Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Exercise in Astoria Park, New York)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Relieved.
CALLIOPE: On what account?
JOE: Because I finally decided I was spending entirely too much time on web site development. I was interested in web site optimization but everything else took a back seat including writing and editing. I realized I have other priorities.
CALLIOPE: Sounds sensible. What did you work on yesterday?
JOE: After I realized my morass, I worked on editing Marital Property.
CALLIOPE: And today?
JOE: I will be out for a while today. However I have a column to write and plan to make it a priority today.
CALLIOPE: What are you writing about?
JOE: I found a newspaper article about dirty tricks college applicants and their parents use against their competition, quite reminiscent of recent political ads. I thought I would write about the implications of such tactics for the author as well as for society and maybe some alternatives.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like a good topic. Good luck with it. Anything else going on?
JOE: I plan to continue working on editing Marital Property.
CALLIOPE: Is you website functional for now?
JOE: I think so. Why don't you take a look. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Night entrance)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you Saturday.
JOE: I know. I got caught up in website development, e-commerce, etc. and never made it here.
CALLIOPE: Did you have a busy weekend?
JOE: Yes. We were out socially Friday and Saturday evenings and as I said I worked on my website. Yesterday I just felt a need to relax.
CALLIOPE: Not a bad idea. Did you mention a book review last week?
JOE: Yes. I have been reading Richard Bayer's The Good Person Handbook and am planning to review it.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about the book.
JOE: It approaches many of the ideas I pursued in Commonsense Wisdom for Everyday Life.
CALLIOPE: Does it differ in some ways?
JOE: He is much more structured than I am. He is organized from page one and presents an orderly flow of ideas, one building on another.
CALLIOPE: Do you like that approach than the one you took?
JOE: Not necessarily. Mine is organized into categories. although not as structured in its development. I have had readers say they like to be able to read a brief self contained passage on a particular topic without belaboring it.
CALLIOPE: How does his book compare with yours?
JOE: I think we have different approaches. Some people like ideas to flow in strict order and others like more spontaneity. I think there is room for both approaches. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(New York City)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Reeling from yesterday's market research.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: I worked hard to find an affordable auto responder for readers to sign up for my columns online without advertising attached.
CALLIOPE: Did you find one?
JOE: Yes and I downloaded it. Then I found all sorts of complicated direction about things I have never heard of. I don't know if is even possible for me to use it. I wasn't ready for such a challenge.
CALLIOPE: Maybe it's the price of going cheap. Anything else going on?
JOE: I am busy reading Richard Bayer's The Good Person Guidebook which I agreed to review.
CALLIOPE: Sounds a little more manageable.
JOE: It is. At least I am on familiar ground. I am enjoying the book and have learned some lessons I can use in organizing Commonsense Wisdom for Teens, my next project after I finish Marital Property.
CALLIOPE: Have you thought any more about offering your book free?
JOE: I have and found that Booklocker has a program of offering most of a book free but not all. Since I have used them before, I will consider this program.
CALLIOPE: Probably easier than doing it on your own.
JOE: I agree. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Carol and Joe on Broadway)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine.
CALLIOPE: What have you been up to?
JOE: Trying to get back into a routine. I am catching up on my email and working on marketing.
CALLIOPE: What did you accomplish yesterday?
JOE: I worked more on search engine optimization, specifically keywords, and meta tags for my my websites.
CALLIOPE: Sounds a little involved.
JOE: It is. Not like the old days on Mt. Olympus.
CALLIOPE: Anything else going on?
JOE: I visited a physical therapist to see if I can increase the mobility of my hands which was compromised by my arthritis.
CALLIOPE: Any progress?
JOE: Nancy gave me some exercises to do. Hopefully this will help.
CALLIOPE: What's on for today?
JOE: More marketing work and revision of Marital Property. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Mike harvesting figs in Astoria, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. Welcome back.
JOE: Thank you.
CALLIOPE: How was your trip to New York?
JOE: Great as usual. Flying was uneventful. We had no plans for the time we were there but used all of it to good advantage.
CALLIOPE: What was the highlight?
JOE: Seeing the musical Spring Awakening. I had been wanting to see it for several years but didn't get the chance for one reason or another.
CALLIOPE: What did you like about it?
JOE: The depiction of the full range of human emotions through the lives of late nineteenth century teens.
CALLIOPE: Sounds a little dated.
JOE: It does sound that way. Although circumstances have changed, emotions and perceptions have not changed all that much in the past hundred years.
CALLIOPE: Did you learn anything about writing?
JOE: More about marketing. I read several articles about the future of publishing, one in particular about giving away writing.
CALLIOPE: Sounds self defeating.
JOE: Again I agree about first perceptions. Nevertheless I think there is merit to the idea and will explore it further. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Gulls on City Island, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. Are you finished with your marketing challenge?
JOE: Not quite. My web site is back functioning well. There are a few refinements I would like to make such as adding my podcast and some keywords.
CALLIOPE: Is that your plan for today?
JOE: If I have time. This morning I am taking Carol for some outpatient surgery and then we will shop and have lunch. I'm not sure how much time that will leave me.
CALLIOPE: What's up for the next few days?
JOE: Carol and I are leaving for New York tomorrow morning and will be back Tuesday.
CALLIOPE: Anything special going on there?
