writing like santa
Ever since I was about six years old, the presence of a certain scholar has always made me stand-up straighter, listen more intently, and try to sound more intelligent. Wally Metts has been a distinct presence in my family for many, many years. However, the first name that I knew him by (as with many other people he has welcomed into his life) was Santa.
At six years old, he looked me dead in the eye and told me he was the Old Saint. Taking a step back and looking at him with his white beard, cheerful grin, and spectacles, I had to believe him. My mother was displeased.
It’s no surprise that reading his blog thedaysman was one of my key inspirations to become a blogger myself. And even now, I try to make my posts sound more intelligent for him. He seems to have all the right tricks that I have not yet been able to grasp to make my blogs—well–worthy.
Of course, he is a published author and a communications expert at Spring Arbor University, so naturally, that would make sense. He’s paid to know what he is talking about.
He is able to make his blogs relevant…something that I have yet to accomplish completely because I have yet to find out my own relevancy in this world, let alone find out how to express that to others.
I find that he has little habits that distinctly make him thedaysman.
As much of a scholar as he is, he is ”modern and trendy” enough to keep his titles all in lower case, giving it the symmetry that apparently makes the title more attractive to the eye.
He also seems to have a certain disdain for the paragraph, as most of his points are stated concisely in two to four lines, unless he is formally writing about any certain topic. This allows for our modern, fast-paced minds to stay engaged.
My only correction is that he begins his sentences with conjunctions.
His blog’s most endearing quality is that, in it, he is able to take mundane things in life and eloquently present them in a way to bring out the importance of paying attention to them. A prime example being one of my favorite of his posts, drinking day old tea.
He broaches a wide scale of topics, and has offered many a young reader advice on relationships, a lesson in history, political critiques, or simply explaining the healing powers of a good book and tea in the morning.
I regret to say, that I do not blog, like Wally. I try to though, and I’ll get better with time.
This particular post is one that I have been carefully planning for quite some time. Why? Was this entry an affectionate poke at Wally? (Or) Giving his blog a plug? Probably. It should be, anyway, because his blog is excellent, and you should read it.
Was it also a way to make sure that he reads mine every once in a while?
Definitely.
Asia Attila
If immitation is the highest form of flattery, then I’m deeply humbled. And grateful. The one word sentence at the end is very nice.
Your blog will be a joy to many, and to me.
Thank you so much, Wally—for the kind words, and the inspiration.
Well said. I especially liked “He is able to make his blogs relevant… something that I have yet to accomplish completely because I have yet to find out my own relevancy in this world, let alone find out how to express that to others.” Ironically this vulnerable line is relevant.