intelligence Archives - Page 5 of 8

October 12, 2013 In books, communication, creativity, design, inspiration, intelligence, philosophy, presentation, words and language, writing By Patricia Saxton

Three Friends, Three Books

It just so happens that I am fortunate enough to have some gifted friends. And three of those friends recently published their own first books ~ which, also, just so happen to be quite good. So I thought I’d give them a shout out, because I’m both proud of their work and proud to know them. (If any of you are then inclined to read their books, all the better for everyone involved!)

Paul Huckelberry / An Accidental Book

I didn’t know Paul until he followed up on a referral to use both my graphic design and editing services ~ which he (very wisely : ) ) decided to invest in. So, yes, I am particularly biased in my review of this book, but I do know the book intimately ~ line by line, in fact, and cover design, too ~ and my assessment is honest. (Those who know me or my work, know that I can be a demanding critic, aiming for the best possible result with the highest quality representation.) And with that I’ll say that Paul is a writer who’d been masquerading as a well-resepcted engineer for many years ~ and write well he does in this lively collection of life stories ranging from love to politics, religion, greed, food on the table, self-worth, and generally a whole lot of things that seem to matter in this life we live. Without prescribing or preaching, he shares, and through that, gems of wisdom shine.

Alice / Wonderland’s Teatray, Musings and a Few Unchallengeable Truths

Over the past year, I have come to know and absolutely delight in this deep-thinking, witty, well-lived and wonderfully wise soul ~ and her first book is all of that as well. It’s a short, hauntingly real and beautifully composed sharing of life lessons learned, in ways that question, soothe, uplift and scratch at the very core of our spirit. She digs deep effortlessly and comes out on the other side brighter and wiser, refreshingly touching the reader’s life in the process.

Heather McCloskey Beck / Take the Leap

I’m pretty sure Heather and I have known each other in many lifetimes, as there was an almost instant “recognition” of one another across the miles, well before we met in person. We also share an uncannily similar approach to life, as well as a passion for art, creativity, peace and doing what you love ~ the latter of which, Heather is on a mission to help infuse into as many souls as possible So, when reading this lovely, thoughtful book, I nodded my head a lot, and found myself silently cheering her on, as well as cheering on all those who will undoubtedly be uplifted and motivated by her beautiful, compelling brand of inspiration.

June 12, 2013 In creativity, design, imagination, inspiration, intelligence, life and the universe, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

Positive Dissension

That’s an important sounding title, eh. If I think of a better one I’ll change it, but right now I just want to get on with it… which is, that certain ideas take hold in the mind, get tossed around and shared and pretty soon become part of a mass consciousness. Hearing, speaking or seeing something with enough repetition often becomes “truth” to a great many people. Kind of like how advertising works (well, a LOT like how advertising works), and politics (but I won’t, WILL NOT, go there…) ~ both are selling concepts, often cloaked in a happy disguise, to as broad a base as possible, hoping for buy in.

It doesn’t mean that these concepts are necessarily dark and evil ~ it just means that the thought form that’s being repeatedly projected has the opportunity to “stick” in our minds and become a “belief”. Once that happens, it can be hard to shake without something dramatic flaring up in our face, affecting us in a personal way. (The same goes for things we learn at home and in school, whether positive or negative, and while usually even more influential, it’s on a smaller scale, not a “mass consciousness” level.) And you know all this, but I’m on a roll, so …

Some people are content to go with the consensus, to follow popular thought processes. Fortunately or unfortunately, I’m not one of them. It’s fortunate, because it gives me the sense that I have control of my thoughts. It’s unfortunate because it can lead to too much “thinking”, which, trust me, isn’t the easy way to skip down the road of life. I can probably blame my parents, for the genetics as well as the lessons, because while I don’t remember them specifically saying “always question authority”, we were taught to “think for ourselves”. I’ve been a good girl in that regard.

Which leads to my positive dissent. Catch-phrases, meant to explain or alleviate our troubles or help us navigate to a more fulfilling life, can be powerful if they’ve withstood the test of time ~ but some, if not tested, can lead us astray. Like armchair psychology. It gets in the air, we start spouting off without having truly considered them. Again it’s not necessarily bad, it’s just that it can lead us on a much twistier path. Of course, we all follow our own path, and I make no judgment. Just my viewpoint.

