I’m back! Yes, it’s been awhile, and yes, once again I disappeared. But really, I do have my reasons. Between studying for finals, changing jobs, copy-editing commitments and family issues, I stretched myself too thin. But now, I find I have a lot more time to devote to my own writing; yesterday I graduated-at the top of my class I must add-so now I have the time and yearning to once again join the blogging world.
It’s been about a week or so since I turned in my last paper, took my last German quiz and participated in class discussions. You’d think I would feel a huge wave of relief, or a heaviness off my shoulder now that I have achieved my first academic goal. The pressure I put on myself to achieve has been lifted. I should be happy, right? Not so much it turns out.
There is an empty feeling taking the place of the pressure, one week of no school and already I am mentally bored. Oh sure, I found plenty to do, things I haven’t had much time for in quite awhile. I spent last weekend pulling weeds, turning the soil and planning my garden-I am going medieval herbs this year-so it’s not like I have been sitting around doing nothing. I’ve finished two books, bowled for the first time in years and reconnected with my long suffering friends, who waited patiently for my return to the “real” world. But still, something does not feel quite right. This feeling of emptiness maybe due to my desire (some say unnatural obsession) to always be learning about something; what I need is an academic challenge. So, what to do? What can I do to feed my desire while waiting for the fall term, when I will start on my masters in humanities?
An idea started to form in my head a couple of days ago. Why not take a subject, something I am curious or passionate about, and do some self education? And, to make sure I stay on track , why not blog about my adventure? Perhaps I can talk some of you into joining me and together we will explore subjects we always said we would like to learn more about, but never quite find the time.
To kick this off, we will start with all things Shakespeare! Not just read all of this plays and sonnets, which could be daunting enough, but to really dig down and learn all we can about the man and his work. In the coming month I will devote many hours to the bard using a variety of mediums, from books to movies, from podcasts to Shakespeare blogs. I will write a post or two a week on my progress and critique those that I feel are Bard worthy. I will also report on the ones to stay away from. By the end of May, I would like us to know a little more about the works of Shakespeare and have a handy collection of go to sources for further study.
To wet your appetite for more Shakespeare, I recommend picking up Stephen Marche’s small but entertaining book How Shakespeare changed everything. Here you will learn why we have starlings in North America, and why, if it was not for Hamlet, no one would have understood young Marlon Brando’s angst. Once you understand how much Shakespeare influences modern life, it because lot easier to study his work. You will quickly understand why “the play is the thing”!
Now I am off to clean my office (I know there is a desk somewhere under all that paper) while starting on my first Shakespeare podcast The Bardcast.
I can’t wait to hear from you dear Readers, tell me anything. Do you engage in self education? Did you feel a little depressed or lost after finishing college or any large goal? And of course, I want to hear from those who are passionate about Shakespeare.
The View From Sari's World 