Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Spence (w/o photoshop edits)
I briefly edited a few of photos I took of him and am posting them in their "pre-edited" state. I havefour eight shoots to do next week-- stoked about that. And within the next month they should look better quality than this using a high-tech program. What makes the last photo great is that this guy is 6'7".
*You can click on photos for a larger view.
I briefly edited a few of photos I took of him and am posting them in their "pre-edited" state. I have
*You can click on photos for a larger view.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
iLike Music Page Up!! (w/ track samples)
Check it out: http://www.ilike.com/artist/Jheules
[had to spell my name a really weird way since mine was taken... wish I would've used something else... oh well!]
And also one of those pages people can become a "fan" of:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Jules/95538652249
(photos of course courtesy of Bridgett Jones.)
Check it out: http://www.ilike.com/artist/Jheules
[had to spell my name a really weird way since mine was taken... wish I would've used something else... oh well!]
And also one of those pages people can become a "fan" of:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Jules/95538652249
(photos of course courtesy of Bridgett Jones.)
Friday, June 12, 2009
HOLY CRAP HOLY CRAP HOLY CRAP !!!
My mom and I have been going to parade of homes, and ehh, it's been very fun, but nothing yet that has stood out and said BAM! So Julie!! (my taste isn't too typical.) But I have seen some awesome sinks, and I do love sinks that are awesome.
Now, this morning I woke up and had the urge to look up vessel bowl sinks online, and came across a website full of contemporary amazingness. I've just had 10 minutes of heaven looking at these sinks. When I look at this stuff, it is the only time I get anxious with the "Ah, I want that!" "I need that!" voices. And we all know one reason I've got to pursue music is so that Chinese man/custom contemporary furniture designer in Vegas will deck out my house for free. . .
Seriously, look at this stuff. Does this not make you drool with lust?
Now, I don't know how much bathtubs usually cost, but this one is $20,000:
My mom and I have been going to parade of homes, and ehh, it's been very fun, but nothing yet that has stood out and said BAM! So Julie!! (my taste isn't too typical.) But I have seen some awesome sinks, and I do love sinks that are awesome.
Now, this morning I woke up and had the urge to look up vessel bowl sinks online, and came across a website full of contemporary amazingness. I've just had 10 minutes of heaven looking at these sinks. When I look at this stuff, it is the only time I get anxious with the "Ah, I want that!" "I need that!" voices. And we all know one reason I've got to pursue music is so that Chinese man/custom contemporary furniture designer in Vegas will deck out my house for free. . .
Seriously, look at this stuff. Does this not make you drool with lust?
Now, I don't know how much bathtubs usually cost, but this one is $20,000:
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Importante. New Blog!
Since I'm a psych major and am passionate about the field, this new blog will benefit me a lot-- having a place to look back on to see what I was doing/researching/thinking about.
And the new blog's URL is: http://psychlounge.blogspot.com/
. . . brace yourselves.
Since I'm a psych major and am passionate about the field, this new blog will benefit me a lot-- having a place to look back on to see what I was doing/researching/thinking about.
And the new blog's URL is: http://psychlounge.blogspot.com/
. . . brace yourselves.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Some New Findings
Sunflower Market: I don't know if I'll ever be able to shop for groceries (more especially produce), anywhere else. They carry such organic, fresh, inexpensive, and beautiful food! Some of the groceries can get pricy, but usually worth it. Go check it out, you may fall in love. The one in the Provo/Orem area is university pkwy, south of the mall, close to einstein's bagels.
Sunflower Market: I don't know if I'll ever be able to shop for groceries (more especially produce), anywhere else. They carry such organic, fresh, inexpensive, and beautiful food! Some of the groceries can get pricy, but usually worth it. Go check it out, you may fall in love. The one in the Provo/Orem area is university pkwy, south of the mall, close to einstein's bagels.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Valentines Day
So on Valentines I really wanted to go on a date with some awesome guy. But I didn't. Prob my fault for not showing clear signals with men.. working on it. ha. Anyway, valentines was spectacular, and probably more fun than if I had gone on a date. (With a man outside of my family, that is.) The evening consisted of:
Date #1: cooking/baking with mom. She made a heart-shaped chocolate cake (super cute) and chicken cordin bleu for half the family, while I made a vegan chocolate cake w/ coconut frosting and stuffed tomatoes for the other half.
