|
|
 |
Blog-Archives Meandering Goddess
Meandering Goddess Archives
| |
Oh, what wandering minds we weave...
The Meandering Goddess wanders the Earth in search of suitable subjects by which to bedazzle, bewilder and bewitch, with relative sagacity and saneness (one hopes). Always relating to writing, but with an intricate intertwining of life's mysteries and miracles.
Musings of A Meandering Goddess
Vol. 2 No. 2 ~ February 9, 2008
The Neighborly Internet
I stare out my window at the giant sycamore tree (don’t really know if that’s what it is, but it’s the only tree name that came instantly to mind) at another gorgeous San Diego day and contemplate the CD I opted to enjoy while writing. The inimitable Janis Joplin.
It's her greatest hits CD I choose when feeling particularly defiant, bawdy, irreverent, vulnerable… singly, or all at once. Janis was all about people. She loved them, hated them and spoke for them. A voice silenced much too soon.
Makes me wonder… Janis was somewhat of a loner--a talented island in a sea of creative camaraderie. If Janis had felt more connected to an intimate network of friends or family, would she have lived longer? Cry, cry, baby… It’s been proven that from infancy, we need each other. We reach for the touch of skin on skin as we’re pulled from the womb. Even as we age, often pulling back from intimacy, we can’t help ourselves; before we know it, we’ve formed friendships, met the neighbors, and become part of a community clique.
Ah sure, I can hear you balking now, “I don’t belong to any stupid clique. I don’t need anyone.” Hmmmmm. Well, maybe you don’t know your neighbors, shun your family, and regularly kick the dog; but what about your workplace? Are you in on, victim of, or spreading the gossip? Oh, you work at home, on the computer all day—totally alone, isolated, and remote. A veritable enigma wallowing in your seductive, clandestine persona, are you?
So tell me, are you registered on MySpace? How about Facebook? Maybe you prefer a more creative community like GarageBand, or AuthorNation? Do you dabble in a heartfelt hobby with other like minds? Have you joined a forum-based group to whom you bond, tease, or feel superior? Honey, you’re being neighborly on the Internet. You, my friend, have found your niche. Yep, you’ve signed up, posted and chatted your way into a community clique.
Even “way back” in 1997 BusinessWeek magazine saw the neighborhood graffiti hit the Internet wall, “Instead of flitting from site to site dabbling in the gobs of information and latest news flashes, this new class of Netizen is settling in, staying put, making a home away from home.” (05/05/97, http://www.businessweek.com/1997/18/b35251.htm)
We thought at first that the computer and Internet cocoon would isolate us and swallow us up, with no contact to the “outside world.” The more it grew and matured, we learned the Internet is about as “outside” as you can get! And your vast new cyber communities are nothing more than virtual neighborhoods.
You have “block parties” every time you enter a forum. You talk about the kids, your misunderstanding with the mate, and an upcoming dreaded birthday. You’re offered “food for thought” from your neighborhood chums, and may be brave enough to dive into a new community pool (forum)—oh, and don’t forget to abide by the community CC&Rs! Yup—even your IC has rules-n-regs. Break ‘em and you’re evicted!
Within your IC there are those you love to chat with, a few you truly can’t stand, and a majority you ignore—sound familiar? It’s new, it’s enlightening, it’s fun. It has its upside—and its downside…
ICs can isolate you from your real world family and friends. While you may have found a boatload of new, exciting cyberbuddies on the ‘net, don’t forget to venture out into the sunshine sharing your Internet escapades with someone you can actually hold hands, share a leg-stretching walk, or a spectacular sunset.
That said, if you have not yet found your niche on the ‘net, here are a few intimate communities where you might fit right in... join cyberhands with folks in your city, state, or on the other side of the world…
www.AuthorNation.com intellectual home for Authors AND Readers
http://forums.womansday.com/ for women by Woman’s Day Magazine
http://www.womensforum.com/ business to babies for women
http://thepetsforums.com/forums/index.php pontificate on all pet issues (even equine, etc.)
http://www.small-business-forum.com/ mix it up, business-style
Cheers!
MG
(Musical prompt: "Jus’ me ‘n’ Bobby McGee …")
Comment? Sure... the Meandering Goddess
Read all of the Meandering Goddess' intuitive to inane inner thoughts in the MG Blog Archives.
 
|
Meandering Goddess 01-16-08
| |
Oh, what wandering minds we weave...
