Amusing Grace
I was raised with no television in a very social family. My mother was particularly noisy, a great entertainer and a crowd favorite. She did everything but sing. That was my area of expertise, and I excelled. My sister and I have taken over the melodic duties and now we sing love songs, especially when she's blue, which is frequently. Love and song do have a tendency to travel together.
So it's decided and written in space. And validated. Tune up the pipes and let's roll.
posted by jm at 12:24 AM
23 Comments:
oh i love singing! i feel the urge to do it more than ever...maybe pluto trine my 5th house taurus mercury. i love riding around on my bike, singing.
Chris!
And after all the pipe tuning with the Dove episode we are indeed ready to roll.
hee!
Don't say dove!!! I'm in recovery! But it's true, adversity tunes one up.
5th house Taurus Merc. That'll do it.
Me me me me meeee.
Are you off to a soft evening of cool whispers in a moonlit park? cocktails? exercising the pipes?
I'll check back in a bit, perhaps we can share a cool glass of something on the patio.
Yup. Cool whispers in the park. And cocktails with the young, always heartening. I had to laugh as I talked with a Sagittarian about life and society. He was so unmistakably Jupiterian.
A cool glass of something on the patio would be wonderful.
Last year the museum show was just before the election. Everything was amped up. The museum sent out invitations to only a few (very few) of us long time artist participants they informed us that they were looking for the fresh and new, the young and many friends of mine were turned away. I was a token older artist.
Brash, and noisy, not just the art but the scene, pretty well sums up the last several years. Last year these artists wondered how come I got in and actually told me to "get out of our way, it's our turn now."
What a difference a year makes. I began doing this show around 1983. Over time, several outdoor shows have sprung up along the avenues trying to capture customers off the museum's draw. It had become almost impossible to navigate the streets in the sprawling event. Too much, or...enough is too much!
This year the museum had empty spaces, they went through the wait list, then all the people who juried, then began calling local artists who had shown in past years and asked them to participate. (this is the kind of show that people make bargains to the devil for a spot)
It was quiet, the artists who came are mostly long time professionals committed to their craft, and have seen good times and bad. Lots of grey hair, really there was a true mix of ages and cultures and types of media and styles.
Times are tough and a lot of people are bailing, the cost to travel and the entry fees are huge not to mention lodging. Only the dedicated came.
The outdoor shows dwindled down to one small parking lot of tents just a handful.
It was stunning. The tone was so different. The customers came in droves. And they loved it! Shocking, perhaps as good as the 80's when we were mobbed. The money was not as good as then but for me at least it was halfway between usual and poor.
The big take away was the absolute joy of connection that I have not felt for years JM. People (all ages and types) stood in my booth and chatted as if there was no tomorrow. They thanked me for coming and sharing (wow) and they told me this story or a variation several times: (first, you need to know that this is one of the wealthiest communities in US) THE STORY - We lost everything, or so it seemed. Last year was a real awakening for us. Honestly we lost (40-50%) so much and we were worried. One day we were rich then not so much. But what happened after that was we settled into what we have and saw that it was what we had several years ago. And we remembered that we were happier then. Instead of taking a cruise or doing things that are planned for us we shifted back to what we were doing for pleasure in the 80's. (often this is where someone is introduced from out of state) We used to visit relatives in the winter and do fun community things, and in the summer they would come to the ----Art Fair, we'd go out on the boat, picnic. And that is what we are doing again. We (gush) forgot how fun this is to visit with real artists.
Some patrons came everyday, brought others. Astonishing.
I felt appreciated. Over and over I heard laments about how they had let greed control them, how they lost sight of simple values and pleasures. And in this conversation was an awareness of their important role as audience, patron etc.
So there you have it in a nutshell. People want to be close to something that inspires, to take their time and savor and enjoy that which is beautiful, unusual, creative.
Losing a lot of money reminded them of something they lost that was more precious, participating. These are the elites, the civic leaders etc. Maybe, maybe they can translate this into something in community.
It will be interesting to see where all this stands next year.
Very very very interesting and I find this news good.
Times are tough and a lot of people are bailing, the cost to travel and the entry fees are huge not to mention lodging. Only the dedicated came.
This could be the Capricorn thinning and focusing. The paring down will be great if it continues.
The whole attitude is wonderful, as you describe it, and it verifies why I don't resent the wealthy. In fact, I pull for them since they've been vital to the arts throughout history.
