lisa congdon
No Two Are Alike
Every zebra has unique stripe patterns – much like humans’ fingerprints.
If we could just appreciate our singularity – and the originality of others, this world would be a more peaceful place.
I like Ram Dass’ observation: When we go out and see trees, we don’t judge them. We don’t say this one is better than that one. We appreciate every tree. We should do that with people. Appreciate every person.
Judgmental people tend to judge themselves fiercely. They believe it makes them work harder and be better. In fact, judgmental people possess an insecurity and sometimes a level of self-hate that disables them to love others.
There is strife in America right now. There is a great divide. But ignorance is being met with consciousness and ultimately, awareness will win.
Sunshiny Day*
clouds come and go
the blue sky is always there
“overcast” can provide respite
without variety, life would be boring
* A great song no matter the weather, “I can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash
Honeyed Words
Words are flowers,
blooming in their own time
we buzz and buzz in our colonies
some of us make honey
13 Life-Changing Habits to do Each Day (1/13)
I enjoy reading Ryan Holiday’s Thought Catalog blog. He just published an article on “13 Life-Changing Habits to do every single day.” These habits will definitely lead to good things for you!
I’ll share them with you. Here’s #1:
Prepare for the Hours Ahead
Holiday refers to the stoics often. Here, he informs us that Marcus Aurelius used to keep a morning journal, where he connected with his intentions for the day and planned how he might react to people and events that were less than desirable. This helps us to prepare for potential setbacks.
Asian in Arizona
I glance up and see him, pushing his shopping cart
he is sporting overalls and an enormous white beard
I’m sure he drives a white truck with flag (U.S. or Confederate?)
I’ve been accosted by his type before, in Iowa:
Hey Jap! Go back where you came from!
So I am wary
He’s speaking to me right now
They have a sale on bananas! A whole bag for just a dollar!
He points to a small paper brown bag in his cart
Your kids will love ’em!
I’m jolted – surprised – dismayed
How does he know I have kids?
And I realize that what is in my cart
are bags of suspicion, dread and cynicism
Oops
We encountered the word “knickers” in our reading yesterday. My class didn’t know what they were…I recalled wearing “knickers” when I was really young – the loose pants that were bound at the knees. You know, like these:
Lesson learned: Do not Google “knickers” for a 5th grade classroom on the SmartBoard.
Fear Not
“There is nothing to fear, but fear itself.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Combine Various Things
Any time you feel defensive, your ego is being manipulative. You are attempting to hold onto an identity that you want others to perceive.
Meditate on it. Change if it makes sense to…or just let it go.
Fresh
As a huge fan of Lisa Congdon, I’ve basically exhausted her classes on Creativebug.com. I decided to venture out and try another artist: Molly Hatch. She’s awesome and does design work for Anthropologie. I’ve never taken art classes and she taught “the basics” which are very good to know:
Rule of the Thirds:
Basically, you make a grid of thirds (She did it on tracing paper) to help you visualize the “four corners” of intersection.” The focal point of your art (for the viewer) will be in the center and ideally, your art should touch these areas.
I love being a beginner – everything is fresh.
Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Pablo Picasso
Kismet 