We Improve Our Writing

  Our writing is important:

                We can improve our writing. I post about that. We can identify writing errors. We can identify ways to correct those errors. We may identify process whereby we can better our writing. We can keep our word choice as simple as is appropriate. We can use a dictionary to get a deeper understanding of the words we do use. We can spell those words correctly. God bless spellcheck apps.

The following list can point you toward ways to improve your writing:

~ Read some of my posts here. Each of them is intended to be an encouragement and a real help to a writer.

~ Read for pleasure with a bit more awareness of the nature of that writing.

~ Read about the "how to" of writing.

~ Try to see how a writer you like writes.

~ Study with a good writing teacher.

~ Join a writing group.

~ Form a writing group.

~ Start writing.

~ Keep writing.  

                We can learn to write better; practice helps. I intend to pass on as much as I am learning as I can. I still have a lot to learn. I am  following nearly all of the suggestions I make accept the joining of a writing group or forming one. I believe that my excuses for not doing so are fairly good.  I do know of such groups and have given them much thought.

                Participation in such a group strikes me as being an agreeable and productive activity. I have participated in groups and supported them. I have read about writing groups and there is a kind of group which I find attractive. An example of that of that kind of group was practiced and perfected by an Englishman by the name of Peter Elbow. He is a good teacher and a good writer and has written a particularly useful book entitled Writing Without Teachers. Much of that which follows here is my interpretation of parts of that book. I think that another appropriate title of that work could have been The Power of  Good Feedback. Peter's book is about the use of writing groups. An important value of such groups is exceptionally useful feedback. Such a group could prove very useful for you.

                Many of us find that our practice of writing is often an important personal growth process. As our writing grows so do we. That seems a good deal. As we grow and mature our writing gets better too. Writing can be wonderful. Most of us have done it mostly alone and that has worked out pretty well. Others enjoy the fruits of our labour, but know little of the process of its development. It may seem a wonder to them. Not a bad deal.

                Still we could find it profitable to help each other to better our craft. Evidence strongly suggests that learning in a group can be more profitable and productive in a group.

                With the help of a group or on our own we can be pleasantly surprised that our writing develops and improves with completing a single piece. In our career we may come to be please to discover that we have grown, matured, and become a better person through our practice of writing.

Words about that practice:

                I have discovered that I can find "a center of gravity" in a piece of work as I am writing it. That may center can develop and clarify as I write. It is like discovering the sharp, short form of what is is that I am really writing about.

                The example below includes ways I have gathered for getting a center of gravity or unifying theme around which I can organize a particular piece of writing. I trust the list will be helpful. It could be just a way of saying that you have my blessing to stray from an original outline. Such straying could lead to your discovery of a real unifying theme much more useful than was your original idea or outline.

Okay here's that example. Note that the idea is to start writing.

~ Start writing X because it seems more believable than Y. Note that as you write about X that you are beginning to understand about Y.

~ Continue your struggle with X and Y and see "A" come up.

~ As you write along you may honestly say "Ah, now I see what I have been getting at." 

~ Finish that which you have been writing about. Put it aside for a time. See useful implications as you look it over again.

~ See that your good idea iscrap.  Sort out the good parts from the bad.  You do not have to throw anything away. Some of it may turn out to be better than your favorite idea.

~ Your first writing may prove a good scaffolding for your next writing.

~ You find a powerful spark in a tiny digression. You keep the same elements of your work, but change the whole orientation for the better. 

~ As you progress in your writing be alert to emerging focus or theme.

~ If nothing emerges, sum up that which you have written, then sumit up again.

~ Push yourself a bit to keep getting some center of gravity or summing up to occur. 

~ Work gradually toward moderation of extreme positions.

               

                Don't Try to do all of the above at once every time! Reread the items. I have found that just part of one of them can be a saver, can make an okay piece be really good.

                For about 50 posts like this click here to go the Write With RCS site.

                Thank you for reading.

                                                                                                    RCS

        

        

Indigenous People in Colombia, and Particularly in Antioquia

   PreColumbian Peoples of Colombia: First Considerations                     

                The other day thoughts of the indigenous people of Colombia came to mind. I could name only a very few of them. Still I had bits, pieces, and notions enough in mind to occupy me for some time. It came to me dimly that it could be useful to name them. They are not very evident in much of the country these days, but they are still here. Some manage to maintain some of their culture, some of their story, some of their history. I may call them Indians because of my history. It may be fair to call them American Indians. After all, everyone born in the Americas is an American.

