An Inside Job

      If you were to ask me what is the most charged word in the English language, I would have to say self. It's been said that if we can find joy in another's joy, and that is the secret to happiness. The opposite can also be true. To seek joy in what we perceive to be our selves may hold the answer to some of life's most puzzling questions. What is this thing called joy, and is it a thing?

 Acceptance has been the key to having things be other than the way they seem to be, but it has to start with accepting things exactly the way that they are, and the way they are not. Otherwise, we will only sabotage attempts at getting to acceptance, and eventual growth.

Perhaps we are already in the state of ecstasy, and we suppress it to a level with which we are comfortable. Hmmmm...

Having outside appearances can fool ourselves and others, whether they be physical or psychological. Staying curious about these appearances will reveal more about our own perception.

    Begin by telling your self the truth about feelings (i.e. choose to experience the experience) Don't fool your self into thinking you don't have a choice in this regard. You do, even if you have convinced your self that you don't. 

Seeking will run you in circles until you find surcease, or until you find someone who shares your journey.

Ultimately, all things will pass, and you will probably grow more mature from having had an experienced experience . This "ah-ha" realisation has assisted me in finding stability and security where I would otherwise be trying to seek these states of being outside of my self. All the more reason to go within.

It is true that others will mirror back to us what we mostly don't like in ourselves, as well as what we do.

The truth contains it's opposite ( is this always a balancing act? )

Below is this week's "Rock of the Week" . It is a tribute to the Wolf Moon which is a super moon occurring during the first week of the new year.

More Rock Stars!

 It was a lot of fun getting together to paint rocks last Friday.Claire Elise Barton provided the ideal space for this holiday event. The workshop lasted for around two hours but a lot of information was packed in, along with a list of supplies that many of the artists found useful. Tea, candy and cookies were provided to sweeten the experience. Those that arrived were very much enthusiastic about getting started and were quick to jump into the process.

We began by painting the rocks with a base coat of black or white. Holding the rocks by the sides was tricky when trying to figure out a way to cover the whole rock without leaving fingerprints that had to be painted over when the first coat dried. Needless to say, this was a learning process.

The next stage, was applying the various colors and designs using a high quality metallic acrylic that really made these stones glisten. The next stage was the puff paint which came in the two varieties... flourescent  and phosphorescent . Do you know the difference? ( There will be a test later )

Lastly after extensive drying using heat guns, it was suggested that we use a selection of clear coat varnishes to complete the project. This step would be applied the next day when the stones would be bone dry ( hopefully). In any event, everyone carefully took their rocks home with them in the hopes of having a nice keepsake to pass on or have for themselves.

Merry Christmas to Alex, Chloe, Marrs, Kathy, Claire and the Starrs Art Collective for a joyous evening.

Oh my!

 Uh, you mean people are actually reading this? Yikes! Suddenly, I feel that I'm like Oprah giving out new cars on her talk show. 

    I'd like say this, but at this point I can't. The rent is due, and the rocks have to be sold. Truth be told, I love painting rocks, but after fifteen years, maybe I should be teaching others how to paint their own, and how to enjoy this process.

    So. guess what!? I have two classes coming up. One on the 12 of this month at Starr's collective in St. Helena (see the flyer below) and Rock painting 2.0 at the Calistoga Art Center come January. If your are interested in taking the first class you can still sign up. Just tap this link to register...

Starr's Art Collective

It will be fun, and all the materials will be supplied and it's only two hours.

So without any further ado... here is this week's 

"Rock of the Week!"

Thanksgiving (and giving thanks) for forgiveness

    It can be difficult at times, but the effort always seems to pay off. Trying to be thankful for what's been given and what has been taken is a balancing act.

    Without waxing too philosophical; Gratitude is the common watchword when it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving.We hear about having an "Attitude of gratitude" from those offering sage advice.In a culture of comparison, gratitude can have a tough time of it. I always try to keep my witticisms in check. An attitude can just be a position I take, it's not the final word.

    Thanksgiving can bring out the best when families get together celebrating with one another. The less obvious in these gatherings, is the over-extending graciousness that can mask controversy.

    The hot topic around here are the three speed bumps installed on Lake Street. These so-called safety measures have become a sign of the accelerating times we now live in. Drive fast, break an axle.Drive slow, maintain the peace.

    Brother and sisters, aunts and uncles, nephews and nieces, we are all in this together. Is this the best time to let "Sleeping dogs lie"? Acceptance and allowance of anothers perspective is essential in keeping the peace, and having thick skin will fend off donnybrooks from escalating. 

