tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62521228110352642542024-03-01T22:13:05.954+00:00The day to day life and thoughts of an artist,thinker and barstool philosopherThe thoughts of an Artist on Art and its connections to life and the philosophy of Taoism.Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.comBlogger380125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-39215235688759242662017-11-03T07:50:00.002+00:002017-11-03T07:51:38.924+00:00What does it take to be friendly?<div class="MsoNormal">
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I was in a shop yesterday where I stood waiting my turn to be served. I watched the young man as he served each customer before me, I was wondering just how long it might take him to get to the point of actually saying a please or a thank you to one of the customers.</div>
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Then again maybe it is just me. Maybe people no longer want to hear somebody say thank you.</div>
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Later I popped into the newsagents where I was greeted with the exact opposite.<br />
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Here the lady greeted me with, “Good afternoon darling, what can I get you? Is that all I can do for you today sweetie? You have a nice day now.” Maybe the silent approach was better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So I am never happy. The first lad seems to have lost it completely, it was almost as if he did not want to be there, the second just did not sound for a minute as though she meant it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What happened to just being nice to each other, interested in each other? Polite to each other. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Where is all this leading to I hear you ask? Well before I get there can I apologise to those of a sensitive nature, but I just could not help myself when I was told this story. I did really laugh out loud, and it was so appropriate after my experience in the two shops. <o:p></o:p><br />
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It started when I was telling a friend about my two shop experiences. This lady was confused about the word service. She asked if I had noticed that like logistics it was appearing everywhere.<br />
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She thought about all the places the word seemed to be used but was confused why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">She laughed when she noticed that sometimes the British Broadcasting Company, BBC, was often being called the British Broadcasting Service. it might be lots of things but I doubt if it is a service? </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Then there are one or two others.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Inland Revenue <b><span style="color: red;">'Service'<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Postal <b> <span style="color: red;">'Service' </span> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Telephone <b><span style="color: red;">'Service'<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Cable TV<span style="color: #c40000;"> </span><b><span style="color: red;">'Service'</span><span style="color: #c40000;"> </span></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Civil <b><span style="color: red;">'Service' </span> </b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Customer <b><span style="color: red;">'Service'<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">It seemed that the word service was being used out of context when you consider how each of the above responds to you. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Now if you are of a sensitive nature be warned miss the next paragraph. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">She then went on to tell me how it all fell into place when she heard two farmers having a discussion. One was telling the other how he had hired a wonderful bull to <span style="color: red;">service </span>all his cows. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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In that moment she realised what the word service meant in our modern society.<br />
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Have a wonderful day. I guess I will just continue to be friendly to others and hope that they in return are friendly to me. I can but hope. Or maybe I have to await my return to France where no matter where you go or who you meet you are welcomed with a Bonjour or Bonsoir.</div>
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Please do have a wonderful day. </div>
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Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-65715052847548885482014-02-18T09:32:00.000+00:002014-02-18T09:35:03.960+00:00Learn to Win<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am sure I am not alone in being caught up in the drama of the olympic games. Have been a runner and competed in many events, I feel I can almost be in he minds of those competing. Ok I started to late to be competing at the level of an olympian . I did though take part in many marathons. On the start line there were those other runners whom I had beaten in the last race, or they had just beaten me. They were there to be raced and to race again. Then of course there was the clock. Was I going to better the time I had last outing? Was I going to get a PB (personal best)? </div>
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I have remained a very competitive person. Even at my age, before this operation that has meant I cannot run, if I saw a runner in front of me on my morning run, I still tried to catch up and maybe pass. Did not seem to matter that they were thirty years younger than me. Maybe this is why I am suffering now?</div>
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I did though learn some lessons, that can be taken into other fields of life, even into art.</div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> 1. Expect to win.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> Know in your heart that you are a winner.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> 2. Let your expectations show.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> Express no doubts, let your competitors and your friends know that you have none.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> 3. Work, practice, work, and practice some more.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> At the top of his field, the athlete can still be seen training - even if he's just won.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> 4. Dress and act like a winner.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> This is a part of keeping yourself in a winning frame of mind.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> 5. Have a sense of drama - don't create it but know it when you see it.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> You don't have to seek out publicity, but know how to accept and use it when it comes to you.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> 6. Know that there is always room to grow.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> Being the best does not mean you can't be even better.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> 7. Hang with the winners.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> They understand the pressures and situations in which you will find yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> 8. Put yourself in situations where you are not known as a success.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> May be difficult, but this helps you to stay real.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> 9. Value and protect your free time and do what you enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> The discipline of being a winner needs a safety valve from time to time.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> 10. Remember those who need help.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> Somewhere, someone helped you - be willing to give back.</span></div>
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May the Chi be with you and may you feel at the end of the day that you have given of your best and that it has been a good day.</div>
Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-24720670561992888322014-02-13T09:44:00.000+00:002019-04-10T07:08:24.731+01:00The Carrot, The Egg and the Coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">I promise not to keep going on about recent hardships and adversity but I really do feel I need to share this thought today. Yesterday I managed to walk a number of steps without the use of my crutches. These steps were slow and not without pain, but the sense of achievement at the end was wonderful. Buoyed up by this I rested and later managed to climb the stairs and go to the toilet and back down without the crutches. Yes maybe I did do a bit too much but I wanted to try.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">I saw my chair as the carrot urging me ever onward. Then somewhere in the back of my mind I remembered something about a carrot, an egg and a coffee bean. So hear it is that story with a very meaningful message.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"> A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.<br /><br /> Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.<br /><br /> In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.<br /><br /> Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see. "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.<br /><br /> Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.<br /><br /> The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?" Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity -- boiling water. Each reacted differently.<br /><br /> The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.<br /><br /> The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became<br /> hardened.<br /><br /> The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.<br /><br /> "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"<br /><br /> Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?<br /><br /> Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial<br /> hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?<br /><br /> Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.<br /><br /> When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?<br /><br /> May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.<br /><br /> The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">The artwork used today is my most recent painting. Using a lot of texture. I like it because it reminds me of the runs I did daily and it is the first painting I have done for some time.</span></div>
Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-43982381661045035812014-02-11T11:22:00.003+00:002014-02-11T11:22:34.196+00:00Hands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">I am sure everybody knows this painting, it is so very well known. Hands are very difficult to paint so I thought I would have a try at painting my version of Durer's hands. There is nothing wrong with learning from the masters, either in art or in thinking. I spend some time each day listening to the words of the greats of thought.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Back in the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with eighteen children. Eighteen! In order merely to keep food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by profession, worked almost eighteen hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighborhood. Despite their seemingly hopeless condition, two of Albrecht Durer the Elder's children had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew full well that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by laboring in the mines. They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning after church. Albrecht Durer won the toss and went off to Nuremberg.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation. Albrecht's etchings, his woodcuts, and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht's triumphant homecoming. After a long and memorable meal, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his ambition. His closing words were, "And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will support you."</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated over and over, "No ... no ... no ... no."</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, "No, brother. I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late for me. Look ... look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No, brother ... for me it is too late."</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">More than 450 years have passed. By now, Albrecht Durer's hundreds of masterful portraits, pen and silver-point sketches, watercolors, charcoals, woodcuts, and copper engravings hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with only one of Albrecht Durer's works. More than merely being familiar with it, you very well may have a reproduction hanging in your home or office.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">One day, long ago, to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother's abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called his powerful drawing simply "Hands," but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love "The Praying Hands."</span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">There are some things that others do for you that no words can ever express your thankfulness. Artists are so fortunate that they can express there inner feelings in what they produce with their hands.</span>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-36568081662343604472014-02-10T09:11:00.002+00:002014-02-10T09:11:59.606+00:00What I Have Learned.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Having spent my life since the 20th of December either on crutches or in a hospital bed, I have had a great deal of time to think and consider. There is nothing more than the thought that you just might not make it to make you realise what is and what is not important.<br />
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I am aware that I have done a blog like this before, but trust me there are changes in here from my reflections.<br />
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I've learned - That you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them. How wonderful to know that you are indeed loved. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back. We have to accept this is the case. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it. So put your brain into action before your mouth. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it. When down, get back up. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. Oh how important this one is. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that either you control your attitude or it controls you. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that learning to forgive takes practice. But how important it is. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that money is a lousy way of keeping score. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many years you've lived. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed you.</blockquote>
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I've learned - that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.<br />
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief. </blockquote>
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l've learned - that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other and just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help. </blockquote>
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I've learned - that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.</blockquote>
Even the worst experiences in live have lessons to teach.<br />
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Todays artwork is a pen and ink drawing I did recently and a very good friend bought it for his dear wife. It is "The House of John Knox" situated in the heart of Edinburgh.<br />
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Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-50699219554084294022013-01-26T10:22:00.002+00:002013-01-26T10:22:33.520+00:00The Pursuit of Happiness<div style="text-align: left;">
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Mont St Michele</div>
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On a Thursday, as I have told you in an earlier post, I meet my friends. Depending on the weather we walk and then visit the local fishmonger, then relax in each others company, have a chat and an ale. It is a great afternoon, we never seem to run out of conversation, and I always leave feeling happy. It is a simple afternoon and it generates its own happiness. </div>
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I was thinking of this after over-hearing a number of conversations. The first was a mother. She was bemoaning that as hard as she tried she could not longer bring back the happy times they all used to share together. “No matter what I organize it is always the same,” she said. “They always have things to do and places to go.” </div>
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Hankering after the old days she is missing the joy and happiness of watching them become free beings in their own right. </div>
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The second conversation was a friend complaining that he need a new mobile phone. “Why? “ I asked. “This one is out of date. I hope the next one lasts longer.” The phone he had was at least a year younger than mine, but he had to be up date with all the latest gizmos. </div>
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In reality, both of these conversations were about the same thing. Let me explain what I mean.</div>
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If we have a scooter we want a cycle, if we have a cycle we want a car. If we have a car we want a bigger or better one. The list is endless. And so is the pursuit.</div>
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I remember workmate who, the minute they got promotion began talking about the next step up the ladder. Or when they had been given a pay hike it was not bringing him any closer who his friend who had also had one. Again the list is endless as is the pursuit.</div>
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Even on the emotional and relationships front, our relationships are evaluated on the basis of how many visits, how many phone calls, how many invitations one gets and gives. We seek to create a perfect family of always smiling people around us, and are disappointed if things are not picture perfect. Yet again, the list is endless.<br />
And so is the pursuit.</div>
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The pursuit of happiness. This is a well-known and well used phrase. Yet it is in fact a strange term. It in fact makes no sense at all. </div>
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Like many oft-repeated phrases, one repeats it mechanically but it makes no sense whatsoever. <br />
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Happiness is not an object or person that can be pursued. It just is. <br />
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In fact, perhaps it is this very phrase that is often the seed of much discontent and unhappiness. <br />
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The new phone, car, are all part of the pursuit of happiness. </div>
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As I ran this morning I was thinking about these conversations and my own pursuit of happiness, and the next better artwork. As I reached the 6 mile mark it all seemed to fall into place.</div>
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<b>When you pursue happiness, it eludes you. However, when you recognise that happiness is the inner beings natural state, all you need to do is eliminate all that comes between your happiness and you.</b></div>
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<b>I think I need to read that again and again in the next few days. Is it complex or complicated? Not really. </b></div>
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Todays artwork is the finished Pen and Ink of Mont St Michele. I did take a picture of a stage between the first one and this one but decided just to share the finished work. I wondered long and hard about adding the colour. Too late now to change my mind. </div>
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I have some very fond memories of this place and the visits I made here with family and friends. </div>
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Sadly like so many places the little streets leading up to the magnificent cathedral at the top are full of little shops all selling the same things. </div>
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What next? I think maybe back to a canvas. </div>
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Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-48231474244580077282013-01-24T11:37:00.003+00:002013-01-24T11:37:49.734+00:00Wrinkles! What Wrinkles?<br />
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This morning I considered whether to run in the open air, to brace the cold and the wind, or to take the alternative and head to the gym in the warmth of the car. At they gym I could run in shorts and running vest in the warmth of the place. Outside I would have to wear thicker heavier running gear.</div>
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As I ran I found my heart uplifted almost mile by mile. First I watched the soaring buzzard as it scanned the fields below looking for its breakfast. Then I startled two deer, they stopped to watch me as I ran off in the other direction, no danger to them. Of more danger was the fox that ran alongside me sheltered by the bushes . </div>
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Then sitting on the fencepost I saw the little Red Kite , it seemed maybe he had already had success in the hunting stakes. He looked at peace with the world, and did not flinch a muscle as I ran past. </div>
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Next I watched the fresh pieces of wood drop from the tree and had to stop for a moment to look up and watch the Lesser Speckled Woodpecker at work high in the boughs.</div>
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Six and a half miles and I was home, warm from my exertion and ready to face my day.</div>
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The alternative, had I chosen to go to the gym would have been to run the same miles , but all I would see was my own face in the mirror in front of me as I pounded out the miles going nowhere. </div>
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The mirror is never a pretty sight at the best of times. The older we get the more we become conscious of age catching up. </div>
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While out running, I am that 18 year old who loved playing music and dancing. I am the 25 year old minister who was told one day by his dear old organist that he was the boy who would never grow old. I am the older man who stood at the top of the mountain and rejoiced in managing to run the whole way there without stopping. </div>
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In the mirror I see the wrinkles of age, the pattern I have woven over the years with the life I have lived. </div>
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Now had I ran on the treadmill I might now have been thinking about going for a haircut. Having run outside I am still that young man and I am going off to paint. </div>
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I am what life has made me. I am not at all ashamed of the pattern I have woven. I have not allowed the blind tattooist to set his agenda. I have not let accident shape me or mould me . The wrinkles I see tell there story. </div>
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The artist paints. We either paint a thing of beauty or we start again. The pattern of our life we are equally in control of, we do not paint without thought, we should not go through life thoughtlessly , letting accident dictate. No matter our age we are still in control. Whether we produce a an ugly thing or are a joy to be with is our sole responsibility. </div>
