What is it about alliteration that evokes a sense of comfort? Stringing together the same letter or sound at the beginning of a group of words has an air of poetry. Maybe it’s that we like order, or symmetry, in our lives. It’s rhythm. It’s style. It’s taking the time and effort to turn a phrase. After all, when Shakespeare writes in Romeo and Juliet, “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes; A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life,” you’re more bound to go, “fu…” than if he wrote, “two kids from parents who hate each other become lovers and end up killing themselves.” Man, that Shakespeare surely was the master of the logline. Oh, and sorry–spoiler alert.
Whatever it is, it brings me to the reintroduction of the Nomadic Writer. Rebrand, refocus, refine.
What began as an online journal for friends and family to follow me on a trip around the world, at the time dubbed My Own Amazing Race, morphed into The Nomadic Life as I added more travel and contemplated moving abroad to now, the Nomadic Writer. Why? More than the nomadic life, the nomadic writer more closely defines who I am. I’ve been a writer all my life. And I love experiencing different cultures and people at a more nomadic pace rather than as a hurried tourist. Look, it’s two, two, two mints in one (god am I dating myself!).
I want this blog to be more than travels and photos. I want it to be stories. My stories. Humorous essays as seen through my eyes. It will still include travel and Berlin. But it won’t be the only focus. It will include the funny things, the experiences that make my perspective (hopefully) unique. Let’s face it, there are about a gazillion and three travel blogs out there. Some are great and helpful and fun to read. Others, well… And honestly, seeing a photo of the Eiffel Tower has no more sway on one blog than another. Anyway you slice it, it’s the Eiffel Tower and it’s been photographed from every possible angle already.
So, no longer will you see posts of “here’s what I did in…” and here are the pictures to go with it. If I travel to Rome, I won’t show a photo of the Coliseum. Unless it’s unique to the experience. Otherwise, that’s what Facebook is for.
One of my favorite humorists is David Sedaris. If you haven’t read any of his work, give him a try. His books and essays are a real treat. Years ago, I attended his live appearance with a friend at the University of Washington. I had no idea who he was but that all changed. His writing and style spoke to me and made me laugh. I remember once reading one of his books on the elliptical machine at the gym and doing all I could to stifle my laughter. Which probably made me look even insane to everyone than if I had just let it out. Now that is not to say I’m comparing myself to David Sedaris. But we all need lofty goals, don’t we? So if I can evoke at least one similar response then I will have succeeded.
This site will always be a work in progress as I continue to refine, revise, and review. But I welcome all feedback (and sharing!), including the redesign. Really.
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