First, thank you for all your expressions of concern and interventions with the Big Guy/Positive Energy. It’s very much appreciated.
Second, I realize that the previous post is a poor place to leave an invitation for the community to “talk amongst themselves.” So here, hopefully, is a more congenial place for the regulars to chat about issues of common interest while I attempt to decide what it is I want to do with this space going forward.
I started reading blogs in the Arabian Gulf during the winter of 2002 and the spring of 2003. As the Operations Officer of an aircraft carrier, I was fortunate enough to have privileged access to bandwidth, and was interested about how the impending conflict was being reported on and understood back home. It became clear to me then that much of the old way of gaining information was being overtaken by this new media, and I took that for a great good thing. (Events of the last week have also confirmed that “this new media” has taken on a new and more toxic life of its own.)
But back to me for a moment, if you’ll indulge: There was a war that I had helped in my own small way to fight. A war I thought, having committed the flower of our youth, that we ought to try and win. And there was a serious – by which I mean “threatening” – opposition movement emerging that I believed was motivated as much by domestic partisan advantage as it was national security concerns. So I found myself inevitably draw into the political scene. I did this while occasionally writing tales about flying fighters off aircraft carriers and life at sea, something I had some domain knowledge of and enjoyed sharing.
Politics, alas, never ends, but sea stories eventually run out. You only get to tell so many “there I was, flat on my back” tales before the well runs more or less dry. This probably happened a few years back.
Blogging, like nature, abhors a vacuum. Something has to fill the space, and much of this space ended up getting filled with the domestic political scrum, which is frankly depressing to think, read and write about. And finally, I bring no real unique insight or domain knowledge into that niche. There are hundreds if not thousands of greater and lesser minds engaged in that space, some of them quite obsessively.
And it all takes time. Time I could have spent exercising, reading more, thinking more deeply. Time I could have spent being a better naval officer, perhaps. A better worker. A better husband.
A better father.
It is probably several multiples more time-consuming to create this stuff than it is to consume it. And while I truly appreciate the generosity in time and materials that you, gentle reader, have provided me over the years to indulge in this hobby, my joy is not unalloyed. I find I no longer have much time to engage in the lively discussions that an occasional post will engender. I spend quite a surprising amount of time checking the email address of a commenter for familiarity before nodding and deleting the accompanying email unread, or at best lightly skimmed, and much more time that I would like deleting spam.
I have learned a lot along the way, and many of you have helped to teach me. I’ve made many friends, only some of whom I have met, or ever will meet. And only, I think, a very few enemies. At least one of whom I have come to think of as a friend, although we have not met and do not share many, if any, of the same opinions about practically anything. I have learned to examine unquestioned certainties.
There are all kinds of addictions, and this became in time one of mine. It took my attention from places that it probably ought to have been better spent. I would like to be able to tell you that I would do everything the same, given another opportunity. That all of this has been worth it. That any of it has made a difference.
In the grand scheme of things, I’m just not sure that’s true.
So: Open thread!
Lex, thanks for all the time and effort that you have put into this blog. I have enjoyed it very much.
“Easy ys myne bake to rede and telleth of moche fyte,
But then your easy rede is damned hard to wryte….”
Family and balance is all that matters Lex. Period. Full stop.
You have created an amazing community here – just thru the cautiously-applied force of your opinion, your intellect and the generosity of your time. I’ve wondered, with each post I’ve read – how the hell does he do it all? Work, fly, family, church, friends… There has to be a point when the tender balance of those things goes awry.
If that is the case here – it is with a heavy heart that I say you will be missed, mightily. I’ve been reading and commenting here since you started this blogging adventure and it’s one of my first reads everyday. When I came here my political belief system had started to change; it was a tender tiny shoot of reason in a world that had suddenly been filled with everything but reason. Finding your blog – and others similar – helped that tender tiny shoot of reason become a tall, strong tree. You helped me formalize and finalize thoughts that had been, up to that point, disparate and unconnected.
