Beginnings are always the hardest. The first act of a play, the first ten minutes of a movie, your first impression of a photograph or a sculpture, almost always determines how invested you will be - are you intrigued? excited? is the journey worth taking? will there be a big payoff at the end? Beginnings are also hard in relationships - you’re getting to know the other person, trying to figure out quirks and eccentricities, navigating differences, figuring out what’s too much, demarcating boundaries.
I am beginning a relationship with the blogosphere. I have avidly read other people’s blogs, lurked in chat forums, explored web communities devoted to the same things I am devoted to - theatre, film, art, design, food, culture, among others. But this is the first time that I am putting my thoughts in a place all my own, in a communications channel that I control and am responsible for. It is exhilarating and frightening at the same time. Writing a blog is like being on the ledge of the topmost floor of the Petronas towers, the tallest buildings in the world - you have what is seemingly the whole world below you with its myriad of possibilities, but one tiny step in the wrong direction, can send you hurtling down, to end up as…compost. Do I have something to say? Do I have a unique voice to say it in? Would people want to read the soak time thoughts of a thirtysomething single urban professional Filipino immigrant organization change consultant living in Chicago? (yes, maybe, we’ll find out soon enough).
From the Ledge will be about my views on theatre, film, art, and culture. On some days, I might write about design or opera or music or fashion too. On others, I might just be singing the glorious praises of living in a great a city as Chicago, where a plethora of cultural and artistic experiences are available. Or I might just write to provoke conversation. But I will always write as I am, as my friends and family know me. This blog will have a point of view and reflective thought mixed with a little cultural erudition, a dash of Margo Channing cattiness, the exuberance of a fan, and a whole lot of passion…as well as the determination not to end up as fertilizer.
October 20th, 2007 at 4:53 am
Congrats on the new site. :)
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:08 pm
The anticipation has finally paid off….it’s great, Francis! Like I said, it’s about time you shared yourself with the world.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:07 am
If only all blogs were as interesting as yours! I love the new site. Great picture on the “About” page, too.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:56 am
Francis, if there was ever a platform perfectly rendered for you it’s blogging. I’m so glad you’re on the scene and I don’t have to wait in anticipation of each Oscar season for your wit and humor. Now it’s here…and I’m smiling! Watch out, world!
December 24th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Congrats my grad school daze friend! Truly the world deserves to hear your many thoughts! Looking forward to reading the musings (chuckles and tears welcome)!