On "A Wagner Matinee" by Willa Cather

Hmm... two posts in one day? (don't get used to such spoiling)

     My sixth period class consists of an Adv. English course that includes but is not limited to American Literature. We've currently reached the end of the first part of unit four (Realism & Regionalism)*, and today we read what I dare say is a most memorable tale. I highly recommend reading it because my skills at summarizing are not yet adequate enough to showcased in public. The link is below.

                                                    ==PAUSE FOR LITERATURE==
     
      Assuming you've read this, is it not one of the most moving and memorable stories you have ever read? Cather does a supreme job at conveying the bittersweet  beauty of the moment. Oh, we are lifted to the highest triumphant when our protagonist is reintroduced to that universal Beauty, that angelic entity which truly transcends the mundane. And after rising so far, we fall even deeper with the realization that it is a fleeting moment. The show soon ends, and everyone leaves. In a short while, Georgiana's business in Boston, and soon she will leave Boston. Again, she will be forced to say good-bye that sweet Substance.
      For most, especially teenagers, I'm not sure they could fully understand Georgiana's loss.  If we wish to listen to music or experience most things, we can get it via the Internet (also/formerly CDs and radio and television). I'm no expert of economics, but it seems to usually be true that the more there is of something, the value attributed to it goes down. With the gargantuan amount of information we find online, too many loose sight of the trees for the forest. 
      How do combat this? How do we fight this epidemic. Simple: Learn to appreciate. Stop and listen to that music, examine that painting, etc. Who say's it even has to be within the realm of the arts? Whatever your "in to," whatever stirs your soul, grasp it. Run with it.


Until next time (however short or long),
Jesse Byron,
a fellow human

                                     

Story found on:  http://www.readbookonline.net/readOnLine/1945/

*NOTE: My school uses the text American Literature which is published by McGraw-Hill Glencoe. Personally, I think the curriculum is absolutely brilliant.

....but a single step

All journeys begin with a step, and all blogs begin with a single post. So, let's start this off right:


Hello


     My name is Jesse Byron. To begin with, I suppose I should give an explanation of the title because it may seem odd to some. "Publica" is the Latin form of the word "public." Autopsychographia (aw-TOW-sigh-CO-graph-ee-uh) is one of my own invention. In truth, it is simply a fancy way of saying 'journal' or 'diary.' So welcome to my public diary! I read on blog (Writing Forward by Melissa Donavon. It's wonderful.) that to be a great writer, you need write nearly daily. Not only do I wish to be a great writer, I also want to communicate with people. With those truths in mind, a blog seemed the natural and logical choice.
     What exactly will I be blogging about? I will not be following any particular theme or current. One day it might be some of my poetry, the next a movie/book review. Or an essay. Or an anecdote. Or a short story. It could be a deep, philosophical notion or a whimsical and meaningless fancy (we can't be serious all the time, can we?). It quite literally could be anything at all.
     Hmm, I guess I should include some details as to who and what I am exactly. Most importantly, I am a Christian. That truth shapes everything else. Most basically, I am junior attending Faith Academy in Mobile, Alabama. Infact, I'm making this post while sitting in my dual enrollment class. I have many, many interests. Writing, reading, thinking, breathing, learning, and many other various things. I'm also an thespian participating in my school's drama department. Acting is one of the greatest activities known to man. I'm also a bit of geek. I'm sure I could share other details of my life, but I don't wish to drone. Many things you'll simply learn from reading my posts, and if your curious then do not hesitate to make an inquiry.
     So, once again I welcome you. Step on this path with me, and we can journey together. Propose, ask a question, challenge a statement! Give input, invite friends, the more the merrier!


Until next time (however short or long),
Jesse Byron,
fellow human