December 1, 2012 In appreciation, branding, creativity, design, imagination, inspiration, life and the universe, peace, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

52 Weeks of Peace [squared] / Week #78

saxton_peace_ornament

It’s December!

Bring on the bells, the fireplaces all aglow, reindeer on rooftops, the hubbub, long lines, flaring tempers, excited children, too many sweets, blinking lights, trees and wreaths, singing and angels… it’s all there, all of it, comes so fast, gone just as quickly ~ so be of good cheer. Find the bright in your heart, and be of good cheer. ♥ ~ Patricia

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November 29, 2012 In art, books, books & stuff, creativity, design, inspiration, life and the universe, peace, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

We Want Your Mug!

So I had another crazy idea, and am hoping you can help. And I want it to be fun for you ~ to be a part of our mission to share peace!

As you probably already know, “52 Weeks of Peace” is about creatively inspiring individual peace in everyday ways, 52 weeks a year ~ each one of us doing whatever we can to give a sense of peace not only to others, but to ourselves; things that fill us with appreciation and hope, with more light and more strength. I’m not going for world peace just yet – just one person at a time. It’s doable. From there ~ who knows how far ripples can reach?

And I’d like some faces to go with the message. I’d like your faces. (Here’s our first…^!) I’d like to take and collect as many as possible and make a simple video. (It does sound fun, right?) Like I said, it’s just an idea. People are busy. Heck, I’M busy. We’ll see how far it gets, but I figure it’s worth a go.

All you need is a camera, a 52 Weeks of Peace product, and a smile!

Then, you just take “waist-up” shots of people holding (or wearing) something “52 Weeks of Peace” (the book, a favorite postcard from the book, a bag, button or mug…). People of all ages, shapes and sizes welcome. A solid background is preferred but not “absolute”. The only requirement is that it’s a clean, clear shot that shows off one or more people ~ and that it is freely given for public use (no names please) ~ and the picture should be happy.

There’s no prize, no “special offer” ~ this isn’t a big business deal, just one artist/writer looking to round up some friends and friends-of-friends who like the idea. That’s it. Grass-roots, “just because”. If you’d like to be part of this project, you can post a picture to the 52 Weeks of Peace facebook page, or send them to 52weeksofpeace@gmail.com. (You can also ask questions in a comment below.) I’d love for you to join in.

Peace starts right here, right now, with you, with me ~ let’s inspire, let’s do this!

…………………..

ps: this doesn’t replace “where in the world is peace?” series, but adds to it and brings people more front and center.

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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.

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October 5, 2012 In appreciation, art, communication, creativity, design, graphic design, imagination, inspiration, life and the universe, philosophy, words and language By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P’s / #63: Pink Flamingo

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

– ♥ –

I’ve always been enchanted by flamingos. I think most people are. Maybe it’s their color we find so stunning ~ their sheer pink-ness! ~ ranging from pale and soft to deep corals and brilliant pink-tinged scarlets.

Then you see them standing on those incredibly skinny legs that go every which way (often standing on just one leg; go figure…), making them both awkward and fluid, beautiful and strange, and there’s a sense of awe at their very design.

I like the “awe” of flamingos. I like the way their form almost contradicts itself. I like their grace and their gentleness, and how they hang out in groups like one big happy family and don’t cause any trouble. They eat, swim, and fly (sounds good to me). They mate for life.  And they’ve got that amazing plumage.

You know, just thinking about them has brightened my day. Heck, I hope it’s brightened yours too.

(see our growing, ongoing Plethora of P’s here)

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September 17, 2012 In art, communication, design, graphic design, inspiration, life and the universe, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

Thoughts on Unity

I was recently asked to create a poster about “unity”, which will also happen to coincide with International Peace Day. Right up my alley, right? (By the way, the above is not the final poster – that will come tomorrow.) 

Yet the subject gives me pause. I know, I’m the peace & love & all things positive girl, and unity is an honorable goal, dream, ideal ~ so what great reflection is needed?

I just know that the concept made me ask myself, what exactly is “unity”? What is it to me and what is it to others, and would both answers be the same?

Is the concept of unity as simple as “united we stand, divided we fall”?  Is it as cosmic as the humanity / earth / universe connection? Is it “we are all connected”, or is it “we are all one”?  Is it about collective consciousness or collective harmony? Is unity of spirit or cause or thought?

You may think I’m over-thinking, and you might not be wrong about that (I can do it so well!). After all, the definition’s right there in the dictionary. But I do believe that the concept of unity is wide open for interpretation, not in small measure due to the chaos in our world ~ so I pondered. (Bear with me, if you like. But this a long one, so if your eyes are already glazing over, no worries.)

Of all the questions above, I would answer that unity is agreement and harmony, preferably originating from love, kindness and respect. At its core, it’s about more than one person standing up for the same beliefs, forming a united front. It can be a fight as well as a peace.

To me, unity is not “one mind”, “one heart”, “one world”, but a collection of minds and hearts with common purposes. In the bigger picture, unity is a vision of the great possibilities when humanity stands together for all that is right and good, when they have each others’ backs, when they cheer on others’ successes and give a hand when others stumble or fall, when they say “no” to personal abuses of any kind and “no” to attempts to sabotage their basic liberties ~ and when they say “yes” to love.

And of course, in the grandest overview, unity knows no boundaries between race, color or creed. Unity does not judge, nor allow differing opinions to divide us (humanity) as a whole.

But what if one group’s idea about what is “good and right” are opposed to another’s?

Different schools of thought have different opinions on how best to use and conserve our natural resources. Different molecular combinations create different personalities with different aptitudes. We say we want to be respectful towards different cultures ~ but what if one involves rituals that others find repulsive?