By the way, this cake was awesome. Def one I'll make again in the future.
*I have posted the recipe on my recipe blog --> http://www.artliciousdish.blogspot.com/
Date #2: Getting a sugar-free dark chocolate bar from the boys in my family and eating it in front of them. Yum.
Date #3: Watching Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with everyone. I was in no mood to watch the movie about George W. Bush titled "W" (not the biggest fan of Bush) & was glad they went along with my suggestion. I think we all had a good time laughing together.
So on Valentines I really wanted to go on a date with some awesome guy. But I didn't. Prob my fault for not showing clear signals with men.. working on it. ha. Anyway, valentines was spectacular, and probably more fun than if I had gone on a date. (With a man outside of my family, that is.) The evening consisted of:
Date #1: cooking/baking with mom. She made a heart-shaped chocolate cake (super cute) and chicken cordin bleu for half the family, while I made a vegan chocolate cake w/ coconut frosting and stuffed tomatoes for the other half.
By the way, this cake was awesome. Def one I'll make again in the future.
*I have posted the recipe on my recipe blog --> http://www.artliciousdish.blogspot.com/
Date #2: Getting a sugar-free dark chocolate bar from the boys in my family and eating it in front of them. Yum.
Date #3: Watching Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with everyone. I was in no mood to watch the movie about George W. Bush titled "W" (not the biggest fan of Bush) & was glad they went along with my suggestion. I think we all had a good time laughing together.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Be Ready to be Inspired!
I'm subscribed to this amazing health-nut on youtube, who first got into health and nutrition to clear up her skin. I don't watch all of her videos, but she made one recommending a documentary called "Food Matters", which is supposed to have a similar effect as "The Secret." I watched the trailor and it's freaking brilliant, very well put together. Even if you're not a health-nut, I recommend viewing it. Something interesting to think about if nothing else.
It basically talks about the impact food has on our health and healing, and how "one quarter of what you eat keeps you alive and three quarters of what you eat keeps your doctor alive." And how food is the cure to things like cancer, depression, all these things we go to the doctor to get medication to take care of.
Take a second to watch the trailor, especially if you're into the whole organic, save the planet, eat raw food, type of thing.
TRAILOR CAN BE FOUND HERE --> http://foodmatters.tv/home
I'm subscribed to this amazing health-nut on youtube, who first got into health and nutrition to clear up her skin. I don't watch all of her videos, but she made one recommending a documentary called "Food Matters", which is supposed to have a similar effect as "The Secret." I watched the trailor and it's freaking brilliant, very well put together. Even if you're not a health-nut, I recommend viewing it. Something interesting to think about if nothing else.
It basically talks about the impact food has on our health and healing, and how "one quarter of what you eat keeps you alive and three quarters of what you eat keeps your doctor alive." And how food is the cure to things like cancer, depression, all these things we go to the doctor to get medication to take care of.
Take a second to watch the trailor, especially if you're into the whole organic, save the planet, eat raw food, type of thing.
TRAILOR CAN BE FOUND HERE --> http://foodmatters.tv/home
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Problem of Evil
I have quite a lot I could say about "the problem of evil", but will give just a couple of points, as I see it. The problem of evil, for those who don't know what I'm talking about, is the logical problem of how a perfectly loving and omnipotent God can exist, yet there is evil in the world.
To me, one sort of "evil" is doing something with the intention of causing another's pain and suffering. The holocaust is one definite example. As my parents and I were discussing this, the point was brought up that those causing the suffering of others, even to death, thought they were doing a good and patriotic thing. They saw it as a duty to remove all "impurity" from Germany. The evil contained in that historical event was not limited to the killing of God's children, but in the way those conducting the work (also children of God), were viewing their own "power". They were claiming to know certain things without true conviction, and claiming one type of people to be better than another. The fact that they were able to put their brothers and sisters, these beautiful children of God, through that sort of pain and torture, is unthinkable. Is it not evil to view another person as "unclean" because of their race or religion? And then to put them through intense physical pain because of it? The thought that somebody could see that as true and good absolutely blows my mind.