The elites are our leaders and we need them. It looks like the chasm is going to be widening at first, but those of us in the know can play it our own way. I think they want to mix. I'm pleased to hear they are contemplating their wealth and position.
We artists would have been dead without the elite, and even more important is the high standards they set for society when functioning at their best.
An interesting development in my town. Remember the new arts district? They're leaving for better locations since the people abused the scene and it didn't take off as hoped. They couldn't make the sales so they're moving to different neighborhoods.
I think it's important for us - the artists - to develop a good working relationship with these civic leaders. Everyone benefits. These folks are responsible for art in public places so it can reach a broad audience. They have much to do with the health and beauty of our cities.
From what I've seen, people are the same on all levels. Many cheat and steal while some do not, no matter how much we have or have not. The wealthy are in a good position to help the community since they have the time.
People are responding to me, lately, and they are enchanted with my personality and physicality considering my age. This is new and I sense it could be a developing respect for the older ones who are hip and in good shape, with the coming Aries- Capricorn. Youth and age are both favored then. They used to get that way when you reached 100 or so, but now living well at 60+ is becoming more and more important in this world where sickness prevails. I think they're sick of sickness. I hope. Like I said, it will cease to be cost-effective.
The young are confused and without direction now, I think. They have no leadership. But they're smart and savvy. We'll come together. Aries-Capricorn will be interesting. Staying fit no matter what the age is important with that combo ... emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. A things-to-build thing.
I'm beyond glad that the museum experience was fulfilling rather than hypertense and so frightfully exciting. I'm going out as soon as I tie up my last loose ends. *Chuckle* ...
Excellent.
All good thoughts JM, agree completely about the wealthy. Pluto in Cap is still in my tenth but approaching my 11th cusp so the insights of the wealthy will be very helpful as my career transforms. Jupiter on the asc too.
Some of us "gray hairs" mine isn't by genetic fluke but anyway, we have said for years that we deeply regret the idea that one could just jump in and succeed. So many of us find that we are now ready to mentor others as was done for us but the system was giving us a rebuke for our even being present. This returns to the natural order of things, elders, experienced passing on skills, sharing encouraging. Inserting corporations like Microsoft into the choosing and eliminating was wrong, wrong, wrong.
Interesting about the artist community having to move. In some ways that is a shame as the echoes in those old districts are worth preserving, but they did their best.
We all agree it is a time of winnowing in the arts. It is so much harder at our age to be without money but that is part of our role too, stumbling around looking for solutions.
The talismans were well received and soon I expect I'll be carrying baskets of them and handmade unique earrings to the farmer's market.
There is a poem I wish I could remember the words, (sufi?) about going to the market and discovering that one only had money enough for iris instead of bread.
Feeding the soul is equally important.
"As your career transforms." It's good to look at it that way.
The farmers' markets are taking off like wildfire in my town. They're well organized and get good coverage in the paper.
"Heyla." :-) A greeting made popular by fantasy novels. I thought that might be appropriate for some reason. I hope everyone is -- not so much pursuing happiness -- but happily engaged in life, liberty and the creative pursuit.
Very good to hear about the arts. Across my work desk recently have come items relating to youthful idealism and budding global discourses among the young, supported by the philanthropic elite. Things are stirring a bit, and we will see what develops!
Back to the fantastical. I read two articles recently that I thought I'd drop by to share.
"Can the Right Kinds of Play Teach Self-Control?"
The first article strongly supports "mature dramatic play" in child development, and notes warnings against turning kindergarten into counterproductive forms of academia. "At the heart of the Tools of the Mind methodology is a simple but surprising idea: that the key to developing self-regulation is play, and lots of it. But not just any play. The necessary ingredient is what Leong and Bodrova call 'mature dramatic play': complex, extended make-believe scenarios, involving multiple children and lasting for hours, even days."
Does that recall the playful contemplation, one fine day on Raging Universe, that sprung up about the mental associations of Leo -- children, play, drama, acting, and so on? Well, I think it's a positive indication. After all, I can stop ranting about the wrongheaded direction of public education to my relations, and just send them the article.
The second article is about Carl Jung's infamous Red Book.
The Holy Grail of the Unconscious
I wonder if I'm more intrigued by his family's struggle, through the past century, over what to do with it.
