Gretchen's Blog

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2010-04-29T21:25:00.001-06:00

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No public option is ok?

2009-08-17T14:51:00.006-06:00

Not having a one payer system is bad enough, but thinking of not even having a public option is unthinkable. I voted democrat this time, because of a few things. Health care was #1 reason. If democrats screw this up, people will be motivated to vote against them. As for the reasons to not have a one payer system, let me rebut them. The only time people are put on a waiting list in Britain is if it's a cosmetic or optional surgery. People don't die on waiting list, unless, like here in America, they are waiting for a organ to be donated. Another thing is that health insurance is for profit, essentially a middleman. if we want to cut hc costs, then you need to cut out the middleman. "So many people would lose their jobs," well not if we hire tell to run the one payer system to cut scams like on medicare. In fact more people than that would need to be hired, since so many people don't have health insurance right now. The former insurance workers won't have to deny coverage to make profits, it would be in the actual interest of the patient. People who cry out that they don't want the govt. to decide their health care, has obviously never been at the mercy of hc insurance company! I have a chronic illness, so I know what it's like to have to fight for the coverage you pay for. Another reason to have a one payer instead of a public option is that doctors would have to accept one payer, but could refuse public option like they do medicare/medicaid. The govt. could also create an incentive to try and bring doctors back to being PCPs or Rheumatologists, because both are now hard to find and it will only get worse, because doctors go to specialties that have surgeries, because it pays more. I'm not saying harder work shouldn't equal more pay, but something has to be done, maybe pay some of their student loans or something like that. I have had all 4 experiences, worthless insurance, medicaid, no insurance and decent insurance. I say I would rather deal with govt, than any of the others, even though I'm dealing with an appeal from SS disability!

Something Positive

2009-03-13T12:56:00.004-06:00

The other day I read something that made me feel better. It was in the Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome by Dr Starlanyl & Ms Copeland( the old version). She said that many Native American Tribes treat people with Fibromyalgia with great respect. They are considered people with a special link to the spirit world.

A couple of months ago, I joined some of the Fibro groups on Yahoo. One of them has preachers running them. This also made me feel less like I was being punished for following the wrong religion.

I had been ashamed to admit that I am a shaman, because I felt stupid for not being able to heal myself. That said, I am still learning how to be a shaman. I had thought this was punishment for putting off a calling to a task from the Otherworld. Perhaps it still is, but atleast I don't feel embarrassed anymore.

I know most of the people I care for are Christian, and will look down upon me for my beliefs. I'm sure the atheists that I know will too. In truth, I incorporate many different elements of most of the religions. I had a religious experience with God ( I prefer to call it Great Spirit) and Jesus, at a very young age. I was raised Christian and had an eternal struggle with being a Christian. I knew the truth and hated the church for all of the ugliness it promoted (hatefullness towards others). I saw flaws with every religion I looked at. I felt lost until a few years ago, when I discovered Shamanism. I began journeying to the Otherworld, and learned more truths. I became ill after putting off the task given to me, to pursue more pressing personal issues. It was the wrong thing to do. I was not able to accomplish what I needed to do. My illness might never let me be able to fulfill the task from the Otherworld either. That really breaks my heart. If you ever get a calling, do it, no matter how impossible it seems. You might not get a second chance.

Problems with my fingers

2008-09-18T14:59:00.004-06:00

I've got new problems with my fingers. My doctor took me off the Lyrica, and put me on Neurontin. It helped the swelling go down and really helped my feet, but my knuckles and fingers are more stiff. The doctor's office swears it's not the new medicine. Blood tests came back normal. Now I have to wait til November to see my doctor. It's crazy, but I've been told that there aren't enough rheumatologist in the area. It's hard to type, so I can't post on here or email like I want. I also can't paint. It's so frustrating.

If a want-to-be doctor is reading this, or if you know someone in med. school please encourage them to be a rheumatologist. There is a real need, especially in the Little Rock, AR area.

Somewhere along the way, my blog became less about art, and more about medical maladies.

