Eda Doreen

Traceable intuition

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospection”- Anais Nin

Last week I was dwelling for days over the sad air plane tragedy In Libya. The lone survivor, a nine year old Dutch boy, Ruben Van Assouw miraculously survived the crash of something so terrifying and horrific. I thought about what the little boy faces today, and in the days ahead without his mother, father, and only brother. I thought about how this baby, who no doubt still can hear the plane tearing to pieces, and the screams of those around him, who died instantly, or within minutes after. I thought about how his precious heart and soul may be feeling, lost and alone in a world now changed forever. I prayed that God might take his sorrowing pain, and give some to me. And, I wished him a life full of love, tenderness, and strength for the many years to come. Why would such a fateful event such as these devastating catastrophes occur, and the one also most recently off the coast of Africa?

Why?

 

So, in my mindful thoughts, and my daily musings, in which I often try to put myself in someone else’s shoes do I stop to question and exist to search for a truth to life’s reasons.

Something I will never be truly able to comprehend is the way in which life can have us in the throes of happiness, peace, and an abundance of everything, only to cut quick short the existence of life in a blink of an eye. So, I maybe think way too much, and I will never apologize for this thinking, questioning, or searching, but I continue to do so with an open mind, and do so with a passion for the pungency of life itself. And I have so easily learned that in philosophizing about life, its matters of the heart, and humanity, I can only feel a intellect of knowing, understanding, and appreciation of what you may think and feel as well.

 

Little Ruben, who has been broken physically, emotionally, and stands to face his hardest battle in the coming years, is not only a hope for us all, but a reason to give, love, and be compassionate to those around us. We don’t know who, or how other’s in our lives may truly be feeling, but with time, understanding and thoughtful insight, we can be their reason to keep on living a fruitful and abundant life. Never for a moment believe otherwise.

“Individually, we are one drop. Together we are an ocean.”-Ryunoskuke Satoro

 

Keep believing ...

Sam

 

symbolism

 

"In jungles of poisonous plants strut the peacocks,

Through medicine gardens of beauty lie near.

The masses of peacocks do not find gardens pleasant,

But thrive on the essence of poisonous plants,

In similar fashion the brave bodhisattvas

Remain in the jungle of worlds concern.

No matter how joyful this world pleasure garden,

These brave ones are never attracted to pleasures,

But thrive in the jungle of suffering and pain."

-Dharmaraksita (budhist monk)

 

Stairway to Heaven

time to walk.. and a time to talk..

Friends give full color to our lives

My weekend went ever so quickly, as the normal weekend would. I have not had a normal 9-5 job in over eight years, so while my regular weekend is on a Monday and Tuesday, I do take some light heartiness for those who come my way in sharing theirs. I have been somewhat lazy over the last week or so in constructing some journals, and cigar boxes, and despite my intentions to get going and move along with them, I seem to have hit a hurdle. It is not as if my motivation has gone, rather my mind has been situated elsewhere, and my body, well I decided to take better care of myself, and I started back with walking.

My walking includes a 4 kilometer stretch everyday, which is about 2.6 miles. I have to convert the miles to kilometers so that I can actually realize how far I am walking every day. And, it’s a fair distance so I believe. But, while my nightly habits of broken sleep are catching up on me in the mornings, I find myself trying to catch my tail in trying to get creative. I think in due time, I will find my flow again, but every once and a while, it is truly okay to stop, smell life, live life, and relax. Of which I am doing well of!

Shasta Daisies from my yard.

I had the opportunity also over the weekend, to have a great conversation with my close friend. I truly believe that the people who cross our paths in life, and who understand, accept, and love us for who we are, warts and all, are our guardian angels in disguise.

"True friendship comes when silence between two people is comfortable."  ~Dave Tyson Gentry
Without a good friend I would probably be all but lost in my thoughts. I know I have many great friends in my life, some I haven't seen in years, others I see every now and then, and some whom I have never even met. It is these encounters in life, where friendship is by far the greatest, where one can feel the inner fire that was dimly burning and bursts into flame when we find ourselves in someone else's heart.

Thank you for rekindling my heart, soul, and mind. You will never know how much I am indebted and grateful for a friend in you.

:: Acceptance::

~ Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart. ~ Marcus Aelius Aurelius

 

 

 

Mike Bailey-Gates (c)

 

 

 

I have wanted to feature this photographer for weeks. I just didn’t have the words, or the timing in doing so. Most of my writings, as you may well have read, are based on creativity. I see an image, or think a thought, and with it comes the fruition of a compilation of gathered thoughts.

