View Full Version : Striving to be Striving
thepainterdoug
6th October 2023, 20:07
In the past 2- 3 years since covid and the election on, I have been super pissed, outraged, stressed and on a mission to get to the bottom of things.To uncover truths I guess. There are truths, aren't there? Sometimes I wonder?
And in doing so I have acclimated with a way of life that surrounds this notion and involves many like minded people. And dedication to this mission is often all encompassing. And when I ponder what would be the end result of this quest , or any quest for that matter, would It be satisfying and satiating ? Would it be a completion?
And then what?
Am I addicted to striving ? Striving for a noble cause ? And when I look at the lion's share of my art and my creativity, it is striving for a better world, for everyone if possible.
But would I be happy then if all was solved, if justice was had, in the areas I seem to feel important ?
Is my striving just for the act of striving for something?
jeeze I hope I can lighten up! lol
Im reminded of a poem i wrote in 2014
"after the reckoning"
after the reckoning, will be time to paint flowers
with a softening hand, in faded old trousers
mixing colors and hues of sedation
for the eyes of a nation once had
no raising a brush, with crimson of anger
no hard handed edge will you see in my flowers
just languorous softness of line
pass my time and the hours
after the reckoning the stadiums empty
void of the stars who gave life to the lazy
citizens now all as one,
in this late evening hour
after the reckoning, a new kind of sadness
we’ll keep to ourselves as we’ve all been embarrassed
for what had we done for our children
less shopping and having fun ?
after the reckoning I’ll start writing songs
of soft sentimentalized delicate chords
flowers and songs all now stripped of their thorns
after the reckoning.
dauld/14
Heart to heart
6th October 2023, 20:25
Thank you for those heartfelt words Doug.
And for your true and open heart❤️
Tyy1907
7th October 2023, 01:40
This poem Doug is rather fascinating. You were envisioning your future after this time of difficulty in this incarnation? Or would you say the painting of the flowers was on the earth?
thepainterdoug
7th October 2023, 13:25
Tyy1907
Thanks for commenting. The poem is rooted in our earth realm. It portended times of collapse and dysfunction when the fight within to make things better begins to subside in light of reality
We are sorta in that now and it all becomes exhausting
Coming of age in the 60ies, we all had back then a feeling of shaping the world. I was , and still am an activist with my art and creativity. Its a rewarding, yet tiring journey
The striving to attain "whatever ", sometime becomes the attainment itself and thats why I started this topic . All things repetitive and habitual can be addictive, and we can get lost in them.
Im not sure I can be satisfied with just painting flowers.
The Moss Trooper
7th October 2023, 14:44
In the past 2- 3 years since covid and the election on, I have been super pissed, outraged, stressed and on a mission to get to the bottom of things.To uncover truths I guess. There are truths, aren't there? Sometimes I wonder?
And in doing so I have acclimated with a way of life that surrounds this notion and involves many like minded people. And dedication to this mission is often all encompassing. And when I ponder what would be the end result of this quest , or any quest for that matter, would It be satisfying and satiating ? Would it be a completion?
And then what?
Am I addicted to striving ? Striving for a noble cause ? And when I look at the lion's share of my art and my creativity, it is striving for a better world, for everyone if possible.
But would I be happy then if all was solved, if justice was had, in the areas I seem to feel important ?
Is my striving just for the act of striving for something?
jeeze I hope I can lighten up! lol
Im reminded of a poem i wrote in 2014
"after the reckoning"
after the reckoning, will be time to paint flowers
with a softening hand, in faded old trousers
mixing colors and hues of sedation
for the eyes of a nation once had
no raising a brush, with crimson of anger
no hard handed edge will you see in my flowers
just languorous softness of line
pass my time and the hours
after the reckoning the stadiums empty
void of the stars who gave life to the lazy
citizens now all as one,
in this late evening hour
after the reckoning, a new kind of sadness
we’ll keep to ourselves as we’ve all been embarrassed
for what had we done for our children
less shopping and having fun ?
after the reckoning I’ll start writing songs
of soft sentimentalized delicate chords
flowers and songs all now stripped of their thorns
after the reckoning.
dauld/14
Out of curiosity Doug,
how would this better World look? In what form would it take & what level of change would be enough to justifiably call it a 'better World"?.
I struggle with this part of your stated feelings/musings myself. I'm not really sure the scope or amount of change I'd like to see. Sure, we can all point-out what is wrong, how it is wrong & why it is wrong....... But a diametric opposite to the 'wrongs' of this World, well, would that make it automatically 'better'?
