Surely

If we wish to change our lives, those of others, things that concern us, our environments, or anything else, there is one path. It is not an easy road, there will be resistance, it will take considerable effort and consume prodigious amounts of time; we must change ourselves. This is something most of us would instead choose not to do.

To change, we must evaluate what is not serving us in life, and those things that are in our favor. For instance, I have a clutter issue. Since losing my Mom in June 2017, I have been paralyzed by feelings of regret and grief, not dealing with the problem of a great deal of stuff which I cannot use that she left behind.

Today, my nephew and I discussed the mess. He pointed out that should I let go of the stuff, it would free up space for me to use in enjoyable ways. I was aware of this, but I have not known how to dispose of so many lovely things. He recommended I just give it all to charity because he knows me well enough to be sure that I do not care for the aggravation of trying to sell it.

Although this is uncomfortable, I am going to begin the process of liquidation. I will be able to make the freed room into a craft room and library. This will provide space for me to practice my artwork. There will finally be a home for my rubber stamp collection, which is extensive, other than entrapped under my bed.

How do I face all those things, hers, when tears still find me, time to time? I change. I gather my courage and recognize that those things no more embody Mom than I am represented by an ink pen or a notebook. I release myself from the need to please her, to continue as her caregiver when that time is past, and she has transitioned to Heaven where she is happy with Jesus.

There are more changes I must make, but I will not detail them just now. Is there something you are holding onto that would better serve you if you let it go? Maybe there is a relationship, attitude, job, habit, thing, or whatever. I am no psychic. You know what it is, and chances are you know exactly what you should do, but you procrastinate because inaction is comfortable and being stuck feels more natural than change. I understand, but the excavation once begun will give you a sense of freedom, accomplishment, and victory that will make you wonder why you waited.

We, humans, were not made to remain in stasis. From our conception, we are continually changing. We grow, learn, progress, and we never stop. If we stick our minds, bodies, hearts, spirits, or souls in a container, we become cramped, unhappy, dissatisfied. Change is who we are. Our creativity calls us to become something unique, newly discovered, uncovered, revealed to a breathless world.

Change is, and what will be. Do not fight it, latch on to the ripple, wave, that draws you into a brighter future. Create who you are, what you want to be. You have the power, embrace the life that is just beyond your hesitation.

Ah, yeah, on this we could dwell awhile, but I will not keep you. Employ that massive fortune of creative genius you possess and get busy. Your life, those you love, the world will thank you.

Be Awake

This morning with the quiet before the break of dawn, the day begins. We are wrapped in anticipation of what is and what will be. Jesus lingers at the threshold of every moment asking us to rise into love’s infinity. There is nothing able to stand obstinately against our pursuit of joy when we depend on the Lord to go before us.

We are each gifted with the unique ability to bring beauty, peace, and love into being through our creativity. We should put this faculty to work as often as is possible. Creation can be a form of active prayer and practice that lifts us, and those who interact with our works, into refreshing and comfortable spheres of reality filled with love and intriguing mystery that encourages us to become more alive.

Every moment gifts us with the choice of peace, positivity, kindness, understanding, generosity, gratitude, and love. If we are mired in profound negativity, a moment can change the mindset into one of rejoicing. We are able to choose the emotions we will express, the people we will be in the world, moment to moment.

Always endeavor to choose love and life will be yours more abundantly. Reach for the wonder. Notice the light reflecting off the waves, how it shimmers brighter than any gems craved by the hearts of humankind. Listen to the whisper of the trees as they pass their knowledge of earth’s years to the whirling wind. Watch the eyes of a crow sparkle as it finds a shiny bit of trash. Look at the people surrounding you, see the miraculous beauty of each and every one. Remember, these things did not just come into being, they were placed by the Creator to fulfill His purposes and add a pleasant touch to this particular day as you walk your way in the world.

For today, I am grateful:

I am not forgotten, some people care for me.
I am able to write and express my thoughts.
Good things happen when they are most needed.
I had pleasant dreams.
The dogs were groomed this week.
I am having a lot of fun taking pictures at church.
Even though the computer is acting crazy, I am able to use it.

As a prompt, create something that lifts your spirits and will in all probability help someone else. You can be a positive influence if you so desire.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. I hope you found something worth your while here and that you will press the follow button or come back soon. Remember, you are precious, and much loved. Be aware, careful, and safe out there.

Always,
Jo Ann

A Missive to Self & Others

#1 2018-1-22 Missive to Self Others-readable

As a prompt, when you are tempted to emit a negative thought through speech, instead look around you and express gratitude for something in your environment. Maybe even write down several things. Start a positive revolution.

The world needs ambassadors of positivity. So many have become low on hope, deprived of security, afraid of abuse. You and I are on the leading edge of restoring confidence, love, sanity, and peace. Now is the time, we are the agents of change.

I am grateful:

1. I am now officially church photographer.
2. I have been writing a little more.
3. The fudge mint cookies are nearly gone and will stop adding to my poundage.
4. The groomer is to come today.
5. Package.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. You are a pleasure to my heart. If you wish, follow the site by clicking the button, or come back when possible. Play your favorite song and try to carry the feeling it gives you through your day. Be safe, but cherish the wildness that makes you a force to reckon with.

