Thursday, February 4, 2010

A Tall Tail or a Short Break ? ? ?

Well, I'm not going to beat about the bush, as it were . . . For the next two weeks or so, I'm going to be totally absent from the blogosphere . . . off on a desert island in the southern seas, returning to the origins of life on this planet, returning to volcanic powers and primitive flowers, getting away from industrial disease and other 21st century forms of madness. Going back in time. Way back. Getting to know my family again. Going cold turkey from the daily injections of blog posts and comments and counter comments and followers and site meters and visits to all your blogs. And hopefully will return all charged up and ready and raring to go again.
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What a year it's been. I can't tell you how much I've been enjoying the ongoing conversations with many among you. I never dreamed the blogosphere would turn out to be such a rich and vibrant community. I had no expectations when starting out with the blog, had no idea what it might lead to. Ok, it hasn't gone viral or anything, but you know... so what. It has led to some wonderful people, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. Thank you so much for everything over the past year, your companionship and friendship on this strange voyage means the world to me. And I'll be back. But right now, I need a breather... to go do some deep breathing exercises by the waterside. Or on top of a volcano.
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Now, yesterday it was a zebra, today it is a giraffe who has wandered into these pages. And it sure looks like she has something to say to us all. But the question is : what ? So if you have any ideas about what this gentle giraffe is saying to us. . . well, just go ahead, that's what the comment box is there for. . . (and it almost looks like her face has been tattooed. . .)
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Oh, and given that I'm going to abandon everyone for two weeks, I won't leave you empty handed. I discovered recently that a highschool classmate from way back when has taken to writing books, and getting published. I had to give one a try, and I'm awfully glad I did. The Blue Tattoo, by Margot Mifflin is one of the most fascinating and thought-provoking books I've read in a long time. Margot has done an exquisite job of researching the story of Olive Oatman, who was captured by Yavapai Indians in what is today southern Arizona after the murder of most of her family members, was then traded to the Mohave tribe along the Colorado River, where she lived away from white culture for several years in the early 1850's. While living with the Mohaves her face was tattooed, a sign of belonging to the tribe. Her "release" from the Mohaves was negotiated finally, and she returned to her native culture, bearing trans-cultural baggage she no doubt carried with her the rest of her days.
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This book provides plenty of food for thought about a wide range of subjects, including the expansion of America into the West in the 1800's, where Indian cultures were obliterated along the way, the notions of what it means to belong to a culture, fascinating insight into the Mohave tribe's civilization, glimpses of the Mormons, the literature of cross-cultural captives, tattoos, and more, much more. So, while I'm away, I'd highly recommend that you stop by Amazon.com, and order a copy of Margot's book, you won't regret it. And they make excellent gifts. . . so give one to a friend or two too. Well, I hope this has grabbed your interest. They say there is no such thing as bad advertising . . . see you in a couple of weeks !
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41 comments:

William Evertson said...

Oh no where will we go? On the bright side I'm sure you'll come back with a ton of new material. Enjoy!

The Sagittarian said...

Crikey, for a minute or two there I thought it sounded like you were coming down HERE to visit...island, southern seas, volcano...anyway, have a nice breather Bro. Will miss you but promise to behave in your absence. (slinks away whistling...)

Ann said...

enjoy your time......you put so much of yourself and your time into your blog, you need some away time.
I certainly will miss your posts and will be delighted when you return.
until later.....................

Patricia said...

So glad that you will have enjoyable time off. So sorry to tell you that your exquisite giraffe can say nothing. She is silent...that long neck can support vocalization...but no worries, she has long beautiful eyelashes to bat at us.

Amanda said...

Enjoy your time off.
(Zebras and giraffes were my favorite animals in Kenya).

Susan said...

I'm guessing Haiti!
Back in time? Volcanic powers? Tropical flowers? Yup. You are going to Haiti.

And if not, just let me imagine you are looking for Mr. Bon-aime and don't spoil it with the truth.

Lynne with an e said...

Well, okay. Go ahead. But wear your hat and be careful not to fall into the volcano. And be sure to post a photo of your new tattoo upon your ass--er-- I mean, upon your return!
(see? I can read your cryptic messages between the lines. Primitive ways...tattoos...It's obvious yer going for a new tat)
:-D
Bises from your Big Sis
Oh yeah, and don't drink too much fire water.

CiCi said...

Enjoy your time with your family. You will be missed but everyone understands the need to recoup. Hugs to you and the family.

desi said...

WOW, im DEFINATELY going to read this book!!! i love history and the story sounds very interesting.

Have a great day Owen!!
desi

Babzy.B said...

Have a good break on your desert island ;)

Selina Kingston said...

Have a great break and I look forward to seeing some fabulous photos on your return

Steve said...

Owen, enjoy your holiday - you and yours deserve it richly. Savour every moment!

Deborah said...

Well Owen, I have to say that I was initially very excited by the giraffe and what I could say about her given that she is a member of my extended family thereby giving me great insight into what's going on in her head, and then I wanted to congratulate you on your holiday-making decision and to wish you a wonderful, blissful time, and then to thank you for being so considerate as to let us all know where you were going (well, not 'where' exactly, but good enough) but THEN, I saw Anonymous' comment and all I wanna know is, where do I sign up????

henk van es said...

