The Dream

As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place where was a Den, and laid me down in that place to sleep; and as I slept, I dreamed a dream. I dreamed, and behold, I saw a man clothed with rags, standing in a certain place, with his face from his own house, a Book in his hand, and a great Burden upon his back...



Thus begins one of the most-read stories in the English language. And while it's not what I would call the inspiration for this blog, the opening lines seemed to fit with the thoughtful atmosphere I wish to cultivate. It's been some time since I last posted my inner musings to the interwebs, and hopefully there has been some maturing over the last several years. However, it seems that I have found myself yet again at a crossroads in life. Where paths diverge and straggle off into myriads of directions. In many ways it's like standing in the middle of that wilderness with an endless horizon, and each path stretches on and on for miles with nothing signficant to differentiate one from another. Which paths to take? Any of them could lead to glory... Or to ruin.

This is the Journey. A plot of Quest, perhaps. But why is it considered a fool's journey?

The blog named itself, really. I knew when I started that this would be more than just an online diary or journal of mindless daily drivel. I've been down that road. And ultimately it never leaves anything edifying for the average reader who may stumble across this humble corner of the internet. No, this place will document my thoughts on life as it is lived, and in the process I hope to find and continue down my own path of Self-Discovery.

The theme of self discovery has been used throughout both literature and art, and often the hero of the story begins in a sort of foolish, naiive state. Yes. I am that Fool. Oh, there has been growth and maturity, but something I've learned over time is that one never truly stops maturing. So although there may be some wisdom in this young soul of mine, I believe that I can honestly call myself the Fool in my own story.

This is my Journey. This is my Quest. And as I set out from this crossroad to travel toward that endless horizon, I know that times will be difficult. I will have my Delectable Mountains....but also my Valleys of Shadow. The question remains...

Will you join me for both?

And now, in the immortal words of Tolkien:

The road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can.