Welcome to the archived blogs of the Meandering Goddess. She wanders the Earth in search of suitable subjects by which to bedazzle, bewilder and bewitch, with relative sagacity and saneness (one hopes). Enjoy! Care to comment? Make it so...
(Chronological, most recent (other than current) first.)
A Meandering Goddess Blog
Musings of a Meandering Goddess
Vol. 2 Ramblings No. 1, 01/16/08
 Symbols. As I added the new WWW I.N.K. Award graphic to this page as its logo, I mused about our funny society and how we put so much responsibility on symbols to identify us, work for us and ultimately speak for us. It makes me think that in communication we seem to be regressing. OK, in many areas we are slip-sliding backwards, for sure... don't get me started on the violence and racism in our countries--much like my first era’s crumbling years. We gods and goddesses were a fighting bunch for sure. Maybe if Mars hadn't been such an ass... oh, sorry.
Anyway, we go and develop all these intricate languages so we can communicate... then revert to drawing pictures to get the point across. "What's wrong with that picture"?! Rather than create separate languages that some poor bloke on the other side of the pond can't understand, why don't we simply develop a language of art symbols???? Too simple, I suppose. So we’ll continue in our intricately confusing ways.
Our precious Nike is honored as in our glory days, by many of today's symbol-crazed entrepreneurs, for her promise of victory. Interesting, don't you think, since she's female and many of the largest, most successful companies that bear her likeness and/or name, are synonymous with male-dominated industries. Hmmmmmm.
She is chosen to represent the Meandering Goddess for much the same reason, but also to give women a voice in this still male-dominated world. It is high time the women of Earth came back into power. We had much more autonomy and were in a more parallel position with our gods than the female-male mix of today. Pity. I suppose, as seems to be proven over and again, we gods and goddesses allowed the heady power of it all to destroy our good intentions.
I see, however, there are pockets of people in the past couple of centuries who are more intuitive and aware of the Universe and its place in the Galaxies. Though it will still take some time to right so many wrongs, there is a good chance--if we don't allow the evils to knock the planet out of orbit first—that humanity can be saved and women restored to their former celebrated status.
So the victorious Nike is a good choice here. It's amazing and fortunate that some of her best likenesses somehow survived the centuries. This image is culled from a photograph taken in what is now Ephesus, Turkey. My sandaled footsteps still echo on what is left of the smooth, marble cobblestones and Nike's lovely image reaches out to all who touch her silky curves.
Symbols. They can make you or break you. If you choose one without giving it the thought it deserves, it simply won't work for you. If you choose the one not appropriate for your need, you may not prosper. If you choose one before you need it, your needs may change to the point you have to change your symbol... that's an awful lot of change. But if you truly know yourself, your goals, and your place in the world with others, you will automatically be drawn to the symbol that is best for you.
I raise my chalice in salute that you shall be united with the symbol that bestows upon you strength, compassion and prosperity... Cheers!
MG
|
Meandering Goddess 07-26-07
| |
Musings of a Meandering Goddess
Vol. 1, Ramblings No. 4, 07/26/07
Oh, my! A new malady has crept up on us, attached to what appeared to be a timesaving, environmentally friendly and attractive new companion. It has burrowed ominously into the inner depths of our personal, professional and spiritual lives.
I call it, “Computechitis.” It has quickly surpassed the formerly pervasive, “Autotechitis” that still runs rampant in society, and from which we have suffered greatly, for nearly a century.
There is currently no cure for Computechitis. We can only suffer through it until demise offers bittersweet relief, or pay the price to be completely cleansed and begin anew. This often results in loss of memory and neurological disorders, in addition to a hefty price tag.
It comes upon us so insidiously! One minute we are elated by our power, entertainment and professional purpose in one, shiny, new-fangled (high-dollar) contraption. A godsend to society (we’re told) that we just know will take us, surely, into the next decade, at least.
Then it hits. Within mere nanoseconds, Computechitis has wormed its way into our futuristic, forward-thinking, state-of-the-art friend and rendered it hopelessly archaic, and often in need (yes, already) of updating. At the very least, it will require thorough and invasive decontamination.
I want your vote! Do you agree? Has the computer surpassed the automobile in our level of frustration due to malfunctions and their technology that prohibits the average person’s ability to correct problems, without spending inordinate amounts of time and/or money ... ? [Whew! that was a long sentence! :-)]
Click here to send me an e-mail. Simply indicate “Car” or “Computer,” either in the Subject line or body; and if you feel the need, write what really bugs you about it! I for one, am spending more $$, more often, on my computer than I spend on myself!
