“Beware the emptiness of a busy life.”
Oh boy, I think we can all relate to this video’s message about time… Beautifully done ~ and a beautiful horse, too! Thanks Chris, for this wonderful reminder.
(If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.) Enjoy!
Oh! The places you’ll go! … “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”
~ Dr. Seuss
………
It’s Dr. Seuss’ birthday. What an amazing man, he was! And in his honor, I’ve added a few new posters to my “nonsense” files. Hope you find them funthubbly (new word). : )
Chris Staley
What is beauty? Where do you find it? How? In what? Why is something beautiful? What is beautiful to you? Chris, and several graduate students, share their thoughts on beauty – sometimes poignant, sometimes comical. A treat!
(If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.) Enjoy!
On a snowy mountaintop, Chris ponders God, love, curiosity, and art. As ever, one of the things I like most about this presentation is his sharing pearls of wisdom from both heart and mind in such an unaffected and accessible manner ~ even on a topic so broad and deep as “God and Art”.
And today, after listening to this, I feel inspired to walk somewhere I’ve never walked before… Thank you, Chris!
(If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.) Enjoy!
So it’s Valentine’s Day ~ big deal, right? I’ve had a few memorable ones, but overall it’s pretty much an over-rated, over-commercialized, over-priced reason to either treat your special someone to flowers, chocolate and cards, or cry into your single-serving half-gallon ice cream container.
That said, I’m not as cynical as it sounds. I guess I’ve “evolved”. I kind of like the idea of a day dedicated to love. Let sweethearts swoon. And for those not in love, or who may have lost a love, are mad at love or through with love, who says it has to be romantic love? Cupid can have his fun, but so can those not struck by the mighty arrow. Why follow the rules?
So I got a little inspired, and made up some mini-posters in honor of all forms of genuine love, which is always worth celebrating. Happy Valentine’s Day to you! Go ahead and share some love today. ♥
“I feel, therefore I am.”
This is Chris’s astute take on René Descartes famous line “I think, therefore I am”, as he reflects on all the ways our hands express our selves.
I love the austere, but still warm, shooting of this one, and marvel at the ease with which Chris shares his thoughts, simultaneously simple, profound and accessible. Anyone who works with their hands will certainly appreciate what he has to say. Anyone who talks with their hands, and anyone with an understanding of body language will be nodding along.
(If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.) Enjoy!
It’s hard to resist the art of children. Chris enjoys a visit to a Montessori School and asks the kids to draw something they like… Enjoy!
(If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.)
proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.
Where would we be without pillars? A pillar is upright, strong and supportive. Something to lean on. Something to admire. Something that holds up magnificent structures ~ sometimes with great adornment, sometimes with simple, elegant lines, sometimes plain, functional ones, but always sturdy.
And they’ve been around a long time! The first known stone pillars date back to 2600BC in Ancient Egypt, created by the architect Imhotep. A little later on, some of the most elaborate columns were built by the Persians, and later still, (not to be outdone), the Greeks and Romans used them not only for supporting roofs from the inside, but as decoration for the outside of buildings.
Above all, ornate or dull, pillars are practical. And now and then, the human structure also needs a pillar to rest on or look up to, or support us when we reach higher, when our load is heavy. We’ve all known someone who’s served that role well. And then sometimes, you’re that pillar of strength for someone else.
The way I see it is that either way, physically or emotionally, pillars are pretty awesome and well due some praise.
(see our growing, ongoing Plethora of P’s here)
It’s a black and white world tonight ~ snow is falling against the dark night sky, which seems to take an edge off the bitter of winter’s cold ~ and I’m reminded how every year at this same time I feel this same compulsion to post some great black & white pieces. (It’s starting to feel a little spooky, how this happens, on cue, every January.) Whatever the reason for the timing, I adore black and white; always have. From my life-long love affair with the #2 pencil, to the magnificent drama of a fine black & white photograph, I’ve been captivated by the beauty and emotional breadth that can be so singularly captured without a spot of color. There’s character and grace and strength and guts and mood that seeps into your skin. I’ve written at length about these moods in the past, so will spare you the repetition and get on with the show!
“Oak Tree, Sunset City” / Ansel Adams
Photo by Hegel Jorge
Tattoo
Marilyn
Tea Wisdom / Patricia Saxton
Artist: Jose Ernesto Rodriguez
Boneshaker Zinfandel / Hahn Family Wines
Gia Photography
Lovely
Stair Design at Musee Robert Tatin
Land and Sea Clothing Co.
Eagle / @Patricia Saxton
Black & White Mimi Shoe
Zentangle
Book Cover
J.D. Label
Photo by David Mar Quinto
Photo by Hengki Koentjoro
“Ray” Movie Poster
Vulture / David Lloyd
In “Fire”, Chris shares insights on fire and life, magic and alchemy, duality and unpredictability, bringing us yet another intriguing, thoughtful and refreshing presentation. Thank you, Chris!
(If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.) Enjoy!