JOE: We're just going to visit Carol's son who is just back from Germany after a stint in The Barber of Seville. We just thought it was time for a visit.
CALLIOPE: Anything planned?
JOE: No. We will play it by ear. But I will stay aware of opportunities to discuss writing and marketing.
CALLIOPE: Enjoy your trip.
JOE: We will. Talk with you on Wednesday.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Monarch Butterfly)

JOE: Good afternoon Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good afternoon Joe. I was afraid you fell off the face of the earth.
JOE: I didn't but my website did and it took me until just now to get it working again.
CALLIOPE: What happened?
JOE: I spent yesterday working on search engine optimization with Steve Weber's website.
CALLIOPE: And?
JOE: I learned quite a bit that I was anxious to implement.
CALLIOPE: How did that go?
JOE: In the long run, okay. But along the way I managed to run into quite a few snags while trying to implement simplification.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like a contradiction.
JOE: Simplicity is not always easy to achieve. Just ask anyone who tried to simplify his or her life.
CALLIOPE: Did it turn out okay in the long run.
JOE: Yes. I still haven't figured out how to post an interview on my website although I had it working before.
CALLIOPE: Something to work on.
JOE: I guess I need some sort of challenge. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Lift Bridge- Brockport, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine.
CALLIOPE: How did your writers meeting go last night?
JOE: I heard from several members that they could not make the meeting. However only one other member showed up.
CALLIOPE: Were you disappointed?
JOE: It was not what I expected but Larry and I had a chance to compare notes on the literary scene and on marketing in particular.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like you made the best of it. How did you do with your writing yesterday?
JOE: I had planned to do some recordings but then realized the deadline for my next column was fast approaching.
CALLIOPE: What did you write about?
JOE: Credit and cash. I think personal and government choices to live on the basis of money we hope will come in creates problems at both levels.
CALLIOPE: You don't usually address political issues.
JOE: No I don't. I didn't approach it from a political point of view but rather one of responsibility.
CALLIOPE: Were you pleased with it?
JOE: Yes. I am considering venturing out into some other politically charged issues. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Sunrise over Leroy, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. Did you sleep in this morning?
JOE: If you consider 6:30 sleeping in, yes.
CALLIOPE: What have you been up to?
JOE: Yesterday I discovered a site called Internet Career Builders run by Steve Weber with whom I have been familiar for a while. He has quite a bit of information about using the internet for business. I have been pursuing what he has to offer.
CALLIOPE: Did you need more information.
JOE: I think so. I do have my website and blog but have not gotten much response from my efforts so far. I think I need to learn a little more about how to go about internet marketing in a more constructive and organized manner.
CALLIOPE: I hope this site helps.
JOE: So do I.
CALLIOPE: How are the videos coming?
JOE: I did not get to them yesterday with my interest in the new site. I plan to work on them later today after yoga and lunch.
CALLIOPE: Revived and fortified?
JOE: That's my plan. I also have writers meeting tonight where I plan to read a revision of one of my chapters from Marital Property for feedback on my first person approach.
CALLIOPE: Sounds busy.
JOE: Yes. and exciting too. I feel energized today. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Carol and Sharon- Breast Cancer Walk- Rochester)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about your day yesterday.
JOE: One thing led to another. I started the day participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.
CALLIOPE: Does that have a personal significance for you?
JOE: Yes. My girlfriend Carol is a three year survivor of breast cancer. Her mother and one of her sisters died of it and she has another sister and a fair number of friends who are survivors.
CALLIOPE: How did participating affect you?
JOE: I didn't realize it at the time but then spent last night looking at my life, what it means and what I need. I tend to ignore these most of the time and concentrate on what I can offer others.
CALLIOPE: What did you do specifically?
JOE: I spent some time playing the guitar, drawing, reading The Mastery of Love by Ruiz and listening to music.
CALLIOPE: What kind of music?
JOE: I discovered a new music site, Pandora Radio, which lets you create music stations to fit your own taste. It also learns your taste, suggests and supplies music which fits them.
CALLIOPE: What was that experience like?
JOE: Extremely comforting and relaxing. I am listening to Enya Radio as I am talking with you. See you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Acrobats- New Orleans)

JOE: Good afternoon Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good afternoon Joe. I thought I might not see you today.
JOE: Never fear. I got involved in a movie this morning and then a floor project in the utility room.
CALLIOPE: There's always something.
JOE: No doubt about it.
CALLIOPE: What did you do yesterday?
JOE: Mostly worked on Marital Property. I am in the process of reading it aloud to see how it sounds.
CALLIOPE: Then what?
JOE: I'll decide whether it needs more work.
CALLIOPE: What kind of work?
JOE: I need to decided if it's interesting enough for me and then get some feedback.
CALLIOPE: What kind of feedback?
JOE: Another point of view. I will take a chapter or two to my writers' meeting on Tuesday and then have Carol, Bob and possibly others read it.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like you're on the right track. What about the publicity videos.
JOE: I'll get back to them on Monday and continue recording until I feel ready to post. Talk with you then.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Metropolitan Opera- New York)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Doing well. I have been busy already.
CALLIOPE: Doing what?
JOE: Planning our cellar party for a couple weeks for now, doing AM Yoga with Rodney Yee and my journal. Now I'm here with you.
CALLIOPE: Glad you could fit me in. What did you accomplish yesterday?
