The Rationale

We are but dust, clay; shaped and containing treasure beyond price or value! And yet we invest so much energy into the satisfaction of this flesh, the pleasing of it and really, the experiences that drive and feed our soul! Day after day, telling our stories, singing our songs and dancing, we go about our day in search of... food is satisfying (somewhat), the many entertaining sources of choice tickle our thoughts (eh, not really) and social circle leaves us somewhere between dissatisfied and over satiated!

All of this is...the grand circle of our societies. There are days when I debate whether I will join the discordant chorus of voices; I truly question whether what I write is of any significance. I don't know...and if I stop writing, will it matter?

So for a period of time, I will disconnect...no plan or strategy to it at all. Just go within to determine if there is another way to do this...

Thought for The Day - Tree

I want to be a tree

I want to grow where I'm planted

And dig deeper

And discover greater depth

I want my trunk to grow through obstacles and around them

I want to extend my branches up

out and over

I want people to bask in my height

Take comfort in my shade

In winter

I want my branches and twigs

To echo the crisp whispers of cold air

For people to respect the power of that basic element - Wind

I want the metal fences that should contain me

To be buried in between my trunk and some branches

So that I am a mysterious force

That defies the odds

When I and the wrought iron agree

I want parts of me to give in to the tenacity of the metal

And my life force to grow around it

I want to be a tree

Strong and tall and full of life

And when it's my time to be cut down

I want to leave a lasting impression

That years from now

People will remember

Thought for The Day - Impact

We all want "value;" by that I don't mean the word we usually see in association with cheap, generic brand items in Walmart or Walgreens. I mean the word in its truest form, as in something of worth and valuable. But we aren't the best at spotting a good value. Years ago, my sister-in-law gave me a little device with several office related 'gadgets' in one. Looking at it, a dull gray block, it doesn't look like much. But it has a stapler, calculator, a tape measure and a pair of scissors built into this block. I have carried this in my bag from company to company for the last few years, since I've worked as a contractor. It has been invaluable because often when you go to companies, they either are reluctant to give contractor's office supplies or they don't have many to give out. And I have used it in my home as well. It is invaluable at this point!

We all want to be considered valuable - invaluable even! We don't always act that way and in truth, when we do, we are often overlooked. In other words, to those we serve and assist, our "value" has been dismissed as menial and cheap. To family, we can seem like we aren't worth much, as our contribution is ignored in favor of another family member or a friend. In relationships, it will seem like we are no more than an old coat. But it is hardly what we are truly worth!

Like that old faithful "device" in the right hands and in the right perspective, your worth is far more than gold! And the value of your opinion, your thought and efforts, can change the world! But here's the thing: you don't have to leave where you are to "find your value," start where you are. You don't have to here the words "good job," or even a "thank you," simply determine whether you are doing something "worthwhile," and either continuing doing it, do it better or do something else. But most of all start with you. You decide you are valuable and worthy and by all means, be kind to others! That is the true worth of any human: our love for one another as God's creation!

Thought for The Day - Cracker Jack Surprise

A rectangular box about 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide, full of caramel corn and caramel covered peanuts. A cartoon image of a little boy in sailor blue and whites, smiling on the box. The snack itself was okay, but for a child, the joy was the surprise inside. And the way "life" goes, rarely was the surprise at the top of the box. I was never really sure if the manufacturer planned it that way or it settled to the bottom by the time you opened it, but there it was, wrapped in a wax wrapper! And what was it? A tiny toy, maybe a tiny book or a tiny doll. Not much in value, but to a child, the "gift" was worth the stuffed belly and possible tummy ache!

When it comes to waiting and anticipating, so much of life is that way. You work hard for 30 years or more and what awaits you on the other end of the rainbow? If it's a pot of gold, it's the type in the form of gold coins with cheap chocolate inside. Most retirees have to be concerned with stretching their income over an indefinite life span and juggle failing health, doctor visits and possible mistreatment by unfeeling, underpaid aids. Graduate from kindergarten, elementary school, high school and you get a piece of paper with your name on it and a date of graduation.

