Conversations with Calliope- Curiouser and Curiouser

(Dunkirk Harbor Jetty)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What happened with the elite and pica authors?
JOE: Good question. The discussion became hot and heavy for a while.
CALLIOPE: Then what?
JOE: The whole thread disappeared mysteriously without any explanation.
CALLIOPE: Where do you think it went?
JOE: Hard to say. I can only speculate.
CALLIOPE: What's your speculation?
JOE: Someone's feathers were probably ruffled. The site in question might prefer that its members play nice and don't raise any controversial issues or express any emotions.
CALLIOPE: As you say, curious.
JOE: I agree. I was waiting to see whether a rapprochement between traditionally and self published authors might be forthcoming. The conversation was whisked off before the result became evident.
CALLIOPE: So now what?
JOE: Hard to tell. I'm awaiting further developments.
CALLIOPE: Do you have any plans?
JOE: If no satisfactory conclusion arises, I am planning to start a forum for pica authors. I will be away for a few days and will get back to you mid week.

Conversations with Calliope- Elite and Pica Writers

(Nineteenth Century Printing Press)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Riled up.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: Yesterday I read on LinkedIn a post suggesting that self published writers should not be allowed to call themselves authors.
CALLIOPE: In those words?
JOE: The suggestion was made that it "smacks of hubris" for self published authors to consider their writing better than what gets published by the big New York publishing houses.
CALLIOPE: Ah yes, hubris. Finally a Greek word. As it recall it means an exaggerated sense of self importance.
JOE: That's my recollection as well. I don't recall throngs of self published writers trying to outdo those favored by the big boys. I do think they would like some respect and are sometimes relegated to lower status by those who have made it big.
CALLIOPE: What explains this reaction?
JOE: In my opinion, they are the ones with hubris, at least those who lord it over self published writers or possibly their insecurity is showing.
CALLIOPE: Do you know for sure what their motivation is?
JOE: I have learned over the years that motivation is a complex subject and usually has more than one aspect. But you asked for my opinion.
CALLIOPE: Well taken. What's your suggestion?
JOE: Maybe those who publish with the big boys could be called elite authors while those who self publish or who write and don't publish could be known as pica authors. Talk with you tomorrow

Conversations with Calliope- Life's Mysteries

(Pillar Fragment- Santianna, Spain)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: In a reflective mood.
CALLIOPE: About what?
JOE: I was just speculating to myself about what makes the world so interesting and worth writing about.
CALLIOPE: Did you come to any conclusions?
JOE: I'm not sure I can speak for everyone, but the mystery I find in nature and in people fascinates me.
CALLIOPE: Tell me more.
JOE: I have been working on a piece about what God means to me. After writing about it for a while, I reached the conclusion that I find God in the mysteries which surround me at every turn waiting to fascinate me if I just stop to pay attention to them.
CALLIOPE: Are you able to unravel the mysteries?
JOE: Not usually.
CALLIOPE: Isn't that frustrating?
JOE: Not really. I can sit with a mystery and enjoy its intricacy, realizing I am in the presence of something more profound than I am. It's my way of being close to God.
CALLIOPE: I see. Sounds like a good realization.
JOE: I think so. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Roots and Branches

(Tree Branches)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Energized.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: I told you I work up that way yesterday. I struggled all last week to write anything. Yesterday ideas flowed easily from my mind to my fingertips and into cyberspace.
CALLIOPE: Glad all systems are go. What's on your mind this morning?
JOE: One of the insights I had yesterday dates back to incidents which took place forty five years ago. Thoughts about what happened arose from thinking about meeting next week with an old classmate from the seminary I last saw in 1965.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about the insight.
JOE: I had been living in a monastic order and became increasingly more in conflict with the powers that be. I have struggled off and on over the years to understand what happened.
CALLIOPE: And you finally figured it out?
JOE: I think so. At least I have an idea. Those in charge were seeking to rediscover the roots of the order. I was on top of the tree, more interested in branches and new growth. Mutual distrust evolved from not being on the same page.
CALLIOPE: An interesting thought. How can you use it now?
JOE: Obviously it is too late to reconcile anything. But this might be a good theme for a story, or perhaps more than one.
CALLIOPE: Let's watch for one.
JOE: Sounds good for me. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dark Night and Dawn

(Oak Bluffs Sunrise)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you on Saturday.
JOE: I didn't feel inspired to write.
CALLIOPE: Don't blame me. I was here waiting for you.
JOE: I know. I don't blame you.
CALLIOPE: What was it then?
JOE: As I told you, I have not felt much like writing all week and found it a struggle to get anything into words.
CALLIOPE: To what do you attribute this lack of inspiration?
JOE: It took me a while to figure it out.
CALLIOPE: Please share what you discovered.
JOE: I have been reading about the dark night of the soul as you know. Last week was not one for me as far as I know. However I have been there in the past and have worked with many people as they struggled to make sense of them.
CALLIOPE: What was the effect of reading about it?
JOE: I have come to understand the dark night as a time of putting ordinary life on hold, stepping back and reevaluating life. Just reading about it put my creative thoughts on hold for a while.
CALLIOPE: How long do you expect this to last?
JOE: I awoke at 4:30 this morning my mind brimming with creative ideas. I guess it's over now. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Gentle on My Mind