JOE: I finished reviewing Gerry's annotated comments on my Marital Property manuscript. I also worked on the videos.
CALLIOPE: What's next on the manuscript?
JOE: I have Gerry's general comments to review again and then go through the manuscript to see how it reads out loud.
CALLIOPE: And the videos?
JOE: I recorded them and reviewed them for style and content. I could see ways where they could be improved.
CALLIOPE: Do you still think you can do them yourself?
JOE: I'm inclined to think so but will reserve judgment for a few more takes.
CALLIOPE: Keep up the good work.
JOE: Thanks for the encouragement. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Carol examining jewelry)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What have you been up to?
JOE: I was in Batavia all day yesterday getting my car fixed and helping my son set up a print show as well as photographing his most recent prints.
CALLIOPE: Does that mean you had no time for literary pursuits?
JOE: Unfortunately it does. I guess I can't count on having every day available for writing.
CALLIOPE: I guess you're right. What about today?
JOE: A different story. I plan to get back to work.
CALLIOPE: Doing what specifically?
JOE: Further takes on my promotional videos for one thing.
CALLIOPE: Do you think you can produce acceptable ones on your own?
JOE: Good question. I was just thinking about that. I don't think they need to be highly professional for YouTube or MySpace. If I'm not satisfied I am considering looking for a communications student at Genesee Community College who might be in need of a project.
CALLIOPE: Good thought. Anything else planned?
JOE: I plan to get back to revision of Marital Property and consideration of my friend Gerry's comments which he sent some time ago.
CALLIOPE: How come you have not looked at them yet?
JOE: I wanted to finish my first person oriented draft first. Now it is ready. On with the show. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

Old Handyside Factory- Wyoming, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What news?
JOE: Progress on the marketing videos. I found the activation key for my editing software and got that working.
CALLIOPE: And then?
JOE: I recorded a video clip with my Kodak still camera and was able to edit it with Movavi Movie Suite and Windows Movie Maker.
CALLIOPE: Are you satisfied with the results?
JOE: Not yet. I plan to work on takes until I am satisfied with the results. Then I will move on to posting them on MySpace and YouTube.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like good progress.
JOE: So far so good.
CALLIOPE: Keep at it. I hope you're patient.
JOE: I usually am but sometimes I get frustrated.
CALLIOPE: Any other progress yesterday?
JOE: I started looking on the Internet for teen writings to use in Commonsense Wisdom for Teens.
CALLIOPE: How's that coming?
JOE: I'm just getting started but at least I'm on the move. One step at a time. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Ornamental Grass- Pavilion, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine. I was a little surprised to reach the end of my revision of Marital Property yesterday.
CALLIOPE: Why were you surprised?
JOE: I have been working on it a little at a time but had many interruptions during my move. I can finally sit down for some sustained work and reached the end.
CALLIOPE: Great. What's next?
JOE: I want to review comments my friend Gerry sent me. I was waiting to consider them until I had finished this revision.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear you are making progress. How about the promotional videos?
JOE: I recorded a couple practice runs. One version is easy to edit. The other version with the better video and sound seems to need some editing with a program I bought but need an access code which eludes me.
CALLIOPE: Do you have the code?
JOE: Somewhere. I think I just need to find it.
CALLIOPE: At least you are making progress on that front as well.
JOE: I am beginning to feel I am getting back into the groove. I also looked up some references for teen stories to include in Commonsense Wisdom for Teens.
CALLIOPE: Great. Keep it up.
JOE: I plan to. talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Apple Umpkin Festival)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How was your weekend?
JOE: I enjoyed it. I spent more time with people than usual. On Saturday I traveled to Wyoming (NY) for the Apple Umpkin Festival. Yesterday I went to church and visited friends with Carol. Now I'm back at the computer.
CALLIOPE: Did you have a chance to work on your marketing tasks?
JOE: Yes. I completed outlines for both sets of videos. I also fiddled further with my video camera to no avail.
CALLIOPE: Sorry to hear it. How will you record them?
JOE: I will use either my still camera which has fairly good video and audio capacity or my webcam which has lower capacity but is at least in working order.
CALLIOPE: I'm glad you are making some progress. When do you plan to make the recordings?
JOE: Today or tomorrow I will try some samples to see what I like. If I am satisfied, I will try for a final take in the next couple of days and get working on editing and posting them.
CALLIOPE: It seems like it has been a long time getting to this point.
JOE: It has. I think my concentration was thrown off by my move and all the mental energy not to mention physical work it entailed.
CALLIOPE: I imagine you are glad it's over.
JOE: I am happy to be settled in and adjusting to my new routine.
CALLIOPE: Good luck with your writing pursuits.
JOE: Thanks, I'll keep you posted. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Reflections of Hula Dancers)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine. I was up early. I can't say with the sun since it has not shown its face today and doesn't seem likely to.
CALLIOPE: How did you do with marketing yesterday?
JOE: I told you I planned to work on my marketing videos. I realized I am still somewhat disorganized after my move. I couldn't find my notes on either video.
CALLIOPE: Were you ultimately successful?
JOE: I was and am happy to report that I finished my outline for the first video, Are You Afraid of this Book.
CALLIOPE: Remind me what it is about.
JOE: Potential readers seem to approach The Pastor's Inferno much as the wolf did in the movie Dancing with Wolves, skittish for quiet a while but approaching gradually. My observations of this phenomenon served as the basis of a promotional video.
