The Zen of Manliness

Written by Writer Dad on December 4, 2008 - View Comments
Categories: Blogging

“People have to talk about something just to keep their voice boxes in working order so they’ll have good voice boxes in case there’s ever anything really meaningful to say.”

~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

About a month ago, I wrote two guest posts back to back.  Both for sites I really liked, and both escorted to my door by the kindness of others.  They’ve been off of my desk for over three weeks.  Coincidentally, they both landed within a day of one another.

The first is from Zen Habits.  Leo is one of the reasons I started blogging.  I came across his blog when the word still tumbled around my mouth with an unfamiliar taste, like flange or kumquat.  I found him on Digg, and was struck by the long arm of a single voice.

The second post is from the Art of Manliness, a truly unique Blogopolis beacon.  It’s an old fashioned blog (if such an oxymoron could ever exist), that speaks to the lost art of being a man.

I’m especially proud of these two posts, and would like to point you in their direction.  The Zen Habits post is “Breaking a Bad Habit Shatters the Rung Beneath You.” The Art of Manliness post is  “Teaching My Son to be a Man.”

If you have a moment, please check them out.  I’d also like to thank Eric Hamm for putting Leo and I together, and Hayden Tompkins for finding me a place where I could share what Daisy, Max, and Mia have taught me about being a man.  Thanks guys.

Writer Dad

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  • Sean,

    Ah, lovely. Great posts. I only peek in at AoM once in a while, so I'm glad you pointed us to your posts or I might have missed one of your finest pieces!

    The new look here is wonderful. So very "you." Well done.

    Regards,

    Kelly

    <abbr>Kellys last blog post..Tip of the Week: Unlined Envelopes Save Customers!</abbr>
  • @Writer Dad - Thanks for the reply. I feel extra pressure on guest posts as it is not my usual audience. I guess I should just approach each post with the same mindset.

    <abbr>Chris (from Lifestyle Project)s last blog post..What will you do today?</abbr>
  • Writer Dad
    Chris: Not at all. I write a guest post exactly as if I was writing it for myself and I can barely stand the thought of parting with it. Makes them stronger I think.

    Mathew: That comment made me laugh. Out loud. Thanks.

    Betsy: That is a fine compliment. Hearty thanks to you both. Thanks for Passing Thru.

    Bamboo: You Da Man today Bamboo. Congratulations.
  • I enjoyed, "Teaching My Son to Be a Man."

    I really wish men still wore hats outside. I think it was incredibly classy. It's sad it is no longer the norm.

    <abbr>Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Greatest Strikes of All Time</abbr>
  • Hi Sean - I just said to Pete this morning, "That old Sean is GOING PLACES." Congratulations! I enjoyed the Zen Habits post - Leo was my first favorite when I learned what a reader was. I'm going to head over to the Manly world. You're on a great roll lately, and all of us are just so proud of you!

    <abbr>Betsy Wuebker - Passing Thrus last blog post..ENDANGERED SPECIES: THE FULFILLED CAMPAIGN PROMISE</abbr>
  • Just read them both, Sean. All I have to say is: Oh. hell. yes.

    <abbr>Matthew Drydens last blog post..My First Poetry Recording: The End Result</abbr>
  • Some great posts, and the ones you did at Problogger with Eric too - you are certainly getting your name out there.

    As someone focusing on the skill of writing, do you find any changes to you blog posting 'workflow' when approaching a guest post?

    <abbr>Chris (from Lifestyle Project)s last blog post..What will you do today?</abbr>
  • Writer Dad
    J.D. That's funny. I thought the same exact thing. I didn't place the picture, and when I saw it, I thought, "Now that's not really what I was thinking," but it made sense once my eyes settled.

    Barbara: More white space. Easier to breathe. I hope you like the guest posts, and thanks!

    Miguel de Luis: If you change the words, it isn't hijacking (I hope). : > )

    Art: Art of Manliness is one of the most unique sites I've encountered. Dig through the archives, they're a lot of fun. It was my pleasure.

    Eric: My pleasure, and thanks again for ZH.

    Kate: I'm at a loss about how to approach RedBook. I promise one more before the end of the year, and then I'll figure out what to do with it in January. I love the story and would love to give it attention. Sigh. Too many projects, too little time.

    Hayden: Thanks Hayden, and thanks for the hook-up.

    Katy: Thanks Katy. I'm glad I had another spot to lay my adventures in parenting. : > )

    Janice: My lady is a southern girl, and she can attest to the difference between the southern gentleman and many of us California buffoons. Thanks Janice, as always.
  • Both wonderful pieces. I have to put a big vote in for any man who man's up and means it. I am southern, so a "gentleman" is a real thing. We have living breathing, door opening ones who are all the more manly for remembering.

    <abbr>Janice Cartiers last blog post..Sugar and Spice</abbr>
  • Wow, your manliness post is beautiful. Your metaphors so poignant.

    <abbr>Katys last blog post..Happy Thanksgiving!</abbr>
  • That article you did for AoM was INSANE. Just beautiful. Now to check out ZenHabits!

    <abbr>Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..How Life Coaching Can Revolutionize Your Friendships</abbr>
  • I just keep coming back to see what changes you've developed and can't wait to see the new face of this blog. I also keep hoping that I'd see more of Redbook (you've got me hooked. well, a girl can dream, can't she?). I liked your kind of science fiction writing.

    Heading over to read your guest posts now.

    <abbr>Kates last blog post..The Devil Wants You Dead - 2</abbr>
  • You're words deserve to be echoed through the halls of Blogopolis, Sean. And you're certainly a wonderful role model for fathers who love their kids and want the best for them. Thanks for sharing! Eric.

    <abbr>Eric Hamms last blog post..Open Your Heart Before The Sun Goes Down!</abbr>
  • Hey Sean,

    I want to thank you for pointing me to those sites. I didn't know about them but they are right up my alley.

    All the best

    <abbr>A Dad's Lifes last blog post..A cold morning</abbr>
  • And we writers, need to write about something if only to keep our skills in order.
    (Sorry to hijack the quote)

    <abbr>Miguel de Luiss last blog post..Second Step to health: Daring Fun!</abbr>
  • Hi Writer Dad - Wow, you changed the look of your blog. I like it.

    Congratulations on your two guest posts. I'll head over to the two sites and enjoy more of your work. See you later......

    <abbr>Barbara Swafford - Blogging Without A Blogs last blog post..The Unseen Benefit of Commenting</abbr>
  • I hadn't seen the Manliness post before. Nice.

    At first glance, I thought the picture was a Dad handing his kid a cigarette.

    I like the idea of passing down a chain of values ... and reflecting on where the chain breaks or gets fixed. I especially like the point you make about mindset. I think mindset is the biggest shaper of behavior. It's those thought patterns that really govern how we feel and how we act.

    <abbr>J.D. Meiers last blog post..4 Types of Problems</abbr>
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