    Anger looks for a target. Keep in mind that over-indulgence in alcohol is not always the culprit, either. Flying accusations along with slammed fists send not only dishes jumping, but guests uh...leaving. 

    When hot topics are introduced, always consider the source...and remember the point of any good argument is to reach a proposal. A general consensus is reached usually when it is time for the guests to leave. After all, even turkey will begin to stink given time.

    Gratitude for a plausibly fortuitous outcome, and mercy itself begins with forgiveness...and in most instances, forgiving oneself for a simple faux pas, or other embarrassing foolishness. Our forgiveness is not contingent upon any unctuous pleading. No one likes to be "Holding the bag" as it were, when asking for such. When all is forgiven, that is the beginning of trust.

    The vulnerabilty that it takes to allow real forgiveness is the epitiome of strength, both for the one offering forgiveness and the one receiving it.

Below is this week's "Rock of the Week"  Momma Blissta!

It's been awhile...

 Yes, I admit that this blog has not been updated since the beginning of October. I've had what might be called, "A full plate" of activities that have kept me busy and barely afloat ( like the rest of us ). My heart goes out to all those who find themselves in a tight perdicament with regard to the recent economic picture . It seems that the rich continue to get richer and... well, let's not get ahead of ourselves.

October has been productive to say the least. I've MADE the time to further my craft and generate new ways of earning a little more $$$.The lastest endeavor is something called "Calistogies" which are chocolate candy cigars made by a wonderful Chocolatier whose name is Kat. She and I got together and now i am packaging these goodies and selling them both at the local farmer's market, The Chamber of Commerce and Papa Lou's store here in Calistoga!

Other than this, "Your Spirit Rocks!" are now being featured at the local artist's collective called Starrs mentioned in last month's blog., which is down the road in St. Helena. Claire and Starr have put together this wonderful gallery that is bringing in a wealth of local talent. It's certainly worth a visit.

Lastly, several of the products that I feature at my booth continue to enthrall many new customers. Aside from the keychains,pendants,nightlights, spinner rocks,mobiels and assorted gift rocks, I now have a side bin with some of the drawings and paintings that i've compiled over the years.

I hope to stay on top of this blog in the days to come, but hey... 

Below are my most recent "Rocks of the Week" 

( which may include next week, and the weeks to come )

Opportunity comes a knocking

     This has been an incredible week. Not only has business been uplifting, but more opporunities in the art world have been presenting themselves. Meeting Claire and Starr Michelle at the "Starr Collective" in St Helena was inspiring. Here they are showcasing the collections of many local artists and craftspeople who have found an environment that supports their vision. It has been very  encouraging because they have generously opened up the possiblity of having my rocks displayed there, and possibly having a workshop there in the future! I so look forward to staying in communication with these folks.

    The Napa Valley has certainly made the jump from wine and food to art. There are many creative circles and events that are taking place regularly, along with new and exciting venues, galleries and shows to demonstrate that. We even have a new Art and Culture Museum in South St. Helena called the "Mac". It is currently featuring an exposé of Julia Child's legendary contributions to the world of Culinary Art through an exhibition of her life's work in this field.    

    The other thing to see are accomplished visual artists and sculptors who have on display some of thier best work. The floor staff are prepared to answer questions about such talent or offer news about this or any current or upcoming exhibits.

    It should also be mentioned that the grand opening and Community Open House of the Brannan Center has taken place here in Calistoga. They are bringing first class entertainment which will include solo performances, comedy, broadway concerts, Mexican revival music, and Brazilian Grooves with a bilingual Latin dance workout ! This along with converational Spanish and French classes are also being offered for our local community.

    Lastly, I've had it mentioned to me after having the workshop at the Calistoga Art Center, that i am welcomed back to have another one when there is an opening in the future.So stay tuned... more chances to have your spirit rock is on the way !

Below is this week's Rock of the Week...

This will be a first

     I am grateful to Anna Johansson for securing a spot for me to teach a rock painting class at the Art Center, which is right next to the fairgrounds here in Calistoga. It will be held on Thursday, Oct.2nd from 10am to 12 noon. As of this post, there are eleven spots left. 

If this is something you'd like to try, you are most welcome to give it a shot. Below is a link to the Park and Rec site where you can register. Although it is a 55+group, your experience in this exercise shouldn't be a factor. Most the materials will be supplied, even some rocks that will be the right size, shape and smoothness to render a nice item to bring home with you.

  To instruct in a class like this has been on my to do list for some time now, and I don't think that the timing could be better.

