Admission Statement

On By Lorraine Devon WilkeIn Latest Thoughts

I’ve been thinking about this for a while.  Typically not reluctant to express myself, I’m one of those people who writes letters to the editor, sends opinion pieces to whoever sparks my opinion, tells people to shut up in movie theaters and generally feels passionate about the healing, exhilarating, often useful effect of communication.  My mother says I was born with my mouth open. That pretty much says it all.

I recently mentioned the birth of my blog to a somewhat cynical fellow I know professionally after which he commented with a sigh, “Does the world really need another blog?”  I didn’t remain fond of him. And no, of course, the answer is:  no. The world does not need another blog. The world does not need another meadow either because, as we know, there are corn fields and wheat fields enough to grow. But that does not stop us from presenting some often very lovely new meadows to the world regardless of inventory and so I proceed, need and cynicism notwithstanding.

L @ Fleener Creek Overlook 4.10 sm
Me and one of those delightfully redundant meadows; courtesy of Heather McLarty

Because here’s my thinking:  Not only do I have a fair amount to say (and I promise I will say it as intelligently and irreverently as I can muster), but I’ve been around a long time and have lived an eclectic, interesting life filled with many eclectic and interesting people, several of whom you’ve never heard of, all of whom you should. Incredible music has been made, clever stories imagined, profound experiences had — by me and these various people with whom I’ve traversed my life — and it seems to me that some of this damned life and experience and creation deserves to see the light of day.  I’m takin’ it on.

So that’s the plan. Stories will be told.  Some will be mine. Some will be others’. When opinion is provoked, I’ll make mine known (agreement not required).  I’ll explore art that’s touched me in its many forms and incarnations.  I will share chapters of my music and writing; include my photography in ways that either illustrate or simply decorate.  I’ll argue a point, critique an absurdity, applaud a person worthy of applause. And here’s the bonus:  at least once a month, I’m going to feature a story on someone or something that I believe deserves some attention.  Not that my giving attention is going to boost a cause or change any lives — if only I were that powerful! — but I’m determined to shine at least my little light on the artists, musicians, activists, writers, photographers, teachers, environmentalists, philosophers, etc., that I’ve come upon whose talent, heart, passion and creativity compels all the light they can get.  I’ve got a chunky list of candidates but if I ever get low, I’ll put out a clarion call.

Before I go, about the name:  A few years ago a friend and colleague of mine, Suzanne Battaglia, and I envisioned an independent record label that would seek out and sign accomplished recordings artists of the BB demographic (40+); artists who had the spark and talent to warrant success but had missed or were never given the necessary breaks and opportunities.   Our big-picture business plan included a film production company and an arts/politics/lifestyle magazine (online and off), both of which would also seek to include artists beyond the youth generation.  We felt it was needed – though we love the “youths” (I’m sure I’ll be writing about some youths), we wanted to expand the pool a bit!  It was an exciting, refreshing idea and we were able to stoke significant enthusiasm and a solid commitment for financing in no time. Unfortunately, life crises arose for some involved and stalled funding followed and ultimately the idea was shelved.  But the name – a whimsical, arty, evocative moniker which struck me in a moment of inspiration – was trademarked and available and still so clever and so I decided to coopt it for this new venture which has echoes of the previous: Rock+Paper+Music.

ouida
Ouida Ball, one of the most civil personalities on earth.

Admission is free and on a “stop in when you can” basis.  I will write as often as I’m inspired and will welcome comment, insight, contribution and debate.  My only demand is civility.  I am beyond exhausted with the snarky and vitriolic discourse I too often see online.  We can be irreverent – I encourage it! – but let’s have dignified irreverence. “I desire a culture where people of different political and personal persuasions remain civil, decent & open-minded. I’m weary of polarized debate. Intelligent minds can disagree without rancor. Honorable people can accept a good idea from the other side.”   That’s my quote. I’m stickin’ to it. Welcome to my blog!

LDW w glasses

Visit www.lorrainedevonwilke.com for details and links to LDW’s books, music, photography, and articles.

65 thoughts on “Admission Statement”

  1. Vince

    Yes. I am excited to have a place to read your thoughts. It is very different to express yourself in print, rather than in speech. I have always valued your ideas, thoughts, opinions for my entire life. Very happy to be on the list. Love.V.

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    1. LDW

      Thanks, Vinny. Feels like it’s a plunge into a whole new way of putting my thoughts in order so it’s really nice to have friendly faces joining me in the journey! Your support is ALWAYS appreciated. Love, L.

      Like

  2. Susan M.

    I can’t think of anyone more thoughtful, intelligent and articulate whose blog I might be eager to read than yours. Generally, I find blogs too lengthy and too self-oriented to really engage the reader… but having read much of your writing, my dear, I have faith I’ll be looking forward to yours! Rock on, paper on, music on!

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    1. LDW

      Thank you, my friend…I’ll do my best to live up to expectations! Your support and interest means the world to me.