(Sunset on the Allegheny River)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Looking forward to the warmth and sunshine promised by today's forecast.
CALLIOPE: Nothing special on your mind today?
JOE: Nope. It's nice to feel at peace with nothing nagging at me.
CALLIOPE: Do you only write when something is bothering you?
JOE: Good question. I hadn't thought of it that way before.
CALLIOPE: Do you have an answer?
JOE: For the most part, I think I only write when I think something needs to be changed. Sometimes I write about things or people I appreciate.
CALLIOPE: Other that the weather, what else do you appreciate about today?
JOE: A sense of prosperity in troubled times, being at peace in my relationship, having the freedom to do whatever I want to today with no expectations placed on me and endless possibilities for how I spend my time.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like you're in a fortunate position.
JOE: I think so. I wish I could find a way to share it with others.
CALLIOPE: I think you just did.
JOE: I guess you're right. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Prosperity in Perspective

(Gull at Niagara Falls)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine. Our travels the last couple days resulted in Carol finding a new car for a reasonable price.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear it. What did you learn from the process?
JOE: Good question. I think I learned a few things about prosperity.
CALLIOPE: Tell me more.
JOE: Several years ago I retired from my psychology practice to focus entirely on my writing.
CALLIOPE: How does prosperity fit in?
JOE: When I retired, I realized I would have much less money to live on. I thought about this as Carol bought a new car. I don't know if I will ever be in a position to do so myself.
CALLIOPE: Does that bother you?
JOE: Sometimes it nags at me. I don't have oceans of money at my disposal and can't always do things I would like to do.
CALLIOPE: Is there another side to it?
JOE: I am freed from pursuing money. I have enough to live on and provide my basics as well as some left over for our travels.
CALLIOPE: Are you okay with that?
JOE: Most of the time. Sometimes I wish I had more money to pursue my interests. I usually come back to realize that oodles of money don't always make people happy. Usually I can accept the life I have chosen. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dancing with My Grandmother

(My Grandmother)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: I woke up with a smile on my face.
CALLIOPE: Where did it come from?
JOE: I dreamed about my grandmother last night.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: She died in 1966 and I was not able to go to her funeral. I lived at her house for the first three years of my life. In my dream, she was at a party in my current life. I danced with her creating joy in both of us.
CALLIOPE: A nice memory.
JOE: Also a fantasy. I don't remember ever dancing with her when she was alive.
CALLIOPE: Fantasies are the foundation of art in my opinion.
JOE: I share that opinion with you. Much of art is based on dark fantasies and memories as a way of resolving leftover conflicts.
CALLIOPE: I can't argue with you there.
JOE: I think pleasant fantasies and memories provide optimism to carry us through difficult times.
CALLIOPE: No argument there either.
JOE: I guess I'll take my fantasies and get on with the day. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Reorienting

(Paphiopedalum Orchid)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Working on getting my life back in perspective.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: I was excited about the prospect of starting soon with AmeriCorps and getting involved with people on a volunteer basis.
CALLIOPE: And?
JOE: I explored the options and have come to the conclusion that the position I most want will not be available until October.
CALLIOPE: Are you disappointed?
JOE: A little. I was hoping to get on with it. But I don't want to jump into something that would be less satisfying just for the sake of doing it.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like you are finally developing some patience.
JOE: It's about time. I am learning that I don't have to make things happen. Life has its own pace and every situation has its opportunities.
CALLIOPE: Which are?
JOE: That's a good question. I am in the middle of several writing projects. Perhaps the message is for me to finish them before starting a new adventure.
CALLIOPE: Perhaps.
JOE: I'll get back to work on them while I'm waiting. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- New Horizons

(Sunset over Provincetown)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I trust you had a nice Easter.
JOE: I did. Carol and I took a long walk exploring the hidden beauties of Leroy.
CALLIOPE: What else did you do?
JOE: I read some of Thomas Moore's Dark Nights of the Soul.
CALLIOPE: Did this relate to your exploration of AmeriCorps?
JOE: Unexpectedly yes.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: I have discovered the possibility of a placement at our local arts council but have not had a chance to explore it yet.
CALLIOPE: How did that relate to your reading?
JOE: I found a passage in Moore's book which fit my search nicely. "The most important thing is to become more acquainted with the realm of art, religion and dream, where images are not merely cerebral but are rooted in the human imagination and in deep-seated emotions."
CALLIOPE: Interesting that you should encounter such a quote.
JOE: Serendipitious, I would say. My writing has focused on my own and others' thoughts and not sought so much to include other realms of personal experience. Maybe that's what has been missing in my writing.
CALLIOPE: Could be.
JOE: I will sit with this idea a while and see what happens. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Exploring Opportunities

(Antique Cognac Still- Herez, Spain)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Still sorting out yesterday's events.
CALLIOPE: Please explain.
JOE: As you know, I signed up for AmeriCorps yesterday and considered one position.
CALLIOPE: I recall.
JOE: The position I considered appeared to be an all consuming one. I would have to put the rest of my life on hold while I pursued it.
CALLIOPE: Too much for you?
JOE: Exactly. I am looking for more balance in my life, not a total change.
CALLIOPE: So you're not ready to give up your writing efforts?
JOE: Not after all I have invested. But I wouldn't mind contributing to society some of what I have learned.
CALLIOPE: How would you do it?
JOE: My idea was to work with teens on creative writing, but there do not appear to be a project opening with this specific focus, at least around here.
CALLIOPE: So now what?
JOE: I will explore what might be available in the arts and focus on creativity. Talk with you on Monday.

