Taylor Swift's Opalite

Sweet. Regardless of everything that is currently happening, which is heavy stuff, to say the least, I’m glad an official music video was made for Opalite, an undeniable favorite, and that it was out in time for February, way to set and fit the mood! Again, my heart may be full of hate and whatnot, but lovable art is lovable. And I’ll be singing and dancing along as if whatever.

An answered prayer. Yet, beyond being a personal favorite, I’d say that it is a good thing that, for a break, the focus was put on such a piece during these trying times. It can’t all be doom and gloom 24/7. Besides, the way things have been, culturally, it is a common phenomenon to suffer from failed or non-ideal relationships. So it addresses a problem, it tends to a wound, it validates an experience. Much worse things are happening in the world, indeed, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take a moment for a bit of medicine if we need it. And can you argue that Opalite is not that?

I see many people enjoying it through the joy of seeing Travis and Taylor, as a couple, pictured in it. And that’s valid! In my case, though, I continue to not exactly be a fan of that relationship, so I’m left with all else there is to appreciate about it - which is plenty. 

The look and feel of the 90s got me, of course, as a true millennial who partly survives on nostalgia and sentimentality. And how they managed to capture and convey that period was outstanding! Especially as it leaned on quirks and silliness rather than glamour. Striking the graceful balance of poking fun at it without making fun of it. It’s serious but not that serious. I loved this so much.

It also gave us a handful of different relationships reflected back at us. Functional and dysfunctional. To be pondered (the internet is going wild trying to get the corresponding interpretations). The rock with the cactus, existing together as if they were made for each other, was such a clever touch, in my opinion! The stapler’s issues, though, whoever they are… I just hope they get a qualified therapist and quality therapy that helps them flourish rather than just water them down. And, well, that pair of dorks who are enough of a team to pull off a fun dance routine like that sure have merit in spite of how they're judged. Etc. Etc. Etc.

All in all, this was an adorable drop. I can admit, even as I remain bitter. And if you wish to further nerd out on it, within another context and through another angle, the extended versions, part 1 and part 2, are also released. There, instead, Taylor pretty much gushes about the talented personnel and impressive work behind the scenes, hanging out as her usual self. Hurray for bonus clips!

13th Valentine

   

Quite late to the party, but better late than never! It was Friday the 13th yesterday, in February, which means today is Valentine's Day - with a twist. This, at least for me, flavors it with some horror. So here I am to commemorate it.

If you've answered yes to any or all of the above, you can count yourself in as a potential protagonist in a Dark Romance story. Me? I can answer yes to all, of course. Remember, everyone, it's about the content of the character, the compatibility, and the history you have or can make together.

Happy (belated) Friday the 13th before Valentine's!

(And shout out to those who were there for the worm reference! IYKYK.)

Clone > Robot

I'd just like to clarify, that while I wouldn't be, in any serious measure, emotionally invested in a robot (non-living, spirit-less, and such being) and cannot, would not even if I could, relate to people who are, it is not the same when it comes to clones!

What do you mean, the original is gone and I befriended the clone? Okay, idgaf, that's my buddy now!

Love to you, whether you're a clone or not, or merely accused of such. If you're that wonderful person I've known you as, then that's more than enough. 💕

This raises so many existential questions, but let's just leave it at that for now...

Not my S.O.

I’m sooo looking forward to having an overly possessive and jealous partner so that I can be overly possessive and jealous back (granted that we treat each other great and it’s ~within reason~) and finally stop being bothered with all these lukewarm, half-assed, bare-minimum, or WORSE type of relationships that I keep being offered.

Give up. Move on. You treat(ed) me lightly. I ain’t it. You ain’t it.
At most, we’re meant to be good pals. ‘Cause Significant Other is not the case.

(PS: I'm diagnosing most of you with insanity.)

Communication is Key, However...

Is love, or at least care, there? There is a huge difference between being with someone who is willing to learn about you, understand you, meet you in the middle (or even a few steps further), figure out how to be there for you, and put forward what they can offer you AND being with someone who wouldn’t bother with it if they had the option. It might not be enough.

There are so many guides and pieces of advice all around, about how to make someone fall for you and/or do what you want or need them to do, that lead away from genuine bonds and connections. Do they work? Well, they do, if an empty or even fake relationship is something you’re fine with or even looking for.