So, there are two of these phrases that recently prompted this whole rambling essay I’ve embarked on. 1.) “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist, and 2.) The idea that you have to be out of your comfort zone to experience magic.

First one. A friend posed this Coelho quote as a true-or-not-true question, and everyone was commenting with “oh yes, most definitely!” Then I chimed in as a dissenter. (And let me also add that Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is one of my favorite books of all time. But the notion that fear of failure is the sole reason for unrealized dreams just rubs me all the wrong ways). I don’t believe this is true!

There are many inhibiting factors, all kinds of blocks – intellectual, emotional, spiritual, physical – real or nurtured – that can inhibit actualization of dreams, and fear of failure is a big one, but, in my opinion, certainly not the only. There are also lots of dreams that may even not be associated with fear or failure, just as there are those that actually have fear or failure at its core. Too many variables to chalk it up to this very common, and I think, easy, reasoning. I don’t buy it.

Second one. Yes, it’s great to venture out of one’s comfort zone. It leads to breakthroughs of all kinds, personal growth, opportunities you’d not have crossed, new doors opening, wonderful people and experiences you might not otherwise have known, and perhaps even magic and miracles. But do you have to go >>> over there to experience magic? I say no.

One of the most incredibly powerful actions we can take is to shift our thoughts. “Yea, yea, right”, some say – “that’s too simplified, it doesn’t take into account my circumstances and struggles and strifes; it’s not that easy. That’s a bunch of pie in the sky mumbo-jumbo, you don’t really understand how it is for me.”

Well, yes, it IS simplified ~ and that’s part of the beauty!

For the naysayers, I suggest trying it. Realllly try it. Miracles, magic, or wonderful changes (to keep it sounding real), can occur from where you sit. From a place where you DO feel comfortable, at ease and strong. You don’t have to go out on a limb and dangle with trepidation. You can do that too, and still get awesome results, but my point is that you don’t have to. You DO, however, have to change how and what you think. Thoughts, as I’m apt to say a lot, so forgive my chant, are very powerful. And just like collective, or “mass” consciousness, the more umph and energy and clarity and conviction ~ and the more repetition ~ behind a thought, the more power it holds. There is magic there.

And now I’ll get off my soapbox, but leave you with this, which I do believe to be true.

Choose your words carefully and think well! ~ Patricia

May 25, 2013 In art, inspiration, intelligence, life and the universe, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

No Exceptions

Funny how the right combination of words on the right day can cut through all sorts of rubbish. There have been many phrases that have spoken to me over my long years of admiring quotes, but right then and there, this one kind of shouted.

This isn’t to say I’m personally looking to start wearing big, red feathered hats. (I do love hats, but they tend to feel like a bit of a ball and chain, a cumbersome accessory that you have to hold if the wind blows.) But it does mean you get on with things. With gusto. No hiding behind ancient lessons of modesty (to the point of it being a flaw, not an asset), or memories of insecurity (too tall, too skinny, too short, too fat, not enough this or not enough that), or playing down your virtues to avoid someone else possibly feeling “less than” (after all, it’s very possible to be all you can be without being brazen or inconsiderate or creating psychological torment in others).

We all have merits and strengths just as we have faults and weaknesses. To hell with the latter. Why give them any more muscle. As I’ve heard somewhere along the way, we ought to afford ourselves the same benefit of good lighting that we often give to a painting on the wall. And do it now. Today. No exceptions.

May 12, 2013 In appreciation, inspiration, intelligence, poetry, words and language By Patricia Saxton

Mother’s Day

Carolyn Naught Saxton, circa 1940’s

On this day reserved for mothers, I’m planning to sit back and bathe in any loveliness that might possibly come my way. But first, I’d like to share something of my own Mom.

My mother was “my world” when I was little, and a role model as I grew. She did all the things you’d expect a Mom might do, like fix meals, teach manners, dry tears, cheer you up and on. She was there for her family, she was involved in her community. She loved to laugh. She loved to give. She loved life and tried to worry only on Tuesdays.

