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Sit down and share
“Mrs. Edwards wants to meet you,” said the message from Ryan Montoya, who works for John and Elizabeth Edwards and their One America Committee, so I made my way over to the UNC Law School this afternoon for a one-on-one chat with Mrs. Edwards. She was on campus to read from her new book, Saving Graces
This was one of the most enjoyable five-minute conversations of my life. Elizabeth Edwards was interesting and interested; she asked me what I blog about, and as I told her about my online writing about family and work and school and Peace Corps service and community building, she listened attentively with direct eye contact.
I mentioned StoryBlogging and my post about teaching honesty to Anna, and she followed by recalling how those on the bus used to concoct stories about the houses they passed on their way from one campaign stop to the next, relying on the details they noticed about the decoration or condition of the homes along the road. In that exchange, we were two writers, agreeing on the powers of observation and the importance of thoughtful storytelling. (Before law school, Edwards studied English; she taught legal writing at UNC Law, I learned later.)
Downstairs, Edwards would tell the crowd that it’s in finding the shared experiences where one should start a conversation. That’s a political lesson she and her husband are following to great effect as they position themselves for future elected office, no doubt. But it’s a also a personal lesson that Edwards, in her book and in her reading today, explains she has used to find solace and comfort and strength in times of gloom (losing a teenage son, and breast cancer).
Much of my blogging—and much of my offline life and work—relies on conversation. I’ve long prided myself on being well-read enough to be able to talk to anyone about anything (well, be able to listen, actually). Today’s chat with Edwards was a pleasant reminder that short, amiable conversations can be powerful forces of attraction, just what our country needs, perhaps, to come together again.
Who are you talking to today?
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Anton Zuiker's personal website and
So, is Bora next?
— WillR Oct 9, 09:23 PM #WillR, I’ve encouraged Ryan to think of Bora for the next blogger chat. I hope it happens soon.
— Anton Oct 9, 09:49 PM #I figured you put in a good word for Bora. I heard Elizabeth on NPR – very nice. Especially liked her recap of her and John hanging on for a full vote count. I thought John’s 2am election night speech was the high point of his run. Real class. Look forward to hearing her spiel next weekend.
— WillR Oct 9, 11:50 PM #Neat. Your honesty post reminded me (in great contrast) of this article I read recently, Blogs – and God’s Youth. I feel bad even linking to it, but it’s posts like yours that have me shaking my head at folks who just don’t get blogs.
— Justin Oct 10, 12:02 AM #Bora reports that he attended Edwards’s reading at Quail Ridge Books, and got a big hug from her! So all’s well.
— Anton Zuiker Oct 10, 07:35 AM #So how can the Edwards help teach others to blog?
By example is one way. A second way is by recommending people do it. Another is by conducting some Blogtogether teach-ins. By this I mean Mr. And Mrs. Edwards becoming blog teachers.
It isn’t just about the neat blog software. Its about empowering individuals directly. Giving people the tools to express themselves is a great leadership quality. IMHO
What do ya’ll think?
— BrianR Oct 10, 09:02 AM #Bora deserves that hug.
He’s been a stalwart supporter and an eloquent advocate. And though he hasn’t admitted it, I think he’s trying to get me to swing towards the Edward’s camp.
Edwards has potential but it is Feingold’s incredible perseverance in trying to protect our democracy’s bedrock that’s won my vote.
— WillR Oct 10, 09:47 AM #Yes, Mrs. Edwards even came by to comment on Bora’s post.
Slightly off-topic but answering your question, I had one of the most enjoyable five-minute conversations of my life the other day with Billy Bragg, another guy who has spent the last few decades fighting for the common man in his own way.
http://scienceblogs.com/terrasig/2006/10/so_billy_bragg_just_rang.php
If not for your example and the encouragement of Tom Linden, I would never have gotten going with this blog and then going off writing on non-science topics like meeting Stetson Kennedy. So, thanks!
— Abel Pharmboy Oct 11, 05:05 AM #