Another evil, I believe, is the way such skewed beliefs are ingrained into people's minds at such a young age. This could branch out into several points, but I will limit the thought here. (I may have trouble putting this thought into writing, so bear with me.)
For one, different societies hold different things as priority, and apparently the natural man is drawn to particular "ways of life", usually for the sake of one's own self and/or to impress another. For instance: money/riches to buy useless things, makeup to heighten beauty, etc. I see it as so far from the truth to hold such beliefs as priority and to then pass those on, rather than to focus on what truth is and how beautiful and precious each soul is.
I see in my head the picture of several generations within society and within families. Along with these generations I see various thoughts that are passed on through both family and society, as well as heightened priority of particular things. I, at the same time, see another picture of the world as being empty--without homes, money, and all material things. In this world, all humans exist together merely as that...humans. In this world, there is still evil and good. Evil being one going against what they feel in their heart, and good being one acting on what they truly feel in their heart. Both evil and good based on feeling and action. Evil: judgement, abandonment, causing another pain in some way. (all going against what that person feels in their heart) Good: trying to understand both people and truth, seeing the good in others, humility. (all acting on what they feel in their heart.) Now when you take that picture of the world and incorporate reality into it, evil and good in the same sense can still be seen. However, there is much added, and the evil is not necessarily a person acting on something they in their heart know is not good and true, but the original thought that has been ingrained into their mind which has made them naively believe this thing to be good and true. Though they could feel in their heart these things to not be good and along the lines of truth, there would be confusion, due to what the natural man has convinced society to believe as good and true. something priority, but rather, the original thought that was passed on and prioritized.
Obviously, both good and evil exist. I also have a firm knowledge in the existence of God. My knowledge of his existence is something I cannot deny and is not something I was simply taught to believe. My knowledge has come from experience, question, and acting on faith. I know God to be omnipotent, absolutely and perfectly loving, and as allowing there to be evil in the world for our growth. This is something that does not need a precisely logical solution, as most people know. And I see our lack of knowledge about the details as a beautiful thing, for if we knew all of God's "mysteries" we would not need this life experience at all.
I have quite a lot I could say about "the problem of evil", but will give just a couple of points, as I see it. The problem of evil, for those who don't know what I'm talking about, is the logical problem of how a perfectly loving and omnipotent God can exist, yet there is evil in the world.
To me, one sort of "evil" is doing something with the intention of causing another's pain and suffering. The holocaust is one definite example. As my parents and I were discussing this, the point was brought up that those causing the suffering of others, even to death, thought they were doing a good and patriotic thing. They saw it as a duty to remove all "impurity" from Germany. The evil contained in that historical event was not limited to the killing of God's children, but in the way those conducting the work (also children of God), were viewing their own "power". They were claiming to know certain things without true conviction, and claiming one type of people to be better than another. The fact that they were able to put their brothers and sisters, these beautiful children of God, through that sort of pain and torture, is unthinkable. Is it not evil to view another person as "unclean" because of their race or religion? And then to put them through intense physical pain because of it? The thought that somebody could see that as true and good absolutely blows my mind.
Another evil, I believe, is the way such skewed beliefs are ingrained into people's minds at such a young age. This could branch out into several points, but I will limit the thought here. (I may have trouble putting this thought into writing, so bear with me.)
For one, different societies hold different things as priority, and apparently the natural man is drawn to particular "ways of life", usually for the sake of one's own self and/or to impress another. For instance: money/riches to buy useless things, makeup to heighten beauty, etc. I see it as so far from the truth to hold such beliefs as priority and to then pass those on, rather than to focus on what truth is and how beautiful and precious each soul is.