Why you haven't heard from me

2008-07-09T16:11:00.003-06:00

Sorry, that I've gone so long without posting here. In February, my health continued to get worse. My entire body became even more weak, and the pain felt like that deep down ache over your entire body when you have the flu. Imagine feeling like that all the time. That's how I felt. My GP told me he thought I had Fibromyalgia, and was sending me to a Rhuematologist. I had to wait 6 weeks, and in the meantime, my Granny passed away. In April I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I'm on 3 medications just for it plus one for muscle cramps. The first 12 hrs were so awful, bad vertigo. I was on the verge of calling my doctor, when finally they kicked in, and I felt great. I took a bath and began laughing, because it didn't hurt. I felt like I could do anything. In May, I threw my back out because I thought I could do some gardening. I'm just now getting that under control. I've been exercising everyday, even though most of the time I don't feel like it. I am becoming stronger, which is why my back is improving. The drugs aren't as great as they were 3 months ago, but still better than before. Although I haven't done any painting. Lyrica makes my hands and feet swell, and hurt. Infact, that's another reason I haven't posted. Typing this has been painful for me. Of course, this makes me wonder about my future as an artist. Will I be able to overcome this new challenge? I have a feeling that it may mean that I might have to retrain my hand to paint again. Will this cause my style to change? I guess only time will tell.

If you want to learn more about fibromyalgia, here's the best link I've found so far.
www.fibrocenter.com
Please read the entire about section, at the very least.

SWOP opening in Pine Bluff, AR

2008-01-15T14:49:00.000-06:00

Well, I managed to make it to the opening of Small Works on Paper, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas on Friday, January 11, 2008. This place was very impressive. I had been told it was nice, and had high expectaions, but still, I was overwhelmed by it's beauty and lighting. I can't tell you how many mueseams and galleries I've been to that have really bad lighting or flow of space. Whoever designed it should get great recognition. In short, WOW!

The other thing that was refreshing was the kind people there. Everyone was so friendly and caring. I've only driven by Pine Bluff, never actually been there before. Cheri and Sally from the AR Arts Council were so understanding in my need for a chair, because of my health problems. I felt bad and couldn't stand up while the other artists spoke, but it was still nice to hear them talk about their work. I was glad to have an opportunity to speak about my piece, "The Unfurling Life". There was much more that I could have said about it, but I didn't think I could stand there for much longer. I have to say that I was surprised that there wasn't a grouping of chairs considering how large the room was.

My only real complaint is with whoever framed the works, there was a lot of dust in my piece, although that was not as bad as one of the purchase awards, which had a hair in it. I've been frustated by dust when framing my own work too, but usually only one maybe two pieces of dust ever show up in my frames. I find that computer screen clothes do the best job, when trying to capture run away dust on glass or plexi. Granted it takes 2 or 3 times to get it right.

Thanks to everyone who was so helpful. Also thanks to all those compliments, it really helped to lift my spirit.

Gretchen

SWOP opening accounced!

2007-11-16T13:07:00.000-06:00

The opening for Small Works on Paper has been accounced. It will be held at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast AR in Pine Bluff, on Friday, January 11 from 5:30-7:30 pm. The address is 701 S. Main, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. The phone number is 870-536-3375. Regular hours of operation are 10 am -5 pm, Monday - Friday, and Saturday 1-4 pm.

I hope not only to be there, but if health permits, I might have an opportunity to speak about my work. Who knows how I'll be doing by then.

My work, "The Unfurling Life" will go on tour around the state for 2008. I think the entire touring schedule would be too large to post on here, so I'll do increments, and this very abbreviated schedule.

SWOP will be in Pine Bluff from January 4 -26th,
Hope from February 4-27th,
El Dorado from March 3- 28th,
Hot Springs from April 3- 28th,
Blytheville from May 5 -31st,
West Memphis from June 9- 30th,
Batesville from July 1- 30th,
Searcy from August 5 - Sept. 15th,
Conway from Sept. 18- Oct. 30th,
Fayetteville from Nov. 3- 26th

Please come and see my painting some point during the tour. This is the biggest show that I've gotten into so far. I appreciate your support!

