Greetings Reader!

A fellow by the name of Thomas Mann once said that "the task of a writer involves being able to make something out of an idea." This blog, I suppose, is an attempt to apply that quote to myself.

My name is Erik. I come from the lovely state of Maine. I recently earned my BA in American Studies from Wheaton College (the one in Massachusetts, not Illinois). Presently, I am employed by the Nantucket Historical Association, where I work as an interpreter (i.e. docent). I will be living here until at least September, perhaps even longer than that. My long term goal is to continue my education, and earn a Masters/PhD in American History in the future. I would like to be a professor some day. I should emphasize, however, that this is the LONG term plan, which means it is subject to change. I want to take some time to just live life for a while. When I've completely made up my mind about what the next big step is going to be, then I will move on.

In beginning this blog, I have a couple of goals. The main purpose of this blog is to serve as a forum for my random musings about adjusting to island life. Having been a landlubber up to this point, this is a very new experience for me. I may occasionally wander off in a different direction, and write a book review, or perhaps a piece about sports or political issues, however, generally, I hope that this blog will be about Nantucket, the work I do, and island life. Above all else, however, I intend to use this blog as a means of keeping my brain active.

I am in the process of acquiring a nice memory card for my brand spanking new digital camera, so as soon as I get that taken care of, I will be including photos in this blog as well.

So that's my introduction for the blog. I will soon publish another post that chronicles my first week living and working here on the island.