Halloween Month

October, be spooky…
They’d rather you don’t see their shadows.

Late September

Something terrible happened.
Things have not, are not, and will not be the same.

Rachel Croft's Bittersweet

As I wrap up this month, I’d very much like to bring and keep this song and music video here. It crossed my feed several times before finding me again when I could finally stop and immerse myself in it.

Oddly enough, in this life I’ve been given, there is still someone living within me who absolutely adores this type of work. I didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to prioritize it, as if yelled at by a boss (or by my inner child). It is an integral part of all of this. I’ve been, all through it, craving and yearning for the time to be able to devote myself to making art as such. I’ve put it on my schedule countless times, but kept pushing it off. What keeps me going right now is the promise that next year will be slower and softer for me. Then I can, at last, begin crafting the way I used to as a kid, filled with wonder. So that everything I do starts having that magic I so deeply cherish - and it spills over.

This lovely artwork took 4 months? I wish I had some sort of time capsule to step into and come out 5 seconds later, having lived for whatever amount of time set or required. But nop. I’m in the daily grind, struggling to get what I ought to do done in time. Artists who are able and enjoy this level of care and devotion, though, please keep up the great (and priceless) work! I love this so much, and the world will be better off with more of it in it!

"CCC"

People who go against the betterment of and for humanity not only lack compassion - they also lack curiosity and creativity. These are people who can't and/or won't see another way as better (or even viable) because they barely, if at all, possess these three traits. And when they do to a degree, they are still subjugated and in the service of what dilutes and destroys them.

The Infodemic - and The Scientists Fighting It

When this popped up, I was reluctant to go into it because, "Yeah, no sh*t, Sherlock, water is wet. THE INVISIBLE WORK CARRYING THE LOAD." But just seconds in, it was so satisfying! This is a splendid conversation between two great women and I absolutely love it. Fully agree, too.

I recommend it to you all, but especially to scientists and/or humanitarians.
It might help restore some hope in you!

"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. However, 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. ✌

The Artist's RPG / Character Categories

Let’s zoom out now and look at everyone! Turns out I have enough OCs to fill several categories. And I was pleasantly surprised by how neatly they all fit together to become a part of The Artist’s RPG universe.

The Operators, also known as The OverPowered and The OOOOOPs, form this group. I’ve posted their individual profiles (though to be revised) already. And here, whether in favor or against each other, they are as one. Amusingly, looking like a Christmas color scheme (I’m suspecting one of the Greens might be Gray instead, but even so). These are characters that, whether the rest like it or not, can shape, move, and influence everything to a concerning degree. Can you trust and rely on any of them? I don’t know. I would like to, but I don’t know for sure. And if you’re trying and become too anxious and/or depressed, then I’d suggest turning your attention to other characters that can be more solid for you. 

 

 

I said the day would come and I’m shocked it did. Y’all, these are characters I created in the past, long ago, that I grew fond of or would not let go of. All of them, though some more than others, were fleshed out enough that it’s as if they have a life of their own. And maybe they do, somewhere. For me, however, they’re simply my children. And they’ll be with us as Guides, Tutors, and Assayers (i.e., revealing what you’re made of by being problematic or worse). I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to breathing more life into them with AI. Before all this technological advancement, I could only dream of eventually programming them as NPCs with scripts that emulated their personalities. These days, THEY CAN HAVE PERSONALITIES. And I hope that, just as fictional characters were there for me at times when I couldn’t access a real person, and helped or even pushed me forward, they’ll be there for you - bringing their temperament, attitude, outlook, and input. *sighs into the distance*

And guess who these are! Hint: You’ve seen them. Actually, you can see them right now. They’re right in front of you. And have been for quite a while. These are the fantastical creatures that showed up in my dreams when my Psyche required the most work. Miraculously. I later put them on my chalked blackboard as symbols imbued with their magic. They’ll be there too, personified, as Chroniclers. They’ll tell memorable stories that are significant and meaningful, from which to draw. And as a side effect of that, they’ll give buffs too. I love them.

There are more categories to come. With newer characters (strict examiners) and characters I’ve yet to make (for quests and more that’s scattered around). These just famously stole the ‘arrived early to the party’ spotlight.

The Artist's RPG / Character Profiles: 3.1416A

I don’t know if I’m just biased to think that this profile looks the most awesome, but it’s what I got! Here’s the 5th character for this round. Maybe she was born with a very specific purpose. Not exactly ‘God’s strongest warrior’, but you can bet she’ll call out B.S.

She described herself as an anthropologist and, looking at her now, it makes sense that she’d go with that title. I don’t think psychologist or sociologist suit her that well (patience, my friend). And albeit varied in inclinations and preferences, I don’t see her as contradictory. Maybe most of the conflict would come from the very things she’d warn about rather than from within or what's inherent to herself.

I look forward to her joining the crew! Although, in her case, she might be more of an assist rather than a direct operator. Staying close to IAMI. And working together with her.

Done with AI. I stuck with the lyrics first generated. I’m not sure yet what it’s really going on about, but I’m not changing them! I did alter the voice and music, though. However, again, these are just drafts. The final pieces will certainly be more final (complete, loyal to the character, and splendid - if there’s more room for it!).

The Artist's RPG / Hell Playground?

If the guiding principle for Heaven is "You are free to enjoy your life at last!" (Harm Excluded).

Then, the guiding principle for Hell is "You are trapped to suffer your life at last!" (Harm Included).

Nevertheless, it also involves a 'lighter hell' area that's for rehabilitation rather than eternal damnation.

And no, I don't want to handle or even oversee those souls in Hell.

But I don't pity them either.

That's all I'm saying about it for now.
(Limbo might just be Limbo.)

The Artist's RPG / Heaven Playground

Quick! There's no time (or energy for me 😭) to explain! So here are just some notes to get a sense of where it's going. So I'm not just dropping bits about it every day.

I for real don't want anyone to go too crazy because I'm designing a Heaven. The only promise I can make is that I'll work on it for as long as I can work on it. Whether or not I'll be able to turn it into an immersive Virtual Reality is a matter that's not entirely in my hands. But if that fails, at least some of us had fun picturing this or even including it in The Artist's RPG.

(If you know me, you'd know that I'd MUCH rather you are a good person because you want to be and do good, not because there's some promised land somewhere, or dread eternal torture. That, ultimately, doesn't make you a good person. So, please, just focus on being healthy, mature, and evolved. Life is happening RIGHT NOW & RIGHT HERE. And that's all that's certain.)

As for working on this, I'm thrilled! I bet there'll be many thinking that this is boring. Yet, it is not to me. At all. You mean I get to look for ways to make things more wholesome and fulfilling instead of forever being in survival mode against malicious imbeciles? Sign me up for this job!

But I don't know about you. Do you think Heaven is your place?
I believe Heaven is for everyone who is compatible with it.
(The population will increase in waves, though, 'cuz preparations...)

Venus Overview

In the case of Venus, it primarily affects your relational side and aesthetics. Venus, just as it appears bright and luminous in the sky, represents beauty, allure, and harmony. Essentially, Venus stands for love, affection, and personal preferences. And it is in and through it that charm, appreciation, and refined taste develop.

When it comes to Venus, the signs Taurus and Libra 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.