So to the point of whether you have meant anything – this is one small person in your blogiverse that you did help in ways seen and unseen. And the community you created here helped with that as well.
Lex, no matter what you decide to do here – it is your decision and while we all may hem and haw and plead and cry – your life and the balance therein is all that matters.
The only thing I ask is this … if you go sinker permanently, promise us you’ll get the book published and that you’ll agree to an in-person book signing for all of us.
What she said – about both the book and the signing.
But I don’t think Lex is going to find it that easy to let go – ever notice how when life-altering events occur, we find the need to step back and reassess, both our priorities and our life? It happened with the fires a few years ago and me thinks there is some major stuff going on at home at the moment. And so, Lex, being who he is, tends to beat himself up quite good every once in a while. Remember a while ago he wrote something about his daughters – whenever things are going well, he credits his wife but whenever there is a problem, he blames himself for all those years he was away?
So, yeah … I’m not trying to minimize what is happening at the moment in any way or say whether he should stay, go or stay and do things differently, although I tend to think the best answer may be the latter. But I’m just not so sure that he can/will do that. Remember last time – after he said he really had to cut back, he jumped back in with both feet. I don’t know how he does it and I really don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing for him personally but … old habits die hard and compulsions die even harder. And although we’re the lucky beneficiaries of that, I do hope that this time he can fashion some solution that works for all areas of his life.
Lex, are you listening? Hoping this isn’t just another email – you do realize that every time you do a post like this, you just create
50100 times the email for yourself, right?Michelle:
I think you’ve got it.
Time and reflection bring a return to balance.
Whatever you decide, of course. Although I never had anything intelligent to contribute, I so wanted to.
My sincere thanks to you and this community for laughter, tears and great knowledge – sometimes a different way to look at things. Never a waste of time to come here & some days it was the only bright spot. Just know that the time you spent writing here was valuable to us all, and we’re appreciative. I feel sure you’ve been and always will be a good father. Will continue to keep y’all in my prayers.
“…the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”.
Peace be with you and your family. Thanks for everything. ‘Twas not for naught.
I originally got here as the result of a general web search for F/A-18 something or other; ended up at your thesis paper or such ["now gimme my A"]. Still have it. Got hooked by your writing, insight, and your guests.
Seems to me like you may be applying the principles of Aviate-Navigate-Communicate to life, which is a good lesson for us all.
See ya ’round the web! Oh, and I’ll be looking for that book off and on. Keyword “rhythms” in the main or subtitle somewhere. Kind regards to you and yours, Brian Christie, USN (Ret) ’80-’03.
Please extend to the Hobbitt, Cat, Biscuit and SNO sincere apologies for having intruded so much into what rightfully has been their time and lives.
Your courtesy to guests has been most gentlemanly (as befits a true Virginian) and we have probably dined more sumptuously from your resources than we had any right to. For that we apologize.
If we are afforded continued visits, our expectations will be far more modest, and we will remain equally appreciative, if not more so, for the mere pleasure of your company on even an extremely limited schedule.
To Everything there is a season
From sea stories/tales of Bones on the unauthorized low level route to your novel-in-installments to what it is today … all efforts mature and adjust. As raw feedstock disappears (tales) your personal industry adjusted. Every blog brings uniqueness – either style, or background/experiences, or whatever. Your style, wit, carefully prepared (yeppir – that ‘time’ thing) prose certainly has inspired many, and caused more than a few pauses to carefully consider other views. This is a zero sum world (see ‘laws of thermodynamics’ )- – benefits accrue but only at an expense to some. Valuing the trade-offs is a dynamic and personal process.
From seeds, through growth, to harvest – - all things cycle.
Congratulations, sincere thanks for what you have done (professionally in USN and personally here). Godspeed and a following sea – whatever your future pursuits.
What he (Old School) said, Lex. I was thinking exactly that: “To everything there is a season.” Each of us has needs, responsibilities and loves that we need to honor and tend; I respect you for declaring this is the time for you if you must go to them.
