I Carry
Ever read the collected stories of Tim O'Brien, The Things They Carried? It is a group of stories about a platoon in the Vietnam War, and what they carried with them into war. Even thought the subject is about death and destruction in the everyday lives of these guys, I still found it an amazing read. Now, I'm packing for a short jaunt soon. Here's what I'm carrying in my backpack. Got copies of Mens' Health and Rolling Stone, an ipod, cell phone, a few meds, pens, a journal, notebook, my IU sweatshirt, an extra t-shirt, 2 small boxes of Mike and Ike candies, camera, headphones, a couple of bottles of water with iced tea mix to add, my sunglasses and two bananas. Yes, my laptop must be in there too and a pile of notes. I have some work that I need to take care of, hence the computer. It'll be a pretty hefty pack, but I'll unload stuff depending on the day and the itinerary. My money clip will ride in one of those side pockets.They'll probably be a couple of cigars hidden in there too. Shhh! Don't spread that around. Each one of these items is needed and has, as you might imagine, a little tale of its own. Of course, if it's in there it's important and has some measure of meaning. Honest. Which thing and story might you be interested in?
Good grief! How big is that bag? I'd need the whole thing just for my cameras!
ReplyDeleteHow long will you be gone? Lowell's right; it is probably pretty heavy, too. Speaking of Tim O'Brien, he's "one of our boys, ya know!" Before he became famous, he would give readings at The Hungry Mind in St. Paul (my all-time favorite now-defunct independent bookstore) or his alma mater, Macalester College, and then we'd all gather at O'Gara's Bar and Grill and have a few beers. I taught The Things They Carried in my American Lit class to high school seniors and it was always the favorite of the course.. .every year. Plus the kids were mightily impressed that I knew O'Brien, who probably would not remember me from a hole in the ground, right now. If you haven't, read his lecture at Brown University (it's on the web) that clarifies much of his writing style.
ReplyDeletePS. Speaking of O'Gara's, I remember when Vince Flynn used to be the cutest bartender at O'Gara's while he was waiting to become a famous writer. If you're a fan, you know that he recently died of prostate cancer at the age of 47. Great guy, another one "of our local boys." RIP Vince Flynn!!
ReplyDeleteall of them...i love this list, birdman. thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteyou made me smile at the 'mike and ike'. i will occasionally splurge and buy some of those chewies, too.
ReplyDeleteYou gotta love a man who knows how to pack light.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read O'Brien stories, I bet it's quite interesting. Cool post, Birdman.
ReplyDeleteI love Mike and Ike but usually resist. O'Brien's stories of what they carried would be an interesting read. What I would like to know... where do you put: your sandals, your cute flats, the other pair of shoes with the kitten heels, the gold lace-up sandals for dressing, and perhaps one other pair for walking? What? You don't take all of that?
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear your stories, Mr. Bird. Safe travels to you!
Bises,
Genie
I love Genie's comment. I always have too much and especially too many shoes!
ReplyDeleteYou bag contents sounds like the stuff I carry around everyday, including my camera bag.
ReplyDeleteYour pictured bag would hold my camera stuff and then we have all the rest....did you pack an extra lipstick?
ReplyDeleteI read The Things They Carried after my daughter read it in high school and insisted that I read it. She was right. It was superb.
ReplyDeleteMen's Health and Rolling Stone? I guess you can't decide if you are a metrosexual or an aging hippy.
Lists of all kinds are fascinating things to read.And what's in your bag is interesting too. It tells a lot about the person. And I'm glad , because I often read about what's in womens bags , but not so often about men's bags!
ReplyDeleteWant to know the story of the two small boxes of candles . . . (Also: LOVE knowing what people 'pack'/carry. . .)
ReplyDelete