Titles are so funny, aren't they? I'm terrible at them, and of course, math, too. I always go for the cliche, the mundane, and ultimately, uninteresting. My titles are often long-winded and don't convey that sense of urgent interest that invites a person to open a book and read it. Entitled, now that's a different story.
When I submit my work, I also say my work is currently "entitled" whatever the title may be--probably something less-than-fantastic. But entitled isn't always about the name of a piece of writing, is it?
Entitled can mean a sense of deserving, a feeling of worth or worthiness, as in : "I am entitled to the bulk of my 401k upon retirement," but it can also be used in negative ways like, "He has a sense of entitlement and that's why he takes what other people do for granted."
Are my stories, my books, not only entitled, but ENTITLED? Surely not, as the other author who shares my birthdate now has a networth of multiple billions, while I, on the other end of the karma-wheel, am looking toward the possibility of a much less wealthy future for my work. Hopefully, we're not talking Herman Melville future--like the belated appreciation he received for what is considered the "Great American Novel" seventy years AFTER his death....
I'm thinking about the meanings behind titles, of not just books, but people, too--and that sense of entitlement that comes with just a name. We take for granted the importance of names, of titles, and the entitled--whether books or people. My name means noose or marriage--which some may claim is equivalent (though they are sadly mistaken--or worse, probably married to the wrong person). When I first meet my students, I attempt to tell as many as possible the meanings behind their names. Michael: Angel of God; Gabriel: Messenger of God; David: Beloved; Gary: Warrior; Sophie: Wisdom; Robert: Greatness. All titles, all implications of being entitled to those same traits. My parents almost named me Raven; I'm glad fate took another turn.
If we're not happy with our names, we seek to add or subtract from them, becoming doctors, counselors, teachers, salespeople, lawyers, business owners, financial folks. We marry or divorce, shifting perspectives on our titles and what we are entitled to. Being a Mrs. can mean you're entitled to protection, love and support from your husband. Being a Dr. usually means you're entitled to intelligence, respect, and an ability to earn a living. But what does it really mean? Not to our everyday lives, but to ourselves, the self that lies deep within our mind, where Vedic gurus claim true reality exists.
And in fact, the truth does lie within the folds of our minds, our souls, our hearts--we can claim or reclaim any title but it does not negate who we truly are. Same thing with books. The right title may convey what is truly inside but often, the title only indicates what an editor, agent or publisher thinks will sell--and isn't it similar with us, too?
Sometimes, I fear our titles (and what is therefore perceived to be what we are entitled) are more misleading than not.
Good night you Kings and Queens of New England, you Princesses and Princes of Pop Culture! Until next time....
There's nothing like a crisp bill, sitting innocently on your desk, looking at you, tempting you, to spend, to save, to splurge. I hate breaking those bills, dislike spending that newly-minted freshness, the latest flavor of unchewable gum. But still, it's nice to have, to look at, to ponder, to wonder how, why, when, where, and possibly what. Even if that bill will never see the light of your day dreams, it is still a vision of hope, a promise of what is possible.
Now that's money! :) Creative nonfiction can be inspired by anything, but most of all--YOU.
Good night, you Kings and Queens of New England, you Princesses and Princes of Pop Culture...until next we meet (be sure to sneak in The Last Mimzy in between!).
...and I still feel fine! Good news, young people! No worries about future this or that--even when your world seemingly "ends", you'll still survive, and more than that, thrive! It's true...I'm proof.
No matter what happens, if you live a good life--with integrity, compassion, and a deliberate mindfulness--you'll always be able to bounce back. You don't need much but the community of good people you meet and greet along the way. That's life's reward.
I was feeling a bit down with recent events, but it didn't last. You know why? Because of the people in my life. My husband, my son, my dog (yes, little Bell is a huge stress reliever, and very cute, too!), my Boston-family (at least, everyone but one), my friends, and of course, last, but certainly not least, my students.
You see, as a teacher, I give...a lot. And it's not dissimilar from a parent-child relationship in that, I don't, and can't, expect anything in return. However, MY students, the people I work hard to teach as fairly, honestly, and with as much respect as any other human being on the planet deserves, are some of the BEST people I have ever known.
My job is one that has ups and downs, like any other. Same thing with personal experience, with health. But the one aspect that is ALWAYS an "up" are my dealings with the people I come to care about as much as any part of my family. I adopt them in many ways, and they, though it's not required, or even necessary, do the same for me.
Sitting at the edge of forty, I see the world through sometimes shadowed eyes, weary, tired, but when I wonder what fate has in store for our decentralized, globalized world, I do not feel disheartened, or sad, or worried. Why? I need only look to those wonderful people, my student-family, an ever-growing population of beloved individuals who make me smile, make me proud, and generally, give as much as they get--if not more.
Now, tell me again how my world is going to end? Tell me again your discouragement of my goals, your doubts about my person, your suspicions about the nature of my soul, tell me anything your fear wills you to, anything at all--and it will not matter.
"There is no "bad" news, only "difficult" news," a rabbi once said in his Saturday sermon. "Bad" according to the rabbi, could only mean one thing: Death. And, he was right. There's not much to do about death. But difficulties, difficulties can be dealt with--especially with the rich treasure of a caring community of people around you, family, friends, and others not expected. That's the miracle.
And, I'm grateful.
Until next time, pop culture-sci-fi-Star Trek fans, green vegetarians, and unexpected others....
I'm locked out of my regular blog on blogspot, at least for the moment. Apparently, I have more tecchy-stuff than any self-respecting English prof. should have, so much so, I don't know what I have where! Well, tis' the season, I suppose. I want to thank my lovely, lovely students for being so wonderful. What would I do without you? You make everyday at RIT the best joy any teacher could hope for, dream of, wish for, or want. Thank you. Big props to Mikey, who just got into illustration! Told you! Shout out to Tito, Laura and Cassie! More HUGE props to Kevin, who is HOOKED UP after graduation with a job at XBOX! Yeah, baby, yeah! Major b'day wishes to Jonnie O. and Gary H.--two of the most promising young people I knw--now that's a power day for Saggitarius! BTW J. and G., your power stone is ruby--or anything red in color--but ruby is what's prescribed by astrologers.
Anyhoo, just thought I'd blog a bit today--nothing too heavy; wanted to complain but thought better of it. Why release more misery into this world? What really need is for people to turn on their compassion buttons!
Keep on keepin' on! Peace!
Yo! What up? So, another brave new blog--and brave is the operative term there. It seems certain peeps don't appreciate success of any kind--funny, isn't it? The saying that fits goes something like this: Never be a phoenix rising--know why? Because "they" will hate you for it--"they", the haters, as my colleague Vincent would put it. But you know what? Don't you worry about what others think. If you know something is right, feel it in your gut, go with it! The majority is not always on track with anything but themselves--which means conformity. There are times when you have to conform--like driving by the rules, not cutting people in line at the grocery store, etc.--but that's not the conformity I'm talking about. Use compassionate wisdom when dealing with the "haters" for they know not what they do. Misery loves company, another appropriate, if not cliche saying. Cliche, because it's true....
Hang tough out there! Only you can be your own true compass, or as the Bard said: "To thine own self, be true."
Peace!
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