tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226039502024-03-13T13:27:45.404-07:00Timouth's BlogTimothy Young - Northern Minnesota ArtistTimouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.comBlogger1222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-79551633978471678432021-05-22T20:54:00.002-07:002021-08-15T12:41:24.530-07:00My blog has movedMy blog has <blink>moved</blink> to: <a href="https://myhandpaints.com"><h1>myhandpaints.com</h1></a>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-75874705158258892242021-05-20T09:09:00.004-07:002021-05-20T09:09:33.228-07:00Served a purpose Over the past 21 years, Flash Meridian has been described as a hero, a superhero and an action figure. For a long time, I believed it. Those are natural descriptions for a futuristic astronaut, hurtling through uncharted space and encountering alien beings.<br><p>
That is, until a 14 year old pointed out that Flash Meridian doesn’t DO anything! <br><p>
He fixes broken equipment, and hikes distant planets at times, but he mostly sits in his spaceship sipping lattes and thinking deep thoughts about his life, the universe, and his place in it. Kind of like me. <br><p>
He doesn’t really fight villains. He doesn’t possess any unusual strength or have any notable abilities. <br><p>
I’m in the process of producing the complete audiobook. Friends who have listened to parts of it have not described it as thrilling, but rather <I>darling</i>, and have said that it helped them fall asleep. <I>But in a good way</i>. <br><p>
<h2>I’m not offended.</h2><br>I’ve described this as introspective. <br><p>
When I used to do late night radio shows, listeners called in saying that my voice was relaxing. The music I played was melancholy. One listener even said my music was morbid. Ok. I just think it’s beautiful. <br><p>
I’ve written guided imagery meditations specifically with relaxation and sleep as the goal. I fall asleep to the sound of my own voice every night. <br><p>
This is what I do. I subvert a genre. It’s similar to the way I present the world in my paintings. You might think you’re looking at majestic old growth pines, only to later notice the fish swimming in the treetops. <br><p>
I accept that my story is not the action adventure you might expect. It just happens to be set in outer space. <br><p>
It comes out of me, with the themes and flavor that flow through me. That’s not unexpected. If it helps you fall asleep, it’s served a purpose. If it makes you think differently about life and death, it’s served a purpose. If it entertains you, it’s served a purpose. If it inspires you to express something that you find flowing through you, it’s served a purpose.
Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-1971840177878680832021-05-19T16:22:00.004-07:002021-05-19T16:22:25.734-07:00Mixed Media<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6N9_4khWrv4/YKWcbqdnwdI/AAAAAAAAXoE/mdhQqhm6sP0A1zPgwS3FRCS8RLLWP37RACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3B97BC28-F587-4089-ACD1-F9652EC1C98F_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1659" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6N9_4khWrv4/YKWcbqdnwdI/AAAAAAAAXoE/mdhQqhm6sP0A1zPgwS3FRCS8RLLWP37RACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/3B97BC28-F587-4089-ACD1-F9652EC1C98F_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div><center>Crossing Woods Creek. 5"x7", mixed media on paper</center><BR><P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GFuHqddLds/YKWcr-PXPXI/AAAAAAAAXoM/Ak3EPI5aHbsY9yd-5P8P0qaT5XObIPtQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/C4A80419-0A33-49E5-A37F-5F2C9844716B_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1677" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GFuHqddLds/YKWcr-PXPXI/AAAAAAAAXoM/Ak3EPI5aHbsY9yd-5P8P0qaT5XObIPtQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/C4A80419-0A33-49E5-A37F-5F2C9844716B_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div><center>Salaatti. 5"x7", mixed media on paper</center><BR><P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RBBe6jCaVZI/YKWdHBqzqrI/AAAAAAAAXoU/NJwnNHsfAZAWd6uF3NELvf2QKI15C1uwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/11C44199-C339-4D69-9A86-DCA95335035D_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1668" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RBBe6jCaVZI/YKWdHBqzqrI/AAAAAAAAXoU/NJwnNHsfAZAWd6uF3NELvf2QKI15C1uwACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/11C44199-C339-4D69-9A86-DCA95335035D_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div><center>Bike Ride. 5"x7", mixed media on paper</center><BR><P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BC261E18KlU/YKWdQIzRHlI/AAAAAAAAXoY/CS4zkEGXTjUIa_fT3WFLdFEBFNPQeI65QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9EBB961A-0DE7-4776-A32F-4D55CB981BAC_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1672" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BC261E18KlU/YKWdQIzRHlI/AAAAAAAAXoY/CS4zkEGXTjUIa_fT3WFLdFEBFNPQeI65QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/9EBB961A-0DE7-4776-A32F-4D55CB981BAC_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div><center>Ristiretket. 5"x7", mixed media on paper</center><BR><P>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-28480429239952270222021-05-19T10:27:00.002-07:002021-05-19T10:27:07.759-07:00Fish<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydFSW8D1G3s/YKVKW-EaoOI/AAAAAAAAXn4/m-Qv2hlXoWs4uiSDQ7UI6_DwSoS4q90EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4FDE1F59-02B9-434E-AD18-C9E6DEB2EB01.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydFSW8D1G3s/YKVKW-EaoOI/AAAAAAAAXn4/m-Qv2hlXoWs4uiSDQ7UI6_DwSoS4q90EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/4FDE1F59-02B9-434E-AD18-C9E6DEB2EB01.jpeg"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-42961840618573763322021-05-14T19:37:00.007-07:002021-05-17T21:17:12.383-07:00SubconsciousI used to do this thing where I avoided telling people <I>my</I> story behind my abstract art. I didn’t want to limit their ideas of what to see in the piece, and I didn’t want them to think that there was just one right answer. Then a gallery manager told me that people like to buy a story, so I should tell it. I’m glad she did.<BR><P>
I had a musician friend who didn’t think people should bring their interpretation to a song. He felt that only the songwriter’s original intent was important. Well, of course we are going to bring our experience and interpretation to the piece, be it a painting or a song. That’s what makes it relevant and relatable.<BR><P>
<h2>I can’t care about something I can’t relate to.</h2><BR>
Then another friend told me that these come from my subconscious. When I paint without attempting to represent something from the physical world, but just lay down the color in a way I <i>feel like</i> arranging it. I don't always ask a line to look like a branch or a brushstroke to look like a fish. When I'm done with my composition, I stop. My subconscious comes into play again when I've put the art supplies away, and the paint is dry. I look at it with purpose. Not with urgency, but with an open mind, and time to spend exploring the marks I've made. At first, they may seem random, but like those Magic Eye pictures, something will suddenly appear. Something that flowed from my hand. Something I didn't know how to draw. Something I didn't know how not to.
