Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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THE GREAT ARCHIVE
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What's New From Josh?
Josh wrote: "Blah, blah, blah-blah BLAH.Do I never SHUT UP? :-D"
Thank the gods the answer to that question is, 'NO!' :)
Josh wrote: "Katharina wrote: "Josh wrote: "My inability to stick to a project -- let alone a schedule -- is actually embarrassing at this stage. What the heck is going on?"Maybe it's something in the air or ..."
Well, indirectly, yes. If I don't get results and publish them I'm out of a job and a future in science. I know that you can say that about any job, probably, but if I don't publish anything soon, I can pack my bags and go. Not to mention that the publishing process in itself (after the manuscript is finished) takes up to 2 years... a very loud ARRRRRRRGGGGHHH about all of that ;-D
ETA: of course, I don't actually directly gain money from the articles. Only, well. A PhD and a job. So you probably can't really compare it to your situation ;D
Josh wrote: "If you guys have been reduced to searching out my non-fiction ramblings,..."It's probably more of a sign that I need to de-stress. It's getting scary when I start putting together lists. Only thing worse: I start organising my desk... ;)
mc wrote: "Wow, Katharina. My stress over classes seems really unfounded compared to that!"LOL, oh I'm sure it's nothing that a few months of 11 hour days can't resolve ;-D
Seriously, though, I'm just having trouble sometimes with setting my goals. I can work when I want, basically where I want and I make my own schedules. My boss only wants to see results and that's it. That's very cool usually, but on the other hand I find it tough sometimes that the only person really monitoring my work is me - and I find myself procrastinating at the worst times. I'm just telling myself it's all part of the learning process, though... :-D
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..."
:-D
Maybe a symbolic name change would have helped!
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Yeah, I didn't want to say the obvious, but I think I'm either a carrier or those of us with the disease are congregating.
We're congregating for sure, Josh. Though I finally finished the second draft of my essay due tonight. Small break (here). Tea. Get to work on some other class lectures totally neglected. Break (eg, back here). Take one final look at essay and turn in. Make lists of everything not accomplished this weekend. Add new deadlines of new lectures coming up next week. Cry.The thing is, I'd be so much better working on someone else's project to meet HIS/HER deadline.
I don't have any deadlines (we're not counting my inability to get to the parents' house on time when I'm supposed to be cooking their lunch). I'll just be in the garden watching through the window at the floundering and flapping going on.
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Now come in perfect quiet,
now come here, right away…
Why do I find that to be beautiful? Some combination of short simple words invested with meaning, obvious meaning (sea to sand) and implied meaning, the way haikus work. Is that there in the Finnish, or is it something I've read into the translation?"
Josh wrote: "Something about the simplicity of that poem makes it all the lovelier. Like whitewashed rooms with big windows. No clutter, no cobwebs, just bright light that illuminates every corner."
Katharina wrote: "To me, it's like standing outside at dusk in the middle of nowhere and breathing in the clear air around you.
Simple, beautiful, alone, and quiet, with a slight flavour of longing."
Karen, Josh, Katharina — you guys made me so incredibly happy today by understanding why I find that little poem so beautiful.
After posting the poem I actually felt like a complete idiot, because I was so sure that everybody would think that it's naive and stupid. This was also the first time I've found it translated to English and I wasn't sure what to think of the English version. I've got so used to the feel of its Finnish words, the way they taste, the way they flow softly like the waves in the poem. And the fact that it has so many beautiful words in it: ihana, hiljaisuus, vaalea, ulappa, liukua, pilvet, lumoavasti, laulaa, aalto...
It was fascinating to notice that you too felt the serenity, the brightness and the lightness of the moment... the sweet longing in that little poem. I love the simple beauty of it. The strange mix of melancholy and hope. All those quite ordinary, small words that aren't nothing special really, just everyday words — and still... they are so much more.
I don't exactly know why I was so nervous to share the poem... it's not like I've written it myself. Was I scared to find out that you all would hate something I find so precious? Anyway, the reason I wanted to share it was that ever since reading Come Unto These Yellow Sands I've connected the poem with Swift and his Orson Island cabin. I realize that it's no Shakespeare, but (to me) the tone is just right for Swift.
And finally a few words about the poet Saima Harmaja (1913-1937). She had a tragic, short life, which is reflected in her sensitive poems. At the age of 15, she contracted the lung disease tuberculosis. There were good seasons and bad seasons, but 1937 she died at the age of 23. She kept a diary, which was published posthumously with her poems.
Johanna wrote: "I've got so used to the feel of its Finnish words, the way they taste, the way they flow softly like the waves in the poem. And the fact that it has so many beautiful words in it: ihana, hiljaisuus, vaalea, ulappa, liukua, pilvet, lumoavasti, laulaa, aalto..."This description is just so amazing, Johanna. I love your comment about 'the taste' of words.
I'm so glad you got over your nervousness.
