William Faulkner | The Why About This

It’s been 7 days since I’ve posted or read a blog. Not very long in everyday terms, but in online social connection terms (Blogs, Tweets, Google+, Facebook, About.me, Linked in, etc.) it does seems as if it’s been much longer, doesn’t it? Time passes differently while online and so while only 7 days, I’ve missed my connections with you all so very, very much.

Here, where I live, in Northwest America it snowed briefly and gently this morning. A quiet, crisp and clear beginning to start one’s day! A place you’d want your thoughts to dwell as much as possible with today’s hectic lifestyle. Change being the only constant in all of our lives.

In the past week I’ve been doing a mental “Walkabout” as Australians might refer to it. I’ve had much dwelling on my mind. Questing my “role” in things you could even say.

In ‘personal life’ adventures, nothing has been handed to me easily. I’ve worked my way through various stages of life while not necessarily emerging as a victor, none-the-less I also did not come away as a victim and instead am wiser in spite of cherished things that have been lost.

All my life I have tried to avoid direct confrontation and yet even through fears, stood as brave and strong as I could when it was needed. I’m ‘tempered’ as a metal might become by a clever blacksmith of yesteryear. I know my shortcomings and my strengths, but more to the point, this means – I know yours too.

We (all of us) live in a period of time where negative thinking about yesterdays, today and tomorrows must not be allowed to win over us. We are a strong people with strong wills – when we put our minds to it! I know this about you. All of you. It is a truth. You are more capable than you can possibly know. In fact it’s only necessary for you to “know” and believe a thing for it to become a thing.

There is an astonishingly true “might and capability” that lies within each of you. Never forget that!

We, of humanity are on a glorious quest for life – but the quest is not an easy one. Yet, it’s the best game in town and I’m happy to be a part – in whatever role I play, and wherever it leads me to be.

Thursday is a Thanksgiving Holiday in America and as William Faulkner (an American writer and Nobel Prize laureate from Oxford, Mississippi) once said about the giving of thanks and gratitude:

“Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity;

it must be produced and discharged

and used up in order to exist at all.”

– William Faulkner

I agree with him. Love to you all. Stand tall. Be brave, live life, give thanks and always remember you’re never alone! I (for one) am here, thinking of you with “very fond affection and good wishes” for a wonderful day and better tomorrow.

– Penny

… and Constructive Criticism,

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly – Truth of it all!

It’s quite possible, in fact probable that I may take some heat from this post, which is of course perfectly acceptable. Bring it on!

THE ARTIST

The word “artist” here applies to anyone who creates. They may use any format, any medium, any creative talent and will produce something original. Written words, musical sounds, lyrics, paintings, photography, movies, videos, sculpture, crafting, dancing, acting, and so on)

CRITICISM – THE GOOD

To me “Constructive Criticism” is a refined and effective type of critical feedback. The reader/viewer/listener will tell you what they find “good” about your creative endeavors and share what can be improved upon. So far so good. When you ask a person to “critique” your work pick someone you know to be skilled in the area of your artistry. They will give you an informed perspective of their opinion. Most artistry comes with learning the “tools of the trade”. This is important. The person who is offering critical feedback should be knowledgeable in this manner. If you don’t personally know someone like this, ask a fellow artist who they may know.

CRITICISM – THE BAD

There are many out there in the online world wide web of everything that profess to being “experts”! Many are well qualified but some are not. Research! Find out more about those you would ask for advice. Be very careful in whom you approach for critical appraisal.

CRITICISM – THE UGLY

Okay this is where I think I’m going to take a hit from some “professionals” in various fields. The world is in a flux of change. Some of the tried and true “rules” of what and how you should create (in any given medium) is evolving. There is a wellspring of innovative talent from around the world merging with one another right now. This means experimentation and creative new styles and methods.

Don’t let “experts” rain on your parade and tell you what is wrong with your art because it is different. Those who are tied to the past cannot easily see the essence of the future springing from your words, your art, your style of acting, your music, your photography, your videos and so on. Be you! Creative from the heart. You’re the Artist of your work, not them.

“The artist is still a little like the old court jester. He’s supposed to speak his vicious paradoxes with some sense in them, but he isn’t part of whatever the fabric is that makes a nation.” ~ William Faulkner

So there you go, I’ve had my say. Thank you for stopping by have a most excellent weekend!

~ Penny

ps – I was asked how old the pictures are that I use of myself, in my posts. Some are recent. None are more than 4 months old, this one I took a couple of hours ago! I know I look tired, I was up late last night! lol