the metafictional blues

I lived most of my life in rural Indiana and while I’ve had a lot of experiences and lived in other places since then, my heart steadfastly remains rooted there — in the unique personality of a small town. I know that unless you’ve lived in a very small rural town, it’s hard to completely understand that life really exists in the way it does there. For those that come from larger cities, it is almost unbelievable that you can see tractors or even horses & buggies on the busiest roads — which are two-lane highways at most. That you can’t really find anything open past 10 — unless it’s the saloon. That people really do know everyone and you’re most likely related to half of your neighbors. This isn’t to say small towns don’t have problems all their own or that they’re not touched by the same issues everyone else is. But I like to think there is something sacred and special about areas like the one in which I grew up. I probably didn’t realize it at the time, but I feel lucky to have the experience and memories I do. And I’m lucky to be able to go back and feel the same way.

I think it’s funny how things you may take for granted later become bragging rights when you go ‘out into the world’. When people ask where you’re from — and you have to try to explain to them using the nearest capital city. And if they do say “oh yes, I know where that is”, it’s likely they’ve not been there — but I’ve run into a lot of people all over who’ve not only heard of where I’m from, but have actually been there. Not many people from a small town can claim this — but of course, they’re not from the Covered Bridge Capital of the world — Parke County, IN.

Parke County was once home to over 50 covered bridges, several of which fell out of use or collapsed. Unfortunately several were also destroyed by storms, lightning and arson. The bridges attract a lot of sightseers and history buffs — but they also attract unwanted attention in the form of graffiti and destruction. The county has a lot of pride in its history and its bridges and each year in October, they hold a festival to celebrate the bridges in conjunction with the fall color. Most people probably haven’t heard of Parke County, but many are familiar with the bridges. For local residents, the bridges not only serve as a backdrop to their every day lives, they provide a reference point to their heritage — their identity and communities are entwined in these historic bridges. It’s even been said if you haven’t been kissed in a covered bridge, well, then you haven’t been kissed.

Sometimes it’s hard to know just how attached you become to something until it’s no longer around. Yesterday, I received an email from my stepdad telling me that one of the bridges had been burned, and all signs pointed to arson as the cause. The bridge was a total loss — it was gone just like that. Not only had one of the county’s treasures been taken away — it was one of the most scenic and most photographed bridge of the 32 remaining bridges, the Bridgeton Bridge. The Bridgeton Bridge was probably the most recognized of the bridges, nestled close to the Bridgeton Mill and spanning the quiet Big Raccoon Creek. I’m not sure there’s a view that could be matched or that could be considered more signature to the area. Today, it’s a crime scene lined with yellow tape and there is little to nothing left of the bridge, aside from ash and a few small charred pieces. The bridge was built in 1868 and had remained in excellent shape for all that time, visited by millions, serving as an icon on postcards, and a great source of pride for not only the residents of Bridgeton and Parke County, but really for the entire state of Indiana. And in one night, it is gone.

     

Bridgeton Bridge & Mill © Bridgetonmill.com       Bridgeton Bridge site, April 28, 2005

I can’t really explain how this makes me feel. I can tell you I cried when I heard the news and saw the pictures. I’m not sure if I cried for the bridge, or the people who depend on its image or for the fact that still happen that make no sense at all. I can’t tell you why someone would do this nor do I think I can fully express what this means to a lot of people. The only way I can come close is to ask you to imagine if the most beloved and beautiful landmark in your town were suddenly gone. I know there are a lot of senseless things happening in the world, and in no way do I want to minimize them — but for me, it’s like someone took a part of who I am and just set a match to it. I’m sad, angry, disappointed and shocked. But I’m also proud. I’m proud of the people who are feeling the same way I am right now, the people who are coming together and are already forming plans to rebuild. Of course nothing can ever replace what was lost, but I heard a great saying that came out of this. No, it won’t be old like the original bridge, but it will be for our grandkids and their grandkids. Which kind of makes me think of the spirit that created the bridges in the first place.

I’m including several links to the news stories that do a great job in detailing the sequence of events and the ongoing investigation. There is also information included if you’d like to know more about sending your moral support or a monetary donation to help preserve the remaining bridges and help rebuild.

