This is the first post on my new blog, "Gwynt". It is, therefore, an introduction, a dipping of the toe into new waters, a step into the unknown, even perhaps an act of faith. I sense a degree of nervousness about this venture, and I think that is a good thing. I cannot know where this venture will lead, if it leads anywhere at all. I do know that if I am going to do this, now is probably the best time to start.
But why would I want to have my own blog? Why would I choose to engage in an activity that may leave me vulnerable? I don't know. All I do know is that this activity may answer a call, pave a Way toward some place I cannot yet see. Ah yes, a call from the future!
As part of this introduction, I would like to explain why I chose the name Gwynt. I must say it has nothing to do with Wales, or the people of that lovely principality. The fact that the name is Welsh is coincidental. Last year, in September of 2012, Lucy arranged a trip to a falconry here in Brittany. Her write-up of that trip is here. Gwynt is the name of the beautiful Harris hawk with whom I had an all too brief association, a name that means "wind". At a deeper level there is an association of "wind" with "spirit", which may well describe the essential focus of this blog.
I would like to thank Zhoen for nudging me towards the opening of this blog, Natalie d'Arbeloff whose curiosity I could not allow to go unassuaged, and Lucy who was the prime mover in setting up this blog.
Blogs are whispers in the wind, brewing up hurricanes.
ReplyDeleteOh, i do love knowing the name of that lovely hawk you spent time with(one of my favorite posts on Lucy's blog), and the meaning of the name...my chosen name for the 'net being zephyr (for some reason, blogger won't let me sign in with anything but anonymous)
ReplyDeleteWhat's all this? "an activity that may leave me vulnerable". For goodness sake, that starts of a morning when you get out of bed. I expected something a little more assertive, also a little more specific.
ReplyDeleteAnd how about a policy statement? Gwynt will fearlessly go into the the dark corners of life which Box Elder, for reasons of good taste, has left unexplored. Gwynt will be ying to Box Elder's yang. Will dismantle the Code Napoleon. Will be a focus for the views of Little England (or Big England if you prefer). Will age disgracefully. Will actively seek to prosyletise on behalf of cricket. Will fearlessly identify the French wines that should be avoided (starting with those based on the Gamay grape).
Heck, you've deliberately hitched your star to the tail feathers of a raptor. So start off dishing the dirt on nature red in tooth claw: engage us; challenge us; insult us.
A couple of don'ts: technology (the gels aren't interested) and posh music (nobody's interested).
So as I stand poised, ready to initiate the launching ceremony by breaking a bottle of cheap cava over your noble brow (but avoiding the comma of hair that drops down over your right eyebrow) let me urge you to look down the slipway and note - out there in the roads - a clump of sharp-edged rocks lashed by waves. Aim for them.
oh...i see that my name did appear, upon final posting. Good to know.
ReplyDeleteZhoen: Thank you. I trust I will always have the wisdom to remember that.
ReplyDeleteZephyr: Glad I was able to be of service.
ReplyDeleteRobbie: Welcome! One doesn't always get what one expects. Gwynt may well go into dark corners, with some discernment I hope. She is certainly a fearless bird and carefully eyes her prey before swooping. I certainly hope to engage and challenge, but will the challenge be answered with an open heart and mind? However, if you're looking for insults you will need to look elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteFinally, thank you for recognising my nobility (of brow at least), and I will note your "don'ts".
welcome, tom! come on in, the water is warm(ish).
ReplyDeleteThank you. That's all I ask, for now!
DeleteWelcome, Tom! Cool name for your blog, lovely story. Beautiful bird, too!
ReplyDeleteMartha: Glad you like it, and she most certainly is a beautiful bird. I miss her.
DeleteWelcome to 'the club', Tom. I love your title and its meaning. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteMarja-leena: Thank you. I hope to be both serious and to have fun. Also, I hope that you friends that I have come to know through Lucy, will feel able to stick with me and enjoy the experience.
DeleteCan't wait to see what I can learn from you, Tom.
ReplyDeleteEllena: I'm intrigued!
DeleteWelcome Tom!
ReplyDeleteI'll be reading with interest....
Julia: Thank you. I wonder whether this experience will always be this nerve-wracking.
DeleteTom, I'm stunned, blushing and proud that you mention me as one of the inspirations for starting your blog! Now it's perfectly clear that curiosity does not kill cats but is a fine thing which may lead fine people to begin blogging.
ReplyDeleteJudging by your first entries, it would seem that you are a blogger at heart who has been hiding under a bushel but the posts are just waiting to be tapped onto your keyboard and thence released into cyberspace, like Gwynt the hawk taking off from your hand.
Thank you. I'm going to add you to my blogroll right now.
Natalie: Thanks for making me chuckle at your delight, and your blushes. If I am one of those fine people you mention, it says much for the fineness of the person who recognises it. A lovely sense of expansiveness in your welcome comment.
ReplyDeleteTom, I'm just delighted to discover this new blog, through Lucy of course, and highly amused because after 10 years of watchign over my shoulder, my own husband started a blog just a few months ago too. So you are the next generation, and a fine one it is starting out to be! I hope you enjoy it as much as Lucy and Natalie and I have enjoyed ours, and the wonderful people met along the way. I do feel that I "know"you a bit, and it will be a pleasure to expand that acquaintance here. (p.s. Posh music posts always OK with me!)
ReplyDeleteBeth: Hullo! It feels delightfully strange to be part of the 'next generation' of bloggers - the new kids on the block. I hope my blog continues to fulfil any expectations you might have. Here's to the future.
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