I seem to be noticing some unusual things resurfacing these days. Perhaps a good time for archaeology and the unconscious? Or archaeology of the unconscious.
One more tibit. It's from a recent article that related imaginary worlds in children to creative breadth, an "understudied component of genius".
"In a survey of scientists at all levels of achievement, the Root-Bernsteins found that only about one sixth report engaging in a secondary activity of an artistic or creative nature, such as painting or writing non-scientific prose. In contrast, nearly all Nobel Prize winners in science have at least one other creative activity that they pursue seriously."
Hmm, they never mentioned that in science class, heh.
youthful idealism and budding global discourses among the young, supported by the philanthropic elite.
Yes. As always.
It's very interesting that you should bring up the subject of Leo and play. Mars is just about to make a long retograde in Leo. Through my 5th. I'm glad you reminded me. What a good way to use the time. I will prepare.
Does that recall the playful contemplation, one fine day on Raging Universe, that sprung up about the mental associations of Leo?
I do recall more of that on the radiant blog in times gone by. If the playful contemplation returned with the retrograde I might consider its continuation. And, of course, Pluto is saying farewell to my Mars releasing the gadabout from the murky depths. So lightening and buoyancy are ahead, as the raging warrior enjoys a moment of peace with Saturn in Libra. Lots of creativity with Mars in Leo, too. Excellent.
It's always a great time for digging into the unconscious from my point of view. "Archeology of the unconscious." Wonderful phrase.
I seem to be noticing some unusual things resurfacing these days.
?
Thanks for the links to these interesting articles, and the link to genius. I will read them shortly.
I've returned to working with fabrics and the sensations of this tangible creative endeavor are delicious. Perhaps it will inspire some latent genius and prize winning of some kind.:-) I am serious, after all.
"I've returned to working with fabrics and the sensations of this tangible creative endeavor are delicious. Perhaps it will inspire some latent genius and prize winning of some kind.:-) I am serious, after all."
Ooh, yes. :-) The unexpected happens if we make room for it, of course.
We can cast off the moorings from our attention, and set sail over serendipitous seas.
Here's a link I found today between entrepreneurial leadership and creativity.
How Do Innovators Think?
"The first skill is what we call 'associating.' It's a cognitive skill that allows creative people to make connections across seemingly unrelated questions, problems, or ideas. ...Overall, associating is the key skill because new ideas aren't created without connecting problems or ideas in ways that they haven't been connected before."
"You might summarize all of the [five 'discovery'] skills we've noted in one word: 'inquisitiveness.' I spent 20 years studying great global leaders, and that was the big common denominator. It's the same kind of inquisitiveness you see in small children."
People are systematically taught to stifle curiosity and creativity, to fit in to the program and be easily managed. The clever are often difficult team members -- they usually don't like to be leaders, but they don't like to follow either. There is a natural tension with groups and organizations. Yet they disproportionately make the competitive edge that brings group success. So, to borrow astrological terms, the 11th ultimately needs the contributions of the 5th.
"I seem to be noticing some unusual things resurfacing these days."
"?"
Ha, ha, besides archaeology/history news items, I got a peek at the hidden depths of the building where I live when a 3 AM fire broke out in the bakery shop on the ground floor. We evacuated over the rooftops. Then I went and ate breakfast at a local diner. Nearly everything smells strongly of wood smoke now; it leaks in under baseboards, doors, and through electrical outlets. My apartment is one of the least affected, as I sealed all the cracks and gaping holes when I moved in. The tenants are sweetly buying a lot of baked cookies as a gift to the firemen. The original proposal was crates of beer but that was disallowed. Cookies to go with milk were suggested because "they usually don't have afters with their meals". Did Prometheus dream of cookies and pasteurized milk?
The first skill is what we call 'associating.' It's a cognitive skill that allows creative people to make connections across seemingly unrelated questions, problems, or ideas.
I do a tremendous amount of this. It's the Gestalt I live by. The inquisitiveness mentioned is always with me. If you recall, I always ask "why" in my comments. Unfortunately I never got any answers here, but this makes me think, "So what?" It's in the asking, is it not? There I go again. The never-ending query.
But the problem is that even the most creative people are often careful about asking questions for fear of looking stupid, or because they know the organization won't value it.
There you go. One of the cruxes. Or is it cruxi?
But by the time they are 6 ½ years old they stop asking questions because they quickly learn that teachers value the right answers more than provocative questions.
