28 Comments
User's avatar
Kimberly Warner's avatar

Love it when a new word fits into my “unfixed” repertoire. “Enoughness” is the perfect. I see it like a soft, grandmotherly embrace around unfixed. ❤️

Duane Toops's avatar

Yes!! Can’t tell you how happy I have contributed to the lexicon of our shared unfixity!!

Erica A. Wheadon's avatar

Thank you for the reminder. ♡

CarrieD's avatar

You always leave me with much to ponder—and what an inviting exhibit. Thank you for sharing those photos.

Duane Toops's avatar

Aww! Thanks Carrie!! It was so nice of them to send me photos! Would have been great to be there in person! <3 <3

Kay's avatar

I love this post, Duane.

Thank you.

There was much that resonated here. Enough-ness. A way of holding yourself and the world gently.

A wise and lovely thing to remember.

Duane Toops's avatar

Thanks so much Kay! Makes me really happy that this landed well for you!

Kay's avatar

It so did, Duane!

Thank you.

I look forward to reading more.

Duane Toops's avatar

Much appreciated! thanks again Kay!

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Congratulations on the WA showing. I framed your pieces quite similar to those shown there.

Duane Toops's avatar

That’s awesome Paul! Thanks so much!!

Cyeece - Celeyce Matthews's avatar

Beautiful as always, Duane! Sorry to have missed the online group yesterday - I’ve been taking care of my parents. Hopefully I can make the next one! 🙂

Duane Toops's avatar

Thank you! Definitely missed you! No worries though. I was able to record it, so I’m hoping to be able share it next week. Hope you and your family are well!

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Love this post, Duane! My thoughts exactly. When the intention comes from within, the roots are deeper— unshakable. And that is where the strength and courage arises for us to sit down and make/create to our own cadence.

Duane Toops's avatar

Yes! So well stated Stella! Thank you!!

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Somehow, you inspire me to respond the way you write— thank you!

Duane Toops's avatar

Aww!! That means so much to me Stella!!

Chad's avatar

It's so sad that people are so hurt, so broken by the system they live in that the idea that everyone is worthy would resonate with them.

Everyone being worthy mangles the definition of "worthy" to the point where it is rendered meaningless. That's like saying everybody is special. Life, logic, reality, just doesn't work that way.

But so many of us are so desperate for salve to soothe our broken souls that even platitudes will do.

I wish I knew how to make things better without saying less than the truth.

People should have peace, and wonder, and satisfaction. But I am just a man. And I don't know how to give it to them.

I hope they find those things. And accept that they are enough.

Duane Toops's avatar

That’s always the question isn’t it? How to make things better for everyone when you’re only one person? How to create big waves, big impacts, or big changes when you’re only a small being? You start where you are. You use what you have. You do the best you can do, and you trust that the ripples are enough to reach someone who’s willing to start where they are too.

Chad's avatar

Well said.

Duane Toops's avatar

Much appreciated!

Sunshine's avatar

This feels like such a deep exhale, Duane. “Start from sanity” and “start from enough-ness” lands in my bones. I relate so much to the quiet discipline of showing up — not to earn meaning, but to begin from it. Your collages and words both carry that embodied reminder that the studio is already a life. Thank you for the steadiness and generosity you bring to your practice and for sharing it so consistently.

Duane Toops's avatar

“not to earn meaning, but to begin from it.” - This is so beautifully and perfectly encapsulated! It represent such a subtle yet also such a paradigmatic shift in perspective. Thanks you so much!

Vanessa's avatar

Love this- we have already arrived. We just need to feel it and move from that place - trust, acceptance, knowing

Duane Toops's avatar

You are here! - Exactly this! Thanks so much Vanessa!

Ann Collins's avatar

Duane, I could not agree more with this kind of starting place. Kimberly's absolute belief in each person's worthiness and individual genius is so energizing. I love what her class inspired in your making. Also, the show looks wonderful! 👏

Duane Toops's avatar

Yes! Her tenderness and empathy is just so viscerally palpable! Thank you so much Ann!