I don’t understand how it works. The feeling I get when I look at them is like I am looking at art by someone else. It came from my hand, but it is not contrived.<BR><P>
I wouldn’t have chosen to paint a knight on horseback. The other day, I did a mixed media piece that looks like just that. And I do remember watching a show this past winter about the Knights Templar. At the same time, I was researching my genealogy, and I learned that some of my ancestors were knights. My 17th great grandfather was Thomas Kerr, the first Baron of Ferniehirst. He died in 1484.<BR><P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pePn5q5_Mg/YJ80FB3idWI/AAAAAAAAXhw/WhJQbTl6taIHyRXXaJBAideLc5F7C7wtACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DE8CC877-B079-4488-9DE6-0226E7755A18.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pePn5q5_Mg/YJ80FB3idWI/AAAAAAAAXhw/WhJQbTl6taIHyRXXaJBAideLc5F7C7wtACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/DE8CC877-B079-4488-9DE6-0226E7755A18.jpeg"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-50444638343750168712021-05-14T11:47:00.003-07:002021-06-01T00:23:06.232-07:00RistiretketI used to do this thing where I didn't tell <i>my</i> story behind my abstract paintings. I didn't want to limit the viewer from seeing something different in the piece, or make people think that there is only one way to interpret something. A musician friend once said that people shouldn't bring their own interpretation to a song, because the artist's intent was the important thing. Well, obviously we will bring our own interpretation. That is what makes it relevant. So a gallery manager told me that people want to buy a story. This is true. She encouraged me to tell my stories, and I'm glad she did.<BR><P>Then another friend told me that these come from my subconscious. When I paint without attempting to represent something from the physical world, but just lay down the color in a way I <i>feel like</i> arranging it. I don't always ask a line to look like a branch or a brushstroke to look like a fish. When I'm done with my composition, I stop. My subconscious comes into play again when I've put the art supplies away, and the paint is dry. I look at it with purpose. Not with urgency, but with an open mind, and time to spend exploring the marks I've made. At first, they may seem random, but like those Magic Eye pictures, something will suddenly appear. Something that flowed from my hand. Something I didn't know how to draw. Something I didn't know how not to.<br><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuISql26y3U/YJ7FUeUgDNI/AAAAAAAAXho/ZDnreiwsmd4-fp77fYYqRFjAajBfjQtagCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/B73B884E-2ED1-437B-9B1A-215D2BEBE371.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuISql26y3U/YJ7FUeUgDNI/AAAAAAAAXho/ZDnreiwsmd4-fp77fYYqRFjAajBfjQtagCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/B73B884E-2ED1-437B-9B1A-215D2BEBE371.jpeg"/></a></div><br><p>I wouldn't have consciously chosen to draw a knight on horseback, but that is what I saw. I'd been watching a show about the Knights Templar, and also researching my genalogy. I learned that some of my ancestors were knights.<br><p>I sometimes think about the crusades, and the brutality that has been done in the name of religion. Right up to today. I see this knight with what I thought was a shield. I looked closer and saw lungs and an esophagus. He's bringing home parts of his enemies.<br><p>At least that's what I see.Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-49570000399497449252021-05-13T15:45:00.002-07:002021-05-13T15:47:36.404-07:00Crossing Woods Creek<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XcnZY0dH7E/YJ2r6mKMYUI/AAAAAAAAXgo/8de7fuMr9vM2cGFwg7z_N1mfLjPdAhZ8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D6E66496-CE52-462F-A8AC-46B5375F159B.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XcnZY0dH7E/YJ2r6mKMYUI/AAAAAAAAXgo/8de7fuMr9vM2cGFwg7z_N1mfLjPdAhZ8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/D6E66496-CE52-462F-A8AC-46B5375F159B.jpeg"/></a></div><HR><P><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V6vA6XU3i8/YJ2sdpH7o6I/AAAAAAAAXg4/o37HyAt5r7QIlEsvLR2E0TCOJm_D-TkzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s6016/55DA5E72-5B20-45D3-94CA-8B9D6C932051.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V6vA6XU3i8/YJ2sdpH7o6I/AAAAAAAAXg4/o37HyAt5r7QIlEsvLR2E0TCOJm_D-TkzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/55DA5E72-5B20-45D3-94CA-8B9D6C932051.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhve-DTyjj0/YJ2sdSqOHcI/AAAAAAAAXgw/UNBWak52gKMVicTGpLwv1S_y_y_KzcKqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0197D85F-8736-4874-8470-62B0840A6232_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhve-DTyjj0/YJ2sdSqOHcI/AAAAAAAAXgw/UNBWak52gKMVicTGpLwv1S_y_y_KzcKqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/0197D85F-8736-4874-8470-62B0840A6232_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGAYEJ8cCJM/YJ2sdp-DPVI/AAAAAAAAXg0/45CHqCXGX68Zl5r_0iHyQxcl7QmoQmxsACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/588D5806-0C04-4035-B89D-2F56214B2472_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGAYEJ8cCJM/YJ2sdp-DPVI/AAAAAAAAXg0/45CHqCXGX68Zl5r_0iHyQxcl7QmoQmxsACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/588D5806-0C04-4035-B89D-2F56214B2472_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqx_2sekKnA/YJ2seaJhlRI/AAAAAAAAXg8/z0r5VfIeC3YnYX3Gh4tvs59jlOdcEm-_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/7212AD1C-87FB-49D1-AB61-8015753DDE79_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqx_2sekKnA/YJ2seaJhlRI/AAAAAAAAXg8/z0r5VfIeC3YnYX3Gh4tvs59jlOdcEm-_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