She was my biggest fan; my most trusted friend. We all adored her to pieces. And though she left the world much, much too soon – nearly 30 years ago, before her 60th birthday – she left gifts behind. Treasured, timeless words; gifts from the heart, mind and spirit.

Her poetry first appeared in anthologies as early as her teens. Later, perhaps her greatest work, was the collection of sonnets published in her book titled The Pine and The Power.

It was hard to choose just one poem ~ but I share this piece below in honor and life-giving celebration of mothers near and far, here or remembered.

Happy Mother’s Day ~
Patricia

♦

…………………………..

God help our children to transcend the dark

And walk the earth with dignity and cheer;

God help them seek the mountains, persevere

The road that twists through thorn and tanglebark,

Ascending finally where eagles mark

Their point of vision. Help our children find

Two masters ~ one the spirit, one the mind ~

And rediscover constancy of heart.

Help us to find cathedrals in the skies,

A will to walk the long uncharted mile;

(The will to find in winter’s legacy

The ochre sands from which the lime trees rise!)

Help us to know the measure of the child ~

To live in time and in eternity.

© Carolyn Naught Saxton

…………………………..

♦

March 14, 2013 In art, design, graphic design, inspiration, intelligence, life and the universe By Patricia Saxton

A Few Words From Einstein

I’ve always been a bit of a quotophile (is there such a thing? one who loves quotes?). There are so many great ones ~ and Einstein’s are right there at the top of my list, for just about every subject. His genius makes my jaw drop (it’s unfathomable to me). Combine that intellectual prowess with his insights into “life and the universe”, and I’m just blown away.

So, in honor of his birthday, I made a few designs using three of my favorite Einstein quotes. Of course there are other favorites, like … “People like us, who believe in physics, know that the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.” or “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” or “Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school.” or “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” or “Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater.” or “Joy in looking and comprehending is nature’s most beautiful gift.” … on and on, they are wonderful.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Einstein.

January 21, 2013 In art, fine art, history, inspiration, intelligence, leadership, life and the universe, painting By Patricia Saxton

Thank you, Dr. King.

@ 1964, Norman Rockwell, “The Problem We All Live With”

Thank you for sharing your dream, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For fighting the good fight. For lifting up the eyes, hearts and minds of millions with hope, peace, perseverance and integrity.

And Norman Rockwell, thank you for your brilliance.

November 18, 2012 In art, creativity, graphic design, illustration, intelligence, life and the universe, peace, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

Love, Peace and Madness Rant

Maybe it’s always been so (Charles Dickens is forever chiming in my ear about the best and worst of times…), but this is the only lifetime I’m certain of, and it sure can feel like a world gone mad.

I’ve been in a fairly non-stop “create” mode for a while now. Years, really. It could be a defense mechanism, a “distraction” from the evils of the world. From the seemingly endless, seemingly requisite wars (will we ever stop killing each other?), from energy drinks (hello????… urghhhhh), drugs that fix one problem and cause another (possibly even death), and biased news reporting that offers up panic, fear and division. From leaders who decide who can eat what and when they can eat it.

From a world where we can live vicariously through adventurous “reality shows” and where something as utterly tactless as Jersey Shore becomes a number one tv show (gag me NOW).

There’s more texting and less talking. Entire world views and life events get summed up in 25 characters or less. And forget politics ~ behind the mask of virtual communication, there exists a culture of some of the most righteous, adolescent, hateful language I’ve ever seen, even from people who are otherwise good souls. Hear it, repeat it, blame it, get riled up, feel good about yourself. What?

Then there are the freakishly large storms, ice knocking out the east coast last October, this October, hurricane Sandy shredding NJ and NY. Tsunami’s, earthquakes, fires, devastation, heartbreak, momentary reflections of what matters most.

But there are also amazing people, incredible stories of human love and courage, and ordinary people who choose to uplift over putting down. We have hearts, minds and spirits that, I believe ~ despite what often seems an unraveling of what is right and decent ~ are for the most part inherently good.