Thank you,
Gretchen

Accepted into Swall Works on Paper! SWOP

2007-11-13T15:23:00.000-06:00

I am proud to announce that my painting, "The Unfurling Life", was accepted into the Small Works on Paper from the Arkansas Dept. of Heritage. It along with other works will travel the state to 10 different locations throughout 2009. It will begin in January in Pine Bluff, but that is all the details I have so far.

Watch for more updates, as I get the infomation!

Thanks,
Gretchen

MSW Fall Exhibition 2007 at ARVAC!

2007-11-13T15:12:00.002-06:00

My painting "Mystery Solved" is in the 2007 Mid-Southern Watercolorists Fall Exhibition. It is being shown at ARVAC in Russellville this year. The reception is this sunday, 18th from 1-3 pm at the AR River Valley Arts Center, 1001 East B St, RSVL, AR 72801.

ARVAC is behind the Hughes Bldg, when on Parkway, or next to city park on B ST.

I am planning on being there, but due to the nature of my pain, I cannot promise. Hopefully I will be able to.

Sorry this painting is not on my website yet. I will try to get Cliff to put it up soon.

Please come and show your support!
Thankyou !
Gretchen

Sorry for such an absence !

2007-11-13T14:19:00.000-06:00

Sorry I haven't posted in here in such a long time. I'm still having health problems. After months of suffering, I found a glimmer of hope, that maybe I can finally recover from this, yesterday. Hopefully I can get better.

MSW Summer Open Small Works Exhibit Opening

2007-07-16T13:36:00.000-06:00

I barely made it to the opening, at 3:00. It was from 2-4. Sorry, if I missed anyone. I absolutely had to drag myself there. It was a good turn out, even at the halfway point. Lots of good artwork. I got a few complements myself. I really love all the folks from Mid-Southern Watercolorists. If you're a water-media artist in the South, I highly recommend joining this organization. I wish I felt well enough to be more involved. Even so, I still feel it's the most involved I've felt with an art community since college. Thanks to those who came! I really appreciate it.

CT Scan Results

2007-07-16T12:48:00.000-06:00

Well, had a ct scan on Tuesday, and got the results on Thrus., which didn't show anything wrong. So, Dr. Moutos is back to shoulder shrugging, and expecting me to stop with the prescription pain killers, even though I'm still having pain. Seems insane to me.

Having a ct scan is really awful. Unlike when my mother had one, they gave me the 2 glass of barium in the main lobby. My mother got to be in a hospital bed. I was already doing badly, since I couldn't have anything to eat or drink after midnight, which meant no pain medicine too. It was almost impossible to get the second glass down. In the 20 minute break between glasses, my body had definitely figured out that it was poisonous. I had to fight to keep it down, at which point the nurses finally sent me to a changing room. I felt bad for the nurse who did my scan, cause I was having a complete mental breakdown. I'm not good about needles, and she put it in below my right thumb( I'm right-handed). It's so very bruised the past few days, even though it's almost been a week. She injected the iodine, which feels so cold going up your arm, then it makes you feel like you wet yourself, even though you haven't. Then I had to hold my breath, which was so hard considering how sick I felt. On top of it all, you then have to wait 20 minutes, to find out if they turned out alright. I passed out in the car, on the way home. Made it back home, just in time for my body to decide that the barium had to go out the other end, since I never threw up. This next sentence is gross, so if sensitive, skip to the next paragraph. It actually turned my poo off-white. Yes, it was that bad. You know if something does that, it has to be bad for you. Hope that you never have to get a ct scan.

So now I have to see a gastrologist to rule out the pain being cause by my guts, I'm pretty sure it's not. It's a weird pain, right around the incision site. Dr. Moutos says it would be extremely rare, but my intestine could be stuck to the incision site, which is not detectable by any kind of scan, only by opening me up, would he be able to find out. Who wants a surgery, were you don't know for sure if you need it? I'm really at my wits end. I'm so tired of not being able to do anything. I feel like screaming.

I thought my life would be back to normal by now. I'm so frustrated.

MSW Summer Open Small Works Exhibition

2007-07-04T15:56:00.000-06:00

I want to invite everyone to the opening reception for the Mid-Southern Watercolorist Open Membership Exhibit at Cantrell Gallery. It's on July 8, from 2:00 til 4:00, located at 8206 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR, 72227. I have "Sourwood Bonsai" in this show.