/7212AD1C-87FB-49D1-AB61-8015753DDE79_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJeD5W1KQ8g/YJ2sesV-o5I/AAAAAAAAXhA/rW9g2KY4PU4RIlx4l61Au61RVph4zfmWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/AAE8CABD-9299-4E3C-A8CA-8EC0418AFACF_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJeD5W1KQ8g/YJ2sesV-o5I/AAAAAAAAXhA/rW9g2KY4PU4RIlx4l61Au61RVph4zfmWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/AAE8CABD-9299-4E3C-A8CA-8EC0418AFACF_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQmKWVzX0DE/YJ2sejki8KI/AAAAAAAAXhM/NFCcLwCgeuY9wXPoKtsaISndRwJPNvIEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/B5BC58CE-03DE-4A93-A812-60E6C07E080A_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQmKWVzX0DE/YJ2sejki8KI/AAAAAAAAXhM/NFCcLwCgeuY9wXPoKtsaISndRwJPNvIEACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/B5BC58CE-03DE-4A93-A812-60E6C07E080A_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElAY4gHunoo/YJ2sfPY0OGI/AAAAAAAAXhE/i5oNqt2OhNIyuSHTRh6xPyjgX-Lp5KnBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D39A307A-A84C-4EB3-94B2-E0B9F45AAD5A_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElAY4gHunoo/YJ2sfPY0OGI/AAAAAAAAXhE/i5oNqt2OhNIyuSHTRh6xPyjgX-Lp5KnBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/D39A307A-A84C-4EB3-94B2-E0B9F45AAD5A_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ct1zjkgEWcI/YJ2sfFSVfXI/AAAAAAAAXhI/vRq_c7ql-YcrxoPrgIY6wE64MFt-zFtfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FD54D9DC-8DEA-4FFA-9E72-A3F5F85BFB20_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ct1zjkgEWcI/YJ2sfFSVfXI/AAAAAAAAXhI/vRq_c7ql-YcrxoPrgIY6wE64MFt-zFtfACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/FD54D9DC-8DEA-4FFA-9E72-A3F5F85BFB20_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6qvlOz5bh8/YJ2sfgt2UsI/AAAAAAAAXhQ/klEPXvUY4p4J4XDZe2REuwwWChCDdmCzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FF7E6EA3-A7B8-4F07-8E6B-094936380EBE_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6qvlOz5bh8/YJ2sfgt2UsI/AAAAAAAAXhQ/klEPXvUY4p4J4XDZe2REuwwWChCDdmCzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/FF7E6EA3-A7B8-4F07-8E6B-094936380EBE_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-52961525065437934842021-05-13T15:37:00.009-07:002021-05-15T16:12:12.504-07:00Big Red Rock EaterWhen I was a kid, we had a bookcase with lots of books. We had all of the Dr. Seuss books, as well as A Fish Out Of Water, Go Dog Go, and many more. One was a joke book. It had a riddle that asked <h2>What's big and red and eats rocks?</h2> Answer: <h2>A big, red, rock eater.</h2> I've thought of that joke often throughout my life, and I recently did this small mixed media painting:<BR><P><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2xYwtME1ns/YJ2qQWrKPbI/AAAAAAAAXgg/hJGiO1jbEMMHime7P6TYWBg6gdCGscx_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/B3E3F527-EEFD-4B38-A8A4-64C8C691DBCC.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2xYwtME1ns/YJ2qQWrKPbI/AAAAAAAAXgg/hJGiO1jbEMMHime7P6TYWBg6gdCGscx_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/B3E3F527-EEFD-4B38-A8A4-64C8C691DBCC.jpeg"/></a></div>
I didn't mean to paint a big, red rock eater, but here it is. And then I realized that I have a character in The Adventures Of Flash Meridian which is a big red alien that likes to eat rocks.<BR><P>
I wonder if they are connected. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZenTRASSbo/Wmv2hYD40DI/AAAAAAAANjw/ZXi_Lvu94owcZ4Tfj9_PhOL4aUtOXvkiwCLcBGAs/s1600/pinkalien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZenTRASSbo/Wmv2hYD40DI/AAAAAAAANjw/ZXi_Lvu94owcZ4Tfj9_PhOL4aUtOXvkiwCLcBGAs/s640/pinkalien.jpg" width="320" height="640" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><i>It was tall, like I said, and its skin was red. Magenta. It had a long, thin neck with a raised spiral encircling it several times from top to bottom. <br><p>
Two appendages rose from its elongated cranium, looking like antennae or horns. Or pigtails. <br><p>
That eye. It was so round. So white. So intense. It looked startled, of course. Was it unfriendly? Aggressive? Flash couldn’t be sure, so he remained still and reminded himself that this was a dream. Or was it? Now he couldn’t be sure. <br><p>
It sniffed the air in Flash’s direction, and then, apparently satisfied with its investigation, turned back and resumed licking the rock face. <BR><P>
Flash walked closer and sat on a rock near the alien.<BR><P>
<i>What are you doing?</i>, he asked between the loud slurping sounds.<BR><P>
<i>Have you tasted these rocks?</i> They are delicious.</i><BR><P>from The Adventures of Flash Meridian<BR>Episode 99: MagentaTimouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-45437289199881338462021-05-12T11:41:00.008-07:002021-05-19T19:29:48.512-07:00Bike ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RU-zb6oF3JU/YJwhKkG9y3I/AAAAAAAAXco/B_CbDaByRhor8jG6BaiXfJQP8_0Wu454QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/49A1AEF9-B432-4AC1-9CBE-677BD24BE752.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RU-zb6oF3JU/YJwhKkG9y3I/AAAAAAAAXco/B_CbDaByRhor8jG6BaiXfJQP8_0Wu454QCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/49A1AEF9-B432-4AC1-9CBE-677BD24BE752.jpeg"/></a></div>
<center>pyöräajelu</center><BR><P>
This series reminded me of a bike ride I took with my boys the other day. It was fun like the colors. I see the waterfront and an aerial view of lots downtown. I see a bike helmet and maybe even a bike. That's my impression, anyway.<BR><P>I love this time of year, even though it's still chilly out a lot of the time. I know it's getting warmer, and we have the whole season to look forward to!.<BR><P><H2>I don't want to waste a day. I don't want to waste a single minute.</h2><BR>
