Sunday, August 27, 2006
I'm Ahead of Myself: The Krakatoa Countdown
While the topic of Krakatoa is undoubtedly fascinating, I am a month ahead of myself, because I was under the impression that it is September, and it is, of course, not. Apparently my subconscious wants it to be a month from now. But instead, we can count down to the 123rd anniversary of Krakatoa, and throw some sort of party (or solemn ritual). Excuse my historical inaccuracy.
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I always favor partying over solemnity. Myself.
But can one celebrate the deadly eruption of a volcano?
Well, it's all a matter of perspective. Yes, such an eruption is deadly, but it's deadly whether we're elated or morose. So we can celebrate the lives that we're lived and the lives that were spared, or stand in mourning at the lives that were lost.
Maybe we can do both, and perhaps even we NEED to do both, but I admit to leaning toward the idea of celebration as the first line of defense against the long dark. Something is going to kill all of us eventually, and given the way the universe is constructed, odds are pretty good whatever gets isn't going to be friendly about it. Why not stand tall and spit in the eye of doom! Oh, yeah, sucker, take this! [quaffs ale]
Of course, even my world view acknowledges the need for a time of quiet and reflection. Not every event can be commemorated with a raucous wake. But by the same token, not ever loss needs be brooded upon. The flipside of the tragedy Krakatoa over a hundred years ago is the majesty and wonder of nature unleashed. Why not consider that aspect of it, and offer up a toast in amazement?
Okay. :)
And welcome back, forest dweller. Did you finish your book?
I climbed an active volcano in Costa Rica, you know.
My gosh, woman, is there anything you haven't done?
In my current WIP, one of the dead guys was a volcanologist.
Are you serious, or are you being wry? And is there such a thing as a volcanologist? Is there one at every party, and I have somehow just missed him or her?
Actually, yes, there are such things as volcanologists, though I can't vouch for the ubiquity at parties. And yes, I actually have a volcanologist in my new novel! Here's an actual quote from chapter 13:
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On the wall above the built-in sideboard in the dining room hung the framed cover of a magazine called Earth Science Review. It featured a bearded man in metallic coveralls with thick gloves and boots standing on a jagged rock ledge overlooking a river of lava. "Portland State's Geoffrey Wilde is hot on the trail of Kilauea's secrets," the headline declared.
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And you thought I was kidding!
I did think that, but I should have known better. Of COURSE you have a volcanologist in your book--it makes perfect sense! :)
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