Here is the LINK to the 55+ craft lab registration. I believe that this class is on a donation basis, so if money is a factor... don't worry, just come.

... and remember, "Your Spirit Rocks!"

Below is this week's 'Rock of the week" ( under a UV light, naturally)

Easy Does It

     This is a wonderful slogan to adopt when I get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired H.A.L.T These have been valuable lessons. Too often I will not pay attention to any one of these items and find myself at the end of a short rope. Even if you H.A.L.T. at any one of these, you many find yourself overwhelmed or overextended in a variety of ways. This is when Easy Does It can render us a moment of serenity.

    The addendum to this would be... But Do It! because if we rest on our laurels, then what was once considered to be optional will very suddenly become a necessity ( like renewing one's driver's license for example ). However, if we are doing the best we can with what we have to offer, then it is within our integrity to honor our choices and to validate our attempts.

    To endorse yourself is vital to one's growth as a child of God. We are not victims of the opinions,whims and remarks that others may have of us. 

    It has been said that if we are as good as our word, we will be in our integrity... but this is not always easy, eh?

    Now that I've done my best in carrying a message of hope, I would like to conclude that I'm still doing the best I can with the rocks that i've got!

...and that being said, check out the latest dazzler...

    

The Double Entendre´

The phrase,"Your Spirit Rocks" can be taken a couple of ways . When the emphasis is on the first person singular, it means that it is addressing your Spirit, or personality as it were. When the emphasis is on the word "Rocks" it can mean two things... It can mean that you have some items in your possession that are called " Spirit Rocks."but it can also mean that Your Spirit literally Rocks! Which in today's vernacular, means that you have a very lively spirit! I love that interpretation. 

    When someone purchases the gift of a Spirit Rock, I like to thank them by saying, "Your Spirit Rocks!" to which many of them reply, " No, YOUR Spirit Rocks!" which I am grateful for the exchange.Over the years, so many collectors of these rocks, tell me how these items have contributed to their overall well being. Some say that they have them on the nightstand so that they can observe the glow when the lights are out. Others have them on the desk to hold down important papers. Others like to place them in the fish tank or outside in the garden where they will usually hold up because of the resin coating ( which, by the way, is non-toxic to fish when hardened ).

    Over the years, youngsters have taken to painting rocks themselves and hiding them in obscure places to later be discovered by hikers along the beach or in a forest. Sometimes, they will be planted in not-so-obvious places like behind a fence post, etc. Parents and adults have even taken to placing a sticker that reads on the backside " You found me!" now take a picture and post me on Facebook 😉. What a novel idea that is. Lastly, some people will even use the rock for a meditation object which will serve in grounding the individual so that they have some physical object to focus their attention on.

    When a rock is purchased, it is placed in a gift bag which usually includes a keychain UV blacklight which will highlight the colors when viewed in the pitch darkness.It will also activate the phosphors in the puff paint that is used to decorate the rock itself. Also included is an affirmation sheet which contains a few affirmations that when used frequently during meditation, are designed to bring about prosperity, joy and abundance. These were composed by Shakti Gawain in her popular book, "Creative Visualisation".

    Although I usually feature a "Rock of the Week" on this blog, today I've included and ornament, which symbolises the alternating power of the Sun and the Moon. I hope you like it. Perhaps next week I will feature another "Rock of the Week" and not just be content in showing you my other creations.

So Blessed...

     Living in Calistoga is like being in a summer camp year round. I really love it here, and never plan to leave. It kind of reminds me of that old 60's T.V. show, " Andy of Mayberry"  with Andy Griffith, Ron Howard, Don Knots,et al. One can get to know all the characters here by going to Cal Mart for groceries, and probably get to know half the town in less than a week.

    Calistoga used to be considered rather "Funky". A lot of the locals remember those days. Being at the north end of the Napa Valley, people coming up for the first time will have already visited many tourist spots travelling only as far as St. Helena on Hwy 29.

     Calistoga is now considered the Crown Jewel of the Napa Valley. Migrant farmworkers have lived here from the beginning, and the winery owners were usually living in St. Helena.That being said, for years people would mistakenly confuse the whole Napa Valley with the City of Napa. Back then, we Napakins (which includes everyone both up valley and down), were used to associating the area with what were three popular industries...Wine, Steel and Mental Health. Thanks in part to the State Hospital, and a hand full of Alcohol treatment centers.Kaiser Steel has since moved on. Some think of Napa Valley as a kind of Disneyland for adults. Others cringe at the thought.

