After my Sunday afternoon wandering, I headed home in the fading sunlight. "Prairie Home Companion" was on NPR and Garrison Keillor's deep and mellow voice filled my car. As he read the poem I posted on Sunday, I realized that I have been filling my brain, ears, eyes, and heart with junk. I have read way too much "People" magazine (both online and off), MSN gossip, E! Online. I have watched way too much reality TV and too many celebrity gossip shows to count. I'm beginning to fear that I know more about the lives of the kids on "Laguna Beach" than my own friends or even the kids in my class.
So, as of today, Tuesday, October 18, I am embarking on a month long fast from pop culture. That means none of the things listed above, no celebrity news, no reality except the reality of my life in Durham/Chapel Hill. Now I know that there are those of you out there who seriously doubt my ability to follow through with this. Heck, even I do! But I know that it is necessary for the well-being of my mind and soul. I want to read more poetry, listen to good music, read well written books.
I'm sure there will be oodles of time left vacant by eliminating the voyeuristic (my darling boyfriend's word) tendencies I've acquired. If you have suggestions as to good books, music, poetry, ideas, conversations, walks, art that could take their place, then by all means, send them my way.
In the meantime, I reserve the right to complain and spout my withdrawal symptoms on this blog.
Sounds like a useful exercise! I'm still in the first chapters of "Reading Lolita in Tehran," and so far it seems pretty good. I have an extra copy if you want to borrow it.
ReplyDeleteNo! It can't! I have to have something left over!
ReplyDeleteI suppose the pop culture I'm particularly needing to fast from is the celebrity/reality type.
And I can still watch "Lost" on Wednesday's too.
So there :)
I just can't believe it! How will I keep up with entertainment news w/o you to keep me posted?!
ReplyDeleteI have full confidence in you...way to cleanse the system.
does this mean we'll have to talk poetry instead of Britney.
Amazing...I am not sure I am up to that challenge yet! though my addiction is to Law and order spin offs these days! Well you could read the book for our next book club meeting!
ReplyDeleteMeg
Anna-
ReplyDeleteI know, I guess DYama will have to be the new source for all things celebrity. And no we don't have to talk poetry. But we could talk good music since you and Ben have such a great collection. Or art!And does it count if YOU tell me about celebrity news? I haven't decided about that yet...
Meg-
What is the next book? I hadn't thought about that possibility. Thanks for the suggestion!