Friday, October 23, 2009

Big News

Hi.

Hello there blogging pals. Have you missed this mug? I've sure missed you. I'm reading a book right now by Humphrey Carpenter called The Inklings that I borrowed/stole from my dad. How does that relate to missing you?

Well, the Inklings were a group of Oxford professors and other pals, mostly of C.S. Lewis, who got together to read stuff they were writing or to have discussions about all sorts of things. One of these pals was J.R.R. Tolkien and another was Charles Williams amongst a small group of others. They'd read their poetry aloud and Tolkien regularly read from his new hobbit book (not The Hobbit but the sequel of sorts). There was mostly beer, tea or stronger stuff involved and it usually took place in Lewis' Magdalen College rooms or at the "Beer and Baby" pub amongst others.

What I'm getting at is that I've always envied this group of incredibly talented writers that were able to hang out, share things they were working on with each other, and above all, encourage each other as writers. They started off as an informal literary group, and perhaps that was always at the core, but ultimately it was really just a group of sort of like-minded friends all passionate about literature and writing, particularly the idea of mythopoeia, or the making (and power) of myth. "On the other hand there is, the belief shared by Tolkien and Lewis that myth can sometimes convey truth in a way that no abstract argument can achieve: a very important notion behind both men's work, and an idea that was certainly shared in some degree by Williams." (Carpenter, p. 157)

"Blessed are the legend-makers with their ryhme
of things not found within recorded time.
It is not they that have forgot the Night,
or bid us flee to organized delight..." Tolkien from Mythopoeia

Writing is a solitary battle. Sure there is joy and discovery, but it is also hard work and the promise of daunting criticism and rejection. Which is why I've envied the Inklings. And yet, through this funny thing called the internet, I've found (or been found by) my own Inklings. While it may not be JUST as good as getting to see you in person and shoot the breeze, drink good beer and or/coffee (or tea I suppose) and read our stories aloud to each other, it nearly is. And who knows, maybe we can even have a beer night where we toast each other and submit a piece of anything. Who knows. And for those who don't drink, coffee, ginger ale, or tea work fine too. Maybe this will happen soon. Let me know what you think.

BUT, All this is really saying that I have missed you all and am very glad to be back now.

And in HONOR of the occasion of our reunion, I have brought a tasty piece of news with me for you. You didn't think I'd come back empty-handed did you? In fact, I've sort of been waiting to post until I could share this with you.

The long and short news is that Amy is prego. Yep. The bun is in the oven, her eggo is prego. Been hard keeping that secret, though a couple of you might already know. She just had an ultrasound done (for free love ya Canada) and she's about eight and a half to nine weeks (or so) along. Accompanying the two inch (or so) baby, apparently the boob fairy and the nausea fairy have also visited, though the nausea fairy is much less welcome.


















Now, I'm not saying I'm suspicious or anything. But I'll just add that our baby better not come out with a tail and golden fur.

We were very surprised and now are very excited. We, especially me, were still getting used to the whole concept until I saw this.

















That pretty much did it for me. This is happening. Whew.

And Amy's reaction after she heard I put her uterus on the world wide web?



22 comments:

  1. CONGRATS!

    And, since winter is starting, I'll take a hot cocoa or hot cider when our internet writing group has its next virtual meeting...

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  2. That's fantastic!! Congratulations, Ben and Amy! Have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

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  3. YAY! YAY! YAY! CONGRATS! Many blessings on your family, Amy and your journey ahead.

    Also -- I love any and all stories of artists/writers who've gathered together and influenced one another. I think we feed each other. I haven't thought about it in terms of bloggy land -- but so true. It's a similar idea. Thanks for the great post, Ben.

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  4. Aw, yay! Kids are such an adventure.

    I'm with CKHB, I'll have some hot chocolate, please.

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  5. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! Big news, indeed. DO keep us updated. : )

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  6. I AM SO EXCITED I AM TYPING LIKE MY MOTHER IN LAW IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS WITHOUT PUNCTUATION AND IREGALAR SPELING!

