life and the universe Archives - Page 14 of 22

April 23, 2013 In art, craftsmanship, creativity, design, inspiration, life and the universe, skill By Patricia Saxton

Tuesdays with Chris: “Outside the Frame”

As “Tuesdays with Chris” nears its inevitable end (sadly, all things must pass…), we’re given a glimpse of how these videos have been made. You’re going to like this a lot! It’s just as inspiring and well-done as all the rest, with a good measure of “informative” tossed in. For anyone thinking they’d like to whip up a quick 3-minute video, take note of the time and care involved. Kudos to Producer Cody Goddard (and his awesome mittens).

(If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.)

Next week will be the last in the series. Enjoy!

April 19, 2013 In appreciation, inspiration, life and the universe, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

We’re Never Done

It’s been a rough week here in the U.S. Kind of kicked me in the gut. Lots of praying and waves of love being sent out to those most in need, and we’re not done yet. Truth is, we’re never done ~ there’s a whole world of people in need of love, peace and beams of light. If you’ve got a soul, tragedy isn’t something you get used to…. and when it gets too big, it feels overwhelming. But we hope, we try, and hope again, that in some way each of us can make a positive difference, in even one life ~ which I believe we can, and many do, often without knowing the difference made. From the public heroes to the smallest unsung gestures of kindness ~ we won’t rid the world of all its ills, maybe not yet, but ~ we do the best we can. We all have the capacity to touch individuals, to shine a light, to lift, to support, to encourage, to potentially give rise to blooms of goodness. And so, at the end of the day, I hope we have loved as often and as well as we can.

Love and blessings ~ Patricia

April 18, 2013 In art, craftsmanship, creativity, design, inspiration, life and the universe, skill By Patricia Saxton

Tuesdays with Chris: “Life & Death in Art”

A wonderful examination of the concept of cave paintings and their possible purpose, intertwined with thought-provoking questions about our modern experience with the environment, our surroundings and asking ourselves what’s of real value.

(If you missed my introduction about Chris Staley, master potter, educator and Penn State Laureate 2012-2013, you can read that here.) Enjoy!

April 15, 2013 In life and the universe By Patricia Saxton

Prayers to Boston

I don’t think there are any among us here in the U.S. who feel untouched by the Boston Marathon bombing this afternoon… I find myself wishing I had the right words to uplift our spirits, to give us confidence in what is good, to comfort our hearts. Of course it is well to remember the amazing and beautiful display of human courage and caring we see when tragedy hits home. From hundreds, even thousands of miles away, we watch, and we feel pain at the same time we feel an immense pride and gratitude towards those who risk their lives, who dive into harm’s way to save lives, who care for wounded, investigate and analyze the details – whether by virtue of their job or their character, these acts of human care are a beaming light in the darkness.

But there is still the unfathomable, the anger, the outrage, the sorrow, the sickness of it all that can leave us overwhelmed with feelings that, in order to make any immediate sense, in order to do any good at all, lend themselves seemingly only to prayer. And that has to be enough.

In all honesty, I’m incensed; it’s pure madness, it’s another incomprehensible sadness, and it makes the fire in me flame high. But from a distance there’s no use for my fire, except to kindle more fire. So, as I know millions of us pray tonight, I pray with you, with all my heart, for the good people in Boston, and all the angels sent to help.

Love and prayers,
Patricia

April 15, 2013 In appreciation, art, creativity, design, life and the universe By Patricia Saxton

A Few Words on Chocolate

I don’t know what took me so long to talk about chocolate. After all, I was pretty much weaned on the stuff. Maybe because it’s such an integral part of my world, I didn’t give it any special thought. (Not that chocolate doesn’t deserve special thought.) But when it’s woven into the fabric of your life, it doesn’t pop out and say “hey, what about me?” It’s already there.

Personally, I like my chocolate “pure”. No liqueurs sneaking around inside my truffles, please. Just chocolate. Preferably in the form of fudgy brownies, an exquisite lava cake, or my favorite almost-always-on-the-stove homemade hot fudge sauce (ice cream optional – ha!)