I plan on attending, but I'm still having pain from the surgery, so there is a chance that I won't be able to attend. I should be having a ct scan in the next week to find out if I have a surgical hernia or whatever is causing the continued pain. I found out last week that I have a couple of cysts on the same ovary, so I'm not very happy about that. I may have to have another surgery, so don't be surprised if there is another long period of neglect of this blog. Sorry. I'll try to post once I find out more.

I appreciate any continued support through this ordeal. Thankyou!

Post-surgery

2007-06-04T13:33:00.000-06:00

My surgery went fairly well, except for waiting 5 hours to go in the operating room, and for the first two hours, not having my IV work. My hand still hurts a little, of course it would be my right hand (the one I use). I was so hungry and thirsty. It was atleast 6:00 before I was wheeled into the operating room. It was almost midnight before I got home. My husband had to go to work the next day, after having such little sleep.

The operation took 3 and 1/2 hours. I had a lot of endo, and the cyst was from endo. I am so thankfull that it wasn't cancer. I'm still recovering. Unfortunately, it's taking longer than I would it like to get over the surgery. Even so, I can tell a difference in my pain. The pain I have now is from the surgery, not the endo. Unfortunately, I'm still having back pain. I hope it diminishes in the upcoming weeks. I am hopefull that this will be the end of my pain. I hope that I will be able to return to normal life in the next few weeks.

Thankyou so much for all your prayers and encouragement. It's really helped during this difficult time.

Surgery

2007-05-13T17:54:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm going to have surgery on Tuesday, so I might not post in here for awhile. Luckily, it's outpatient, so hopefully, I'll be up in a couple of weeks. I have an ovarian cyst that they are going to remove, plus they are going to look for endo and remove it. Hopefully, it will give me my life back. I'm tired of being in constant pain.

I appreciate everyone's prayers and love they have been showing me.
Thank you.

Update for ALA NLR Mayor's Show

2007-04-25T15:18:00.000-06:00

Last night at the meeting, I also learned about the length of the ALA Annual NLR Mayor's Show.

The reception is May 5th from 1-3 at the Laman Library off of Pershing in NLR. The show will remain up until May 29th. Please come and see my piece "Arkansas Sunset", which will be on display. I believe they said there were 55 pieces in the show. Arkansas League of Artists has members in all kinds of mediums, so it won't be a watercolor only event. There will be food and drinks, so why wouldn't you come?

Fred Rawlinson at ALA meeting

2007-04-25T14:54:00.000-06:00

Last night's Arkansas League of Artists meeting was amazing. I've never been so impressed by a guest. Not only is his artwork amazing, but it's down right entertaining to watch him make his art. He has a fun personality, probably because he has fun making his art. Infact, he only teaches workshops. He doesn't sell his art or enter competitions anymore. Fred Rawlinson does exactly what he enjoys.

All that is very inspirational, but the most inspiration I got out of his demo, was the speed he completed paintings. My chiropractor keeps telling me that I need to change mediums, so that I don't bend my neck. I can't bear the thought of leaving watercolour, even though I used to paint in oil. Some of his methods I could use to try to speed up my process, which would create less neck strain.

If you ever get the chance to take one of his workshops, then please do. If I had had the money and a better back (uncomfortable chairs), I would have taken it in a heartbeat. I can't go into great detail, but he had so many new tricks, things I never would have thought of, atleast not to use them in watercolour.

AR League of Artists Annual NLR Mayor's Show

2007-04-10T13:53:00.000-06:00

I'll have a new piece, "Arkansas Sunset", in the ALA Annual NLR Mayor's Show. The show will be at the Laman Library this year (off of Pershing, next to the NLR Community Center.) The opening will be on Sat. May 5th from 1-3. I'm not exactly sure how long this exhibit will be. It was moved recently, and I don't have any information other than the reception.

I will try to get "Arkansas Sunset" scanned in and up loaded in the gallery soon.

I would appreciate those who can attend. Thanks!

