Releasing Undue Obligations

If you haven't already, and you're stepping away from a role permanently or for a prolonged period, having been responsible, be sure to psychologically untangle yourself from it as well.

Take conscious note of how that job and its tasks are no longer your responsibility.

How you did what you could or what was required of you already.

How compensation for it did or did not do your work justice.

How the outcome of it without you is not in your hands.

And especially if you are the type to be overly concerned about others, remember that you can only help those willing to accept your help and that you are not obligated to help at the sacrifice of yourself. If it's not doing you well and there's not even enough to make up for it, give yourself permission to walk away without remorse.

There is a form of instant karma that happens when continually offering assistance where such assistance is not properly valued and honored as it would be better offered where it is more deserved (or saved).

Role Models? Maybe, Maybe not.

Some people come and pass through your life to show you what you'd wish to be more like.

Others to show you what you'd wish to be less like.

And others show you both.

Temperature in Colors

Where colors are present, temperature also comes into play. Because of the way they normally appear in nature, certain colors can be more associated with coldness (as cool) than with hotness (as warm) and vice-versa. With some being somewhere in and near the middle. And because of this association, they can evoke a sense of temperature in us. In some cases, for those sensitive enough, they may even “trick” their brains into experiencing these temperatures.

That’s right, if you are cold and you expose yourself to what would be called cool colors, you could feel even colder. And if you’re hot and focus on cool colors, they may take your mind off the hot degrees and make it cooler for you. Likewise when it comes to warm colors.

Furthermore, cold temperatures tend to be tied to a state of relaxation and stillness, while hot temperatures tend to be tied to a state of agitation and rush. Resembling and inducing the differences of passive and receptive versus active and imposing. Could also refer to how closed off or lifeless someone or something is.

An icy blue is the epitome of a cold color, with turquoise and mint following close, while a burning red is the epitome of a hot color, with orange and yellow following close. But that’s just keeping it simple. The colors adjacent to these in the color wheel can fall into their respective categories. Along with more colors and “technically, not really a color” that simply make sense for each category. It's not completely clear-cut.

You could create a piece from scratch and select the colors for it with this concept in mind. Or you can choose an already existing piece and tweak its colors to achieve a more defined temperature with them (though some may not translate as well because of the contradicting values they may already contain).

To be safe in utilizing colors for your artwork in an attempt to transmit temperature with them, don’t only mind the colors you are choosing, but also the objects and other components around that they are applied to. Unless you are going for something surreal with the intent of having clashing elements and manage to gracefully pull it off.

Overall, whether made conscious or not, temperature plays a significant role in how a piece will be perceived and interpreted, along with what kind of effect and level of impact it will have. Whether for metaphorical meaning or for literal sensation. Especially on artistic fellows who are particularly able to pick up on this.

CREDIT: AI-Generated Examples done on Leonardo.AI

Adjusting to a Diet

This is a friendly reminder that, if you're suddenly and drastically taking on or being put on a diet, the way to adjust to it isn't to sit around fighting and lamenting the habits and cravings you no longer can fulfill. You must find something else to compensate for it - preferably something that will be good for you but also takes your mind off of it enough. Whether that's drinking more water, having healthy snacks more often, exercising more, immersing in more books for either education or entertainment, putting yourself to work on more engaging projects, etc. You won't get over it overnight, but you will.

Find Each Other and Leave Me Alone

I don't like masochists because I'm not a sadist.
I don't like sadists because I'm not a masochist.
I don't like sadomasochists because I'm neither.
May they find each other and leave me alone.

(I love my close friends and chosen family.
Still believe I won the lottery with them.)

Adventures and Misadaventures

Thankful for the real ones. For all the nutritious and delicious food. For the great art.
And for those who've stuck with me despite the wide range of adventures and misadventures I go through.

Color Meanings

Since color is everywhere, for one or more reasons, it is useful to learn their meanings and what they’re typically associated with as well as what moods they tend to evoke. This gets jumbled up because there are similarities and overlaps between them, and words can fall short, so I’ll try to make clear distinctions between them.

Symbolically, there is power in every shade of color, although it is more often than not acknowledged for only the few with characteristics that we recognize as powerful under circumstances we are commonly forced into. But they all can be at an advantage or at a disadvantage, given the scenario.

   White
White relates to rectitude. It may be attributed to purity, coming from innocence and naivete, but it is not necessarily so. This purity may have more to do with having revised and polished principles and values by which you’re guided that may simultaneously guard you or even give you immunity against corruption. White is often portrayed where there is celestial divinity and clarity so brilliant that it can be momentarily blinding. White evokes a sense of safety and sanity.