            I went online to find some names of Native Peoples of Colombia as one way of beginning to know them better. There was much to be found their. Mostly at wikipedia, but elsewhere too. At this time I found nothing from the Indian point of view, but names were abundant and there were some statistics. For example, I found that some authorities believe that there are over 140 "significant tribes" in the countries. I wondered if that included nations and confederations. They also believed that there were over twenty languages spoken today.

We can start with names:            

Right now the larger tribes with some political power include Wayuu, Arhuaccos/Ijka, Kuna, Witoto, Paez, Tucano, Muisca, Guahibo, Pastos/Nasa, and Zenu. I gratefully accept and hope to publish corrections and additional information. 

              From the early 1500s Europeans, mostly Spaniards, were particularly impressed by a few indigenous groups which include the: Quimbayas who inhabited the western slopes of the central Andean range; The Chibcha speaking people such as the Muisca; And the Kalina Caribs. I have heard the Muisca spoken of. To these names we could add, so to speak, so muscle and blood, skin and bone.

                A notable post divided the tribes into two groups, highlanders and lowlanders. The highlanders were those in the Andean ranges and the Santa Marta range. The lowlanders were in Choco, Amazonas, Guajira, and the Caribbean coast. In the highlands they counted 23 tribal groups and in the lowlands 65 tribal groups. An interesting division which does not seem particularly interesting.

                I live in the Colombian department of Antioquia. A Colombian department is a bit like a US state. PreColumbian ethnic groups which still have some existence here include the: Dobida, Camebida, Eyabida, Embera, Tule, Senu/Zenu, Gunodule, and Kuna. I have never met anyone claiming any of these ethnicities. It is known that there are some Quimbaya around the what are now the cities of Sonson and Abejorral and beyond into what is now the Eje Cafetero. There were once many.

                Ethnic groups which are remembered as important in Antioquia are Caribes and Chibcha speaking groups. Caribes included: Tahamies, Nutabes, and Chocoes. Chibcha speakers included Urabaes, Cunes, Ebejicos, Ituangos, Peques, Nores Guacas, Aburraes, and Sinefanes. Others I have noted as living in Antioquia are YamesiesCatios, Niquis, Musica, Sonsones, Quimbaya.

                Indigenous language groups of Colombia include the great South america language family groups: Arawakan, Cariban, Quechuan, and Tupian. The great Chibchan family group here probably have Central American origins.

 Different languages, histories, and world views:

                Seven language groups local to Colombia and perhaps nowhere else: Choco, Guahibo, Saliba, Nadahup, Witoto, Bora, and Tucano.

                Colombian language isolates not related to other groups: Andoque, Awa Pit, Cofan, Miska, Kamentsa, Paez, Ticuna, Yagua, and Yaruro. Who is studying these languages now? How did they get here? What is their source?

                I hope that there is a knowledgeable someone reading this who can add information here or can update the little I have provided.I would like to see some more juicy details. Below is my attempt to suggest such detail.

                There are and have been the Sotaira of the Chibcha speaking Muisca. some can be found in and around the municipality of Boyaca. Sotaquira is a place name among them. From the Chibcha sotaquira translates to english something like "Capital of the sovereign." There are Sotaira who can tell us about the Zipazco of Bacata and the Zacazco of Hunza. I suspect that Bacata refers to pre Columbian Bogota, the present Capital city of Colombia. Hunza is the ancient Chibcha name related to Tunja which is now the capital city of the department of Boyaca. I think Hunza referred to the sacred territories of the Muisca including Iraca. 

                By the time of Colombia's war for independence Sotaquira and the Muisca Confederation were not at the top of their form. But even then the people of the Sotaquira were able to ''donate" one hundred horses to the patriot army.

                Thank you for reading. Read more below.

                                                                                            rcs

As A Way to Begin to Learn of Colombian "Indians" I Give Further Consideration of Their Names.

            Naming the indigenous peoples of Colombia seems a useful move toward getting to know about them. Here, naming lists follow. As above you can learn more about these people here than just their names here. Of course this is just a beginning. I believe that it is and important beginning.

            Getting to know about them is not exactly the same as getting to know them. Shaking hands with a Navajo and sitting for a good talk with him or her is different than watching a video or reading a book. There are a lot of Navajo in the US to speak with, but many of us have not done so. Here in Colombia it is often similar. On a visit to Colombia you think you do not see native precolumbian people, do not be too sure. With a closer look they can be seen.

            The Indians of Colombia are of a variety of languages and cultures. Many are of mostly of Hispanic American culture and speak Spanish as their first language; many  are not and do not.

Below I offer ''tribal" lists of much the same peoples listed above, but in  bit different way.