AR Symphony Designer House

2007-04-10T13:19:00.000-06:00

I'll be offering Oxalis regenellii for sale at the gift shop at the Arkansas Symphony Designer House. ASO will receive 25% of price of paintings. The paintings are from members of MSW.

The ASO Designer House will be open April 13 through May 13, 10-3 daily (closed on Mondays). Tickets are $20 per day or pay $30 for the run of the show. It's located at #9 Palisades in Little Rock. Directions: Go north on University to Palisades and turn left, to #9 Palisades. For more info, call ASO Designer House at (501) 688-3000.

ASO is raising money for their Educational Outreach Programs to teach children about music, they might not hear otherwise.

Marketing your art workshop

2007-04-02T10:22:00.000-06:00

I was glad to be able to attend the Marketing Your Art on a Shoestring Budget and Entering National Shows by Kathy Miller Stone, LWS, NWS.

She had so many good ideas. I really learned a lot. It was nice getting to know the fellow artists, as well, some of them, I had never really gotten a chance to talk to before. It's great to belong to such an encouraging group as Mid-Southern Watercolorists, (abbreviated as MSW).

Well, hopefully I'll be able to start making money from my art.

As she suggested, I'm going to go and paint myself to death!

P.S. I got to take a look at the 37th Annual Juried MSW Exhibition, after the workshop, and it is wonderful! Unfortunately, I didn't make it in. I still want to encourage you to check it out anyway. The opening reception is next Friday (April 13th) from 5-8, which is 2nd Friday Night Art Walk. It's at the Cox Creative Center, on the 2nd floor, 120 Commerce St, near the Rivermarket. Don't forget to check out the other galleries on 2nd Fri Night Art Walk!

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile.

2007-04-02T10:12:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted in almost 2 months. I had been debating whether or not to talk about how sick I've been lately. I have been having several different problems since November, but I didn't get real bad until this year. Finally, I'm beginning to show improvement. I've been having back problems, then diagnosed with Endometriosis, an auto-immune disorder. I might have another auto-immune disorder, more tests are needed. With all that, since the beginning of the year, I've caught everything that was going around.

So, if you've wondered why you haven't heard from me, that would be why.

Never take your health for granted.

Meeting Scott McCloud

2007-02-06T16:30:00.000-06:00

We meet Scott McCloud last night at Henderson in Arkadelphia, AR. It was an informal Q & A and book signing. It's hard to describe just how cool this was. He sounded exactly like I imagined him in my head, when reading his books. My favorite part was the fact that he didn't just talk about what was in the book, but what he had been thinking about. He signed the two books we owned by him , Understanding Comics and Making Comics. I highly recommend both books. There many others of his I haven't read yet. Understanding Comics is the type of book, that should be read by any artist, or anyone who views art, not just those interested in comics or graphic novels. Although it took Cliff a few years to get me to read it, cause I thought, "I know how to read comics." Well, not as much as I thought I did. Making Comics is just like it sounds, although those interested in conveying moods in facial expressions or body language in their figural work should give the second chapter a read. I got to ask him a question I had been struggling with on my own graphic novel, and without telling him too much, he gave me the perfect answer. I didn't even have to tell him what it was about. How cool is that? If you ever get a chance to meet him, do it, you'll never regret it. No matter how little sleep you got.

By the way, I have to say how surprised I was to find out that the library at Henderson has a comic/ graphic novel collection. They also have a comic club. Who would have thought? I also have say a thank you to Robert O'Nale for taking and emailing a picture of us with McCloud. I didn't even think to take our camera. I didn't get a chance to talk to Scott's wife much, but she seems like she would be a cool person to talk to. What a great evening!

Now for something completely different-

Woohoo! Indy won the Superbowl! They are Cliff's favorite team. I'm so proud of the Colts. Although Denver is still # 1 in my heart.

"Sourwood Bonsai" is now showing at US Bank

2007-01-31T11:35:00.000-06:00

Last night my painting was voted at the Arkansas League of Artists to be shown at the US Bank on Capitol and Spring in downtown Little Rock! I'm excited to get some exposure. It's on an easel in the lobby, near the north exit. This is the first time I've entered too. If you can't see it in person, then you can click on the gallery link to the right of this column. The painting will be on display from today until Febuary 27th.

