I originally started this blog as an adjunct to my marine woodcarving activities. Then I started doing prompts, and that led to digging into my life experiences. I’ve explored past, present, and prospective futures for stories, critique and amusement. I’m not sure that I’ve necessarily done so much more than others in my life. But some funky internal rumination about things has always been my style.
Exploration
That’s why examinations and reexaminations of my past speckle the blogs landscape. From my days hanging around the scenery in Greenwich Village, time spent on the road as a Pius Itinerant, and Folkie days in the funky Beacon Hill scene in Boston. Then there was time on the Coast of Maine. Years as a student in undergrad and grad school. Plus time working in operating rooms, as an applied anthropologist, and at UPS. It goes on.
I’ve always been interested in rumination. What does it all mean? What lesson should I pull out of this bed of ashes, and could I have done better? I mostly did this as an internal exploration before the blog. I’ve found that writing it down, publishing it, and getting feedback from the blogging community had actually contributed to lots of closure. But to be honest, it’s also opened up new questions and inquiries. Many have noted before that the act of writing opens new avenues for meaning.
Along the way, I’ve also flayed a few enemies, described some loves, and curiously examined situations. Sometimes I’ll find some old post, and groan, “What was I thinking that day!” What made my mind take that particular turn?
So half the pleasure of the blog is a bit of self-discovery.
Discover more from Louis N. Carreras, Woodcarver
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I love your ruminations, Lou. It is my favorite part of your blog. I think it does us good to masticate the past- at least in my case- I always find either a little piece of bone or gristle I can build on….
That’s sort of how I feel about your stories!
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West. I rest my case.
She was a real hotshot!
I, too, have enjoyed your ruminations. You do a good job of bringing us into your life at different times and illuminating your perspectives.
Thank you, Crystal!
I think Carrot says it well, or whoever that is writing this post on The Dihedral. It might be Carrot or some spontaneous time-driven mutation. https://thedihedral.com/2026/02/04/are-you-for-real/
I’d love to get that person into a discussion on the ship of Theseus with ships and boat carpenters or historic ship restorers…caulking hammers might come out!