This particular reading was all over the board for me. First of all, the title... The Algebra of Advent... I was not good at math (I got through okay, I just don't come naturally to it). I liked algebra better than geometry, but honestly I would've rather been sitting under a tree reading Louisa Mae Alcott at that time than figuring out higher math functions! And frankly, after reading this reflection I'm not sure what the title really means for this article. Rolheiser mentions it at the end, but nothing in his musings compared Advent to Algebra as far as I could tell. But then again, I don't remember much of anything on that topic except: x+y=z, or some such nonsense. Perhaps his reasoning is also on that higher math plane that I can't (and don't really want) to follow.
Then he mentions the book, The Bridges of Madison County (Or rather, the movie adaptation of it). This second reference shut me down further. I apologize to anyone who loves this book, but I couldn't believe this poorly-written, self-imposing book was a best-seller. I understand the appeal of a good romance between two lovers who can not be together -- trust me, ALL too well! I just found this skimpy book trite and an unnecessary waste of an hour of my time (it's a fast read, thank God!). Though I love Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood, I did not bother to see the movie. So, I wasn't predisposed to read and ponder too closely.
And then Roheiser talks about sex again and how waiting for it is sublime! I almost physically threw my hands up in the air with exasperation. Ok, Ron, we get it! Waiting is good! Did he write this for teens??
So, I'm not pondering any of those premises. Instead I decided on the one sentence that actually was pertinent to me:
Can anyone paint a masterpiece or compose a great symphony in a couple of hours?
The reason that this hit home for me is I've been pondering a lot recently about my ongoing struggle to get one of my novels published. Although struggle is perhaps too strong a word. I really haven't done much of anything "to pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again" after my first publisher closed its Young Adult (YA) line and then went belly up.
Sure, I scan the publishing sites now and again. I've even pursued self-publishing to a small extent (I emailed asking for more info -- they seem wary to give it until you pony up some cash, methinks). And I HAVE been writing. Not as consistenly as I want or should, but I have more than half-a-dozen imcomplete manuscripts to show for it.
Advent is about waiting, but this is the wrong kind of waiting. Writing is about doing. A publishing contract is not going to plop down in my lap -- though I wouldn't turn it down if it would, Lord! lol! I've discovered that writing is so much more than creating the story and putting it down on paper (or a Word document). Every moment of it once the story is done is about self-promotion. To a "good Catholic girl" who tries to be humble, this is very difficult!
I haven't had the "fire inside" like I've had in the past. I blame it on the cancer -- I've got to blame SOMEthing. But it's really no good. This is a goal that I'm not ready to give up on yet. I need to visualize my novel going to print and its success with the readers -- but MOST importantly I need to spend time on it. I need to go to publshing sites to find out their submission guidelines and start working towards re-submitting this novel!
And yet, that takes time. So it's still a waiting game. But it's not a stagnant one.
3 comments:
I liked your Bridges of Madison County comments. I have not read the book nor seen the movie though I know the premise. Obviously I haven't read the complete reflection that you did but why/how would that story come into Advent? I know advent means waiting but ??????
I guess I like simply stated things, such as the one sentence that meant something to you. It's clear without the need for great thought. Glad you found something that you can relate to in the day's writing.
And as for YOUR writing: I believe you will be published. You write well and one day the world will finally KNOW it.
Aubri - hope you are feeling better.
I have a little quote to share from my yesterday's reading. It's in line with waiting.
"I usually expect a quicker return on my hope, my prayer. ... There is no good deed that does not produce good fruit."
Hmmm, seemed profound last night when I read it! And my train of thought has derailed!
Have a great day.
I am feeling better, thank goodness, Wiz!
It seems that waiting to feel better was in store for me this Advent! lol
As to your question about BofMC, Rolheiser was using it as an example of how this ill-fated love affair -- a "love at first sight" sort of connection wasn't as noble or "sublime" as it might first appear. Again, we are encouraged to wait and let events happen in God's time.
I guess in a way, your quote supports that as well. Our time is not God's time. God does answer our prayers, but perhaps not as quickly as we wish -- or in the manner that we wish it?? :-)
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