Wednesday, April 6, 2011

I would prefer not to.

Breakfast in March, 2011

I believe my manifesto is deflating, shrinking, melting -- something like that. It was such a nice manifesto, accompanied by a pretty springtime picture. I just don't think I'm the manifesto type. Somehow, the moment I make the formal declaration, my excitement fizzles out. The grand plan shifts to chore. I begin to feel like Bartleby, and I've never even worked in a dead letter office. It's such a shame. Perhaps things would be different if I had an office boy named Ginger Nut. Or maybe I just prefer the messiness of life, and breakfast.

"I would prefer not to." -Bartleby, the Scrivener
Posted by Denise | Chez Danisse at 3:01 PM
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26 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 6, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    "Bartleby," comedy or tragedy? Well, I'm sure it's ok to let that manifesto shrink...just so you keep on writing. You not writing --that would be a tragedy.

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  2. Denise | Chez DanisseApril 6, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    Melissa, Mostly thinking of the "I would prefer not to" bit. You are very nice :)

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  3. kateApril 6, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Everyone should have an office boy named Ginger Nut!

    Up here spring has not yet arrived in any serious way, so your manifesto needn't begin...

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  4. JanisApril 6, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    You are probably already a good egg without sticking to a manifesto...

    Eat pastry, be happy. That's my mantra. Shae jam? Good for you!

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  5. flwrjaneApril 6, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    maybe it was meant as an inspiration for us?

    Ask not what your country can do for you and all....

    xo jane

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  6. bowstreetflowersApril 6, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Love the Bartleby reference. Spot on.

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  7. Rachael | The Slow-Cooked SentenceApril 6, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    I like the un-manifesto life best.

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  8. nancy at good food mattersApril 6, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    that's the problem with manifestos! they are sort of restricting, even the nicest of them.

    I agree with countingdandelions---keep writing, keep putting it out there.

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  9. TracyApril 6, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    to be or not to be

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  10. Stacy G.April 6, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    Bartleby the Scribner! English class flashback!

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  11. AnneApril 6, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    I agree with Kate: everyone should have an office boy named Ginger Nut! And concerning the manifesto, well it brought you at least another lovely post :-)

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  12. the LadyApril 7, 2011 at 5:17 AM

    Your manifesto inspired me to check out Heidi's work.
    And your photo really was very pretty.
    It's all good.

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  13. EmilyApril 7, 2011 at 6:08 AM

    The best thing is to go with how you feel, rather than pushing yourself to stick to plans. I'm a messay person too and prefer to just do things spontaneously. I've never read Bartleby but know that "I'd prefer not to" sentiment all too well. Just imagine how boring life would be if every minute was mapped how and accounted for.

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  14. LeciawpApril 7, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    I'm not the manifesto sort, either... enjoyed the reference.

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  15. HaddockApril 7, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    I would say, forget the manifesto, just live life as it comes.

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  16. Denise | Chez DanisseApril 7, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    Thanks, everyone. You are very kind. Thanks for putting up with me.

    Janis, How did you know it was a Shae jam? It was the raspberry and it is gone, but now I'm into blueberry-kiwi-lime and quince-orange-cardamom. The girl has a gift.

    For anyone curious about Shae, the Jam Queen, here is a link to her blog: http://hitchhikingtoheaven.com/

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  17. JanisApril 7, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    I have Shae jam too, all sorts. Oh yummm - she really knows what she's doing, and is a sweety of a person.

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  18. alexandriaApril 11, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    I admire you switching lanes to one that is more suited. I love making lists, but I try not to let them overwhelm me. More like a reference when I'm not sure what to do next. I love the last line: ...maybe I just prefer the messiness of life, and breakfast. That is brilliant.

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  19. AnonymousApril 13, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    oh, i love to make manifestos but i also agree that something shifts once the manifesto is declared. like there isn't enough space to wiggle around and just find the pretty light again. you know? i know you know. cheers to sometimes messy mornings, dear you.

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  20. RachelApril 16, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    Sometimes I feel the same way...we want to shout out to the world our plans but often it just seems counter-productive. Of course I have no doubt your life is full whether your follow that particular manifesto or not. Your breakfast is perfect.

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  21. Denise | Chez DanisseApril 20, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    Thank you. It seems you all understand.

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  22. JuliaApril 24, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    One of my favorite quotes. That, and "Stay golden, Ponyboy."

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  23. Nicomi Nix TurnerMay 4, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    The messiness of life is often more entertaining!

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  24. Denise | Chez DanisseMay 5, 2011 at 6:39 AM

    Julia, Oh, The Outsiders...

    Nix, I'm suddenly feeling an excuse not to clean my apartment today.

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  25. M.May 6, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    I am all for the messiness of life myself, but once in a while have an urge to make lists and plans, just to pretend that I vaguely know where I'm going.
    :)

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  26. Denise | Chez DanisseMay 16, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    M., I know what you mean, me too.

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