While I’ve commented little, I’ve read, laughed, wept and learned a lot! Thank you for being you, your energy with us has welded a true community. However, if you should decide this season is over, I’ll truly miss you. The many facets in each of our lives provide meaning, color and energy; I’ll miss this facet in my life!
Lex, I guess I’m encouraging to sign off for good. It will be good for you, your family, and us. I just can’t see you or us being truly satisified with limited posts at some irregular or even regular intervals- it will only (somewhat painfully?) remind you of what you had done before, and us of what we’re missing. I see this as when one of my favorite shows goes off the air- I’m really going to miss it, but all good things must come to an end and it was great fun while it lasted. Most importantly, if there’s any question as to family priorities, NepLex and the readership doesn’t even rate a second thought. Good luck, fair winds and all that…
6:18 in the following clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wArl_1aAdE&feature=related
Lex,
The fact that I came here on a recommendation of a fellow aviator and San Diego lawyer is akin to checking out a new museum, restaurant, airport or store. I was curious and thought I might get some enjoyment out of it. Well, I did, still do and kept coming back, just like a favorite restaurant or bookstore becuase I found something here that wound my clock, made me think and most of all smile! No matter which road you take going forward, it was a pleasure sharing this one with you.
V/R
Airmail
Lex, a heartfelt THANK YOU! It has certainly been a pleasure.
Capt;
I faced addictive behaviors about 12 years ago…that’s when they came to the forefront. Cost me much, a price paid in lost relationships and more. I’d say about the 4 year later point is when I got out of the woods (the you’re not the one who’s thinking right here moment), yet still have to be mindful daily. I didn’t do it alone, and I may not be at the exact “why?” but the one that came to me after about 3 years of tough work, still seems to be the anchor point that I had lost, and the path away. Blogging, has been a semi-replacement.
You have given me insight, ideas, and material I have passed along to many. To your fellow Brown Shoes and to civilians and many in between, specifically to make a difference in their perspective, or to add to their understanding of life, the Universe and everything. Well, sometimes to just put a smile in their day by the way your told of life in the Navy, or your home,
I was inspired to take a shot at mimicking your online novel method, and, while not complete, has brought me some wonderful comments that let me know a few appreciated the stories I had to tell in that format. And, after a short conversation with SGT B at MilBlogging Conf #2, it spurred me on to another idea, which, has been coalescing in the background all this time and the few I have mentioned it to have thought it a good idea. I credit you for the spark in the tinder.
As for the family, I have been fortunate enough to have reestablished those relationships, in a far better manner, as a result of looking back at the not so good ways I handled things. I will only chalk that one up to grace, from above and here on Earth. I look back and my opinion of me is my family were “hood ornaments” on my life, not the gifts of humanity that they are and I needed to treat with far greater respect. I try to no longer learn lessons that way as a result.
I have taken advantage of your relationships with those you have drawn here by the excellence of your work, in the many categories. I come here several times daily, not only to see your work, but to read/interact with the wonderful group of commenters here. Note to the rest of you: I’m pretty fond of all your inputs/snarks/insights and the vast amount of truly professional advice provided when Lex, or anyone else has asked for help in career decisions, or camera lenses to purchase.
Occasionally, some people locally think I might know about blogging, and when I coach them, this blog is the main reference for what outstanding content and engaged visitors can make happen. One of the slides is a screen shot of the header here!
I know you have made a difference very directly, specifically with young men, and I suspect women, entering the field of Naval Aviation. Even when you weren’t AD any longer, you provided a professional mentoring product here for them, and the Nation will be served well as a result. You know that, from a few of the emails you’re shared on this blog over the years. I am appreciative of that effort.
If this is the moment to bid you “Fair winds and following seas!” then I provide it, gladly and will keep you in the prayers here.
I know just what you mean CAPT Lex. Same stuff has happened to me, although different people, different addictions, etc….. But I understand how these things get away from us when we are busy elsewhere.
Good Luck in whatever you choose, Lex. Look me up if you are ever in Houston. I’m good for a Guinness, or six. Bring friends. Leave comrades.