CALLIOPE: Then what?
JOE: At the end I suggest viewing the next two videos, Ten Reasons to Read The Pastor's Inferno and Ten Reasons Not to Read The Pastor's Inferno.
CALLIOPE: What's your plan for completing them.
JOE: They are my goal for the next week. I plan to have all three videos recorded and posted by next Friday.
CALLIOPE: Good luck.
JOE: Thanks. I fully expect you will be there providing inspiration. On to the next adventure.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Mini Conservatory)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine. I'm ready to get going on my writing.
CALLIOPE: What did you accomplish yesterday?
JOE: Less than I hoped. I wrote my journal entry, posted our blog and finished my newspaper column for Saturday. I was ready to get going on marketing but decided to check my calendar first to see if I missed anything. I almost did. I had fifteen minutes to get to Rochester for an arthritis study appointment. Needless to say I was a bit late.
CALLIOPE: When you got back did you get to work?
JOE: Sort of. I had some shopping to do in Batavia and decided a bedroom wall needed to be painted before our new bed was delivered.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like distractions.
JOE: I suppose so. But I at least took a little time to think about writing priorities even though I did not make any concrete progress.
CALLIOPE: And your plans for today?
JOE: Fortunately I have nothing on my schedule. My first task will be to develop a list of tasks, priorities and time lines for my marketing activities (once again.)
CALLIOPE: Do you have any general plans.
JOE: Yes. My marketing efforts have been sorely neglected with the exception of sprucing up my web site. I plan to lay out specific marketing videos and get them recorded and posted by the end of next week on My Space and You Tube at a minimum. I am also thinking of posting them on my Sliding Otter website. I would like them available but don't want to slow down my Commonsense Wisdom website. That's my current plan.
CALLIOPE: Sounds good. Keep me posted.
JOE: I will. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(My new work space)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I've missed you.
JOE: I've missed talking with you as well.
CALLIOPE: Is your move finally completed?
JOE: It is. Yesterday I finished cleaning my old apartment and handed in the keys.
CALLIOPE: And your new space?
JOE: Also fully functional. Tuesday the cable people people came to hook me up to the Internet, VOIP phone as well as television, such as it is.
CALLIOPE: So, back to work?
JOE: Yes. I'm ready and have been a little restless during my hiatus.
CALLIOPE: Where do you plan to start?
JOE: By getting specific. I know the general commitments I have made to myself- blog, newspaper columns, marketing and working on Marital Property as well as Commonsense Wisdom for Teens.
CALLIOPE: How do you plan to get specific?
JOE: By laying out objectives, tasks and time lines.
CALLIOPE: Do you feel that is necessary?
JOE: Yes. Lately I have felt like I have been spinning my wheels with all the balls I'm trying to keep in the air. I often don't know what to do next. I need to get organized. That's one of my goals for today. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Joe and Carol at Mardi Gras World)
JOE: Good afternoon Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good afternoon Joe. Are you back with me now?
JOE: Not quite. The move is coming along well. I plan to finish on Sunday with a truckload of big stuff.
CALLIOPE: What about being online.
JOE: I will be off for a few days during the move. I hope to be back in regular touch with you on Wednesday, September 24.
CALLIOPE: I'll be looking forward to talking again. Good luck with the rest of the move.
JOE: Thanks. I am not expecting any difficulty. I'm looking forward to being back with you on the 24th.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Sunset at Sea- St. Thomas)
Joe: Good afternoon Calliope. I am very busy moving and at some point will have to disconnect my computer for the move. I think it would be best if we discontinue our conversations for a couple weeks. I'll get back in touch with you once I am moved.
Calliope: I understand. I'll be waiting.
Joe: Thanks for your understanding. I'll get back to you.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Fishing Boat- Antigua)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Good. Before you ask, I didn't do anything literary yesterday other than to post my column.
CALLIOPE: You're forgiven considering the requirements of moving.
JOE: Thanks. I did spend some time working on my website.
CALLIOPE: What prompted that?
JOE: I have been reading about what makes for an effective sales site. I began to realize that although the site looked nice, it was too busy and difficult to navigate.
CALLIOPE: So how are the changes coming?
JOE: Quite well. I hope to finish and post the changes today.
CALLIOPE: Are you doing just Commonsense Wisdom?
JOE: No, I plan to revise Sliding Otter too but not today.
CALLIOPE: I'm surprised you had a chance to work on it.
JOE: I can't let my mind run entirely fallow while I am moving.
CALLIOPE: That's good thinking. When will I hear from you again?
JOE: I will be working in Leroy over the weekend. I'll try to contact you on Tuesday.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Moro Castle, San Juan)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How was yesterday?
JOE: Good progress. In addition to packing, I sold my washing machine. I'm getting there.
CALLIOPE: Did you make it to the concert?
JOE: Yes. We met friends there for Ruby Shooz, the last concert of the summer season at Charlotte Beach. They were the best I had seen all summer and played oldies which we all enjoyed.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear it. Did you get your column finished?
JOE: Yes, and I had Carol read it last night. I kept putting it off until the last minute wanting to do just one more thing before I left. I finally finished it just in time to walk out the door.
CALLIOPE: You sound a bit rushed.
JOE: It's my own doing. I'm trying to do everything at once and would like to get back to a normal schedule, whatever that will be.