Conversations with Calliope- Comnmunity Service

(Ganandagan Festival Parade)

JOE: Good afternoon Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good afternoon Joe. Where have you been?
JOE: Exploring community service opportunities.
CALLIOPE: Oh?
JOE: I told you I was feeling a little confined just staying home writing and applying for AmeriCorps. Today I visited one of their participating sites and formalized my application as well.
CALLIOPE: What did you learn?
JOE: The rules for one thing. I won't bore you with the details. I did explore one project which fits my interests.
CALLIOPE; Tell me about it.
JOE: It is a project which tracks patterns of people involved in the criminal justice system.
CALLIOPE: Is that it?
JOE: No. The other part is to find funding to develop programs to meet the needs of the people identified.
CALLIOPE: Sounds ambitious.
JOE: That's what I thought. It would mean a full time commitment, perhaps a bit more than I am ready for.
CALLIOPE: So now what?
JOE: I will spend some time thinking about it and perhaps exploring some other alternatives. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Appearing on the Radio

(Daisies)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How did the radio show go?
JOE: Quite well I thought.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: I have appeared on the radio before. Although I was not sure exactly what to expect, I didn't feel nervous.
CALLIOPE: What put you at ease?
JOE: I arrived early and watched the interview before mine. I had also met Wanda Frank, the host of the show and knew her style.
CALLIOPE: What happened on the air?
JOE: She asked me to introduce myself and my book, Navigating Life.
CALLIOPE: Then what?
JOE: I had sent her a brochure before the show and she chose several points I had outlined to explore further.
CALLIOPE: Anything else?
JOE: She wanted to know what were the major influences in what I write now.
CALLIOPE: What did you tell her?
JOE: I had been thinking about this on the way to the show. I told her I had nine years in the seminary and monastery to think about life, especially my own. Then I worked for thirty-five years as a psychologist helping people make sense of their lives. All in all, a good experience. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Radio Publicity

Whale Mural- Robert Wyland

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What are you up to today?
JOE: In a couple hours I will be appearing on a local radio talk show in Batavia.
CALLIOPE: Have you ever done that before?
JOE: I have, but not about my writing.
CALLIOPE: What's the focus today?
JOE: I will have a ten minute spot in which my book, Navigating Life: Commonsense Reflections for the Voyage will be featured.
CALLIOPE: Not much time. How will you handle it?
JOE: It is in the hands of the interviewer Wanda Frank who has hosted the show for many years. I have met her socially at arts events. She is a respected figure in the local arts community and has directed a number of community theater musicals over the years.
CALLIOPE: What do you expect will happen?
JOE: As she put it, she will pick my brain.
CALLIOPE: And what will she find?
JOE: My reasons for writing.
CALLIOPE: Which are?
JOE: To encourage people to take charge of their lives for the communal good. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Americorps

(Spring Blooms)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Invigorated.
CALLIOPE: On what account?
JOE: I have been thinking lately about doing something away from my computer and also about making some direct contribution to society other than writing about it.
CALLIOPE: Did you come to any conclusions?
JOE: I did. I decided to explore Americorps and sent in an application yesterday.
CALLIOPE: That's rather sudden isn't it?
JOE: I don't think so. I have been thinking about something like this and doing some research on it. Saturday I talked with my son in law who is in the program.
CALLIOPE: Does that mean you will be traveling about the country?
JOE: No. There are programs right here in Genesee County.
CALLIOPE: What interests you?
JOE: I have a couple ideas but don't know what projects are open yet. I have been thinking of doing something with teenagers or with ex-offenders.
CALLIOPE: Sounds adventurous.
JOE: I have worked with both before as a psychologist so it wouldn't be anything entirely new. I'll wait to see what they have available. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Lies and Creativity

(Fantasy Sculpture Garden- Nantucket)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you on Saturday.
JOE: Sorry. I got busy early and never got back to the computer.
CALLIOPE: I guess you are entitled to a life.
JOE: I guess so. But ideas churned in my mind yesterday and woke me up very early this morning.
CALLIOPE: What's churning?
JOE: My column for next Saturday among other things.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: I had a recent experience of being lied to as a way of explaining away an act of poor judgment. It made me think of all the lies I have read about in the news lately to cover tracks and avoid responsibility.
CALLIOPE: But there is another side as well?
JOE: I think so. Fiction is also a way of playing with the facts but doing so in a way to entertain and even teach from writing about what might be rather than what is.
CALLIOPE: An interesting way to put it.
JOE: I think so.
CALLIOPE: So what's the difference?
JOE: Lies are ways of deceiving others and avoiding responsibility while fiction is an imagined reality to which we can relate and use to make sense of the human condition. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- A Cup of Insecurity and Humility