    Having lived here now for over thirty years, I've witnessed the transformation of an iconic, small town "T.V. concept" grow to a sizeable population of people, longing for as a place they can return to; that treasures the past but refuses to live in it. Today, it's rather "Chi-chi", and sort of like a little Carmel,CA.

    We have the galleries,wine bars and Michelin- starred restaurants. Along with several upscale resorts with pools, spas, and of course the mud baths...which the locals call the "Calistoga Baptism". There is plenty to see and do, both inside and outside.

    The good news is that people are really friendly here, and the crime rate is near zilch. The bad news is that our main streets have become stomping grounds for the well-to-do,and the price points that goes with them. Hospitality and Tourism has superceded some of the other more rural industries like wine farming.

    That being said, we are all aware that there is always big changes afoot. Multiple renovations and new facililaties are popping up at a alarming rate. New additions to the high school, several new housing developments, repaved roads, a new power plant, a new entertainment center, more bed and breakfast domiciles, a vine trail for cyclists, and the list goes on. 

    Do we have the time and a reason to celebrate? You bet we do! Check out the recent free concert that happened at Pioneer Park this past week.

A great time was had by all, and in spite of everything going south these days, it's good to get away to a place like this.💖 God willing,  the fires will be kept at bay.

If it works, don't fix it

 Sometimes it is hard to leave well enough alone. All in the name of multi-tasking, what is truly complete, finished, or done ? It was undoubtely an artist who made the statement, "An artist is never satisfied".Was it Mick Jagger?

No, it wasn't Mick. He just couldn't get no satisfaction. Either way, letting go of that we cannot change has been a lifelong struggle. This is the main reason why I am taking a break and composing this blog. Besides, distraction will constantly convince me that there is still time for other tasks.

Today, going through my rock collection, I stopped to see which rocks could be "gussied" up to sell. What a dumb idea, but what the heck... let's do it.

Half way through I see the rocks that aren't exactly calling me to do anything with them anymore. Then there are the others that need to be put aside as sale items. I would rather have people take these rocks and offer a donation, if they wanted to offer one. Besides, I deplore having to keep track of my expenses and tax obligations.Sometimes I feel as though I am numerically dyslexic, and have trouble with simple addition. If i hadn't memorised the times tables from the back of a Pee Chee in sixth grade, I doubt that I would have ever made it to high school.

Thankfully, I had skills in other areas, and made use of them to the best of my ability. Today, I am seeking guidance and direction for the future of these creative pursuits. Everyone was born with a gift of some sort. Many have gifts that are undeveloped and don't discover them until later on in life. That being said, having something to offer that world, is what we bring to the world. It is not always the thing that we take from it. Talents and skills are often passed on from one generation to the next.

So, in conclusion, I am going to step away from the computer and begin another drawing which will be posted below when it is complete. 

So there.

The Rock of the Week Thang

Okay, I haven't kept up with this "Rock of the Week" post. This is because I am currently in "transition". What i mean is that I am painting and drawing more, and the rocks have taken second fiddle. There, I said it. The rocks have been keeping me afloat for a long time now, and it is time to move forward. This doesn't mean that there will be no more posts on this blog; Far from it. It means that the posts will be more about my spiritual journey through art and creativity, not just about painting rocks or some such.

Paintings that I've been working on will be showcased here. Just as much as the twists and turns that I face in the world of Art. I still want to acknowledge all the Rock Stars that have collected the Spirit Rocks over the years. May they continue to bring good fortune into your lives. People have brought me rocks from Russia, Hawaii, New Zealand and other parts of the world to have me paint. What's not to love about this.

It just so happens that a bigger canvas is needed which will not be the size that I'm used to painting on, but will have much more content (and paint, of course ) than the sizes that have been provided to me in the past.

Enjoying Camp Calistoga

    I think we are truly blessed to be living in such a wonderful community. It's like summer camp year round here. However beautiful it may be here, we are in constant vigilance with regard to what is happening in what is now our Global Village ( most especially the devastating floods in Texas and other points south ).

     Taking life one day at a time is what seems to be working for most of us now. Getting the exercise and rest needed is what seems to be bringing tourists here to this area from all parts...State wide and country wide.

    Admittedly, I have not ventured too far from home this summer, not only because of the price of gas, but because there has been other ways to stay busy under my own roof.

    Latley, getting back into watercolors and uploading some of them to Chat GPT is a new and curious pursuit ( there, I admitted it ) Not being particularly apologetic about the results produced;The technology is at least making me appreciate the rendering quality and interpretation of what I ask it to do before uploading one of my sketches. 