However, if that’s not what you’re aiming at, you should steer clear of any tactics and strategies that ask you to behave in a desperate manner (begging, manipulating, forcing) for the illusion of ‘having’ someone with you. Relationships do take work, rarely do they smoothly and perfectly click together without any issue, not to mention trial and error, but you ought to watch where it’s coming from.

Are they drawn to you? Do they appreciate you? Would they consider you? And likewise, are you drawn to them, do you appreciate them, would you consider them? As a person, not merely as somebody to fill that role of granting you a relationship or certain benefits that come with it? Is this compelling to put in the effort?

In the best of cases, there may be misunderstandings. One or both of you may be having an off or low day. Possibly, something happened that caused a block or perhaps exhaustion. Therefore, the popularized phrase, albeit quite useful, “if they wanted to, they would,” doesn’t always apply. So you can’t always expect an eagerness to respond. Nonetheless, you often can still tell when somebody cares and, under different circumstances, would gladly show up for you. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re obligated to stick around, that’s a decision to make, but the more you know...

When the willingness is there (and it is not terribly obstructed somehow), communication is easier. The undivided attention and the attentive listening aren’t things you have to repeatedly fight for. Your words don’t get frequently misconstrued for the worst. You are not ‘too needy’ for expressing what you require to be and remain close to them. You are in this together, not against each other.

Unfortunately, this is not the norm, but an ideal that you’re fortunate to find if you do. Emotional maturity and responsibility don’t come by that often. And that’s without getting into compatibility and the odds of it. 

Many give up and, despite their wishes, settle for less. But if that seems unbearable to you, making being alone preferable, then keep your standards.

A Gray Rock?

The gray rock method is an effective defense against abusers who seek to get a rise out of you and basically have control over your emotions in order to wreck your system or just do as they please with it.

It is also, however, something that can be employed when you're sick and tired of the emotional rollercoasters and prefer to have some stability. Stay out of 'drama'.

It may have little or nothing to do with how emotional you really are. In fact, you may have a very rich emotional world, but found out the hard way that it draws a lot of people in. People who are careless, reckless, or just not apt to get anywhere near it. So you 'block it out'.

Yes, being vulnerable and expressive is an artist's thing. Typically. But some people, artistic as well, are more reserved and require more quiet and stillness.

If someone looks like a "gray rock", that could be it, using this method. But who knows, it might be something else. Like being empty, numb, or tough enough to handle prickling and such.

Use your DAMN HEAD! But also your Heart

Oversimplifying the overly complex but, hopefully, you get what I mean.

There's often such pointless fighting over whether or not one was logical or emotional, then going all the way to one side or the other. Guys. You're fighting the wrong enemy here. At least when it comes to building community and the like, you ought to use your head along with your heart. How many awful and even horrible things occur because people were too freakin' set on sending logic out the window? You need it to build solid, firm, and durable structures. You need this structure to sustain your well-being.

It's parasites you should be worried about. And, ultimately, disempower.

"I'm Fine."

May you heal from things you’d rather not speak about.

It can be challenging, and a particular type of struggle, to recover when you’re stuck between needing to open up but not wanting to, needing to be seen but not wanting to, and needing to be helped but not wanting to. I’ve been there and, with certain matters, still am.

Whether you’ve been horribly wronged, associated with somebody who’s terribly wrong, or anything that’s causing you any form of pain and suffering that you did not deserve, that is a heavy burden to carry.

So, for what it’s worth, and while trying to expose you the least, I’ll only remind you that not everybody is a monster, that you are not completely surrounded by monsters, and that there are still people around with a genuine sense of justice and fairness. They would be appalled, disgusted, and probably even enraged by what you are going through or had to go through.

Many of us are in situations that force us to rush and be stingy, without much room to think and feel for others, occupied with ourselves and our own matters. But even when circumstances make us selfish or merely self-serving, many of us are not vile and cruel to the point of going out of our way to harm others. We’re simply too busy to show all the care that you should rightfully receive.

None of this is to guard from blame and skip both shame and guilt, as we all should aspire to be the best human beings that we can be (and create and maintain environments that allow us to be so), but to try to keep darkness from engulfing you when it might seem as though goodness doesn’t and won’t exist.

Go at it at your pace, how it suits you, and may you find all the support you require to get well...

