Every artist was first an amateur

For my patient reader(s) - whomever it may concern - I finally have a new blog post. Since it has been a while, I wish to impose the following quotation - courtesy of Ralph Waldo Emerson:

"There is creative reading as well as creative writing."

For this reason, I am posting some images - for images can speak more than a thousand words. In this case, some of them are actually expressed. The photographs are taken by Linda, while I incorporated the various texts. Hope you enjoy.

Do you believe in angels?

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

-Hebrews 13:2

When the US national hockey team managed to overcome the mighty Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, the commentator uttered the legendary words: Do you believe in miracles? For this post, I shall rephrase his quote. My question is as follows: Do you believe in angels ?

I watched an episode of "Touched by An Angel" today. It depicted a story, where a priest gets to talk to an angel, and he is astoned about angels walking on earth. To some, this might sound unrealistic or absurd, but then again - what is not absurd. Albert Camus said that "everything is absurd", so why should we not embrace absurdity and make the most of it?

This Easter has been radically different to me. Instead of an Easter at home, I got the opportunity to go on a trip with this great, friendly family. We went fishing and skiing, played board games, football and staying social on the same time. In contrast, I shall return to England later this week, where many assignments impatiently awaits. Yet, as I was brought to attention on the trip...

People may ask how they are doing. They may then refer to rather trivial things, such as bad weather conditions - rather than talking about how good time they spent together. This time, and this togetherness, that I am referring to, has been my pleasure, joy and privilege to take part of this Easter. And it is thus, without knowing it, in my humble opinion, I do believe angels exist.

I could write a story about how or why I think angels exist. However, there is also a saying which says that a picture tells more than a thousand words. Thankfully, Trine was out with her camera and snapped some photos from the Easter trip. Link is included below. At the end of the day, let me just say - the best times are shared with others. I believe.

http://galleri.selvikvaag.com/#0.0

The Essence of Writing

Emerson wrote: "He who writes should seek not to say what may be said but what has not been said that is yet true..."

To be perfectly honest, blogging still appears somewhat unknown to me. Whilst reading through Emerson's journals and letters, I come to realise that blogging may be the modern kind of blogging. Nevertheless, every action, each word and everything of it should consist of a sound meaning behind it...

While I was studying Creative Writing at Concordia College (MN, USA) I came to learn that writing could essentially be about showing, not telling. In this respect, I try my best to show my readers, listeners and other stakeholders (whomever they may be), rather than telling them bits and bolts. Long story short, it is not as easy as it may seem.

However, one of the few things I do feel relatively certain about (in terms of writing) is the fact that revision never really ends. Unless you read the Bible. Or Tolkien. Or Shakespeare...or Emerson... or maybe reivision can be concluded after all. Anywho, the thing I discovered through my writing thus far is that my views constantly change, my perceptions and interpretations are endlessly subject to diverse influences from a wide range of people, things, tangible or intangible assets...

Regardless, I still believe that attitude is essential in relation to perceptions and interpretations. Empowerment may take place in positive milieus, rather than that of the negative... and therefore, I wish my writing may someday, somehow, be able to write this truth... though truth may yet be experienced subjectively once more. What is truth?

Faith

I just opened up a book to find the words of wisdom through Ralph Waldo Emerson, which I would like to share with you.

October 19, 1839. Who can blame men for seeking excitement. They are polar & would you have them sleep in a dull eternity of equilibrium? Religion, love, ambition, money, war, brandy, some fierce antagonism must break the round of perfect circulation or no spark, no joy, no event can be. As good not be.

In the country the lover of nature dreaming through the wood would never awake to thought if the scream of an eagle, the cries of a crow or a curlew near his head did not break the continuity. Nay if the truth must out the finest lyrics of the poet come of this coarse parentage, the imps of matter beget such child on the soul, fair daughter of God.

Therefore, you must sometimes release the goalkeeper and attack with both hands. Carpe diem.

Globalisation of the Farmer Army

Hognestad (2001:759) named it, "Viking and Farmer Armies: The Stavanger-Bryne Norwegian Football Rivalry." This account tells of the rivalry between Viking and Bryne, with a geographical territory conflict, as well as a conflict between the bigger against the smaller, the richer against the poorer, the taller against the lower - basically, a fierce rivalry. But this written account is concerned about Bryne FK and its virtues and values. Some terminology has been included in Norwegian to maintain its ethos.Jærbuen refers to people from Jæren. Jærsk drivkraft could be translated as "driving force from Jæren" - a metaphor for what people from Jæren may identify with. This account will begin with a story about a character who are both loved and hated - but above all, he could represent the ethos so desperately needed today.