My friend pointed out that these little abstracts come from my subconscious, and that's why the images appear when I take time later to really look at them. I guess that's what I've meant all the times I've said that these were created by my hand, but the pictures that surface are not contrived.<br><P>
These mixed media paintings include acrylic and tempera paint, colored pencils, oil pastels, graphite, compressed charcoal, paint markers and anything else that's been within my reach.<br><P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EmC2XxIGGA/YJwiDqIN6vI/AAAAAAAAXdc/IKgVuZ3mwJ4ODcL8yiJGUU7dmx6i1RxMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0D562AEA-A0ED-4033-810B-58FC127A3811.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EmC2XxIGGA/YJwiDqIN6vI/AAAAAAAAXdc/IKgVuZ3mwJ4ODcL8yiJGUU7dmx6i1RxMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/0D562AEA-A0ED-4033-810B-58FC127A3811.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slzoVZHpaZU/YJwiDjORmXI/AAAAAAAAXdg/Dt0nt2ETxkYbPv_0aXUbOkgDjTfPYFlPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9CAC9B29-DD86-4F7E-89E3-5FA968FA64F3.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slzoVZHpaZU/YJwiDjORmXI/AAAAAAAAXdg/Dt0nt2ETxkYbPv_0aXUbOkgDjTfPYFlPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/9CAC9B29-DD86-4F7E-89E3-5FA968FA64F3.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6RK3v2Ws14/YJwiDXXq2KI/AAAAAAAAXdY/1JcO7Ga-I4wSaMOH6owEEbvYy48qsuI6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/007215C9-E1AB-4F6D-8834-6B196C423633.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6RK3v2Ws14/YJwiDXXq2KI/AAAAAAAAXdY/1JcO7Ga-I4wSaMOH6owEEbvYy48qsuI6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/007215C9-E1AB-4F6D-8834-6B196C423633.jpeg"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-35273626115510217192021-05-06T09:42:00.003-07:002021-05-06T09:42:34.270-07:00SubvertI don’t collect or read comic books. I don’t watch anime or read manga. I’ve never been to ComiCon.<br><p>
I write a science fiction story without being part of that culture. I’m sure there are expected formulas that I do not follow because I am unaware of them. I don’t know the rules. <br><p>
I have a friend who is an avid reader of graphic novels, and he is a walking encyclopedia of superhero trivia. He has also written two books and publishes a web comic. <br><p>
He described my story as a subversion of the genre. He was quick to point out that he saw this as a good thing. <br><p>
With all of the books he has read, he said he has never read anything like mine before. <br><p>
My story inspired him to start writing an episodic story himself, and his comic inspired me to start working on a comic of my own. <br><p>
<h2>This is what art does. It inspires.</h2><br>
By creating and sharing, we can allow others to do the same. <br><p>
It will never be the same. It might even be subversive. Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-38159414292246600552021-05-04T08:01:00.006-07:002021-05-04T22:32:38.340-07:00Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2MCYL3Rq-4/YJHRw9YNoMI/AAAAAAAAXV4/xpRbDAw6DiA9HlYiydi3a618lzzyBYRMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D1E93942-8D33-45A5-8A1C-E047AF935E83_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2MCYL3Rq-4/YJHRw9YNoMI/AAAAAAAAXV4/xpRbDAw6DiA9HlYiydi3a618lzzyBYRMACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/D1E93942-8D33-45A5-8A1C-E047AF935E83_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div><center>Pelata. Mixed media on paper</center><BR><P>I often hear my friends say they can’t draw or paint. If you can hold a pencil or a paintbrush, you can apply pigment or relief to a surface.<br><p>
Sometimes I do just that. I make marks. Then I make more marks. I apply paint, water, graphite and anything else I might have in my art box or within reach. <br><p>
I just apply it. I don’t ask it to look like anything other than what it is. Sometimes the shape or line is in response to what is already there, sometimes not. <br><p>
<h2>I just play.</h2> <br>
With no expectation of it looking like a landscape or a portrait, there is no disappointment. No frustration, just play. <br><p>
Afterwards, I look at it. I turn it this way and that, and quiet my mind long enough to begin to see what I’ve done. <br><p>
I’m no longer playing. No longer manipulating the image. <br><p>
The pictures begin to appear. Pictures I could not have contrived, and yet they flowed from my hand. Just like that. <br><p>
If nothing else, I have enjoyed the act of creating. If nothing else, I am left with this token, this reminder of when I let myself play.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwcvj79XSOc/YJHQubNOk1I/AAAAAAAAXVs/5QBMGPWn1MYBUYR4mdJasNlEmLQpi8nfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/890E8A5D-12DE-4FB5-84F6-3EF202B60268.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwcvj79XSOc/YJHQubNOk1I/AAAAAAAAXVs/5QBMGPWn1MYBUYR4mdJasNlEmLQpi8nfACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/890E8A5D-12DE-4FB5-84F6-3EF202B60268.jpeg"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-37122996470052151162021-04-28T11:53:00.005-07:002021-04-28T17:35:50.522-07:00Flash Meridian book<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wEfh28lKmHM/YImumnvwm6I/AAAAAAAAXK4/M8UeXVNyarU8Dvv76K5btTWun2G8rpmkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1042/FBFA5E08-1FED-4D56-BBC9-C55A2836015B.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wEfh28lKmHM/YImumnvwm6I/AAAAAAAAXK4/M8UeXVNyarU8Dvv76K5btTWun2G8rpmkACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/FBFA5E08-1FED-4D56-BBC9-C55A2836015B.jpeg"/></a></div>