I see in my head the picture of several generations within society and within families. Along with these generations I see various thoughts that are passed on through both family and society, as well as heightened priority of particular things. I, at the same time, see another picture of the world as being empty--without homes, money, and all material things. In this world, all humans exist together merely as that...humans. In this world, there is still evil and good. Evil being one going against what they feel in their heart, and good being one acting on what they truly feel in their heart. Both evil and good based on feeling and action. Evil: judgement, abandonment, causing another pain in some way. (all going against what that person feels in their heart) Good: trying to understand both people and truth, seeing the good in others, humility. (all acting on what they feel in their heart.) Now when you take that picture of the world and incorporate reality into it, evil and good in the same sense can still be seen. However, there is much added, and the evil is not necessarily a person acting on something they in their heart know is not good and true, but the original thought that has been ingrained into their mind which has made them naively believe this thing to be good and true. Though they could feel in their heart these things to not be good and along the lines of truth, there would be confusion, due to what the natural man has convinced society to believe as good and true. something priority, but rather, the original thought that was passed on and prioritized.
Obviously, both good and evil exist. I also have a firm knowledge in the existence of God. My knowledge of his existence is something I cannot deny and is not something I was simply taught to believe. My knowledge has come from experience, question, and acting on faith. I know God to be omnipotent, absolutely and perfectly loving, and as allowing there to be evil in the world for our growth. This is something that does not need a precisely logical solution, as most people know. And I see our lack of knowledge about the details as a beautiful thing, for if we knew all of God's "mysteries" we would not need this life experience at all.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas 2008!
was AWESOME!!! One that will be very memorable. My mom and I shared the kitchen on Christmas Eve. She made her greek olive dish and sweet bread, and I made various Christmas treats along with a vegan dish. We watched It's a Wonderful Life as we always do, while drinking hot chocolate and sitting by the fire.
Then X-mas morning came too fast. I awoke to the boys singing Christmas songs really really loudly and dragged myself out of bed. We did our typical Christmas lineup--youngest to oldest--for our big presents. (I got a new camera, mish got a basketball book and something else, rob got books and a game for his Wii. We all got guitar hero "world tour" to share, which rocks!) Then we opened more presents, went to the Lifferth's for breakfast, dropped by Grandpa Young's place, and spent time/had dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Blair's house family. Ok. Basically just forced myself to write about Christmas in detail for memory's sake, so there you have it. Ha!
News that sucks: Kaila and her fam are moving to Indiana next week and we're all sad about it.
was AWESOME!!! One that will be very memorable. My mom and I shared the kitchen on Christmas Eve. She made her greek olive dish and sweet bread, and I made various Christmas treats along with a vegan dish. We watched It's a Wonderful Life as we always do, while drinking hot chocolate and sitting by the fire.
Then X-mas morning came too fast. I awoke to the boys singing Christmas songs really really loudly and dragged myself out of bed. We did our typical Christmas lineup--youngest to oldest--for our big presents. (I got a new camera, mish got a basketball book and something else, rob got books and a game for his Wii. We all got guitar hero "world tour" to share, which rocks!) Then we opened more presents, went to the Lifferth's for breakfast, dropped by Grandpa Young's place, and spent time/had dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Blair's house family. Ok. Basically just forced myself to write about Christmas in detail for memory's sake, so there you have it. Ha!
News that sucks: Kaila and her fam are moving to Indiana next week and we're all sad about it.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Christmas is Coming!
Below are a couple photos part of the fam took on Saturday. The first one is in front of our family's tree in my parents' living room, and the second is of my mom and niece Gabby in front of the tree Louis Duffy sent my mom. And Gabby is holding Queen Frostine from Candyland in each picture, which hopefully will excite you about the winter-time. :]
Below are a couple photos part of the fam took on Saturday. The first one is in front of our family's tree in my parents' living room, and the second is of my mom and niece Gabby in front of the tree Louis Duffy sent my mom. And Gabby is holding Queen Frostine from Candyland in each picture, which hopefully will excite you about the winter-time. :]
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Alright, no stealing my writing or I will hunt you down (no, really, I will.) But I'm going to put some more in my blog since I write so much on an almost-daily basis. I usually write in weird shapes--unstructured--so I'll organize it here, though it won't be perfect.