More Hustling? No, Tea Time!

It is wild that despite everything, all the troubles and the horrors of the world, I was expecting to have another busy day today, tending to chores, errands, and other tasks. Well, no. I refuse. And you should, too, if you're due for a break.

Move and/or remove work from your schedule. Take it easier today. Or even take the whole day off. Have some calming tea. Slow down. Regain some peace. Come back to your body and breathe. Things can wait.

Take care of yourself today. Find some relaxation and, if you can also manage, some joy. Whether that's alone or in company. You deserve it. 

Get back to work later on.

Valentine Month

February is here!
It’s Valentine time.
You can expect an emphasis on care-related content.

Artists Amidst Political Crises

Art is political. It is. Especially when it is being suffocated to death by a regime that cares more about image and control than they do about truth and freedom. Suddenly, you’re painting outside the lines because you can barely breathe while painting within them. And what you do starts and/or joins movements. Or not.

Yet, quite understandably, not every artist can be all in with politics. Some artists build their platforms and audiences for it, and are overall more prepared to confront issues and handle controversy, while others… not so much. And in numerous ways, they may be valid and even indispensable too.

However, there comes a point when acting as though nothing is going on and you can simply continue to do as you normally do doesn’t work. It doesn’t land well. Rightfully so, you’d be called tone-deaf and asked to read the room. And failure or refusal to do so speaks of your stance or lack thereof. Proceeding as regular would backfire, and you would be viewed as selfish, cruel, or just irritating. So you must find what degree of acknowledgement and participation suits you to be able to do what you best do as an artist.

You can think of it in levels. From the least to the most that an artist can do to stand for the right causes (and be on the right side of history). Maybe you can only do level 1 or 2, but that’s still better than zero. Aim for level 3 and higher, though. 5 and beyond put you in the hardcore ally category. 10 can be risky but legendary, stay safe!
0 - Proceed as normal, as though nothing is going on.
1 - Secretly contribute to the affected and/or those tending to them. (This can come to light later.)
2 - Sneakily/subtly create and perform art that addresses problems or pain areas.
3 - Make a clear statement declaring your support and sympathies before moving on to your art.
4 - Focus exclusively on bringing forth artworks that are of significant assistance. (Illuminating, empowering, etc.)
5 - Share guides and references as needed.
6 - Rock the boat with news and more every now and then.
7 - Promote initiatives to accelerate progress.
8 - Embark on projects specifically to gather resources and other forms of aid for it.
9 - Be outspoken about your views and opinions on stage, during interviews, and more.
10 - Be personally active in protests and the like.

Keep in mind that, depending on how you have established yourself, people will be expecting more or less from you. E.g. You’ve positioned yourself as caring about this or that and then turn your back on it when it is under attack/in danger? THE HYPOCRISY. Not cool. Furthermore, your solidarity will be measured based on your ability to be solidary.

Let’s say that you sincerely wish to be a force of good but you, quite frankly, barely have a clue or are confused about how to go about it. What is appropriate and what is inappropriate? What is right and what is wrong? What is correct and what is incorrect? In such a case, the best that you can do is invest in getting properly informed and educated. And if that is going to take a while, consider announcing, in your words, that you’re looking into it and hope to soon know how to proceed, so that you won’t be mistaken as indifferent.

Perhaps you can’t shake off the fear, anxiety, worries, and whatnot. But you really don’t want to be paralyzed. Look for other artists who are already getting involved. They can show you that you are not alone or even how it could be done. The more you find that have already taken the first steps, the easier it will be for you to take yours. Nevertheless, you would benefit from eventually emboldening yourself to be less reluctant to make a difference.

Practice makes perfect and done is better than perfect. Don’t let perfectionism cripple you. Putting in the effort matters, whether it is appreciated or not. And if you make a mistake, you can go back on it, apologize for it, correct it, and compensate for it if you must. Don’t stagnate in a corner; get out there, even if you have to begin with baby steps.

