Fun fact: “Abstract” translates into Chinese as a Smoking Elephant sometimes. Abstract Art, distinctly = Smoking Elephant Art. 抽象艺术 This company is abstract art. It is also a functional tool in the modern world. Hmm. Yes. Limiting liabilities since 2021.

Happy that February is happening on the heels of a good boost to the readership of America. Since the book Maus by Art Spiegelman has been in the conversation, the last week or so, and we’ve had two years of intractable thought, I have a feeling that this February will be a healthy one in the world of writing. With Black History Month approaching, I celebrate it, will be reading more within the scope, and am writing about promoting Native Scholars while I’m at it. The Cherokee Dr. Daniel Heath Justice, for one, is one who I would like to send a call out to for reception of my first essay of this coming month in hopes of inspiring him towards a project, though I imagine he is well occupied right now.  [Edit: I was able to contact Dr. Justice and am enjoying his new book which you can buy here.]

The paper’s about a large textbook that he worked on some years ago. I am lucky enough to be studying from it currently. I’ve been tasked with writing about it, and as such; for a successful effort, it will have to be read, eventually and hopefully, by said Dr. Justice. To he, I wish good health and a vigorous year. I hope he is part of a lot of things that are going well in a troubled time. 

In other news: This is the first blog-post from Oblectation Press and Productions ~ I’m listening to Brian Eno’s algorithmically— (/allegorythmically-) -created music that I so often use to paint the quiet, which incidentally, isn’t often quiet. Even pleasant birds are an example, but then a door in the hall, or a car along the street, or a dog, barking in the distance… All, normal sounds, but to be fair, they can be distracting. So I’m grateful for this app that I turn on and let play, massaging and echoing in my ears. It is pleasant…

Oblectation. Let’s talk about this word. 

This word is something that is so chill, the only meme that I found with it on the internet before founding this company had Rocky and Bullwinkle’s moose kicking back in a chair with his feet up and in a warm room somewhere with the phrase above him, the definition of this word. “The state of being greatly pleased or satisfied,” it read. Happy for that. Other definitions have an extra adjective or two, but they all generally agree on the tenor of the term.

Part of my hope with this company is to popularize the word. I feel like more people using the word ‘oblectation’ will lead to the experience happening more widely. Try the phrase: “I am in a state of oblectation.” Or: “I wish you oblectation.” Just saying them out loud has a lightening effect. Sure, it won’t change much, but for a moment, things can feel a bit lighter.

From Station Eleven: “I remember damage, then escape.”

Books are an escape. And not only is it that there’s nothing wrong with escape, but if you have to escape, and you can, and you being free is better than the alternative, then you should.

There’s so much that’s stunningly wrong in modern times. We might as well emphasize the positive and help strengthen through our work, and aim for more that delights. Yeah, I know. It’s a thing a hippy thinks, and my hair’s not so long, but the fact is that if we aim for good realities, the likelihood of them happening is higher. Might as well try. Oddly enough; a lot of people I know are consistently doing amazing things, and I like that. Happy for the ability to applaud their ways. Here’s another vein for production. Oblectation Productions. 

Two people who inspired my most recent book were, at the time, constrained to the geographical region that they were living in for medical reasons. One of them took me by the shoulders and vigorously shook me as a friend can do (The live music we were among was inspirational!) and directly encouraged me to write the book for him so that he could vicariously see what I was seeing during my travels. So, I have built a bit of a tabulation, photography for the most part. A bit of commentary ~ intentionally limited for brevity. The images are what the book is really for, for the transcendence of where I was, to everywhere else. For them, an escape, I hope to build.

No book lasts forever. (Or do they? I forget.) We get to the end and it’s back to looking around again. Well, some of us readers are feeding the fire. Writing is also an escape… Happy to have folks join me here to produce books through this system. When we have our minds and actions on creative things, there is a productive time; part and parcel. So, speak up; both for if you wish to see one of my books, and if you wish to see one of your own. 

I hope this company works as a portal for friends, old and new, and new and old acquaintances who can use the engine that’s built here for their own purposes. Happy to help, happy to share: Oblectation.

So many things! 

Feb. 1, 2022: Happy Chinese New Year!