Hi John, Every time I sit down to write you, I try to bring both truth and hope. This week is no different. The world feels tough right now. I’ve felt it deeply. But I’ve also found little reminders that love and light still exist. So today, I’m sharing a few thoughts from my life and things that are helping me stay centered. Hopefully, they can help you too! Cartoon: It’s a tattoo! 🎨
Dad Joke: Seen on the internet… 📬
Quote: 3 Quotes 💬
Digital Cartoon: No Ifs Ands Or Buts 🤍
Merch of the Week: Hanging In There 🧵 |
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| Did you know that I do commissions of all kinds? Even for tattoos, which I think is pretty epic! I wanted to spice things up a little this week, so I’m featuring this as my Cartoon of the Week! If you’ve spotted a cartoon you love or have an idea of what you’d like, let’s chat and create something that really speaks to you, for you! |
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| Seen on the internet: I want my firstborn to be a mail child. Response: Keep us posted! |
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| Three quotes today from the devastatingly honest book by journalist Omar El Akkad, One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. “The system, predicated on endless feeding, is unable to imagine anything outside itself, let alone forms of resistance to itself.” And… “A person the system was never built to serve bears the responsibility of dreaming up a better one.” and… “Anything to avoid contending with the possibility that all this killing wasn’t the result of a system abused, but a system functioning exactly as intended.” |
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| The three quotes above are just a few of Akkad’s devastating claims. I recommend you read the book; it is so honest, unarguably true, and urgent. They struck me hard because I just finished it during a difficult time in my own life. I’ve shared with you previously that what’s going on in the world has really affected me. I feel the daily challenge of “finding my Zen,” which, for me, means achieving a state of inner peace, calm, and focus. It’s about being centred, grounded, free from stress and anxiety… no matter what’s going on around me. It’s one thing to be able to do this when things are relatively peaceful around me. It’s another thing to accomplish this during difficult and challenging times. Like Lisa’s folks from Alabama used to say: “It’s hard to drain the swamp when you’re up to your ass in alligators.” These are difficult and challenging times with lots of swamps and alligators. I’m thinking a lot about why. Let me ramble for a second why I think so. One of the big reasons is that I need to face the facts. Let’s be honest here, I keep saying to myself. For example: After the Holocaust, we proclaimed, “Never again!” We also said it after Rwanda. And yet… several active genocides are happening in the world right now. I’m shocked at how quickly the USA/Canada relationship has changed. I have family and friends and had speaking opportunities down there, but now I can’t go because of one man’s whims. The economic uncertainty I’m seeing many people suffer from is heartbreaking. And yes, it affects me, of course. Because who wants to buy art when they need bread? It is becoming increasingly obvious to me that power is only self-interested. Its utmost concern is survival. I remember years ago reading William Stringfellow, who played a huge role in my life, that the principalities’ and powers’ number one goal is self-preservation. For example, the Post Office might claim that its number one goal is to deliver mail. However, the real number one concern is its own security. It has to exist first before it can deliver. I had a similar eye-opening, revelatory ah-hah moment when I read Krishnamurti’s claim that the brain’s number one priority is the protection of the organism. I might think I care about others. But is it possible that my brain’s number one concern is just keeping me alive? And how this applies to changing my mind to a new paradigm… well… that’s a whole other ballgame. Then, reading Akkad’s claim that those who enjoy the fruits of power aren’t interested in a new and better world. Only those who suffer under the boot of power want that. Yikes! We are blunted and blinded by our privilege. Then, finally, reading Akkad say that the violence isn’t an aberration of the system, but is a natural and organic outcome of the system… that shook me. It reminded me of the philosopher Slavoj Žižek’s claims I read in one of his books (I can’t remember which one) that the sexual abuse of boys rampant in the priesthood isn’t an irregularity of the Church, but actually an organic part of the priest culture. Ouch! Like spiritual abuse… it isn’t a mistake but an extension of the system called the Church. I know, heavy thoughts for heavy times. So… how am I finding my Zen? I’m going to stick to my already Zen-ish regimen… Contemplation. Journaling. Forest bathing. Working out. Running. Rucking. Healthy diet. Making art, music, and love. Being with loved ones. Hanging out with Lisa. A nice glass of wine or whiskey once in a while. (Even writing this, I am aware of how much privilege it takes to be able to do this.) But… interacting with my wonderful friends like you online is one of the beautiful things I enjoy too. It moves me, builds me up, and encourages me to keep going. Thank you! |
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| No Ifs, Ands, or Buts Love is love. Simple as that. Whether you’re an ally or part of the LGBTQ+ community, I hope this piece makes you feel seen and supported. |
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| Pride Month is just around the corner! If you’ve been eyeing a piece of my LGBTQ+ merch, now’s a great time to grab it for yourself or someone who needs a reminder that they’re seen and loved. This week, I’m highlighting one of my favorites: the Hang In There t-shirt. It’s a sweet and powerful reminder to keep holding on, together. LGBTQ+ sheep and allies hanging onto a wire, supported by love on both ends. Simple, hopeful, and full of heart, this tee is for anyone who believes in staying strong and staying connected. |
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| As Pride Month approaches, why not wear or share something that reminds you, and others, that love belongs to everyone? Find something that reflects who you are and what you believe! |
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| If you’ve made it this far, thank you. I know it’s a lot, but I also know we’re carrying a lot these days. My hope is that something in here made you feel a little more seen, a little more understood, or just a little less alone. And hey, Pride Month is coming. If there’s something in my store that speaks to you or someone you love, now’s a great time to grab it. Let’s keep showing up with love, in big ways and small. Much love my friend, David P.S. If you’ve already read The Rainbow Sheep, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review. Every word of support helps more people find it and means the world to me. 🧡 |
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