"Could Be Worse"

As much as I can dislike the "could be worse" attempt at consolation, sometimes it is the most effective consolation. It could indeed be way worse. It could be WAY BETTER. But it also could be way worse. And some of us are fortunate enough to not be completely stripped of everything that can, now or later, bring some genuine joy and relief. But gotta keep facing a few awful things before finding our footing again and making it toward something more worthwhile. I'm moving in that direction.

The Artist's RPG / Conceptual Plane (How It's Going)

It might be a while before I post more on The Artist's RPG, and even longer before I resume regularly doing so, but I'd rather not leave things without a last look at the Conceptual Plane.

More components have been added (icons still to be revised, though likely to retain a resemblance regardless). I'll say that they're of huge importance to note, too, but which isn't? So... more very important components to note have joined all the other also very important components to note on the Conceptual (a.k.a. Blue) Plane.

 

And here's how it's going. With the ring, the receptors, the forces, the sparks, the armors (and other battling sorts), the catalysts, the essences, the layerings, the directions, the sprinkles, the integrators, the seasons, the "bota el golpe" and, last but not least, Merit Mapping.

As I've said before, more might be added in the future if recognized to belong there, as well as adjusted if due. But, so far, this pretty much covers plenty of what it's like to navigate existence as part of something grander - as an Artist.

Have you figured out your Top 5 Components on the Conceptual Plane? How about your armor and such?  Whether or not Merit and/or Mapping are inescapably loud in you?

And what of your season, contradictory as it may seem? (I'm pondering Winter for myself)

Just gifts to recall and reflect on at any point!

Jupiter Overview

In the case of Jupiter, it primarily affects your philosphical side and horizons. Jupiter, just as it is the largest planet with immense gravitational influence, represents growth, expansion, and the search for meaning. Essentially, Jupiter stands for optimism, belief systems, and higher understanding. And it is in and through it that wisdom, generosity, and faith develop.

When it comes to Jupiter, the signs Sagittarius and Pisces share certain similarities and are said to be ruled by it.

What are Planetary Placements?

For context and more of relevance, please read about The Zodiac.

I’m Taking The Remote & Switching Channels

Children, I still won’t be around for much of the time, for all of Autumn and then some more, so I’m leaving you with the TV on. What could possibly go wrong?

Meet your new Nannies! They’ll feed your brain content that’s better than what you can find by endlessly scrolling/swiping or by letting the algorithms bring you whatever gets you riled up. If your attention span is fried, this may unfry it.

• (Ideas Worth Spreading) TED Talks
Subscribe on YouTube. To TED. There, they are mostly addressing topics related to culture, art, technology, and human progress in general. With different voices tackling different issues and matters. You will notice some quite assertive, others quite nurturing, others quite encompassing, and others quite… reviewing. I haven’t heard any yet that’d lead down a foul end. Perhaps they strictly vet ideas before platforming them, so that’s good. But as usual, DON’T FORGET TO USE YOUR BRAIN.

• (Cutting Edge AI Apps) ElevenLabs & Base44
Subscribe on TikTok. To ElevenLabs and to Base44. If you are a designer and/or developer looking to keep up with the newest tools and features, these accounts can keep you going. They bring snippets showcasing or even showing how to implement the latest into your work or your play. And even if you will do none of that, for any reason, it can at least keep you in the loop of what is going on in the present and, right around the corner, arriving in the future.

• (The 7th Art) Sony Pictures
Subscribe on TikTok. To Sony Pics at Home. Okay, maybe you’d rather not use so much brain power and would prefer to simply sit back for a while. Or have room for it, too. That’s fine. Get excerpts and compilations out of films that range from completely safe to eternally scarring. As though life is both a comedy and a tragedy. Because it is. So, might as well get acquainted with it through cinematic clips, potentially the whole movie if you can spare the evening and there is value in it.

This is all I currently recommend you tune into if you’re trying to reduce the noise and restore your ability to focus, getting education along with entertainment, seeing beyond and towards something grander than what you’re already used to.

They post often enough, not necessarily consistently.

I’ll be paying attention as well!

Winners & Losers

For me, personally, in the larger scheme of things, it isn’t a matter of winning or losing. If to “win” you must join in corruption, illusion, and other nonsense that ultimately leads to deterioration, then I’ll take being a “loser”. I won’t think highly or lowly of someone, myself included, merely because they “win” or they “lose” some game. I’ll look at the board, the hand they were dealt, and how they played instead. And if a session is “doomed”, then I’ll play to the best of my ability, making the most and the best of it, until I’m gone or it’s over. In that sense, by my own measure, I still win. I got what I could out of it. I dread the reality of missing out on this more than the reality of not having a “victory”. Again, to be clear, I’m not going down without a fight. But you won’t catch me switching up due to taunts and whatnot. I wholeheartedly welcome those with the same or a similar mindset!

Back to School Month

September, be smart…
No excuses, get your head in the game.

Returning to Autumn

Seasons change, we're still spinning...
Hopefully, you got a taste of freedom during the Summer, for you may be staying in this Autumn.

Sights & Sounds: Local Beach

Yearning for a little escape? Or at least a parenthesis? I often am. So I’ll start bringing ‘Sights & Sounds’ to the site. We’ll still be looking at our screens and hearing from our speakers, but at least they will be taking us elsewhere for a moment. I also don’t want to let these places pass me by. Today, they are here. Tomorrow, who knows? Imagine being 80+ years old and looking back at these, too. I’ll start it off with a Local Beach setting. (Kudos to whoever made and/or kept this area!)

Mellow Dawn by the Beach

I should get out more. I really should. Things have been rough (not to mention maddening) and I can bet that they would have felt (and been) less so if I had treated myself to more moments like this. But you know how the cycle goes. Stressed & Overwhelmed -> “I should go out to make it better.” -> Too stressed & overwhelmed to bother -> Continue to be… ->. Anyway, Summer is coming to an end. That was… something. And I can sincerely say that I’m okay-er than I was a few months back. Not all the way okay, but okay-er. So I’ll just keep moving toward a return to a fully restored spirit.

I hope you all are taking the time you need!

The Artist's RPG / It Is War

"Harmless." Anyway, stay bold, bright, and colorful, people!

I can only keep doing my part in sorting all this out and whatnot. But it is time to take it slower and try to have a steady life amidst the madness of it all. ✌