I connect with what you post - from this last one esp- and a big Amen to this: Sometimes what you need most aren't the things you can find, but the things you can get lost in.
Thanks Vanessa! Sometimes the present is a difficult place to be. Some things are aimed at escaping it, but the most meaningful ones don't really take us out of it. Instead they provide us with better ways of going deeper in. thanks again!
Thank you so much! I’m always looking for ways to combine words and images interesting ways. I think teh combination can create something really powerful.
I loved those passages about the Pit River Indians too! I just had to find a way to share it. Glad you liked it too!
I mirror your approach. So much more freeing to not “claim ourselves as something.” I make films but I’m not a filmmaker. I write, and even have a book traditionally published (coming out this year!), but I’m not a writer. We’re humans, responding to our inner and outer environments, connecting, creating, loving. Now that I can stand behind!
“We’re humans, responding to our inner and outer environments, connecting, creating, loving.” - Yes! Love that! So well said! And congrats on the book!! That’s so exciting! Keep me posted on when it comes out!
What a freeing thought! I’ll be using this to help quiet my many doubts every time i sit down to write.
I notice how you pair running with something you love to do—reading. That’s a fantastic strategy.
We always want happiness for our friends. You sound like this is not your reality right now, but you’re staying faithful to the practices that bring meaning & insight into your everyday life. That’s important. It’s huge.
Thanks Ann! It’s the same reason I tend shy away from thinking of myself as an ‘artist’. When I get too attached to that idea, when I step into my studio and I think about making ‘art’, it stifles me. But if all I’m just there to make collages, then changes everything for me.
I’ve tried listening to podcast and I’ve tried listening to audiobooks at the gym, but the nothing makes being there as bearable as reading visually.
Poetry and rich imagery in this wandering you bring your readers to. Wonderful art. The cheeks of these two ladies in particular seem to be telling a story of their own.
Thank you! Interesting observation! That’s the thing I love most about sharing work, discovering what small details the audience sees and interprets in ways that i haven’t thought to.
Of course you are a real writer! I read this earlier and felt the same response to this -- "I'm not a real runner in the same way that I'm not a real writer. I run on a treadmill. Not on trails, or paths, or roads. I don't write books, or poems, or even essays really. I just make things with words."
I admire your gym routine, really, and, at the same time, the cadence of "giving legs to the longing and loneliness..."
I used to do something similar with kettlebell swings in the morning - usually 20 minutes or so. I found that it gave my busy monkey mind something to do for that early part of the day. Side benefit was at least maintaining health. It is nice though to get into that routine where it becomes somewhat automatic and the creative mind can then start wandering and create.
Great example! I used to do Kettlebell swings daily, great rhythm there too. I think the only reason the treadmill starting winning out was the ability to read while doing it, lol. Thanks again!
The whole piece struck many chords ... But the wandering Indian and that phrase sum up my current state. I am not the only one it seems. Thank you for reminding me, Duane!
Thank you! I think there’s a kind of contented oblivion that happens when we are so in the thick our present tense that there isn’t enough distance to notice it.
I connect with what you post - from this last one esp- and a big Amen to this: Sometimes what you need most aren't the things you can find, but the things you can get lost in.
Thanks Vanessa! Sometimes the present is a difficult place to be. Some things are aimed at escaping it, but the most meaningful ones don't really take us out of it. Instead they provide us with better ways of going deeper in. thanks again!
I like how you combine collage with words, your reflections, hard and heartbreaking at times but so real.
The idea of the Pit River Indians is encouraging, wandering from time to time is a very good option.
Thank you so much! I’m always looking for ways to combine words and images interesting ways. I think teh combination can create something really powerful.
I loved those passages about the Pit River Indians too! I just had to find a way to share it. Glad you liked it too!
We all need to get lost sometimes, Duane. Thanks for another thoughtful piece.
Thanks Rod! It’s such an immense necessity for me.
I mirror your approach. So much more freeing to not “claim ourselves as something.” I make films but I’m not a filmmaker. I write, and even have a book traditionally published (coming out this year!), but I’m not a writer. We’re humans, responding to our inner and outer environments, connecting, creating, loving. Now that I can stand behind!
“We’re humans, responding to our inner and outer environments, connecting, creating, loving.” - Yes! Love that! So well said! And congrats on the book!! That’s so exciting! Keep me posted on when it comes out!
Aww thank you! You can sign up for updates from the publisher here! https://www.empresseditions.net/unfixedwaitlist
Fantastic! Just signed up!
Aww, thank you!!!
“I just make things with words.”
What a freeing thought! I’ll be using this to help quiet my many doubts every time i sit down to write.
I notice how you pair running with something you love to do—reading. That’s a fantastic strategy.
We always want happiness for our friends. You sound like this is not your reality right now, but you’re staying faithful to the practices that bring meaning & insight into your everyday life. That’s important. It’s huge.
Your work brings joy! Keep going my friend! 👊💛
Thanks Ann! It’s the same reason I tend shy away from thinking of myself as an ‘artist’. When I get too attached to that idea, when I step into my studio and I think about making ‘art’, it stifles me. But if all I’m just there to make collages, then changes everything for me.
I’ve tried listening to podcast and I’ve tried listening to audiobooks at the gym, but the nothing makes being there as bearable as reading visually.
Rituals always save me.
Thanks again!
Poetry and rich imagery in this wandering you bring your readers to. Wonderful art. The cheeks of these two ladies in particular seem to be telling a story of their own.
Thank you! Interesting observation! That’s the thing I love most about sharing work, discovering what small details the audience sees and interprets in ways that i haven’t thought to.
It stuck, even when I went back to look at it again later. Wonderful collages and writing as always. Love the vintage feel to these.
SO very beautiful Duane. Your words and images make the sound of an aura, if an aura could be heard.
“the sound of an aura” - I love that idea! Like synesthesia! Thank you!
Of course you are a real writer! I read this earlier and felt the same response to this -- "I'm not a real runner in the same way that I'm not a real writer. I run on a treadmill. Not on trails, or paths, or roads. I don't write books, or poems, or even essays really. I just make things with words."
I admire your gym routine, really, and, at the same time, the cadence of "giving legs to the longing and loneliness..."
Thank you Amy! I appreciate it! “Cadence” - Yes! It’s funny sometimes I put more effort into the rhythm of the words, than the words themselves, lol.
I used to do something similar with kettlebell swings in the morning - usually 20 minutes or so. I found that it gave my busy monkey mind something to do for that early part of the day. Side benefit was at least maintaining health. It is nice though to get into that routine where it becomes somewhat automatic and the creative mind can then start wandering and create.
Great example! I used to do Kettlebell swings daily, great rhythm there too. I think the only reason the treadmill starting winning out was the ability to read while doing it, lol. Thanks again!
I am baffled about your comments about yourself.
"I'm praying with my feet." 🖤
Thank you! Glad that struck a chord!
The whole piece struck many chords ... But the wandering Indian and that phrase sum up my current state. I am not the only one it seems. Thank you for reminding me, Duane!
My pleasure! That part really resonated with me so much too! Glad to be in good company!
:)
Great post. Especially „Sometimes what you need most aren't the things you can find, but the things you can get lost in.“
Thank you! I think there’s a kind of contented oblivion that happens when we are so in the thick our present tense that there isn’t enough distance to notice it.
Wander and wonder.
'Sometimes what you need most aren't the things you can find, but the things you can get lost in'
In wander, wonder, words... and music ⚡
https://youtu.be/8-r-V0uK4u0?si=Xr2XKnTAad_WiH6O
Glad you caught the reference! Thanks so much!