aisyalam

1/26

:One of Clemente Padín’s early digital visual poems, Noigandres (1992), kindly sent yesterday.

Today was a day of a different kind of work spirit and response to effort altogether. Like a corner was turned and everything was exciting and rejuvenating again. I don’t really know why, either, although it probably has something to do with nearing an end to all these arduous chapters of my life. Up early, dawn run through construction and around the school’s football field, and—thanks to the graces of the extraordinary, selfless, care-giving Amy—in the office by 9:30 after having already done some work at home. Quickly edited the timeline of digital poetry 1959-1995, and then spent the day reading the two longest chapters (text-generation, visual works), 160 pages or so, and finding some problem (including a few major typo-type errors, like a not where none should be, and missing t at the end of though) every five pages or so. I guess what was happening was that reading the whole thing through was exciting. I’ve been saying the past few months that it doesn’t even seem like I wrote this book, given all of the edits that have been made, the down time between writing and reading certain sections, and so on. Weirdly, unexpectedly, I was surprised by the sophistication of some of the observations it contains, and was glad that I was so focused on the project at certain times that certain revelations came through at those points; if I were to have to do it again, or was just starting now and had to do it quickly, surely it wouldn’t be the same. Perhaps this is true for any book of criticism/observation? It’s not that I don’t know the work (I do remember it all vividly) or am not an expert about it (I probably am). But instead of being worn out by it, today I was energized, and didn’t walk back to the apartment in the kind of haze that I’ve been accustomed to lately, even though the work itself was much the same. Well, it’ll be out of these hands in a week, and you (whoever) will have to let me know what you think once it hits the shelves in a year…

Email was quiet, and I didn’t get distracted by all the blogs until a few minutes ago, when I had to go see the latest flix by mongibeddu. Surprisingly, Mr. Jim Behrle (who I was glad to find out is also a Red Sox fan) had already (somehow) found my post from last night, & had posted a comment. Although I’m unashamedly not writing this for any audience, but rather to keep a log for myself (and perhaps the good folks who are my sponsors), I really do like getting comments, just like I really like when some unknown person—who has somehow found the picture at random (I’m not using tags yet)—puts one of my flickr images in their favorite bin. I don’t know quite how these things happen, but am glad when they do…

Wong gave us a copy of the FCM Interface Design book today (sponsored by Nokia), which spells out the professor’s pedagogical and creative views, and showcases top-notch student works. I’ve got to find a way to import some of these students over to NJIT! A very professional collection, and something to aspire towards creating to celebrate the talented students we do have back in Newark.

So, things are sailing now, on schedule, and I’m enthused about the weeks & months to come. Malaysia, despite the kids’ malaises, is treating us well. Great, inexpensive, Indian lunches at the FCM café (Sau Bin joined Amy, Stella, and Alea at the table today), a comfortable monastic office in which to work, excellent clouds and breezes, all very nice; the only annoying aspect to any of it are the damn mosquitoes (and the conscious threat of dengue that accompanies them).

That’s it for now -- CF