(Amish Buggy and Wagon)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you this morning?
JOE: In my cups.
CALLIOPE: Do you mean drunk?
JOE: No. I am continuing with Julia Cameron's Vein of Gold exercises.
CALLIOPE: Oh. And what cup do we have today?
JOE: Insecurity and Humility.
CALLIOPE: Tell me more.
JOE: I won't bore or depress you with my childhood insecurities.
CALLIOPE: How about the humility part?
JOE: That might be worth exploring. I think my sense of humility developed in response to my childhood insecurities. Now I approach everything in my life including my writing in a humble way.
CALLIOPE: What does humility mean to you?
JOE: I keep myself in perspective and don't become arrogant about my abilities or opinions.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like a good trait for a writer. Do you think it keeps you from taking chances sometimes?
JOE: Perhaps. It's not always easy to keep a balance between risk and humility but I do my best. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Renewed Creative Energy

(Oatka Creek)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Energized. But do you have to start your inspiration so early?
CALLIOPE: What do you mean?
JOE: You know exactly what I mean. The ideas you placed in my head at 4:30 this morning. I had to get up and write them down to be sure I wouldn't forget them.
CALLIOPE: I wanted to make sure I didn't forget them either. What ideas did you receive?
JOE: One was the difference between lies and creativity in dealing with literal truth. The other was whether our national bird should be the eagle, turkey or phoenix.
CALLIOPE: That's exactly what I remember. Do you want me to take the chance of forgetting and inspire you later in the day?
JOE: No, I just wondered. I'm ready for inspiration any time. But you sure keep me on my toes.
CALLIOPE: That's the nature of my job and our relationship.
JOE: Well said. I accept the terms. I guess I can always go back to bed later if you wear me out.
CALLIOPE: Glad you understand.
JOE: I think we understand each other. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Dross to Gold

(Dunkirk Golden Sunset)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Continuing to focus on the positive.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: Julia Cameron suggested an exercise in which I listed ten criticisms that tended to paralyze me in the past.
CALLIOPE: That doesn't sound too positive.
JOE: I'm not done. Then I considered them for hidden positive elements they might contain.
CALLIOPE: That's more like it. Then what?
JOE: I listed them on a decorated page and will post it above my computer.
CALLIOPE: What were they?
JOE:Radical thinker, unconventional, flexible, nurturing, different from the herd, free from control by money, divergent thinker, carefree, provided for by God and untroubled.
CALLIOPE: How did you get to these?
JOE: It doesn't matter. I have left the criticisms behind and will take these strengths with me.
CALLIOPE: Are they just wishful thinking?
JOE: No. I have seen each one in my life and will take them with me as reminders of how I am at my best. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- A Cup of Good Cheer

(Snorkeling in Antigua)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Chipper.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear about it. I was getting worried about you.
JOE: Why?
CALLIOPE: Yesterday's post seemed quite morose. I thought you were depressed.
JOE: Actually no. I probably would not have ventured here again except as an exercise for The Vein of Gold.
CALLIOPE: The events you described took place many years ago didn't they?
JOE: Yes they did. For me it was what John of the Cross called the "Dark Night of the Soul." Graham Ledgerwood describes this as "a lengthy and profound absence of light and hope." See what he has to say at www.themystic.org/dark-night/index.htm. Fortunately I didn't get stuck there.
CALLIOPE: What brought you out of it?
JOE: Two angels, Gerry and John, who came to my aid, accepted me for who I was and stayed with me while I learned to believe in myself.
CALLIOPE: You were fortunate.
JOE: I am still grateful to them for bringing me back to life and teaching me how to appreciate what I have and how to not take life too seriously.
CALLIOPE: Have you stayed that way?
JOE: I can't say there weren't ups and downs but I have been able to stay on an even keel and weather whatever life threw at me. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- A Cup of Loneliness

(Spring Briers)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Pretty good. I started on the next assignment Julia Cameron suggests in Vein of Gold.
CALLIOPE: Which is?
JOE: Picking out some of the themes from my narrative time line and wring about them in more depth.
CALLIOPE: And you chose loneliness as the first?
JOE: I did. This theme keeps recurring in my thoughts ever since I wrote about it last week.
CALLIOPE: What have you learned by examining it in more depth?
JOE: I'm not finished yet, but I am starting to appreciate the depth of my isolation.
CALLIOPE: What do you think led to it?
JOE: Part of it was my father's treating me as if I was not worth anything, or at least that's how it felt to me.
CALLIOPE: That would certainly make it difficult to trust others to accept you.
JOE: Exactly. I also think that moving from the world at large to an artificial seminary environment cut me off from most anything I had learned to value in myself.
CALLIOPE: Any other factors?
JOE: My father's valuing commitment. Once you said you would do something you did it. I think I stayed in the seminary for nine years to satisfy him to some extent.
CALLIOPE: What are the implications of all this for you?
JOE: That's what I haven't finished yet. Perhaps I will have more to share with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- A New Day

