From the Salmon

So when I started this site, I told myself that I would give it a good effort for a month before I decided whether this was something I really wanted to do. 28 days, 35 posts and 12,711 words later, here I am.

So how’ve I done this first month? On some level, I think that I’ve surprised myself. In college, I wrote a lot and I wrote regularly. But the work I’ve done since graduation has required very little writing, and until now, I hadn’t the discipline to keep it up as a personal exercise. So it’s taken me a while to get used to writing again. I don’t know that everything I’ve written has been worthwhile or even good. But it’s been nice to flex some linguistic muscles that had atrophied a little. And it’s just now beginning to feel natural again.

I said in my inaugural post:

The sites that I enjoy reading tend to have either a thematic focus or an engaging voice. I can’t promise that I’ll have either. And for a while, I may just reflect those that do.

After a month, I’ve learned that this site probably won’t have an overall thematic focus anytime soon. I think this is because I have broad interests and admittedly shallow expertise. I’ve taken this month to try out different kinds of writing: music reviews, musings about faith, political commentary, observational humor, and so forth. Some of them have worked for me; some haven’t. But it’s been a worthwhile and enjoyable exploration.

I also told myself that, for this first month, I wasn’t going to tell anyone (except my wife) about this site. To my friends and family who missed the first month or so, I apologetically point you to the archives. To those of you who have somehow found your way here on your own, thanks for stopping by. I’ve appreciated the comments and email. And special thanks to those of you spelling-challenged googlenauts who continue to turn to me for your Wallis and Gromit news. Since you’re so persistent, I almost feel like I should actually try to find you some. Almost.

I guess all this is to say that I think I’m here to stay. Well, that is, at least for another month or so. I hope that’s OK with you.