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Wrinkles!!!! What wrinkles I no wrinkles. Do you??????</div>
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This is the very initial stages of what I hope will be a Pen and Ink of Mont St Michele in France. This is a place I love. This is a complex subject and I may yet have to abandon but I give you this the first stage. </div>
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Today I hope to go over the pencil marks and begin to add some shading. I am already aware that I have a few errors to sort, but having started in pencil I can do that. </div>
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I hope my friends who read this have a lovely day. This is the day I spend time with my friends in the afternoon. We call ourselves, “The Last of the Summer Wine.” Those who live in the UK will know exactly what that means. </div>
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Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-68336970265618287982013-01-22T10:52:00.001+00:002013-01-22T11:21:01.510+00:00Speak Your Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The disciples were absorbed in a discussion of Lao-Tzu's dictum:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>"Those who know do not say; Those who say do not know."</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When the Master entered, they asked him exactly what the words meant.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Said the Master, "Which of you knows the fragrance of a rose?"</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">All of them knew.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Then he said, "Put it into w rather cutting remarks ords."</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">All of them were silent.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As an artist we frequently attempt to to something very similar to what Lao-Tzu was asking his disciples to do. We attempt to describe the emotion that a certain scene arouses in the inner depths of a person. To convey that which cannot be conveyed with words.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Often, when in front of a work of art produced by another we feel moved. At moments like this I often ask myself if the emotion I am feeling is the same as the artist had when he or she sat before the blank canvas or piece of paper.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">While visiting the art gallery the other day, I watched a number of young artist sit before some works of art with pen and pencil and making their attempts at reproducing the painting or an aspect of this.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I heard two people discuss what they were seeing. They were making rather cutting remarks about copying and having no artistic value.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I used to feel a bit like that myself when I watched other artists copy the work of another, or follow a step by step lesson.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I remember the first time somebody copied one of my abstracts from my website. My first reaction was to scream and make a great deal of noise. Then I stopped and thought. I must have managed to convey something in that painting, that another would wish to make there attempt at producing their version of it.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">No one is the supreme authority of how we interpret a certain aspect of life. Nobody has all the answers of how we live our lives. Nobody can know us like we know ourselves. All that we can each gain from a wise person is some initial assurance and some guidance along the way.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If somebody sees some worth in something I have produced, and makes there own attempt and expressing it in their way I am honoured I have given them this initial step along the way.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is why I have never made it impossible for anybody to take copies of my work from my website.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When I see something very similar to something I have produced before I make no comment if the comment I feel like making would be a negative one.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yes I am aware that there are laws of copyright, I do have a son who is a lawyer, and I was a magistrate for a long number of years. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">But if art is not about helping others to express that which cannot be expressed in words. If art is not about helping others feel that inner joy. I ask, “What then is art.”</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Or as Lao-Tzu said much better than I.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>"Those who know do not say; Those who say do not know."</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My I thank those people who have come along to my blog for the first time and made comment on it. It always means much that people take the time.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The artwork above is another version of my Edinburgh Castle but on this version I have added some more colour. AS I continue with this medium my desire to add colour keeps pulling at my inner strings.</span></div>
Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com85tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-11991259118030846332013-01-08T11:50:00.000+00:002013-01-08T12:00:45.482+00:00Finding a Heart<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Edinburgh Castle from Castle Street.</div>
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The New Year is a time of reflection in so many ways. I found myself thinking of all the old traditions that surrounded New Year in my youth. How the fireplace had to be cleaned spotless and a new fire laid and made ready to be set alight just after midnight.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Then
off we set to visit the neighbours in their homes. We took with us a bottle of
whiskey to offer the neighbours a toast, a lump of coal to bring them warmth
and a piece of shortbread to symbolise the desire that they ate well in the
coming year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Every
year we made new year resolutions, promising to do so many things, of which
most were forgotten before January came to an end.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
When
I became a minister of religion I re-established some traditions that had
slipped away. I rang the church bells at midnight. After the service, which finished just after
midnight I invited so many people over to the manse they could hardly all get
in. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now,
it comes and goes. No longer to I make resolutions other than to continue as I
have been in the year just gone. I hope that my year has been fruitful to
others as much as to myself, so why promise to make any changes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I do
like to make a real effort to apologise to anybody I have hurt in any way
whatsoever during the year now gone. I do so even now in this blog to anybody I
may have offended and not yet been aware and apologised. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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All
the thinking and promises in the world are meaningless unless they are truly
meant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
old wise sage was talking with his disciples one day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">"Of what use are your learning and your devotions?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Does a donkey become wise through
living in a library or a mouse acquire holiness from living in a church?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US">"What is it, then, we need?" asked one disciple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US">"A heart."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US">"How does one get that?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US">The
Master would not say. What could he say that they wouldn't turn into a subject
to be learned or an object of devotion?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US">Another
year in which to get on a do the things we artists do. With all our heart
aspire to make people enjoy what they see, touch and feel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>This
blog is linked to my other. <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Edinburgh Castle From George Street.</a></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-79600012658731727142012-12-21T11:32:00.000+00:002012-12-21T11:32:02.843+00:00Too Busy
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopSo7y0LfP8Gy7Aq5RW-WhAHLFsoEjjkDtiDuzxX0Y8rSD0TajejdkKY0sOyTP43Mp6CN4KPhgUQRzvT22Etmo1bkoSbVF2__SHdHxPX2WIK56Ohkp1ElBnrh1y_E3pdt8Zk1D5t_NtSQ/s1600/Abbey+and+Palace+Ruins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopSo7y0LfP8Gy7Aq5RW-WhAHLFsoEjjkDtiDuzxX0Y8rSD0TajejdkKY0sOyTP43Mp6CN4KPhgUQRzvT22Etmo1bkoSbVF2__SHdHxPX2WIK56Ohkp1ElBnrh1y_E3pdt8Zk1D5t_NtSQ/s320/Abbey+and+Palace+Ruins.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dunfermline Abbey and Palace Ruins</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Most
people know that on leaving school I started work as a butcher. Not something I
made a concrete decision to do, rather something I drifted into. More a
reaction against what my family had planned for me than my own decision. Where
I lived most young boys sat the entrance examination to get a job, a trade, in
the navel dockyard close by. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
last thing I had ever wanted was to work in a navel dockyard so I made sure I
had a job ready to go to before I was ready to leave school. As the new start I
got all the most terrible jobs to do, but I was aware that this was not
personal, just the way things were. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Some
of the jobs were just downright boring and tedious. One of the most boring of
all was the knife sharpening day. Once a
week all the knives were taken to the back yard where there was a sharpening
stone. It was my job to keep the wheel turning while the older butcher did the
honing of the blade. Each blade took a fair amount of time to get right. At the
end of the exercise my arms used to ache for all of the next day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I
suppose, looking back now, it was this that led me to realise that I could not
go on like this for the rest of my working life. So the studying I had never
got round to at school began in my spare time. I was determined to make something
more of my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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All
seems so obvious now, but had not been when I was living the reality. Sometimes
the obvious stares us in the face but we keep banging our heads against the
wall trying to find the obvious. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Reminds
me of the tale of the woodcutter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Once upon a time a very strong woodcutter ask for a
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the work conditions. For that reason, the woodcutter was determined to do his
best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The first day, the woodcutter brought 18 trees<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">"Congratulations," the boss said. "Go
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<span lang="EN-US">Very motivated for the boss’ words, the woodcutter try
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<span lang="EN-US">"I must be losing my strength", the
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<span lang="EN-US">"Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have
