The Pakistani Spectator

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?

Hello, and thank you for inviting me here! I am a citizen of the United States of America. I grew up in San Francisco, California, and now reside in the beautiful Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona. My father was an immigrant from Europe, and my mother a a third-generation American whose family of origin was mostly from Scotland, with a few of English and Welsh origin. I studied music, philosophy and psychology in college. I now work at several “little” jobs which combine to form my “career”. These are: administrator for arts and other non-profit organizations, counseling and group leader, and tax accountant—each different, but I have a lot of different interests. My blog is just over a year old, and can be found at http://MusEditions.WordPress.com. My blog name is a combination of the word “Editions”, as I edit and present my thoughts there, and “Muse” the root word of “Museum” and “Music” among others, and also the name for ancient Greek Goddesses of inspiration. I am inspired by many things as I observe life around me, and hope to convey some of the wonder and amazement of that in my blog.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?

In a word, YES!  I have found new interests by reading other blogs, and I have found new sources for information and topics I hadn’t explored. As for my writing style—I don’t know that it has changed that much; but I have become much more comfortable writing from the unique perspective that is “me”. It’s important to me because, for some reason, I never found myself keeping a journal for very long, but my blog calls to me every day, so I do write there.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?

The most surprising thing that’s happened is I’ve made real friends through blogging. This was never my goal, or even my interest when I first started, but as I went on, I became as interested in the lives of my blogging friends as I was in my local friends. And even though I come from a fairly intercultural community, I’ve met people from many parts of the world I wouldn’t have gotten to know otherwise. This, for me, is blogging’s greatest treasure.

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?

First on my list is to respond to every comment, usually within 24 hours. I don’t always manage it that quickly if I’m traveling or involved in a work project, but I do feel it’s important to acknowledge that a person took the time and care to comment on something I’ve written. The reason I know it’s important is the positive feeling I have when a blogger acknowledges my own comments on their blog. Also, if a blogger has a concern that I feel goes beyond the scope of a particular post, I will also communicate by email. Some of my strongest blogging friendships have been formed when we started to exchange emails, and that’s another delight for me.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?

Both bloggers and politically-themed websites have contributed much to our understanding. Computer technology makes it possible for anyone to share their opinions about world and local politics, rather than just the official news media, or people in power.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?

Yes, I do. Before the Internet, I would have to visit libraries to do research (something I still very much enjoy doing!), but now I can use search engines and find articles and video on absolutely anything I can think of. Of, course, it still requires much discernment to sort through all that information and cull the best bits.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

My blog is like a lot of others, in that it’s partly about my life and how I react to it, and partly about things, people, and places I’m interested in. If there is something unique, it would probably be that I combine passionate interest in science with equally passionate interest in the arts; and that I’m never willing to report on or say anything without throwing in some philosophical perspective!

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?

Well, I judge a successful life as one which brings gladness of heart. Therefore, my most useful characteristic in that regard would be the capacity to allow in joy, a good 85% of the time.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

The happiest moment for me is right now, writing my answers to this interview. Happiness is always equivalent to gratitude for me, and when I think about the kindness of your invitation to this interview, and the opportunity to connect with wonderful souls, I truly feel blessed. In spite of what I’ve said so far, I’m actually gloomy quite often. What’s changed in recent years is the amount of time it lasts. Usually my gloomy moments now are very short lived. The passing of both my parents was both gloomy and spiritually significant, and ultimately contained some of my most precious memories. Perhaps the gloomiest moment in recent memory was seven years ago when planes flew into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, and crashed in a field in Pennsylvania—not because I’m an American (many people, from many nations were in those buildings), or because I think I know who perpetrated the scheme, but because it reflected a situation of sadness in cultural communication. My hope is that all of us will learn to transform that moment of despair into loving and sincere communication.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

My first choice would be southern England, to explore the mystical roots of my people. Second would be Greece, as I’m fascinated with ancient Greek philosophy and architecture. My last choice would be the “Silk Road”; the historical trading route that stretched from China to the Mediterranean. This is quite extensive, and would require either a very long journey, or several different trips. The southern route passes through Pakistan on its way, ultimately, to Italy.

What is your favorite book and why?

I love books and reading and have many favorites, but my all time favorite is The Secret Garden by Burnett. The story is beautiful and fascinating, with locations from India to Yorkshire, England. It’s set in an historically and philosophically explosive time, and, in the end, it’s the philosophy of life which leads me to call it my favorite. Additionally, it came along in my life just at a time when I could most value and benefit from its message.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?

Well, if it’s a blogger; that would be their writing style; but with a person I meet, I’d have to say their smile. I think smiles light up ones face, and tell me a lot about who they are.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?

