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Cave Buckner's avatar

Duane, I hope you are collecting these essays with the associated collages for what people call a "Substack book." Yes, they can be cast to the wind and those wonderful thoughts will shimmer into the universe, but I think they could be best-selling books of inspiration. Life requires grit, sober reality and encouragement. Really, each essay speaks everybody's heart language—not too esoteric, and coming from a real center of love and wisdom. Thank you!

Duane Toops's avatar

Thanks so much, Cave! I’ve been toying with the thought of putting together a book at some point, but I just haven’t quite landed on how I’d want to do it yet. I really appreciate the encouragement. I’ll keep giving it some thought and see what i can come up with. Thanks again!

Michael J Gillette's avatar

Brilliant, Duane. The idea that beauty is primordial is spot on. It can be found in earth's landscapes and in the galaxies across the fabric of time as much as it is found in the faces of the people you love and in acts of pure kindness. It is our language for the wonder that can be found within any thread of existence, and yet, there is really no language for what 'it' is. Phew....ok...I'm going to go eat a snack now.

Duane Toops's avatar

Yes! That’s Exactly it! We tend to think of beauty as something that comes after. Something that follows. After structures. After systems. After things have stabilized and settled. After duties have been met and obligations filled. But i think it’s something far more elemental. Something foundational. Something from which everything else emerges. Enjoy the snack!

Manuela Thames's avatar

I am in love with the third collage "the answer to human problems". I think I might have to purchase that one. It is so good and beautiful.

Duane Toops's avatar

Oh thank you so much, Manuela! That was one of the first collages I made after I got back from Kolaj fest a few weeks ago. It’s kind of a special one in that way, but it is still available, lol. Thanks again!

Anxious Frank's avatar

Thank you, again.

I’m thinking about when a child smiles at you, when you see strangers helping each other, or when things work out. How beauty can warm you, and maybe provide a simple reminder that it all doesn’t suck.

Duane Toops's avatar

Gorgeous examples!! Thanks so much for that! That’s exactly it!

Vanessa's avatar

Love

This

Duane Toops's avatar

Thank you Vanessa!