roryholland.org
An Examined Life – Shitty First Draft
http://roryholland.org/shitty-first-draft
A while ago I wrote a story about a runaway kid. I was pretty pleased with myself. I sent it off to a couple of close friends, one a screenwriter, the other a playwright. I got the same response back from both of them ‘keep writing’. Those were wise words from a couple of pros. In the early stages it has more to do with writing than content. Anne Lamott calls it the ‘shitty first draft’. Just get it all out on paper worry about the editing and detail later. All good writing starts with the author putting...
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An Examined Life – 2015 – July
http://roryholland.org/2015/07
8220;Out” in the First Person. July 31st, 2015. It’s Pride weekend in Vancouver. I heard one of the organizers talk about how the event has evolved and that ‘Pride’ can now extend beyond just sexual orientation. We all can have a reason to walk in the parade. I remember back in University walking […]. July 30th, 2015. I really love sex, but I am not such […]. Life in the First Person. July 29th, 2015. I once wrote a poem about my dad. It […]. Living in the First Person. July 28th, 2015. July 27th, 2015.
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An Examined Life – Happy?
http://roryholland.org/happy
My friends just celebrated their 45. Wedding anniversary. I’m wondering if they’re happy. They’re Dutch, so it’s kind of hard to tell. I was watching a Ted talk about relationships by this woman with a great French accent. It used to be people got divorced because they were unhappy, nowadays people divorce because they are not happy enough . I’m not happy enough. Not just in my marriage, but pretty much everything except my three sons with whom I am well pleased, at least for the moment. If I left my rel...
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An Examined Life – It’s a Guy Thing
http://roryholland.org/its-a-guy-thing/comment-page-1
It’s a Guy Thing. I realize I take my friends for granted, I figure they will always be there . This was my buddy’s apology over a beer and burger last night. We hadn’t seen each other much, if at all, this summer. I told him I missed him. I wonder if that’s why Life Coaching’ is so popular. They’re surrogates. A whole industry where folks are paid to listen, be confided in, and give friendly advice. Last night, after a couple of laps on the bikes around the park, sitting over cold beers, it was definite...
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An Examined Life – First Person Sex
http://roryholland.org/first-person-sex
This week I am trying something different, a series of short essays on what it means to live openly and authentically. It’s an attempt at what the poet David Whyte would call ‘the courageous conversation’. I really love sex, but I am not such a fan of the orgasm. It’s funny, but we really don’t talk about it that much, it’s kept quiet and secret much like our true selves. I am wondering if part of being turned on isn’t really our desire to be known. No wonder the typical place is behind clo...I read once...
roryholland.org
An Examined Life
http://roryholland.org/page/3
I’m Now Undecided. I watched most of the Canadian leaders debate last night. I felt at times like a little kid standing in the living room watching my parents fight. I wanted to cry out just stop yelling at each other, please! This was not three impassioned men who desperately believe in their vision for the future, this was one guy trying to best the other. They were vying for the twitter quote, the take down, the one liner. Not only that but we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. If we do vot...
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An Examined Life – Rory Holland
http://roryholland.org/author/rholland
This author has not yet filled in any details. So far Rory Holland has created 563 blog entries. My last one…for now. October 14th, 2015. This is what I woke up with, not sure where it came from:. The ocean lives in front of him. It’s constant, but shows up each day disguised as something else. From the angry, gun-metal grey waves forcing their way onto the beach to the […]. October 8th, 2015. Sum of the Parts. October 6th, 2015. Every so often […]. October 5th, 2015. October 2nd, 2015. October 1st, 2015.
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An Examined Life – Full House
http://roryholland.org/full-house
Our house is full again. Every bed is taken either with one of our kids, or one of their friends. Not so coincidentally, the contents of our fridge are moving in the opposite direction. Sure, the problems and concerns are much bigger jobs, relationships, future but the boys, most often, can handle them on their own without lying on the floor screaming their heads off. We, as parents, now have the role of consultant and coach and at times, critic. Advice seems to be heeded better when it comes as ...Last ...
roryholland.org
An Examined Life
http://roryholland.org/page/2
What A Fool Believes. Lying is still lying even if it’s to yourself’, a friend once said. I can be quite convincing. I’m a sucker for my own bullshit. I can be like two drunks at the bar trying to keep each other sober. I’m not always giving myself the straight goods. I don’t trust my thoughts they can be under the influence of everything from brain chemicals to ego. Often, looking back, I realize it’s my own garden path I’ve led myself down. In other words, I could stand a good dose of self doubt. B...
roryholland.org
An Examined Life – “Out” in the First Person
http://roryholland.org/out-in-the-first-person
8220;Out” in the First Person. It’s Pride weekend in Vancouver. I heard one of the organizers talk about how the event has evolved and that ‘Pride’ can now extend beyond just sexual orientation. We all can have a reason to walk in the parade. I remember back in University walking after class with a young woman. She asked me Rory, are you out as a gay man? I had to think about my answer as no, I’m not just wouldn’t cut it. I’m not gay I finally said. Are you sure? I want to live a good, but unsafe, life&#...
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