Johanna wrote: "And finally a few words about the poet Saima Harmaja (1913-1937). She had a tragic, short life, which is reflected in her sensitive poems. At the age of 15, she contracted the lung disease tuberculosis. There were good seasons and bad seasons, but 1937 she died at the age of 23. She kept a diary, which was published posthumously with her poems. "It's amazing how knowing something like that lets you see things in a different light. Now, I like the poem even more because it makes me understand the sentiment behind it a little bit better.
Thanks for that, Johanna!
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I really should not be one to be giving advice about how to avoid procrastinating what needs to be done by finding a zillion other things to do that distract one from deadlines, even from externally fixed deadlines. I barely completed my dossier in time, and that was the difference between being able to renew my teacher's license (to have a job!) and not.
Ironically, I used to do this for others, help them to organize their to-do lists and follow through, and to organize their stuff. Now, don't even think about asking when we're cleaning out the garage! But
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Do I never SHUT UP?
If you guys have been reduced to searching out my non-fiction ramblings, it really is time to produce more fiction. :-D"
LOL. :-) :-) :-)
Yeah, think about it this way: You'll feel better if you've written at least a few chapters of H&M 3 before we start preparing the release party over here... ;-)
(Pssst, Calathea. Quick, put the balloons away...)
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Well said. I agree.
Oh I read Flying High: The Adrien English and Jake Riordan Interview, and I want to thank you... thank you for posting it Calathea and thank, thank you Josh for writing it. I did need that finality. Though, I'd really love more finality in another book, but I understand you've moved on, because I do love the H&M series and want to see where they are going...
Josh wrote: "Susinok wrote: "Josh wrote: "My inability to stick to a project -- let alone a schedule -- is actually embarrassing at this stage. What the heck is going on? ..."Maybe you are not used to working..."
Oh, I'm happy to help assist in scaring you into writing any time you like!
Though I'm clearly part of a long queue...
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Oh, this reminds me of a word I really, really like to use, because the word feels nice in my mouth when I say it: squirrel. And nowadays it also makes me think of you guys here in Josh's group... LOL.
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I though you might like to know a little bit about her. :-) I always enjoy knowing a bit about the artist whenever I'm admiring his/her work.
Wait, you think of us as rodents? Albeit with nice tails. But rodents?In NYC, squirrels are just better dressed rats. :-)
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In NYC, squirrels are just better dressed rats. :-)"
CUTE rodents? *ducks*
All right, Johanna. All right. I see where we are now.
This topic only existed for one day as a squirrel-free zone. They're getting faster. Prepare for the attack of the squirrels!@Johanna: How much did they pay you again? *shakeshead* And there I thought you were on our side...
Johanna wrote: After posting the poem I actually felt like a complete idiot, because I was so sure that everybody would think that it's naive and stupid. This was also the first time I've found it translated to English and I wasn't sure what to think of the English version. I've got so used to the feel of its Finnish words, the way they taste, the way they flow softly like the waves in the poem. And the fact that it has so many beautiful words in it: ihana, hiljaisuus, vaalea, ulappa, liukua, pilvet, lumoavasti, laulaa, aalto....."It was lovely to have it in Finnish as well as English - not that I speak a word of Finnish you understand but I could sort of taste them. I particularly liked ulappa - to a English ear like the sound water makes. Does the original poem rhyme?
My advise, for all it's worth, is to simply stop. Stop and center yourself. Then decide your favorite project of the bunch. Not what you have to do first, or what you said you would do first, but your favorite. The one that would make you feel good personally. Then drop everything else, if possible, and focus on that. You need to put your head down at night happy and fulfilled once in awhile. It's what allows us look the rest of the crazy we still have waiting in the eye, and not run screaming.
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@Johanna: How much did they pay you again? *shakeshead* And there I thought you were on our side... "
The only problem is that they pay me in pine cones...
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Yeah, I like the taste of ulappa (=open water) a lot. And yes, it sounds a lot like waves and open lake/sea. It's funny how some words taste/feel/sound like their meaning... like lullaby and murmuring... and squirrel. :-)
In English the poem rhymes more than in Finnish. The original version only sort of rhymes: taivaalla — ulappa and väsynyt — nyt.
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And I sincerely appologize for hijacking the new great topic for poem discussion and for dragging in the rodents too... *gives bambi eyes and offers chocolate*
Johanna wrote: And I sincerely appologize for hijacking the new great topic for poem discussion ..."As it's National Poetry month (in the USA and UK) I think we can be forgiven for discussing poems but maybe we need a separate thread for poetry? To avoid making Calathea's thread all untidy.
mc wrote: "For one thing, I used to have a full name along with an actual physical body...now I have this two letter acronym and an avatar that changes from a symbol for human love and equality and a seated baby giraffe. What the heck? ..."I'm sharing your pain ...
Johanna wrote: "Oh, this reminds me of a word I really, really like to use, because the word feels nice in my mouth when I say it: squirrel. ..."And your saying that reminded me of Mary Stewart's Nine Coaches Waiting, where Linda is walking in the woods with Philippe teaching him the English words for things. He can't say "squirrel" and calls them "skervirrels" instead.
