This blog is officially retired. This blog, although I am proud of it — I think it is something beautiful, if purely amateur — has run the race. The time to go home has arrived.
Posting my always right (or always self-righteous) opinions has been amusing. Sharing my discoveries, and tastes in art, literature, music, and cuisine has reaped great rewards. Others have shared with me, and my tastes have expanded (I wouldn’t say changed), my interests have broadened considerably, and my knowledge, even of my core interests has deepened.
I’ve often gone exploring for material to embellish this blog, and made some delightful discoveries thanks entirely to the very simple, easy research just to find a picture, or a citation. There is so much on the Internet, and combined with what was once known as the “real world”, one can grow in knowledge without being a pedant.
I started blogging with help, and the encouragement of Sledpress, one of my closest friends. Without that friendship, this blog would never have entertained, and annoyed so many readers with time to waste. It is a friendship that has steered me to hundreds of books over the years, perhaps thousands of web links, and a love of Baroque Era opera, truly an expansion of my deep love for all things Baroque, and Rococo. Yes, I said opera.
My stats show that this blog has a small, faithful following. That’s not surprising. I have never sought a large audience, nor an audience of Zeus clones. The first requires a different type of blogging with massive ratings as the primary aim. I could do that, but I wouldn’t have posted what you have seen. The other is just a lonely echo chamber, and who needs that? One could just stay in a room and talk at a wall, no typing skills or electricity required.
I plan to leave this blog up for at least another several months as a resource for the many, many visitors to the science, penmanship, art, and literature postings. I seem to get a lot of hits on my posts about Turgenev, Zola, French-ruled paper, Gentileschi, astrolabes, and a few other tags and topics. It pleases me greatly to know that some of my postings have become regularly accessed sources of information about topics that are meaningful to me, and apparently to others. Please, make use of the embedded links.
I am also keeping the email address for this blog active. I’ve met some wonderful people through this blog, and I’d love to keep in touch. Please write to me anytime.
This has been rewarding, thanks entirely to you, dear readers. I’ve met interesting people, and these interesting people have taught me much, and perhaps made me a little better as a person. Thanks again.
July 15, 2011 at 20:42
Hey Zeus,
Just want to say I’ve enjoyed your blog. I’ve found your choices in terms of the art and music you have featured to be fascinating, in part because many times they are outside of my own experience, and so I’ve learned some along the way. There have been times in which you have been passionate about work which I have dismissed out of hand without really giving it the second look it deserves, and so in some small way I think I’ve become more open minded as a result. Although I haven’t always commented, I have really appreciated your thoughtful posts. All the best.
Eugene Knapik
aka Mister Anchovy
July 15, 2011 at 20:51
I am heartbroken, that is all.
July 15, 2011 at 22:15
Dear Zeus,
Yours has been one of the blogs that I have read fairly regularly and have learned something in the process. I will miss the fact that your thoughts are not out there anymore.
I also am indebted to you for the help you gave me when I was writing my Beowulf essay. I am currently doing lots of research on Odo, Bishop of Bayeux. Should you have any additional thoughts about the Norman Conquest or Odo, please email me.
Best Wishes!
Cheri
July 16, 2011 at 00:12
Ô Zeus, your humble follower will miss your cultural input.
Epharistôpoly for all.
July 16, 2011 at 06:49
NO !!!!!!!!!!!!
July 16, 2011 at 12:40
You will be missed. I was a recent follower but I always looked forward to a glimpse into a calmer, lovelier piece of life, away from the usual political haranguing. Much success in whatever you do now.
July 17, 2011 at 22:41
I’ve seldom commented on your blog, but I’ve enjoyed reading it. I hope you will consider letting it remain permanently on the net as a resource.
July 18, 2011 at 21:10
Can’t you just take a break?
July 19, 2011 at 21:45
Z,
I’m sad to see you go, since I very much enjoyed reading your entries, even (or especially) the ones about baroque music and other things I know nothing about. But I sure know how it is to feel done with something and admire you for knowing when to say when.
TB
July 25, 2011 at 02:24
No!
But I understand. I think about shutting her down too all the time.
Please do keep your blog up because I haven’t explored the music enough. And I hope to see you around my blog leaving comments.
July 29, 2011 at 16:05
We are all sorry you go. We have learned from you and enjoyed things together. You have been at the centre of so many discussions!
Ok, at least keep the blog online and stay with us as friend and email & blogging correspondent, Zeus.