The Atrocious Trump Administration

If you’ve known me for a while, or even look back at my history, you’d see that… No, I do not have an out-of-control hatred for Donald Trump and, no, my speaking out against him and what he is doing (or enabling or allowing) is not a “mental illness”. As he’d like to claim for anyone who opposes him. In fact, I would much rather stay out of politics and just relax at home, remain pretty, and do cosplays. But here I am. Stressing out, losing sleep, and writing this. Because this is serious. And it is going to heavily affect everyone if it is not stopped.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. Trusting politicians in general is… ehh. I get that. I’m with you on that. That field is messy and can get all sorts of twisted. However, this is NOT the time to be “neutral” and “detached” and “objective” because “they’re all the same and cannot be trusted”. There’s such a thing as a lesser evil and simply choosing the better option. And right now, the better option is NOT WHAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE.

Other sources handle documenting and communicating everything that has happened ever since he sat in power more adeptly than I do. And I recommend you look them up. Still, I'll facilitate a bit. Here’s a quick summary of what I’ve gathered:
- Grand promises made to get votes from those in pain not fulfilled. (Even going the opposite route.)
- Frequent ego-based decisions and actions.
- Numerous tantrums thrown over unreasonable demands.
- Irresponsible and greedy management of money.
- Countless lies and gaslighting. (“Truth” Social. LOL.)
- Avoidance, erasure, and banning of important information/topics/discussion.
- Apathy and indifference in the face of needless harm and suffering.
- Obvious cognitive decline and disability. (He went hard on Biden for this, but he’s looking worse.)
- Inability, perhaps unwillingness, to lead in the direction of progress and prosperity.
- Baseless accusations toward anything and anyone that makes him look bad.
(You might want to reflect them back to him because most are likely projections, a.k.a. confessions. “Agitator”,”Terrorist”,”Radical”,“Fraud”,”Criminal”, etc.)
Plus, more...

Now, this doesn’t sound sooooo bad. You’d think. Except, it is. If you take a moment to consider the extent, reach, and impact of each point, you’d be able to better grasp the severity of them within this context. What it implies, what it entails, and the damage that has done, is doing, and will do if it continues to go unchecked. So rather than having them as complete sentences to take at face value, have them as expandables holding magnitudes beyond words. You can do your own research and see for yourself.

I don’t know if he is so far-gone delusional that he believes he is doing great and will go down in history as a great president for Making America Great Again or if he just doesn’t care at all and is just doing whatever the f**k he wants, no matter what breaks, before he dies (because he soon will). Regardless of what it is, we’re paying for it. Literally.

I am witnessing all of this and it doesn’t cease to baffle me that this is who you (well, we) have IN CHARGE. There have been plenty of lousy and phony presidents, indeed, but really? How is this even remotely justifiable? And he’s not alone in this. He also surrounded himself with people of very low caliber who shouldn’t be there either.

The changes he is implementing are taking us back to less evolved times. It is not that somewhere down the road democrats screwed up by people-pleasing and lacking a backbone, or whatever hidden agenda they had, so he’s rolling back to get back on track toward better, toward what’s right. Instead, it is as though he’s reshaping reality to fit his deranged fantasy, where he gets to be “superior” and have it how he likes it. AND AT WHAT COST? No, for real, answer that. Honestly.

Maybe it is worse than this, and he is merely a puppet, or a piece to move in and let be, for unimaginable evil and/or cruelty. But I won’t go there. Either way, he’s driving us down a path of ruin, destruction, and extinction of all things genuine and meaningful. Without truth, without freedom. Am I exaggerating? I WISH. The more he gets to push this stuff without significant repercussions, the more normalized it gets and the more it spreads until it is all we know and we are absolutely powerless. I WOULD LOVE TO BE PROVED WRONG ON THIS. GO AHEAD AND DO IT. Put a stop to this madness so he can be dismissed as merely a bad episode in history.

I normally keep my suspicions to myself, when I don’t have concrete evidence, but I’ll add that I am not fully convinced he won the elections fair and square. You are telling me that this person, who shows over and over again that he is anything but ethical, left it to democracy and fate? Yet, even if that was the case, I don’t know what is more depressing, that he stole the election or that that many people chose him. And so many still do. Which reveals a lot about where people are at in terms of principles, values, culture, and… humanity.

I keep thinking back to how much Kamala Harris warned about all of this during her campaign. I saw her as someone undeniably intelligent and intuitive, someone who did her reading, and perhaps did care that strongly about our destiny, enough to be willing to look hysterical in front of everyone and be mocked for it as she went on and on about it like a lunatic. But after all that’s transpired… Damn, it’s like THE ALIENS THEMSELVES CAME DOWN TO SHOW HER. So she didn’t just worry about it, SHE KNEW. Anyway, biggest “I told you so” in history. She should get an award for that. And not give it to Trump when he gets envious of it.