      Like

  3. Great Caesar’s ghost woman.
    Well, Groucho’s wisdom notwithstanding..”I couldn’t possibly be a part of any club that would have me”, or words to that effect…ok fine, count me an enabler. It’s not like anyone could stop you anyway. Go ahead, fling your opinions hither and yon…yon and thither. Peace, e.

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    1. LDW

      Well now, that’s the exact kind of irreverence I was looking for! What would I do without you, Erick Scott? And watch out, you just may find yourself in here one of these days…oh yeah, my friend, I’m telling all the stories..(well, maybe not all)!

      Like

  5. Jake Drake

    Lorraine, Sweetness. You were so obviously born to blog the same way you were born with your mouth ajar. Lucky me as you know I thrill to read anything you write anytime, anywhere and will eagerly await the latest installment. Blog on Sw. Lorraine! jkie

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    1. LDW

      “Born to blog”….great line! There’s probably a song in there somewhere. Thanks, Jakie…your support is always, always appreciated. Sw.L.

      Like

  6. The world *does* need another blog written by someone as funny, intelligent and insightful as you are! Somebody has to counteract all the nastiness you read everywhere online these days.

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    1. LDW

      Awww, Gracie, thanks. It’s a lofty goal (that raising the level of discourse thing), I admit, but I think I’m up to it! Thanks, always, for your support. Love, L.

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  7. Here’s a virtual dollar bill to stick up on your virtual wall, Lorrainie. It says:

    All the best to you in your new venture.
    Huge craploads of love,
    -GRR

    Also, more meadows please.

    Like

    1. LDW

      Glennie – thank you…you are hilarious. I love your virtual dollar bill; more meadows coming up, my friend. love, L.

      Like

  8. Pam May

    Have loved your civil discourse since we were 2 yrs old, so am looking forward to another 50+ years of creative insights, soul-searching inquiries, incisive commentaries and achingly beautiful writing. Your soul sistra, Pam

    Like

    1. LDW

      Sweet soul sistra…what can I say…you have been a witness to so many of the chapters and your support and enjoyment of all of it is truly part of the inspiration. I’ll aspire to keep the discourse insightful. Much love…L.

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  9. Linda Roth

    I love it! I know how interesting you are, so I look forward to reading what you have to say. I’d love to get together with you soon. I hope all is well. Congratulations on having the courage to make a difference!!

    Like

    1. LDW

      Lovely comment, Linda…thank you. I will enjoy knowing you’re checking in from time to time. Hope all is well and yes, let’s do get together soon!

      Like

  10. Michael Brittain

    Leave that mouth OPEN. Keep it flexing. I’m enjoying what I read.
    And you both did a FABULOUS job bringing that roommate into this world. Oh, the stories yet to come…..

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    1. LDW

      Mr. Brittain: thank you. For all that. I’ll keep the mouth open and flexing…so glad you’re out there reading with me! Lorraine

      Like

  11. I only want to post quick hi and want to say thanks for this very useful article. I keep looking through the web for some kind of enlightened writing like this. This covered what I was looking for. Thanks a lot.

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  13. Jennie

    Sorry it took me so damn long to get on here and get caught up…this is really beautiful. I can’t wait to read the next one! I think this kind of writing/blogging really suits you. Bring it on…

    Like

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  18. Johan

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  21. Marianne May

    Hey L
    I love your stuff. Brings back old memories. But when are you going to write about our beloved May Lane and the relationship between we neighbors and the idlic life in Richmond; Is it true that my Mom stopped your Dad from running over one of your brothers because she was looking out the window doing dishes and saw your Dad getting ready to pull out and she ran across?? legend or fact?
    Marianne (the youngest girl who was too young to know you and the older contingent of your family) I was 4 when we moved to Caturbury Heights. 🙂

    Like

    1. LDW

      Marianne! So nice to hear from you! And you must be reading my mind…I have been collecting some pictures of all the houses I’ve lived in and plan to write up something about all that coming up. Richmond is obviously a huge part of the saga; actually, the biggest in terms of influence, memories, etc. Whenever I dream of my childhood, it’s always in Richmond, even the later times when I didn’t even live there.

      And your memory of your Mom is an accurate one! It’s an amazing Amandes/May shared memory: the time Peg May saved Paul’s life. I actually wrote a short story about that when I was in college; I plan to incorporate that into the blog piece I do. It’s pretty unforgettable.

      Thanks for checking in. I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog and I always appreciate when old friends take the time to write in. Hope all is well with your and your family, Marianne. love, Lorraine

      Like

  23. Ellsworth

    Your title “admission statement rock + paper+ music…” is fantastic and your site is now working on my old firefox browser. May I use it as a presentation for my students?

    Like

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  39. LDW

    I started, you read, you wrote. I’m off to a good start! THANK YOU for all the kind feedback and encouragement. Nothing means more to a writer than…a reader! And one who takes the time to leave a thought or two. I’m amazed and delighted and will just keep writing. Stop in again! LDW

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  49. maya l.

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    1. LDW

      Thanks, Maya. I enjoy the discussions too! Part of the fun of writing is stimulating interesting dialogue; I always appreciate when people write in to take part. Thank you for your own comments! LDW

      Like

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