   Black
Black relates to the unknown (an enigma). Where darkness reigns, there is intrigue and an intensity that can be intimidating. It may be attributed to evil, but that is usually the projection of one’s fears. In the absence of visibility, you could expect the worst. Black is often used to show a void and what has been consumed by horror. Black evokes a sense of preservation - by any means.

   Red
Red relates to will. Often attributed to vitality and stamina, and rightly so. Impulsivity and potential recklessness. It is a force to be reckoned with. Almost completely unstoppable. Red comes up where there is an undeniable passion and a fieriness that is hard to extinguish. Red evokes a sense of danger (which may excite or scare).

   Orange
Orange relates to resources. Having different tools and materials - and making the most of them. Frequently attributed to creative leadership, but I’d call it thinking outside the box and going further because of it. Orange is often where pleasure and enthusiasm are, as well as what stands out. Orange evokes a sense of possibility.

   Yellow
Yellow relates to confidence. And joy. But not just any joy. The liberating childlike joy that is free from inhibitions. Attributed to illumination, it also refers to wit and cleverness - or eureka moments. Yellow is seen where there is happiness and a vibrant disposition. Yellow evokes a sense of audacity.

   Green
Green relates to restoration. Mostly attributed to nature and healing, it may have negative connotations too. However, in essence, it speaks of remedies and medicine. Green is where attunement and nourishment are. Green evokes a sense of renewal.

   Blue
Blue relates to harmony. Attributed to security and trustworthiness, it can also be about getting along or safeguarding that. False and detrimental relations won’t do. This is about reliability. Blue appears where you can or are invited to let down your defenses. Blue evokes a sense of sincerity.

   Purple
Purple relates to mysticism. Attributed to mystery and what goes beyond. It is tied to wisdom and spirit. Looking into the abstract. Purple permeates that which is considered sorcery or merely esoteric. Purple evokes a sense of depth.

   Pink
Pink relates to endearment. Although mainly attributed to tender romances, it is not limited to that. It regards what is lovely to us and how gentle that makes us. Whether that’s a partner, a friend, a family member, or anything else that can be cherished. Pink appears as what is soft and sweet. Pink evokes a sense of care.

   Brown
Brown relates to practicality. Attributed to grounded and methodical work as well as the other side of that coin, which is a resoluteness that can come across as obstinate. As if stuck in its ways. However, it may be more about having made sure of the approach. Brown can be found where there are chores and the cozy rewards after them. Brown evokes a sense of responsibility.

There is more to all of them, but maybe this is enough to start getting to know them and what they bring in and out.

Colors are intentionally and unintentionally used to convey more or to enact a response. It is worth pointing out, however, that they are also at times used to pass as what is not, which would be reprimandable if done for the sake of or what could result in harmful deceit. Otherwise, though, they can be played with for a wide range of experiences.

It's been a Bit of Everything

Credit where credit is due. And I do believe that it’s better that I do this sooner rather than later.

I’m an artist. I love art. I love artists. And I would be lying if I said I owe it all to myself to have the wonderful life that I do now. It may not be as flashy as others, but it sure is filled with art.

Although I’ve always been quite critical and selective, that hasn’t closed me off from considering and integrating from others what could resonate with me in essence and continue to elaborate on it. Yes, I’ve been wary of being too impressionable, but you should also be wary of being too stubborn. As artists and other great individuals can expand your horizons and enrich your worldview. Possibly also help you in very practical ways on your path - artistic or otherwise. Art cleanses, mends, patches, uplifts, and empowers.

With that said, some of the major influences on my journey include these iconic people:

• Enrique Iglesias

Going all the way back to my origins, there’s music in my native language. And with intrigue and fascination, as I was still too young to be able to relate much to any experience, I listened to quite a few. However, as a Latina with Spanish roots and raised Catholic, Enrique Iglesias particularly stood out to me. He became a sensation over here and you can bet I’d choose him, without any hesitation, among his “rivals” of the moment, whenever (kind of a thing to get asked who your favorite artist was among others as a get-to-know exchange). But not only did he stand out to me then... Over the many years, for around 3 decades, I couldn’t escape him. He kept releasing hits that, no matter where I was in my life, pulled me back into enjoying his work and, over and over, it was a delightful reconnection to the beginning. Beyond that, I’m especially fond of how breathtakingly otherworldly he can be!

