THINKING OUTSIDE THE PLANE

I've never been much attracted to science fiction.  Aside from  the standard Jules Verne and H.G. Wells fare, I've never explored this genre very much.  However, as I browsed the "Dover Thrift Editions" section of a local bookstore, my eyes were drawn to a slim book entitled Flatland.  I read the blurb on the back and decided it might be an interesting read.

Flatland is a two-dimensional place where the inhabitants--lines and polygons of various shapes --live their lives within their realm of perception.The central character in this story, A. Square, ventures into both a one-dimensional realm (Pointland) and a three-dimensional one (Sphereland) and even envisions four-or-more dimensional realms. 

Written by a teacher, Edwin A. Abbott, Flatland entertainingly mingles abstract concepts of mathematics and geometry with social satire, and even a bit of theology, all couched in what for me is a very lively story. 

He takes the idea of anthromorphing beyond the realm of animals and even plants to that of geometric figures. While the book is admittedly geeky and might not appeal to those not mathematically inclined, it is in the great traditions of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien

BEGINNING A NEW CHAPTER

The chapters in our lives are never of equal length.  Dozens of meaningful events can be crammed into a small space while other times in life might seem like an ocean of non-events. Having spent a wonderful year in New York City I now face life in Raleigh without the anchor of teaching to keep me moored.  It is far too easy to let one day melt into another, one week into another, and one month into another.  At the same time, there is a certain joy in not having to bend to a fixed schedule or complete half of a daily "to do" list.

It is my hope that this journal will reflect good use of idle time.  Reading, listening, practicing, traveling, and helping others will all find their way into my life but in perhaps less of a structured way than  previously. 

Let the new chapter begin!