How to Meditate

2007-01-30T12:32:00.000-06:00

How to Meditate

There are many different ways to meditate. First I would like to point out that meditation isn’t a specific religion. It works whether you have religious beliefs or not. I seem to remember reading somewhere that every religion has a history of meditation in it, even if it’s not widely explored now.

Now let us consider what meditation is. The best definition I have seen is simply quieting the mind.

I’m going to describe my favorite way to meditate. If this doesn’t work for you, please read about other methods. Whatever you do, don’t give up. It has been shown to repair holes in the brain, which are caused by a number of things, mainly stress. It can open the flood gates to creativity. There are many other benefits to meditating, too many to name them all. Even though I access my right brain daily, I still had some problems learning how to meditate. Infact, I still have a problem occasionally, but I don’t give up. I just try again later, and have no problems.

My favorite method is after yoga, during corpse pose. I believe it helps me because yoga focuses my mind, which helps to clear it. Corpse pose is simply lying down on the floor. Sometimes my back bothers me enough to keep my legs up, knees bent, and feet on the floor. Most of the time I lay completely flat. Legs are separated and arms are out slightly from the body. Wiggle your legs, stop, and find their center. Do the same for your arms. Now for your head. Completely relax. Focus on your breath, it should be slow, deep breaths. Relax the muscles around your stomach. Now relax your jaw. Empty your mind of all thoughts. Don’t let it loop over “to do” lists. Let your mind be quite. It needs a break. Keep your mind focused on your breath. After a few minutes you should feel a wonderful sensation over your entire body. Think of it as your body healing itself. Stay like this for as long as you wish. When you are done, slowly bring yourself back into the world.

The more you meditate, the more you’ll be able to work on yourself. After having your mind empty for awhile, you can begin contemplating yourself. Who are you? How can you better yourself? Are you considerate of others? Is your body trying to tell you something? Listen to it. When you do, you can begin a new journey to better understanding of self and eventually the world.

Notes

I’m not an expert on meditation. It is my hope that you will read more about it from those who are. I just hope that I can get you try it, if you never have before. Many of you may wonder about the whole left brain verses right brain. I have read and seen on documentaries research about the different halves of the brain. To briefly explain, right brain is the side used to make art and meditate, etc. Left brain is the side used for language, writing, labeling, etc. If you are interested in this subject, then you should read “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards. The focus of the book is teaching people how to use the right side of their brain, which allows them to learn how to draw.

By Gretchen Brannon

10 Reasons Why Ignorance Isn't Bliss

2007-01-30T12:21:00.000-06:00

Ten Reasons Why Ignorance Isn’t Bliss

(according to Gretchen Brannon)

1. Being ignorant of self is what causes most of our problems. – Get to know the real you, not who you think you’re supposed to be. Every one is unique. Don’t be scared to be different. The best way do this is to learn meditation. Beware the first voice telling you that this is a waste of time. It’s the left side of the brain feeling threatened, because it has to give up control. If you are right brain dominate, congratulations! You’re half way there.

2. Ignoring problems doesn’t make them go away, in fact, it usually makes things worse. – If you had a disease, you’d want to know as soon as possible, because early detection of most illnesses usually means a better outcome. It’s the same with anything. I used to have co-workers who would ignore a problem, hoping it would somehow go away, but all it did was make matters worse.

3. All of your actions affect somebody else. – No matter what society has taught you, you are not the center of the universe! I see this daily. People think that they are the only one that matters. They go through life not caring about anyone but themselves, and maybe friends and family. Maybe. Problem is that we don’t care about strangers. Just because you don’t know their name, doesn’t mean you can be rude to them. Always ask yourself, would I want to be treated this way?

4. The government might decide your beliefs should be outlawed. – I am always amazed by the number of people who don’t vote. Most of them don’t vote, because they don’t want jury duty. Believe me, I don’t want to serve jury duty either, but I will not let that silence my vote. If you do not participate in the political process, then anything you love might be outlawed. That to me would be far worse than serving jury duty. Always be aware of what your government is up to. Watch or read the news, even if it is depressing. We have the power to change the world.

