Who really cares?
I went to visit some relations in Ireland recently, one of whom I have known 'of' but never had any kind of relationship 'with' - a first cousin. This cousin of mine 'blogs' and it is through blogging that I came to know him a little better. The plan was that I stay with my Aunt and Uncle, an aunt and uncle who know that I don't know this cousin. It came as a surprise to them when he rang to see if I had arrived.
On arriving at Dublin airport my Aunt said:
"Frank rang to let you know he'll be in The Clermont tonight if you want to join them"
I could tell by the way she said it that she was itching to know exaclty how this came about. I felt the need to explain.
"Oh" says I
"Yeah frank and I have been in touch over the blogs"
(not thinking for one moment that this would mean ANYTHING to her)
"What's a blog" she asked (the first of about 10 times I was asked throughout my 4 day stay)
I found myself saying the following:
"it's kinda like an online diary....only not really, in that it's not private and it's not really common to type your innermost thoughts. I suppose it's more like an opportunity to write down your opinions on certain issues and gather responses from other people"
"What??? why would anyone be interested in that" she said
I went on:
"well (now clutching at straws) for example, with friends and family living in other countries it's a nice way to keep up with each other and maybe understand one another a little better."
I carried on (I shouldn't have)
"Like the other day i put a picture of a mango on my blog and said that i like peeling ripe mangos" (Even as I say it I think I sound mentally ill.....I'm assuming she does too)
*Laughter* (AT me)
"Why would ANYONE want to know that?"
I had no answer to that. The truth is they probably don't.
No matter how much I tried to explain the joys of blogging they (now uncle and cousins too) weren't really buying it. I think it's now generally agreed that they think i'm a bit odd and a bit egotistical....but then I guess I am so what's the harm.
It did get me thinking though about what a funny pursuit it is. Maybe not in Franks case but in mine....it does seem a little pointless. BUT, though i've been away for a while, I do enjoy it....so i guess that's the point!
Whether anyone else does is another question.


2 Comments:
Do the Irish even know what a mango is?
Did you describe it as a green spud.
What good is a green spud to a paddy
Oooh, too offensive.
Mmmmm Spuds.
Welcome back
Sounds like a ordinary day in Ireland to me. Attempts at individuality are suspicious, but then that attitude abounds everywhere.
Though I do recall from my childhood that any attempt to explore the minutiae of the self whatever might occur there was considered dangerous. Emotions are dangerous, feelings are dangerous. Sounds like home to me.
www.ainelivia.typepad.com
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