On Monday, my friend, Michael Dickson, posted a comment contending that 1) my Mexico blog had lost its focus; 2) I should split my current blog into several topical blogs; and 3) he was beginning to doubt that I was actually moving to Mexico.
I have been giving his comment some serious thought. After all, I have always admired his writing, and he has provided me with some excellent advice in the past on everything from computers to cars.
If I were called to court to enter a plea, I would plead nolo contendere to the first two charges, and not guilty to the third.
Focus is always a difficult topic with blogs. We have discussed this topic several times amongst ourselves. The consensus was that we do not write for others (although almost all of us started writing for family and friends). We write to please ourselves. For me, it is simply a joy to sit and string thoughts together. The fact that other people read those thoughts is simply a bonus -- a nice one, I will admit.
I did not have any intention of writing a blog before I started corresponding with Andee Carlsson of My Life in Chacala. I thoroughly enjoyed her style and sense of adventure. I told her of my plans to move to Mexico and of my scouting trip to La Manzanilla and Barra de Navidad.
On November 23, 2007, she broached the idea of a blog: "I would like to hear about your trip. Do you do a blog or a trip journal? I love reading about other people's journeys. I'm much too curious for my own good probably."
Up until then, I had not thought of putting together a blog. But I kept a journal of the trip and shared it with Andee. When I told her I was thinking about a blog, she responded:
The next day, I created this blog, and I have been posting ever since.
As you can see, I am not certain I ever really had a focus for the blog -- other than to talk about what I needed to do to get from where I am now to Mexico.
And, I think I know the issue. Michael is a very analytical, logical person. I suspect that his editing background makes it easy for him to index topics into categories. You would think my legal training would give me a similar talent. It hasn't.
I tend to see everything I do as more of a process. Filing for an FM3 is about moving to Mexico, obviously. But so is my ongoing relationship with my dog. If he is not still alive, he is not going to make the trip.
I suspect that I will retain this same undisciplined Fibber McGee's closet approach to life when I blog in Mexico. It really is a reflection of my mind.
And, Michael, yes, there really is a Mexico. I have scheduled my retirement appointment for the first week of January -- with a retirement date of 30 April. I have signed my first lease running from 1 May through 30 October. And, if I get my FM3, I may stay in the same place through mid-December.
I am coming whether Mexico is ready for me or not. And I intend to buy some jalapeño corn bread in the square from La Guapa Señora
I have been giving his comment some serious thought. After all, I have always admired his writing, and he has provided me with some excellent advice in the past on everything from computers to cars.
If I were called to court to enter a plea, I would plead nolo contendere to the first two charges, and not guilty to the third.
Focus is always a difficult topic with blogs. We have discussed this topic several times amongst ourselves. The consensus was that we do not write for others (although almost all of us started writing for family and friends). We write to please ourselves. For me, it is simply a joy to sit and string thoughts together. The fact that other people read those thoughts is simply a bonus -- a nice one, I will admit.
I did not have any intention of writing a blog before I started corresponding with Andee Carlsson of My Life in Chacala. I thoroughly enjoyed her style and sense of adventure. I told her of my plans to move to Mexico and of my scouting trip to La Manzanilla and Barra de Navidad.
On November 23, 2007, she broached the idea of a blog: "I would like to hear about your trip. Do you do a blog or a trip journal? I love reading about other people's journeys. I'm much too curious for my own good probably."
Up until then, I had not thought of putting together a blog. But I kept a journal of the trip and shared it with Andee. When I told her I was thinking about a blog, she responded:
Hi Steve. This is just a quick note. I loved reading your email. I liked
Patzcuaro and the surrounding small towns a lot. I´m glad you are checking them out. And Morelia is only an hour away. And it´s a sophisticated city. I have to go. Let me know when you have a blog going. I would love to see your photos.
The next day, I created this blog, and I have been posting ever since.
As you can see, I am not certain I ever really had a focus for the blog -- other than to talk about what I needed to do to get from where I am now to Mexico.
And, I think I know the issue. Michael is a very analytical, logical person. I suspect that his editing background makes it easy for him to index topics into categories. You would think my legal training would give me a similar talent. It hasn't.
I tend to see everything I do as more of a process. Filing for an FM3 is about moving to Mexico, obviously. But so is my ongoing relationship with my dog. If he is not still alive, he is not going to make the trip.
I suspect that I will retain this same undisciplined Fibber McGee's closet approach to life when I blog in Mexico. It really is a reflection of my mind.
And, Michael, yes, there really is a Mexico. I have scheduled my retirement appointment for the first week of January -- with a retirement date of 30 April. I have signed my first lease running from 1 May through 30 October. And, if I get my FM3, I may stay in the same place through mid-December.
I am coming whether Mexico is ready for me or not. And I intend to buy some jalapeño corn bread in the square from La Guapa Señora