been very busy trying to cut trees..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b>This blog is linked to my other. <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dunfermline Abbey and Palace Ruins</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-71370531627550499162012-12-19T10:32:00.000+00:002012-12-19T10:32:29.002+00:00I Am Making Progress<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhE-by_W_1qBz3LpFUVdeQuVjOoiYhTsvLhyphenhyphenKJH7gvv3vwQrzD0KF1fFsRSlpxCzw_7mVxXXtZd5QsNpyhKDaw2VGLLPP0rzG9FAi6MhYlNo2qa9PAiuYynrHcQ_H2umr6HybEIYkEprH/s1600/Edinburgh+Castle+Framed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhE-by_W_1qBz3LpFUVdeQuVjOoiYhTsvLhyphenhyphenKJH7gvv3vwQrzD0KF1fFsRSlpxCzw_7mVxXXtZd5QsNpyhKDaw2VGLLPP0rzG9FAi6MhYlNo2qa9PAiuYynrHcQ_H2umr6HybEIYkEprH/s320/Edinburgh+Castle+Framed.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Edinburgh Castle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I
have been away from this blog for some time and for the very few that take time
to read I apologise. It seemed pretty pointless taking the time to write when
nobody was taking the time to read. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then
I thought again and here I am. Thanks to those if any who read this. Even
greater thanks to those who take the time to comment. I will read it as I write and I comment in my
mind in the process, so I have realised that nothing is meaningless. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Life
has been interesting in the time I have been away. I cracked two ribs after
slipping on the ice while running. I was attacked and badly bitten by a dog,
while running. Maybe it is not writing a blog I should stop, but that is
another story. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
I
have been painting very different from
my normal artwork, one person said I was almost painting normal, but more of
that on the other blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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All
in all I am making progress as age slowly but surely catches up on me. My head
is buzzing with abstract art, which one day will find its way onto canvas, but
yet I am at peace and enjoying the new found art. I am making progress!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now
this reminds me of a tale, one I maybe need to contemplate. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Yen Hui said, "I am making progress."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Confucius asked, "In what way?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Yen Hui said, "I have given up doing good and
being right."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Confucius said, "Very good, but that is not quite
enough."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Another day, Yen Hui saw Confucius and said, "I
am making progress."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Confucius asked, "In what way?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Yen Hui said, "I have given up ceremony and
music."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Confucius said, "Very good, but that is not quite
enough."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Another day, Yen Hui saw Confucius again and said,
"I am making progress." Confucius asked, "In what way?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Yen Hui said, "I just sit and forget."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Confucius was startled and asked, "What do you
mean by sitting and forgetting?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Yen Hui said, "I am not attached to the body and
I give up any idea of knowing. By freeing myself from the body and mind, I
become one with the infinite. This is what I mean by sitting and
forgetting."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Confucius
said, "When there is oneness, there are no preferences. When there is
change there is no constancy. If you have really attained this, then let me
become your pupil."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Yes I
think I am making progress, not because I am trying to but because I have
stopped trying to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>This
blog is linked to my other. <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pen and Ink</a></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-87975079842088556102012-11-15T10:57:00.001+00:002012-11-15T11:10:22.849+00:00The Leap of Faith<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I have not been
around this blog for some time, partly due to a recent illness that has drained
me of much of my strength. I have been unable to run or go walking as I am in
the habit of doing. The loss of both of those things in turn brings on a state
of depression. Today I am feeling better and today life no longer looks all
black. I really should have been aware that this was the case because things
have still been moving in my world of art, though obviously very slowly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The story I wish to
share with you speaks about just matters, and I hope that the painting above
adds to that. I explain the thoughts behind it on my other blog. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">The Mokoko tribe lived on the wrong side of the island
of two faces. The two sides, separated by a great cliff, were like night and
day. The good side was watered by rivers and was filled with trees, flowers,
birds and easy and abundant food, while on the wrong side there was hardly any
water or plants, and wild beasts crowded together. The Mokoko had the
misfortune of having always lived there, with no way to cross to the other
side. Their life was hard and difficult: they hardly had food and drink for everyone
and they lived in permanent terror of the beasts, who would regularly come and
eat some tribe member.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Legend told that some of their ancestors had been able
to cross with just the help of a small pole, but for many years not a single
tree had grown that would be strong enough to make such a pole, so few Mokoko
believed this was possible, and they had become accustomed and resigned to
their difficult, resigned life, suffering hunger and dreaming of not ending up
as some peckish beast's dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">But nature had it that, precisely along the edge of
the cliff separating the two sides of the island, a skinny but strong tree
grew, with which they could build two poles. The feeling of anticipation was
enormous and there was no doubt among the tribe as to whom they would choose to
use the poles: the great chief and the witch doctor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">But when the two of them were given their opportunity
to make the jump, they felt so afraid that they didn't dared to: they thought
that the pole could break, or it would not be long enough, or that something
would go wrong during the jump ... and they put so much energy into these
thoughts that the resulting fear caused them to give in. And when they saw that
this could lead them to being teased and taunted, they decided to invent some
old stories and legends about failed jumps to the other side. And they told so
many of these tales and they spread so much that there was no Mokoko who did
not know how reckless and foolish you would have to be to even attempt the
jump. And there lay the poles, available to anyone wanting to use them, but
abandoned by all, because taking up one of these poles had become, by dint of
repetition, the most unbecoming thing a Mokoko could do. It was a betrayal of
the values of suffering and resistance, which so distinguished the tribe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">But into that tribe were born Naru and Ariki, a pair
of young hearts truly wanting a different life and, encouraged by the strength
of their love, one day decided to take up the poles. Nobody stopped them, but
everyone did try to discourage them, trying to convincing them of the dangers
of jumping, using a thousand explanations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">-"And what if what they say is true?" wondered
the young Naru.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">-"Don’t' worry. Why do the talk so much about a
leap they've never done? I too am a bit scared, but it doesn't look so
difficult," replied Ariki, ever determined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">-"But if it goes wrong, it would be a terrible
end," continued Naru, undecided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">-"Perhaps the jump will go badly, and perhaps
not. But staying forever on this side of the island surely won't work out well
either. Do you know of anyone whose death did not come from being either eaten
by the wild beasts or from famine? That too is a terrible end, although it
still seems far away to us."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">-"You're right, Ariki. And if we wait much longer
we won't have the strength to make the leap ... Let's do it tomorrow."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">And on the next day, Naru and Ariki jumped to the good
side of the island. When taking up the poles, taking their run up, while
feeling their desire, the fear hardly allowed them to breathe. And while flying
through the air, helpless and without support, they felt that something surely
must have gone wrong and certain death awaited them. But when they landed on
the other side of the island and happily hugged each other, they thought the
jump really hadn't been so bad after all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">And as they ran away to discover their new life,
behind them they could hear, like a whispering choir:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">-"It was just luck."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">-"Well… maybe tomorrow."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">-"What a terrible jump! Had it not been for the
pole ..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">And Naru and Ariki understood why so few people took
the leap: because on the bad side of the island you only ever heard the
resigned voices of people without dreams, people filled with fear and despair,
people who would never jump ...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US">Life is indeed not all one thing or the other it is
full of alternatives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">This blog is linked to my other. <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Life Does Not Always Turn in Black and White</a></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-55806690518471432352012-10-21T14:30:00.000+01:002012-10-21T14:30:26.964+01:00Adventures And Not Fears
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWoVN_dnXJt9mWF1U_UN0Na4LYkcopQS9mGvzepymLcwKE7sRIvFpjfE01yUiXCNjJ22SzqYID9IGhP9m7c1J0OrK8iKVyRRrh6Cqprw9EdO08GyUtLP89d_y9iisqWXgUL9187rF9YSQ/s1600/DSCF3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWoVN_dnXJt9mWF1U_UN0Na4LYkcopQS9mGvzepymLcwKE7sRIvFpjfE01yUiXCNjJ22SzqYID9IGhP9m7c1J0OrK8iKVyRRrh6Cqprw9EdO08GyUtLP89d_y9iisqWXgUL9187rF9YSQ/s320/DSCF3440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Maze Of Adventure</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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I
remember the days I spent with my grandmother with fond memories. Every summer,
when the school broke up for the holidays, I headed off to live with my gran.
It was not because my mother wanted rid of me, my younger brother stayed at
home, I just chose to be with her. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
So,
immediately the school broke up, I packed my little suitcase and my mother took
me to the railway station. In those days
there was always a guard on the train, somebody who made sure everything was
safe. My mother would alert him to my being on the train alone. The journey
lasted about an hour. I then had to make
my way to the bus station and get the bus out to the part of the city where my
gran lived. I then walked from the bus to her house and knew she would be out
at the end of the close (the passageway that led to each house and the stairs
to the houses above in the tenement. A pre- written card was put in the post
box to let my mother know I had arrived.
A real adventure for a young lad of six.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
One
of the things I liked best about being with my gran was her sense of adventure.