So what is life? What is the true value of it and it's reward? Why do we strive for recognition, applause and fame when the results are fleeting? Are we "wired" for minimal returns on so much effort? Well life is for the living and recognition and even fame is part of the journey. Along the way, life is to be savored. I dare say we should savor the "depths" and "dips" of life because there are lessons to be learned in the darkest days. Trophies, prizes, blue ribbons and banners are placed in places of prominence. They are reminders that we worked, we strived and we won. The monetary value of the prize is minimum, but the eternal benefit of remembering accomplishments...

Thought for The Day - One Pebble

Found in a stream, one clear summer morning, it becomes the constant companion, held in the small hand of a child. It is taken out of his pocket, looked at and admired. It isn't much to anyone else, possibly in the stream full of stones and pebbles it would go unnoticed. But one small child, one quick glance and instant attraction.

The pebble becomes a constant companion, it is rubbed and rubbed until it glows with a shine. The child grows to a teen ager and the pebble is placed on a shelf above his desk in his room. He looks at it each day and loves to hold it in his hand. It reminds him of fishing trips with his father and times when his primary focus wasn't education and trying to be what others think he should.

The pebble follows the young man through life, now in a small velvet lined box. As an adult, he keeps it in his desk at work. And throughout the day, he takes it out and holds it in his hand. And it always feels warm in his hand as he rolls it in between his fingers and holds it firmly in his palm.

One pebble, a flat, brown and tan stone, picked out of stream by a small child. In the mix of all the other pebbles, it had no value. But in the hand and heart of one person, it's value is limitless.

Value
Worth
Beauty
Treasure

Thought for The Day - Picking Up Supplies

Went out Saturday to pick up art supplies and nearly forgot what I needed when I walked in the store. I'm not one for shopping these days; the thrill of buying items, getting home and realizing I've spent too much and finding out the money I just spent could have gone on a bill or the car which just broke down...that got old. Life, you can be funny at times! Anyway, I was excited to be in the store, aisle after aisle of paints, brushes, papers, canvases, etc, the type of stuff artists get excited about. I reigned in my "oooos' and "ahhhhs" and remembered I was there for pastel sticks, a brush and "something else." Just could not remember the last thing.

I generally like to keep a tight schedule when I go to a store; that also keeps me from 'browsing' and picking up unnecessary items. If I know I have a few minutes to shop - not as long as I like 'cause "I'm grown" - I find the items I came to buy and I'm out. No time for idle wandering and dreaming...sad life for an artist, that you aren't permitted time to wander. Really sad!

I narrowed my search to a handful of pastel sticks and another handful of oil pastel crayons. I also picked up a non-toxic bottle of fixative, used to prevent work from being smeared - very important for pastels. I'm standing at the counter, the cashier, completing the sell and applying my "preferred customer" discount, she gives me the total. The guy next to me hears the total and says "you should have picked a cheaper medium, to work in." Besides wanting to tell him to mind his business, I thought of snappy repartee to say like "the medium chose me," but instead I chose not to say anything. I sort of smiled, handed the lady my debit card and waited for her to package everything.

That comment stayed with me for the entire weekend and I'm sure I'll go over it for a while. I thought about the relatives and friends who want to "support" you by "allowing" you to give them art for free, declaring their poverty. I thought of the many people who tell me "I love your work, but it's too expensive!" I thought of the many people out there who steal other artists work with a camera or simply going to your website and hitting the "print screen" button on their pc. You know, we aren't permitted to walk in a store and simply pick up supplies, food, etc, just because we are related to the owner. And we can't walk onto a car lot and get a car for $25 because "I love your Jaguars, but there just too expensive." Hear me folks, any artist doing work from his heart and soul, isn't considering the cost of supplies before he does the work, but he has to be careful in what he spends. He cares about the work and the message and as a result, what it will do for you, the audience. Cost, value, cheap and expensive; words we toss around, but I think we get their definitions confused.

Thought for The Day - Prosperity

Sketch for Predawn Light (in process) 18 x 24 charcoal

Names, titles, descriptions, they are a funny thing. A word can be used so often and in a particular way, that  the mentioning of it generates a "group think" vision. Like the word today, "prosperity." Mention it in most circles and especially Christian circles and immediately, we think of a pocket full of money, cars, large homes and full closets. But what about prosperity among the middle class or the working class? Can it exist there as well?