I dunno........
Pris
7th October 2023, 18:20
.
Coming of age in the 60ies, we all had back then a feeling of shaping the world. I was , and still am an activist with my art and creativity. Its a rewarding, yet tiring journey
The striving to attain "whatever ", sometime becomes the attainment itself and thats why I started this topic . All things repetitive and habitual can be addictive, and we can get lost in them.
Im not sure I can be satisfied with just painting flowers.
What is this life without something to strive for? What is this life without a reason to get out of bed in the morning? If striving feels good to you and is overall beneficial to you and harmless to those around you, carry on -- my opinion, of course. :)
The miracle of life... I love the miracle of my life -- for me to see new things, to see the old and make it new again, to share. To find excitement and anticipation for what the beautiful new dawn may hold for me. It's fun to communicate that with everything I touch in this world, to touch and be touched. Every day becomes more precious than the last! The meaning of life needs to come from me and needs to be tended to every single day.
Thank you, Doug, for being part of my magical experience.
https://media.gab.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=568,quality=100,fit=scale-down/system/media_attachments/files/149/061/885/original/5174418ddf40df3c.png
thepainterdoug
7th October 2023, 20:12
Moss Trooper
Im not sure as well, thats where the stiving comes in. I have often spoken of the two dougs, the earthrealm doug and the eternal spirit doug.
An alnalogy popped into my head as Im writing, there was a time everyone dressed in suites, jackets and top hats, even workers. My Dad would never go to the theatre not in a suite and tie
today we do everything in jeans and t shirts . Its all blended to brown. I suppose there will always be war and strife, but to minimize it would be a goal worth striving for
My burn survivor series raised the idea of young people being burned by negligence, poverty and lack of education. I believe my art series State of Grace has done good in the world in this area.
People still get burned, but many less. Art can move the needle
painting below, " Hugging Fire ". oil on canvas 40x 50 dauld A mother was lit on fire during christmas and ran out in the snow in panic and her daughter ran out and hugged her in an effort to help her.
thepainterdoug
7th October 2023, 20:15
Pris thanks so very much!! and love the pic you posted
RunningDeer
8th October 2023, 15:01
Pris thanks so very much!! and love the pic you posted
Thank you, Doug, for being part of my magical experience.
https://media.gab.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=568,quality=100,fit=scale-down/system/media_attachments/files/149/061/885/original/5174418ddf40df3c.png
Same here, Pris. http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/wave-hi.gif It's my new desktop picture.
BTW, I've saved other ones you've posted.
........... http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/thank-you-pole.gif
Pris
8th October 2023, 18:46
.
Thank you, Doug, for being part of my magical experience.Pris thanks so very much!! and love the pic you posted
Same here, Pris. http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/wave-hi.gif It's my new desktop picture.
BTW, I've saved other ones you've posted.
........... http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/thank-you-pole.gif
You are very welcome, RunningDeer! :stars:
https://catherinehyde.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/running-of-deer-768x768.jpg
https://catherinehyde.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/the-mistletoe-tree-600x600.jpg
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/animal-jam-clans-1/images/2/2e/Deer_running.gif/revision/latest?cb=20161114045311
https://media.tenor.com/images/966f567a35c7d5723a217a51905fd838/tenor.gif
RunningDeer
8th October 2023, 21:17
You are very welcome, RunningDeer! :stars:
Love them! http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/hug-hi-five.gif Deer is one of my power animals.
Thank you, Pris. http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/kiss-blow.gif
♡
Bill Ryan
8th October 2023, 22:14
You are very welcome, RunningDeer! :stars:
Love them! http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/hug-hi-five.gif Deer is one of my power animals.
Thank you, Pris. http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/kiss-blow.gif
♡And while we're at it, here's a video I managed to take a few years ago just half a mile from my house. (I shared it with Paula a long time ago! :heart:)
https://projectavalon.net/Running_Deer.mp4
https://projectavalon.net/Running_Deer.mp4
:focus:
Tyy1907
8th October 2023, 23:59
I would say we are designed with these attributes in mind, not only the will to survive but to be altruistic as well. This world is a test of us. Can we figure out how to solve the problem of evil. We've staved off so much already. I think we can do it. It'll be that much easier if we call in our divine selves along the way ❤️
Harmony
9th October 2023, 11:57
I do feel humans are made to "strive". Maybe that force can be used for the very best and sometimes the very worst depending on our wisdom, intentions and goals.