Hj wrote: "And your saying that reminded me of Mary Stewart's Nine Coaches Waiting, where Linda is walking in the woods with Philippe teaching him the English words for things. He can't say "squirrel" and calls them "skervirrels" instead."Germans have a similar problem, the word squirrel is very awkward for us. To make up for it *g* the German word for squirrel, "Eichhörnchen", is extremely hard on English tongues
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Johanna wrote: "Yep. The Finnish word orava (squirrel) is easy peasy compared to the German word... ;-)"Such a pretty word for squirrel.
Pretty words. Still a rodent with a Saks Fifth Avenue tail.
Was it here that I told my story of sitting on a park bench reading a book and having a squirrel jump off a tree branch onto my shoulder before it jumped down on the ground and scampered away? I turned my head when the hard thump hit me and LOOKED A SQUIRREL IN THE FACE.
mc wrote: "Was it here that I told my story of sitting on a park bench reading a book and having a squirrel jump off a tree branch onto my shoulder before it jumped down on the ground and scampered away? I t..."Yes, it was here. I love that memory... You shouldn't read such interesting books - he couldn't see it properly from his tree!
Hj wrote: "mc wrote: "Was it here that I told my story of sitting on a park bench reading a book and having a squirrel jump off a tree branch onto my shoulder before it jumped down on the ground and scampered..."Or you could read out loud so he could just sit by and listen.
Liade wrote: "Germans have a similar problem, the word squirrel is very awkward for us. To make up for it *g* the German word for squirrel, "Eichhörnchen", is extremely hard on English tongues..."Isn't Eichhorn German for acorn? So it makes sense...
About the work thing once more: When I'm feeling overwhelmed and overburdened with work, I usually read this little excerpt out of "Momo" by Michael Ende. (Momo is a children's book - but it's without doubt one of the best books I've ever read in my life.) I like it better in German, but it works in English too, I think :D It's a very simple message, but it still calms me down, helps me focus, and gives me confidence.
“'You see, Momo,' he [Beppo Roadsweeper] told her one day, 'it's like this. Sometimes, when you've a very long street ahead of you, you think how terribly long it is and feel sure you'll never get it swept.'
He gazed silently into space before continuing. 'And then you start to hurry,' he went on. 'You work faster and faster, and every time you look up there seems to be just as much left to sweep as before, and you try even harder, and you panic, and in the end you're out of breath and have to stop - and still the street stretches away in front of you. That's not the way to do it.'
He pondered a while. Then he said, 'You must never think of the whole street at once, understand? You must only concentrate on the next step, the next breath, the next stroke of the broom, and the next, and the next. Nothing else.'
Again he paused for thought before adding, 'That way you enjoy your work, which is important, because then you make a good job of it. And that's how it ought to be.'
There was another long silence. At last he went on, 'And all at once, before you know it, you find you've swept the whole street clean, bit by bit. What's more, you aren't out of breath.' He nodded to himself. 'That's important, too,' he concluded.”
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LOL. This is, without doubt, the funniest description of squirrel that I've ever heard. I'll climb to bed laughing today... :-)
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Thank you for the Momo excerpt, Katharina! I bet we ALL have been staring in horror to that very long street ahead of us at one point or another...
Katharina wrote: "About the work thing once more: When I'm feeling overwhelmed and overburdened with work, I usually read this little excerpt out of "Momo" by Michael Ende. (Momo is a children's book - but it's with..."What a lovely book, and thought.
Katharina wrote: "About the work thing once more: When I'm feeling overwhelmed and overburdened with work, I usually read this little excerpt out of "Momo" by Michael Ende. At last he went on, 'And all at once, before you know it, you find you've swept the whole street clean, bit by bit. What's more, you aren't out of breath.' He nodded to himself. 'That's important, too,' he concluded."
I'm going to keep the whole of that extract and pin it above my desk at work.
Caroline wrote: "I'm going to keep the whole of that extract and pin it above my desk at work."I always have it on my computer to read when needed. But printing it out actually sounds like a perfect idea!
...I'm really glad you guys like it as much as I do! :-D
Katharina wrote: "About the work thing once more: When I'm feeling overwhelmed and overburdened with work, I usually read this little excerpt out of "Momo" by Michael Ende. (Momo is a children's book - but it's with..."Katharina, I can't thank you enough for posting this.
mc wrote: "Katharina wrote: "About the work thing once more: When I'm feeling overwhelmed and overburdened with work, I usually read this little excerpt out of "Momo" by Michael Ende. (Momo is a children's bo..."You're very welcome! :-D
Hj and Anne, I don't think I remember the exact book, but it was a mystery. I think it was a Donna Leon, based in Venice.I haven't read anything for pleasure in so long. Right now, I'm trying to read articles by Foucault and Adorno and Horkheimer, for another paper I have to write this week.
I am sure it is profound, but right now, trying to get through it the first time, it is very dry. The squirrel would definitely not be interested. He would throw Eichhorns at my head, no doubt.
... and there's your solution to the squirrel problem, right there. Who knew Foucault could be used in that way?
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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