Since childhood, I have lived in a house with full cabinets and well stocked refrigerators. Even when "times were tight" for my wife and I, there is always plenty of food to eat. I have always had a change of clothes and a car to drive. And yet, so very often I consider what I don't have and I get sad. Not only do I get sad, I get to praying for more. But as it is, I consider what I have as well and while that doesn't cause me to pause and be thankful each time, it does take the edge off my complaining. In truth, while we have, we are always in search of "more" or "different."

The word prosperity, when applied to my situation and probably the lives of nearly everyone reading this, fits our lives. It isn't a matter of what you lack but what you have. Certainly, many would rather have bank accounts with near unlimited money; I don't know about you, but the thought of having more money, immediately brings up the things I would "trade" my money to buy! I don't stop at the thought of having money, but I think of buying and spending and filling up a house with stuff. I imagine a life of full days and luxurious vacations. But in the best sense, I have all I need N-O-W! I might want an abundance of rest, but I have this uncanny ability to fall asleep at the drop of a hat! I can sit in a waiting room full of people and if I'm tired, doze off in heartbeat! So do I need more rest or to manage better what I have 'at hand?'

Perhaps stress comes because we are always focused on what we don't have, what our lives aren't. What if we focused on the blessings in our hand, on our shoulders and on the plate in front of us? Would we come to realize we are prosperous?

Peace

Be

Thought for The Day - Momentary Value

Linen (in process) 30 x 40 oil

In this case, when I say "momentary," I'm not speaking of temporary or transitional, but those moments when you appreciate something or someone. I don't know about you, but I can be fickle; it's not a matter of not loving or having long lasting appreciation, but it's a matter of having "highs and lows." Behind me, sits a painting titled "Linen," the first in a series (currently working on number two; that will come up for air soon) and certain aspects of the colors and the style of it struck me. I "appreciate" my work, but there are times when I don't "value" my work. I'm thankful for the gift of expression, for the ability to express myself in word and images and so glad I'm back to rendering. But there are times when I take for granted that I'm doing work that is rich and attention worthy.

Believe me, that isn't an easy thing to write. I'm thinking of the reaction of the people who might read it, thinking they will say "that's conceited" or worse "I don't see anything of value." But sometimes you've got to start where you are and appreciate your own work. Now tomorrow, with a little time on my hands, I may look at that same image and see the flaws and consider ways to improve it or what should have done differently. But for now, I appreciate the depth of color and movement - the Momentary Value.

Peace.

Thought for The Day - Clear View

Triplicate (in progress) - 12 x 18 panels - Pastels

...Because our intentions are good. Because in spite of our faults  and failures, our fear that the world is collapsing around us and our single indiscretion contributes to the greater apocalypse, we want better. No, we want Heaven and it's promise of perfect health and connected relationships without ulterior motives.

...because we see with jaded eyes, we detect collapse and calamity faster than we do love and good meaning. Because with every well placed thought, no sooner do we look at our world, training and tradition kicks in to tell us that the guy who sits too closely wants to take our "stuff." We don't truly treasure stuff over people, we actually value our human interaction more than stuff. It's just that "stuff" tends to light up at our touch, at least 95% of the time. It responds when we need it to and it waits for us until we are ready to 'play.' But people are fickle; they sometimes return a mutual expression of acknowledgement and sometimes they avoid you as if you don't exist.

...because when we get behind our closed doors,  no one should be able to hurt us, yet we continue to hurt. No matter how we eat right or wrong - justified by great testing food in socially-satisfying situations, or alone where no one laughs under their breath -  exercise, pay our taxes and smile at our neighbors, we don't rise to the desired level or unity we strive for.

Who really wants more stuff? A television doesn't change the condition of your heart if you decide you prefer pain and disappointment over compassion. And a 100" LED Plasma television is no more important than the news about a child abducted in a town 500 miles away.

Intentions, desire and the Highest. Focus there.