The Economy of Creativity

I have always dreamed I would one day have a substantial income from my creative work, but I am well aware of the reasons that creatives have been called starving artists throughout history.

A creative, whether working in music, film, photography, paint, poetry, other written forms must spend an enormous amount to acquire education, materials to ply the craft, tools, and books that enable self-teaching which are often more expensive than average books.

Once the skill is honed, one finds there is an immense amount of competition for a limited number of positions. Generally, only those who exhibit extraordinary genius achieve successful careers and commissions.

If a creative overcomes these obstacles, a monumental one remains; the consumer problem. In music, film, theater, art, beading, pottery, photography, periodicals, journalism, fiction, poetry, non-fiction, sculpture, anything creative, many consumers have the mindset that these works should be free. The time, practice, education, material investment, tools, and effort that go into something beautiful and desirable are discounted to no worth by a vast majority.

Some of this attitude is because a creative is seen as having a more enjoyable occupation, so we do not really work. Many people have little idea how much effort goes into what they have before them. The finished product is magic to them. As liberal arts are cut out of public education, this will only worsen. Creative production can so effect society that its promotion should be encouraged.

Sometimes creatives can be blind to the worth of other’s work as well. Respect is something we should all cultivate. It is needed everywhere.

When something is shared without permission or credit; when pirated work is viewed, read, listened to; when licenses are shared these things make it harder to make a survivable living creatively. When the free views are repeatedly used, but the subscription is never purchased; when one is willing to profit handsomely from another’s work but unwilling to pay fair compensation; all these and more foster attitudes that cheapen creative work, so the economy tends to reward creatives less as time goes by.

I have abided in
Shadowlands tried by neglect,
Fear, lack, shame, trouble,
Far too long, and I will now,
With God’s help, be He willing,
Step out of this thick darkness
And be wrapped in love, light,
That all may know the Lord works
To the good of His children.

Today, I am grateful:

I can listen to great music as I work.
I have technology that allows me to work magic.
I was able to get the overcooked pot clean.
I went to the fellowship meal and prayer meeting last night.
Libraries have interesting books.
I am able to think clearly and express myself coherently.
I am still alive and mostly well.

If you need a prompt, look at the picture above and create something. Also, you could explore what you feel compromises those of us who work creatively.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. I hope you found something interesting or inspiring here. Never forget you have something significant and unique to share with a world that needs your perspective. I hope you will click the follow button, if not, please visit again. God be with you in all you endeavor to do and in every place you go.

I am a fan

I am a fan of the human race, the pinnacle of God’s creation, or evolution, whichever you prefer. Until a successor arrives, ours is the preeminent position.

I am a fan of men, that includes all the variations that suit each individual. I love how men grow into dynamos able to subdue whatever obstacles and problems present for them to conquer. They make things happen, and though they may quiver with fear inside, they do what must be done. Men lead, inspire, encourage, and act. They move forward, they explore, they make decisions that drive the world into the future.

Sure, they make mistakes, some of which shatter societies and destroy peoples. Given volatile tempers and unstable mentalities that sometimes occur, it is a blessing that things have not been worse. Usually when the disaster occurs too much power is centered in the hands of too few with little accountability to those affected by actionaries.

Men are loving husbands and excellent fathers when they choose to be, and in that capacity, they can foster great goodness in the world. Not all men are so endowed, and that can be a pity, for often lives are ruined when love and responsibility are shirked.

Men are a gift deserving of respect; though some may abuse positions of leadership and authority, most are a blessing. They make great partners, friends, lovers, husbands, fathers, leaders, teachers, encouragers, pastors, bosses, and indeed there is nothing they cannot do. Men are fantastic, and I am a fan.

I am a fan of women, including every type that can be imagined. I love how women raise up families of young men and women who are equipped with love for others. I love how some women can take a few ingredients and turn them into a meal that nourishes body and soul. Women make strong leaders who put heart into the positions and occupations they make their own. A woman who stands with a man of integrity can have a wide-reaching influence.

Women can accomplish most things which men can, and often do. Our physicalities do not allow quite the strength of males, but we make up for that in our ability to be mothers. We bring newborns into the world, and that is a blessing, never to be ignored. Humans would not remain dominant without women willing to be the mothers of new lives.

I am a fan of women because we care. We love, often we give up significant portions of lives where we could have achieved worldly and monetary greatness because we are the tenders of the home. We raise children, we support husband’s ambitions, and when the time comes, we provide care for the ailing and elderly who can no longer fend for themselves. We are stronger than Hercules.

Women are a blessing. We bring compassion, beauty, love, and excellence in our endeavors. We make great partners, friends, lovers, wives, mothers, leaders, teachers, encouragers, bosses, and indeed there is nothing we cannot do. Some have broken places, missing pieces, but we have strong constitutions, and we continue our efforts to create a better world for these and future generations.

Together, we, men and women, nurture and build a future for those who follow. We must be careful, wise, tenacious, bold, and unwilling to allow anything but the best to be implemented affecting lives. We must hold power accountable to love. We can never give up.

I am a fan of the human race; men and women, boys, and girls, all the world, as people under God’s blessing.