When I see your painting Doug of the Mother and Daughter bearing the scars, I see how striving to Love above all else is present.
I do think if we all strived to love above all else the world would look so different and it would be impossible to hurt our earth, our brothers and sisters, our dear animals, etc.
I have even read and felt there was a time, and will be again, that a world exists that isn't parasitic in nature, where it creates all it needs from basic energy existing and obtainable by all. There would be no need to take from existing life. This world is coded differently and many things are just the way they are without blame. the way we need to replace our energy from existing life forces. When we know some people find that code within them selves and no longer need water or food, I think that means we already have that ability from the past.
There have been small experiences that show me there are much greater joys than what we experience here on this present plane. But, the joys and beauty we do have and experience here and now and share, even with great difficulty, are so precious. Sharing art and music and caring and appreciation and the gift of compassion, forgiveness and teaching and learning are always present when we look. It feels "off" when we witness it out of balance. :bearhug:
RunningDeer
9th October 2023, 14:25
UPDATE: Oops, I added the wrong video. I've updated it.
Doug, you came to mind while viewing this 3 minute video. http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/paint.gif
It’s an innovative way to advertise. It hits all the right notes and has heart. Shane is the artist and founder of the organic coffee substitute called MUD\WTR (https://mudwtr.com/).
You have permission to :rest.
MUDWTR Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@MUDWTR/videos)
mudwtr.com (https://mudwtr.com)
SqWa7iSNqW0
thepainterdoug
9th October 2023, 15:22
Runningdeer
wow that guy is amazing. he has the promotion savvy to push his ideas, which I honestly lack . thanks much for sending
thepainterdoug
9th October 2023, 18:33
BTW everyone/ Id be happy to turn this post into Deer pics and videos
Pris, I love the top pic you posted with the trees and orange sun.
RunningDeer
9th October 2023, 20:47
BTW everyone/ Id be happy to turn this post into Deer pics and videos
https://i.imgur.com/3btfPlH.jpg
If DEER shows up, it means:
You’ve been involved in some aggressive, negative circumstances and need to seek out safe, nurturing situations and people.
More than ever, you need to trust your gut instinct.
You’re poised for an enticing adventure, one that will take you down many different paths and lead to many important insights.
Be gentle with yourself and others.
If WHITE-TAILED DEER:
You’re entering into a time of plenty, but the path to get there has not been without sacrifices.
If MULE DEER:
You’re in a phase of your life where you’re wandering about without a clear sense of direction, so go ahead and enjoy it.
https://i.imgur.com/WB1duvQ.jpg
Call on DEER when:
You need help finding inspiration and resources for any creative projects you’re working on.
You need help in situations where extra vigilance and sensitivity is called for in order to avoid any harmful consequences. You want to release any resentments, grudges, or judgments about someone.
You’re charged with facilitating any women’s ceremonies or rituals, such as honoring any major life passages and transitions.
You want to find strength and endurance when you’re going through a difficult life passage.
If DEER is your POWER ANIMAL:
You maintain a balance of the masculine traits of mastery, authority, and protection with the feminine characteristics of love, nourishment, and surrender, yet relate most closely to those associated with your gender.
You’re highly sensitive and intuitive and are often aware of the feelings of others before they are.
You can move with intention, awareness, and speed, and can change directions quickly while staying completely centered.
You’re most comfortable outdoors, particularly in the woods or forest, and must frequently spend time there to recharge and regenerate.
“Animal Spirit Guides: An Easy-to-Use Handbook for Identifying and Understanding Your Power Animals and Animal Spirit Helpers,” by Steven D. Farmer, PhD.
http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/deer-popcorn.gif
RunningDeer
9th October 2023, 23:47
Runningdeer
wow that guy is amazing. he has the promotion savvy to push his ideas, which I honestly lack . thanks much for sending
UPDATE: Oops! I added the wrong video. I've updated the original post.
Doug, you came to mind while viewing this 3 minute video. http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/paint.gif
It’s an innovative way to advertise. It hits all the right notes and has heart. Shane is the artist and founder of the organic coffee substitute called MUD\WTR (https://mudwtr.com/).
You have permission to :rest. (3 minutes)
MUDWTR Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@MUDWTR/videos)
mudwtr.com (https://mudwtr.com)
SqWa7iSNqW0
thepainterdoug
10th October 2023, 00:32
got it runningdeer, all the same to me!! love the deer pics all
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