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Iõeia, forest creature
She was small but sturdy, this creature of the deep forest shadows and mossy glades. She was often sensed more than seen and only by those who sat quietly in open contemplation of the serenity to be found away from the hustle of modern life. Life, for her, was simple and rich. Thousands of pine needles and decaying leaves from seasons past muffled the forest floor, while minerals and nutrients swirled and danced in the river among the rocks; her world was magnificent and ever changing. She found it all quite delightful.
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Bazhie, of the Support Squad
Controlling the Gnarly Snarls of Shoulds is a tricky job at the best of times. They get that way for quite valid reasons as we navigate this complex, fast paced life. It is all too easy to feel ourselves sliding, which of course only adds to the stress. The Support Squad of the Sister Posse can make all the difference at these times. Bazhie, in particular, has the no-nonsense, yet sympathetic when warranted, routine down pat. Not to worry, she’s got this Gnarly Snarl for you. Go back to doing what you can. Things will be fine.
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The Dragon Within
When we finally got around to seeing The Black Panther film last year, it raised some questions for me that seemed a bit different than what others took away. It is a visually beautiful work certainly and rich with sub-themes. The role of physical combat prowess as a means of selecting a ruler felt a bit off to me, but it did get me thinking about how we handle our violent tendencies and the need to do something with our frustration over things that are not right with the world. I vividly recall one afternoon as a teenager when something triggered a full on deep dark, blinding anger in me.…
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A note to late arriving artist/makers-to-be
For those who come late to creative pursuits, know that you may be a while in becoming consumed by the ravenous hunger to make. The years of accumulated cruft from living a “muggles” life take time to dissolve. At first, your vision will be blurry. Practice. Jump off a few cliffs. Pick yourself up and practice some more. Be willing to do a few crazy things that you are sure can’t be for you. Practice things you have never done before. This is training for the life ahead. Ask “Why not?” List your reasons, and then consider which are based only in fear. Then ignore those and practice some more.…
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Uncomfortable? Look for the learning opportunity
I came across a TedX talk yesterday that made me uncomfortable. The talk was by Ashley Graham, and was titled “Plus size? More like my size“, and I expected some variation on the positive body image themes that I had heard in the past. The part that made me uncomfortable came right at the start, as she faced a full length mirror on stage and spoke to her reflection, ending with the statement “I love you.” I tried to imagine saying that to myself, feeling like it should be easier as I have come to know myself and live this creative, authentically me, life as an artist. But I found…
