Classroom Talk
Spring - Summer 2002 Archive
Re: Just a hard-working stiff. Posted by Douglas on May 11, 2002 at 16:03:11:
In Reply to: Just a hard-working stiff. posted by John on May 10, 2002 at 14:01:24:
Dear Coach and Classmates:
I shall have to beg your forgiveness for my recent silence and my silence to come.
Last Wednesday, 05/08/02, the preliminary diagnosis that my Mother has terminal esophageal cancer was confirmed.
To state that I am traumatized and that my life is more than chaotic as a result would be, as the cliché goes, a gross
understatement. Personally, I find this a little ironic having written a thesis grounded in “attachment, separation, loss, and
mourning” — patently, it was not written from the heart or one of the lessons of the heart.
Presently, as you might ascertain, my responsibilities lie close to home and, consequently, my participation in this Classroom is
likely to be sporadic at best.
This afternoon, while I have some free time, I should like to clean up some old business on the Blackboard to the best of my ability
so let me address the issues that still haunt me.
John Barrow:
John: I am sorry that I don’t own a scanner or I would have sent you the essay that you sought from my own book shelves. The same
applies to my remarks on “The Theory of Motivation and Developmental Phases” which Harry Guntrip well summarizes in “Guntrip
Harry. Personality Structure and Human Interaction. New York: International University Press, 1974.” As you don’t seem adverse
to this approach based upon the works of W. Ronald. D. Fairbairn — Object Relations in other words, you might request that book
as well; it is unfortunate that you don’t live near a University Medical Library with a psychoanalytic section. “Fairbairn, W, R. D.
Psychoanalytic Studies of the Personality. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd., 1976. may also be of interest to you if you care to
go to the source.
Eon:
Your choice of career brought more than a smile to my face as, for many a year, my profession was as a Designer. I spent many a
year in academia as a Production Director, Lighting and Set Designer, and Professor of “Theatre Production, Technology, and
Design” before becoming disgusted with the politics of the University and starting my own Design Firm. That came to an untimely
end with my Diabetes and Disability. My right arm and hand have less than fifty percent function now — I was a right handed
designer.
So it goes.
Nevertheless, I may be a useful resource and certainly can coach you and send you examples via snail mail.
Of course, I had to do grunt work just to keep food on the table — letterheads, logos, and the like yet there were other projects
more engaging: “A Y.M.C.A. self guided tour”, “a portable indoor playground” for indoor daycare, a “Family Resource Centre” for
disabled Children, an animated retrospective “Street Car Gallery” for the local Museum, an animated “Open House” for the local
Community Mental Health Clinic, (I was intrigued by design animation at the time), the illustration of a local author’s children’s
story book, and much to that effect.
What really attracted me were projects that were unique and untried that I could apply my imagination to.
Enough of me. Should I be of assistance my e-mail address is Upsand1@sympatico.ca.
By the by, I can now both write and draw with my left hand so the situation is not as hopeless as I may have portrayed — not that
I am much in practice, my efforts having been confined to Greeting Cards based on Sumi-e ink painting as of late. In that regard,
you should ask Sally about the quality.
Pauline:
Our communication as of late via AIM seems more than fractured and I must admit that I don’t know what my responsibility — or
irresponsibility — is in that regard. (presently my Mac is under repairs and I won’t have the money for weeks to fix it.) I should
dearly like to support you in setting up a spiritual support community although for reasons stated I don’t believe that I have the
resources presently to be actually that — present. Consequently, if you could just accept me as a background member of the
community that would be much appreciated.
Sally:
I more than apologize for the neglect — there is only so much of me to go around, by way of excuse, and you well know just how
crazy I can be. A silly question: “Is Ian still interested in coins?” Presently, I am now in possession of my Father’s coin collection
and there are a few American coins within, not that they are worth much of anything but they may be interesting to a kid. Ask him
and let me know. There are other pieces as well so a wish list wouldn’t be untoward. You know where and how to contact me.
John:
Given the circumstances, I think it best that you have my fellow students as a priority as I am very doubtful about carrying on a
dialogue at present. In short, don’t waste your precious time on me.
As to the play, I do have an idea:
It is a one act play; a monologue of sorts where the various positions on the Wheelbook are represented by internalized yet
vocalized voices. It is a play haunted by the past, starkly contrasted to the given present.
“Purgatory” by Yeats seems to be my inspiration.
That is not to say that anything Eddie cares to write, I wouldn’t gladly offer up my services to stage and light it for him.
When I may be able to get around to this is another matter.
In conclusion, I hope this post colludes with your idea of “a support group” and that my own personal concerns, ego, and verbosity
have not interfered with that objective.
Sincerely,
Douglas
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