Subsunk
I too will miss your postings, Lex. You have a sharp intellect and humor that is a joy to encounter on the internet.
Your blog is my favorite, and I especially respect the writer.
If you step back, it is our great loss — another point of light extinguished in the night.
But family must always have top priority, especially the future generation. I pray for your complete success in the task at hand. It is a far more dangerous enemy than any you have faced in combat.
I curse those who would corrupt the young and deal in death for profit.
Lex, having known you since the “old days” on AVSIG and the old Military Forum on CIS; later finally meeting up with you when you were doing your XO tour at NFWS in scenic Fallon and now hanging about here, it’s always been an interesting journey to observe, and occasionally comment upon. Just bear in mind that whatever decision you make now may possibly be a reaction to other, actually unrelated events. We can never undo our pasts, only shape our futures. Hang in there, have strength. I know you will make the right decision.
VR,
Comjam
Lex:
Once again I am late to this thread (due to restricted mobility because of a minor illness). Again, I can but echo all the previous posters in their appreciation of your writting/thinking/hosting and everything else you have given us, your loyal readers/fans. I especially want to echo VX’s wish/hope/plea for your site to remain available, as I too have many previous posts to read. I found this site earlier this year and it quickly became one of the three sites I visit every time I sit at my computer.
Whenever you are in the Portland, OR area, I will be honored to buy you (and your companions) refreashments.
Whatever you decide to do, you and yours will always have my best wishes.
Paul
Lex – No matter what the circumstances are that have caused you to take pause, please know that you have built a solid and caring group of borthers and sisters in arms.
We were shipmates, not once but forever, and I want you to know that you and your family have an open invitation to come visit us here in the Old Dominion, in the heart of the Blue Ridge, whenever your get back East.
Feel free to email me back channel if I can help in any way.
Cheers …. CoS.
Lex
I can’t add to, embellish or even out lie what others have already said here. I can only selfishly say that I, for one, don’t want to give up the UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF LEX!
Of course, you must do what you must do, but I’m hoping that sometime in the not too terribly distant future that we will again see you here, even if only part time.
Having said that, I can only remind you that. . . .
***********************************************************
“There was a Master come unto the earth, born in the holy land of Indiana, raised in the mystical hills east of Fort Wayne.” . . . . . .and he once wrote. . . .
Your only
obligation in any lifetime
is to be true to yourself.
Being true to anyone else or
anything else is not only
impossible, but the
mark of a fake
messiah.
***********************************************************
He says things better than I can ever hope to. I read that particular book once a year. . .more often when I’m feeling down. Keep the faith and be true to yourself. We’ll cope, whatever happens.
Lex
I’ve read this blog for a long time…..in addition to a daily collection of others. Having been a Marine A-4M jock, I was drawn here like FOD to an intake on a heaving deck. This is a unique place, and we get to hear a unique voice. I can’t imagine why you would have changed a thing about it.
Of course family comes first, and one of the sad trite verities is that our time with our kids is distressingly short, never to be recovered if squandered.
But never doubt the singular value of visiting this place to your readers.
Semper Fi
……
Lex:
Rather than shutter/mothball the site and effort, why not take a sabbatical? Time off from the (perceived) pressures of posting something on a regular basis, pull back, re-focus and maybe re-direct?
Appreciate all you have done here — ’twas your writing and the challenge (nagging) of Skippy-san that got me off TDC (aided and abetted by Xformed). Please know that you have an open invitation next time you’re out our way here in Occupied Territory…
w/r, SJS
There is a thought. Maybe have a rotation of guests to make comments – Virgil, Mongo, maybe the Padre, Flit, and a few others.
I’m flattered that you’d think of me in that context, Joe. Thank you…
Lex, Sorry I’m late.
My sincere thank you for your immensely informative, entertaining, and especially thought provoking blog all these years. Also thank you for running a tight ship, and maintaining an admirable and unusually high level of discourse. Moreover, thank you for allowing me to offer my counter, and sometimes perhaps offensive to many, opinions, and still be treated with respect.