I am bothering with all of this as someone who is not directly affected. Because it IS that bad. USA has become the breeding ground for very, very, VERY dangerous beliefs. It is testing how awful they can be without being overthrown. Pushing boundaries, setting the tone, paving the way, and making the unacceptable acceptable. Whether it is instinctively or strategically, it doesn’t matter; the result is the same. I’m talking the most depraved scenario as the standard. Don’t take it from me, do the math yourself, factoring in everything that is happening.

It is not lawlessness to be morally correct, but to be morally bankrupt. The systems that allowed this in the first place OUGHT to be revised. But most importantly, and as soon as possible, all these degenerates must be removed from these critical positions. Get competent and trustworthy people to take their place.

Authoritarianism Does NOT Go With Art

Alright, folks, we’ve reached the point of emergency (are past due, actually). What is happening in the world, as the United States of America (possibly the most influential country, whether or not it is “the best”) is under the current administration, with Trump, can no longer be ignored. So I figured I’d put together a few key points for my fellow artists and anyone else, fighting the good fight, that this might benefit.

• The Atrocious Trump Administration
• Artists Amidst Political Crises

This said, if you’re helping, don’t forget to bring your own knowledge, skill, and expertise. Do the best you can with what you have, not only what you see others do - maybe you can do more.

Of Monsters and Men's King and Lionheart

The world, as we know it, may be ending. And everything that is happening in it can be concerning, riddling us with fear. However, if there’s something I’ve already learned well, it is that fear is often a liar (especially when it is intentionally manufactured to cripple) and giving in to it might do no more than lower our chances of making it through. Because of that, and more, this is a song I personally appreciate.

It is not my first time bringing up Of Monsters and Men. I did so, too, in the past, when I went on about Little Talks, which is also a song I hold close, particularly for the parts that go, “‘Cause, though the truth may vary, this ship will carry our bodies safe to shore.” I cannot put into words exactly how much that got to me.

Like many others, I like to stay sane and lucid. A lot depends on that. That we see reality for what it is. However, something counterproductive can happen if we cling too hard to what we can, without a doubt, see: We lose sight of what is or could be beyond it. We lose our optimism, to become realists, but turn into pessimists. We miss out on hope and faith and the very real products of having them. We stop being brave. We resign.

I’m a Lionheart. Maybe you are, too. Or perhaps a King. And while I cannot expect to know with absolute certainty what the future holds, I can tell you in full truth that there hasn’t ever been a time in my life when not believing in myself beyond reason worked in my favor. You ought to believe in your power against ‘evidence’ to the contrary. Because you don’t actually know - you literally fail to gauge - what you’re capable of, really, until you make the most of it. And that won’t happen if you’re cowering, too set on perceived shortcomings or limitations.

Whether you see it or not, this existence is magical in that everything affects everything, and you do too. So next time you look in the mirror, will you see a lionheart or a king or both? How about a team?

Welcome 2026!

I’m SUPER LATE to the party and, given the state of… everything, the irony is strong with this one, but I didn’t want to let the year begin without this routine post.

As usual, things rarely go as planned. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse, and some things for the better, some things for the worse. But we oughta keep going, making the most of what does or doesn’t happen. Personally, I’d rather not be too stubborn with my plans, as the universe might pleasantly surprise me with what’s most suitable. So I gracefully allow it, maintaining some flexibility. The real test, then, is whether or not we give up on our highest good when it doesn’t look so promising, remembering to look for opportunities or create them ourselves.

I was hoping this year would be a more easygoing one, a period to return to artsy crafts, without rushing or dangers lurking in the corner. However, as it turned out, it is going to be one keeping me alert and active. I’d make it worse by staying frustrated about it, hanging on to what I didn’t get, but I’ll instead take it as an opportunity to finish building the most solid foundations I can possibly build for what will be the rest of my life. I’ll pay attention, revise, and correct. As well as take notes for what else I could be tackling in the future. In terms of topics and more.

