Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Folktales, mythology and folklore.

  I have, in my opinion, a fairly decent collection of books on these subjects. I estimate the collection contains over 300 titles covering a wide range of topics. I had thought, at the outset of this blog, to occasionally post some of the stories or bits of folklore. Alas, I am at a lost as to what I should write. It appears that a few people are actually reading this thing, so I will refrain from writing about my depression and other problems. No one wants to read about that. I'm thinking of checking the calendar for holidays and observations that I can use for inspiration. Any other ideas?

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Not really about anything.

  I suffer from depression. It can get severe at times. It keeps me from doing anything. I know no one will read this, but I just don't care. I can't seem to care about anything. My wife is practically an invalid and my mother-in-law's health is getting worse all the time. My brother and his girlfriend live with us, but all they do is spend our money and avoid us. I'm becoming responsible for most of the housework here and I'm afraid that if I do get a job then everything will fall apart. I have to walk the dogs because we don't have a fenced in area for them to run. I fear spending the whole day away from the house, knowing that the dogs will probably make a mess in the house and nobody will clean it up. I just afraid of everything. Afraid and feeling helpless. If nobody gives a shit, then why should I.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

My first post.

 I'm really new at this. I just want start off with an introduction. My name is Jim and I am newly moved to Columbia, Missouri. For the last ten years I've lived on a farm outside of Fulton, Missouri and before that I lived in St. Louis. I have had many occupations over the years, but in my heart I'll always be a librarian. That was my career in St. Louis and I hope to do it again someday.
  My interests are varied but primarily revolve around folklore, folktales, mythology and history. The title of my blog includes the name Linn Feic. This is a pool in the river Boyne in Ireland. It is mentioned in the legends of Fionn mac Cumhaill. It was believed to be the home of the Salmon of Knowledge.
  There is something else I must mention. I am Pagan. For many years my spiritual life was heavily influenced by the myths and legends of the insular Celts, those people who lived on the British Isles and Ireland. Over a decade ago I took a name to use among other Pagans. It is Finneces, and it is the last of several names I've used over the years.
   Finneces was a Druid who fished in Linn Feic (Fiac's pool) hoping to catch the Salmon of Knowledge. He had learned of a prophecy that someone named Finn would taste of the salmon's flesh and gain great wisdom and knowledge. He spends seven years trying to catch that fish. One day a 7-year-old boy wanders into his camp. On that day Finneces finally catches that salmon. He gives the boy the fish to cook, warning him not to eat any part of it. After a while, the boy sticks his thumb on the fish to see if it's done. He burns his thumb and puts it into his mouth. Suddenly he has the salmon's powers. When Finneces confronts the boy and demands to know who he is, the boys reveals himself as Fionn mac Cumhaill, later to become Irelands greatest hero.
  I see a lot of myself in Finneces. That's why I call my pursuit of knowledge fishing at Linn Feic. I have no idea what my future posts will be like. If anybody reads this and has suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them. In the meantime I'll just sign off for now.