Circular entities anticipate spring
Fall still so beautiful
We sit in peace
Castles on hills
At the time all is still
Colors sublime
As our eyes gaze
What is eternity, they ask again
Will we know before
or will our guesses be too late
No thought as to when or why or how
Just live in love and all will be shown
In the moments that come
Surprised with such deep feelings unknown
The bliss that comes, the peace
Anywhere in the world, he stands, she stands. Vision shared. To the iris a display, to the mind a film individually made. Perceptions skewed, focus disarrayed, one side of the world to the other, endless contradiction, not to mention the ingrained hate. Intelligent these lies, enough to be seen as truth. Nauseating as it is, magnified the unseen shame. You believe what because why? Surroundings you've been put in, time taken away, time they could be using to think. To form opinions, decisions, ideas, a new world. Contradictions every angle, time too focused on, so it leaves apbruptly. And we watch this, a maddening continuation.
Shafting sounds of light so loud
The aria vaguely changes tunes
Alternating staggered prodigy
Tears the acrylic away
Laid flat for the world's decryption
While the obvious argued with each witness
Lucidness ignites into fog
Abysmal confusion oppugned
Most succumb void of petition
Wonder lost so juvenilely
Your authenticity affirmed
If only you'd give thought to ask
Empyreal eternity
No fear belongs in the substance
Your sanction individual
Leave discursive anxiousness alone
Undertake the unfeigned longing
Though it may feel rugged at first
Unbridle every ounce of trust
The apocalypse is landing
Sweetness saturates all senses
Never again dubiety
The resonating clouds unmoved
As the consummation goes on
Circular entities anticipate spring
Fall still so beautiful
We sit in peace
Castles on hills
At the time all is still
Colors sublime
As our eyes gaze
What is eternity, they ask again
Will we know before
or will our guesses be too late
No thought as to when or why or how
Just live in love and all will be shown
In the moments that come
Surprised with such deep feelings unknown
The bliss that comes, the peace
Anywhere in the world, he stands, she stands. Vision shared. To the iris a display, to the mind a film individually made. Perceptions skewed, focus disarrayed, one side of the world to the other, endless contradiction, not to mention the ingrained hate. Intelligent these lies, enough to be seen as truth. Nauseating as it is, magnified the unseen shame. You believe what because why? Surroundings you've been put in, time taken away, time they could be using to think. To form opinions, decisions, ideas, a new world. Contradictions every angle, time too focused on, so it leaves apbruptly. And we watch this, a maddening continuation.
Shafting sounds of light so loud
The aria vaguely changes tunes
Alternating staggered prodigy
Tears the acrylic away
Laid flat for the world's decryption
While the obvious argued with each witness
Lucidness ignites into fog
Abysmal confusion oppugned
Most succumb void of petition
Wonder lost so juvenilely
Your authenticity affirmed
If only you'd give thought to ask
Empyreal eternity
No fear belongs in the substance
Your sanction individual
Leave discursive anxiousness alone
Undertake the unfeigned longing
Though it may feel rugged at first
Unbridle every ounce of trust
The apocalypse is landing
Sweetness saturates all senses
Never again dubiety
The resonating clouds unmoved
As the consummation goes on
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Sanctuary
YAY! The studio (slash temporary residence) is coming along now that I've had some time to work on it. I must say, I'm quite proud of myself for putting the light fixture up all by myself, wiring and everything :] I love putting things together, and the accomplished feeling you get from it, especially when you do something for the first time. The room has some chill vibes in it now, which allows for inspiration and a place to relax, as well as a place to work hard. Still a lot I want to do when I have the means, but I'm pleased with it for now.
Qual Quelle
..would be the title of the first track w/ vocals up on Afterlife Complex's page:
www.myspace.com/afterlifecomplex
There's a taste of what is to come.
..would be the title of the first track w/ vocals up on Afterlife Complex's page:
www.myspace.com/afterlifecomplex
There's a taste of what is to come.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Inspiration; Let it Stir Something.
