Welcome to the Wakefield Doctrine (the theory of clarks, scotts and rogers)
This being the Doctrine’s contribution to the Ten Things of Thankful (TToT) bloghop, we cite the following people, places and things as being, what the writing books refer to as ‘inciting incidents’. Gratitude-istically-speaking, of course.
1) Phyllis
2) Una
3) the Wakefield Doctrine
5) Serial stories and imaginary worlds (specifically: ‘the Whitechapel Interlude‘, ‘the Case of the Missing Fig Leaf‘ and ‘the Six Sentence Cafe and Bistro’)
6) Our recent landscaping project has resulted in the equivalent of moving from a secluded glade to a minor promontory. It’s an open secret we enjoy dramatic weather. Particularly since the addition of a whole house generator (see Grat 8). Say what you will about severe weather and such, but a rain storm with gale-force wind from a southeasterly direction: muy enjoyabello… The thing about heavy winds (second only to ocean storms, not currently available in our geo-financial area), is the sound. When experienced in a forested (or, at very least, a heavily wooded locale), its very much what one would imagine a slow-avalanche would sound like; the wind acquires a directionality thats quite distinctive. And …and the coolest thing is that the wind (in a storm) is simply not a sole, unitary movement of air. It is a roaming and raging of non-human intentionality, if wolves were gigantic and composed of air and fury, they would sound like a wind storm. Since the great tree clearing this autumn passed. the sonic landscape is more the aforementioned ‘on-a-promontory’ and less the ‘in the woods’. There’s a definite 3D enhancement happening as you can hear distant winds approach with greater clarity.
7) To stay focused enough to write a Grat, as it occurs, rather than to wait until Saturday, (or Sunday!), morning to transcribe the memory, is kinda fun. Full disclosure: still a process like writing, so, in effect, I’m re-telling a story through at last count, three drafts.
8) The whole house generator. It allows, ‘Hey! Big storm coming… to become ‘Hey! Big Storm coming!!! The difference is between, ‘Shit! better fill the bath tub’ and … Where’s my Robin Trower album’)
9) something, something
10) Secret Rule 1.3 (from the Book of Secret Rules, aka the Secret Book of Rules)
music
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About clarkscottroger
yes it is nice to have generator; it changes the mood, indeed.
A hearty “here, here!” to Grats 1-5 but to Grat 6, basso profundo applause.
Can’t identify with wind through your specific locale but certainly can appreciate the personification of the wind’s power.
Grat 8 surely further enhances one’s enjoyment of such events.
I concur
We know wind power, i’ve driven in a hurricane (and don’t recommend it). Being able to enjoy it, though clearing trees and not worrying about power loss is a big deal.
Although we do not have a generator, I do appreciate being able to get weather reports just about anytime I wish. Interestingly I came across a piece of history pertaining to the first radio station in Arkansas. It was in 1922 and was started by the founder of a power and light company in Arkansas. I remember how my Dad would turn on the radio to get the weather reports which was important information or any farmer to know.
Thing about our utility situation is that we’re on well and septic. No power, no plumbing. Though, as I references in the post, I grew up in an area subject to hurricanes and learned the first thing to do is fill the bathtub. At least the toilets could be made to work.
ah! the subtle grace-notes for early life that linger on the ringing of the bell.