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Ann Collins's avatar

Equal parts monastic and romantic--a vow of stability. This one goes deep, Duane.

Thank you for the index card challenge info, I could go down that rabbit hole and disappear. I hope you keep posting what you create.

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Duane Toops's avatar

You've described it so perfectly! Thank you for that! I think that intersection of monasticism and romanticism is the fulcrum of my work. Hope you enjoy the index card stuff!

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Ann Collins's avatar

A fulcrum! For sure. I think it's so helpful to see the fulcrum--the tool--that can move your creative work forward in a way that feels true for you.

years ago, I became drawn to the idea of calling and having a monastic lens on life reflecting certain qualities like simplicity, devotion and service. Then I began to ask: What’s missing? I also craved a poetic, more abundant quality of life with a focus on Beauty in the Ordinary. This is another lens, another dimension to being human that calls me to study poetry, words, art, the pleasures of the five senses, a love of nature--especially the changing seasons, botany and the forest. My current inspiration is found in the synergies of the cross-pollination of these two ways of living—Monastic and Poetic.

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Duane Toops's avatar

Exactly this! I couldn't agree more! It's the merger of discipline, contemplation, and ritual, with the sensual vibrancy of our here-ness.

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Ann Collins's avatar

Exactly so, Duane! What good word: here-ness. I'm going to carry that one like a touchstone into my clinical day. Have a great week.

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Duane Toops's avatar

There are few words that aren’t made immediately better by the addition of “ness” at the end lol!

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Luis A. Estable's avatar

This poem open one's eyes to a number of things. And what it says carries undeniable truth. I love the message that this sends. Good read!

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thank you so much! I’m so glad this spoke to you!

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Victoria SkyDancer's avatar

ICAD sounds lovely, but I don't think my brain is up to it at the moment. Great start though - I've been enjoying your imagery.

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Duane Toops's avatar

It’s been so enjoyable so far. Much more so than inktober lol

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James Hart's avatar

Oh man I love these. Thanks so much for sharing!

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thanks so much James! I'm so glad to hear that! Means a lot to me!

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Dishkitty's avatar

Your cards are wonderful, Duane! So glad you decided to dive into ICAD. 😀

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thanks so much for telling me about it!

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Amy Cowen's avatar

Thrilled to see you doing ICAD! Love the art and words today. Thought-provoking as I read them through my own here and now. Sometimes we have to keep it all together precisely because someone else is depending on that. “We make things.” Indeed.

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thanks so much Amy! I’m only a couple days into ICAD but definitely enjoying it! The next couple of weeks are going to be crazy so I’m hoping I can still manage to keep up. Fingers crossed.

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Cheryl's avatar

So excited about the ICAD challenge myself. My collage for day 2 in no way resembles yours. Amazing the different approaches. Your analog work is inspirational- thank you

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Duane Toops's avatar

Thank so much! I appreciate it! That's my favorite part of challenges like this as well, the wide variations of work on a theme. Thanks again!

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Patris's avatar

Inspiration

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Duane Toops's avatar

Much appreciated!🙏❤️

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