CALLIOPE: Any work on your writing?
JOE: I'm starting to feel the itch to write again which is good. I worked on my web site yesterday but could upload changes which can be read on Internet Explorer but not other browsers. Very Odd.
CALLIOPE: There's always something.
JOE: There is. I am exploring other web site development tools. I found a free one which I will consider further.
CALLIOPE: Good luck.
JOE: Thanks. I'll need it. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Sunset- Dunkirk, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine. Before you ask, no, I didn't get my column done yesterday.
CALLIOPE: Let me guess. Too wrapped up in your packing and cleaning?
JOE: Exactly.
CALLIOPE: What have you learned from your packing?
JOE: A little about what's important to me.
CALLIOPE: Such as?
JOE: How much I can do without. The more I take out the door to the trash or give away, the freer I feel.
CALLIOPE: Do you mean less encumbered?
JOE: I do. It makes me realize how much our trappings tie us down.
CALLIOPE: A good realization. What's on your agenda for today?
JOE: I plan to get my column written and then get back to packing. Tonight I will go to Rochester for my final outdoor concert of the season with Ruby Shoes.
CALLIOPE: Which is the band I presume?
JOE: Just so. I'm looking forward to it but not to the close of the summer. I need to think of it as a cycle rather than the end of anything. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

Slavery Museum- Curacao)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Well, thank you. I spent most of yesterday packing again. It is finally starting to look like I will be out of here eventually.
CALLIOPE: Did you learn anything about yourself while packing?
JOE: Yes, how little I actually need to survive. I once thought I needed to hang on to every book and scrap of paper I had.
CALLIOPE: And now you don't?
JOE: No. Things have changed over the years. Many books are available directly on the Internet. Many others are available through inter-library loan. I don't need everything immediately available as long as I can find it somewhere.
CALLIOPE: What about papers?
JOE: They aren't critical either. Things I wrote in the past are in the past. I am making an effort to live more in the moment. The past can clutter my life.
CALLIOPE: Do you think there might be times when you wish you had kept your past writings?
JOE: It's only happened once so far. I wish I had kept my position papers from my last years in the monastery. They would have been helpful in writing my memoir. But alas I didn't and the memoir turned out okay without them. I had to rely on my memory of those days. The book was probably different than it might have been on that account, but I don't think it suffered significantly.
CALLIOPE: Then maybe you are doing the right thing. What's up for today?
JOE: I have a column to write for Saturday which I think I will write about moving. I plan to at least start it today.
CALLIOPE: Will we talk tomorrow?
JOE: Probably not. I will be working in Leroy and away from the computer and staying in Rochester tomorrow night. I will contact you again on Thursday.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Curacao waterfront)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Gook morning Joe. How's the move coming?
JOE: I did some packing Saturday but was busy socializing and attending church yesterday.
CALLIOPE: What did you get from church?
JOE: A chance to reflect on my life, how it has progressed so far and where it is headed.
CALLIOPE: Are you satisfied with your progress?
JOE: I learned some time ago that we only have limited control over our life paths. I have no major complaints but wish I had done some things differently in hindsight.
CALLIOPE: Would that have made a difference in your life?
JOE: Maybe, but then I would have missed some of the experiences I have treasured.
CALLIOPE: I think of what Frost wrote about the two paths in the wood.
JOE: I have been thinking of that quite a bit lately as well.
CALLIOPE: You only have one life to live.
JOE: I agree. All we have are the experiences and choices which face us from moment to moment. We never get a chance to go back and relive our lives.
CALLIOPE: Quite true.
JOE: I am busy trying to make the best of today's opportunities. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(In a sculpture garden- Curacao)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today
JOE: Starting to get used to my new digs. I sat on the deck this morning writing in my journal to the tune of cardinal songs. Very relaxing.
CALLIOPE: So you now think of Leroy as your home?
JOE: I do. My apartment is becoming more sparse by the day. Pretty soon it will be empty.
CALLIOPE: How do you feel about all this?
JOE: I'm not sure the whole thing has sunk in yet. I feel like I am between my old and new worlds, suspended on the verge of a new existence.
CALLIOPE: What will you miss?
JOE: Lots of space which has been my own for the past twelve years. I have developed a routine here which no doubt will be different in Leroy if just not having to drive here to write every day. I will just go downstairs or out in the back yard.
CALLIOPE: What are you looking forward to?
JOE: A less busy place to walk and ride my bicycle, not having to commute, fewer expenses and probably a lot more I haven't even considered.
CALLIOPE: It sounds like a positive move all told.
JOE: It is. I am especially looking forward to being part of a more complete couple with Carol.
CALLIOPE: Do you think it will change your relationship?
JOE: Not if we keep talking about things which arise. So far we are doing very well in that department. It will be a change for both of us but I think we are both ready and prepared for it. Talk with you Monday.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Clown graduation)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you this morning?
JOE: Busy as usual. Moving is in full swing, or at least preparation for it.
CALLIOPE: What did you work on yesterday?
JOE: Notifying everyone who needs to know about my move.
CALLIOPE: How did that go?
JOE: Many places seem to have gone to automated interaction. I find it most frustrating to deal with automatons and would prefer actual people.
CALLIOPE: Technology isn't quite up to snuff in this area?