I have learned a lot here. Not only from the wealth of things you post, lex, but also from most all of your legion of visitors. (One does not necessarily have to agree with an issue or opinion to really learn from it, as I have found out.) A lot of what is posted was never taught to me in school, nor did I learn it during my varied working career. New vistas, ideas, and perspectives have opened up, ones that were never before for me. Thus I am a better individual for it, because of you!
With valuable but fixed hours in the day, time allocation is ever difficult, most especially for the “Renaissance Man” (a person who is well educated or who excels in a wide variety of subjects or fields.) and the prolific doer. Indeed I have long wondered how you do it all…. Work, family, flying, travel, blogging, hobbies, rest. Your pace is almost beyond my comprehension. Truly I admire you for not only doing it all, but also seemingly doing it all very well. If perhaps imperfect as we all are, you can and should still be very proud.
Unfortunately with the many things we do, we live for, and we love, and given our finite time and limited resources, what is allocated to one important endeavor must be at the expense of another. While extremely difficult to maintain, a certain balance is always key, and forever the dynamic and daunting challenge for all of us. Perhaps even more so for the best of men, I think.
Of course I have become addicted to your blog, and expect some unpleasant personal withdrawal, as I’m sure others will. Even though I do have extra time as a retiree, there are times when I probably should be doing something else than assessing, enjoying, and debating online here. Then again, maybe not
.
Anyway, thank you Lex. You are indeed a wise and blessed man.
My opinion, Flit, FWIW…I’ve meant to express this for a while now, and perhaps this is the moment to do so, even if very briefly. Your opposing viewpoint is of considerable value to me, and I’m grateful for your contributions towards my examining, as Lex states above, the unquestioned certainties.
To ‘counter’ is good. It keeps us thinking, and, IMO, there’s never any question about your deserving anyone’s respect.
See ya around…
Lex-I started reading your blog one day a few short years back, pregnant and cranky, when I got tired of listening to my husband talking every other day about “this blog written by an old squadron-mate.” Determined to pre-empt him by reading it BEFORE he got home…. Got drawn in, of course, being that DH & I share a few common interests….
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for a few years now, but in all honesty most enjoy the lively debate, discussion and comraderie of your loyal readers…you’ve got some good folks following you.
We started our own blog a short time ago, mostly to keep in touch with the small number of parents worldwide dealing with the same incredibly rare syndrome (“Less than 200 kids worldwide? Ever?”) And having started our own place online, mostly to keep in touch with friends and family, in between the appointments and the surgeries, I know it can become all-consuming very quickly.
Good luck to you and your family, as you move on from here, wherever your path may lead. Thanks for being a special part of my husband’s life. I know he is the man he is today, in part because of the leadership in his life while a junior officer. That kind of leadership is something he holds very dear today-he really enjoys mentoring younger officers-and I know its because of the examples he saw as a young man. Thank you.
Lex,
Family first, and if that allows one post a week, or one a month, I’ll still be checking in on a daily basis. Also, I couldn’t think of a finer person then you to have in my corner while facing life’s challenges.
All the best,
Dan
Death is light as a feather; duty, heavy as a mountain. – Meiji the Great
Having done a reassessment of my own a while back, I’ll make just one point: never forget, we’re just readers. We come and go. Spouse and family? They’re a little more difficult to replace.
Well Crap!
I haven’t been as attentive as I should have been, lately,been dealing with life changes myself.
Thank you for these last 7 years.
Sir,
I can not answer for others but through both my sons’ deployments to Iraq, it helped me to come here and read. You are not bitter and harsh like many blogs. So in my case you have made a difference for good.
You should put all your sea stories together for a book.
May God bless and keep all in your household and may you walk with Him wherever you go.
In a sense, I’m relieved; there are so many addictions that are nothing but destructive. This blog has been one place where civil discourse is not only expected, but respected when discussing social and community issues; and while you may not have a unique insight into our concerns, you have been able to sort through the sensationalism to find commentary that informs rather than entertains.
