Eloquence. The art of being articulate.
Some speakers have it. Some writers have it. The ineffable gift that elevates a speaker or a writer to a plane above the ordinary.
It’s not only in the voice, it’s the expression, it’s the intent. Some people are born poets, others born to be expository writers, others are born to channel humor. Some writers manage to do it all.
Hmmm. Where am I going with this? Haven’t a clue. I admire many writers, both published and unpublished. Women and men who have a way with words, who can spread layer upon layer of meaning across a page with the ease of frosting a cake. You shouldn’t even think about the writing process while you’re reading, but when you read the words of a great storyteller, you know it. Sometimes an author doesn’t even realize she is doing it. Not until later. Sometimes not until much later.
You know how you watch a movie a few times and take away something different each time? It’s like that. Layers of meaning.
I’m not given to New Year’s resolutions. In fact, I can’t remember making a single resolution. Even as a kid I felt it counterproductive to make a promise I probably wouldn’t keep.
It’s kind of like the way I feel about the Jewish New Year - Rosh Hashonah (head of the year) and Yom Kippur (day of atonement). Why reflect upon my life once a year? Why ask for forgiveness once a year? I know it’s supposed to be a community thing, as in communal repentance and forgiveness, but I reflect every single day, examining my life, fixing what I’ve broken, if possible. If I’ve done something right, my goal is to do it more right.
So, I won’t make a promise to myself, but I’m going to try to do more right in 2012. Can’t guarantee I’ll succeed. I’m a big one for avoiding plans. Just like the best laid plans of mice, mine gang aft agley. This time around I’m makin’ plans. Wish me luck. Julia
P.S. Here’s an appropriate song, Nanci Griffith singing Across the Great Divide, by the late Kate Wolf:
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I’m not making any resolutions either. Maybe a few goals, but I don’t want to feel guilty for not meeting them.
As for the ability to speak good…I want it. I ain’t got it. lol
You need to make resolutions that are easy to keep. And asinine.
1. I resolve to listen to more 1980s music in 2012.
2. I hearby pledge to make my hair bigger and blonder in 2012.
3. I promise to write at least….um….50 words in 2012? (I think this comment is probably 50 words).
Stuff like that!
You’re perfect just the way you are. Just be happy.
Pen
This blog made me think of David Sedaris’ hilarious book “Me Talk Pretty Some Day”
(I wanna talk more betterer 2!) lol
XXOO Kat
I’ve always been jealous of people who can whip out poignant and thought provoking quotes to go along with the topic of choice. I try to do that and I just sound like an idiot. “It reminds me of a saying by… some guy, who once was in a situation like this… or, sorta like this but not…” You get my drift.
I’ve always wanted to talk better; I’m somewhat of a stutterer so it’s a given that my speech leaves something to be desired. It’s one of the reasons why I had to kiss the Blarney Stone while we were in Ireland. I’ve got the gift of gab already, I was just hoping it would make me sound better while using said gift. So far? No dice.
I wish you many eloquent conversations where you sound like the smartest person in the room. If that doesn’t work, call me up, I’m good for at least mispronouncing, misusing or stuttering over words.
Well that was extremely full of erudition and intent, me, I made a resolution that Michael R Hicks has turned into a challenge stop being a fat git and give up the fags, blogs and tweets will tell the story of success or failure. Recipe blogs may all be vegetarian in the New Year or on the other hand not, See I totally get what you are saying….
I am with Katalina, I thought you might be discussing David S.
Following Penny: I resolve to wear all my clothes and shoes at least once and oh yes my secret stash of HOBO, and Vera
purses.
Steph, apparently David Sedaris and I are one!
Me wanna talk good.
Okay, Tom, yeah, stop smoking. I keep dreaming I’ve taken it up. What sort of message is that? I will miss your lovely recipes! Throw in something special once in a while. I’ve been a vegetarian for a long time - just began eating meat again so I’m appreciating your cooking.
Hey Karen - I thought your post today was very thought provoking! I’m given to malapropism myself!
Thanks, Kat. I have to get his book! Me 2!
Oh god, Penny, no, not more 80′s music! The hair was bad back then…. Please don’t turn into Dolly Parton!
Sigh. I gave up making resolutions the 89th time I broke them before the first day was done. What? You didn’t realize I am that old? LOL! Happy New Year dear. Hope all goes well in 2012 for you and yours.
PS…Tonto never really spoke like they made him on the Lone Ranger. Jay Silverheels was an eloquent speaker. “Me no enemy, heap big Lone Ranger dude…”
Hi Fran! How true - Tonto was a man of few words. But not really!
Hey Fran, you are not 89 years old!