A few days ago, I wrote a bit about abstraction; not to explain it, but to explore my interest in the concept. I thought writing about it could reveal some insights into it that might not otherwise emerge. The jury is still out on that idea. Writing, as I say far too often, is for me equivalent amounts to “thinking with my fingers.” Between fits of my keyboard expressions, though, I continue to ruminate over matters that I find intriguing. Since the recent post in which I mused about abstraction, I have been asking myself why the topic has captivated me for so long. And I have wondered why my interest has not simply remained stable, but has grown. I may have found the answer. Directing my attention to the topic can distract me from more troubling thoughts; mundane thoughts, for example, about watching sporadic protests take place while democracy dies. The rage this country witnessed during the final years of the Vietnam war was far more widespread and more intense than the reactions I see now during this period of what may well be the preamble to invocation of the Insurrection Act of 1807. The impact of another matter of personal importance to me, the predetermined outcome of my battle with lung cancer, also might be kept at a tolerable distance by the distraction of abstraction. But, as I think more on these matters, I wonder whether abstraction has less to do with revelations about dissimilar relationships (as I suggested) and more to do with its utility as a means of escape. Painting can be an escape. So can photography. Hobbies of all sorts can serve that purpose. Writing, too. And thinking about matters that require and therefore redirect significant amounts of one’s attention. An escape from reality.
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Today is the day. Work begins on renovations to our kitchen and bathrooms. Another distraction from reality, as an abstract idea begins to take shape in concrete form. It may seem odd that we are undertaking a project of this scope, considering how much (or little) time I might be able to enjoy it, once completed. But I am not alone here; mi novia also will reap the rewards of a more appealing space in which to retreat from a world that seems to be spinning madly out of control. And, as we told the contractor when we discussed our plans, I have been literally dying to get a more welcoming kitchen. It probably was not appropriate to say that to him; gallows humor can make people very uncomfortable. I would like nothing more than to ask the same contractor to refresh the update in five or ten years. 🙂
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The skies are clear, according to my computer widget, and the air is a cool 37°F. The high is expected to reach 50°F; still quite cool for an old, balding man who has lost much of the insulating fat that kept him comfortable for so long. If money were unlimited, I would add a fireplace to my study and another one to the bedroom we use as a television/ entertainment suite. And, of course, if mi novia would like one in her study, I would happily arrange for it, too. Occasionally, I daydream about what I would do with the money if I won an enormous lottery. It would be fun to compare what I actually did versus what I thought I would do. I doubt a renovation would be in the cards. More likely, an entirely different environment would take the place of remodeling and a philanthropy spree would make life substantially easier for a lot of people who deserve a less troubling, stressful life. Dreaming of such stuff is, in so many ways, wasteful thinking. But, still…
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If I’m going to get any napping in today, I better start soon. Contractors will be here in an hour and a half. Once again, I was up at about 4:00 this morning. Perhaps that is too early to think; that may be responsible for my crumbling creativity lately. But, thinking is not reserved for the early morning hours. So, there you go.
