Thought for The Day - All of That Stuff!

It's frustrating and maddening and at times, brings tears to your eyes! The times when you can't get what you want and when you make an effort and fail; it drives you crazy! And when well meaning people "encourage" you with "well meaning advice" that sounds a lot like suggestions of surrender! No matter where you turn, the whole world seems poised to destroy your good intention. But...

You are turning, meaning you continue to look for some way, "some how" to do what's in your heart! For some of us, it is an intention, like the roots of an Oak tree, buried in your soul! It's source of life so strong, no matter what conditions and storms exist, you fight like a undisputed champion, until you have achieved!

All of that energy, including what seems to work against you, is working in your favor and is the necessary fuel to propel your life forward! You keep fighting through it all! And "all of that stuff" will one day feel like encouragement and validation!

Thought for The Day - Just Keep Swimming

The current goes "that way."

Everyone else is doing it "this way."

A real man lives like "this!"

Something's wrong with you! You don't act like everyone else!

You've heard it, I've heard it, the loop plays in my head ALL THE TIME! And yet I get up early every day, I write and cleanse my soul.

I paint in bright colors, that to me seem as 'normal' as a subtle brown.

That line from "Finding Nemo" doesn't regularly come to mind, but that's okay, I'm swimming and swimming and swimming. There are times I "just want to be normal," stop where I am and be like everyone else. The loop is, after all playing in my head. But sickness, injuries, body aches and just plain mental "rebellion" will not allow me to roll over and play dead. Many days, I don't want to write another line, or more importantly, I want thousands of people to read and respond and to create such a buzz 'bout "Eddie" that I can't work a "regular job." But I have to keep swimming and swimming and swimming.

What's my destination? It isn't a place or people; it's "me." I'm finding M-E.

Just keep swimming...

Thought for The Day - Doing what must be done

Clear Channel 24 x 36 Oils

Sometimes a person's "strange behavior" is really bravery exercised.

The routine: hit the snooze of my sleep app a few times and finally get up. I might doze off for a few minutes, but getting up at 3:00 am permits me extra time to prepare for my day. I'm up, filling a 32 ounce cup with water, grabbing a piece of fruit and making my way to the "studio." My corner in the basement, mostly cold, but well lit, my art surrounds me. My laptop is waiting, journaling to be done before writing an entry for the world.

This morning, I'm up, as I normally would be, but my back says I should be lying down. One small move in the gym yesterday, reminded me that some injuries you never quite get over. An injury from so many years ago, stiffens my back and makes standing, walking and sitting painful. But I'm up anyway; the routine somehow ingrained in my psyche. Waking up early has become as much a habit as breathing and I give in to the need to write and express.

I talked with my mom last night and she told me my father went to the basement to check on the water heater. You have to understand, it normally takes him a minute or so to walk from his seat in the living room to the hall between rooms. To walk down stairs had to take him 15 minutes or more. More importantly, a number of ailments should make him stay away as far as possible, from stairs, unassisted. But dad has in his mind, that he can do everything he always has. His smile and quiet nature masks a stubborn, tough guy, waiting for an opportunity to do what must be done. Guess I get the determination from him.

Be blessed folks, I'm crawling back in bed and hopefully I can sleep off this latest challenge. If not, I'll be back tomorrow, still working.

Thought for The Day - Pushing

Elastic 18 x 24 pastel

Yep.

Have to.

Can't stop because you've had enough or the car wont stop. You've got to push through and stay on top of your goals. I have been there, I have stopped. So many times and with enough excuses to fill a book. But you - and I - must keep going!

I want to tell my story, but the most important thing you need to know is I fight, I get knocked down, kicked around, but I get up. I guarantee your story is similar to mine. You've seen better and worse days and if you're brutally honest, you are certain life is unfair and the gold and silver is laid up for a lucky few. I know some people who are convinced that the "successful" are that way because they have sold their soul to the devil, or my favorite the Illuminati. Seriously?

Dig a little deeper, my friend. The next time you find yourself on your back, lie there for a bit, cry and bemoan your condition. But at some point, listen to the beat coming from your chest. That means you're not done yet. Get up and either try "it" again or determine another path. DON'T. GIVE. UP!!!

Thought for The Day - Dig!!!

I know I can't be alone in feeling this way, some days I want to throw in the towel! Give up for those unfamiliar with that old saying. It's not like there's one thing I want to accomplish or taking classes to complete a degree; this is my life and all the things I want changed, the success I hope for seems elusive! And the dreams from childhood on up? Wow! Really God, and I'm stuck in an office? Please don't get me wrong; I am grateful for income, I just wish it was tied to my heart's desire. And testing someone software isn't my "heart's desire!"

DIG!!! The shamelessly 'borrowed' image is the one that comes to mind each time I walk away from trying. I'm not a young guy anymore and I went a long time wanting to be an artist, without touching brush to canvas. I've wanted to write and have for a long time. I have a small audience, people who 'look' at my blog (thank you if you're 'looking!'). But I get frustrated! And yet for each time, I walk away, I'm drawn back to where I left off...
 

By the way, that last part of the wall may seem like you only have a few feet and little effort to go. Not to discourage anyone, but in reality, that's the hardest part. You're tired, your pickax is too and the rock is the hardest closest to your desire.

But DIG!!!