A way of life

I find sitting in traffic tedious, but when I can listen to a good program on the radio, time in the car transforms to be a joy. I was lucky enough this morning to catch an interview with Alex Miller, author of 'Love Song'. I plan to procure a copy and when I read it I just hope that I enjoy it as much as I enjoyed listening to Alex Miller talk about his inspiration for the novel and his various characters. A few comments really resonated with me.

His main characters meet in an out of the way cafe in Paris and he talked of the warm places where people may gather. I adore watching people in cafes and all the potential stories therein. It's the cost of a cup of coffee but the possibilities are priceless.

He talked of food as being the "great seducer" and he's right. I do love an author who can bring food alive, so I'm anticipating a real treat here.

His characters meet and their eyes connect. They are instantly attracted. But, there is a process before that "look" can transform into a "commitment" of the attraction, and he says, this time can be "fraught". I suppose it is the 'unknown' quantity and the waiting he refers to; the anticipation; the hope. I can't wait to cast my eyes over those scenes.

He spoke of "real love" - hanging in when things go bad. Strength. How right he is. We're on the same page philosophically, too.

And, he discussed the difference between story telling and story writing and said that, in large measure, that was what his book was about. His Dad could start with a fact - the purchase of a pair of candlesticks - and, having no idea where he was going, weave a story. There is magic in the potential of the unknown and it is shared, he said.

But, a writer crafts a story in a solitary fashion even though his story is for others; to lift spirits, to engender warmth and excitement and engender a commitment between people. Stories move amongst us, he said, for it is a "human compulsion to tell stories". Would any one of us with a blog disagree?

"Is it a compulsion (to write)?" he was asked.

"No, " he replied. "Compulsive behaviour is not healthy. It is a way of life."

And, that is the sentence that compelled me to write about this interview. Yes, I feel compelled to write and at the moment, most often in this space. And, it could be called a compulsion, by some. It's true I have less interest in meeting up with the girls in my spare time, to gossip and drink coffee. I'd much rather sit at home and write.

But, I don't think it is unhealthy at all. I'm doing, finally, what I want to do, causing nobody any harm, and connecting with others of a like mind. It is my "way of life". And, possibly the D/s dynamic is your "way of life", too. Something that feels this darn good cannot possibly be bad for you; surely.