            
 The top five Indian language groups found in Colombia: 

The following four groups are said to be of South American origin: Arawakan, Cariban, Quechuan, and Tupian.

This group of one is probably of Central American origin: Chibchan.

These seven cultures are found only in Colombia: 

Choco, Guaahibo, Saliba, Nadahup, Witoto, Bora, and Tucano.

Ten Colombian isolates have been identified. They are tribes of a single culture and a single language:

Andoque, Awa, Pit, Cofan, Misak, Kamentsa, Paez, Ticuna, Yagua, andYaruro.

Other groups I have noted:

Catios,Niquias, Sonso, and Yamesies.

Quimbayas: In the 1500s they were a main grouping who inhabited the western slopes of the central Andean range and are still important. Some can be found around the present day municipios of Sonson and Abejorral and much of the Eje Cafetero. They include:

Tucano, Tule, Wanano, Wayuu, Witoto, Yagua, Yukpa, Yuri, Yuruti, and Zeno/Senu. This later seem to be native to Antioquia, especially the Aburra Valley.

Arhuaccos and Caribes are remembered as large important groups in Colombia:

Arhuaccos are said to be highlanders which are tribes of  the Andean ranges and the Sierras of Santa. There are about 23 tribes called highlanders.

Caribes are considered to be lowlanders mostly of the Caribbean Coast, but are well known in Antioquia. Caribes include: Tahamis, Nutabes, and Chocoes.

Chibcha speakers make up and important cultural group of the highlands and include: 

The Muisca, Urabaes, Cunas, Ebejicos, Ituagos, Peques, Nores, Guacas, Aburreaes, and Sinifanes.

            

            I hope to live long enough to put some "meat on these bones."

               I appreciate your corrections and additions. I will publish them and name you as a contributor if so wish.

            Thank you for looking over this list.

                                                                                                rcs

         

"America," The Welsh Did It: How about the Irish?

There is a lot to learn when we would. While I was in Iceland I was told that the Irish were there when the Norsemen first came. Columbus was not the first in America nor were the Apache or Navajo. How well have the genes of the Cherokee been examined. Irish history and prehistory seems to have been hidden. Now, much is being noted and much work has been done. There is more to do and more evidence and facts to discover and analyze. Phoenician, Greek, Syrian, and Portuguese fishermen have sailed the ocean blue too.

A Cundinamarca Tour: find it intriguingly different

Intriguingly Different and a new joy.

            Here you could spark some hot ideas for interesting tours. Here hot could really be very good. Much of what I suggest here is at high altitudes. Some nights might get cold.

    

                Some days may call for a sweater or jacket. You will closer to the equator than many will be accustomed to, and you will find the temperature moderated by that fact.

                Remember that Colombians speak Spanish. It may be a very good idea to consider a guided tour with a guide who speaks your language. Even if this seems like a good opportunity to test the quality of your Spanish, consider testing it, at first, with a guide around. A knowledgeable guide who knows your language is a valuable asset who can multiply the pleasures of your outing. He, or she, may help you to see wonders that you might not even notice. He may help you to be more rewardingly engaged with the culture and country around you. There are many tours and guides available in Bogota. Arrangements for your tour will take time. You can enjoy that time by taking a couple of group day, or half day, tours try to avoid being angry or sad if your guide speaks only Japanese or Spanish.

                As you probably know Bogota is the Capital of Colombia and has a greater population than any other city in the Republic. Cundinamarca is the state in which Bogota is located. Colombians call Cundinamarca a "departamento." I am pretty sure that Cundinamarca is a Spanish interpretation of  the Chibcha for something like "nest of the Condor." You do not have to learn Chibcha, but you could be interested to know that I have been told the Chibcha expression might be rendered as "Kuntur marga.'  Chibcha is the language of the Muisca people. The Muisca are a principle pre-columbian people of what is now the Republic of Colombia.

                Cundinamarca interesting countryside, food, traditions, architecture, and cultural attractions. I like the hot water spas. There are geological attractions too. Sometimes it so seems that one is traveling through gently rolling wooded hills that one is reminded of places closer to home. It is good to remember that you could be at an altitude of of over 7,000 feet. The Andes can be deceptive.

                You might choose to begin getting acquainted with the "departamento" by joining a tour group or two. Then again you may choose to rent a vehicle and find a guide who speaks your language. You can do that in Bogota. You might surprise your guide by saying that you would like to get to know the towns of Fomeque, Guasca, Junin, Gama, Gachala, Uhala, and Medina. If several of the town names do not seem Spanish to you, it is because they are hispanizations of Muisca names. For example, I am pretty sure that Guasca is the Chibcha language name for a bear-like animal written in Spanish. Your guide might carry some Muisca DNA. He may also speak more English than he does Chibcha and his(or her)cultural heritage will be Colombian Spanish.

