing new or particularly provocative, and watch as my hits pile up.  
10. Philosophical Musings - Perhaps I can put my undergraduate degree to use in getting some deeper thoughts out there.  Unfortunately, my undergraduate degree is in finance, so don't get your hopes up.
11. Guest Posts - Lots of people I know have great ideas and write very well.  Maybe, I can coerce them into contributing something.

I have some ideas behind each of these topics, and I think that if I can get the ideas onto the screen this should be a pretty interesting blog.