Nisja was unquestionably talented with his exquisite technique, but he also displayed an enormous work ethic and remained humble off the field. In other words, he reflected Jærsk drivkraft for his honesty, loyalty and will - and therefore promised a bright future for Bryne FK as a whole. Disaster struck however, when Namibian international Quinton Jacobs went to the press, basically saying "play me, or I'll leave." The week after Nisja had put in an man of the match performance, he found himself in the stands. Jacobs? On the pitch. Subsequently, the team initiated a rotation system, but Nisja saw little playing time and his contract ran out the same year. The spectators were unhappy about manager Johansson's decision, which would soon backfire.

During the summer of 2007, Nisja decided to join fierce rivals Viking, to the dismay and hatred of the Bryne fans who had put their faith in him. Nisja scored in his debut against Brann during the latter parts of the 2007 season, while scoring matchwinning goals in the 2008 season to let Norway know who he was. Meanwhile, the most frustrating thing for Jærbuen is perhaps not only to see Viking win, but rather - to see Viking win with someone who used to be one of them. The fact that the 2008 Viking team saw four former red players enter the pitch in blue does not make it any simpler for Jærbuen.

The 2008 season started with high ambitions once more. Going back to the Premiership has been the goal ever since relegation in 2003. However, the 2008 season has perhaps been one of the most disastrous seasons in decades, finishing 11 of 16, with financial issues and a declining crowd support. Questions arise as far as what will await for next season. The demand for locally based players has already been addressed, and even acted upon. It is not uncommon business to include a foreigner or two on a team, especially if they can contribute to sporting performances. A prime example could be former striker and Kenya international Paul Oyuga, nicked Paul Ogna, the latter relating to a local place somewhat near Bryne.

However, finding two Americans, two Costa Ricans, a Nigerian, an Icelander, a Dane and a Finn to bring a total of 8 foreigners making about 30% of the squad was and is not taken lightly by the local supporters. The bright spot is perhaps some youngsters who has seen some playing time, including Cato Hansen (U21 international), Ole Martin Tunheim (U17 international), Kenneth Monsen, Bjørn Rune Salte and returning from a 1-year loan: Geir Andre Herrem (on trial to Middlesborough). On the other hand, the situation was somewhat similar couple of years ago.

• Vidar Nisja, Tommy Høiland and Simen Melhus are all at Viking in the Premiership now, and even playing at youth international level.
• Magnus Ueland played at international level, and is currently playing for the 1st Division side Hønefoss BK.
• Henning Rugland was a first team regular for Sandnes Ulf in the 1st Division until receiving an injury which kept him out of the season. Sandnes was relegated, both expected to compete for a promotion back to the 1st Division.

Honourable mentions could include, but not limited to, is:

• Bernhard Nyheim, talented goalkeeper debuting at only age 17. Now studying to become a doctor.
• Maan Jamil, dubbed "The Black Pearl" by icon Gabriel Høyland.
• Paul Anders Holte, explosive striker who is now doing track & field.
• Per Undheim, top scorer in the 3rd Division season 2008.
• Oddgeir Salte, commanding centre back who are expected to bounce back after injuries.
• Even Sel, playmaking midfielder who was captain for the U19 side.

Clearly, the grass grows at Bryne FK - yet only a handful of players are situated in the team for season 2009. What awaits, only the club itself knows. Aftenbladet reported that Finnish centre-back Jaako Nyberg has to find a new club for the next season. One of the reasons cited was due to "investing on local profile." The author questions this logic however.

• Nyberg has captain experience from 1st Division side Kongsvinger. Leadership skills should always be encouraged at any team, especially for a up-and-coming team. Why replace leadership?
• The defensive four has perhaps been inconsistent in 2008, arguably because 50% of its defenders are foreign. Why replace the Nordic defender for an American and two Costa Ricans, where one of them who cannot even speak English?
• Economically speaking, Nyberg has been in Norway for some years now - the other foreigners has been there for one year only. Would not continentally based players require more economical grants compared to a Scandinavian?
• Another argument was that there were "too many centre-backs in the squad." 3 of 8 came prior to the 2008 season. Subsequently, is it quality or quantity?
• Continuity. The centre-back pairing between Jaakko Nyberg and Ronny Espedal has been profilic for Bryne FK. What will the next step be? Who will command the defensive corps?

In the end, football has been globalised (Giulianotti 1999) and therefore a cultivated game might be desirable. However, the expense must be considered carefully. Furthermore, football clubs are important because they represent their community. If they represent a community they do not wish to identify with, regardless of performance, what will happen next? With a new stadium in making again (Jæren Arena), more changes will come. And changes are necessary. But changes can also be directed. Therefore, the author wonders if there is a new identity in the making or if Jærsk drivkraft will persevere. Hopefully it will be the latter. The motto of Bryne FK expresses: "The club for all" - but Jærsk drivkraft? That must be earned. Nisja earned it. The manager misused it. Now the club must find it once more. Finally, if x equals Jærsk drivkraft, then how many x must be removed or sustained to maintain or increase status quo?