Daily “Crayons!” on Instagram!
I know it’s only been two weeks, but I think I’ve finally found a video format that works for me. I’m getting encouraging feedback on my daily “Colorful Living” tips. If you’re a fan of what you see here, I encourage you to follo me on Instagram.
Today’s theme: Historical figures
Colorful Living Tip of the Day …
• As you begin to age, scan the history books for a historic figure to whom you might bear a passing resemblance. Study him or her. Being a historic re-enactor at schools or museums can be a fun and lucrative way to earn spare cash.
Relateds …
.Tell people you’re going to create an online archive of history’s greatest speeches, but recited in the voice of Elmer Fudd. When they ask why anyone would do such a thing say, “I have a dweam.”
• Find ways to massage your ego by proposing ways you’re better than historic figures. For instance, George Washington was an inspirational leader and visionary for revolutionary liberty, but you can certainly drive better than him.
• I’m confused about pejorative origins of the word “hardship.” Hardship should be good. History would be different if Titanic were a hardship.
• Wonder aloud if anyone who watched the historic February 9, 1964, U.S. Beatles TV debut said, “When I grow up I want to be just like Ed Sullivan!”
• Historians recall Nostradamus as a famous visionary who could see the future. Ask if the prophet had a cousin named Nostrildamus who could smell it.
• I wish Bishop Desmond Tutu had a son named Bishop Desmond Tutu so Bishop Desmond Tutu could be called Bishop Desmond TuTu II.
Zeitgust Word of the Week (a word I made up with the goal of getting it into an actual dictionary) …
Zeitgust: The contrived and deliberate act of trying to mass manipulate the popular culture to an individual whim. One lone man’s attempt to zip zeitgust into the dictionary..
Related blog post, “Greatest American Speeches & Why Mine’s Better…”
My darling little 9th grader flattered me by asking me to name which great American speech she should analyze for a class assignment. I was very pleased. I register near zero on the provider scale, but she knows she can count on me for intellectual heft. She always sees me reading thick history books, hears me at dinner weighing in on current events and understands the importance of when I talk to her about pivotal moments from our nation’s past. I revel in the past because I know it enriches the present and presages the future.
From Back A Ways …
“Marching on Gettysburg w/ daughter, 12,”Feb. 2008 …”
Concluding thought …
• Sir Issac Newton is supposed to have been so brilliant he would wake up and sit on the side of the bed immobile, too paralyzed by genius to commit to further motion. He was one of history’s greatest minds. Don’t feel bad if you wake up and your first thought is, “Pop-Tarts or Lucky Charms?”
Author’s note …
People often ask me how long it takes to write a novel. As I’ve only written one novel my frame of reference is narrow. “The Last Baby Boomer” is 66,143 words (215 pages) and it took me about two years. I’m nearing the finish line of my newest satire, “Evan & Elle in Heaven & Hell: A Long-Distance Social Media Afterlife Love Story.” This weekend I crested the 70,000-word mark and have been at it two years. I figure I have another 5,000 or so words before finishing. I intend to keep it snappy. Just because a book deals with eternity doesn’t mean it should take forever to read.
Writing any book is an exercise in abject optimism. You forsake daily income in the hope and belief that your efforts will pay off down the road.
But it’s mindset sure to produce hardship and tension until the presumed — but not guaranteed — payoff materializes. So as I struggle to produce something magnificent and devote many other hours to pursuits that many of you enjoy for free, I hope you will consider donating whatever you can spare (PayPal, Venmo, 874 Solomon Temple Rd., Latrobe, Pa, 15650) as I slog bewildered on my quest for solvency and recognition.
All Chris’s books can be purchased through www.ChrisRodell.com