It’s been a long time since I read the amazing works of Shel Silverstein(yep, he of the Where the Sidewalk Ends magic and more). I’m not even sure where my copies of his books are at. Surfing around, I came across one of my favorite poems of his and thought that I’d gush about it here. Needless to say, this particular poem is a favorite of a lot of people for obvious reasons.
This brief moment in time is for all the dreamers out there. There are a lot of us whose heads are full of stardust and fantasy, which is as it should be. For without the magic and the nonsensical creativity that is dormant within us all, we would not have the amazing moments of sheer wonder on which we all thrive. Because dreams are the doorways into a world that is just waiting to be set free, just so that it can see what we would do with all of the magic it carries. Writers like Shel…heck, every creative person out there turns reality into something joyful and heartfelt. And we all know that we can use a whole lot more of that.
Keep breathing life into whatever fantasy that tantalizes you. Those fantasies are the food for your mind, heart, and soul. And they can move the smallest and the largest if they’re given a chance.
As usual, Reddit finds another crazy video. It’s what they’re good at, and this video is no exception.
Most people won’t venture out into crazy seas in the middle of a storm. And we all know that Florida was right smack in the middle of the storm. But some people just really got a high (accidental pun) off of their favorite sport – like wind surfing. Take a look at this short video showing one ballsy wind surfer as he takes on Mother Nature…and a pier.
Guess who one? Nope, not nature or the pier. Amazingly enough, he did. Now that’s windy!
And my trek through some more favorite blogs brought me back to Eye Candy where I found this gorgeous image called “L’Elégante au chapeau” by Jean-Gabriel Domergue. I’ve always loved pin-up art, but I had never heard of this French artist whose work reminds me of my favorite Rococo painter, Francois Boucher. As his site states, Domergue became the painter of the “Parisian lady”, who he must have loved since he made over 3,000 portraits (now that’s prolific). This statement from his sight says it all about his melodious style:
“The female figure became airy, sparkling and effervescent like Champagne bubbles laying the ground in his own way for the feminine revolution which began in the next decades.”
– thanks again to Eye Candy for always finding such amazing artists
So, I haven’t visited some of my favorite food blogs in a while, and I’ve been missing out. One thing that you have to say about food lovers and cooks is that they do have an eye for beauty (and the unusual). In this case, the unusual took the shape of a cake inspired by Tim Burton. This mesmerizing homage was filmed by Alexandre DUBOSC, using a hauntingly delectable masterpiece as a Caketrope (the edible version of a zoetrope). It might be a short film, but it is absoutely gorgeous to watch as the transitions unveil a new perspective to the motion cake. Though, it was probably also a short film because the cake looked really, really inviting! What a fun creation and a perfect tribute to our much-loved master of the dark and cuddly.
Now we’re even baking Burton, an added dimension to his work .
– thanks to dessert girl for sharing this on her blog (which is also gorgeous and tasty)
Have you ever had a conversation that just got so depressing that you had to change the subject? Only because you were exhausted with explaining your thoughts to those who won’t see your side. When it happens with someone close, it hurts that much more. It makes you wonder why you think so differently from so many others.
Why are some of us not as worried about ourselves as we are about humans as a collective?
What are the experiences that changed your thought process?
Why is it that you look at the world differently?
Why is it ok to NOT worry about long term repercussions of tunnel-visioned global decisions?
Why must we split up people into categories without admitting that every human hurt alike?
What is it going to take to stop this dangerous spiral into extinction we’re experiencing?
How do you answer the questions that a more inexperienced generation is smart enough to ask? You know the conversations that we should be having, but aren’t, because we’re too busy making sure that we follow biased and flawed legislation. Things like indefinite detention, institutional protectionism, or drone assassinations, or cyberwarfare by governments, or hidden negotiations to protect profiteering, or the approval of intolerance, or… there are just too many horrid examples coming to life all over the world.
I can’t help but be thankful that the people of this world are becoming more closely related everyday (whether they like it or not). Separations are closing because bridges have finally been crossed in the name of hope, love, and acceptance. Maybe it will help this devolution that this world is stuck in. Maybe it will force people to realize that life is much more important than things. Maybe people will start to think more about tomorrow then they do about today. Maybe the majority will grow a heart and a conscience.
Here’s a recent case of blind injustice that is being perpetrated by the US in the name of commercial protectionism. The frightening aspect of this case is that it is happening to a non-US citizen, which is opening the eyes of the world…again. Something definitely is wrong with the governments of the world. And it’s all tied to a simple cause: money. Fortunately, there are more people who understand the real repercussions of this case and so many others just like it:
“A generation for whom the net is not a ‘new’ technology are being hung out by an older generation of lawmakers who do not understand the new reality of the connected digital planet.” – Tom Watson on Richard O’Dwyer
Sometimes I wonder how so many people who believe in change have the strength to continue against the never-ending injustices in this world. I hear that they feel the same way that I do. The daily news makes it hard to keep believing, and yet they rise up each time a small piece of good news arises. It really is hard to give up on hope, isn’t it?