Still, life before hobby, and if you need to spend your efforts elsewhere, we’ll miss you, but understand.
Respects,
Oh, and since this is Open Thread, we all might appreciate something from the lighter side:
Note: PG-13
Good to find a place like this, better to commune with those present, best to know you are wise enough to prioritize the things of this side of Heaven.
Thanks from a short-timer.
Oh, and be sure to √6, they’re out there and breeding.
Captain,
For quite a few years I’ve considered you a friend I haven’t met. I found your site by searching on “Naval Academy Pilot” or something along those lines, and was extremely pleased with what I found. While my children were taking their ongoing trip towards military careers of their own, you were a source of good info and encouragement. But, what I mainly got from your site and my fellow readers and commenters is an example of the type of people my children would be associating with and trying to emulate. For that I will be forever grateful.
If this is the end, or close to it, it comes at an opportune time for me. I just got back from Monterey where I witnessed the graduation of my daughters A-school class. I’d put this fine group of men and women up against any as an example of what is good about this country. And this old guy had a little tear in his eye as his daughter strode across the stage and received her diploma. Her teachers and fellow class-mates all had good things to say about her at the after grad party. Truly a moment to cherish.
You’ve been with me in the background for years, so once again, a heartfelt thank you, no matter what the future holds.
Idaho Joe
Sometimes it is just . . . time.
“A man ought’a do what he thinks is best.”
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Keep it steady, Lex, we’ll see you down the road.
In good time.
No question that blogging can be addictive. I have an addictive personality (hello, NA!), and I know I choose to blog at times when I should be doing something else. My blog centers on topics about which I have had to learn a great deal as I go along, and that has taken copious time. I’ve only been at it 7 months and get a fraction of your traffic, but I still feel a compulsion, if you will, to produce a certain amount of content every day or week.
But still, being a surefire addict, I’m not sure the blogging is an addiction, for me. I don’t do a darn thing with it on virtually any weekend, because I’m always doing other things I like better. I do know it intrudes on work, however, because I’m dead tired of my line of work and frankly am probably looking for an excuse to move on. And it has opened up all kinds of doors – being a semi-regular on a local radio program, speaking at tea party and more church-oriented events. I think God is preparing me for something, what I do not know. Sometimes we have to suffer to pass through to a new vista God has in mind for us.
I have no idea as to your personal circumstances. I do know that God often works in ways that are not always apparent, and that frequently the “safe and cozy” path is not what He, in His Beneficence, has in mind for us.
I agree with SJS, it might be best to just take a month or so off from posting, and consider what is best for you. If you decide that it is time to move on, and leave this blog behind, do so, as your health is far more imporant, as well as your family. We will wait until you decide.
I will certainly miss your viewpoints on the world, should you decide to go. Maybe you will decide to post just once a month, or so, just so wee know that you are alive, and well. In any case, you have the full support of all of us here in your decision, whatever it may be.
Lex I enjoy your writing style very much. In fact it reminds me a bit of the writing style of one of my best friends–a fellow lawyer. Jack was a small town high school athlete, captain of the football team, and a plebe at the Naval Academy in 1959 or so. They’d told him that he could be/would be trained for Navy JAG. When it became apparent that that would not be done he was released and enrolled in Naval ROTC at UC Berkeley. He served four years as a surface warfare officer on the Oklahoma City and other vessels then went to law school. We worked 25 years together as corporate lawyers at a major West Coast oil company–always joking that we really wanted to get our hands on the corporate recruiter who found Jack in Seattle and me in San Diego to join the company. We’d make that rascal sweat!
That said, Jack had a lovely and amusing writing style that entertained many in our circle of friends and in the corporate headquarters under the non de plume “The Phantom”. Jack and The Phantom retired a year or two before I did and a great sadness was felt in the land. A fellow who can write in an amusing and interesting fashion about a great number of things is a rare treasure.