    The image they composed below mine is absolutely mind boggling.This scene existed only in my mind before I sat down and put it on paper. The medium(s) I used were watercolor, prismacolor pencils, graphite and black ink. Just pushing colors and lines around on paper, later to be scanned and saved as a .jpg 

    My request was to have the image look more uniform and to have the colors more accurately displayed. The result speaks for itself. Their painting is in my opinion, museum quality. Yet being a novice with this observation ,I can hardly say that I know what I am talking about.

    Now, taking this final composition it has been pretty easy to arrange and resize the prints on my computer and then output the file on the Epson printer, to create stunning gift cards that are now being sold at the Farmer's market along with my rocks.

Rock Solid

 Yesterday, at the Farmer's Market here in Calistoga I had the great pleasure of meeting a group of women known as "The Rock Solids". It was/is my guess that they all went to high school together and have remained close friends throughout the years. Kat mentioned that they all were from Denver, Colorado to which I had to ask if they felt a nice boost of energy being down here at ( almost ) Sea Level. They concurred and began to explain the origin of their meeting. It was brought to my attention that one of the women was having her birthday, which I remarked, " Happy 29th !" To which they chuckled at the suggestion. In fact, it was more likely that they were middle-age, but were like teenagers as they giggled at the absurdity. It was a true joy spending a little time with them, and I had to give them one of my favourite gag rocks that read, " Turn me over" to which the other side also reads the same thing. It was my sneaky way of keeping them around for a while... and don't you know, they ended up purchasing some of my favourite rocks! Oh joy! My hope is that they will make this an annual getaway so that we can share some more smiles together. Best wishes to them all,

... and the Birthday girl

It's what I do

     Painting and selling gift rocks is what I've been doing for the past fifteen years.Many childeren and adults have purchased them to give to others or to keep for themselves.I am honored and blessed to have such a following.The rocks are called "Spirit Rocks" mostly because they glow in the dark, and to which some will cradle in their hands for "focusing" in their meditation practice.

    The rocks alone make unique, one-of-a-kind presents. They are heirlooms that have been passed on to subsequent generations.The rocks are mostly from California beaches. They are particularly smooth, flat and round. Preferably a size suitable to carry, like what has been called a "Worry stone" that some will hold when doing a public speaking engagement for instance. 

    Others are small enough and light enough for making keychains,pendants and even earrings. Refrigerator magnets and bottle stoppers have also been added to this list of creations.These rocks offer a lot to one's imagination.However beautiful, they are not to be confused with gemstones which have their own precious qualities. 

    The large rocks have been coated with resin so that they can be placed in a garden pond or even a fish tank because they are not only water proof, but non-toxic after they've been hardened.These rocks make great desk ornaments, door stops, place markers and last-minute reminders.

   When a rock gets sold, I usually offer a pretty bag and an Ultra Violet (UV) blacklight with an important and informational/ affirmation sheet.The colors get activated under any kind of light, except infrared. The glow on the rock usually fades in under five seconds, but will continue to glow in the pitch darkness.The UV blacklight will make flourescent (i.e. super bright, Dayglow) colors really pop out. However, these same colors will NOT glow in the dark without a UV blacklight. Some will recall the Jimi Hendrix or Chesire Cat posters back in the day.

    If you scroll back to the main page, you will see a list on the right of all the posts since I began doing this in 2010. The first one tells the story of how this all began. I encourage you to read it. Since then, I've enjoyed visiting the beach to collect rocks.In a sense, they have chosen me to embellish them with metallic acrylic and puff paint to add texture. I've even played with glitter gel and invisible ink to enter secret symbols and messages on the back.

    Other artists like to use dotting tools to create mandalas on rocks they've used for these purposes. I respect and admire their work. Although I've had my hand at this, It's just not my particular style.

    Lastly, I've taken to hiding rocks from time to time in places like knot holes in trees,behind buildings or other enclosed spaces. Occasionally  I'll add on the back a bar code that when scanned will enable you to arrive at this web site. It's fun to have youngsters discover a rock when out hiking with their parents. Below is a picture of two such winners. It took awhile to have them calm down a bit...Their excitement is contageous!

    

Experimentation

 Hi there, 

As I've been alluding to in the past I'm expanding to include paintings on a generally small format, just to get back to painting on a 2D surface.The substrate I've chosen are round discs about a foot across that are plywood and very smooth. I would have chosen masonite, but these suit me just fine.