My own ailing friend is “only” four years old, but Computechitis struck in its first year. It now struggles valiantly to keep up with the daily injection of faster, bigger, more arrogant software and “upgraded” machines.
I fear for his life, even as I write this, but a new, pompous replacement is not in my budget this year. For now, I’ll just have to apply another patch.
MG
(Oh, all right, I'll call them blogs, but you and I both know, they're just journals / newsletters / "daily logs" like Captain Kirk's of the Enterprise!)
|
Meandering Goddess 07-14-07
| |
Musings of a Meandering Goddess
Vol. 1, Ramblings No. 3, 07/14/07
Aha! Another moment or two of inspiration! They're coming faster these days, as I am able to feed my imagination and calm my soul at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Well, at least when I can afford the gas and find a parking place. Two things not easy to come by these days!
Although I lament the additional mass of people who have arrived since I left in 1995, once I find my spot for a bright afternoon or soothing sunset, I actually enjoy the beach sights and sounds. Noise at home that I shut my door to escape, mingles with the waves at the beach and it all washes over me, as I lose myself in its embrace.
So - do you have a special place to go that may seem unappealing to some writers, but actually inspires you to create pearls of wisdom? If you don't, and you feel stifled, it's time to make a change in your life. Change is good.
I never found a place in the desert that consoles, excites, amuses, and frees me like the ocean. It feels so good to be back!
MG
(Oh, all right, I'll call them blogs, but you and I both know, they're just journals / newsletters / "daily logs" like Captain Kirk's of the Enterprise!)
|
Meandering Goddess 06-24-07
| |
Musings of a Meandering Goddess
Vol. 1, Ramblings No. 2, 06/24/07
I had planned to write this column on a monthly basis, or even more, if possible. I did not expect there to be a nearly six-month gap between the first and second issues! Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. In this case, I found myself in the throes of an unforeseen move from Phoenix to San Diego (whence I came almost 12 years ago).
Of course, the usual headaches and time-gobbling frustrations ensued, with every utility company I had to contact. The dust has finally settled, I am reunited with my children, grandchildren and beloved Pacific Ocean, and ready to tackle the special headaches reserved for Web site technology.
In case you’re wondering, I call myself the Meandering Goddess not because my egotism requires a lofty title (although Diva is being bestowed on every 15-minutes-of-fame-so-called celebrity these days), but rather as a generic designation to embrace all of us, who enjoy following the myriad paths of life to discover new horizons.
My one and only significant journey outside the U.S. (so far), to Turkey (May 2006), was a journey of a lifetime for me. It opened my eyes to the beauty, diversity and battles of other countries and cultures. From the moment I reached the top of Mt. Nemrut at the pinnacle of dawn, I became a symbolic goddess.
However, I also found during this enlightening trek that writers in the U.S. and Turkey share many of the same concerns about their writing and publishing. This of course, caused me to oil the rusty gears of my brain and realize how fun and educational it would be for writers -- especially women (the inherent nurturers) to have a common connection. Thus, Women Writers Worldwide was born. Enjoy!
MG
|
Meandering Goddess 01-16-07
| |
Musings of a Meandering Goddess
Vol. 1, Ramblings No. 1, 01/16/07
Goddess ... Diva ... we love to attach monikers to ourselves that boost self-esteem and elevate us to loftier ideals. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's encouraged, for if we don't think the best of ourselves, how can we expect anyone else to think the best of us?
These are the kinds of inner ramblings that accompanied me on a fortuitous trip to Turkey in May 2006. Ancient history flooded my mind as I literally walked in the footsteps of Pharaohs and legendary figures, across the marble pathways of Ephesus (what's left of them), marveling at the enduring spirit of those who believed in Goddesses and the immortality of life.
This experience reawakened my own childlike curiosity and ethereal spirit, to the very depths of my soul, as I climbed the sacred Mt. Nemrut, trudging the same trail overlooking the Euphrates, as many spiritualists have done for millennia.
What has changed in our world since those ancient times? Women have.
As I meandered across Southeast Turkey, reveling in the history of religion and pondering the evolution of women's roles, I envisioned a voice for women worldwide, who still struggle without inner peace and worldly recognition. Yes, this past century-plus has given us the right to vote and freedom of speech. Yet we are still under-represented as corporate, political and literary leaders.
While one person rarely changes the world, perhaps together, we can release the inner goddess of more women in America and around the world.
Please be patient as this unique new writers' resource is created for you.
MG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