JOE: Not as far as I'm concerned. The most frustrating was Social Security which wanted to know my favorite vacation spot which it insisted I have them before. After trying the Caribbean and Hawaii, I had only one more chance before I was in danger of not being able to communicate with them at all.
CALLIOPE: How did you handle it?
JOE: Logged off and finally found a live person to take action. After some frustration, I found a few people who handled my request very quickly and efficiently.
CALLIOPE: So there was a happy ending?
JOE: I'm not quite done yet and have a few people on my list for today.
CALLIOPE: The rest of the day is for packing?
JOE: It is. I'll talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Niagara Falls)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine, but busy.
CALLIOPE: Still sorting and packing?
JOE: Yes, although I'm beginning to see a dent in the pile.
CALLIOPE: Any literary progress?
JOE: A little. I started on ideas for the video Are You Afraid of This Book.
CALLIOPE: Tell me the premise again.
JOE: I have a suspicion that many people don't read The Pastor's Inferno because it scares them off.
CALLIOPE: Have you thought that it could just be your writing?
JOE: That occurred to me, but I think it's more than that.
CALLIOPE: Such as?
JOE: The topic of sexual abuse, the darkness of the subject, more information than they want about the human condition.
CALLIOPE: What do you think people look for in fiction?
JOE: Escape, entertainment, reaffirmation of their views on society, a good story.
CALLIOPE: So you think you challenge people's thinking too much.
JOE: Maybe so. Let's talk a little more about it tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Waiting for the music- Taste of Stafford)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Doing well.
CALLIOPE: What's going on?
JOE: I am taking a friend for a colonoscopy today. My job is medical driver.
CALLIOPE: Generous of you.
JOE: Just returning a favor.
CALLIOPE: What happened yesterday?
JOE: More packing. I had lunch with my daughter Becky,helped her with her computer and found some things in my out pile she could use. The pile is starting to diminish, but I still feel like I'm living in a mess.
CALLIOPE: Any writing progress?
JOE: I thought some about the video we discussed yesterday but didn't get to any actual recording.
CALLIOPE: Why do you think that is?
JOE: My theory is that my mind patterns itself on my environment. Once I get my trappings back in order, I will have a more ordered mind.
CALLIOPE: An interesting thought. So what's your plan?
JOE: To get my situation back to normal or at least as close as possible as soon as I can. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Fuzzy the Clown- Oatka Festival Parade, Leroy, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. Aren't you running a little late?
JOE: No. I've just been busy. I moved my chair to Carol's house yesterday and decided to write my journal entry in the back yard before coming to Batavia.
CALLIOPE: What was it like?
JOE: I had the pleasure of listening to cardinals in the background while I was writing rather than the roar and fumes of great trucks and speeding cars. Very relaxing.
CALLIOPE: Maybe the move will enhance your concentration and creativity.
JOE: My thoughts exactly. I am looking forward to getting settled there.
CALLIOPE: And in the meantime?
JOE: I am quite busy with packing and letting everyone know of my move.
CALLIOPE: That must make it hard to concentrate on your writing.
JOE: It does. My mind has been on the move and not on anything literary.
CALLIOPE: What's up for today?
JOE: More moving related activities. I would also like to write out an outline for Are You Afraid of This Book. I know I keep promising to get to it. No excuses. I just haven't yet. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Dewitt Park- Batavia, NY)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you on Saturday. Too busy?
JOE: Yes. I did not have time to talk with you in the morning and did not get back from the writers' retreat until late.
CALLIOPE: Nice to have you back this morning. How was the retreat?
JOE: Very good. I got a chance to meet some new writers from the Western New York Meetup Group which met with members of the Lift Bridge Writers Group. I found the day very stimulating.
CALLIOPE: What was the best thing about it?
JOE: I think the enthusiasm of other writers and the mutual support for each others' writing. I also liked being with a writers' group I was not in charge of.
CALLIOPE: How did that help?
JOE: I did not feel responsible for the group and could concentrate on my own writing and interactions.
CALLIOPE: Glad you enjoyed it. Anything else happening this weekend?
JOE: Yesterday I attended a memorial service for a fellow member of Unity Church in Rochester. She was most alive just before she died and was fully prepared for her next phase of existence after physical life.
CALLIOPE: How does that strike you?
JOE: As a good example. I have been thinking about mortality lately. I find the prospect daunting. Donna's example will be helpful to me in living the rest of my life and being ready for the next phase of my existence when the time comes, or more properly, when my time ends.
CALLIOPE: An interesting prospect. Do you feel any different because of this realization?
JOE: I feel more at peace. I was beginning to become anxious about mortality.
CALLIOPE: That's a welcome change.
JOE: I hope that being freed from this anxiety will help me concentrate on what I can do rather than on what I might not be able to do in my life. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Into the Woods)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: A bit discombobulated.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: I finally got my computer back from the shop yesterday. Now I have the task of reinstalling my programs which can be a challenge.
CALLIOPE: How's it coming?
JOE: Slowly. I think I will need the day to get set up again.
CALLIOPE: No literary activity today?
JOE: Probably not.
CALLIOPE: How about over the weekend?
JOE: Tomorrow I am scheduled for a writers' retreat at a farmhouse in Albion. I'm looking forward to meeting some new people and recharging my creative batteries.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like fun.
JOE: I hope so. I also plan to meet some new contacts, particularly from the Linkup writers group in Rochester.
CALLIOPE: What do they have to offer you?