I'm reworking the Flash Meridian book for its second printing. It will have a new cover, new episodes and color pictures.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L5ty9pHGBGc/YImvNOc7YKI/AAAAAAAAXLA/vuHDF5wzvhkTdgowf1QTPjM-LFm9ON03ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1036/16F9BF3B-58CA-43AD-BC04-3F85C7425057.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L5ty9pHGBGc/YImvNOc7YKI/AAAAAAAAXLA/vuHDF5wzvhkTdgowf1QTPjM-LFm9ON03ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/16F9BF3B-58CA-43AD-BC04-3F85C7425057.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRtubGbUW8s/YIn_WZwmvAI/AAAAAAAAXMg/TA-2PZMkBz8huz3SbGEOloNUPB70V-W0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s752/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-04-28%2Bat%2B7.33.13%2BPM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="539" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRtubGbUW8s/YIn_WZwmvAI/AAAAAAAAXMg/TA-2PZMkBz8huz3SbGEOloNUPB70V-W0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-04-28%2Bat%2B7.33.13%2BPM.png"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARGgcl2h0vM/YIn_WdAxSgI/AAAAAAAAXMY/Jd3dRrK3P-ssw3mNa_AOoZh5YGQPfQsdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s752/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-04-28%2Bat%2B7.34.16%2BPM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="539" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARGgcl2h0vM/YIn_WdAxSgI/AAAAAAAAXMY/Jd3dRrK3P-ssw3mNa_AOoZh5YGQPfQsdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-04-28%2Bat%2B7.34.16%2BPM.png"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBjp-TvieKE/YIn_WUrQzxI/AAAAAAAAXMc/ZaLt1FyclJA8HBeqX4qTvnTDlNJsS93vgCLcBGAsYHQ/s752/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-04-28%2Bat%2B7.34.40%2BPM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="539" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBjp-TvieKE/YIn_WUrQzxI/AAAAAAAAXMc/ZaLt1FyclJA8HBeqX4qTvnTDlNJsS93vgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-04-28%2Bat%2B7.34.40%2BPM.png"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-58059811824860922182021-04-27T19:06:00.003-07:002021-04-27T19:06:39.844-07:00Northern lights I have some paintings down at Joy & Company, and I kind of feel like going down there and buying one. Part of me hopes they sell, but I’d be happy if they ended up coming back home, too.<br><p>
I’ve seen a lot of videos online of people doing those acrylic pour paintings. <br><p>
At first, I thought they were really beautiful. I loved the cells that formed. So I bought some flotrol, silicone, tongue depressors and plastic cups. Before I got around to trying it, I got sick of them. <br><p>
The thing that bugs me the most is how everyone says “I’m really happy with how this turned out.” It really annoys me. <br><p>
I guess they’re surprised when they like something they produced. <br><p>
I like them the way I like glaze on a clay pot. You choose the color and let it act the way glaze acts. <br><p>
I dislike them the way I dislike photographs of northern lights. <br><p>
Years ago, I wrote about a woman who was hanging photos up the night I was taking my paintings down. <br><p>
“Don’t you get tired of painting fish?” She asked. <br><p>
<h2>Every one of her pictures was of northern lights.</h2>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-45933723377703829862021-04-22T09:25:00.003-07:002021-04-22T09:25:30.256-07:00Ideal selfFlash Meridian is my ideal self. He has unlimited resources. He is patient, inquisitive and content.<br><p>
No matter what conflict he faces, I am able to keep him safe through a simple choice of words. <br><p>
He doesn’t see me in my world the way I see him in his. He doesn’t know that I am giving him challenges and solutions. He thinks he is facing aliens, machines and boredom on his own.<br><p>
<h2>He doesn’t understand that the universe he inhabits is all in my mind.</h2><br>
It makes me wonder whose mind I’m traveling through.Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-68910977916979391352021-04-21T21:59:00.001-07:002021-04-21T21:59:07.038-07:00IngeminateI do not strive up be unique in my creative endeavors. I do tend to think outside of the box. I strive to be authentic. We’re all unique already. Even identical twins will experience the world differently from each other, and diverge as they live and grow.<br><p>
I will have ideas that are different from yours. Different, but not foreign. I am another part of you. We are all related, no matter our skin color or our culture. <br><p>
<h2>We are alike enough to understand, yet different enough to be interesting. </h2><br>
We look out onto the same planet, and we perceive it individually. <br><p>
I gaze on the world through the filter of my experience, just as you see the same world through yours. One is not wrong because the other different. <br><p>
Your creative voice may offer me a new perspective, and help me to understand something I hadn’t before. <br><p>
The trick is in realizing that my way is not the only way. No matter how comfortable my way is to me, there are other viable, beautiful ways. You can teach me. No matter who you are, and I can offer you something in return. <br><p>
Am I repeating myself? I’ve said things like this before. With different words. Words arranged differently, conveying the same message. Like sketches of the same subject, or roses, offering their familiar scent. Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-41942001520879110552021-04-19T14:11:00.003-07:002021-04-19T14:11:27.252-07:00NoisyI am hard of hearing. When I take my hearing aids out, I’m pretty much deaf.<br><p>
For quite a while, my hearing aids haven’t been much of a help. A couple of days ago, I got beefed up speakers and tulip domes to use until my new molds are ready in a couple of weeks. <br><p>
