We -- all of us -- put together quite a tribute to Peck and Roena, to our family and friends, and to the special Simpkinsness and Shaferness of our family. We are the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau people, with deep roots in the old Appalachians and a family story like no other.
Are we ready to abandon this meeting place and go on with our individual lives, waiting for another funeral -- or two -- to bring us back together?
I'm a willing writer, but I can't write about what I don't know -- can't guess at your lives, what's important to you, what makes you happy or drives you crazy. But I want the rock to be about all of us, either collectively or individually -- not the rantings or remembrances of one, gray-haired woman in the family.
The physical distances among and between us make getting together difficult, and even getting together doesn't guarantee a happy ending. But of all the many things that Peck was right about, it's that, in the end, it's family that matters. When we come to a mountain we can't climb or want to have others celebrate our joys -- or even when we come to the end of our time here -- the only people we can be really sure of are our family members. We know each others' stories, share DNA, are familiar with the best and worst in each of us. Me, I think that counts for a lot. I can't speak for the rest of you.
It seems that Facebook has supplanted lots of the sharing we did on the rock. And that's okay for some. But it seems shallow to me -- like just the tip of the iceberg, with the real story beneath the sea where we can't see it.
I've started another blog that will be my own personal journal, rather than post my opinions or diatribes or stories here. And now I'm just taking a straw poll of all of you who were contributors, readers, or commentators. Ajax Rock: Do we leave it for the ages or find a way to keep it, just in case we need a place to go when life throws us one of its curve balls -- or as happened with Juancho recently, when it showers us with unexpected blessings and happiness?
Yea or nay?
8 comments:
As sad as this "blog" is, I know that I am not a "blogger". I certainly understand how "Nan standing alone" must feel but I just feel helpless even to add yea or nay. I feel it is not my place to determine the destiny of the "rock". I myself will say "nay" since I know I will not be a contributor. You have done your very best to keep it going; but with no cooperation from the family, it seems destined to die unless others step up to the plate. It's sad but true.
Writing in blogs is like yelling into a canyon. You don't know how far your voice travels or if people understand what you are saying. Hollering into the abyss is its own reward though, so just do it if it feels good and don't have any expectations about it. After years of blogging, I still don't know what prompts people to respond. I have written eloquent pieces that get no comment, and I have written posts about what I ate for breakfast that sparked massive interaction. It is a mystery. Ajax Rock is not our family blog, it is my Aunt Nancy's blog, and whether I contribute or comment or not, I'm always glad to read what's on your mind.
If you like having the outlet, keep it. If it makes you feel more lonely, save what is there and get rid of it. Start a new blog called, "My Family Refuses to Play" then we will all probably want to join you.
The Unglaciated are contrary above all else!
and I love you.
Since it's so frustrating to you, Nanny, let go and start your own. I'm way to "P" to tell you that I will or won't contribute, I'm sorry to say. I don't know how long blogger will leave it up but we need to save it somehow, that's for sure.
Thanks to you both, Rita and Johnny. I guess I missed the time when others would contribute or comment. It started out as a family blog, albeit that Loie and I had the idea. And I hear you, John, about having no idea whose ears the echoes reach. I laughed at the contrary reference, because that is one thing that seems to come with the DNA (and one thing I have no desire to rid myself of). Guess I'll let it rest and write if I feel so moved. Maybe feeling lonely because I'm putting up Christmas decorations with nobody to see them but me (which is why I refrained the last two years), but it beats being an old Ebenezer, doesn't it?
Love you, too.
I've been on every back road and all the hills in Athens County. I've made the trip up Roosevelt Drive in the dead of winter with 2 ft of snow on the ground;but I have never been to historic "Ajax Rock"! So, I will put on my Daniel Boone cap and head for the "high country"-sounds like fun!
Love you, Nan!
Thank you, Don. Good to hear from you. Ajax Rock is near our old house on Woodward Avenue before you get to Indian Rock. It's quite small, actually, but Lois and I used to scrub it with Ajax and sit on it when we were little. It's almost visible from 52 Woodward Avenue.
Thanks Nan for the directions. However, I do have an expert tour guide familiar with that area; and I bet she can take right to it :)!
I'm not sure she knows exactly where it is, but it will be fun looking for it. :)
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