Jack died just two years ago after a lengthy struggle with illness. His last words to his beloved wife Becky were, “I’m sorry Toots.” And he was sorry because he felt he owed her more years of his life.
The sad thing in life is that nothing good lasts forever. We will all ultimately lose the pleasure of a friend’s company–and your blog has been a friend and a source of pleasure to many of us. Now you have to go and do what you have to do. I’m sorry that’s happened, and even sorrier for the reason which is trouble in your family. But friends are sometimes transient and family is forever. So go in peace. We will miss you.
Lex,
My $.02: I speak for myself only. I have been privledged to get to know, in a small way, a good man, an honest man and an honorable man. We share much in the way of values, of God, of family, of country and for fellow members of the Profession of Arms. I’d like to think that he has become my friend, because I will always be his.
I can’t help but think you left this place better than you found it and I, for one, am better for it.
Regardless of your impending decision, you and yours will always be in the prayer envelope. And every time I climb into the T-craft, I am reminded of your efforts to master the wily dinky wheel at the back end of the airplane.
Blue Sky and light winds down the (grass) runways,
Dust
When one cannot do what one loved full-time, often a part-time gig will suffice though not satisfy. Just sayin’, we don’t really need you to keep the conversation lively, we need you to start it off. Delegate moderation to a few trusted souls with a bit of time, pontificate as you get the time or urge, and I think you’ll find you enjoy your storytelling more as the weight of responsibility and time is lifted. There’s a few argumentative types around here that might make up for the quantity over at the flight deck, were they given the nod.
It’s your name on the hatch, I’m not going to tell you to do what your heart’s not in. Best needs of the blogosphere and readership and all that stuff notwithstanding, the needs of you and yours come first. Do what your heart tells you to.
There’s just a few stories here that tell me part of what your heart wants to do is write, it just doesn’t want it to be a full-time job.
– Max
We should congratulate Lex on his progress controlling his addiction here.
One post on Saturday. None today (Sunday).
That’s good. We are still having fun.
Maybe we get another one in a few days, and that would be good.
But, we don’t want our chaperon falling off the keyboard and running multiple posts every day when he should be busy working, doing family stuff, ore even aviating, etc.
Find a balance. We will be grateful for whatever literary crumbs fall our way, on YOUR schedule.
I suppose nothing too good can last forever, and while I’ll be sorry to see your excellent blog disappear from the slim crowd of well written, incisive commentary I’m very thankful to have been a reader for the past year and a half.
You wrote a heartfelt piece on my uncle, Turk Green, when he passed. I didn’t see him that often until the last few years of his life and I learned many things about the man from you that I didn’t get out of him personally while he was still with us. For this I’m ever grateful, that you were willing to portray him as he actually was, and open up a forum for me to hear those farflung, otherwise obscure opinions about him surface publicly.
I get a sense you’re a great man, just like he was and respect your decision to focus on what’s most important. Thanks again Lex.
Tyler
While yer still here, Cap’n, I’d like to pick your brains, a bit.
How do you think? Some of us were discussing thinking styles in the comments over at Amanda Baggs’s blog, see: http://ballastexistenz.autistics.org/?p=610#comment-279264
Obviously you are good at the verbal stuff, and can visualize, and all, but I do think that fighting in three dimensions at un-naturally high speeds and succeeding at it would require some kind of spacial thinking, of the kind Miss Baggs says she does all the time.
Yer thoughts?
P.s. I betcha training with the sword is the best training for non-verbal, not-exactly visual, but spacial thinking.
You are most-definitely a writer, and as such NEED to write (I suspect). I hope you find a way to balance it that you find comfortable.
I humbly submit that as a minimum, doing a once-a-week kind of thing (a la Friday Musing or Lileks) would be a great solution. You have a strong enough following that people would wait for you if they knew they’d get their Lex fix each weekend. And having only one (occasionally two) posts per week would allow you to stay engaged with the conversation the posts would inspire.
Just a thought…
True, very true.
The lady makes some good points.
I’m among many here when I say, more or less, it’s about balance. How you manage to do it is beyond me.