And when you put all this together – the best of times, the worst of times ~ I often come up with the simple view that it really is just madness. You can’t truly take it all in without feeling chaos, without feeling torn apart. Ordinarily a fairly balanced individual, I do get incensed. My blood does boil, I cry out for the senselessness of so much going on in the world, the helplessness many feel, the charged, misdirected emotions and the sense that our chains are being yanked.

Then again, maybe it’s all an illusion.

Chaos, madness or illusion, I’ve discovered that a pretty good option for avoiding lunacy is to live under a rock. I used to joke about this, but maybe I’m not kidding after all. I like it there. It’s a pleasant, pleasing place of my own making. I can create to my heart’s content, and have all kinds of wishful thinkings that it might make a positive difference “out there”.

I suppose, since I’m not going to join a fanatical mob of any sort, that it’s my way of fighting evil. Small potatoes really, but it beats getting sucked into the fray. And if what I do might bring one smile, or hit one nerve of warmth and hope ~ even fleetingly ~ I figure it’s not wasted.

I could go ahead and decide it’s all for naught. Pointless. But as an eternal optimist, I’ll figure that it’s worthwhile. Or else go mad.

September 25, 2012 In appreciation, books, imagination, inspiration, intelligence, skill, words and language, writing By Patricia Saxton

Blomkvist, Lisbeth and other Fictional Distractions

I did it in all the wrong order, but was riveted just the same.

First I broke form and saw the movie before reading the book. (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) “Wow”, I thought. Disturbing but mesmerizing and intelligent. Then while on vacation, the place I stayed had a copy of book 3. (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest). Couldn’t put it down (and got to picture Daniel Craig throughout the book, which wasn’t a bad thing). I was so enthralled that I bought book 2 (The Girl Who Played With Fire) at the airport bookstore on the way home.

In order or not, these books are distractingly good, and I have Stieg Larsson to thank for my to-do’s taking a back seat to my most recent obsessive reading spree. What a marvelous storyteller. I don’t know that there’s ever been a main character quite as fascinating as Lisbeth Salander. Sadly, Larsson passed away before they were published, which means there’ll be no book four or five or six.

I applaud you many times over Mr. Larsson, and I hope you see how far and wide your work has been appreciated from where you sit in heaven.

This has happened a few times in recent years ~ finding a series I can’t get enough of. Ariana Franklin’s Mistress of the Art of Death series was another (she also passed away, leaving a void). And there’s Mary Doria Russell, whose The Sparrow and Children of God are spectacular. Each writer’s style is different – I would call Larsson’s contemporary spy/intrigue, Franklin’s are historical murder mysteries, and Russell’s a rich brand of science fiction I never knew existed, whose characters come to life within moments of being introduced, as if they’ve long been good friends.

There are far, far too many outstanding books (and their authors) to mention right here and now; these are three (with series’) that happened to come to mind. All I can say is, thank goodness for them. Not only inspiring writers, their fictional works have made “real life” that much more delicious.

June 13, 2012 In appreciation, communication, inspiration, intelligence, life and the universe, presentation, words and language, work and play By Patricia Saxton

Wise Words

“Dream big. Work hard. Think for yourself. And love everything you love, and every one you love, with all your might.”
~ David McCullough, Jr., English teacher, from his Wellesley High School Commencement Speech

Wise words. Inspiring words. Yet apparently McCullough’s speech to the 2012 graduating class of High School seniors caused a fuss ~ because, in the speech, he told the students that they were “nothing special.” But if you listen (and I recommend that you do), many of you, like I did, will wonder what the controversy was all about.

Are we so coddled and inattentive that we get sidetracked by dissecting the minutia of a few phrases without hearing the full context of truth and wisdom?

Maybe the shame here is that it took the raising of eyebrows to make it to a broader audience. It’s outstanding. Bravo, well done!

If you want more on this, there’s a great editorial write-up about this video here.

April 27, 2012 In art, communication, creativity, drawing, inspiration, intelligence, life and the universe, philosophy, presentation By Patricia Saxton

Education & Creativity According to the great Sir Ken Robinson

How did I miss this? It’s wonderful. If you haven’t already seen this terrific piece, I dare you not to enjoy it and take away some inspired thinking (as well as an appreciation for some pretty darn good whiteboard drawing!). If you have seen it, enjoy it again. : )