• NSYNC
Yes, I did have a boyband craze phase. And no, I’m not even ashamed of it. These guys are amazing. They’re sweet, funny, witty, and overall lovable along with being talented and skilled at what they do. They are a part of what made my childhood so good and the driving force for me to learn English sooner rather than later (sometimes being obsessed with stars yields benefits). Obsessed with their choreographies and trying to go along with them too. And not sorry to say that my one and only celebrity crush, in which they didn’t even know I existed, was Lance Bass. Other celebrities, I’ve liked you but not that crazily.

• Britney Spears

Someone I know claims that, whenever I show up, Britney music starts playing in his head. As though making some sort of subconscious connection between us. And I’ll take that as a compliment! I did grow up listening to her music, from her first album to many more that followed. So whether or not there’s a resemblance by nature, something definitely stuck. And while all my obsessive fangirling was spent elsewhere, I was still impressed. l listened to her CDs over and over and recorded her MVs so I could rewatch them and learn her choreographies! Even got to perform one at school - complete with the same makeup and hairstyle along with similar clothes to what she wore. Living my life! Always loved how she could be what every mean girl wished they’d be but she was never the mean girl type? More like the hot friend that tends to shake things up and get into trouble. Many of her songs helped me claim my autonomy and I’m truly happy that she’s reclaiming hers. A force that can not and should not be contained.

• EMINEM
He is quite the problematic character, ain’t he? I might never be fully sure how seriously he should be taken, but I’ve always appreciated how he exposed hypocrisy and vanity in others, as well as how shamelessly crass (& gross) he could be. Why? It’s quite raw. Could relate to his inability to nicely tolerate people for long, too. How he would make up characters and enact horrible or just terrible behaviors with them is something I found genius and worthwhile. I wanna see this side of life too and it’s best brought to light.

• Linkin Park
I worry about the generations growing up without these guys. And it still pains me that Chester Bennington is gone. But at least there’s still his legacy and the rest of the band around. Their work made me think and feel beyond what I otherwise would. To further question myself and all around me. To better spot injustices and lack of integrity. All while being hardcore badasses that could rock the world. It also offered solace and guidance for times I felt lost and alone as someone who didn’t quite fit in. And frankly, didn’t want to either.

• My Chemical Romance
Sometimes you hit rock bottom, and you’re so sick and done with everything that you can barely get up, let alone strive for much. And who’s there when that happens? Someone who gets it because they are or have been there too. You may joke about how “nobody understands me” is such an emo line, but there’s some truth in it. There are things you can only grasp when you go into and dwell in darkness. Then you’re so thoroughly unimpressed by all the shallow and trivial things that most others seem to care about. And somebody has to tell them that they ain’t that special. I needed this band during my worst years and I’m fortunate it was there. Excuse me as I sort myself into the emo faction, where some of the most wise and compassionate ride-or-dies are. (Hey, as a new generation of emos arises, we now have a new name: The Elder Emos.)

• Within Temptation
At some point, it all became too much for me to bear and I was saved. Yes, there is a reason why I so viscerally despise the phrase “nobody is coming to save you”. Because, taken out of context, not only is it pessimistic and excuses indifference, but it is also factually incorrect (you don’t know that). I was saved and I continue to be saved in different degrees. And try to be there for others as well. Somebody I literally owe my life to introduced me further to these glorious metalheads and they became the epic soundtrack of the soul-searching I was due for. Their music isn’t only insightful but also charges your spirit up so it won’t die, crushed under the weight of a meaningless reality. And don’t even get me started about symbolism!

• Lady Gaga

Impossible to miss! Lady Gaga came in boldly, with eccentricities and taboos on display! Shocking and shaking things up. Concerning? Yeah. Innovative? Heck, yeah! Say goodbye to inhibitions because it's as if she's here to grasp and bring forth the oddest peculiarities toward their fullest expression, elevating and integrating them into the iridescent fabric that wraps across and around existence. Often making electrifying dance music to generate and/or expel energy with. Her brain is something else entirely and, if I'm claiming to care about art, overlooking her would be a grave mistake. Who is more of an Art Diva? WHO? In that regard, there is no competition. And she did certainly have a significant impact on me that has brought me to where I am, more and more drawn to all there is.

