The title of this blog comes from a poem that has been a favorite of mine since I first read it in the 12th grade. As I grow and change, I feel like the meaning of this poem does the same for me and it remains a part of my identity. This poem took on more meaning for me as a sociology student when I learned about the concept of subjectivities, the multiple identities that each of us have and experience life through each day. Without further ado:
Delta
If you have taken this rubble for my past
raking though it for fragments you could sell
know that I long ago moved on
deeper into the heart of the matterIf you think you can grasp me, think again:
my story flows in more than one direction
a delta springing from the riverbed
with its five fingers spreadAdrienne Rich (b. 1929)
For a long while, the above image was used as my masthead. Taking the words of the poem literally, I used an image of an actual delta as imagery. In revamping this blog, I changed the masthead to an image of a group of matryoshka, or Russian nesting dolls. It’s a newer way for me to interpret the poem visually: the matryoshka are all alike in shape and function, but each one is painted differently which gives each a distinct look, appeal, and story. It also reflects my subjectivity of being a student of Russian Language and Culture.
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The purpose of this blog is to chronicle the events of my quarter-life crises for my family, friends, and anyone else who cares to read. Though I try to stay true to my mantra (“You want to be a part of my life, I’m not editing out the parts you don’t like.” –Harvey Fierstein’s infamous line from Torch Song Trilogy), there are certain things about myself and my family that I will keep personal (for their sakes and my own). Among these will be the names of my family and certain friends. So, for now, let me give you a short list of the cast of characters you may see in this blog.
Dad: Pretty self-explanatory. Also known as Papa, Pops, and Daddy-o.
Mom: Again, obvious. Also known as Nurse Gray Bangs.
My Mother’s Husband: The guy my mom is married to and not my “step-father.” No offense to him, we just don’t have that kind of a relationship.
Nessa: My younger sister. Also known as Rhea Rhea or Rhea Child. (Pronounced like “Ray” not like Ree-uh.”)
Pidge: My youngest sister. Also known as Pidgie, Pidge-o, or Pidgewidgeon.