And here’s a bit of that hope from Two Door Cinema Club singing This is the Life:
Just a little bit of light, because we all have to hang in there and work on stopping the injustices. And that takes positivity in every form that we can find.
Piccsy had this really good reminder that sometimes we need to do more than fix something that’s broken. I don’t know how anyone else feels, but looking around at our world, it really does seem to be the better approach. Our world is in a world of mess that no one in charge wants to change, much less fix. War, bigotry, non-communication, and too many -isms has led to us looking over the edge of the abyss. But it doesn’t have to be this way if we choose to move past it all. If those in charge won’t help move positive change to the forefront, then it’s up to each on of us to move past those who only build gates in every aspect of society. We don’t need any more gates. We need more bridges.
So, here’s the thought for the day: Sometimes it really is better to start with a clean slate and build something better.
So, Reddit brought out an awesome music link that I would have never expected: Ukuleles. Considering that I spent a few years living in Hawaii when my dad was in the Navy, I’m totally familiar with this sweet little instrument. However, I missed some really good singers that love this instrument (which I took them for granted since they were everywhere). No, I’m not talking about the music of Don Ho, because as beloved as he was (sorry to all you fans), you can only listen to Tiny Bubbles so many times before you lose it.
The wonders of the Ukulele, the traditional instrument of Hawaii, can be found in humorous songs as well as melancholic songs. The purity of 4 simple strings that emit such a cascade of emotions when they are strummed and plucked is an experience to be shared. I remember learning to play the Uke while in school, as well as learning to hula and also play with many other traditional Islander “toys” (like the awesomely fun Poi Balls – sometimes with fire). It was a fun place to be a kid!
Now Reddit has managed to find an incredible singer (or two), Austin, who manages to pair the Goo Goo Dolls with a Ukulele. Needless to say, he’s got an amazing voice, so enjoy:
Of course, you can’t not listen to this legend of the Ukulele:
IZ (aka Israel Kamakawiwo’ole) – Somewhere Over The Rainbow (with tear-jerking tribute at end)
I thought that this would be a beautiful start to a new week. At least it’ll be relaxing, right? Check out both of these incredible singers’ sites to enjoy more of their music. You’ll be glad that you did!
– Mahalo to Reddit and to Hawaii for letting me remember some beautiful memories!
This iconic image was taken in 1925 (actually it was recreated after the real event ended), showing a policeman who had stopped busy city traffic so that a mother cat could carry her kittens across the street. The photographer was Harry Warnecke, and the locale was New York City.
Do you remember when we used to do these shows of kindness to animals as well as to one another? Fortunately, social media is proving that we still have this kindness deep within each of us. It just takes moments like this that move us towards helpful action.
I stumbled on this idea on Twitter and absolutely love the idea as a fellow Internet fanatic. Kevin Kelly came up with the idea to see how others viewed the Internet in their heads. The Internet Mapping Project does exactly as it say: Kevin wants you to submit your ideas on how you would map the Internet that you surf. All you need to do is download the blank PDF that he provides, fill in your idea and details, and send it back to him via email. He’s already got a collection started which you can view on Flickr. Go take a look and then submit your own drawing of the Internet map. It’s going to be interesting to compare everyone’s ideas on such an amorphous treasure chest that has changed our lives as we know them.
Maybe once we understand just how much information about ourselves that this digital domain contains, then maybe we’ll understand why we need to protect it from those who want to abuse it.
I saw these light bulb oil lamps (I believe they’re by Sergio Silva) on Reddit, and thought that they were an incredible reuse of old light bulbs. In addition, the irony of using new tech to recreate the old tech of lighting is irresistible. It seems pretty straightforward to make (the ones in the image cost $650?!), but just in case, I managed to find a pretty thorough instructional video by benbrundage88. So, here it is:
I know that I want to make a few of these! This is what seeing the light really means… ha ha. Great light bulb creation that doesn’t need electricity to work. Or a large bank account…
Our censorship fight with the US Congress is far from over, as they continue to attempt to break the Internet with legislations driven by crony capitalism in the US and abroad. Though SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act) have been pulled back for now, more continue to follow them. Now, we have to contend with ACTA(more) and TPP(2), which are international attempts to censor and control the Internet for the sake of commerce. And if that's not enough, now there's CISPA (more).
Go to EFF.org to keep up with the legal news that impacts our world and its technology. The greed won't stop, so we have to stay vigilant as well. Especially now that lobbyists are admitting out loud that they expect to be rewarded for their "contributions": Read it on TorrentFreak
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I want to thank all of my visitors who are taking the time to leave such inspiring and thoughtful comments. I'm glad that I'm able to connect with so many of you through my writing. This blog is all about things that drive my creative inspirations, and all of you are part of that inspiration. So, thanks for your support. I look forward to getting to know you better throughout this creative journey.
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