Just Larking Along

So, why do I write this stuff? It’s a fair enough question. Recently Marc Holt wrote to say that I should take my writing more seriously. While I readily admit that I really should take a few minutes to check for a variety of errors, (spelling, missing words and grammatical), I still find it hard to consider what I write as anything more than personal anecdotes. Some of the folks who submit their work here are published professional writers; others are gifted amateurs. In both cases, they all take what they write “seriously”. I applaud their dedication to a noble art. Frankly I am but a casual slacker who writes on a whim. If the Muses have ever come whispering in my ear, I was obviously preoccupied with something more important, like cleaning out a grease trap. Yes, no sleepless nights for me fretting about writer’s block. I am happy as can be just larking along.

Calliope, The Muse of heroic poetry has wasted her efforts on me. My tastes are decidedly plebian, and don’t run to poetry of any kind. Well, I must admit that I enjoy a good ribald limerick, although come to think of it, is there a limerick that is not ribald!

Clio, the Muse of history has had much more success in getting my attention. I am absolutely fascinated with history. It is instructive to know how we got to where we are today. I only wish that more world leaders knew more about history. Perhaps, although I sadly doubt it, we could stop making the same mistakes over and over again. Obviously the folks in charge suffer from Einstein’s definition of mental illness, performing the same actions but expecting different results.

Erato, the Muse of erotic poetry has been partially successful in her efforts, at least as the erotic part in concerned. Oh, I do indeed like the ladies. I always have and always will. Perhaps I like them too much, but that my friends is another story altogether!

Euterpe, the Muse of music has had mixed success with this poor sod. Although I love music of almost every variety, I have absolutely no musical talent whatsoever. I can whistle a tune reasonably well, and if my vocal cords are sufficiently lubricated with alcohol, I can belt out karaoke favorites as well as any other fool. My eldest son’s genes did express some musical talent, as he graduated with a degree in music from the University of Vermont, and is an excellent pianist.

Melpomene, the Muse of tragedy, has left her calling card a few times during this sojourn on the planet. Burying one of your children can definitely leave scars on your soul that never heal.

Polyhymnia, the Muse of sacred songs wasted her time on me. I utterly detest most of what passes for religion.

Terpsichore, the Muse of dance took one look at a guy with two left feet, shook her head sadly and went on to visit Patrick Swayze.

Thalia, the Muse of comedy had better luck than her aforementioned sister. If nothing else I do consider myself to possess a parking wit and a profound appreciation of the comic arts. You dear reader may indeed be in stitches right now reading this…..or not!

Urania the Muse of astronomy has had the most success of them all. Astronomy remains one of my passions. If my math skills had been a little better….or actually a lot better, I think I would have pursued a career in the celestial science.

So, how did I come to submit anything to Thailandstories? The answer is simple. Mike wrote to me and asked me to! Apparently he had seen what I had submitted to Stick and found and even more amazingly liked what he saw! The rest is history. I have to say that I enjoy tremendously what Mike and Mo have created. It is most assuredly a breath of fresh air. I enjoy reading everyone’s comments, and enjoy making a few of my own. As long as I find what I do to be amusing, I will continue sending things in. I will try to proofread more….but when I’m rushed, well, so be it.

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