I like to think of myself as observant and in possession of a passable memory for detail, but ability and inclination fail to mesh when it comes to identifying and remembering names of birds, flowers and stars. It must be some sort of selective filtering--choices made in the subconscious. I can remember entire selections of poetry, phone numbers and addresses from 30 to 40 years ago but somehow it has never seemed necessary that I know the name of a bird to appreciate its colors and call. I've tried. When we travel I try to "name" unfamiliar animals and plants in my journal, but my mind still clings to the visual of "that beautiful red climbing flower beside the Saaremaa windmill." Ironically, I can often remember the name in the local language for a flower or bird I did not know the name of in English. My husband on the other hand not only can name all the constellations and their specific stars but inform me of the number of light years they are from the earth, yet he can only call our sons if I have their numbers on speed-dial.What is the process that determines what type of details and how many of them we file away in our brains for quick recovery? How do we prioritize what is "worth" keeping? And in the final analysis, do I love the unnamed inspiration less because I haven't taken the time or energy to identify it? I say not, but then I'm one of those with selective memory.
Posted by: Teloschistes | November 05, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Posted by: Loretta | April 17, 2004 at 05:51 AM
Posted by: Fran | April 16, 2004 at 11:18 AM
Posted by: Jim Kloss | April 15, 2004 at 09:05 AM