    The medium remains the same...a metallic acrylic, preferably Jacquard™ which makes the best as far as I can tell. The experiment is about painting a black background, an adding a little interference acrylic and some Color Shift paint by Folk Art™ to add a little variation. Then using a gold puff paint to build the floral/grass design which stems ( no pun intended ) from my furtile imagination.

    I will probably get back to painting rocks sometime soon, but then again, the supply has been dwindling to it's time to hit the beach or garden supply shops to stock up.

    Here''s hoping that all is well in your world and that you continue to "Follow your bliss" as Joseph Campbell might have said. In any event just know that...

Your Spirit Rocks!

Stones that Shout

 The rock appeared drab and gray, indistinquisable from a thousand others. But then my teacher turned on an ultraviolet light. Immediately, that boring rock burst into vivid technicolor.Blues, greens yellows, and oranges shone forth. It contained a class of minerals that become luminous under UV lighting. Without the aid of those special rays however, you'd walk by this rock without a second thought. 

    This morning, the whole world gazes upon a gray chunk of rock. Under normal lighting, it's just a rough cavity in the ground--a sheer vacancy- -with a stone lid rolled to the side. There's not much to see, and UV rays won't help here. But some who ponder this rugged cavity leave fundamentally changed, as if this rocky tomb burned with the light of heaven.

     And indeed it does. In the darkness of Easter night, Jesus Christ flipped the switch from death to life and changed this cavern of despair into the only source of real hope. John, seeing the scene lit by the vivid light of faith saw, and believed, and it was as if color shone forth in a gray world.

     Now, even when we disciples of Jesus falter in our proclamation of the Gospel God has enlisted the roughest matter to proclaim his glory. As Jesus propheseised, I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out ! ( Lk 19:40) On Easter morning, we hear that cry of joy.

Reflection based on John 20:1-9 

Father Philip Nolan O.P.

Painting Rocks and Making sense of it all

    The immediate thought is that we find a rock and then we take it home and paint it, to make it look like art.This has been the intent from the beginning of my journey fifteen years ago.Discovering their supposed spiritual component is quite another matter. From the beginning,rocks have been an element or item that comes to mind when thinking about matter versus things that don't have matter. 

    Caring about things do matter, but only to the degree that we say they do. Betrand Russell made the claim that "No-thing is a thing". He was a mathematician, philosopher, politician and essayist. He was also an autobiographer, who wrote three volumes about himself.My guess is that he cared a lot about himself. Did he care about matter? Perhaps.

    I learned in high school from a favorite teacher that you can't love a car. It was argued by a fellow student that they did love their car, because some of them had a car by that age.I listened intently as it was explained that a car can't love you back, it can only react to the input that is delivered to it's components.Step on the gas pedal and it moves forward...You gotta love it.

 Our teacher also explained that a connection had to be made where your input would be equally understood and reciprocated...but wait, can't a computer already do that? Yes, but it's mostly "GIGO" (garbage in, garbage out). Like the main-frame computer which were the only computers around at that time.They were good at providing data that solved complex mathematical problems back then, but human problems,not as good.

    Today's computers can't always correctly interpret a human's silence or pauses any more than we can. Some may argue that they can espeically those so called. "Impregnated Silences" Presently, they can be programmed to finish sentences that may or may not produce an accurate result. However, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, the data can be startingly creative, concise and seemingly human in it's disclosure.Now,what can be done with that? Your guess is a good as mine.

    Now, back to caring and loving that which cannot love you back.I was just thinking about an add I saw awhile ago about a company that actually takes a person's remains after cremation and makes memorial rocks out of said remains. Will these items communicate something to those who remember the deceased? You bet they do, sensing the rock visually, silently and tactilely.

    It has been said that communication is the intentional re-creation of another's experience of ourselves. So, it seems that within the realm of our own experience,we are the only one's out there! 

    My belief and experience coincide when I can align inner dialog with what may be percieved as a higher power. That could be God, nature or even the void. Believing that there is a presence is not the issue, experience is. So, if I am in communication with a car, and the car reciprocates in a fashion that fills my spirit, so be it.The car has had something to communicate.

    I don't know about you, but I will talk to; and about things all the time. I am in communication with my computer as i write this blog. Imagining that someone is actually reading this, is actually fulfilling ...spiritually, for lack of a better word.

Below are some beauties from the past...

Carrying On

 Talking to a friend today, we discussed shaving our faces.He informed me that he was too lazy to shave and preferred a beard.Along those lines he mentioned that he doesn't want to go on hikes either, because he gets short of breath.The argument for rest and relaxation is important in our culture. Laziness is not.How does one balance these two components in our daily lives? Medical doctors recommend diet and exercise. Pretty broad categories, to be sure. Nowadays, specificity is the watch word.

