关于Feeling － 由阿拉斯加之旅想到的

After reading some of xux’s travel logs at her blog the other day, I left a message saying that it was a joy to read, and also it reminded me of my solo journey into Alaska a decade ago. I just saw her reply today and she asked me why I did not write about the trip. Here is my response and some other thoughts as follows.

---------------------------------------------------

Well, it did occur to me more than a few times that I should write something about my solo journey into Alaska. But, on second thought, to make a travel log an enjoyable reading rather than a humdrum daily account, you've got to have that fresh, “unsullied”, raw and true feelings reaped from the trip, especially those sentiments of subtlety and emotional vibes that were aroused by different sceneries on the way – either exquisite landscape or something looming ominous, the moments you went through – be it a joy or an affliction, shine or rain, even a conversation that you struck with some strangers, etc.; yet, all those valuable affects got lost long time ago, unfortunately. I wish I had jotted down a diary, or something at least.

That’s the thing with feeling, or affect! Feeling, in essence, is something one-dimensional and non-repeatable. You might be able to replicate it if you want to, either by recollection or imagination, but it won't be the same that is held dear and true to your own heart. Reproducing feelings of the past and penning them down might be okay for the readers since nobody else would know and/or be able to justify what/how you think, but not for myself. Otherwise, it would be fictitious, not an authentic travel log.

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus ( 赫拉克里特） cited an excellent metaphor when he emphasized the impermanence of material existence. He said, "You cannot step twice into the same river," as the water is always changing. Heraclitus might have gone to extreme when he applied his dialectic to the whole world of material, but it is very true in the case of feeling – feeling is something elusive, temporary, transient, just like the running water in the river; and once it’s gone, it will never come back in its original form.

Well, maybe I will put it in writing sometimes in the future, but that would be in a different format. A fiction? A memoir? I am not sure at the moment.

We shall see. : )))

[986silverfox]

Gee! I have to look up dictionary to read your article! Although a little bit trouble, I learn some new words.
I told this sentence "You can not step twice into the same river" to one playboy. He is so proud of himself that he can fool around. I told him, one day when he really falls in love with somebody, he will feel regret. Because he does not have any fresh, original feeling to offer.

[旁白]

回复edrifter的评论:

Let me know too!
http://blog.wenxuecity.com/blogview.php?date=200710&postID=8643

[edrifter]

回复xux的评论:

Thank you for drop by!

Yes, I will let you know. :)) Have a good weekend!

[xux]

从文学城首页点进来，一下看见我的ID been mentioned, just when I am wondering what's happening, I see your ID. 真巧! 你要是开写阿拉斯加一定要 drop me a note. :)

Have a good weekend!

[edrifter]

回复科夫的评论:

谢谢科夫分享感受！周末愉快！

[科夫]

文笔很美

情感细腻

谢谢分享