The Ancients

Wisdom of the ages doesn't end and begin with the old. There is knowledge and insight to be shared at any age. When an individual opens their mind to take in life, experience the moment, whether that moment is joyous or sad, in that moment, they experience liberation! And in that moment, they are available to perceive the wisdom and depths of the ALL.

Thought for The Day - Slap, Boom!

The sound of anger, aggression and force! Personally, that's not my style but everyone is prone to moments of angry expressions. We all have a need to express emotions that are, for the most part, destructive or at best "passionate." There are times when the calm of the day is hardly what I want and without notice, I need to get out of the quiet of office space and just go walk a few blocks or so to stomp the concrete!

Again, this is not my typical nature. Quiet is; so much so, one of my coworkers asked me if I was okay because I was so quiet. But I am, mostly; we have a few "talkers" in our row and it isn't unusual for a conversation to be going on. But I'm more of a listener.

Certain topics get me going, though I tailor my contribution to a discussion based on the audience. Certain times with painting, I can feel the push of this energy coming through as I apply paint to the canvas. It's a swish, boom, swish-pop of the brush bouncing off the canvas, the canvas actually moving like the surface of a basketball being dribbled. My thoughts don't have to be frustration or angry, but in that moment, there is a strong push, a drive to get this energy transferred to the canvas! And so it goes.

One thing I've learned is there are forces beyond comprehension. There are unseen energies and forces around us all the time. Disturbance, trouble and a bit of turmoil aren't always evil or destructive. At times, we need to move with the energy and do so without causing harm to others. I am careful with my words when I feel the need to let this energy flow because this force seems bent on hurting. No, I choose to love and similarly, express my energy.

Thought for The Day - Giving the Matter Careful Consideration

Thinking it through

Mulling 'it' over in my mind

Considering 'it' from all angles

Using logical and careful analysis doesn't always yield the best results. Too often, we consider the "facts" only, meaning, we only examine our lives using the "measurable" and "quantifiable." But there is far more to life than what can be weighed or checked against a tape measure. Have you ever weighed  an unexpected phone call or a friend taking you to lunch? Is there a cost attached to a passionate kiss? What about the loss of compassion and friendship, is that measurable?

The sun rises and sets each day and while we can predict those times with a high degree of certainty the immeasurable value of looking in the eastern sky as the sun rises will not fit into an equation! Life, real life, is more than dollars and cents!

Thought for The Day - Red

Inspiration can be found everywhere, when your eyes are open to receive!

Passion
Fire
Warmth
Life
War
Violence

I use red most of the time in my paintings; it's one of those necessary colors. And I use it, because of each word above. Mostly because in our bodies, it represents life and for me, life is spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty! Freedom of expression and to love!

Thought for The Day - The Right Place for Art

Now this may seem bad and if it offends you, I apologize from the beginning. On my daily commute, along the train line, there are places where graffiti artists have made their mark. Some take offense to the work, it is, after all defacing private property and depending on what is displayed, the work can be offensive. But the skills of these people? AMAZING!!!

Certainly, it is risky and illegal to climb into areas reserved for multi-ton commuter and freight vehicles to share your message. And quite honestly, I'm not clear what is the message they are sharing, but I admire the work! And quite honestly, given the bare concrete walls, the number of commuters who pass this way in a given day, this form of art, this media of expression has to be a welcome change! Enjoy my hastily photographed images! Or not...

Thought for The Day - The Good News/The Bad News

The good news is you're alive (you are, after all, reading this).

The bad news is you may not be using your time wisely. Sure there's "work," the 9-5, if that's what you do everyday. But I've known people who don't use their time wisely at work. Tasks and assignments aren't completed as needed and it's not until management threatens to dismiss you, that "time management" is a consideration.

The good news is you like/love to read (you're reading this).

The bad news is not everything you read is worth your time. Back to the time issue, again. I've heard this once and it was good enough to stick: "if you love reading, there's a strong possibility there's a story" in you. Now I know there are many novels, books of poetry and a couple self-help books in me! Today's thought isn't merely about you; it's me, performing a self-convicting disclosure!

The good news is you "have time..."

No bad news on this one; each day is what you make of it. While you may berate and criticized yourself - and possibly others - the time is yours to use effectively. I'm not talking about organizing your day down to the minute and in some cases, not every hour. But it is a matter of evaluating how your time is spent, in light of what your goals and your purpose. And after evaluating, performing the necessary steps until that demon is exorcised!

The good news is you have a reason to be alive; you have a purpose.

The bad news: you may not be using your time effectively in light of your purpose. I'm not sure if you've ever read this in my blog, but I "KNEW" (notice the caps?) I was supposed to be an artist. I questioned the preacher part, but did it (and still do) when the time was right. But I had high aspirations of touching hearts and mind with my work. My mom wanted me to be reasonable and have a plan B, just in case the art didn't work out. Enough doubt and concerned was raised that at 21, shortly after graduation with a degree in Fine Arts, I put my pens, pencils and brushes away. But thirty years later - yes that long - I'm back at it. I have to "unlearn" a great deal of self-doubt and force selfishness - guarding tmy time in the studio is an internal fight more than a fight with family and "commitments." But I'm determined to do so. As far as setting the world on fire, touching "hearts and minds?" Well, I will allow the "beholder" to decide if the message hidden in lines and colors, gets 'em to the core.

Thought for The Day - Integrity and Purpose

There is something to be said for putting the "higher mission" before earnings. In our society, from the individual chasing a paycheck to the multimillion dollar corporations, it's all about the dollar. We want the dollar, the perks and 'stuff,' and usually in that order. But the man, woman, child or company that serves, because there is a need, they get my attention.

I've seen it and with individuals and organizations who still earn a profit, but not at the expense of compassion. We have a false expectation, that if you do what you love, serve humanity, you will starve or have to live a impoverished life, But I believe it's happening around us each day. Open your eyes to the smiles of people who care for us and do so with an endless supply of love. Those are the people who deserve our energy!

WHAT DO YOU WANT?

For a number of years, this question came to mind. At some point, it was ‘asked’ daily and several times a day. I thought the question was being asked as a challenge; that may be partially true. But just now, the reason, the application of the question was broadened.

I’ve heard that as we get older our interests and priorities change. As I approached 40, I was shifting my priorities. I was earning more than I had ever earned and was caught between wanting ‘more’ – meaning ‘stuff’: better cars, better clothes, bigger house and the ‘finer things’ in life – and wanting to shift to a life with more meaning. Some of my more stressful moments have found me declaring: “I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!”

Well, I’ve learned “what I want” is to make an impact on the world. And I’ve found doing art is a doorway to favorable impressions. When I’m doing art I am expressing my thoughts, feelings and insight of life. What do I want? To make a difference through my words and images.