For the past hour I've been doing some reading and writing. The first half spent reading a book by author Ellen Hopkins, whom I share a similar style of writing with. I enjoy reading her books because of the inspiration they provide (along with interest in understanding the subjects she deals with) and find that my own writing flows better after reading her material. The second half of my hour has been dedicated to writing, though not previously intended. Seldom do I plan my writing time or subjects to write on. I can’t determine how particular events are going to make me feel or what thoughts will be provoked in me until its reality is experienced and perceived by me. While reading words on a page that were written by a stranger, I didn’t expect to think about current situations in my life and how they make me feel in relation to what I was reading, but that’s how the two pages I wrote were inspired, and is often how inspiration works.
Before I continue, let me explain the reason behind me writing this blog:
A while back, an acquaintance from high school wrote something on her facebook status that left me feeling bugged. It was long enough ago that I don’t remember who it was or the actual wording of her statement—not that she holds it close to her heart or anything—but my feelings of annoyance have resurfaced several times since disagreeing with her words. Something along the lines of: "Inspiring quotes are just a way of feeling smart for the uninspired" (although it must have said something different for it to annoy me as much as it did.) What she said clearly indicated her belief that all people tend to or should be in a constant state of inspiration without having to read anything (etc.) to spark the inspiration. While it is possible to have creative thoughts without reading something, I believe people should take the time to be inspired, whether it be through written words, time spent in nature, or the studying of artwork. I could contradict this person’s statement in saying that those who find inspiring quotes to be made for the “stupid and uninspired” most likely don’t have a passion of their own and probably don’t make personal goals or care to grow as an individual.
Inspiration is derived from what a person has experienced and been surrounded with, what that person seeks in life, the beliefs that person has (and how easily they are swayed vs. how opinionated they are), and what that person is currently going through in life.
Allowing yourself to be inspired is one of the smartest things you could do, especially in American life, which has become so based on convenience. People are used to being stressed and are either wrapped up in work they don't enjoy, or sitting in front of a TV to de-stress before another day of work begins. Americans don’t spend enough time taking deep breaths and thinking for themselves. And then we’re left with a bunch of lost people with a skewed perception of reality who spend additional time getting more and more lost with “convenient” highs from drugs, alcohol, gambling, or sex. Less and less people spend time reading classic literature, listening to music that inspires (the majority of pop music today promotes sex or suicidal thoughts), and spending time appreciating art—much of which is right in front of our eyes.
While not all people enjoy reading quotes in their spare time for inspiration, almost all people have a hobby they enjoy taking part in. Beyond hobbies are passions--things people live for and can put their whole soul into. Though I have several, music is what I am most passionate about. Inspiration in music (and my passion for it, of course) is why my voice is where it is, although much could be done to improve it. Over the years I've listened to an array of music that has inspired me, whether consciously realized or not. Some artists inspired me in setting goals to reach certain notes, other artists inspired the subject of songs I would write, and some artists inspired me to challenge myself in various ways.
Inspiration works individually.
Inspiration does many things. The writing I was inspired to produce today helped one feeling turn into another feeling. A situation in my book resembled the feeling of uncertainty in the main character. Her situation made me think of people in my life and current feelings. I began asking myself questions, some subconsciously, about why certain feelings were there. And aha! There I found myself with pen and paper writing lines based off emotion, feeling more invigorated with each one, as I was able to see things more clearly. Not only did I achieve personal understanding, but was able to put reasoning to my feelings, which aided in giving perspective and peace to current and future reality.
Maybe not all people seek to understand themselves or the world in depth, but that doesn’t mean a person is incapable of being inspired. Sometimes inspiration comes naturally, sometimes you have to seek it out, but what is most important is that you allow inspiration to occur, and let it happen often.
For the past hour I've been doing some reading and writing. The first half spent reading a book by author Ellen Hopkins, whom I share a similar style of writing with. I enjoy reading her books because of the inspiration they provide (along with interest in understanding the subjects she deals with) and find that my own writing flows better after reading her material. The second half of my hour has been dedicated to writing, though not previously intended. Seldom do I plan my writing time or subjects to write on. I can’t determine how particular events are going to make me feel or what thoughts will be provoked in me until its reality is experienced and perceived by me. While reading words on a page that were written by a stranger, I didn’t expect to think about current situations in my life and how they make me feel in relation to what I was reading, but that’s how the two pages I wrote were inspired, and is often how inspiration works.
