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

26 comments:

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

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  3. 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. 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. 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. Love the Bartleby reference. Spot on.

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  7. 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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  8. Bartleby the Scribner! English class flashback!

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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. I'm not the manifesto sort, either... enjoyed the reference.

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

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  14. 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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  15. 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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  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. 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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  19. One of my favorite quotes. That, and "Stay golden, Ponyboy."

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  20. The messiness of life is often more entertaining!

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  21. Julia, Oh, The Outsiders...

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

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  22. 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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