It is also the year when I finally, FINALLY, get to make my space neat & tidy enough to be completely unbothered, at last. I had my messy creative phase, which was much needed (thank you for tolerating it), and soon I’ll instead be operating smoothly. Authentically so. You will see me making many changes, improvements, and enhancements throughout the year, but I promise they’ll be worth it.

About this much, I am excited. So much so that it is difficult to keep myself from sharing all the updates that I already know are coming. But they’re coming, indeed. Just stay tuned!

This year, I wish everyone fighting the good fight: much courage, discernment, cooperation, perseverance, and victory. May you be able to let go of what is holding you back and reach for what will pull you forward. We are all creators and co-creators of reality - and that is a fact.

Let’s all create something amazing!

Featured Posts? You Bet!

Check them out! They are featured for a reason (or several). It is possible that they are particularly relevant to what is currently being discussed and that you’ll find that to be the case too.

Will there regularly be new featured posts? Maybe! But not religiously so. I’ll switch them up as required. Maybe in a month, maybe in 3, or in 6, or in a whole year. Maybe even quicker than that. I’ll post an Update when it happens, so you’re less likely to miss it.

Will it always be 5 featured posts? Doubtful! 5 might be the ideal number, for coverage without overextension. But 3 can happen often, for focus. 8 is not discarded either, for the rare occasions where digging in is a must. Really, it might be any reasonable number, depending. However, the aim is packs of 3, 5, or, if necessary, 8.

You can find them in the column to the left, within the orange-colored module.

Aquarius' Season

♒ AQUARIUS

As we enter the season of Aquarius, it is believed that the universe will be affecting us with energies that will cause us to think innovatively and embrace individuality. We will be more in tune with our visionary ideas, and abilities to collaborate and innovate will be enhanced. If you are receptive to them, you might be imbued with originality and insight. If you are resistant to them, you might be conflicted with detachment and rebelliousness. If you are completely blocked out, you might not notice them at all. And if you don't pay enough attention, you might miss opportunities to redefine your path.

Motivational Quote: "Dare to think differently."

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

Perish or... RISE

All I'm saying is that...
Although I absolutely detest it when I'm just trying to mind my business, maybe having a few disagreements with others here and there, and I'm suddenly targeted by people of questionable, if not inexistent, morality, with smear campaigns and worse, life can go two ways:

1. They get their way. I'm destroyed. I'm out of the game.
2. They unlock Hero mode. This is when and where my character gets tested and, if lacking, developed too. I also hold back less in asking for what I want and what I need because that's no longer merely a whim and can instead be fully justified (though I should probably be more affirming regardless). Furthermore, it brings powerful (and virtuous) people closer to me as they notice the vicious and malicious attempts to strip me of my own power and, ironically, I end up with more power than I formerly had. Add to that the power that my opposition adds simply by being paranoid of me, as they project all of their vices onto me, and that somehow, in one way or another, with how everything works, along with a refusal to give up, makes me GREATER than I even imagined I would be. Yes, the whole wiser, stronger, braver, and more.

I'm not excusing nor applauding these jerks jumping at you, throwing you off, and potentially catching you before you're ready. But it's worth mentioning that these are circumstances that, if you are able to get to the other side, can take you forward, to a point you may not have wished for, but then are glad and relieved you got to.

If this is you and you are currently going through something like this... Believe in yourself and don't take for granted all the support coming your way. From God, The Universe, Mysterious Forces at play, and whatever else you've been planting, knowingly or not, on your path.

Resourceful > Exploited

I, and I’m not alone in this, many others do too, really appreciate days that aren’t rushed into becoming counterproductive. I appreciate that sense of resourcefulness that truly lets you make the best and most of what you have - in time, space, energy, and more. It is a blessing - and a saving grace - particularly when you’re, in one way or another, forced to give up on your highest good to run within an exitless maze or a hamster wheel while everything valuable in you gets extracted for somebody else to benefit from it. I’m simply forever grateful to be out of that situation and wish that, never again, I or anyone undeserving is in it. We are flawed and incomplete creatures, and we often need the reminder (as well as the support) to not let ourselves go to waste.

3 Habits for Longevity

Doing your best and giving your all is great. Being intensely invested, hyper-focused, and making the most of every second can indeed get you far, may even come with a thrill. But that will be short-lived, causing you to then fall behind, if you don’t also factor in what would promote longevity.