Before I continue, let me explain the reason behind me writing this blog:
A while back, an acquaintance from high school wrote something on her facebook status that left me feeling bugged. It was long enough ago that I don’t remember who it was or the actual wording of her statement—not that she holds it close to her heart or anything—but my feelings of annoyance have resurfaced several times since disagreeing with her words. Something along the lines of: "Inspiring quotes are just a way of feeling smart for the uninspired" (although it must have said something different for it to annoy me as much as it did.) What she said clearly indicated her belief that all people tend to or should be in a constant state of inspiration without having to read anything (etc.) to spark the inspiration. While it is possible to have creative thoughts without reading something, I believe people should take the time to be inspired, whether it be through written words, time spent in nature, or the studying of artwork. I could contradict this person’s statement in saying that those who find inspiring quotes to be made for the “stupid and uninspired” most likely don’t have a passion of their own and probably don’t make personal goals or care to grow as an individual.
Inspiration is derived from what a person has experienced and been surrounded with, what that person seeks in life, the beliefs that person has (and how easily they are swayed vs. how opinionated they are), and what that person is currently going through in life.
Allowing yourself to be inspired is one of the smartest things you could do, especially in American life, which has become so based on convenience. People are used to being stressed and are either wrapped up in work they don't enjoy, or sitting in front of a TV to de-stress before another day of work begins. Americans don’t spend enough time taking deep breaths and thinking for themselves. And then we’re left with a bunch of lost people with a skewed perception of reality who spend additional time getting more and more lost with “convenient” highs from drugs, alcohol, gambling, or sex. Less and less people spend time reading classic literature, listening to music that inspires (the majority of pop music today promotes sex or suicidal thoughts), and spending time appreciating art—much of which is right in front of our eyes.
While not all people enjoy reading quotes in their spare time for inspiration, almost all people have a hobby they enjoy taking part in. Beyond hobbies are passions--things people live for and can put their whole soul into. Though I have several, music is what I am most passionate about. Inspiration in music (and my passion for it, of course) is why my voice is where it is, although much could be done to improve it. Over the years I've listened to an array of music that has inspired me, whether consciously realized or not. Some artists inspired me in setting goals to reach certain notes, other artists inspired the subject of songs I would write, and some artists inspired me to challenge myself in various ways.
Inspiration works individually.
- Being an individual means you get to decide what you like and what you don't like.
- Being creative allows you to come up with something of your own based on your individual personality.
- Being a creative individual means you will come across things that inspire you, which will influence the direction of your creativity, expand your openness to new and different things, and provide you with invigorated feelings.
Inspiration does many things. The writing I was inspired to produce today helped one feeling turn into another feeling. A situation in my book resembled the feeling of uncertainty in the main character. Her situation made me think of people in my life and current feelings. I began asking myself questions, some subconsciously, about why certain feelings were there. And aha! There I found myself with pen and paper writing lines based off emotion, feeling more invigorated with each one, as I was able to see things more clearly. Not only did I achieve personal understanding, but was able to put reasoning to my feelings, which aided in giving perspective and peace to current and future reality.
Maybe not all people seek to understand themselves or the world in depth, but that doesn’t mean a person is incapable of being inspired. Sometimes inspiration comes naturally, sometimes you have to seek it out, but what is most important is that you allow inspiration to occur, and let it happen often.
Monday, November 03, 2008
I don't know why I'm in a blogging mood, but I kind of am.
So I guess I'll update a bit.
Those who check my blog probably already know that I've been in Chicago this past week. If you don't know why I was there, I was recording vocals for music that will be released for your ears to hear sometime this month. Be sure to check out www.myspace.com/afterlifecomplex for further updates. (Pictures below are of Ryan, the guy I was staying with, hopefully he doesn't mind me sticking them in my blog)
I should also mention that I got to spend a couple days with my mom in Chicago. My mom met Ryan her first night there and apparently wishes she could adopt him. Haha. She was there for her documentary "Nobody Knows" (correct title?) so I decided to extend my stay. She had various conferences to attend, but we managed to check out the Art Institute, which was a lovely experience. I had hoped to find more pieces that really captivated me, and with more time there I probably would have. However, I did discover something about myself and how I view art.