JOE: I hear they focus on publishing more than my group. I am hoping they can be helpful in my search for a home for Marital Property once it's finished. I have to leave early tomorrow. I'll talk with you if I have a chance. Otherwise we'll talk on Monday.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Spanish Moss- New Orleans)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Less burdened by possessions.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: I recycled bags and bags of old papers and am packing up boxes of old books.
CALLIOPE: Where did they all come from?
JOE: My years as a psychologist. I had file after file of information which might come in useful sometime but seldom did. I also have a collection of early psychology books documenting the past hundred years or so in my field.
CALLIOPE: Do you think you might use them sometime?
JOE: Hard to say but these days many old books are available online if I should need to consult them. So far they have mainly taken up space.
CALLIOPE: How do you feel with a leaner collection of possessions?
JOE: Leaner. It feels like I have been dragging things around for years which clutter my space. I'm glad to have more room. My mind has more space too.
CALLIOPE: What's on your agenda today?
JOE: More sorting and packing. I think I am ready to get back to work on publicity for The Pastor's Inferno and plan to work on my video "Are You Afraid of This Book" with the equipment I have available rather than waiting any longer to get my video camera back in operation.
CALLIOPE: You can always update it in the future if you aren't happy with it.
JOE: My thoughts exactly. Time for work. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Tumblers- New Orleans)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine. The sun's out and it's warming up.
CALLIOPE: Enjoy it. You mentioned working on a new column a couple days ago. How is that coming?
JOE: Done. I wrote it about Russ's eightieth birthday party and how I wish everyone in the world could get along the way people did at his party.
CALLIOPE: That would be nice. Do you think it's possible?
JOE: Possible- yes. Likely- realistically I'm not so sure. It seems people have been at each other's throats since Cain and Abel. We don't seem to have the patience as humans to cooperate with each other.
CALLIOPE: Humans don't seem to get it.
JOE: I can't argue with you there. It seems like we can get along for a while, at least some of us can. Then we dissolve into conflict. Having our own way seems to trump living with each other in peace.
CALLIOPE: So what's the answer?
JOE: I wish I knew. I have been searching for it as long as I have been writing. There probably isn't one answer or someone would have discovered it by now. The answer doesn't seem to lie in logic, emotion or belief. I don't know what's left.
CALLIOPE: How about the arts?
JOE: Maybe there's a better chance there. But the arts sometimes express and even incite conflict.
CALLIOPE: I can't argue with you there.
JOE: Maybe peace is the ultimate challenge for humans and it will only result from our combined efforts on all fronts. We shall see. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(With Carol at the Mardi Gras Museum- New Orleans)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine, but a little preoccupied.
CALLIOPE: With what?
JOE: I am planning a move from Batavia to Leroy in the next month and have been busy preparing.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about the process.
JOE: Since I moved here twelve years ago, I retired as a psychologist and began writing full time. Much of the detritus of my former life still fills my apartment. Now as I prepare to move, I am sorting through the remains of my past life and preparing to move on.
CALLIOPE: How does that feel?
JOE: A little strange. I don't often stop to look back over past chapters of my life. I just close the volume and move on. Deciding what to throw out and what to pass on to others makes me think of what I have accomplished and what I still want to do.
CALLIOPE: Have you come to any great realizations?
JOE: I now realize I have been motivated mostly by achievement and helping others. I have become a little unbalanced, letting go of the opportunity to make sure I enjoy life in the process.
CALLIOPE: How are you planning to become rebalanced?
JOE: By making sure I spend more time with people and also making room for painting and photography.
CALLIOPE: My sisters will be proud of you.
JOE: Please put in a good word with your sister muses for me. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Tower of London Gate)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you on Saturday.
JOE: I'm glad someone did. The weekend was very busy with a family reunion and a birthday party. I am doing my best to stay socially active. Sorry I missed you.
CALLIOPE: Being more social was one of your goals as I remember. Any literary progress?
JOE: I wrote in my journal and was inspired for a column this Saturday.
CALLIOPE: What's the topic.
JOE: I planned to write about the birthday party for my eighty year old neighbor Russ. At first I just wanted to do it as a tribute to him.
CALLIOPE: And it developed further?
JOE: It did. I thought of how a large group of family members and friends could come together with no conflict. I wonder whether it would be possible for the world to do this rather than being at each others' throats so often.
CALLIOPE: Good question. What do you plan to say?
JOE: I don't have have any particular ideas for what to say. I planned to just start writing and be open to your inspiration.
CALLIOPE: Thanks for the vote of confidence.
JOE: That's what you're best at, isn't it?
CALLIOPE: It is my job and I will be glad to help if I can.
JOE: Thanks. I'll get out my pen tonight. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Barbary Apes- Gibraltar)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Doing well thanks. Yesterday turned out to be a busy one.
CALLIOPE: Busy with what?
JOE: Sorting through the remains of my life so far.
CALLIOPE: You sound like your life's over.
JOE: I don't mean it that way. It's just that I have accumulated so much over the years that I no longer need.
CALLIOPE: Such as?
JOE: All my psychology books, tests, papers and old records.
CALLIOPE: How does it feel to let them go?
JOE: Like the end of a chapter in my life. I have been hanging on to them thinking I might some day use what I have accumulated as fodder for my writing.
CALLIOPE: And now?
