Poppets first---then words.
Hmm. I'm told, and it sounds entirely plausible, that some people who follow this blog via RSS feeds and LiveJournal may not have access to the sidebar. If that's the case, I need to occasionally put some of the sidebar stuff into the blog proper, because the sidebar is generally where I put new work and news. If you're wondering what I'm up to outside of the blog, you might want to check in directly once in a while.
That said, here are a couple of items:
here, actually
Here for Kindergarten PoppetToday I did manage to get some studio hours in. I've got several pieces going at once, as always. I'm happy to say I made great progress on the Mary Poppins paper doll. ---Can you imagine, in this studio, how hard it is for us to not say "Mary Poppet?" Can you imagine that around here it's very easy to say "Poppet" instead of "pocket?"
sigh. Poppets have truly taken over. (that's okay, actually, I think they're smarter than us.)
Also, finally at long last (with Spencer's help-thank you), I'm closing in on a Poppet gaming table that's been partly finished for ages. I mostly work on these works between Poppet Planet duties and commissions and other projects with actual deadlines. It's that "chipping wisdom " I've mentioned before. If I don't insist on at least a little bit of time for new work each week, it will never get done. I've accepted that, at least for the time being, I'll rarely have long days in the studio working on whatever I choose. Honestly, that kind of luxury seems to be for amateurs. Not that there's anything at all wrong with being an amateur artist. Being a professional artist is a matter of choice. I made it, and that is that.
Which brings me to the point I actually wanted to make. I've talked about this before, but it's worth mentioning again. The sometimes subtle difference between "have to" and "want to." It's a perception thing and I won't go into a long essay about it (been there, done that) but just a reminder that when we wake up mornings and feel burdened by the day ahead, sometimes it's a good idea to remember that we made these choices. That we are doing these things because we want to, we choose to and that very likely, these 'have to's' benefit us or those we care about-- people or projects or causes.
Anyway, just a quick note---let's remember to replace "I have to" with "I want to" or "I choose to."
It's a thing bigger inside than out. yes?
Poppet knows this.
Thanks Poppet!
12 comments:
What a great message :)
I luv what you are doing here. As one born and breed in an insanely dysfunctional family, I appreciate your leanings toward the light and the dark or the good and the evil. There must be a balance at all costs, yes?
In answer to the question:
No, we never are, even when we're right there.
Thanks, I needed that. I had almost reached that conclusion this morning, but not quite.
Oh yesssssssssss...that is it EXACTLY! That sort of thinking is what helps me keep my entire life bigger inside than out. Thanks for the reminder.
Good reminder. I love what I do for a living, but sometimes it feels more like drudgery than choice.
Regarding "visibility," I don't know if that's necessary, except to be visible to our own selves in the mirror. People see what they want to see, sometimes what they need to see, which makes their view of others sometimes a bit 2-dimensional. I think that's okay for most days, and most activities. Can you imagine going through life with a complete 3-D view of everyone you encountered? It would be absolutely overwhelming.
I don't always see myself when I look in the mirror. I check my hair, make sure I don't have food on my face or in my teeth, but it's too easy to rush on with the day and all too easy to not take a single minute to remember to be an intentional being.
Laughing helps. It's when I become too serious that I become a caricature of myself.
Poppet reminds me to look at myself objectively, and remember that sometimes humans can be very silly. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.
"sometimes it's a good idea to remember that we made these choices. That we are doing these things because we want to, we choose to and that very likely, these 'have to's' benefit us or those we care about-- people or projects or causes.
Anyway, just a quick note---let's remember to replace "I have to" with "I want to" or "I choose to."
Thank you! That reminder could not have been more timely for me. Those words shot right through me...in a good way. I feel like I've been jolted awake out of this funk I've been in. I'll be using this as my mantra today!
I have a little card in my office with the caligraphy message, "I will not should on myself today."
But I don't always see it like I should. This was an excellent and much-needed reminder.
BTW, the idea of the Mary Poppins poppet is an interesting one. Definitely bigger inside than out. :)
I frequently find myself at odds with what I have chosen, and the unintended consequences thereof.
Kelly: thanks. I needed it too.
goodnevilguy: I agree with you. I believe, based on my personal experiences and observations, that finding that balance is part of the human curriculum. and thank you.
Drinne and Holly and Miss Bliss: you know, I imagine the three of you having coffee together, and great conversation. I hope one day that happens.
I'm glad at least, you're here with me.
Stacey: If poppets do that, it seems you understand them, and possibly they understand you.
Carl: we do tend to be on similar schedules, don't we?
ulffriend: I couldn't agree more. "should" is a very abused word. You're smart to keep an eye out for it.
Lorraine: me too. And you and I are in good company---Neil Gaiman, Harlan Ellison, Gene Wolfe---I've had opportunities to have conversaions with some amazing people, who all go through periods of doubt. But if you're doubting more often than feeling sure, maybe you should reconsider your situation.
WV: blecting
Remembering that we made the choices that make possible, or impossible, the connection between "I have to" and "I want to", is the only way to deal with the dislike for what one does for a living.
I´ve ordered an Impeccable Doctor Brown on ebay, I´m looking foward to receiving him!
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