She encouraged me to do things I would never have been allowed to do at home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
I
overcame so many fears during those holidays. Some nights we visited my grans
friends home. She lived at the top of a
tenement block, five flights of stairs up. We played dominoes together, then at
about nine o’clock, a treat. I was sent to the shop to buy bags of chips, (deep
fried potatoes). Trouble was, this meant coming back up all those stairs in the
dark. I used to whistle tunes loud as I hurried up to the top. My gran used to
laugh. “There is nothing there at night that was not there during the day,” she
said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
My
fear of the dark grew less and less. I was thinking about this as I walked home
last night after meeting and having an ale with my son. He offered to drive me
home, it being dark. I decided to walk. I walked the miles through the forest
in total darkness. I run this path often during the day so I knew it well. How
different it was in the still of the night, when I could see little and only
heard the noise of a bat or an owl. It was a peace that is so different from
any other. I would never have had this pleasure had it not been for my gran who
taught me not to be afraid of things unknown. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
We
often put off doing things, prevaricate because of inner fears. We will do it
when we have done other things; and we have a large list of those. So often we
are missing the wonder of moments unknown. We need to grasp the moment as an
adventure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">So, stop waiting… Until your car or home is paid off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until you get a new car or home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until your kids leave the house. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until you go back to school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until you finish school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until you lose 10 lbs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until you gain 10 lbs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until you get married. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until you get a divorce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until you have kids. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until you retire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until summer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until spring. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until winter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until fall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Until you die.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">There is no better time than right now to have that adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #393939; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><b>This blog is linked to my other. And the painting above is about the
content of this blog.<a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Maze Of Adventure</a></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-10076788537416896282012-10-17T11:55:00.002+01:002019-02-05T07:09:10.079+00:00The Warrior and The Cat<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWW5wZyHuhwhZhLA2ypCuMNLqKo6pS7wiHOPdwmQ9twVQMRe3UFAuhyphenhyphenq_qgJUfmpbQCvFED1TpAec1ucBhltwWPG5ExU3O4rTkCzQ49Qhpx-uEDmSyLVHgO6CZfHaCrDf22DnIxxuWdi0-/s1600/The+Cutting+Edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWW5wZyHuhwhZhLA2ypCuMNLqKo6pS7wiHOPdwmQ9twVQMRe3UFAuhyphenhyphenq_qgJUfmpbQCvFED1TpAec1ucBhltwWPG5ExU3O4rTkCzQ49Qhpx-uEDmSyLVHgO6CZfHaCrDf22DnIxxuWdi0-/s320/The+Cutting+Edge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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How often I am asked the same questions that will be asked of almost everybody who produces artwork. I am sure all who read this know exactly what I mean. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“How do you manage to do that?” usually with the added comment, “I wish I had such talent.” I always feel so humbled when this is said to me, because I know the truth, I have no more talent than those who ask the question.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then there is the question, “How long did it take you to do that?” This question I always find almost impossible to answer. Impossible because I am aware if I only talk about the time I take to put paint onto a canvas it may well trivialise the finished product. But the time the painting has been developing in the inner reaches of the mind are almost impossible to calculate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then there is the question that always comes, when the finished product is an abstract. “Where do you get the ideas to paint those?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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The answer to that question is best answered with the little tale of the warrior and the cat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The great warrior was a marvellous swordsman. One night he came home, he saw a rat near his bed. The rat looked at him ferociously. <o:p></o:p></div>
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He took his sword and tried to kill the rat, but all he managed to do was keep missing it and eventually broke his sword. This is no ordinary rat, he thought. <o:p></o:p></div>
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He spoke to his wife. She looked at him and said, “You fool, you can never kill a rat with a sword bring in the cat.” The cat was a highly trained and famous rat-catching cat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Try as hard as she could the cat failed to catch the rat. The warrior said, “This is too much.” He then visited the king who had the best reputation for catching rats. A highly skilled cat. The king’s cat also failed to catch the rat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The king’s cat said, “What you need is just a plain ordinary cat, not famous cats.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The warrior asked, “What can an ordinary cat do that you cannot do?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The king’s cat said, “Just try. I know this; she does not know a thing. She sleeps all day but she is very mysterious. She knows nothing about the art of rat catching, the technique, or the philosophy. She is just a plain cat, but other cats are very afraid of her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The warrior was not hopeful, but the cat was brought.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She came, and without any skill, caught the rat and brought it out. All the cats gathered together and asked her, “What art?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am a cat and a cat is supposed to catch a rat. That is what I do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>This blog is linked to my other. <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Structured Thinking (Or As Close As I Can Get)</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-19996763382304913942012-10-14T11:36:00.000+01:002012-10-14T11:36:12.639+01:00Things Are Not Always As They Seem.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6vPOM6rXWDn6kEQZJbrSSL5jFqG41sKNbf6Rjzrcq3-U1-rW5V4W-YebAuCs6OgWsL13GbxVFmyvpgN1vEoM1fS-5UvlekH3A1AE7Wh2k7WxadwIMpFQ4qGlwrN81AsorNta27xQuwGX/s1600/The+Categorical+Imperative.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6vPOM6rXWDn6kEQZJbrSSL5jFqG41sKNbf6Rjzrcq3-U1-rW5V4W-YebAuCs6OgWsL13GbxVFmyvpgN1vEoM1fS-5UvlekH3A1AE7Wh2k7WxadwIMpFQ4qGlwrN81AsorNta27xQuwGX/s320/The+Categorical+Imperative.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Categorical Imperative</div>
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Much
of our news broadcasts and newsprint is taken up at present with one story. A
well known DJ who was famous not only for the TV shows he presented but also
for the seemingly good works he did. He raised millions for charity and offered
his personal service in many ways. He was knighted, which put him up there
among the “elite” of society. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
It
now turns out that all the while he was also using his fame to abuse young
girls. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
I
want to say no more about that here, because that is not the purpose of my
blog. I speak of it merely as a reminder that not all things are always as they
seem. In truth so often if something seems to good to be true, you can be sure
it is just that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This
reminds me of the tale of the two travelling angels. One evening they stopped
at the home of a wealthy family. The family treated them rudely and refused to
let them stay in the guest room, instead they had to sleep in a cold basement. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
As
they made their beds on the hard cold floor, the older angel saw a hole in the
wall and repaired it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
When
the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, “things are not always as
they seem.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
next night the two came to rest in the home of a poor family, who treated them
with the greatest of respect. After sharing what little food they had the
angels were allowed to sleep in their bed, where they had a comfortable
night.”Ehen we stayed in the basement I noticed there was loads of gold hidden
in that holein the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and
unwilling to share, I sealed the hole so he would never find it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
next morning they found the couple in tears. Their only cow lay dead in the
field. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
As
the two journeyed on it became obvious the younger one was angry. Eventually
she said, “Why did you let that happen?” “The first man had everything , and
yet you still helped him. The second family had little but were willing to
share, and you let their cow die.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
“Things
are not always as they seem,” said the older. When we stayed in the basement I
noticed there was loads of gold hidden in that hole in the wall. Since the
owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share, I sealed the hole so
he would never find it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Then
last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his
wife. I persuaded her to take the cow instead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Things
are not always as they seem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b>This
blog is linked to my other. <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">The categorical Imperative.</a></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-56994687402009742872012-10-11T11:46:00.000+01:002012-10-11T11:48:14.270+01:00What You really Have.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvtDgnrxSKpCjjFWgwxE42NIyn0In77qBB3ON84cMxlO3d9U9NSO6YX0jso41HHUGsEoPU9xRvSOj4E4OYSM7FjIuJxYGpDDeeC642-Y-l3hpXVLGMUllXJqHfNbhO8nAvhAwiW6Wex-5/s1600/Structured+Thoughts+(+Or+as+Close+As+They+Come).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvtDgnrxSKpCjjFWgwxE42NIyn0In77qBB3ON84cMxlO3d9U9NSO6YX0jso41HHUGsEoPU9xRvSOj4E4OYSM7FjIuJxYGpDDeeC642-Y-l3hpXVLGMUllXJqHfNbhO8nAvhAwiW6Wex-5/s320/Structured+Thoughts+(+Or+as+Close+As+They+Come).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
Structured Thinking ( Or As Close As I Can Get)</div>