What kind of diet? What specific exercise, etc.

    Too often the justification of our excessive behaviors require discipline.Training our children to follow our lead in adopting contructive behavior is a tricky.Yet learing something new is essential to personal growth.

    Like anything else, it is easy to reach a saturation point when trying to introduce new habits and behaviors.Balance continues to be the key here. "All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy" was what Jack Nicholson's character had repeatedly typed with this message in the movie "The Shining". Is this going to be our own truth as we enter the age of A.I. and social media? Geez, we need some breaks in the malstrom of monotony!

    Breaks not withstanding, the pursuit of higher learning and relevant activity begs to question our motives. Don't we all just want to be a wee bit more informed,or able to espouse facts like the guy at the next table? Perhaps not.

    It is now April 1st ( no fooling ) and I am going to finish publishing this particular blog because it's time.

This morning, our Monday morning painter's group now has their work showing at the Calistoga Roastery for the public to view.Strange things occur here on a fairly frequent basis. It seems that a great number of locals gather at this particular coffee shop to meet.The prices are reasonable, and the menu is vast.The strangeness is that it is difficult for anyone to remain anonymous in this town. Ackward silences makes the practice of congeniality with groups or particlular individuals, questionable. Acknowledging the presence of people whose personalities don't jive with our own is challenging to to say the least. 

Having no excuses except for the sporadic cloud bursts of rain,their is no reason not to go outside. After all, spring has officially sprung. Staying inside and painting a rock is only one of many things there are to do today.

Just ask Snowball...

Below is this week's 'Rock of the month"

Expanding outward

 Ever since shaving my beard and moustache off, I've been feeling a bit vulnerable.This is a good thing. Change is a good thing.People tell me that I look much younger. Thanks!

Today, painting rocks hasn't quite taken a back seat yet.My artwork is expanding to include other pursuits. Namely, mobiles, small sculptures, minature paintings etc. Still looking for that thing that continues to inspire, yet continue doing what puts my mind at peace.Below is a sample of what I've been up to...

Kali

ear ring stand

Iphone user

Shifting Gears

 Welcome Back! Most of you are aware of the joy I get from painting rocks. It's been over fifteen years ( you can scroll down through the episodes of this blog if you don't believe me.)Well, having supported myself for many years in the hospitality industry, it was a relief to finally get to do my own thing. Even though I don't sell my rocks online, I have done commissions for people who know me, and know how to contact me. If you don't, come visit me at the Farmer's Market on Saturdays in Calistoga.

So, I am beginning to focus more on my drawing and painting skills by producing works that I will be showing for the whole month at the St. Helena Library. They will feature a retrospective of my work from the 90's to the present day. This is a how I get inspired to further my career as a working artist.

The subject matter of these paintings will vary. Some are representational, some are abstract using a variety of mediums. Everything from water-colour, acrylic, graphite and colored pencils. I don't paint in oils, although I have been schooled in such.I'm more inclined to worked in a very spontaneous fashion and when I am in the "Zone", I don't always know what will emerge when I come out of it. If you are in the area, come down Adams street off the main road where the Chevron station is, and travel eastward for about a third of a mile then make a left. The St. Helena Library is right there. A little reception will take. place between four and five p.m. on Tuesday, March 4th. Hope to see you there! 

Below is a sample of the work I will be showing..

Expectations

     Yesterday was fabulous. Not just because I was able to sell many of my showcase items at the Sebastopol Market, but because it was a wonderfully energetic and lovely a day as would never have been expected. In fact, I seriously did not want to get out of bed. Dreading the thought of driving over the hill in freezing cold weather ( the roads were very icy and dangerous ) was not at all appealing. Then the thought of standing around and having no one stopping to view my glow-in-the-dark gift rocks was beginning to haunt me.   Ugh.

 It was time to "Let go, and let God". I did just that. My prayer for the day was to have the Higher power "Surprise me". I left it at that. Prayers of petition or begging are becoming things of the past. Prayers of gratitude are taking their place...Thankfully.

Even the writing of this blog is becoming a prayerful exercise, that helps me to release negative expectations. Besides, those expectations are merely feelings about experiences that have happened in the past.

Today, I have hope that becomes an abiding faith that things are happening in accordance with the Divine will. Also, one's day can start over at any time. Many aspire to an idea that a change in attitude is not beyond their power of choice.