Those of you who hear probably have no idea what a boost in sound does to you. <br><p>
I’ve become clumsy. I drop things. I become irritable. I try to get my kids to speak more quietly, when they have gotten used to speaking in a louder voice for me. <br><p>
If that acoustic component weren’t enough, the domes themselves irritate my ear canals, and it will take a week or two for me to acclimate to them. <br><p>
By the time they hopefully feel comfortable, I will transition to the molds, and start this process again. <br><p>
My daughter was talking today about when I got my first hearing aids. I stared at the refrigerator and asked several times if it always made that noise. I thought there was something wrong with it. <br><p>
<h2>The world is full of sounds that I had forgotten, and it can be overwhelming. </h2><br>
It’s such a relief to take them out. <br><p>
I’m a Finlander. I don’t want to hear everything everyone says. <br><p>
I have teenagers. They are noisy. <br><p>
Maybe I should just take them out from time to time throughout the day. The devices and the teenagers.Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-50052980620944954362021-04-19T13:10:00.003-07:002021-04-19T13:13:11.292-07:00Cascade River State Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XM70e_X_Ko/YH3jYnjffhI/AAAAAAAAXIM/iI8UHEi34MMpS2__rWjQ5WF6D95QdPwQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1830/3BCA5D79-8998-4D87-A96A-70EFF2D35B75.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1830" data-original-width="1470" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XM70e_X_Ko/YH3jYnjffhI/AAAAAAAAXIM/iI8UHEi34MMpS2__rWjQ5WF6D95QdPwQACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/3BCA5D79-8998-4D87-A96A-70EFF2D35B75.jpeg"/></a></div>Last week, my son and I hiked along one of my favorite rivers.<br><p>
I have hiked that trail many, many times. I have been there in all seasons, and all weather conditions over the past thirty years. <br><p>
<h2>Right now the river is running high with the spring thaw, and the trees are just waking up. </h2><br>
It was his first time there. <br><p>
Being there with him, I was able to see it through new eyes, and it inspired a meditation and some paintings.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ewaUX1pEx4/YH3jo8ZFeoI/AAAAAAAAXIY/HzFWglPW6IwuqwOrFdMfwtb21VoFUbyiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1896/11C1BA90-66F9-433F-B25E-52ACAF14DBC1.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1896" data-original-width="1507" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ewaUX1pEx4/YH3jo8ZFeoI/AAAAAAAAXIY/HzFWglPW6IwuqwOrFdMfwtb21VoFUbyiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/11C1BA90-66F9-433F-B25E-52ACAF14DBC1.jpeg"/></a></div><br><p><br>8 x 10. Mixed media on canvas board.Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-39692340433015072422021-04-18T21:08:00.002-07:002021-04-18T21:14:54.171-07:00Joy & Co.I’m happy to announce that some of my paintings are available at Joy & Co. in Grand Marais.<BR><P>
These are new mixed media pieces, and include a couple of series I’ve done over the last couple of months.<BR><P>
One theme is a rainy day in the garden, and features flowers and other garden inhabitants.<BR><P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9cjWFnBBTE/YH0Ds99bTbI/AAAAAAAAXHY/yP7zfpUuBtET5uIGpSoMnaDVqbFtBY2rwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2707.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9cjWFnBBTE/YH0Ds99bTbI/AAAAAAAAXHY/yP7zfpUuBtET5uIGpSoMnaDVqbFtBY2rwCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/IMG_2707.jpeg"/></a></div>
sadesaappaat ja Ämpäri (rain boots and Bucket)<BR><P>
This reminds me of the haphazard way my grandson leaves things on the ground when he is done with them. The toys he plays with at the end of fall might stay right there until spring if I don't make a sweep through the yard before the snow comes.<BR><P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofrxdz8pENw/YH0B_OagTxI/AAAAAAAAXHM/cyJQGQC_OQsfSxTYsoUaoBZ9BDzD-1DmACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/11007EB4-8D84-45F9-BB7E-01A504538BC8_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofrxdz8pENw/YH0B_OagTxI/AAAAAAAAXHM/cyJQGQC_OQsfSxTYsoUaoBZ9BDzD-1DmACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/11007EB4-8D84-45F9-BB7E-01A504538BC8_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div>
vihreät tomaatit (the green tomatoes)Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-84541024192222806192021-04-16T21:09:00.003-07:002021-05-08T12:38:26.558-07:00Built into the eons: A meditation<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2msVgJMQjU/YHpgmLW9A0I/AAAAAAAAXEc/7cwUtWh5zP0scdL0aRG7_Aqny13V-TXkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5E0A2146-3C90-489B-A1B1-6F1DC0CAE022_1_201_a.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2msVgJMQjU/YHpgmLW9A0I/AAAAAAAAXEc/7cwUtWh5zP0scdL0aRG7_Aqny13V-TXkACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/5E0A2146-3C90-489B-A1B1-6F1DC0CAE022_1_201_a.jpeg"/></a></div>You are standing in cool shadow, but surrounded by dancing daubs of light. Above you is a roof of glowing leaves, and beneath your feet is bare dirt. You are standing on a forest path.<BR><P>
You can hear the sound of a river to your right. It is close by, but shielded from your view by the dense foliage of small trees.<BR><P>
The air is rich with the scent of soil. Take three deep breaths. You are in no hurry. Savor the freshness of the air and feel the refreshing breeze against your skin. This is the same breeze that causes the high branches to dance and sway, causing the the puddles of sunlight to undulate around you.<BR><P>