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On more than one occasion in the last two weeks or so people have commented on my being quieter than I am normally. Please do not think I am a loud person, but I can be very much a part of a conversation even though I have this difficult voice of mine. In the opinion of many friends I have been a man of few words.</div>
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I suppose I am still feeling the effects of an afternoon I spent during my last venture in the mountains. It was just another afternoon. I had gone running as usual in the morning and now I was heading out for an afternoon walk. What made this walk different was my finding a Buddhist Monastery I had not expected to find, not even knowing of its existence.</div>
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There it was just off the road. It was called, “Paradise,” a name that seemed so appropriate, but not a name given by the Buddhists. This place had been a retreat for coal miners and families before becoming what it was now. It was they who had named it. </div>
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The Buddhist had though, built a magnificent temple in the grounds. I entered, having taken off my boots and sat in the calm and peace. I just sat and thought, realising how much I had missed just such moments. Before I was aware I had been there for over two hours.</div>
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One of things I thought of that afternoon was the tale of the wise woman.</div>
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A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveller who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveller saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveller left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. </div>
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<br /></div>
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"I've been thinking," he said. "I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; margin-left: 36px; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36px;">
Sometimes it's not the wealth you have but what's inside you that others need.<br />
<br />
<b>This blog is linked to my other. <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Structured Thinking</a></b><br />
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Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-37491612019836511122012-09-13T12:32:00.000+01:002012-09-13T12:32:32.408+01:00A Few Things I Should Know. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>382</o:Words> <o:Characters>2182</o:Characters> <o:Company>Ralph Garage Art</o:Company> <o:Lines>18</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2559</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>14.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedetQNXcbUBYTfU6Rj3HIdJSwSZiD-y7bgy9gA56Mqm74iY2X4KhPq8DglyN6nMPv1vnxWGjoiFWYkMdQvrLdSTGG4nI1WSraojLZTAKqEiJzfVLyu-D0w5R9HTaihuXs79-DYsCNtxZa/s1600/Poppy+Abstract..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedetQNXcbUBYTfU6Rj3HIdJSwSZiD-y7bgy9gA56Mqm74iY2X4KhPq8DglyN6nMPv1vnxWGjoiFWYkMdQvrLdSTGG4nI1WSraojLZTAKqEiJzfVLyu-D0w5R9HTaihuXs79-DYsCNtxZa/s320/Poppy+Abstract..JPG" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Poppy Abstract.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">I am always in a great rush. I have been all of my life a person who burns energy like it was going out of fashion. I was giving this some thought this morning as I began to prepare myself for a week of running in the mountains. I love these days but I am also conscious of the fact of the raised level of danger from the normal daily running I do here at home.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">I run in the mornings and walk in the afternoon/early evening then fall into bed exhausted to be ready for the next day. I became very aware of this after reading the blog of Sherry, <a href="http://conservativelybohemian.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Conservatively Bohemian</a>. So I sat down and gave thought, here is the bones of my time of thinking, of what stops me being all I want to be and the artist I dream of being.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think the first thing is this rushing and trying to fit things into something else I am doing. I plan a walk and set out. During the course of the walk I take out my watercolour box and do a painting, but all the time my mind is on the clock and the time I have yet to walk. The end result is a bad walk and a bad painting. I need to learn that when walking I am walking and when painting I am painting. I need to schedule if I want to do both.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">Next. <span lang="EN-US">If we continue to repeat a story in our head, we eventually believe that story and embrace it – whether it empowers us or not. So the question is: Does my story empower me? Do I place my mistakes in my mind; where their weight may crush my current potential. Instead, I must place them under my feet and use them as a platform to view the horizon. I must remember, all things are difficult before they are easy. What matters the most is what I am starting to do now.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US">I also need to stop being s hard on myself. There are plenty of people willing to do that for me. I need to do my best and surrender the rest. Tell my self, “I am doing the best I can with what I have in this moment. And that is all I can expect of anyone, including me.” I need to be proud of everything that I do, even the mistakes. Because even mistakes mean I am trying.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US">Lastly; stop waiting for tomorrow; I will never get today back. It doesn’t matter what I’ve done in the past. It doesn’t matter how low or unworthy I feel right now. The simple fact is that I am alive and that makes me worthy. Life is too short for excuses. I have to; Stop settling. Stop procrastinating. Start today by taking one courageous step forward. If I am not sure exactly which way to go, it is always wise to follow my heart.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US"><b>This blog is linked to my blog</b> <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Poppy Abstract</a></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-4513846131241283952012-09-10T14:28:00.000+01:002012-09-10T14:28:05.523+01:00A Drop of Water. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>333</o:Words> <o:Characters>1902</o:Characters> <o:Company>Ralph Garage Art</o:Company> <o:Lines>15</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2231</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>14.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCvht1Qu7D3NrPslzUxq0Koflv9d9Poe1S_RS3M_QzE9PcNUqpqNh94DFqlHnxZTLHVDymoNKLcVIuzP4xxIxnQ1jzGbFdaG4VtbFhc7nDvw2LkMng0jt9yic7NZwOpEF-jCQSpZsbm4u/s1600/Floral+Abstract..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCvht1Qu7D3NrPslzUxq0Koflv9d9Poe1S_RS3M_QzE9PcNUqpqNh94DFqlHnxZTLHVDymoNKLcVIuzP4xxIxnQ1jzGbFdaG4VtbFhc7nDvw2LkMng0jt9yic7NZwOpEF-jCQSpZsbm4u/s320/Floral+Abstract..JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Floral Abstract.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">We have just taken delivery of a further two bins in our armoury of rubbish (garbage) disposal system. What used to the bin we used for paper and cardboard has now become the landfill bin, half the size of the original landfill bin. We have been given a new bin for plastic and metal cans. The bin we had for garden refuse now takes food waste from the kitchen and we have a little kitchen waste bin in which to collect it. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">If nothing else this new regime has caused much discussion. “What are we gonna dae wi ah thae bins.” I do not have time to sort out all that stuff before putting it in separate bins.” “When that landfill bin is full I will just take the rest down the road and dump it.” These are some of the negative responses. I have tried to embrace the new regime<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"> and do as best I can to keep the waste going to landfill sites to a minimum.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">Sometimes the debating gets to a wider level. Which country per person produces the most waste? If every country created as much how long could we survive?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">As part of my teaching material and examination papers I prepared for Scottish schools, the environment was one of my topics, so I am loving the raised interest in the whole subject. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">Here is an interesting thought for all those who say they do not care, or have given it little thought. Those who say the planet will survive. I am 100% sure the planet will survive, it always has. But it has evolved in its survival and if we continue to act as we do in our concern for it, it may survive but by leaving humanity out of the process.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US">A Zen master named Gisan asked a young student to bring him a pail of water to cool his bath.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US">The student brought the water and, after cooling the bath, threw on to the ground the little that was left over.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US">“You dunce!” the master scolded him. “Why didn’t you give the rest of the water to the plants? What right have you to waste even a drop of water in this temple?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US">The young student attained Zen in that instant. He changed his name to Tekisui, which means a drop of water.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US">We who paint because we are inspired by the beauty of nature should hold our concern for the planet like a feather in the palm of our hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US">This is the way of Tao. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US"><b>This blog is linked to my other. <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Floral Abstract.</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-38369197339060489052012-08-31T11:50:00.003+01:002012-08-31T12:05:13.037+01:00Chasing Happiness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>298</o:Words> <o:Characters>1699</o:Characters> <o:Company>Ralph Garage Art</o:Company> <o:Lines>14</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>1994</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>14.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0bml902cm1Z69btkABgEz7VbELV08Tsw0JG7h4feZmbGnjbEcZsp7wH8y7Otz9t6Dpyce6q1IKxsN6JyUY-FkDnd7mU7XN08v1kqqZP7QcvZw2F__y-OfP7w6bMGz_LUVN7rrTAzUYCS/s1600/DSCF3403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0bml902cm1Z69btkABgEz7VbELV08Tsw0JG7h4feZmbGnjbEcZsp7wH8y7Otz9t6Dpyce6q1IKxsN6JyUY-FkDnd7mU7XN08v1kqqZP7QcvZw2F__y-OfP7w6bMGz_LUVN7rrTAzUYCS/s320/DSCF3403.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Isle of Iona</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">I found myself involved in a very heavy conversation two days ago, and I am still mulling over the parts of that conversation today. The conversation took place between two people I know well, a stranger, from Ireland, and myself.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">It started like most conversations, light hearted and of little consequence but quickly it turned to the more serious matters of life. We broke all the rules, never discuss politics or religion with people you do not know. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">The topics covered included both but I suppose what caught my thought the most was the question I am so often asked, where can you find happiness. The Irishman asked me that question after an interesting question about faith and belief. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">I now realise I gave very much my standard answer to the question and he seemed happy with the answer. The trouble is, it nagged at me for ages later, and is still there nagging away. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">Most people who know me tell me they see me as one who is content and happy. The truth is that I have been far from happy for over a month and more. What people have been getting is not what is in the tin. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">So I have been looking again at what I think happiness is and where it is to be found. Here are my most up to date musings.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b>Happiness is Tolerance. </b>If you become a member of the perfectionist club, be ready to live a life of disappointment often offended and lonely.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b>Happiness is not the absence of pain. </b>There is no such thing as a pain free life. In fact emotional pain is a useful life tool that alerts you to a mismatch between values and your environment.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Happiness is an association. </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you want to be happy associate with happy people.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Happiness is not in fact a pursuit. </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Forget about chasing happiness and you will indeed become happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Happiness is a state of mind. </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Regardless of your goals in life or where you are going, you can choose to travel your life’s journey happy or unhappy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Others can invite you to feel miserable you do not need to accept the invitation.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This blog is linked to my other. <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Isle of Iona</a></span></b></div><!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-46990749066306092002012-08-13T12:11:00.000+01:002012-08-13T12:11:02.426+01:00Sadness and Joy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FunogFWMP4auI254EJtUy029xESXLb3JYLtP3TPw3t1dehRKYNSVG7b-A1I3fnJJeB6HLeWJ0xvFz7Mg9Hi-mB0ZtAAJSHkjFC67s9U7KeiD1rxUM38iVjX7lY6nX-Ac6rfwVv1LKpHN/s1600/DSCF3380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FunogFWMP4auI254EJtUy029xESXLb3JYLtP3TPw3t1dehRKYNSVG7b-A1I3fnJJeB6HLeWJ0xvFz7Mg9Hi-mB0ZtAAJSHkjFC67s9U7KeiD1rxUM38iVjX7lY6nX-Ac6rfwVv1LKpHN/s320/DSCF3380.JPG" width="263" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along The Firebreak</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I find it strange that more and more I recall the things my father said to me as I walked with him. Strange in the sense that I remember it so clearly now and yet I might not have remembered those words a few months ago or even during the majority of my youth. Somebody said it was an age thing, but I sure do not want to believe that. I think it may just be that I have been running a route I have not travelled in years, but walked regularly with my father.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This morning there was a light rain, the kind that makes the hedges and bushes smell fresh. The sounds of birds as they get back to a life of some normality as young fledglings begin to really leave the nest and venture forth. My father frequently said to me, ”Stop chattering and just listen and let nature give you some answers.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I write this I had a moment of clarity, I have said similar things to so many people down the years and never ever asked why. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This all reminds me of the story of the old man taking his daily walk. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With bent shoulders he set out each day to walk his few miles. On the days when it rained he carried his furled umbrella, seldom if ever bothering to unfurl it, preferring to feel the rain on his balding head. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He came to a place in the road where there were a number of rocky stairs which he climbed with determination and care. At the top of the steps there was a carved pot with a cut bamboo pole to direct clear spring water into the pot. Here he would pause and enjoy the sweet taste of the spring.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then he would pause for a moment, bending his ear, like an attentive student. He would listen, with joy on his face to the confluence of sounds; the pitter-patter of the rain on the leaves, the gurgle of the flowing water. There in the sounds was a sense, a precise mix of melancholy and joy that make life exquisite to live. “There is sadness and beauty in all around. When you can fully understand that and hear nature sign to you, you will no longer be a boy but a man my friend.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is this we artists try to capture.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>This blog is linked to my other. <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Along The Firebreak</a></b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 357.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> <span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-37998371069485582312012-08-05T10:30:00.000+01:002012-08-05T10:30:58.136+01:00Chasing Meaningless Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawx6x5P9zqtD10yVC1-j4WKuCoOI8sLjU5hzQcXtlEVs3jzpyp6KSc25yxfh8dDKjCAmF_XaIxI25IzUKcLthXCyqJ7ZpjELzVvMpCKQm9HuIHAOdMUL0YYv8IgjWRtJPV8BtBkmAvpyM/s1600/Homeward+Bound.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawx6x5P9zqtD10yVC1-j4WKuCoOI8sLjU5hzQcXtlEVs3jzpyp6KSc25yxfh8dDKjCAmF_XaIxI25IzUKcLthXCyqJ7ZpjELzVvMpCKQm9HuIHAOdMUL0YYv8IgjWRtJPV8BtBkmAvpyM/s320/Homeward+Bound.JPG" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Homeward Bound.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">While out running and walking I so often feel at one with nature. Unlike my son and daughter I never take an mp3 player with me while running, not only because I like to be aware of the traffic and other possible dangers, I prefer to hear the sounds of birds and animals, and the moments of silence.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">Recently my clash with nature has not always been a looked forward to experience. About half a mile from where I live, just before I leave the village behind and head out to the countryside, I have been having a frightening two or three hundred yards. Sitting on the rooftops there are two seagulls, almost as if sitting in wait. As I run past they give me a number of lowing flying attacks. Sometimes they Passover my head within inches of me, screaming as they do so. I mean them no harm, not that they know it, but it just all seems like a terrible waste of energy on their part. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">I was considering this meaningless gesture when I saw a dog feverishly chasing its tail, round and round. This reminded me of the dog that lived in one of the previous places I lived. It sat at the end of the drive into the house where its owner stayed. Every time a car or vehicle passed it chased it as fast as it could for a good hundred yards up the road. I remember saying to the owner, “Do you think your dog will ever get fit enough to catch one of those cars? “<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">He smiled and replied, “That is not what bothers me. What really bothers me is what he would do if he ever did catch one.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">I smile when I remember that little dog running and barking in its endless and meaningless pursuit. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">But these are not the only meaningless actions that can be seen day in and day out. We all at some time have pursued meaningless goals, and wasted precious time getting nowhere and doing nothing much. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">The great sage once said, <i>“To live a meaningful life, choose meaningful goals.! “</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">Now I hear the many people who on a regular basis ask me the question, “Why on earth do you get up at 6am and go running?’ <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">Have a great day.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b>This blog is linked to my other. <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Homeward Bound.</a></b><o:p></o:p></div>Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-53916476572603631882012-07-23T12:12:00.000+01:002012-07-23T12:12:53.705+01:00You Can Sometimes Try To Hard.<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz_5NfrHCYpD9oL-wM0MVGI6qjGW3awjhRzHUh5pAwu0mohHxh8SjBu2EnyvwJbTB07kfxz3QOZd1ln3TKSqY4SRJpTmf9LeZZHVkUvQIGbAZT3rxjRy_DGBqhwBmWaJgGyLewhD-H2Vm/s1600/DSCF3360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz_5NfrHCYpD9oL-wM0MVGI6qjGW3awjhRzHUh5pAwu0mohHxh8SjBu2EnyvwJbTB07kfxz3QOZd1ln3TKSqY4SRJpTmf9LeZZHVkUvQIGbAZT3rxjRy_DGBqhwBmWaJgGyLewhD-H2Vm/s320/DSCF3360.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Scottish Landscape</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">We Scots have a long history blighted by what we call our Presbyterian streak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the wonderful ability of being able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and always putting ourselves down. We are never good enough. As a nation we feel unable to stand on our own two feet and for some reason feel sure that without the help of the rest of the UK we would flounder. This is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spite of our long and wonderful history of invention and making strides forward possible for humanity possible in so many ways. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">On the level of personal human beings we have a tendency to act the same way. I can remember the many times when I was proud of some achievement for it to be pointed out to me that I could have done even better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a parent I once or twice found myself almost falling into the same trap with my children, fortunately not so often that it has effected them. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">I am very aware of these traits in my own makeup. I never felt that I was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a great preacher, and was always aware of the few pews in the church that were empty rather than the 900 that were filled. I never felt I was as good a teacher as I might have been in spite of the exam results of my students saying otherwise. I have never painted a picture that I am happy with in spite of so many sales. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">There is a wonderful tale Lao Tzu and some of his followers. One they travelling together along a road through what used to be a large forest. The woodcutters had cut down all the trees except for one large tree which they were all sitting under having lunch. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">Lao Tzu asked his disciples to go and enquire if this last tree was also to be cut down, and if not why not. When they asked the cutters they were told that it would not be because it was totally useless. They were told it was no use for furniture because it branches were not straight enough. It was no use for firewood because it contained to many knots and twists and so would cause more smoke than heat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why it has been left standing.