JOE: Most of what I have stored will never be useful again and is just cluttering my life and living space. I haven't used any of it in years. Plenty happens each day to inspire me in my writing.
CALLIOPE: Aren't you afraid of becoming stagnant in your retirement?
JOE: No. I stay involved with people to some extent and also have access to all the media I can stand. I don't think I will be at a loss for stimulation. If anything my challenge will be to keep it at bay. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

(Cape Neddick Lighthouse- Maine)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Still a little vexed from yesterday.
CALLIOPE: On what account?
JOE: My backup computer caught a virus which took me a while to erase.
CALLIOPE: Where did it come from?
JOE: Strangely enough it seemed to be living in an anti-spyware program I downloaded.
CALLIOPE: Odd. But now it's fixed?
JOE: Seems to be. My main computer should be back shortly, but I have spent an inordinate amount of time on technology lately.
CALLIOPE: Have you had time to do anything else?
JOE: I painted yesterday (Cape Neddick Lighthouse, Maine) as well as doing some weeding of my apartment.
CALLIOPE: What have you found?
JOE: Old files I no longer need, clothes I don't wear any more and books.
CALLIOPE: Is it hard to let go of books?
JOE: That's the most difficult part for me. I have quite a collection of writing related books which I think I will keep as well as some of my favorite fiction which I keep for sentimental reasons. I could always borrow the fiction books from the library if I need them again. Still it's hard to let them go. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine. After a deluge last night, the sky is clear blue with a few friendly clouds. I am feeling at peace and optimistic.
CALLIOPE: What brought all this on?
JOE: I have been contemplating my conversation with Gerry which we discussed yesterday. I think he is right that to some extent my early conflicts still plague me.
CALLIOPE: Which conflicts?
JOE: The ones which made me feel it was my responsibility to make sense of the world and to some extent contribute to saving it.
CALLIOPE: Rather messianic isn't it?
JOE: Now that you mention it, yes. I took it upon myself to contribute to making the world a better place in which to live. I chose to do this through my writing.
CALLIOPE: Wherein lies the conflict?
JOE: Despite what I have done in my own small way, I see the world as largely an egocentric pursuit by many of its denizens. It seems most people care mostly about themselves and not so much about others. Pursuit of what they want seldom seems to involve consideration of others' needs.
CALLIOPE: Is it you job to change this?
JOE: I am coming to realize that it is not. I think I have made suggestions in my writing of alternative ways to live including a better harmony between our own lives and those of others. But it is not up to me to make the world a perfect place before I leave it.
CALLIOPE: Good realization. So what now?
JOE: I will continue to offer any suggestions which occur to me for consideration of anyone who will listen. I will also concentrate more on enjoying the world as I find it. Talk with you tomorrow.
(My grandson Joey at Strong Museum)

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

JOE: Good morning, Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I take it your backup computer is behaving this morning.
JOE: It is. Nice to be with you.
CALLIOPE: What's on your mind today?
JOE: I had an interesting conversation with my friend Gerry yesterday.
CALLIOPE: What did he have to say?
JOE: His comments were about my exchanges with you. He knew me many years ago when I was trying to figure out the meaning of life and what to do with mine in particular.
CALLIOPE: And?
JOE: He saw our conversations as reminiscent of my earlier struggles. To him it sounded like I was still locked in the same struggles which plagued me then.
CALLIOPE: Do you agree?
JOE: I had to stop to think about it. I was not aware of the similarities before he mentioned them. In some ways he is right. I still have many of the same questions about the meaning of life, how it should be lived and what makes people act as they do.
CALLIOPE: Do you think you have changed over the years?
JOE: The questions are still the same. Maybe my challenge is to spend my life pondering the same questions and keep coming up with little insights about them. In that sense I haven't changed. However I don't feel the desperation I once felt to have the answers. I now look on the same issues as life's mysteries. I can contemplate them and explore possible explanations but don't feel a life and death struggle or that my life will self destruct if I don't find the answers immediately. I think I have become more patient over the years.
CALLIOPE: What do you think he was getting at?
JOE: I think he would like to see me be able to relax more and enjoy life rather than being locked in a struggle to understand it. He encouraged me to explore activities such as painting which I did briefly and then jumped right back into the fray with my writing. I think I will do a little painting today. Talk with you tomorrow.
(Public Stocks- Renaissance Faire)

Conversations with Calliope- Dialogue with My Muse

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I wondered what became of you the past few days.
JOE: I thought you might. I took my computer in for service and thought I could use my backup computer to contact you.
CALLIOPE: What happened?
JOE: It's a long story. Suffice it to say that it took me until now to get Internet service working on my backup computer.
CALLIOPE: Glad to have you back. What's been going on?
JOE: I spent Saturday and Sunday at Honeoye Lake, one of the Finger Lakes, with Carol and friends.
CALLIOPE: A little vacation?
JOE: Very short but quite enjoyable.
CALLIOPE: Any work on your writing?
JOE: I did some reading, more of Poisonwood Bible. I also wrote in my journal but that's about it.
CALLIOPE: Where do things stand with Marital Property?
JOE: My backup copy is not quite up to date so I will wait until I get my good computer back, hopefully tomorrow.
CALLIOPE: An in the mean time?
JOE: I have some cleaning and organizing to do around the house. I think I will work on that for today. I'll talk with you tomorrow if everything is still working.
(Kitchen orchids)