Whereas G&L was mostly a place for me to explore academic concepts Finding Meaning will probably tend to have a more general and, at times, abstract focus. As G&L was to my academic exploration, FM will be (I hope) to the exploration of this new stage in my life. Most of the content over at G&L was the result of my experience as an occasionally successful six-year college student. Here at FM, the content will result from my experience as a recent graduate who is still looking for his calling while also focusing on developing my creativity (mostly in writing and sometimes in visual art), which has been hitherto ignored (by myself).
I chose the name "Finding Meaning" for its abstract connotation which, hopefully, will mirror the focus of this blog. It also refers to the impulse that (presumably) all of us have to find meaning in the experiences we have which, I think, is particularly strong, for most, at this stage in their lives. Some things I'd like to write about include analyses of books, songs, musical artists and even more general experiences, thoughts, and feelings I come across day-to-day as well as more personal pieces of creative writing. An example of this would be my last post, which I'll soon import along with selected others, on Gratis and Libre, entitled "Reflections on a Mirror -- 07.09.2010" which was, appropriately, a sort of free-form reflection while looking at a the large mirror I had recently bought for my room. I hope the majority of posts won't be so introspective, but rather will what meaning I find in all these things which are seemingly disconnected.
Really quickly, the url for this blog, threewindowsfacingwest, is a simple reference to my room in the apartment I share which has three windows (all on one wall) which all face west. It just seemed adequately noncommittal. I'll probably write most of my posts here, but whatever.
For now, that description will have to suffice and, hopefully, the theme of this blog will become more clear as I continue to post. Posts may be infrequent as I've never been good about schedules or doing things if I think I "should" do them frequently. This time, I'm just going to be content with the infrequency and we'll see where things go.
Finally, as a way of consecrating this thing, I'll end with a quote from Richard Linklater's film, Waking Life, which I'll probably reference pretty frequently and may even discuss, on its own, at some point. Like the character I'm quoting, I hope that this blog is or becomes "see-worthy" and "an extension of my personality" in the same way as he describes his boat-car.
"'So, what do you think of my little vessel? She's what we call "see-worthy." S-E-E. See with your eyes. I feel like my transport should be an extension of my personality. Voila. And this? This is like my little window to the world, and every minute's a different show. Now, I may not understand it. I may not even necessarily agree with it. But, I'll tell you what, I accept it and just sort of glide along.
You wanna keep things on an even keel, I guess, is what I'm saying. You wanna go with the flow. The sea refuses no river. The idea is to remain in a state of constant departure while always arriving. Saves on introductions and good-byes. The ride does not require an explanation; just
occupants. That's where you guys come in.
It's like you come onto this planet with a crayon box. Now, you may get the 8-pack, you may get the 16-pack, but it's all in what you do with the crayons, the colors, that you're given. And don't worry about drawing within the lines or coloring outside the lines. I say color outside the lines, you know what I mean? Color right off the page! Don't box me in! We're in motion to the ocean. We are not landlocked, I'll tell ya that! So, where do you want out?...'"
-DJP