(Morning- Leroy, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Good. Yesterday I finished working on my narrative time line.
CALLIOPE: Any further discoveries about yourself?
JOE: I think I am getting a better understanding of how my life has progressed.
CALLIOPE: What has been your pattern?
JOE: I have experienced periods of feeling competent and alive amid some long stretches of loneliness and feeling rather worthless.
CALLIOPE: Sorry to hear it. How are you feeling about yourself now?
JOE: Happy to say, I have overcome the doldrums and feel happy with who I am and what I have become.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear it. How does what you have learned in this process affect your outlook on the future?
JOE: I'm still working on that and will keep you posted?
CALLIOPE: How about the effect on your writing?
JOE: That remains to be determined as well. I hope to spend some time on both these issues over the weekend.
CALLIOPE: I'll be interested in seeing what you come up with.
JOE: You'll be the first to know. Talk with you on Monday.

Conversations with Calliope- Moving Right Along

(Oatka Festival Parade)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How is your narrative time line coming along?
JOE: Pretty well. I have finished documenting my life line up through age forty.
CALLIOPE: What have you learned about yourself so far?
JOE: I am beginning to see how my teenage isolation affected my rush to marry without due consideration as well as my professional and social relationships.
CALLIOPE: Do you have any regrets?
JOE: It doesn't help to wish your life had been different.
CALLIOPE: It could have been worse.
JOE: Of course. I have seen the lives of people I have worked with over the years. I am grateful to have had as good a life as I have had.
CALLIOPE: If you can't change what has happened, what will you do with what you have learned?
JOE: First I plan to try to make sense of it.
CALLIOPE: How?
JOE: When I have finished the time line, I will write down what I have learned from the exercise and then look for patterns.
CALLIOPE: To what end?
JOE: I hope that seeing the patterns which have developed in my life will give me some hints about where to go next. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- College Years

(Fishing Boat- Antigua)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Still wading through my time line. I just finished writing about my early twenties.
CALLIOPE: Any new discoveries?
JOE: I think my realization about not having close high school friends influenced my relationships after leaving the seminary.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: I was lonely and desperate to have a girl friend. Since I had no experience in relationships with girls as most boys do in high school, I was like a fish out of water.
CALLIOPE: How did it end up?
JOE: Not very well. My first date was set up by a friend who also left the seminary. She turned out to speak no English and my Polish was nonexistent.
CALLIOPE: Did it get better?
JOE: I met a nutty girl and one who turned out to be mentally ill.
CALLIOPE: No one in their right mind?
JOE: One, but for only for a single date. She was a lovely girl, and we resonated well. Unfortunately she lived in the country, I had no car and could not get to her on my own. The person we relied on for a ride had no sense of what we both wanted and liked to tell jokes and drink in bars. It just didn't work.
CALLIOPE: Sorry to hear that. Do you think these experiences influenced your writing?
JOE: I think so but that's another story. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Life Context

(Outdoor Handball Court- Dunkirk, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Good, but little perplexed.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: I have been working on the narrative time line we talked about yesterday.
CALLIOPE: You mean the structured interview about your life events?
JOE: Exactly so.
CALLIOPE: Is that what perplexed you?
JOE: Yes. When I wrote about my early years I discovered how happy a child I was.
CALLIOPE: That doesn't sound perplexing.
JOE: It isn't. When I got to my early adolescence, I realized how lonely and isolated I was.
CALLIOPE: You don't remember that?
JOE: I think I buried it from my consciousness. When asked to name my best friend from that time, I couldn't think of anyone.
CALLIOPE: That's sad.
JOE: I agree. I can't change anything about it now, but maybe it will help me understand myself a little better. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Back on Course

(Sunrise on the Allegheny River)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Feeling much better about myself and my life direction.
CALLIOPE: What brought about such a quick change from yesterday?
JOE; I wish I knew for sure. Maybe I was just in the doldrums for a while.
CALLIOPE: Any other possibilities?
JOE: Several. Admitting I was stranded probably helped. Several good things happened yesterday as well.
CALLIOPE: Such as?
JOE: I managed to fix my e-mail problem on my own and turned out not to have a virus on my computer after all. It gave me a sense of accomplishment.
CALLIOPE: Anything else?
JOE: I wrote my column for Saturday on Yvonne's life and was proud of what I produced. I also started working on my narrative time line as suggested by Julia Cameron. I feel this will give me a sense of context for continuing my writing at this stage in my life.
CALLIOPE: You sound grounded again.
JOE: Perhaps not an apt metaphor for a sailor. Back on course sounds better.
CALLIOPE: Point taken. I'm glad you are sailing again.
JOE: Me too. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Finding a Direction

(Mayan Road- Cozumel)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. On Saturday you sounded stuck. Any progress?
JOE: I would say so. I found some time to reflect on where I am right now.
CALLIOPE: What did you discover?
JOE: I came to a standstill in my writing recently when I started reading Vein of Gold by Julia Cameron.
CALLIOPE: I thought that book was designed to stimulate your creativity.
JOE: It is. I started feeling more energized until I came to her recommendation of writing my history.
CALLIOPE: And that paralyzed you?
JOE: I'm not sure it is quite a matter of paralysis.
CALLIOPE: What is it then?
JOE: I have been mindlessly plodding ahead with little sense of direction, flitting from one project to another.
CALLIOPE: And?
JOE: I think I need a better sense of direction. As I thought about it over the weekend, writing my story might help me regain my momentum.
CALLIOPE: Is that you next project?
JOE: I don't see it so much a project as a refocusing. I will try and see where it leads me. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Waiting for Spring