This choice has consequences that can go either way.

Is your attitude beyond your power of choice? 

Chocolate or Vanilla?

All this being said, the farmer's market turned out to be a fabulously abundant sales day. What a surprise! Was this my expectation? perhaps,but the real surprise was when my attitude shifted upon asking my higher power for a surprise.

The Higher Power has NEVER failed. The answers are always... Yes, No or...

LATER 😉

Below is this week's "Rock of the Week". 

Surprise! 

Nope,it's not a rock but an abalone shell shaped like a heart. Being that St.Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching, nothing could be a better reminder to follow your heart.

Breathe

     In a word, yes... breathe. What a winter it has been. We don't need to reiterate what has gone on in the world in the past few months. It is no surprise that this blog has been delayed for awhile, and I apologize for that.

    This is a pivotal time we are living in, and we are all in this together.Everything from the enviroment to politics worldwide is calling us to global reckoning in my opinion.

    Although I am on the internet quite a bit, I haven't watched the T.V. in over a year now ( mostly because don't want to pay for the full Xfinity package ).It is not a necessity. If I really want to watch the news I can find it online Besides, with all the ways we can access information, we might as well consider ourselves really to be a global village.

    We are glued to our communication devices which in a way makes it easy to edit ourselves while texting and to present ourselves in a pleasant manner through Facebook. Now, talking to Siri, Alexa or the house cat quickly replaces the need for human interaction.People still find Facetime video a little foreboding.

    As for quick information, Their's YouTube and Google for our educational purposes and/or "How to's ". Then we have Netflix, Prime, Hulu etc. for entertainment. We really don't need anyone anymore it seems.Why get groceries or food when there is Door Dash! Heaven's to Betsy. The list goes on... and rest assured there is an app for that.

    Boredom or loneliness has become epidemics in their own form.The quickening as it were, is pointing even closer to the Singularity.There is no going back. This is the time to go within, and make the time to be creative.We still can have the world of our dreams if we can all admit that we are truly in this together.

Below are some "Rocks of the Week" which aren't one rock but several which I glued to a canvass! These rocks are made to look like they were washed ashore.Enjoy the days ahead...

Repitition and resolutions

 What starts out as a groove, can turn into a rut in short order. Admittedly, it's hard to break out of old habits. Painting gift rocks is no exception. Artistic designs, like the neuropathways that get formed in our minds, grow together. Like attracts like. Quite naturally, when we find something we enjoy doing, we like to repeat the process. It is pleasing when we obtain a desired result. Patterns form, results are weighed, and a cycle completes itself... until something upsets this seemingly predictable, however pleasing result. Hmmm...

    Without getting too deep into the psychology, suffice to say that everything is like everything else, (except sometimes not always).Boredom and/or frustration may ensue. Lethargy can follow close behind. Predictability can be a double edged sword. Are we rushing to judgement about a certain outcome, or are we staying in observation mode?

Granted,in order to obtain a signature stye it will usually involve repeating it.There is no other way around it.Just as in making all the mistakes there are to make, it will mean that one has to go through the process of making countless vain attempts until  refinement and a particular beauty has been revealed. Also, there is not guarantee that this process or result can be repeated.

Philospher and Psychologist Herbert Spencer was quoted as saying that there is one principle that will leave us in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation.Stay with the process. More will be revealled!

Below is this week's Rock of the Week

The First day of 2025

 Hiking around in Bothe State Park at 2pm on the first day of the new year is such a treat. Families out for a little stroll on the muddy paths, navigating their way past slimey rocks can be a bit of a challenge but all fun. (Just as I am composing this blog, a mild earthquake just struck. It's 6:34pm on Weds. January 1st.) One never knows what is coming down the pike.

    Anyway, i am promising to myself to make a few "projections". about how to proceed throughout the new year. Resolutions are out of the question.One is to keep this blog updated. The other is to continue to develop my artistic ability, and to share it with others...subscribing to the belief that I must give away what I wish to keep. 

    This has been a tough lesson. Fears of being a sucker is difficult to shake, because of who is usually first to step into the trap of mindless gulibility. No one with a kind mind likes to witness the gaming or manipulating of others to get what they may think they want. Especially if it's the laughter at the expense of another.

 Already, a reluctance to publish this is cultivating a bit of dread and it is only the first blog post of 2025.Another projection is the quest for integrity and genuine humility as a bi-product of being truthful. Wish me luck with that.

May this coming year be fulfilling in all your greatest and truest desires, and may joy fill all of our hearts.

Your Spirit Rocks !