…watching the snow and baking….
No, I haven’t suffered writer’s block, but yet have been subject to the randomness that is called life. Being laid off. Moving. Applying for graduate school. Trying to see if my writing career will actually take off. Starting my own column – this week’s episode can be viewed here. Being scared and excited and curious all at once. And somehow, remembering to be okay with everything.
I was going through a ton of back issues of the Sunday New York Times column,”Modern Love.” Whether or not the love depicted is necessarily “modern” is another story entirely. The collected anecdotes depict modern incarnations and understanding of love, as opposed to a wholly “modern” experience. Mothers and fathers have always felt one form of love for their children, couples feel a different sort of love for each other and there’s never anything as poignant and achy as remembering the first person outside of your family whom you really, truly loved. In other words, the emotion and the mutality of love is unchangeable, the situations more current to today’s society.
The Beatles’ songs explored all facets of love…or lack therof, from the chirply cheesy “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” – which becomes almost heartbreaking when interpreted via the film, “Acoss the Universe” – to the terrifying “Eleanor Rigby,” about a life thoroughly without love. Or other people. And since I apparently cannot discuss anything without returning to music, I felt that this inclusion was fairly apt. Similarly, the “Modern Love” stories are mildly cheesy…like the college student’s piece on modern definitions of relationships…to the agonizing piece concerning a woman who’s fiance passed away, and the subsequent strong bond she shared with her partners mother. Part of me is desperate to submit something to this column, the other part doesn’t feel that my experiences are strong enough and is terrified of falling into the cheesy category. But, who is to judge or diminish my experiences?
Oh, just a New York Times editor.
I have days when I can write about anything and feel good about it. On the other days I question every word. Good luck.
jj
Yep, I surely know that feeling well.
Thanks for reading and responding!!!
- mir