5. Be aware of what companies do, you may not like the answer. - Companies only make profits if you buy their products. If you don’t like the way a company does business, then don’t buy things from them. I realize this may not always be possible, coming from a rural area. If you can though, by all means, boycott them. Even if they lose 80% of your business, it will do some good. Nothing gets their attention like losing money! Please keep in mind, though the person behind the counter still deserves respect.

6. Don’t let religious officials misguide you. – I’m not saying you shouldn’t be religious! What I am saying is be careful not to be misled. I have witnessed this too many times to count. Always read your religious texts yourself. Here’s an example: I had a woman argue with me that the Bible (King James Version) said that the forbidden fruit Adam and Eve ate was an apple. It only says it’s the fruit of the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil. She kept saying that her preacher told her so. Go read the Bible; it never says that it is an apple.

As a young child, I was told by my Sunday school teacher, that heaven was divided up with barbwire fences. Only our church would be closest to God, and that all the other dominations would be further away, and the Catholics would be behind a brick wall. Lucky for me, I had a religious experience a few years before this happened. (So I knew better) After we quit going to that church, I found out that the Pastor had ran off with all of the church’s money. My point is, never to get your beliefs from the back of a pamphlet. (Got that saying from my husband) Always learn the source of your beliefs, and never blindly follow anyone.

7. Ignorance can lead to war. – Just look at the world today. Being ignorant to facts causes us to react in a false way. It causes a chain reaction that is difficult to stop. Also, being ignorant of history dooms us to repeat it. For instance, if we look at history, it tells us that people have to want, to fight for their right, to have a democracy in order for it to succeed. You can’t give it to them. That always fails.

8. We affect the environment, which in turn affects us. It’s not only in a health way either, sometimes financially too. – Everything we do causes something. If you throw away a plastic bottle, it goes to a land fill, and never rots. Problem is when everyone does it everyday. We are running out of room to put our trash. Now, if you recycle that bottle, it gets melted and remade into another bottle, etc. Point is, it isn’t wasting space in a dump. The raw material to make a new (first time) bottle isn’t in demand. Other countries are now using more plastic, which is making everything more expensive. There aren’t enough raw materials to go around. Recycling saves us money. This is just one example. There are many other environmental issues besides recycling to consider. Please be aware of every decision you make, it can affect the environment. If we make the world better, it will make us better.

9. We are connected to everything. There is more to the world than we can possibly understand. – This may be an ignorance that is hard to overcome. It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try. We are all a part of the web of life. We are connected to every person, plant, animal, stone, etc. Don’t buy into the myth that we are supreme to other forms of life. There are other forms above us, and very few below us. Meditation can also help you realize just how connected we are. Learn to feel the life around you. Don’t let your left side of your brain tell you otherwise. You really can feel it if you try. Practice until you do.

10. You miss out seeing just how beautiful the world really is, if you are ignorant. – I had to read about it, before I realized that other people don’t really look at things. I have always been an artist. I have been really looking at things my entire life. I’m not saying I do it every moment of everyday. Otherwise, one would never get anything accomplished. I do look at least one thing in depth everyday. Learning how to draw has a lot to do with really seeing an object. Example: Look at your hand. Really look at it. Stare at the space between your fingers. Notice all the different angles each part makes. Notice all the wrinkles. They are beautiful. Try to draw a picture of your hand. Notice the shadows and highlights (where light bounces off your hand). If this is a first attempt, it might not look great; the rest will come with practice. Your left brain will try to tell you that you can’t, but don’t listen to it.

Now look at art, some of the masters, do you see more than you did before? See how such little effort made your life so much richer. Now imagine if you really applied yourself.

In conclusion, I want to say that to be ignorant of something simply means not to have knowledge about something. I do not think we should make fun of someone for being ignorant of something. Instead, we should kindly and respectfully enlighten them to the facts. What I am saying is that we should never hide behind ignorance. We should do all that we can to eliminate it, starting with ourselves. I’m not perfect, far from it, but I try to be better. Please take everything I have said here to heart. It would make the world a better place!

Welcome to my new blog

2007-01-30T11:34:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my new blog, I'll be posting little bits about things that i'm thinking about