Full story, reported by the Terre Haute Tribune Star (includes before and after pictures and updated intestigation information
• Local CBS affiliate
• Information on donations and assistance to rebuild
• Additional coverage, including video of the aftermath
• Parke County, Inc. tourism site, with updated information on the bridge, developments in the case and information on the other bridges and sites in Parke County, IN

Over the weekend I hosted a poetry reading … I have a lot to say about it and poetry readings in general, but for now, you can read my recap here:

On Sunday I hosted a reading at Gallery Neptune in Bethesda, Maryland as part of the Bethesda Literary Festival. This was the second year LitKicks participated in the LitFest and my third reading at the gallery. I think I enjoy the experience more each time. I don’t know if it’s because the space was specifically calibrated for poetry or if it just happens that the right mix of people converge on the spot or (and this is most likely) if it’s due to gallery owner Elyse Harrison’s genuine support and generosity, but Gallery Neptune is a perfect venue for artists and writers to come together. During each LitFest, the gallery produces an exhibit that follows a literary theme. This year’s theme was “The Bookmark” and we saw a wide variety of renditions of this theme — in both art and the spoken word.

Read more on LitKicks.com …

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I should also add that I got a really great piece of “bookmark” art from the show and I’ll post a picture of it very soon.

The interview madness lives on …

1. When you were in college, what did you study? What did you think you were going to do when you graduated, and how does that differ from what you do now?

Well, let’s just get right to the heart of it, shall we? I graduated from Purdue University in 1995 and I think I’m still trying to figure out what my major is. Perpetually undeclared. However, my diploma and accompanying official transcripts will tell you that my major was Biology. Of course along with biology, I studied basic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, calculus and statistics. Which is, as they say, the way to party. I went into biology because it’s been something I’ve always been interested in. In high school I had a great teacher who inspired me to explore the topic further. When I started the coursework in college, I think I had the intention of being a research scientist or microbiologist. Of course when I actually had to spend most of my day doing these things, I realized that maybe that wasn’t the best fit. Anyway, I went through a few different phases of “what I was going to turn my biology courseload into” and had settled on scientific sales and marketing when I graduated. Fast forward 10 years later. Now the bulk of my work centers around online communities and new media, development and maintenance of. Additionally I spend a lot of my time thinking about art, literature and modern culture. Well maybe not so much about it, but around it. You could say I definitely mull it. I think this is where Alanis would say, “Isn’t it ironic?”

2. Think of a time when you felt really good, content, peaceful (maybe it was a fleeting moment or maybe it was a longer period of time). What were the circumstances that brought it about?

Despite how stressed and irritable I usually am, I have a large collection of content and peaceful moments. Some are sustained, running under the surface of everything; others are more specific pinpoints on my mental timeline. One pinpoint I’m thinking of right now happened during the summer of what sometimes seems like a lifetime ago. It was one of those days where the warmth of the air could be too hot, but somehow it’s not. Instead it’s a sultry envelope, making things a little more dreamlike than they already are. The midafternoon sky was a bit hazy, but clear enough to remember it as being perfect. And the breeze is slight and just as warm as the air — creating an illusion that you’re floating or flying, although you remain perfectly still. I remember the exact spot, the exact time; though the details that would pass for measurement fail me now. This is how I distinctly recall walking across the Brooklyn Bridge with someone who can precisely recreate that moment for me now just by grabbing my hand. We stopped halfway across and just sat, without saying anything … or anything I can recall. Just feeling the sun and watching people pass … watching the world seem to radiate from that focus. With his arms around me, I felt simultaneously dizzy and safe … and perhaps this is why the moment is so perfect in my mind — so peaceful, as it seemed to resist and defy the chaos happening all around us.

3. What is the single greatest edible item in the world? (You knew I’d have to ask about food at some point.)

This is a tough one … I’ve turned over about 10 answers in my mind in the last minute alone. But I’m going to have to resist saying Betty Crocker Dark Chocolate Frosting and answer: Pringles.

