Since I began posting to livejournal, I’ve noticed that I’m no longer posting as much to soc.motss. Some may believe this is a pretty good thing, as I try not to get involved in pissing and shouting matches and just contribute lighthearted links (when I find them) or posts on some of the subjects on which I consider myself knowledgeable (religion, the Episcopal Church, the Roman Catholic Church, dual citizenship, and the like). I have a lorra lorra people in my kill file, which is not something you’re supposed to say in soc.motss but which I will claim the privilege of saying outside it.
I’m not sure whether I like this or not; I enjoy some of the people in soc.motss and will be hosting at least one in a week’s time (alas, he’s not on lj). The atmosphere here in lj is much mellower, much less annoying, for some reason. And the friends I’ve collected (not all have collected me as a friend, but no matter) are always interesting and fun to read and interact with. That’s not always true in other venues.
So what’s been happening in the last week or so? Well, I went to a Masonic evening as part of a Mensa contingent last Wednesday. I have been considering joining up for a long time, even from before my brother joined a few years ago. I realise that people might find this an odd thing to do, but I feel it’s going to be interesting and challenging at the same time. I’ve been in organised religion for 45+ years (ever since I said my first “Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meum.” at the altar at the age of 6 or 7) and it’s become part of my life. However, I feel that something else out there might also be interesting in that way. I see Freemasonry as perhaps that something.
If I were to out myself as a prospective Mason in some of the other venues I inhabit, I’d get a lot of stick and probably some derision. I am presuming that derision won’t be forthcoming from my small circle of friends. I will be initiated at the end of February and will then have some idea of what it’s all about. Oh, and if you’re someone who thinks that Freemasons, the Knights Templar, the Rosicrucians, and aliens from the Planet Zog are all conspiring together to take over the world, forget it. It ain’t true. Once I’ve done some more research I’ll put some Masonic links in here if people are interested. Now to get out and buy a black suit, white shirt, and Craft tie.
Our bosom buddy Paul was over from Detroit for a week beginning a week ago last Sunday. He is jolly, well-travelled (600,000 air miles in his account, last time he looked), and a great raconteur. We were thrilled to host him again for a week, and hope to see him again at the beginning of June. Paul is responsible for much of the growth of the National Association of Black and White Men Together/Men of All Colours Together in the United States. He supported new chapters while they were in formation, and was a valued person on its board. He is one of the most sensible, forthright (he calls a spade a bloody shovel), and practical people I know. He’s currently struggling with a health difficulty and wondering about which therapy to choose. I hope and pray that he chooses the right one so we can have him around for a few more decades.
During the dinner at the end of the Masonic evening I came down with one of the worst sinus headaches I’ve ever had. It was located in my left jaw, and radiated down into my shoulder. I was miserable. I had to call in sick on Thursday and didn’t feel 100% until Friday evening.
Back to lj: I have been wondering what the next big thang will be. Usenet came first, then email bounce lists, then instant messenger programs. Will blogging replace them all?
Of course you’d say that.