This is good. It's reassuring to know I'm still confused for good reason.:-) There are far too many experts.
The clever are often difficult team members -- they usually don't like to be leaders, but they don't like to follow either.
This is me exactly. The tension with groups has been in the forefront lately with Jupiter and Neptune in my 11th. You've provided good information as I attempt to rework the relationship and apply my innovative skills. I can't seem to withdraw as much as I usually like to. My independence is reverberating with my Mars so heavily activated, but oddly, I'm not blaming the group as much as I've been known to do.:-) So maybe the 5th/11th connection you mention is ready to be used.
This is a good connection. Refreshing conversation in response to the article. I'm interested in creating good business habits as Pluto heads for my Capricorn Midheaven. I probably have a lot of the skills naturally and I need now to direct myself appropriately. I'm approaching my career from new angles.
The inquisitiveness leads to eventual solutions despite the flaws in current reality. So instead of assuming I'm stuck with the discomfort of the world ruining my experience, I can find innovative ways to react. And by that time, I'll be old and comfortable, living my own way!
I'm almost thinking success might be a good thing. It's a matter of decision for me. Interesting, really. My costume sewing is different already. I'm not doing everything backwards, thus saving precious time not doing it twice!
Speaking of questions, many a night I've asked myself, "Why do I do this?"
Never got an answer. Just stopped. Forward is a good as backwards, after all.
Nope. I don't think Prometheus dreamt of cookies and milk, although they might have helped his liver problems.
I sealed all the cracks and gaping holes when I moved in.
Heheh.
Hey! Did you hear? They discovered a new evolutionary link leading to theories that we might not have evolved from Chimpanzees after all. Those thieving marauders. I'm glad.
"I do a tremendous amount of this. It's the Gestalt I live by."
You do indeed. It's a wonderful ability to develop, and it's a glaring omission from our educational systems.
"But the problem is that even the most creative people are often careful about asking questions for fear of looking stupid, or because they know the organization won't value it."
"There you go. One of the cruxes. Or is it cruxi?"
"You can bear a cross, but never cross a bear," I've heard! Because, of course, it's much better to have a cross on one than a bear on one.
"Hey! Did you hear? They discovered a new evolutionary link leading to theories that we might not have evolved from Chimpanzees after all. Those thieving marauders. I'm glad."
Heh. Although, perhaps disturbing to think that the cousin species lost some proto-human characteristics while becoming knuckle-walkers. The human line "went social" instead, a scientist said. Makes one take a fresh look at Aquarius and the 11th house complex as signifiers of humanity.
You are in tune and in perfect time.
Speaking of play ....
Today I went to get my mail and sitting in front was a large cardboard box.
"Hmmm," I thought. "That's odd."
Suddenly the box opened and out leapt a stunning very young laughing blond. Her friend emerged from behind laughing hysterically with her new crazy-looking permanent teeth. Really laughing.
So I got selected by the universe to share in this unusual moment of play.
And you knew, somehow.
That's a beautiful demonstration!
The spontaneity of a dream come to life, a veritable jack-in-the-box, a solar child.
Speaking of groups and creativity, and surprises just popping up, we should mention that the new perspective, backed by mathematical models and archaeological evidence, is that a series of "creative explosions" happened as increasingly more humans lived in large settlements.
A threshold of population to sustain heights of knowledge, passing down advanced skills and sophisticated tools, and to allow rare gifts and exemplary talents to emerge, to actualize individual potentials among specialized subgroups. Diversity within a larger whole.
That's good news since there are downsides to large settlements. Maybe the tensions of close proximity stimulate creativity, plus the competetive instincts, as well as the sharing of knowledge.
Yes. Diversity works hard to manifest within the whole making me think that individuality is destined to prevail. I'm sure the group pressure to be similar increases the need to diverge. So I could accept groupnicity as a plus! Henceforth I will.
One could take this a bit further and guess that increasing global togetherness would contribute to more creative explosions. Something to balance the nuclear ones.
I wonder just how much crowding is optimal for the emergence of rare gifts and exemplary talents. I found myself drawn increasingly to city dwelling as my life progressed.
It's also possible that large settlements mean more division of labor thus freeing up time for creative endeavors.
Back to 5/11.
And now I'm even happier.
Kisses to you both.
Happiness. That little sprite.
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