These scenarios prompt that pesky thing called disagreement ~ and if unity is pressed, trouble brews. Who’s to say: “be like us”, “think as we think”, “do as we do”, “ours is the better way”?

One may even feel a certain righteousness in their beliefs, which, as such, will probably not be well received. Oh there will be unities, but they’ll be divided from one another. In the Civil War, for example, while our country was ripped apart, each “side” was firmly united within their cause.

We want a world that “comes together”. But how does that happen? And if someone vehemently disagrees or feels something is an affront to humanity, should they be “tolerant” in the name of peace? Do they turn the other cheek? Just let it be? Or do they speak up, risking boiling tensions and most certainly a disruption to the flow of unity?

The ideal of unity can dissolve like a desert mirage. Emotions rise. Struggles ensue. Something that resembles disrespect can grow into resentment and anger.

I can see the bright hope to live in a world where we all get along ~ and I can also see, within a blink of the eye, ways it can go awry. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a pipe-dream, but the harsh truth is that there are situations ~ and people ~ that can clash with enormous discord, on both small and grand scales ~ and these clashes put the concept of unity into a state of perpetual hope, rather than entrenched in a world reality.

It’d be beautiful to exist with unity and peace reigning supreme under love, but there are many forces at work and not all are on board, much less on the same page. History has shown that there are those who would fool us. Unity is not a dream reserved only for those with positive hearts. Everyone does not share the same vision.

I’ll even admit that the concept of broad, sweeping unity scares me because it contains the potential to be disguised and misused. I’m too fiercely independent, and love my personal freedom far too much to blindly follow any mass movement, even those claiming the best of intentions, if it raises a red flag or causes even a quiver on my spiritual antenna.

And then there’s this: can we have harmony without unity? Just leave each other alone to be who they want to be? (Oh boy, I think I’m going down Alice’s rabbit hole…)

So, what to do? Imagine? Dream? Hope? Pray? Sure. But, of course the best thing is to live it. By standing together within your family, among your friendships, in your community, your schools, and experiencing unity in small, accountable, rewarding ways.

I believe that there are indeed bonds of unity that can be stronger than any outside divisive effort, and that there is great power there with great possibility for what is “good and right” for the greater whole. And I believe that those who dream of a better world should never, ever stop dreaming. But I also think we should remember, as a wise person once said, “when the student is ready, the teacher appears”… not before. In other words, you can’t force it. While you may live it, and share by example, and maybe even influence, you cannot make a horse drink the particular well of water you’ve led them to.

Harmony, love, peace, unity…  those are some lofty goals. And in some respects unrealistic. But one thing’s for sure ~ in one way or another, we’re all in this together, so it doesn’t hurt to try, does it.

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September 12, 2012 In branding, color, creativity, design, imagination, inspiration, life and the universe, peace, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

52 Weeks of Peace [squared] / Week #74

“nobody can be uncheered with a balloon”
~ Winnie the Pooh

Remember to send peace! ~ The 52 Weeks of Peace postcard book is available at Amazon. “This book is a treasure – beautiful and inspirational artwork with thoughtful verbiage. Patricia Saxton has hit a home run.”

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June 11, 2012 In communication, philosophy, words and language, writing By Patricia Saxton

On Writing with Authenticity

They tell you to write what you know. But I say, without a doubt, write what you love.

For example, I know photoshop really well. It’s a fabulously cool tool. I can teach you how to use it, I can show you a litany of tips & tricks ~ but lord have mercy, I do not want to write about it! (Thankfully there are plenty of other people who do.) Photoshop does not stir my soul.

Write about things that stir your soul.

Write like you’re having a conversation, because in essence you are. Write like it’s the most interesting subject in the world. Write with all your heart. Let it rip. Write from your gut. Write with pleasure and conviction and spark.

I don’t care if you love blue herons or monopoly games or computer chips or zombie warlords ~ what you have passion for, you’ll write about best ~ so pull the words from that raw, genuine place. Oh, and have fun with it.

And later, most definitely, edit … with all your mind!

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May 30, 2012 In appreciation, life and the universe, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

On Being Authentic

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ~ Oscar Wilde

We hear a lot about being “authentic” these days. I feel like I’m witnessing a bit of a mass re-discovery that being yourself holds water. That genuine is valued over false. That individuality, not sameness, carries the day. And in my humble opinion, if people take these notions to heart, we’re going in a good direction.

But I will (hesitantly) admit that my internal radar is measuring a slight cynicism, fearing that it’s being bandied about (almost) as if it were something fashionable. A concept du jour. Hitting the target but not the bullseye. Skimming the surface. You hear it and agree that it sounds good, but what do you really do with it?

In truth, of course,  “authenticity” is as real as it gets and is never out of style. It’s wheat grown in the open field and the stars that shine above it, it’s a homemade card or a hunk of solid gold ~  and it’s who you are, your true self, how you think, what moves you, what you do about it, how you express yourself.

It’s not glamorous or badass or cool. It’s not celebrity or dying your hair blue. It’s not about clever ways to show how unique you are; it’s about being real.

Maybe the real you is about originality, maybe even outrageous ~ but it’s not authentic if it’s contrived. You don’t wake up and say, “I think I’ll be authentic today, it’ll look great with my new shoes.” You either are, or you aren’t, no matter what shoes you wear. You know the difference ~ and others usually do too.

I think it’s a lot easier to get through life without pretending to be something that you’re not, and a lot more productive, too. So go be real. Just you, the genuine article, the real McCoy, the only you there is.

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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. : )

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