Why The Lamplighter's Notebook?

The Lamplighter's Notebook is the name I have given to the most recent version of my personal cyberspace soapbox. I like the name, and I chose it because in my head it gives a pleasing image.

The image is this. A dimly lit, Charles Dickens-esque city street at night, with the stars out overhead and a crisp breeze blowing. Not too hot, not too cold, perfect weather for wearing a jacket in. The street is dark, devoid of cars or bikes or any signs of machine life. I don't know how late it is, but the moon is out.

A light flickers in the distance, a spark that flashes into warm life, kindling a glow that catches the eye on an otherwise dreary view. It happens again, closer this time. Again. Again. Closer.

Finally the spark flashes quite close, and I see it light the lamp at the top of the post nearest to me. The boy who did it is lit by its friendly glow as he comes down from a small ladder. He takes out a thin, bound notebook and writes in it with a small blunt pencil. I don't know why, exactly, but I feel there are great things to be learned from this boy, his book, and the lamps.

Like him, I want to make lights in the dark, using the fire given me. I have a long journey ahead of me, and if I take notes along the way, it is because I want to learn and help others to learn. We are all looking for that light in the darkness. It is enough for me to one day find it, and every day draw others along the path of looking for it, too.