 

 

So, I have been thinking about fate. I heard a quote in a movie only yesterday, that there is “a fine line between fate and chance”. And, as life would weave its way down this wonderful journey for us all, I am sure we could all somewhat agree. So, that is why I have chosen to feature this young man’s photography today.

 

 

Mike Bailey-Gates (c)

 

Michael Bailey-Gates, has a rawness to his photography that borderlines on mystery and love. Every photo I view represents beauty, life, and wonder. And, for his talent which I believe is so magnificent, I am always in awe of his works. They touch my soul, they take me to the place where he has shown us this vignette of life, and they enable a peaceful feeling  in which to view.

 

Mike Bailey-Gates (c)

 

Which brings me to the point of discussing the anticipation of acceptance. Years ago I had not developed a greater understanding of humanity. Perhaps I was not open to understanding, and for that reason, my heart and soul wasn't ready to change. I think we all come to a place in our lives, where eventually once we realise who we are, who we love, and accepting fate as life would deal us, we can find an inner peace.

 

Mike Bailey-Gates (c)

 

 

"The first step toward change is acceptance.  Once you accept yourself, you open the door to change.  That's all you have to do.  Change is not something you do, it's something you allow."

Will Garcia
(AIDS patient)

 Mike Bailey Gates

Biography

Mike Bailey-Gates was born in 1993 in Rhode Island, USA. He became interested in photography at the age of thirteen when he began taking photographs of the landscape in his surrounding countryside. Over time the hobby progressed into a passion for portraiture and fashion. Michael is currently living in New England with his family and working as a represented photographer.

Resume

Published interviews, features, and spreads.

Art Gallery Showing at Jesse Smith.

-Interview/ spreads in Maddog Magazine March (2010)
-Interview/ Feature in NAME magazine (2010)
-Interview/ Spread/ Cover shot, Kinki Magazine, December (2009) 
-Photo used in “ Frankie Photo Album” book volume 1 (2009)
-Contributor to The Saccades project ( 2009)
-Spreads in NINJA magazine (August 2009)
-Interviews and Spread in Parasol magazine issue 4 (July 2009)
-Interview/ spread in NEET magazine issue number 15 (June 2009)
-Interview in Cupcake magazine (2009)
-Winner of the United way Contest, 500$, Featured in Rhode Island Monthly magazine.(2009)
-BLUR magazine issue 15 (2009) 

-Interview on Coming Upstrong (2009)
-Featured in “ teen INK” (2008)
-Featured in “ teenage life or lack there of” book.

Mike Bailey-Gates (c)

 

Life is as real as it gets. It is raw, perfect, and mystical. It can move along slowly, or it can speed as fast as you can keep up. But the greatest thing about life is the willingness to accept all that it has, is, and becomes. Once you accept what life, and fate offers, you are at peace.

 

 

Mike Bailey Gates (c)

 

Today is the day to live. Live life with acceptance, love and compassion. Help those who need you, love without reason, and shine for those who need the light in the darkest of hours. 

 

 

Sam

 

mike bailey gates (C)http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbg_photos/

 

 

 

 

 

::The road less traveled::

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

 

The week is coming to a close, and I have seen, touched, and learned much this week about life. I have included Robert Frost’s poem today named “The Road Not Taken” to symbolize the paths we all take during our creative, intuitive lives.

It is easy to get bogged down with complexities, emotions, and became engaged with the thoughts of trying to change the world. I try my hardest, to reach out to those I care about, and I try my best to hold out my hand as often as I can. But even I am not perfect.

Friday is a good day. Today is a good day. The sun shines a little, and the smell of humidity will embrace my senses shortly as I take my morning walk. I have yet to think a thousand thoughts, and maybe more, and I am yet to wonder about the road I will take today. The road less traveled is a road patched with identities we meet along the way. Often a mirror can be all that is needed to guide us in seeing someone else.

I have three work days left. One, two, three, and then a couple of days I will seek out in my garden. There I find my place where I can renew my thoughts, be rid of my insecurities, and walk on bright in the basking sun.

 

Have  a wonderful afternoon, and a balmy spring evening.

 

Sam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

:: HOPE ::

“ Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence”- Lin Yutang.

 

My wishes for you

 

 

The days are starting to stretch out. The nights are balmy here in the South. The front porches of the homes of the Southerners, garnish hanging vines, ferns, and petunias. The children play with their friends in the streets, and their grandparents and guardians sip tea in the afternoon setting sun.

Since moving to the South some eight years ago, I have learned much about Southern folklore, food, and life. I have made some of the most memorable friends; friends whom I know would always come to my aid, rain, hail, or shine. Or, perhaps that is the American Spirit in general. Either way, living in America has become my life, or I could never go back to my homeland. Sure, I am a proud Australian, I eat my vegemite, and I often read the on-line newspapers back home, and I know how to stir up some Aussie commotion, even so far away. But it’s the life we choose to lead, the paths we take, and the heart of life we live that ultimately drives us to that special place we call home.