(Storm Clouds over the Lagoon- San Juan)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Waiting for Spring.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it?
JOE: I feel as if my mind has been fallow lately, like a a field not yet plowed and planted for the new season.
CALLIOPE: How did you reach that conclusion?
JOE: It just occurred to me this morning while I was writing my journal.
CALLIOPE: What did you realize about yourself and your writing?
JOE: I don't feel creative ideas tugging at me anxious to be written.
CALLIOPE: What about the computer virus problem you wrote about yesterday?
JOE: I think it was just an excuse for not doing anything. I could have turned off my computer and written on paper.
CALLIOPE: No doubt. What do you think is paralyzing you?
JOE: I hadn't thought of it as paralysis but now that you mention it, I suppose that is what I am feeling. I think it might be a philosophical problem. My chosen goal is to help others understand themselves and take responsibility for their interactions with others. Lately it seems many people are giving up any concern about each other and just grabbing what they can with no concern for their own integrity or effect on anyone else.
CALLIOPE: Sounds depressing. Do you plan to just give up?
JOE: I'm not that desperate. But I do need to get refocused. I just need to figure out how. Talk with you on Monday.

Conversations with Calliope- Human and Computer Virus

(Frozen Culvert)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you yesterday.
JOE: I thought you might. I have been wrestling with viruses.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: A cold virus has been stalking me for the past month or so. It laid me flat for a while but lately I have been overcoming it.
CALLIOPE: Is that the end of the story?
JOE: I wish. Just as I was starting to get back on my feet, it seems a virus might be infecting my computer.
CALLIOPE: How can you tell?
JOE: I can't for sure. A few days ago I started having trouble with e-mail messages. I received them erratically but then got a message after they were received that my provider didn't recognize my password.
CALLIOPE: It doesn't sound earthshaking.
JOE: It isn't but it is annoying.
CALLIOPE: What do you plan to do about it?
JOE: I tried every antivirus program I could think of with no results. Finally I made plans to take it to a shop for a professional look.
CALLIOPE: How did that go?
JOE: It was canceled because my man came down with his own virus (human type.) I'm waiting for him to recover. In the mean time I'll try to get back to concentrating on my writing. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Spring Awakening

(Magen's Bay Beach- St. Thomas)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Not bad. I'm enjoying the return of spring weather and not having to bundle up before going outside.
CALLIOPE: It is a nice time of year, one of rebirth and beginnings.
JOE: Well said. My mind is filled with new ideas.
CALLIOPE: Such as?
JOE: I think I might have mentioned my idea about a virtual beach where ideas could lounge and meet each other.
CALLIOPE: You did. Is it on your mind?
JOE: Yes. I awoke early this morning imagining it.
CALLIOPE: What ideas are up and about?
JOE: One is the mystery of abuse.
CALLIOPE: Oh?
JOE: I've wondered what prompts people to leave their senses and abuse others with no thought of their welfare. Another is the mystery of addiction.
CALLIOPE: Do you think they are connected?
JOE: Perhaps, but I'm not sure. I have read a few explanations of both issues but they both remain mysterious to me. Maybe I will let them play on the beach and see what happens. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- There's Always Something

(Creekside Path- Leroy, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: I was reflecting yesterday on Yvonne's death, the fragility of life and implications for my future writing when my brother called.
CALLIOPE: What did he have to say?
JOE: He recently had knee surgery for a torn meniscus.
CALLIOPE: Did it go okay?
JOE: All except for the pre-op tests. He was found to have a very high white blood count which turned out to be due to his having a form of leukemia.
CALLIOPE: I'm sorry to hear it.
JOE: Thanks. It's little early to tell what the future holds. He is having more tests next week and plans will be made pending the outcome.
CALLIOPE: How is he taking it?
JOE: I think he is still somewhat in shock but seems to be taking it in stride. I think it is difficult for a surgeon to be a patient. We're both hoping for the best.
CALLIOPE: Are there any indications for hope?
JOE: There always are. He has a less virulent form of leukemia and does not have any symptoms except fatigue.
CALLIOPE: How are you taking it?
JOE: I guess it has not really registered yet. I'm worried about him of course but will do anything I can to help although I'm not sure what I can do except be supportive right now. I will at least do that. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Goodbye to Yvonne

(Tangled Roots)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How was your weekend?
JOE: Saturday was rough.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: Carol and I went to a wake and funeral service for her cousin Yvonne.
CALLIOPE: What happened?
JOE: She had struggled for years with alcoholism and finally succumbed apparently to an overdose of pain medication.
CALLIOPE: Sorry to hear it.
JOE: It was a tragedy waiting to happen. She had a great zest for life but not much control over her attraction to chemicals.
CALLIOPE: Did her death surprise you?
JOE: Not really but it did sadden me to see her life lost to addiction which remains one of the mysteries I have not been able to crack in all of my years as a psychologist and a writer.
CALLIOPE: Are you still working on it?
JOE: I'm not working on it so much as wondering about it.
CALLIOPE: Do you plan to write any more about it?
JOE: I wrote a novel about sexual addiction which just engendered more questions. I suppose I will work on it some more. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Artist's Date