4. How did you get into photography? Do you have a favorite picture that you’ve taken? Why is it your favorite?

I’m not sure how I really got into photography. I remember as a kid I hated getting my picture taken, as many family albums will attest to. However, I think when we started taking family vacations around the United States, I began taking my own snapshots. Mostly taking pictures of my Cabbage Patch dolls in historic settings. Williamsburg. Monticello. Gettysburg. I then got involved in the 4-H photography club and one of my best friends was an excellent photographer, and was also an apprentice to a professional portrait photographer. So that really introduced me to the whole concept of photography as art, composition, color, unusual subject matter, etc.

This is likely to change, but I think, of the ones I’ve taken, my favorite photo is probably this one:

Why? I don’t know. (The original copy of this is much more stunning than the resized web version I have here, btw.)

5. You’ve lived in a few different places. Which one is your favorite and why?

Good question. I’m not sure I know the answer. I was born and raised in the Midwest, and I’ve been to California, back to the Midwest and now on the east coast living in Virginia and part-time in New York. There have been really great things about each of these places — whether it’s been the people, weather, scenery or experiences I’ve encountered. I think my heart will always be true to the small-town Midwestern sensibilities, personalities and scenery that I grew up with. I don’t think I will ever be back there permanently, so maybe this allows me to romanticize a bit.

Bonus: Bobby Brown vs. Helen Gurley Brown.

Well it may be his prerogative, but Bobby Brown doesn’t really stand a chance against Helen Gurley Brown’s Cosmo fuelled media revolution machine. This chick is tough and doesn’t take “no” for an answer, which is bad news for the former New Edition star … because he’s crying “uncle”, and Helen is totally not trying to hear that. There’s no way that Whitney can get back from rehab to come to his aid, and I predict Helen Gurley Brown will crush Bobby Brown with every little step she takes.

Since this is a meme, you (yes you!) can spread the bloggerview love by throwing your hat into the ring. This is how we do it:

If you’re interested in being interviewed by me:

1. Leave me a comment saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here. They will be different questions than the ones above.
3. You will update YOUR blog/website with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Ok, so I slept in this morning. While I think sleeping in is a great thing, it never seems to work out for me, because after a certain point in the day, I’ve slept too much and the entire balance of the universe is all out of whack. At least for the rest of the day. Anyway. I’m awake now and mainly just sitting here, even though I actually have a lot to do. Not only all of those things I keep saying I’m going to do, but like — real things that need to get done. Such as laundry. And paperwork. And taking pictures of Doritos. Luckily, my partner in Just Sitting Here crime is in the same predicament. So we’re creating our own meme-tastic challenge throwing down of the gauntlet kick in the ass just do something already so you won’t find yourself hating the lazy good for nothing you’ve become.

Flashback

J: i have a lot of things i need to do
J: but yeah
J: not doing them!
J: maybe we should have a contest
C: ok
J: yeah
C: hahahah
J: whoever gets their stuff done first gets a dollar, or something
C: the contest for sitting here?
J: mmmhmm
C: hahahah
C: but i don’t even know what i need to do
C:i think we should blog lists
C: and then come back and report our progress in a funny way
J: ok
J: yes
J: blog the lists

I actually have the need to get a lot of stuff done today because the love of my life is coming to visit me tonight and I want to be all set.

So … the list.

• Clean out closet to clear some space for boyfriend to put his stuff. — done!
• Vacuum — done!
• File and complete various paperwork, including but not limited to School Transfer form, DMV information and lease renewal — (mostly) done!
• Laundry — done
• Take pictures of stale Doritos for secret Dorito project — done!
• Restyle blog — ummm… maybe not
• Really consider actually writing the books I keep coming up with titles for — ok, fine I’ll write one
• Write my song about leaving someone for dead — pending
• Cut some glass and possibly make a dangerous shard filled ceiling sculpture
• Deal with the kalanchoe –dealt with!
• Pluck eyebrows (lord have mercy!) — ouch - done!
• Plot revenge — ongoing
• Pack some packages for all those people I keep telling that I am going to send them something but never actually get around to it. — done
• Plan secret excursion for Sunday — done

Yeah, I think that’s enough for now. Why do I just push myself so? At least I’m not doing as much laundry as she is. So there’s that.

Annnnnnd — GO!