                The route above is rich in water resources as is most of Colombia. There is some development of these resources I have heard that 1/4 of hydroelectric energy of the country is now produced in this area. Natural beauty abounds. Trout also abounds. Trout is an invasive species  here, but has come to be appreciated. Most any restaurant at which you stop is likely to have trout on the menu. Too often the cuisine's best feature may be its freshness. Your guide may be helpful here. The rich natural resources around you, their beauty, the location of the restaurant, its somewhat exotic nature and your health hunger may make a tasty sauce for your trout.

                    An attraction of the area is a nature park called the Natural Chingaza. The origin of the name is a mystery to me. Speaking of mysteries, this 150,000 acre park with peaks of over 10,000 fee above sea level is likely to still hold secretes which perhaps only a few Musica and Guayupes know. Many of the towns I have mentioned here are within this Park. There are pure water streams and lakes here. With legs better than mine there are many natural beauties to be seen within short, long, or medium walking distance. Horse or mule may be available. For your first time here your excellent guide is very valuable.

                One could easily spend a year exploring the area. Two could do the exploring together and probably double their enjoyment. Do try to explore, and relax, for a week or ten days to get a real taste of its curiosities and beauties. You may delight in hikes or treks, but you do not have too. There is very much which can be enjoyed from roadside stops. A good guide can come up with appropriately interesting side excursions.

                Great days can be enjoyed while just bathing in one of a variety of developed hot water spas and sampling interesting local cuisine. There are some local dishes which are real treats. Still, treat your digestive system with loving care and respect.

                You might treat binoculars with respect and use them to do some birding. When it is to your liking you can sometimes do some bird-watching from your cabin, Chalet, or hotel. You will probably discover more variety here than you do on your home ground. If you are serious about this activity, take time to find a specialized tours for this activity. It is best to seek such specialize tours while in Bogota.

                Or, depending on your tastes, you could find it fairly easy to try out some of the alcoholic beverages here. Their will be varieties new to you, but there are good local beers available which. Their are imported drinks available, but burban is rare. Do remember that just a little excess can spoil a day or two or worse. However, what can as much as a glass a day spoil.

                Or, if your great joy is breathing, you may find, on this trip, some of the purest air you have experienced. The air in Bogota is pretty good for a big city, but take time to be aware of the air quality away from the big city and out of your vehicle. You may find it best not to run to run during your first week or so at these altitudes and a game of basketball is not recommended, practice relaxed activity.

                Remember that it is relative easy here to change altitudes, weather, and even climate. You can move up or down, uphill or downhill fairly easily. It may be good to remember that what looks like a hill here may be a mountain peak. Still if you are feeling chilly just go down a ways. when you are feeling a bit too warm go up a bit. It is a treat and there are vary pleasant and nearly just right temperatures to find and enjoy. That which you find congenial to you is available.

                Much of this land sometimes can seem more vertical than horizontal. In this area the lowest altitudes you experience may be over 3,000 feet above sea level  and you might reach a place near a small hill the top of which is over 9,000 feet above the sea. Do not let me disturb you. You may not even find yourself feeling the altitude. But this may not be a good running country for a low-lander. You are experiencing the Andes, one of our Earth's great ranges!

                Don't tell anyone, but you may come close to El Dorado where the Gilded One bathed. Before you begin your trip you could benefit by reading a bit about the country, and so feel a bit more of the reality and the romance. Often a good place to find valuable local information is at a good hostel. You may find one where the youth are a bit too exuberant for your taste, but still find good information there. You may also be directed to a calmer, quieter, more beautiful place to sleep and awake.

                Have I said to do bring a windbreaker and a sweater or the like. Even a hat or stocking cap may be useful. You can buy something in Bogota. Shopping a bit, if that is 

"your thing," you may find very good buys. But you may find good and useful purchases elsewhere too.

                You can visit this area from more than one direction, but is best done one at a time. I do recommend Bogota as your first starting place. Then on to the town of Calera.

Calera is known for cement production, but also has many restaurants, some quite good. If you feel like stretching your legs La Pena Tunjuaque may be too much. If you stay Calera for a day and sleep the night you might find it a decent walk and a worthwhile visit.

                I recommend that you follow your bliss, eat well, and sleep the best bed you can find. It is OK and recommended to ask for the best. May you enjoy your adventure well. If you like taking pictures take some. It will not be easy to explain your experience when you return home and photos can be a help.

                                                                                                            Richard