(Rock Waiting for Spring)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Just barely.
JOE: You mean just barely morning or just barely good?
CALLIOPE: Just barely morning.
JOE: Don't pout. I have had a great morning. I was up early to read the paper, write my morning pages and take a walk.
CALLIOPE: Glad you are enjoying it.
JOE: I'm on a roll from yesterday.
CALLIOPE: Oh?
JOE: I mentioned that I was reading Julia Cameron's Vein of Gold.
CALLIOPE: You did.
JOE: One of her suggestions was a weekly "Artist's Date."
CALLIOPE: Did you have one?
JOE: Yesterday I set out on a journey with my camera and found quite a few interesting images within a mile of my house. I realized that there were probably many other places within walking distance.
CALLIOPE: Is that where you were this morning?
JOE: Yes. I was scouting new photo sites and walked through a local cemetery where several people I knew are buried. I'm looking forward to more adventures. Talk with you on Monday.

Conversations with Calliope- Mysterious Deaths

(New Orleans Cemetery)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you this morning?
JOE: I've been thinking about death this morning.
CALLIOPE: On what account?
JOE: Two people I know recently died under suspicious circumstances.
CALLIOPE: Tell me more.
JOE: Chemical abuse seems to be involved in both deaths.
CALLIOPE: Do you know that for sure?
JOE: No, but I know that both people have struggled for years with substance abuse.
CALLIOPE: What are you thoughts about this?
JOE: I wonder why people would risk their lives to get high.
CALLIOPE: Maybe they are trying to get our of a hole rather than high.
JOE: Entirely possible. I hadn't thought of it that way.
CALLIOPE: I notice you have never written about drugs or alcohol.
JOE: True. I haven't understood it well enough to express any opinions.
CALLIOPE: What about writing about the mystery of drug use?
JOE: It's something to consider. Talk with you tomorrow

Conversations with Calliope- Playing in the Dirt

(Sunflowers- Leroy, NY)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you yesterday.
JOE: I thought you might.
CALLIOPE: Where were you?
JOE: Playing hooky or more accurately playing in the dirt.
CALLIOPE: So I see from today's title. Tell me a little more.
JOE: I told you I was starting to read Julia Cameron's Vein of Gold.
CALLIOPE: Yes.
JOE: One of her suggestions is to relearn how to play. I set up a play date for myself yesterday on impulse.
CALLIOPE: How did that develop?
JOE: I was shopping and decided to buy some vegetable and flower seeds as well as a bird feeder and seeds for my feathered friends, especially gold finches and woodpeckers.
CALLIOPE: Sounds interesting.
JOE: Not just interesting but critical. When I spend all my time slaving away on my writing I tend to lose track of my creativity and playfulness.
CALLIOPE: God forbid.
JOE: My thoughts precisely. The seeds are planted. Today I will stock the bird feeders. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Appreciating Life

(Ganandigan Festival)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. Glad to see you up and at 'em.
JOE: Glad to be here.
CALLIOPE: What are you up to lately?
JOE: Yesterday I finished assembling the posts I will include in my next book based on our conversations.
CALLIOPE: And today?
JOE: Saturday is coming up quickly. I have a column to prepare for The Daily News.
CALLIOPE: Have you decided on a topic.
JOE: Yes. This week I plan to write about appreciating life. Everyone seems to be fretting about the economy and its implications.
CALLIOPE: You don't think we should be worried?
JOE: These are unsettled times. No doubt about that. I think it provides us with an opportunity.
CALLIOPE: Which is?
JOE: To realize what we have in our lives rather than concentrating on what we don't have. As bad as things are, by comparison with most of the world, we are still doing quite well.
CALLIOPE: Good point. I'll be looking forward to hearing what you have to say.
JOE: So am I. Time to get to work. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Checking Directions

(Sailboat by Peter Langen)

JOE: Good afternoon Calliope.
CALLIOPE: I hope you didn't just roll out of bed.
JOE: You should know me better than that. I've never slept this late in my life.
CALLIOPE: So where have you been?
JOE: Doing my part for medical research. I visited the University of Rochester this morning for a blood draw.
CALLIOPE: What are they doing with your blood?
JOE: Trying to see if we souls with rheumatoid arthritis have any different reaction to flu shots than the rest of the world.
CALLIOPE: How's the study coming?
JOE: It's beyond me and any case too early to know anything while they are still in mid study.
CALLIOPE: Did it take you all this time?
JOE: No. I stopped at Barnes and Noble for some browsing while bookstores still stand.
CALLIOPE: What did you discover?
JOE: Julia Cameron's book Vein of Gold. It is a follow-up on her book, The Artist's Way.
CALLIOPE: Any reaction you can share yet?
JOE: Just that it looks interesting. I'll keep you posted.

