Thought for The Day - Rise

Phoenix 18 x 24 pastels

Rise! 18 x 24 pastels

When the night passes, it is your time to shine...

It really has become a habit to wake before the sun rises. Even after long drives that stretch from one the beginning of one day and nearly into the next, I am compelled to rise before the sun. There is something about the solitude of that time of the morning, waking, writing, exercising, painting, drawing and allowing my mind to cross the expanse of light; my soul soars at the opportunity!

And as it is, some days are challenging! Often, the expectation that this 'just another day' full of challenges and setbacks makes me want to sleep just a little longer. But at this point, no matter how deep the sleep or intricate the dreams are (I love a good 'puzzle'), sleep falls away and I'm up, preparing to face another day.

This is a journey, a chasing of a life, of dreams to manifest and the revelation of soul. As the night passes, it is your time to rise!

Thought for The Day - Keeping The Balls in The Air

Soul Dance 8 x 11 colored pencils

All too often, the "how" of our lives resembles a juggling act. Balls floating in front of us, seemingly floating in the air. And like a true circus act, at some point "someone" throws in another sphere, just to make things interesting. Now in a professionals' hands, those balls move at such a pace they seem like a ring, each ball's orbit flowing in step with the ball before and after it. But too often - perhaps speaking for myself - the juggling looks like an amateur, trying his hand at something he isn't accustomed to.

An act of keeping it all balanced and in the air; our thoughts our like that as well. That unseen world constantly in motion between our ears; concepts, plans, memories of failures and the never ending "x" factor keep us in orbit as well. And then there are the thoughts and ideas that seem to come out of left field: "so, what are you going do about daily care of your parents?" You weren't planning on doing anything and in truth, it seems your options are few on the surface, but that doesn't lessen the need for careful consideration. And so it goes, the wobbly, lopsided orbit grows larger.

Finally, there are the concepts you can't quite put a name or title to. Somehow, they are in the spin and orbit as well. And while in the course of the day, they aren't obviously troublesome, like the ball suddenly tossed into the orbit, your attention turns to it at some point and the continuous juggling act becomes ever more treacherous. It's all an act; keep that in mind.

Thought for The Day - Relics

Hey Mama - 18 x 24 charcoal and pastels

Old Stuff. Stuff you thought you tightly bound and put away; every now and then it spring from the  back of your closet and finds its way into the light of a new day. Without warning, you are reminded of a past pleasure (That now feels "guilty" and gritty) an accomplishment or regret and your steps alter for a bit; you might right stumble over these visits.

And yet you right yourself; stand up straight and 'try' to continue on with your day-to-day tasks. But like a unraveled thread, your past reminds you there's more to your life than the polished image you now portray.

...I'll leave you two alone to get reacquainted.

Thought for The Day - Sleep...

Sleeping beauty 8 x 11 pencils

Precious commodity, a necessity; often taken for granted...

This time to recharge and allow your creator to help your soul hear more accurately. Advice, instruction and feel love and solutions.

Don't take it for granted that it is a given; there are many who, for multiple reasons, sleep, continuous and restful, is far away.

If you can sleep, and allow your, mind, body and soul to prepare for better days.

Thought for The Day - Useful Energy Tips

Open Portal 12 x 18 pastels

In a moment, in a flash opportunities, insight and dreams come and go. We are always on the verge of becoming as great as we believe we can and remaining where we are. Every decision, every thought is the seed of the mundane as well as becoming the solution to someone's problem. I've seen this dichotomy since childhood, how easy it is to get caught up in commonplace drama, especially the type where we waste emotional energy and never solve. And yet, we pine away for a world, a life that's peaceful and fruitful.

Why not expend more energy on dreaming and imagining the life you want for you and yours? Why not imagine people living together, harmonious and loving? Could it be possible? With the death of Nelson Mandela, many people will consider what we know about his life's struggles, fighting apartheid in South Africa, going to prison for it and eventually becoming that nation's president. But consider what made him rise to the level of notoriety: he had a dream, an idea, an "ideal." And I believe there are far more of us who want a world of peace and endless resources for all, than those who want everything for themselves. We may 'think' - i.e. remain fearful - that our resources our scarce and being squandered, but what we really hope is that we will learn to use our resources wisely. We also hope new solutions for old problems can be discovered and implemented. And yet...

...each morning, we wake, frustrated by the day's journey before our feet touch the floor. Reluctantly we rise, already pouring good mental and emotional energy out of our being, wasting it on things we will do and yet hate. Some would say "love what you're doing." That doesn't really work for me, so I'm suggesting this: do what must be done, give today's mundane and contemptible tasks the energy it needs and no more. But rather than concentrate on how much you despise your life, imagine it being better. You know "stacks of money" wont make life better for you; you know it and I know it. But the wise use of the energy we already have can brighten yours as well as the lives of everyone. Use the "money" between your ears wisely. Invest it in dreaming and creating a world where everyone is fed, clothed and healthy. Invest it in dreaming of a world of beauty and harmonious living.

Thought for The Day - Blogging Colors

Calling 12 x 18 pastels

What goes out each day are words and images, sentences and colors; shapes and emotions hit the highway and travel from one end to another. I mingle my voice in the blend of voices writing, singing and teaching how to's from every corner where perception reaches.

In in love with colors, I love deep blues as well as night piercing pinks. I love words and expressions, simple and with layers of intent and purpose. These shapes on the page that we have come to call letters, form words, phrases and sentences and the world is full of them. Some would say too many, but the purpose of expression is to heal and build. We have not grown too large that we can't communicate without them, so I keep writing and reaching and applying spiritual bandages.

Years ago, as a young man, I asked God how my life could be of service to him. His simple reply: "accept my call." Words and images are my way of reaching a world and spreading the good news. Are you listening? Are you seeing?

Thought for The Day - Naming

We use words, give names, designations and terms to describe and distinguish. We label, describe, use similes and metaphors and though language can be fluid, in our heads and our culture, choices are made to malign one another with words. Labels and names are attached and individuals and people are grouped together, categorized, their lives dismissed with one word or phrase.

And yet the power of words, names even can change the very fabric of the air. We can build and encourage with a single word or phrase, when our hearts desire to do so. This entry isn't about giving 'certain words' to do so; no, it's a reminder to do it with your intention. It's an opportunity to see that our heart's desire should always be to encourage, to love. Now mind you, I realize that love is not all rose petals and butterfly kisses. As a matter of fact, love can be so firm and seem hurtful when exercised as truth. But its intention is always to encourage and ultimately for us to grow.