No, chocolate has never suffered the fate of neglect around here.

Originally brewed as a frothy-type beer for the elite in ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures, today it’s not only a delicious vegetable source (from the cocoa bean), it’s full of endorphins and anti-oxidants (so I’m told, which I’m more than happy to believe), and it’s inspiring. How could you go wrong?

April 8, 2013 In art, creativity, life and the universe, peace, philosophy, work and play By Patricia Saxton

How To Slow Down Time

I don’t really have the final answer to this idea of slowing down time, although finding one has been on my mind a lot lately as we all keep moving, moving, moving, keeping up a brisk pace only to pause for dinner or maybe even some sleep. It’s just not right to me, all this constant motion, this world that moves so very fast, this world of instant news (and too much news), a wild sea of images and thoughts and appointments and gadgets, gadgets, gadgets. This very real sense that there isn’t enough time in the day. So I thought, it being Monday, that maybe Pooh has the best idea yet….

It’s a nice idea, isn’t it? But napping intrudes on time; time that moves so quickly, so furiously full. One could argue that a nap leaves you refreshed, better able to accomplish all those things that need accomplishing ~ and I find no fault there. But what about slowing down time so you don’t “need” a nap ~ like Pooh, you could take one just because it feels like a good thing to do?

What about slowing time at will, right here and now, without having to go on holiday to find it, and without detriment to your clients, your families, your peace of mind?

There are only a few ways I know that effectively slow down time. One is a fabulous snowfall ~ but this requires a northern climate and Mother Nature’s whim. The ocean has a similar effect, as does being on a mountaintop.

Another, more “here and now” way, is meditation. And of course, for me, there’s drawing. Or painting or playing the piano… when you’re cocooned in the embrace of creativity, it’s very much like a meditation; time simply doesn’t exist in that space. So I’m not sure if it’s actually slowing down time, or merely alleviating the consciousness of the ongoing tick-tock. But I do know that it’s good for the soul, and that practically amounts to the same thing. I think Pooh might agree.

Oh and there is one other way I know about for slowing down time. What you do is believe you have all the time you need. Saying it out loud can help. With conviction and slow, deep breaths. It’s almost like conspiring with the universe. You may laugh, and that’s fine, because I have no scientific explanation ~ but it’s not all that silly if it works, and it has for me.

And now that I’ve reminded myself of this ability, I just need to harness and command it more often! … After my nap.

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.

March 7, 2013 In art, craftsmanship, creativity, design, life and the universe, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

Dreaming Dreams

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

I can dream with the best of them. Big dreams. The fanciful, full-on, reach-for-the-stars kind. Maybe crazy, maybe not… but some have come true, and that’s enough for me to keep dreaming (even if I could stop.) And so it follows, not surprisingly, that I believe dreams are important, valuable, and potentially powerful. And everyone’s got a few ~ so I say, nurture them.

There are some pretty big guns who agree with all that, and so, well, I went a little “poster crazy” recently showing off the whole notion. Here they are. ~ Dream on. Dream big. Dream well. : )

March 5, 2013 In art, craftsmanship, creativity, design, inspiration, life and the universe, philosophy, skill By Patricia Saxton

Tuesdays with Chris: “Slow Time”

“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!

March 1, 2013 In appreciation, inspiration, life and the universe, photography, travel, work and play By Patricia Saxton

March: Like a Lion

Don’t know how the March weather will play out this year ~ we’ll just have to wait and see ~ but the old phrase “in like a lion, out like a lamb” conjured up some fond lion-memories for me.

It was in Kenya, about this time of year back in 1990, that I captured a small lion family on my old Chinon 35mm. So I thought I’d share part of a sequence that delights me now almost as much as it did watching it unfold in front of me then.

They look so sweet, don’t they? We were reminded that despite appearances, they are killers ~ and we were only 20 feet away . It was an extraordinary treat being so close, but I was equally glad for my zoom lens (and that Mama Lion decided we weren’t a threat and could get back to her nap). What a beautiful wonder they are.