"Why?" and "Why!"

Welcome to my blog!

First off, a few answers and definitions:

• Why the title?

impression [ɪmˈprɛʃən] n
1. a strong effect produced on the intellect, feelings, conscience, etc.
2. the first and immediate effect of an experience or perception upon the mind; sensation.
3. the effect produced by an agency or influence.
4. a notion, remembrance, belief, etc., often of a vague or indistinct nature: He had a general impression of lights, voices, and the clinking of silver.
5.a mark, indentation, figure, etc., produced by pressure.
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/impression (20/03/2012) 

I chose "impressions", because it seems appropriate for what goes on in a blog - I intend to post to my blog only when I have been "impressed" by something. Very often this is the truest of our responses to something, as it is instinctive and happens before any learned or habitual thought kicks in.

trailblazer [ˈtreɪlˌbleɪzə] n
1. a leader or pioneer in a particular field, someone who creates new things (groundbreaker, innovator, conceiver, mastermind, originator)
2. a person who blazes a trail, someone who can find paths through unexplored territory
Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/trailblazer (20/03/2012)

Think about the word trailblazer for a moment... Wow, now that is a powerful word! A person who blazes a trail through the wilderness, a trail that others can follow should they choose to... but to what destination? and through what wilderness? And what is it that they are trampling under their feet or cutting down? Hopefully, that should become clear as my blog develops!

• Why a blog?

I was reading a career change book on the train yesterday, in which the author suggested that one might set up a blog and... bing! The penny dropped. I have never considered myself to be eloquent. So, although I feel an immense urge to broadcast my discoveries, feelings, views and experiences, I never thought blogs were for me... when, in fact, I think this blog really is for me (it is almost a birthday present to myself, actually): it will help me cristallize and keep track of my most poignant impressions and thoughts. If I can give something to other people through it, that would be a privilege. If not, that's ok, too.

Now I am going to hit "publish" and I hope the formatting doesn't come out all weird!