When people stand in awe of a painting that conveys no real emotion or passion I become confused. How do their eyes work when viewing the piece? What connection are they making? Is it the colors, the way the artist stroked his brush on the canvas, the shapes, the event, the history of the painting? As far as the history is concerned, I am absolutely intrigued by it. But in order for me to be drawn to a piece of artwork, I have to make a connection, and I have to sense some sort of passion. There is the artist who paints a girl standing in a field, and then there is the artist who paints a girl who is not just standing in a field but who is passionately concerned about something beyond that field. Even colors alone can convey passion. I am also drawn to symmetry, but there has to be something more to its simplicity for me to take it in. I making sense? Sense. That is what I like.. to sense realness.. real feeling or real question.. I like to sense pure originality that conveys individuality.
Anyway, I got back in Utah last night. Had some inconvenient things happen with my work situation and am on the lookout for something new. I was feeling artistic this morning and made a completely new resume, now all I have to do is find someone who will be impressed. I hate that, how in the work-world you can't always just "be" but have to go out of your way to impress. And I don't mean impressing someone by being professional, but the fakeness is what bothers me. When someone is one person in setting A (work) and a completely different person in setting B (home). It's just funny how people view strangers so differently depending on how they meet them. I'm thinking of particular situations, so this thought won't come out clearly unless I continue explaining, which I'm in no mood to do. My blogging mood is suddenly something of the past, because I'd rather write with pen and paper in a more poetic form than continuing to write sentences.
So I guess I'll update a bit.
Those who check my blog probably already know that I've been in Chicago this past week. If you don't know why I was there, I was recording vocals for music that will be released for your ears to hear sometime this month. Be sure to check out www.myspace.com/afterlifecomplex for further updates. (Pictures below are of Ryan, the guy I was staying with, hopefully he doesn't mind me sticking them in my blog)
I should also mention that I got to spend a couple days with my mom in Chicago. My mom met Ryan her first night there and apparently wishes she could adopt him. Haha. She was there for her documentary "Nobody Knows" (correct title?) so I decided to extend my stay. She had various conferences to attend, but we managed to check out the Art Institute, which was a lovely experience. I had hoped to find more pieces that really captivated me, and with more time there I probably would have. However, I did discover something about myself and how I view art.
When people stand in awe of a painting that conveys no real emotion or passion I become confused. How do their eyes work when viewing the piece? What connection are they making? Is it the colors, the way the artist stroked his brush on the canvas, the shapes, the event, the history of the painting? As far as the history is concerned, I am absolutely intrigued by it. But in order for me to be drawn to a piece of artwork, I have to make a connection, and I have to sense some sort of passion. There is the artist who paints a girl standing in a field, and then there is the artist who paints a girl who is not just standing in a field but who is passionately concerned about something beyond that field. Even colors alone can convey passion. I am also drawn to symmetry, but there has to be something more to its simplicity for me to take it in. I making sense? Sense. That is what I like.. to sense realness.. real feeling or real question.. I like to sense pure originality that conveys individuality.
Anyway, I got back in Utah last night. Had some inconvenient things happen with my work situation and am on the lookout for something new. I was feeling artistic this morning and made a completely new resume, now all I have to do is find someone who will be impressed. I hate that, how in the work-world you can't always just "be" but have to go out of your way to impress. And I don't mean impressing someone by being professional, but the fakeness is what bothers me. When someone is one person in setting A (work) and a completely different person in setting B (home). It's just funny how people view strangers so differently depending on how they meet them. I'm thinking of particular situations, so this thought won't come out clearly unless I continue explaining, which I'm in no mood to do. My blogging mood is suddenly something of the past, because I'd rather write with pen and paper in a more poetic form than continuing to write sentences.
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