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">When the disciples returned and reported back to Lao Tzu he smiled and said, “Be like this tree. If you are useful you will be cut down and become somebody’s furniture. If you are beautiful you will be sold as a commodity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if like this tree your are useless you can be what you are and look at all those who are enjoying sitting under its shade.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">It is better to be as good as you can be rather than have to be continually telling yourself how useless you are.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b>This blog is linked to my other where I discuss the artwork used here. <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">A Scottish Landscape</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-_9EkOaCv3ZMrDU9e3BKiJLcktxKucm1qZ5F78CAwE9kCWYlBXFZsw8soEcJ969MBlWP4lUdkWCEQOYBzL0rO9jWlXVYtmwuXfzNrzR9Qu29WeNcXN8rqAdpYk20Ajbl7Udbcj-14t8o/s1600/Poppies+of+France.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-_9EkOaCv3ZMrDU9e3BKiJLcktxKucm1qZ5F78CAwE9kCWYlBXFZsw8soEcJ969MBlWP4lUdkWCEQOYBzL0rO9jWlXVYtmwuXfzNrzR9Qu29WeNcXN8rqAdpYk20Ajbl7Udbcj-14t8o/s320/Poppies+of+France.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Poppies in France</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I watched an interesting programme on the television about people who have serious arthritis, a debilitating illness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Years of running up and down mountains has meant that I am one of those very unlucky people who suffer daily the pain that comes with. I cannot complain of course, I chose to run up mountains and incur broken bones and such. No matter how much advice I was given I continued and still do. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">This programme was about an experiment that had been carried out. Two groups of people had be selected both very similar in structure and severity of illness. One group continued with medication alone, while the other group was given a gym membership and a schedule of exercise. The exercise was not strenuous but regular. After a six month period the initial testing was carried out again. It was no surprise for me to learn that those who had been on the exercise regime were now using less medication and suffering less pain than those who had just carried on with medication and pain relief.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">I tell you this because yesterday in the course of the day I met three people who commented on my stupid practice of running every day, their words not mine. Each of them went on to tell me that because of the pain they had they could not do it.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">I read a story of two oncologists, talking about a similar test. One complained bitterly, "You know, Bob, I just don't understand it. We used the same drugs, the same dosage, the same schedule and the same entry criteria. Yet I got a 22 percent response rate and you got a 74 percent. That's unheard of for metastatic cancer. How do you do it?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">His colleague replied, "We're both using Etoposide, Platinum, Oncovin and Hydroxyurea. You call yours EPOH.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell my patients I'm giving them, Hydroxyurea, Oncovin Platinum and Hydroxyurea and I call it “HOPE.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As dismal as the statistics are, I emphasize that we have a chance."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">I rejoice in the many friends I have met here in blogging who have such an attitude and persevere creating marvelous work, some under much pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">It is all a matter of attitude and of course HOPE. I am off to take two painkillers and run my morning eight miles run. Have a great day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><b>This blog is linked to my other.<a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Poppies in France</a></b></span><o:p></o:p></div><!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-66942038928233900262012-05-02T07:54:00.001+01:002012-05-02T07:54:39.869+01:00Creating Opportunity<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9DVo7d9SzLeBN5Rk90INrhQQzWNVyrMq3AgJziQu1TAyYjJHJxYjb0HLEd3mrINZjJqZ0vuFLKPFFTpDhEoulckvFE9GV381iyvp4C98HIOiUo2ej93uxszANyuldcRf9FU42mueheGN/s1600/DSCF2945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9DVo7d9SzLeBN5Rk90INrhQQzWNVyrMq3AgJziQu1TAyYjJHJxYjb0HLEd3mrINZjJqZ0vuFLKPFFTpDhEoulckvFE9GV381iyvp4C98HIOiUo2ej93uxszANyuldcRf9FU42mueheGN/s320/DSCF2945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Warriors Head Out</div>
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<br /></div>
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Before
I begin this blog let me apologise to my readers. I normally make sure that my
blog has a little something that can be taken away by most people. Today I have
one person in mind as I write. A dear friend has what we in Scotland call a
chip of feeling inadequate on her shoulder. Or simply a chip on her shoulder
that she is just not good enough. This is for that friend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">An enterprising and </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">successful</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> person
is one who comes across a pile of scrap metal and sees the making of a
wonderful sculpture. An enterprising person is one who drives through an old
decrepit part of town and sees the ideal spot to place that creation. An
enterprising person is one who sees opportunity in all areas of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">To be enterprising is to keep your eyes open and your
mind active. It's to be skilled enough, confident enough, creative enough and
disciplined enough to seize opportunities that present themselves... regardless
of the economy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">A person with an enterprising attitude says,
"Find out what you can before action is taken." Do your homework. Do
the research. Be prepared. Be resourceful. Do all you can in preparation of
what's to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Enterprising people always see the future in the
present. Enterprising people always find a way to take advantage of a
situation, not be burdened by it. And enterprising people aren't lazy. They
don't wait for opportunities to come to them they go after the opportunities.
Enterprise means always finding a way to keep yourself actively working toward
your ambition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Enterprise is two things. The first is creativity. You
need creativity to see what's out there and to shape it to your advantage. You
need creativity to look at the world a little differently. You need creativity
to take a different approach, to be different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What goes hand-in-hand with the creativity of
enterprise is the second requirement: the courage to be creative. You need
courage to see things differently, courage to go against the crowd, courage to
take a different approach, courage to stand alone if you have to, and courage
to choose activity over inactivity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">And lastly, being enterprising doesn't just relate to
the ability to make money, in fact it often has nothing to do with money. Being
enterprising also means feeling good enough about yourself, having enough self
worth to want to seek advantages and opportunities that will make a difference
in your future. And by doing so you will increase your confidence, your
courage, you’re creativity and your self-worth, your enterprising nature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">There
are always many people who invite you to feel miserable, always remember you do
not have to accept the invitation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<o:p>This blog is linked to my other: <a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/">The Warriors Head Out</a> </o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252122811035264254.post-42718799561451093432012-04-12T09:14:00.000+01:002012-04-12T09:14:32.810+01:00You Cannot Just Blame The World.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>301</o:Words> <o:Characters>1722</o:Characters> <o:Company>Ralph Garage Art</o:Company> <o:Lines>14</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2019</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>14.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yuB0bfenH6FZKMbPj05w0XAqVGVDVwBL9tueVIbRjpe9UIiScTUgzoefuF-vEqXYko_vmeNrZUQKPzceEHhzkE4X8DqhNY4KVe_TrVx7HjVhEhahaAAqdZDutb9D__d-EbIXKr2A7riq/s1600/The+Warrior+Watches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yuB0bfenH6FZKMbPj05w0XAqVGVDVwBL9tueVIbRjpe9UIiScTUgzoefuF-vEqXYko_vmeNrZUQKPzceEHhzkE4X8DqhNY4KVe_TrVx7HjVhEhahaAAqdZDutb9D__d-EbIXKr2A7riq/s320/The+Warrior+Watches.JPG" width="262" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Warrior Watches</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">I really hope that I did not give the impression that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was being picked on because that was not my intention. I am sure that every artist I have ever talked to has had the same experience of people pointing out the little errors rather than concentrating on the good aspects. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">I was always aware that if I was to be a good teacher then I would be if I always aimed to make sure that every student who ever left my desk left feeling good about themselves and the work that they produced. I also hoped that in that process they learned what could be sorted and some of the things that they needed to look at. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">I learned this from my mother and father. No matter what I ever achieved my mother always asked why I had not done better. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember getting my annual report card which stated that I was the second top pupil in the class of 32, I was so proud. On taking the report card home my mother asked who was top and why had I not beaten her. My father on the other hand was always ready with the praise, he was the one who said, “well done.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">This reminded me of the story of the king who went on a journey round his realm. After weeks of walking <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he returned to his palace. When asked by his counsellor about his journey all he could talk about was his painful feet caused by the long journey and the terrible roads of his kingdom. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">He gathered together his court and ordered that all the roads of the kingdom be covered in leather, this he said would make them easier to walk and travel on. The court began immediately to work out what the cost of this would be and how many cows would have to be slaughtered to make it possible.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">It was at this stage that the wise man came to the king and suggested that rather than that would it not be better to cut two pieces of leather and put them on his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wise thought and a much simpler task and easily achievable.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If we are going to change the world the best place to begin is with ourselves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">This blog is linked to my other.<a href="http://ralph-theartofataoist.blogspot.co.uk/">The Warrior Watches</a><o:p></o:p></b></div><!--EndFragment-->Ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02099161160886274555noreply@blogger.com0