this cold rain
amidst barren trees
a rose blooms
Blog
A Blogging Challenge
I don’t generally do these, but I’m starting to think I should. Take the opportunity to write more, right (write?)?
Anyway, Pooja posted this challenge to everyone/anyone who read the post (here’s the post that was the challenge to her). So, let’s explore this, shall we?
How did you come up with your blog name?
Well, this one’s pretty easy: it’s my name. And, nerd that I am, my goal was to capture the SEO surrounding my name. And I feel pretty successful. This blog is in the first position on a SERP for “carl setzer“.
If your blog was a person (fiction or real), who would it be?
Very interesting notion and question. I’m trying to think of a character who loves writing poetry, but also writes about a slew of random stuff. I’m drawing a blank, though.
What helps you create new content if you feel like you need some inspiration?
Like Pooja, I often get inspired by other bloggers. That’s what’s going on with this post. Another who’s
good for inspiration is my friend Bill Pearse and his blog “Pink Lightsabre“.
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?
I haven’t thought of collaborating in some time. It sounds like fun, but I’ll need to think about it further. If anyone has any ideas, I’m open.
Is there anything more you wish you had or would like to learn as a blogger?
One of my key goals as a blogger is to become a “better writer”. I’m working on defining that better. Most of my time as a blogger has been spent, well, flailing. No real focus, nor goals. I’m working on that, though.
Do you have a specific style of blogging?
Like Pooja said in her post, my style is pretty random and chaotic. Looking over the past few years, I seem to have settled in on poetry, especially Haiku.
So, my nominees?
I’m going to start with Bill Pearse at Pink Lightsabre. He’s also a blogger who I highly recommend others read. I also recommend DavidWDon (another writer of Senrye & Haiku) and Michelle Lee at “My Inspired Life“.
I’ll add similar disclaimers as Pooja for my nominees: don’t feel any pressure. That is NOT my intent. Also, if you’re inclined to add to this challenge, please do!
Tonight’s Haiku: December 14, 2024
clouds vibrant motion
brushing against the full moon
storms pass at nightfall
Some thoughts on the Long-Term Impact of Designed Babies
Oh, this article on Wired got me thinking: Designer Babies Are Teenagers Now—and Some of Them Need Therapy Because of It. Quick summary: the writer, Emi Nietfeld, is summarizing a discussion with a family therapist working with these teenagers.
Let’s start with, well, clearly this is an example of the Law of Unintended consequences. These technologies were supposed to make families “better”, to create the most beautiful and brilliant children. And, well, not exactly. People want to be valued as their unique selves. So, I found this line both telling, and rather messed up.
The kids feel like walking science experiments; the parents are disappointed in how their progeny turned out.
Seems like folks fell into the trap of grasping for control. If you thought the folks who hyper-structured their children’s lives so that they would become exactly who they wanted them to be were dysfunctional, imagine being able to go from math camps, piano lessons, and language immersion programs to messing with their DNA.
I kept coming across teens who were in distress about the way they had been created.
Created? That really felt weird to read. The interviewee sums up my thoughts well with this line:
People don’t always realize they are creating a human being and not a piece of furniture.
To me, this highlights the reason every major religion emphasises relinquishing control. Abandoning fear and allowing things/people to just BE is powerful.
Anyway, as the subject of this article states, “I don’t know if anyone’s making sure parents understand that they can’t test-drive a child and then return it.” People are not products! They aren’t resources to extract. They aren’t vehicles to further your ambitions. Sigh…
These tools have some powerful applications, and some of them, I expect, are life-affirming. However, they can leave a mess of multi-generational trauma. Perhaps we can’t prevent every Unintended Consequence, but, I expect, with thoughtful consideration, we could mitigate or eliminate more than we do. One can dream, I suppose.
Ways of Making Tea
I love tea, and I have a particular fondness for English (or Irish, or Welsh) breakfast teas. Once (ages ago) I was lectured by a British chap about the proper way to make tea (and how I was NOT doing so). Therefore, this xkcd was perfect.
I’ve been a fan of this comic for ages. I’m sure I shared from them before, but thought I’d highlight a few of my favorites. And, if you haven’t, encourage you to follow them.
Here are my two favorite comics (and this is a solid tie):
and this one…
So, I hope you enjoyed and consider giving them a follow.
Today’s haiku, December 3 2024
walking near the shore
under the autumnal dusk
glorious colors
Today’s Haiku: December 2, 2024
while sipping my tea
I admire the juncos
in the winter’s sun
Tonight’s Haiku: Sunday November 24, 24
within the night air
as dreams begin their calling
raindrops start their song
An evening haiku: Super Moon
I wrote this one a few nights ago, after getting this shot of the Super Moon on my phone. It delighted me so.
autumn moon
gracing the cool sky
blessed silence
Today’s haiku: November 14, 2024
evening rainfall
flowing from a day of rain
into a calm night
Twas a rain filled day. Shifting between downpours, mists, and even a few moments of dryness with dark clouds
Crafted this image on Canva. I thought this font was fun. (It’s called Tan Pearl if you’re curious.)
I hope this finds you well.