Recent essays for Band of Writers

History's Dustbins and Ash Heaps

San Jose, CA: April 7, 2024

The life stories of most people living today, including my own I suspect, are headed for the dustbin of history. They are all recorded in official records of births, deaths, marriages, attendance at meetings and so forth.

A few people's lives are remembered long after their deaths and the deaths of their children and grandchildren. They are remembered for their accomplishments that affected many people on a local, regional or global scale, for better or worse. Some of their names and accomplishments inspire writers and editors to enter them into the body of literature we call history. But others are excluded or expunged from history by people with vested interests in alternate interpretations of events, especially after wars when history is written by the victors. The views of the vanquished are consigned to the dustbin of history.

In the fullness of time, historians, archaeologists, geologists and crime investigators can dig through the dustbins and ash heaps of history to resuscitate knowledge of formerly suppressed people and defeated communities.

Embrace being human in every way

Los Gatos, CA: May 12, 2024

Start when you're born by crawling on the floor and pulling the cat's tail to get your mother's attention. If she doesn't scold you for not recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every cat, run away from home the first chance you get. You cannot expect anyone who disrespects cats to respect her own child, or any other mammal for that matter.

You now face your first fork in the road. If you ran away, seek a higher authority because you're going to need one to survive. The mayor's office would be a good place to start. Hitch a ride if it's too far to crawl.

If you stayed home, you're in good hands, probably a family of Unitarian Universalists, Hindus, Buddhists, or just plain cat lovers. Cultivate your natural curiosity and learn as much as you can by all means possible: reading, interrogating your elders, exploring the world, and engaging in physical activities. Don't let them foist a smart phone or other so-called mobile device on you before high school, or your developing brain and body will atrophy or get run over at a cross-walk while you're Googling. Leave your internet life at home with your stationary device when you venture out in the natural world and you'll learn more about it, you'll get more exercise, and you'll make more friends.

Prompt for 10-minute writing exercise:
What's your favorite company name?

United Metropolitan Improved Hot Muffin and Crumpet Punctual Delivery Company. This Dickensian company name came from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens, published as a serial from 1838 to 1839. I wonder when somebody will start a real company with that name, so I can find out how improved hot muffins and crumpets taste. Ralph Nickleby is the founder of the fictitious company, so maybe somebody with that name will be inspired to start it.