Hi John, I’ve been sitting with a lot, creatively, emotionally, and even spiritually. I’ve felt stuck. But I’ve also remembered that stuckness is part of the process. I’ve been in one of those creative funks where you feel like you’re waiting for something, but you don’t quite know what. But I’ve also been reminded how important it is to keep showing up, even when you aren’t sure what that looks like. Maybe you’ve been feeling something similar? If so, I hope this gives you a sense of togetherness, that you aren’t alone in your thoughts and feelings. Cartoon: You are a gift ✨
Dad Joke: What color is the wind? 🌀
Quote: You’re crazy! 👀
NEW Original mini: This Is Where You’ll Find Me📍
Merch of the Week: The Most Sincere Prayer mug 🙏 |
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| This cartoon has really spoken to me this week, and I’m sharing it with you in case you need a kind reminder: YOU are an amazing gift to the world. YOU deserve to show people just how amazing you are. 💜 |
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| What colour is the wind? Blew! |
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| “Wanting to be understood is a basic need— an affirmation of the humanity you share with everyone around you. The risk is fearsome: in making your real work, you hand the audience the power to deny the understanding you seek; you hand them the power to say, ‘you’re not like us; you’re weird; you’re crazy.’” - David Bayles, Ted Orland, Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking. |
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| I recommend the book “Art & Fear” if you are into creativity at all, or if you just want to read something about having the courage to be and express yourself authentically, despite the risk and cost, then read this book. It’s a classic. When I read the above quote, it shed light on the unnameable way I’ve been feeling lately. I’ve been in a funk. Creativity has dropped. Of course, a lot is going on that contributes to that. The state of the world, economic uncertainty, fear and anxiety about the future, and, for me, a noticeable decline in art sales. I mean… it’s understandable. I’ve been here before. I call it the doldrums. The doldrums are when there is no wind in your sails. You’re in your sailboat, but you are stranded on glass-like seas with no wind to carry you forward. All you can do is wait. Meanwhile, you can clean up your cabin, fish, mend your sails, write in your journal. And wait. That’s where I am right now, and I’ve been here for a while. But, like I said, I’ve been here before, and I usually know exactly what that means. It means that I’m waiting for clarity and direction. But, beneath all that, is fear. I’m afraid to move forward because I know it’s risky and it will cost me. What am I afraid of? I fear rejection. To be loved and accepted is important to me. My mom always told me I was the peacemaker in the family. I hated and avoided conflict. But I know that what I do sometimes arouses violent reactions and conflict. BUT… I have more to say. And it is even more authentic. More honest. Therefore… more risky! You know what I’m talking about. Right? We’ve all been in a place where we knew we had to come out in some way… to do with sexuality, gender, identity, politically, spiritually… in some way we had to say what we had to say, claim who we are now, knowing full well that we could very well be ridiculed or even rejected. So we wait for the perfect time. But is there ever the perfect time? Like my mom also always used to say, “There’s no time like the present!” Let’s see what comes of this. |
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| 🎨 NEW Original - Miniature Series |
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| Welcome to my miniature series. I'm challenging myself to paint an original miniature painting every day and sell them for $200 USD each with free shipping. Not only does this challenge me personally in my own creativity and production, but it also gives more people access to my original work. Here’s the latest one: |
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| Wherever you are, there you are. And that's where you'll be found. You. Present. Where you are. Exactly. Your authentic self. |
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| Aren't there days like this when we just don't know what's going on? Where there are really no words? And all we can seem to get out is expletives? Like, WTF is going on??? Lots of people love this cartoon on the mug because they would never wear it in public but here they can enjoy it in the privacy of their home with their favorite beverage. An honest way to start the day. |
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| I shared something this week that I was scared to… an uncomfortable conversation that I needed to have with you. I spoke about the idea of having sponsorship for my emails (if you missed it, here it is). It was difficult for me to press send, but yet again, you and this incredible community continue to show up. The responses have been overwhelmingly encouraging and positive. You have left me speechless (shocker, I know). Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! (Jeepers! Why am I always surprised when I’m loved and supported?????) Much love, my friend, David |
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| P.S. If you still have something to say, please share your thoughts with me. Hit reply, I would love to know what you think. And I do reply! Me. David. Honestly. 💙 |
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NakedPastor Gondola Point Road Quispamsis, NB E2E 1H6 |
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