Well said. Being in the second half of life, as they say, I find myself leaning on music, books, and making to fill gaps in what time I have left. We live in tricky times with social media replacing eye-contact conversations. Next-day delivery replaces interacting with store employees. (Excusing me one sec. “Hey kid, get off my lawn!”) Sorry. I seem to have crashed my own pity party.
The second half of your essay, on solidarity, is the whole reason I post anything - to feel like I’m a part of something larger. And to top that feeling of belonging, people actually take time to look at my efforts and often, provide some feedback. The generosity you mention is super important so social media doesn’t just feel like a lame warm shower. I love how I see a nice mix of simple “nice work” and honest feedback.
Bob! This is such a wonderful reflection! thank you so much for sharing it! Your second paragraph hits so close to home for me. It’s the sharing of work that really keeps me inspired and motivated, it’s integral to everything I do. Thanks again my friend!
This is a lovely meditation on the origins of collage and indeed creativity. I especially resonated with your line: "this is what touches me, does it touch you too?" It's such a vulnerable question, because we know that many times, it doesn't, and we just have to keep on making bridges and offering them up anyway. Many thanks!
Thank you Hannah! “It's such a vulnerable question” - Yes! I’m so glad you felt that and picked up on it. that’s exactly what it is. A voluntary exposure of our own tender truths hoping to find purchase in another person. You’re right, we very well know that what we share will not always be felt, that what reaches us will not always reach another. But you build the bridge regardless so that there will always be a place for others to find their way.
There are so many beautiful lines in this, Duane. I love it! I've read it a few times and each time a new sentence lands. I really think our portals to beauty are the key. The seeing of it, noticing I suppose, but really allowing ourselves to see it then, the experience of that .... and if we're lucky we can share it with others. Finding 'the others', that's important too! I'll end with this beauty;
'It’s where we open ourselves to the world and find a way to have a love affair with it. It’s the moment we realize that we born to build bridges...'
Your connection is strong, Duane. Thank you for being here and sharing all of this.
Thank YOU for being a part of it! And for always sharing your curiosity and experimenting. It’s inspiring!
That's super nice coming from you. You continue to bring oodles of inspiration my way. Good times!
Any time!
Well said. Being in the second half of life, as they say, I find myself leaning on music, books, and making to fill gaps in what time I have left. We live in tricky times with social media replacing eye-contact conversations. Next-day delivery replaces interacting with store employees. (Excusing me one sec. “Hey kid, get off my lawn!”) Sorry. I seem to have crashed my own pity party.
The second half of your essay, on solidarity, is the whole reason I post anything - to feel like I’m a part of something larger. And to top that feeling of belonging, people actually take time to look at my efforts and often, provide some feedback. The generosity you mention is super important so social media doesn’t just feel like a lame warm shower. I love how I see a nice mix of simple “nice work” and honest feedback.
Thanks for the brain food.
Bob! This is such a wonderful reflection! thank you so much for sharing it! Your second paragraph hits so close to home for me. It’s the sharing of work that really keeps me inspired and motivated, it’s integral to everything I do. Thanks again my friend!
This is a lovely meditation on the origins of collage and indeed creativity. I especially resonated with your line: "this is what touches me, does it touch you too?" It's such a vulnerable question, because we know that many times, it doesn't, and we just have to keep on making bridges and offering them up anyway. Many thanks!
Thank you Hannah! “It's such a vulnerable question” - Yes! I’m so glad you felt that and picked up on it. that’s exactly what it is. A voluntary exposure of our own tender truths hoping to find purchase in another person. You’re right, we very well know that what we share will not always be felt, that what reaches us will not always reach another. But you build the bridge regardless so that there will always be a place for others to find their way.
Elegantly articulated as always and much to identify with.
"… the desire of every only child - to belong"
(Dyer Looking at Photographs p123)
What a gorgeous line! So poignant! Thank you!
And yours is a bridge I can rest within as I cross.
Damn it, that So beautifully said Carrie! Thank you! <3 <3
There are so many beautiful lines in this, Duane. I love it! I've read it a few times and each time a new sentence lands. I really think our portals to beauty are the key. The seeing of it, noticing I suppose, but really allowing ourselves to see it then, the experience of that .... and if we're lucky we can share it with others. Finding 'the others', that's important too! I'll end with this beauty;
'It’s where we open ourselves to the world and find a way to have a love affair with it. It’s the moment we realize that we born to build bridges...'
Thank you so much Síodhna! “our portals to beauty” - that is stunning! So palpable and accurate! that encapsulates it perfectly! Thank you again!