In a way…I had a teacher who as much as said my writing was boring. She would write the word “trite” on my essays. (Not helpful, by the way!)

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

I did not start blogging for financial gain, but it seems the blogs that do make money either have something to do with celebrities or controversial aspects of news. I think all of us may harbor a hope—secret or not—of an editor stumbling upon our blog and being so captivated with our writing that we’re offered a contract. If that happens, it can change a blogger’s life!

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?

I’d like to refute that, as many others have done. In truth, I find it takes a tremendous amount of time to write posts, keep up with comments and content, and research. I know many busy people do it, and there is some truth to the notion that busy people get more done. To be honest, though, I would not do it if it was not a huge priority for me; and I don’t think I would have the energy for it if I had one big important full time job with a long commute.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?

You are doing some of that right here with TPS. I really enjoy the intention that many bloggers have to communicate in a friendly manner with people of diverse cultures and nations. Most bloggers I’ve come across are very open to divergent views, and while greatly respecting their own cultural backgrounds, recognize that the world is a big place with many perspectives. As has been the case throughout history, getting to know individuals is a very different experience from perceiving cultures from a distance.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

This is a nearly impossible question to answer, as I’m blessed with having found many delightful, inspiring, and informative blogs to read. You can see many of them on my blog companions list should you honor my blog with a visit. Some bloggers have become my friends, and of course I love their blogs; it’s where I visit them. But, also, they became my friends because I initially found material of interest on their blogs! I am deeply honored that some have mentioned me in their interviews here, and I would recommend both their interviews and their blogs: B0bbyG.WordPress.com; sulz.WordPress.com; WillRhodesPortmanteau.com. What these three have in common is they are each a wonderful combination of topics of interest infused with large doses of the bloggers’ own unique personalities. Other blogs I appreciate are thebeadden.WordPress.com because of insightful commentary combined with beautiful art, cjwriter.com because one never knows what will spring from the eclectic mind of this dedicated writer, and DeirdraKiai.com, because this blogger brings philosophy and social issues into her work as a professional computer game designer. I know you only asked for five, but I must mention in2deep.WordPress.com as an amazingly rich trip down the path of spiritual philosophy.

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?

The biggest overall reaction I’ve gotten, when I take into consideration the number of views, the number of comments, and the level of passion of the comments, is one I did on our state of Happiness. Obviously a hot topic!

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

I had the good fortune to grow up in an incredibly culturally and ethnically diverse city. I knew people from Pakistan, mostly of Punjabi origin, and they were lovely and wonderful. I know from experience that, if left to their own devices, children will naturally get along with each other. My other major interest in Pakistan is in its music. I played in a bagpipe band for many years, and know that some of the finest Scottish Highland Bagpipes come from craftspeople in Pakistan. [Buy the blackwood ones if you're shopping!] I know there are still highland pipe bands in Pakistan, and I’m fascinated that musicians there have taken the pipes and combined them with traditional drums and other instruments to form unique music. I’m always quite interested in traditional music of many world cultures, and I particularly like the sound and the music of the Rabab from Pakistan. From what I’ve seen in pictures, Pakistan has stunningly beautiful mountain vistas, and amazing ancient archeological finds, both of which I’d love to see.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?

I’d have to say that the most unique blog I’ve experienced is icanhascheezburger.com. Most WordPress bloggers are familiar with it; the site consists entirely of pictures of cats with captions in appallingly truncated English. There is no reason in the world that it should generate such a loyal following. There are also those who detest this blog passionately. It is a guilty pleasure for me.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?

I believe it’s three things, really: technology, economic conditions, and access for all to educational opportunities. This last involves the first two as well.

What is the future of blogging?

I certainly see it as continuing in the foreseeable future. It has enabled many, many people to find and express their unique voice. The technology will change—I can imagine that very shortly bloggers will simply speak their words into a wristwatch-like device. I’m sure the technology will continue to change in ways currently unimaginable to me.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?

I’ve mentioned that I didn’t expect to make friends through blogging. My personal life has been affected greatly because of those friends. I tend to live my life through and with a series of communities; such as family, work groups, volunteer organizations, creative outlets, and now, the blogging community has become among the most important. I have not as yet connected my blog with any aspects of my professional life, but have plans to do so in the future.

What are your future plans?

To keep blogging as long as it remains a joy, to continue to welcome both diversity and unity, and to be open to all of what life has to offer.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?

As far as I can tell, TPS appears to be the home of a warm and open community. I see the Spectator and its readers doing much to foster the spirit of peace and cooperation, and I’m honored to be here. Thank you very much for the opportunity to interact with you.

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