• Taylor Swift
Well, this is an unexpected turn of events. I didn’t expect to like her this much, but then I did. After being sapped of my innocence and along it my sense of wonder, it was pleasant to see it still existed somewhere. Though, at first, I could resent it (how dare she have the support and safety I lacked), it eventually swept over me, instead bringing a valuable message: kindness is extremely important and love doesn’t have to be taboo or even a myth. I’ll indulge in her stories, whether because they’re relatable or because they show how it could have been different. Also, let’s not forget how resilient she’s been. Not to undermine others who have endured much, but she did have to face and overcome what was probably the worst time to be a popular topic - whether that accomplishment can be attributed to how cared for she’s been or not, it is quite the feat. And that I’ll forever applaud.

Now, as I moved on to more commitedly making content, I inevitably came across:

• Mr. Beast
This freakin’ kid is putting adults to shame. And you could argue that his deeds are only for the clicks, views, and follows, as they proved to work for him. But they’re still deeds that are helping others. I imagine he can just fan himself with all the money he makes despite - or because of - the controversy he causes whenever he does something that seems too good to be true. Not to mention all the fun he seems to be having while putting himself in different situations for his content. Hence, I’m not concerned… I don’t know him personally so I can’t speak much against or in his favor, but I’m glad he is at the top of the game, moving money around and actually getting stuff done. It made the whole scene more tolerable for me. And while I will not rival him, I too want to contribute to making the world better.

And yet, I believe everything would have been so much harder or even impossible if it wasn’t for the existence of:

• Amazon
Been a customer since the first day I could be. It has saved me money, time, and effort as well as opened up possibilities for me to pursue my interests beyond what I had available around me. It is a relief to know that whatever I need or want I can quickly and easily find in that store without fearing something will go wrong. I can enjoy wandering out and browsing local stores, but the convenience of online shopping is undeniable. Some of the Prime Video originals have been heaven-sent, too. And all the books made accessible, no matter how niche, have been a blessing to me. I still aspire to sell digital and physical products through it and I’m thankful that they facilitate that and more. Kudos to Jeff Bezos for what he’s built and what he shares.

• X
I still wonder [now figure] what really possessed Elon Musk to take on the challenge of championing the (seemingly lost) cause of free speech, but regardless, it benefits me. Even while I’m not doing much with the paths he’s opening up for truth-seekers and truth-tellers, it is alleviating. The way things were going, I could have been forced out of what lets me breathe. Maybe spiraled down into oblivion. I can only go against the current so much before drowning in it. And I’m sure that’s also the case for plenty of others. With the whole ordeal, many have been showing their true colors and it can be disappointing and discouraging, but also comforting as those who also honor truth, as uncomfortable as it can be to get to it and find it, come out from hiding and join in. I stand for it in part because, to me, without it, art wouldn’t be the same. [Not as noble after all but did set off a domino effect.]

Last but not least:

||| I’d be so thoroughly damaged, still, if it wasn’t for the people who, despite having little to no incentive to do so besides being purposeful, have devoted themselves to helping others heal and grow. Spotting and tending to wounds they, themselves, didn’t cause. You can be quite a pain, but a worthwhile one at that. Your dedication to see it all through, even when it is hard and difficult, is rare these days and I wish you get back as much as you give out and more because you deserve it. Addressing everything from the environment to what makes us human at our core, respecting and embracing nature while cutting through illusions. Your attention to detail is unparalleled and it is fundamental for a diverse and inclusive ecosystem where more organisms can thrive and not succumb or perish by the force of the less symbiotic ones. I hope you are always around and I’ll do my best to shelter and promote you whenever I can and you require me to. Please never give up! It may not seem like it, but you all are miracle workers.

• Tamlin

Back then and there, I was fortunate to meet Tamlin. Someone who's outstandingly curious and sharp, as well as creative and thorough. She is back to making music and it has been, on more than one occasion, more than just fresh air to me. Even at times when I feel completely dead, her work seems to breathe life back into me. Currently, she appears understated and, having witnessed more sides of her, I am patiently waiting for her to reveal them to the world, through her art, at her own pace, without me spoiling it for everyone else (sorry, can't tell you all exactly how amazing she is). I'm certainly looking forward to when more of that comes around, too!  

Birthdays

On to another cycle!
Here’s your reminder to grab your calendar and set your alarms.
Try not to miss the birthdays of those special to you.
Do something nice for them if not just congratulate them.

Another Spring

Another spring arrives...
Gardens, picnics, salads, and juice.
With plants growing and flowers starting to bloom again,
you may walk forward as you enjoy the scenery.
Inspired by how it all begins to come to life once more.