So, recharge, renew, reengineer, recommit to that which can bring your horizon back to level. Good luck!
Way …way purposly late to this thread for many reasons…the primary one…no the only one…was that I felt a bit put upon when you revealed that the “addiction” you were referring to in your post was to your avowed addiction to of all things… blogging?…flippen…blogging?…well color me analytically obtuse for not picking up on that one…
…that said, I did take some comfort after reading the heartfelt prayers and often gut wrenching follow on and extremely personal comments from the many good folks here, who assumed incorrectly, as I did, that the addiction you were referring to was of a higher level…say drug or alcohol additction to which some here… have had close personal experiences…no matter…
…its clear you have the Celtic gift for the written word that keeps this wonderfully insatiable rabble of highly intellegent individuals comming back again and again…how you proceed is obiviously up to you…as its been said in another contex…nobody has a gun to your head…enjoy this time in your life and above all …endevor to make it work for you and your family. Best
Lex you are without a doubt one of the most eloquent writers on the internet that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. You also run a very clean site. Two things not easy to find on the internet.
For me the Sea Stories, particularly Rhythms hooked me. I agree the politics of it all are depressing but I still find myself amused by your angle on some of the stories as well as the stuff that comes out in the comments. I’ll miss the site for sure if you go in a different direction. Or maybe I will not.
As for the addiction I wish you the best. The disease claimed my sister, the youngest, at a tender age. Dont be too hard on yourself over your parenthood. Some kids just make dangerous choices and no matter how much we parents try to help its not good enough. Lord knows my parents tried to help her.
Did any of this make a difference?
I say yes and thank you, whatever may come.
Five sentences certainly does not do the ordeal my sister went through or what my family endured justice. Nor should anyone conclude as I seem to suggest the situation is hopeless. A lot addicts recover and my sister nearly did. She needed a change of scenery as her peers, particularly her enabling boyfriend, were a big part of her relapses. Intervention and support go a long, long way in bringing them out of the rain. Particularly when they are ready. The wolf is always at the door for them.
The story starts when she was about 13 and a horse jumped on her causing a double compound fracture. It took a day to pack her out of the rural area she was in just to meet the ambulance by the road. From there she had a couple of surgeries and was given a lot of pain meds. Addiction dots my family tree in a few places and add in some self esteem issues and you get the picture. Once marijuana and the rest of it came along she, unlike me, had no fear of it. In the end it was a car accident that did her in. No one else was seriously hurt except her enabler. She just made poor decisions.
I have about 4 or 5 cousins and uncles that have survived addiction. They also tried to intervene as best they could. A lot of support and a lot of love go a long, long way to helping them get better. I certainly suggest breaking up the peer group as well as getting them involved in things. I notice that a lot of addicts that quit the addictions that nearly kill them tend to adopt new ones. Sometimes its smoking. Sometimes its exercising. They tend to be extreme about things. Another observation is that they use to escape. Whatever age they started using it is probably a reflection of what their age actually is. They might be 20 by age but only 15 by maturity because they checked out. They lack maturity and the ability to cope in the most basic situations but over time it gets better.
I wish you the best of luck.
Its not for me to pass judgement as to whether it has made a difference or been worth it for you. That I can imagine is a hard call and one I struggle wtih in my life when I refelct on the choices I’ve made the mistakes so blaringly obvious in hindsight.
But I can say it has been worth it to me – which is easy to say as I just consumed you produced. I also think it made a difference for the Republic by providing – at least to this small segment who call themselves regulars – a chance to reflect and vent on why we love this country and honor those like you who have served her well. That ain’t nothin.
Whatever you decide I hope to meet you someday for real. Hopefully it will involve flight in an airpolane with a tailwheel in an attitude no aligned with the horizon.
Lex:
Put up an article a week, every Sunday.
We will all be there for it.
Pet projects need to be leash trained.
Best wishes/ Gramps.
Thanks so much for sharing your gift with us and for providing
a place to meet and enjoy it.