Relax. Relax the top of your head, and your face. Feel that relaxation spread to your ears, your jaw and your neck.<BR><P>
You are safe here, surrounded by the trunks of mature trees. They rise from their underground roots, to tower high above you. Above the forest floor.<BR><P>
They rustle, a whisper compared to the roar of the river.<BR><P>
Relax your shoulders and your chest. Your arms and your hands. Let all the tension flow down your arms and out your fingertips. Let it dissipate in the breeze.<BR><P>
For these few minutes, you feel comfortable, at home with the trees, some of which have stood right here for longer than you can imagine, and the river, more ancient still.<BR><P>
Relax your abdomen, and your hips.<BR><P>
The same wind that animates the treetops caresses your skin. You have stood on this path before. You are not a visitor here. You feel connected. You are a part of it all.<BR><P>
Let the gentle flow of relaxation extend down into your legs. Just feel the muscles of your thighs soften. This wave of healing energy reaches your knees. Release any pain or stiffness, any weight.<BR><P>
Your feet connect you to the earth, and from them you rise into the air. You tower over the grass and saplings, just as the trees tower over you. You have a place among them all. <BR><P>
The healing power of relief enters your calves and your feet. Release any tension from your body and let it drain out the end of your toes.<BR><P>
Your heart beats in unison with the heartbeat of the forest, and you realize you are made of the same stuff. Stardust, spun off to form the rocks and wood. The water and the soil. The clouds that sail high above even the tallest trees. Everything. Including you.<BR><P>
The trees pump water from the ground, up the trunk, through the branches and out the leaves as the oxygen you breathe. Your body pumps blood from your torso, through your arms and into your fingers.<BR><P>
The light shifts and falls across your face. You feel the warmth of it on your skin. The sunlight touches you the way it touches the leaves above, and the remains of a fallen tree, which is slowly returning to the dirt from which it grew. This is not death, but simply a transition.<BR><P>
The seed grew to become a giant, and then reveled in its opportunity to be a tree. It sheltered many before laying down to rest. Now it nurtures many more, including its children, as it peacefully returns to where it started. The ancient cycle repeats, and everyone is richer for it.<BR><P>
Notice how the light hits the top of the decomposing tree trunk, causing deep shadows on the underside of it.<BR><P>
You can not know light without the shadow, nor shadow without the light. They define each other, and their interplay defines everything we see.<BR><P>
You can not know comfort without pain. Joy without sorrow, or life without death.<BR><P>
<h2>There is comfort in this balance. There is richness and meaning in this relationship.</h2><BR>
We find ourselves at stages in the circuit. There is a rhythm built into the eons.<BR><P>
And so we revel in our time to stand. We see and we welcome. We care and shelter others before we finally lay down to rest.<BR><P>
Peacefully. There is nothing to fear. Nothing to regret.<BR><P>
And the cycle continues.<BR><P><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99_dbJe-X_E/YJboqDmhcrI/AAAAAAAAXYs/z-J3KbHDwTsMUZUcapFIwqXRmNuo1exRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/84DE3C31-14BB-4AE7-986D-2EE32E038B81.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99_dbJe-X_E/YJboqDmhcrI/AAAAAAAAXYs/z-J3KbHDwTsMUZUcapFIwqXRmNuo1exRACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/84DE3C31-14BB-4AE7-986D-2EE32E038B81.jpeg"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-25905771122568878162021-04-16T13:26:00.002-07:002021-04-16T13:26:20.973-07:00Covered fish jar<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0vsW0AgO04/YHny0xlEMAI/AAAAAAAAXEE/FLr8c2iyUsEOE538bw-kgV0PVmcFe0fowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1AD73A92-9930-468A-926C-39BBD12D7FB6.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0vsW0AgO04/YHny0xlEMAI/AAAAAAAAXEE/FLr8c2iyUsEOE538bw-kgV0PVmcFe0fowCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/1AD73A92-9930-468A-926C-39BBD12D7FB6.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0uQhMJGGU8/YHny09ugEdI/AAAAAAAAXEM/Alzpt_cwK_YwhFGHmYMGWwmG1OiudjiaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1C8FC4E3-62B4-4905-8036-9B50D4A54342.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0uQhMJGGU8/YHny09ugEdI/AAAAAAAAXEM/Alzpt_cwK_YwhFGHmYMGWwmG1OiudjiaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/1C8FC4E3-62B4-4905-8036-9B50D4A54342.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e--ycBrRuQ/YHny07pTBaI/AAAAAAAAXEI/kQFXcJJTzsk1-9K_-AuNlIMpqZcSg9gxACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/42F48AB7-33F1-4785-BC11-60291275CCE6.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e--ycBrRuQ/YHny07pTBaI/AAAAAAAAXEI/kQFXcJJTzsk1-9K_-AuNlIMpqZcSg9gxACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/42F48AB7-33F1-4785-BC11-60291275CCE6.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXK_bLW054A/YHny1JNtr2I/AAAAAAAAXEQ/o3RBgG0EAjwwR99V-Hj2P9eXQe1qqQuDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/54273278-3AB3-4AAA-9E54-806F848E5BD7.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXK_bLW054A/YHny1JNtr2I/AAAAAAAAXEQ/o3RBgG0EAjwwR99V-Hj2P9eXQe1qqQuDACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/54273278-3AB3-4AAA-9E54-806F848E5BD7.jpeg"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-64696861701539292762021-04-16T13:25:00.002-07:002021-04-16T13:25:13.411-07:00Covered dish<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WV5mF1DGd0c/YHnykiJ5SoI/AAAAAAAAXD8/2txgbNuXTtsljEv0p_5ySJZQ9Cx7O2ZRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/541F1D6D-CFD2-478B-B824-72F5D6E3114C.