Observation

Life is a puzzle, endlessly morphing so pieces in place must be rearranged to come close to a resolution. Then the whole thing falls, coming apart. It must then be put together again. Or perhaps, life is a composition that arrives nearly complete in a maestro’s mind, but upon concentration digresses into separate notes with no continuity.

These are the days of individuals, communities, states, countries, and the whole of the world. Constant change, revolution, reorganization, reformation are the lot of humanity, both singularly and in mass. We are made to grow, create, become, and, these are processes of the destruction of knowns and the construction of theories, which we assimilate as the new knowns, which then must be replaced.

Those who explore, create, envision the future before the dissolution of the past, become the heroes and heroines of the present, rewarded with wealth and prestige, positions of power and authority.

Time is not, however, static, it flows, and current triumphs become novelties of yesterday. Chaos surrounds, summons us. We are invited to delve deep into its recesses, to plunder its treasures for our edification and enrichment, but the things we gain are ethereal, quickly resolving back into the turmoil from whence they arose. We may briefly conquer and harness chaos, the unknown, to our will, but it will tear away, and we must rejoin the chase.

Thankfully, over all these elements, the Lord, Jesus Christ, stands sovereign, and in His wisdom and power, constrains what would destroy all of us. We, the whole of human life, are protected by God. Though we live, blissfully unaware, our steps are marshalled and guided in ways needful for survival. I am most grateful for the Lord’s constant loving care.

Being Informed (Part Two – Kieatrice Tales)

Mrs. Molly Kangaroo received a call, from Kieatrice’s school’s principal, while she was at work in her business office.

Mr. Solance said, “Mrs. Kangaroo, forgive me for calling you during the business day, but it is crucial you know what happened to your daughter today.”

Mrs. Molly replied, “Any time the school needs to reach me about Kieatrice, I am available. She is most important to me. I love her more than words can express.”

“Thank you for your cooperation. Kieatrice was bullied by students as she lined up for the bus this morning. We were informed by the driver and staged a lecture and a guest speaker. However, it is imperative that you are also aware and able to talk with her and provide further support,” said Mr. Solance.

“I do appreciate this call. Bullying is a terrible thing, and it is heartbreaking to know my child experienced it. I will be there to meet her when she comes home and will discuss this with her. Thank you for addressing the issue at school. Perhaps working together we can make the bullies realize they are in error and support Kieatrice in ways that will limit damage to her life,” said Mrs. Molly Kangaroo.

Mr. Solance said, “We will hope our intervention works, but sometimes it does not, so we must all be diligent in observation. If you have any indication this is ongoing, feel free to contact me as needed.”

“I am very grateful you let me know this happened. If I see further signs that she is being harassed, I will inform you immediately. My girl loves school, and I would hate for bullies to change that or harm her kind nature,” said Mrs. Molly.

“Thank you, Mrs. Kangaroo. Hopefully when we speak, again it will be about more pleasant matters. Goodbye,” said Mr. Solance.

Mrs. Molly said, “Goodbye, Mr. Solance.”

The Question IS The Answer

Asking

We each have secrets, stories we rarely share. Those things can prompt us to tears, or elicit smiles, upon a sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch. Some we hide because the pain is more than we can deal with comfortably, or because the pleasure is too precious to allow others.

These experiences, the answers to the questions why we are ourselves, are rich fodder for creativity. Sometimes we bury things under thick blankets of forgetfulness in our minds. If we dare to exhume the flesh and bones entombed, sometimes stories, paintings, essays, memoirs, tragedies, comedies, romantic novels can result. What are our secrets, but mysteries and thrillers that deserve a telling?

Did we act out once too often and alienate our best friend? Did we move to a new town, and never get over the home we left behind? Did we think about dying, or try our hand at suicide? Did we fall in love and learn our darling was not the person we adored? Did we want to travel, only to be stuck in our morning commute? Did the job we thought would solve all our problems become a nightmare with no escape? Did someone leave us desolate and alone? What about the dream that was better than we imagined? Who was that person we glimpsed, then met years later and became lovers? How is it we all have cell phones and are always connected, but we have lost touch with ourselves?

That was just brainstorming. What if? Why? When? How? Who? What? Where? Those are simple, but questions are best friends with creativity. Watch a toddler who is trying to understand the world. Questions are continuously on his or her tongue. Parents often wish they could shut down the constant curiosity, but we need to find it in our creative lives. We need to discover engrossing questions and create whatever may be our answer.

The question is the seed, germ, reason for bringing imagination to life. Maybe we are at work, and we wonder why things are always done a certain way, a change, a solution, could positively impact, maybe revolutionize our company. The most significant way to innovate, build resolutions, is the use of creativity after examining problems through extraordinary questions.

As a prompt: Take one of the mentioned questions or create your own and give life to your answer in whatever media you wish.

Thank you for sharing your day here on Haphazard Creative. I hope you will either click the button to follow the site or come here again soon. If you have comments or criticism, feel free to share in the comment section. As always, keep creating, and make your day the best you can. God Bless You!

What We Remember Is Ours

Inspire with Masonic Lodge

This building was a vintage Masonic Lodge, it was also used as a meeting place for various groups in our community. Someone in their deviousness, arsonists, burned it down. The citizenry of the area came together and rebuilt it, though I have no photos of the new construction.

Often, our memories lay dormant, unconsidered, but they are gifts that may fire our imaginations with inspiration. Creativity hides behind the veil where the present meets past. We can explore memory for treasure to use in the present.

A photo from childhood may contain the germ of a story, relevant today. A song may remind us of a time we had let slip away but can be used as the setting for a drawing or a novel.

We are time machines, and our minds contain worlds. Creation is our default parameter, it makes our lives impact others in ways we may be unaware.

As a prompt: Find a photo and let it loose your creative imagination.

So, It Is!

Life is Creativity

We do not have to be perfect. We must be willing to try, and keep trying even when we make mistakes, or fail. No great work is done without practice, and perseverance pays high dividends in skill and accomplishment. We must embrace new things and adapt ourselves to the times.

Creativity is required for all innovation and meritorious writing and art, but creativity alone does not guarantee success. Giftedness and talent are helpful, but skill derived from hours spent in work and exploration are what bring shine to our endowments.

Everyone is creative, but not everyone will expend the effort to find out what lies within them. Creation is ongoing, one does not suddenly arrive at the pinnacle, there is always a further level to achieve.

Learning is a lifelong pursuit, and once that hunger ebbs, one is destined to regress. Read widely, not only for enjoyment, but to learn how language works, and how those who are preeminent in the publishing world cast their words. Create a voice, but attune ears to finding better phrasing. Study methods of whatever arts pursued, continually improve technique. Find tools that enhance the work done. Embrace change, for change and love, is fundamental to creativity. Without passion, little of lasting brilliance is made.

Invest time in those things that add creative joy and multiply achievement. We know these things, but when chasing a livelihood; sometimes we lose sight of what enables our best, and we should always strive for better today than we were yesterday. Comparing ourselves to others causes us to feel weak and incompetent, we are not; if we make ourselves the benchmark, we more likely stave off depression and self-doubt.

Remember, what we are doing today would have been beyond our powers in the past. We grow, our creativity enlarges our competence; and fills our hearts and souls with joy.

As a prompt: Try something new, if you usually use technology, instead engage in work with your hands and vice-versa. If you are a writer do something artistic, an artist expand your thought in writing.

No one can complain
We have failed when we have made
Progress toward growth.

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All the best to you, now and always. May many blessings accrue to you and yours. God Bless.