• Taking Care & Resting
We know we have to and we hear we ought to. Yet, so often, we’re guilty of neglecting this extremely important matter. There is always an emergency or an urgency with something somewhere. And it’s natural to be compelled to tend to it. Furthermore, life gets shorter and shorter, and that makes it more and more tempting to fill our schedules and our to-do lists with as much as we could possibly cover. It is good to be that motivated into action. However, in order to continue to be so, we must also make sure that we are properly taking care of ourselves and resting the appropriate amount. It may seem like a setback in the moment, but it is instead ensuring that you continue to be motivated and taking action, without that gradually or abruptly declining.

• Unwinding & Meditating
What happens if you start throwing various items, of different kinds, into a room? What if they keep coming, more and more, without an end to it? The pile of items grows while the room remains the same size. Soon, you’ll start harshly pushing them in to ‘make space’ for more, though with little success. Some may even break. Many will bounce back. And then, when you try to find anything, what a mess! Not only that, you completely miss out on which items went with which other items. Does this seem like an ideal, or even reasonable, situation to you? This is basically what happens when you don’t take time to unwind and meditate. You’ve inundated your psyche with information that you haven’t processed (or, if due, released). Quite likely, it will make you restless and irritable too. Not to mention clueless and confused. You might eventually explode, along with carrying a sense of heaviness that gets worse and worse. So next time you feel like sitting back and staring into the distance, there’s a chance it is more productive than it may seem.

• Being Selective with ‘No’ and ‘Yes’
And firm about it. There is only so much that you can take on. And not only that. There is only so much that does align with you, is meant for you, and will take you closer to your highest you. A majority of things are mere distractions and delays, many of them harmful to your being if not just depleting. You might not always be able to tell which is which, but as soon as you realize that a ‘No’ is merited, you can give it without remorse. This doesn’t exempt you from accountability and responsibility, however, do not get it twisted out of convenience. This is reserved for what would actually keep you or hold you back from your greater version, where you can be abundant and generous. And be able to say ‘Yes’, to more that’s worthwhile, without issue.

Take a moment to reflect. What is lacking in you that could use some work? What can you work on personally developing now?

Saner to be "Insane"

When the alternative is to either take yourself out, shut down your brain, or devolve into degeneracy, isn't being "insane" the saner option?

The Artist’s RPG / Base Panels (WIP)

It’s about time! The Artist’s RPG is coming to life!
(And I’m bringing a few visuals, with mostly placeholders, as something to show for it.)

If you haven’t heard already, The Artist’s RPG is a project I’ve been working on that is born from and in alignment with the mission of “Unbridling & Sustaining Artistic Abilities”. It is another way of looking at art, what it implies and what it entails, and hopefully bringing together those who take a genuine interest in and are enthusiastic about art.

If that’s you, WELCOME.

Time and timelines are of relevance over here, both to know and understand where it is all coming from and to keep up with and keep looking forward to the stories that unfold within this space.

The PERIODS panel will put into perspective what has happened and what is happening that sets apart the decades, while the MILESTONES will put stamps on events that furthered relevant plots (might call the main plot, to become and be an artist, 'Are you kidding?').

As an Artist, there’s no single correct way of being - there are several. However, while you move, you may either be earning enemies or allies as well as either playing to your gifts or missing out on the advantage of that.

The MODES & CREDIT panel gives you a glimpse into the actions you can take and the consequences that they could bring. The TALENTS & PATHS panel, on the other hand, speaks on what you’re made of and meant for (talents to be filled out with components and paths to be selected as they pertain to your character and their destiny).

And if you think that art is only about making pretty things, you’re wrong. You learn, oh, you learn. But that really depends on how far you decide to take it. Art, nonetheless, is but a medium for everything that there is, could, and might be.

Within the SKILLS panel, you’ll find packs of developables, in the more general (yet concise) arrangement. Within the ABILITIES panel, you’ll find the countless departments that also have much to contribute to your development, in the more specific (quite scattered) arrangement - this is application at its finest.

Ahh, the components. And their three respective planes. This is what the universe is composed of that you can compose with! For better or for worse (though I recommend the ‘for the better’, as, otherwise, art dies out). But regardless, it is important to take into account what goes for or against art. Including what goes against art, yet, ultimately, does it a favor. Plus, with certain matters, it is about keeping a balance for existence and coexistence.