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WV5mF1DGd0c/YHnykiJ5SoI/AAAAAAAAXD8/2txgbNuXTtsljEv0p_5ySJZQ9Cx7O2ZRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/541F1D6D-CFD2-478B-B824-72F5D6E3114C.jpeg"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-9404079602745801202021-04-16T13:24:00.000-07:002021-04-16T13:24:09.227-07:00Kids & Grandkids plate<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-Xik3E30f0/YHnyUn_Q4cI/AAAAAAAAXDo/0EfLWU-qeqMhdLvLqmmPsnRw32NVhMdwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/45AED149-ED32-42D3-A805-1404FD268DB9.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-Xik3E30f0/YHnyUn_Q4cI/AAAAAAAAXDo/0EfLWU-qeqMhdLvLqmmPsnRw32NVhMdwACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/45AED149-ED32-42D3-A805-1404FD268DB9.jpeg"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-38443487767680694652021-04-16T13:23:00.002-07:002021-04-16T13:23:22.594-07:00Fish cups<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILhST09azlc/YHnyI_Y8AMI/AAAAAAAAXDU/Rj_Ht_Fap-QhE_HZRPtrgku0ZYcPFR18ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/7E26C87A-8C64-4610-A7D7-F5D60D6364F4.jpeg" style="display: block; 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padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8VH8YM3LTQ/YHnyJtYBEhI/AAAAAAAAXDk/oq-Cw9jPYmkqXQcUq7utXH4nKS7sDwVDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/EBAB34FF-C4AC-4B59-AF77-11403EA9F544.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfV6n1gsVpc/YHnyInH0w9I/AAAAAAAAXDQ/LKtii3siDQIgR7NMifeAr3EWwjH2h0O3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/15EAE0D6-7EB8-4233-94AD-07D1C1E2C5E6.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfV6n1gsVpc/YHnyInH0w9I/AAAAAAAAXDQ/LKtii3siDQIgR7NMifeAr3EWwjH2h0O3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/15EAE0D6-7EB8-4233-94AD-07D1C1E2C5E6.jpeg"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-73515669221225462782021-04-16T13:22:00.000-07:002021-04-16T13:22:01.253-07:00Flounder bottle <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qv8-nSkpYDU/YHnxtEbHU6I/AAAAAAAAXC0/v-b_8GOOypw-RhihtEva8n5_MWvxH-aDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/66F59994-2366-44AE-976C-BC7901D92C38.jpeg" style="display: block; 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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKw2-1RlR-I/YHnx1n0vMnI/AAAAAAAAXDA/R1Pa4INOyVAmBKtGXAxw1KzAkmSAjXz-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/409E5606-01AB-4128-8198-6EFE625E64F0.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKw2-1RlR-I/YHnx1n0vMnI/AAAAAAAAXDA/R1Pa4INOyVAmBKtGXAxw1KzAkmSAjXz-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/409E5606-01AB-4128-8198-6EFE625E64F0.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TErQw3An0bw/YHnx1jHzxJI/AAAAAAAAXC4/W2uN9U3yAuweq5qH0JrLt-U3UM7mtkJhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/C72A0A2C-EDED-4CA3-9AC9-2D13ED09AFC4.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TErQw3An0bw/YHnx1jHzxJI/AAAAAAAAXC4/W2uN9U3yAuweq5qH0JrLt-U3UM7mtkJhACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/C72A0A2C-EDED-4CA3-9AC9-2D13ED09AFC4.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_eiNfteRy8/YHnx1lfTdyI/AAAAAAAAXC8/7cBabCTwx04xCrRrl-zeYxMQVf5B-w-SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D4155D84-D22B-4538-ABC5-F70705C296FA.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_eiNfteRy8/YHnx1lfTdyI/AAAAAAAAXC8/7cBabCTwx04xCrRrl-zeYxMQVf5B-w-SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/D4155D84-D22B-4538-ABC5-F70705C296FA.jpeg"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22603950.post-793964057642339722021-04-16T13:20:00.001-07:002021-04-16T13:20:06.223-07:00Romeo jar<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBJaDLjog-0/YHnxaLDj8JI/AAAAAAAAXCU/fU0zUfPhQkUQtCHyux4akyLOOGdsaycHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1E06BC2D-0281-4857-9773-3F7F49D59D29.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBJaDLjog-0/YHnxaLDj8JI/AAAAAAAAXCU/fU0zUfPhQkUQtCHyux4akyLOOGdsaycHACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/1E06BC2D-0281-4857-9773-3F7F49D59D29.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-625kkkRDBn0/YHnxZ9sfD3I/AAAAAAAAXCM/KwF2fzAXknQ3sWFjiRJHMcCAw1afZDgiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/99B2A9BF-755C-4A9C-AD5C-08BA322C3C8C.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-625kkkRDBn0/YHnxZ9sfD3I/AAAAAAAAXCM/KwF2fzAXknQ3sWFjiRJHMcCAw1afZDgiACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/99B2A9BF-755C-4A9C-AD5C-08BA322C3C8C.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFsWNEYSitI/YHnxaPU11BI/AAAAAAAAXCQ/r8O5WrxmjMArdv5bjs9QoHVnXpbXgwWPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/C81A3499-3C34-4059-8F7F-04A26DC55C24.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFsWNEYSitI/YHnxaPU11BI/AAAAAAAAXCQ/r8O5WrxmjMArdv5bjs9QoHVnXpbXgwWPACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/C81A3499-3C34-4059-8F7F-04A26DC55C24.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Gkx5oGdrO0/YHnxaTVhycI/AAAAAAAAXCY/nt3e7TwRum8TD-g9lRUT8th-kQaMCEvNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D5804E7F-EC86-498A-B964-0E1B9655A253.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Gkx5oGdrO0/YHnxaTVhycI/AAAAAAAAXCY/nt3e7TwRum8TD-g9lRUT8th-kQaMCEvNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/D5804E7F-EC86-498A-B964-0E1B9655A253.jpeg"/></a></div>Timouthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702108195096640805noreply@blogger.com0