My favorite Hans Christian Anderson story is The Emperor’s New Clothes. I go through my days amazed, dumfounded, confused and in awe of the world—all at the same time. I’ve scratched my head so often, that there’s a tiny bald spot, near my right ear, visible only to the discerning eye. Those that notice will approach cautiously and whisper, “So you’re one of us?—you see it too?—that he doesn’t have anything on?”
I don’t respond right away. I’ve found it’s best to step back a while to assess the situation. I observe those that vie for the naked person’s attention—sure that he or she can bring success to their lives with a handshake or smile. Sometimes money is involved. Meanwhile the naked person thrives on the attention and prances around sure that their costume is of the finest silk, spun to perfection. Often small groups of sycophants grow to be large crowds and organizations; until one day an innocent declares that the emperor or empress isn’t wearing anything at all. Well, I’m that child.
I’m a writer with a day job. When I’m not writing, I work for a government agency. The combination has me hanging out with a vast cross-section of society. The same day that I’m helping poverty level families, I can also find myself corresponding with the wealthy and well situated. Ironically, it is often the poor that are fully clothed and cognizant of reality. Survival brings attention to basics with less sidetracks. You either have food and rent or you don’t. Your mission is to have both. This quest, unfortunately, often places you in an awkward position with the emperors of the world and their camouflage clothes.
So this blog is a place for solace and help for the sheeple of the world. Think of it like a twelve step program for the confused, scared and tired. And some days, like Don Quixote, you will find me tilting at windmills.
I also want to encourage you to comment and suggest topics for discussion, debate and delight (the three “D”s)—I’ll do some research into your POV and get back to you. This will be a fun ride.
ShareJAN
2014
About the Author:
Elaine Webster writes fiction, creative non-fiction, essays and poetry from her studio in Las Cruces, New Mexico—in the heart of the Land of Enchantment. “It’s easy to be creative surrounded by the beauty of Southern New Mexico. We have the best of everything—food, art, culture, music and sense of community.”