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  7. This is such exciting news! Congratulations on your pregnancy!

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  8. You guys (okay all ladies) are awesome.

    CKHB I would be very happy to share a hot cider or hot cocoa, particularly right this second because my toes are cold. I was up at a wet field throwing the ball for Linus and got soaked through. The even better part would be "hearing" your writing. Already do enjoy your blogs though I've been very remiss, like my own blogging. But I'm back now. Cheers.

    Thank you Kim! We'll do our best and just chew our nails a little along the way (or a lot). Would love to read YOUR writing anytime too.

    Hey Ninja, you wrote an incredibly brave post that I read but haven't commented on yet. Handled like a true ninja. And love to read your writing as well. Do you take whipped cream?

    Hi-ya Casey! Missed you and your writing too. I will. And consider yourself in the above category of whose writing is wanted to be read by me. And I do NOT believe I could possibly phrase that last sentence more awkwardly. Not by a mile.

    SMARTHA!! You are a wonderful pal. And I am shocked. I should frame this comment and attach it permanently someplace on my blog. Actually, it will happen. Just wait. And thanks for the added enthusiasm. Like I mentioned before, you are a great pal. Cheers. And of course any writer group involving beer, root beer, or cocoa of any quality or quantity would not be as cool without your wry wit in there. You should know this. Thanks for the IREGALAR spelling and caps. Truly appreciated.

    Thank you so much Rebecca. That really means a lot to me and us. I miss you guys and Amy is really looking forward to meeting you. Someday over the rainbow, we'll travel to southern california and bakersfield. Not the same ring, but if you sing that you'll get the emotion behind the intention. Especially if Logan sings it in his DEEP Johnny Cash-ish voice. Thinking about you and your fam a lot.

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  9. So, so thrilled for you and Amy and your families! (like I mentioned on FB, your mom, too cute!)

    AND that look on Amy's face...the exact one she should give you. :)

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  10. Congratulations to the both of you! How exciting!

    Life, as you know it, is about to end >) (in a good way :D )

    Awesome news!

    All the best!
    ~Shane

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  11. Congratulations! What joyous news!

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  12. Congratulations! Very happy for you both.

    (And it's nice to have you back in blog land.)

    Shelley

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  13. Amy. You are a GOOD sport. :)
    We are all so stoked for you sweetie pies!!! Cannot wait to see the lil dumpling. Ah, so so so cool! Amy, we got a prayer cannon aimed at your now-public uterus. :) blessings up one side and down the other. xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxo

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  14. EEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations, Amy and Linus! Oh, and Ben! So exciting and wonderful news that there will be more Watsons. I do hope the nausea fairy gets kicked to the curb soon.

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  15. Wahoo! Congratulations Amy and Ben! And Linus! This is incredible news!!! Your lives are going to change, and whoa, it will be one amazing journey. Wishing you all the best.

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  16. I should also add, congrats on finding your group of Inklings! You're very lucky.

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  17. Awesome you guys! So that is what a Canuck baby looks like. I can just make out the plaid logger knickers. We are super excited for you! Luke Heather and Baby Jako

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  18. HUUUUUUUUGE congratulations, Ben and Amy! Oh, I know you'll be wonderful parents. Ben, you are too warm and kind and funny to be anything but a child's dream father.

    And it's an honor being internet Inklings. Today, I raise my cup of Earl Grey de la crème in your honor!

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  19. Congratulations!

    I too have been envious of the Inklings for a long time. I even tried to build a time machine to go visit them but it didn't work out. Oh well.
    Glad you found yours.

    I don't really know you two except from reading the blog, but it's so awesome you're having a little one.
    I admire Amy's bravery for letting you put that picture up. If my fiance-soon-to-be-husband did that I'm not entirely sure how I would react. lol

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  20. Yay! Congratulations!! :) And it's so nice that you're back in the blogosphere.

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  21. Many blessings on your family, Amy and your journey ahead.
    Work from home India

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