 

 

Tale of the Lost Necklace by Imagine Studio's on etsy

Where is your home? Is it in the sprawling cities, or the stretching suburbs? Or, is it in a log cabin overlooking the Chrystal waters of the lake that you swim in, fish in, and watch the setting sun over every end to the day? Or, is it just with someone you love? Home is where the heart is, and it can be anywhere, both physical and spiritual.

I’m heading home soon, even though I have a home to call my own. Home is …. Where the heart is.

 

Have a great afternoon, cherish those you love, and give your smile to someone who needs it, because you never know when you will need it in return.

 

Sam

on the upside

On the upside,

Life is matted with realities that we as humans

Get, and

Others may not.

Take the downside for instance,

On the surface,

The sun shines, and the rain pelts

Yet

Reality would have us believe that

Truth is something attained,

But it is not.

The truth to one’s soul is more about acceptance,

More than ignorance can ever signify.

 

 

:: outings::

I put together an outfit that I would wear out, if I was heading out for a dinner party. Ok, so its not Vogue, but I think I matched it perfectly... for my tastes.

Hope you all liketh!

1. top left - curly bottom hoops by strungoutdesigns

2. top middle - lariat necklace by pinkingedgedesigns

3. top right - twig wrap bangle by stratussilver

4. middle - salmon jersey halter by larimeloom

5. bottom left - vintage flapper deco heels by pikkukarhu

6. bottom middle - palazzo pant by alicecouture

7. bottom right - nikkita clutch by fiazco

Wheres my cosmopolitan ;)

:: goodbye @$#%#% hello Max! ::

“Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence."-George Washington

 

lauri Arrington on Etsy

The power of this quote goes way beyond the words. And if you think of it, how true is the saying in that when you have a friend with whom you can share anything with, is that not the most beneficial release for our souls?

It’s a wonderfully sunny day down here in the South. My puppy Benny continues to whine, about what I do not know, but I did leave him outside in the fresh spring air for the last 45 minutes, so maybe he is just delusional right now.

I have wanted to buy a laser printer for a while now, but because of its price, which is in the 300’s not including the cartridge, which is in the 80’s, I just let it be for a while. Well, lo and behold my printer which is old, ragged, and very sensitive to the touch wouldn’t budge at all for me yesterday afternoon, so I had to replace him with another temporary part-timer named Max. Max is hot. He sounds great, and you know what, he’s dark in complexion. The ‘other one’ whose name I cannot mention due to profanity, was grey and getting impatient with me, as much as I was with him. I'd throw my fists in the air at him, and threaten to leave him, and he would just sit there ignoring me. Some days, what we had as a team in my studio was precious. But with all the positives, his negatives outweighed my patience.  Anyway, I have laid him to rest, for a while, until I can muster the strength to say goodbye to him forever.

Don't you just love the color of those earing's?

My friend Lauri over on etsy, made them for me yesterday as a custom for a friend. She makes all kinds of jewelry and also sells a bunch of jewelry beads, destash and more. My weekend was sort of counterproductive. I did get through painting three base coats of some journals, and I was able to work through some other creations as well.

 

The happy Project

Well its time for me to skidaddle, and tend to my yard, and my mind by walking. I have to go back to work today, and I think it will be a good afternoon.

Enjoy your day where ever you are, touch the face of beauty where ever you see it, and trust in your instincts, they never let you down.

Best,

Sam

 

 

 

 

Exiting News!

All the Pretty Horses by LindseysPhotograhy On Etsy

Im super exited today! This morning I heard word from Australia, from one of my inspirational hero's and motivating artist, Adele Basheer. Im not sure if you know of her, but it was in buying one of her greeting cards, and mini journals, that I purchased over 11 years ago, that has inspired me to where I am today. Her words on her products were inspiring, uplifting, and touching to the heart. And, I am proud to say that she is one of the biggest reasons today I write greetings, and make journals with a passion. Anyway, heres the best news. I wrote to Adele back in December of last year, and after a busy work schedule she has so kindly offered to answer some questions that have intrigued me in my creative career, and I will feature her answers and her works in June :)

Her works are sold across the Australasian regions, the U.S, and other major global countries! Here is a mini introduction of Adele on the Ruby Connection Blog .

How exiting is that!

Well Im heading out today, to mail some international shipments, continue painting some upcycled cigar boxes, and work on some more journals.

On that note, here is something to think about :

 "Keep your heart open to dreams. For as long as there's a dream, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, there is joy in living." Anonymous {probably a woman ;) }

Sam