COMPONENTS’ panels gather all these “bits” that are to be encountered as the mysteries of art are unraveled. In the abstract (Conceptual), the concrete (Structured), and the morphing (Reforming) planes.

Okay, so there’s plenty. Stuff that you are, stuff that you do, stuff that you have, stuff that you can use, etc. But there’s even more to it. Many of those can operate in a wide range of expressions, from worst to best or simply different.

With ACHIEVEMENTS, you can gauge where you are in terms of capabilities as well as take note of what’s been accomplished (or can be accomplished) that is also worth noting. With EXTENTS/DEGREES, it is more about seeing how you carry yourself with what you carry. And what results from it.

Maybe you’re more confused now than before you started viewing and reading this article. That’s fine. Give yourself room to mull it over and more will come to you, I bet. And give me, too, some to bring you all the formal descriptions and explanations of all the parts that have been hinted at here!

CARDS W/ BOOKLET sets will soon be regularly published…

The End of An Era

At the risk of sounding like a Swiftie…
It was rare. I was there. I remember it all too well.

Although no. As much as I would have liked it, I wasn’t there in the flesh. However, I was there in spirit. And for many of us, that’s enough to make it an unforgettable experience to cherish now and forever.

From being surprised with Midnights, an album I wasn’t expecting but immediately loved (not over the shock of Antihero and what followed), to the first announcement of what was about to become the greatest tour in history (it seemed ambitious from the start, but the magnitude of it turned out to be something else), it was like stepping into a dream. And an outstandingly wonderful one at that. One that I never wanted to wake up from. To say I was dumbfounded would be an understatement.

Taylor Swift, giving her absolute all to make every minute and every moment special, bringing her fans more than they could or should even ask for, engulfing everyone attending within a massive atmosphere of what I can only describe as the most extraordinary manifestation of work that is done with, in, for, and out of love. You just had to be there.

That’s definitely a state I can voluntarily subscribe to and wish the world ran more on. But while it isn’t the default, at least we had this ‘escape’ (more like a floating bubble you can still see out of) that she crafted and provided, taking us through all of her eras and more - while also mashing up songs on a whim as if that’s not a superpower.

And the cynics were outraged, screaming, "This is absurd!"

  SPOILER ALERT!   Keep reading at your own risk. There are spoilers ahead... 

Ed Sheeran's Castle On The Hill

I ought to bring this up because it is a song I’ve loved since I first listened to it and now can love even more! Furthermore, I don’t have anything by Ed Sheeran posted here before this (at least not currently visible), and that’s pretty much a crime, on my book, as I did listen to his music plenty and his work became a part of what shaped me.

This song, in particular, can be such a maze of multiple interpretations or messages to draw out of it. I’ve been listening to it lately and I’m mind-blown by all it encompasses, WHILE being oddly specific nonetheless. The first time I listened to it, I was vaguely relating, mostly connecting with the mood, attitude, and orientation of it. But now? It’s like, HOLY DAMN, we’ve LIVED. 

I may not always be a romantic person, but I’ll definitely always be sentimental. If I’m not, something’s wrong. I have died. My spirit is blocked. Or something else - and it’s momentary. So I can especially appreciate this one as a piece that revolves around sentimentality rather than romanticism. And particularly because it goes out to lived experiences and what made those experiences wonderful, albeit bittersweet at times. 

I’m also immediately captured by the theme of castles, because of reasons I haven’t yet made completely obvious but they are there and they will be made so eventually. Thus, it is more than a mere bonus that they came into focus. Can you really be an artistic storyteller if you can’t transport yourself to medieval periods at least once? It is so fitting!

There’s so much I love about this song that I could not pinpoint it all (I go insane thinking about it). The tale of running away, all the individual mentions, the scattered details, including making friends and losing them through the years as well as how they hadn’t seen the roaring fields in so long. How it even goes, “And I miss the way you make me feel. And it’s real.” Jeez. I don’t know what it is like for you but, for me, it is the perfect scrapbook. 

“I’m on my way. I still remember these old country lanes. When we did not know the answers…”

How far we’ve come and how far we’re yet to go, huh? 😌

New Year Month

January is here!
It’s New Year time.
You can expect an emphasis on organization-related content.