Enjoy your holiday and have a nice, thoughtful time. All the best!

Unknown said...

Have a lovely holiday, Owen! Well-deserved… and take your camera, of course. ;)

Nevine Sultan said...

This giraffe is saying, "Owen, please don't go away." But then this giraffe is being selfish, isn't she? All I can say is "I understand the need for a break." We all need to break away from what we're doing, even if it's fun, for fear of its becoming a routine, as well. And we all need to step away from our daily lives and go somewhere far away and chill. You're doing the right thing, although I have to say you will be missed by many, including me. I hope you have a wonderful time in the company of family and loved ones and friends! Take care, Owen.

Nevine

French Fancy... said...

an unusual holiday choice for an unusual man.

Aren't giraffes beautiful

Linda said...

The giraffe wants you to be safe and happy. You will be missed.

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your vacation! Good to get away from the industrial disease, I totally agree.

"And?"
:)

@eloh said...

Be safe.

Loulou said...

Gone already????
BON VOYAGE, enjoy it with your lovely treasures, you deserve it... I trust you will bring back lots of materials, food for thoughts and that will b eamazing, as always.
We will miss you, take care, bonnes vacances, je vous embrasse
Loulou

Anonymous said...

The giraffe is saying, "Bon voyage."
And we'll all be awaiting your return!

Jim

The Poet Laura-eate said...

It's been a pleasure lighting up your life Magic Lantern! Thanks for the counter-illumination too. Fine blog, fine photos.

Hope you have a grand time discovering your fossilised ancestors.

The giraffe is saying 'On the internet, no one knows you're a giraffe'

Obviously.

:: Karine :: said...

see you in two weeks, so owen !!!
have fun, enjoy evrything !
I will miss you but I know you're going to come back happy ! sorry for my english, you know it's me karine :-)
lot of kisses owen adoré xxx

PeterParis said...

Blogging is great, especially when one "meets" bloggers like you! However, sometimes a break makes good! Enjoy!!!

Aleks said...

" Gimme some bananas will you?" -said the Giraldo the giraffe.... :O)
I wish you a pleasant stay in wherever you go to and loads of good time,loving moments and connecting to your roots,recharging your batteries and enjoying yourself!!
Stay safe,ciao,
Aleksandra!

AnSa said...

.. I wish you wonderful moments - post is wonderful - I warmly congratulate :)


..picture a giraffe is wonderful..

..warmly greet..

Virginia said...

We'll miss you Owen but everyone needs a break and some time to just relax and enjoy. We'll be right here when you return. All the best to you and your family.
V

Batteson.Ind said...

*licks top of pencil and adds to list...

1 giraffe

blue tattoo book..

have an excellent break.. as in rest, not actual BREAK..

cheers!

Roxana said...

i understand you so well, dear Owen. i have started to feel the same, lately. but i will miss you. i miss you already :-)

i wish you a fabulous time away and am waiting for your return. with more wonderful stories and pictures.

ps. but you are right, zebras have something magical about them.

Lulu archive Availles said...

Oh, Oh ! Cette girafe me regarde de haut parce que mon anglais iZ so bad et qu'il va m'être impossible de lire ce bouquin qui pourtant me semble passionnant !
A très bientôt Owen, profite bien de ces moments de vacances !

Nathalie H.D. said...

The giraffe is saying
"get me out of this concrete environment, will you?"

Thanks for the book review, looks like a thought provoking story!

Enjoy life in the south seas! What a great idea to leave now when everyone is so fed up with the cold. I for one am jealous, I can tell you!

Plum' said...

Bonnes vacances Owen, profite bien de cette nouvelle aventure et reviens vite nous montrer tes "prises" :)
Tes histoires vont nous manquer...
A bientôt,
K'line

Margaret Pangert said...

"I can't believe what I just saw!" said the giraffe. And to you, Owen, after such a primordial experience, I think you will come back with a clearer world view. Enjoy! Your old friend, Margaret

jeff said...

Hey ! faudrait voir à mettre ce blog à jour mec ! J'ai comme la vague impression que c'est toujours la même image depuis des semaines...:)))
Bon, je sais... amuse-toi bien et reviens en grande forme cher ami !

A bientôt pixpote !
Te la cool pas trop douce quand même...! Il y en a qui bosse par ici ! Mouuaaaiih !...;)

Ciao...;)

clo said...

bon Owen ....
je pense qu'il est grand temps que tu reviennes....j'ai l'impression que tu es parti depuis si longtemps...
plein de douces pensées...
clo

Art said...

You should be back about now, no? Come bearing photos, and I'm sure we'll all be appeased over your absence. : )

Nanny Goats In Panties said...

Well I hope you've had a wonderful time escaping the high tech world to get re-aligned! One of your photos will be appearing very soon (if not sooner) on a Goaty website near you! Since you're gone, I guess I'll wait to put up your pic until the next installment to give you a chance to come back first and enjoy the link love. Looking forward to hearing about your trip.

- Margaret

Jo said...

Good for you Owen...! Never take blogging seriously. There is a real world out there. Enjoy it, and all the real people in your world.

Cheers!

Jo

English Rider said...

and counting....

Plum' said...

Pleased to know you are back now, Owen :)
Tell us more, tell us more...;-))
Cheers,
K'line