I know I’ve sort on pondered and repondered my blog identity, both here in various posts and in private conversations. I just didn’t feel as if this blog had a clear identity, and I’ve finally identified the problem. I’ve been working with the wrong definition of a commonplace book.
It’s one of those things where I heard the term and assumed it meant diary or journal which, as it turns out, is not quite right.
I’m actually a little relieved because there are plenty of diarist bloggers out there, including several on my blogroll, who are much better at it than me. I didn’t want to go with a newsy blog because, well, I’m shallow and too flaky to research. I don’t do anything particularly special like cook or craft (well, I do these things, but not in an interesting way), and I’m too lazy to upload all of those cooking/crafting photos.
Case in point. Just moments ago I had this thought: “I should post some new photos on facebook. Oh, the camera’s upstairs. Nevermind.”
I know, I know, you’re waiting for it. What then, Lucy, *is* the definition of a commonplace book?
Funny you should ask. It is this: “a book in which noteworthy quotations, comments, etc. are written.”
(I refer to the aforementioned research laziness. I actually happened across this definition when I was googling for a new header photo…look up).
Fabulous! I declare that from now on, I will center every post around an interesting quotation or comment. I like to collect quotes anyway. I’ve got a mental inventory of quotes for just about any occasion like, for example “I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately” and “Why must you disrespect Brett in this aspect?”
So ahead we forge with a slightly new and improved (I’m optimistic) blogdentity.
Because, as they say: “Autumn turns to winter, and winter turns to spring. It doesn’t just go for seasons you know, it goes for everything.”
Everything.

9 comments
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January 8, 2009 at 6:16 am
buff3
Funny you bring up the notion of the blogidentity (how exactly do you spell this?), I have been pondering the same thing. I also need a cool name for my blog. I am afraid of forcing myself into a “theme”. I am a fan of quotes, so this should prove interesting! Let me know if you have any advice!
January 8, 2009 at 12:45 pm
crse
The Brett Michaels quote will NEVER get old! EVER! I love this idea! I love quotes too so I am very excited to see how this unfolds. For the record, Ive always loved your blog and am glad I have been part of your blog journey baby.
January 8, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Nina
I’m sort of hurt that “It’s a good song, so kiss my ass” or “That Don Guthrie’s a fcking liar” didn’t make it into your notable quotes collection. Well, maybe next time…
January 8, 2009 at 4:08 pm
lucy
Buff, I’ll see if a cool name comes to me, but I’m characteristically unclever about these things. I know what you mean about not sticking with a “theme.” I want my blog to have a focus, but a flexible one.
Crse, I know, right! It’s such an applicable quote, isn’t it? Thanks for all of your blog support.
Nina, Now, see, you went and ruined the surprise. I was saving the really good ones up for the best impact. I’m pretty sure I’ve used “It’s a good song, so kiss my ass,” but that one is always worth repeating. And you’re wrong about Don Guthrie. He’s good people…give you the shirt off his back, that Don Guthrie!
January 9, 2009 at 4:47 am
Tyler
Good idea. Here’s a quote to get you going: “No pen, no ink, no table, no room, no time, no quiet, no inclination.”
January 9, 2009 at 1:33 pm
brooxie
yessss, more brady bunch quotes!
January 9, 2009 at 6:05 pm
lucy
Tyler, well-played, my sneaky friend. Well-played.
Brooxie, I actually watched BB in real time, which makes me, well decrepit. I’ve got plenty more where that one came from
January 10, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Wren
I like this idea, Lucy. In fact, I wish I’d thought of it. I was trying, a bit earlier today, to think of something new to blog about. I couldn’t. So I put the laptop aside for a while and rearranged one of the shelves in the pantry. Upon returning, I thought, “Wonder what Lucy’s up to?” and heh, viola. You’re having good ideas. I’m glad *someone* is.
Guess I’ll go start on the next pantry shelf. Who knows what I might find there?
January 12, 2009 at 5:28 pm
lucy
Wren, it’s always great to hear from you. I’m not sure it’s a *good* idea because so far, all that’s whirling around in my head is silliness…and not necessarily good silliness but silliness that might only be funny to a couple of my readers. But oh well.
I always get ideas for writing when I’m doing something mundane like painting woodwork or cleaning cabinets. Must be something about letting the mind go.