Conversations with Calliope- The Next Frontier

(Rocky Mountain Pass)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Starting to feel back to normal as my cold recedes.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear it. What's on your mind today?
JOE: Not a great deal. I feel at peace this morning.
CALLIOPE: That's a good feeling.
JOE: Indeed. It seems from reading the news that not too many people feel that way right now.
CALLIOPE: I agree. What brings you a sense of peace?
JOE: Knowing that I am doing what I have chosen to do. Sometimes I think I would like to have more money but then I see people gnashing their teeth about lost money and realize it's not that important.
CALLIOPE: What is important to you?
JOE: Like I said, doing what I have chosen. I can spend my time writing and expressing myself. I know that I am reaching some people. I have come to realize that no matter what I say, some people will like it and agree and others won't.
CALLIOPE: Can you accept that?
JOE: I can now. I think it takes maturity to reach that point.
CALLIOPE: One advantage of living long enough.
JOE: I agree. I'm not sure where I am heading next but I enjoy knowing I have a choice. Talk with you on Monday.

Conversations with Calliope- Blog Police

(Freize- Santilana, Spain)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What's this about blog police?
JOE: I post my blog on a number of sites as you know.
CALLIOPE: Yes.
JOE: We are in the habit of discussing writing, publishing, marketing and sales. One site apparently took exception to my mentioning Booklocker as a place where I might get my next book published as a free e-book.
CALLIOPE: How did they take exception?
JOE: By removing my blog mentioning the idea.
CALLIOPE: That seems a bit extreme.
JOE: I thought so too, but I suppose everyone has their rules.
CALLIOPE: So how to you plan to handle it?
JOE: I think I will stop posting my blog there and notify my associates of the change.
CALLIOPE: How do you feel about these developments?
JOE: I wasn't sure how much people cared about my blog with you.
CALLIOPE: And?
JOE: It's nice to know I stirred up some reaction. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Back to Work

(Inside a Beehive)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Feeling energetic for the first time in over a week. My head is clear, I can breathe and the wheels are turning in my head.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear it. Were you able to work yesterday?
JOE: I was gone until early afternoon to a funeral and reception. After that I felt energetic and got to work on our book, Conversations with Calliope: A Writer's Year With his Muse. At least that's the working title.
CALLIOPE: I'm honored. How far did you get?
JOE: I made all the entries for the whole year. Now I am going back to make sure I didn't miss any and am also revising the format for consistency.
CALLIOPE: What are your plans for this book?
JOE: I plan to approach Booklocker with it. They will publish writing related e-books without a setup charge.
CALLIOPE: Sounds good.
JOE: I think so.
CALLIOPE: What's after that?
JOE: Good question. I have some ideas. I'll elaborate when we talk tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Tabula Rasa

(Sunset- St. Lucia)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I'm Greek not Roman. I think your title is Latin though.
JOE: You're right. It means blank slate.
CALLIOPE: How did it get to be in today's title?
JOE: I arrived at the computer this morning without anything particular on my mind and thought it apt.
CALLIOPE: I agree. What's up today?
JOE: I am leaving for a funeral shortly.
CALLIOPE: Someone you know?
JOE: Not really. It is the mother of Carol's brother's sister in law.
CALLIOPE: Do you know the family?
JOE: Yes, from family gatherings.
CALLIOPE: So you are not directly involved?
JOE: No, but death and funerals have made me sit up and take notice more than in the past as I get older.
CALLIOPE: What personal meaning does it have for you.
JOE: It's a reminder to make good use of whatever time if have left to me. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- Openness to Experience

(San Juan Surf)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: On the mend finally. This cold just doesn't seem to want to let go.
CALLIOPE: What's up today?
JOE: Plenty. I have a full schedule and hope I have energy for it all.
CALLIOPE: For example?
JOE: I have yoga class at 10:30, lunch with a writer friend at 12:00, my daughter coming for help preparing her taxes at 2:30 and a funeral home to visit tonight.
CALLIOPE: Is that it?
JOE: No. I have some calls to make in between.
CALLIOPE: Any time for writing today?
JOE: I might be able to work on our book for a while.
CALLIOPE: How far are you?
JOE: I have finished our conversations through July.
CALLIOPE: That sounds good.
JOE: I'm glad I am this far. I try to work on one month each day. It should be finished next week, or at least the draft should. Talk with you tomorrow after I catch my breath.

Conversations with Calliope- Jersey Boys

(Stoking the Fire)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I hope you are feeling better today.
JOE: I am. Thank you.
CALLIOPE: Any developments over the weekend?
JOE: I felt well enough to attend the Jersey Boys concert yesterday.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like fun.
JOE: That's what I thought. I went to relax and be entertained.
CALLIOPE: And?
JOE: I also had a chance to think about life and its vicissitudes.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: The show traced the development of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from their struggle for survival in a rough New Jersey neighborhood through their struggles on the way to fame and fortune.
CALLIOPE: They finally made it?
JOE: Yes, but even their success brought them further challenges. It reminded me that to be successful, I can never give up and in success more challenges await.
CALLIOPE: Interesting findings from a show.
JOE: I thought so and was happy to have the reminders. Talk with you tomorrow.