The Blind Man Society

To start, there is going to be website maintenance and building all day long today, so its going to look like a bomb went off out there. I feel like this thing is the house from the movie “Money Pit” – I’m living in Swiss cheese with a door, but the foundation is good!

Getting to the post now. I was speaking with some missionaries last week and we were discussing how many characters in the books leave their homes, possessions, social circles at some point and venture into the wilderness (metaphorical or literal). In some cases, for years. The experiences are trials whereupon the individuals are tested, learn and grow. The skills and knowledge they acquire during this time allow them to take the next steps and to achieve great works upon their return. Have any of you ever experienced this in your lives so far?

The above picture is from my time in Prague, Czech Republic. This is where I went to disappear for a little while and go into a wilderness of my own. This particular establishment in the picture is called the Ethnos Bar (lots of Bohemian types in this place) and was one of my favorite places to hang out, drink absinthe and write. I personally am a big fan of writing tandem stories with people, and I had some of my best here. We’re talking Australian Frisbee throwing champions, Curious George and the bottle of Ether, Teddy “the Wonder-boy” Smith and Bee-bop with his fly choice of gold chains all giving the party of the century, and all other manner of character making appearances while I was going farther and seeing more.

Tangent man’s point here, and I know it appears elusive, is that I went to this place to be against myself. In literature, there are three main themes. Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature and Man vs. Himself. In my opinion, Man vs. Himself is the hardest of all three. But, when you emerge the victor, you are more self-reliant and capable than you ever have been in just about every situation there ever was. This is my opinion. And really, this was a building block towards that, being versus myself. I wonder how many of these three ideas qualify as the wilderness wearing a different face… Hourglasses anyone? And, meaning no condescension to anyone, I’m wondering – what is the correct order? BUT, for me personally I’ll quote Sting here from the song Shape of My Heart – the mask I wear is one.

Have a great Sunday, everyone! As always, please feel free to leave me a comment or send me a message in the box below.