tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24101027317499367492024-02-19T04:52:03.027-06:00D S Borden: Award Winning Artist and WriterDavid Borden, artist, writer, entrepreneur, founder of the Impossible Dream Studio in Florence, Texas. Here you'll find his musing about about art, writing, and starting a small business.DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.comBlogger273125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-89918188423907052292022-02-24T14:53:00.005-06:002022-03-02T07:21:43.891-06:00Saturday Studio Classes<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to thank everyone who came out to make the Grand Opening of the Impossible Dream Studio an amazing success. </span><a href="https://www.impossibledreamstudio.com/calendar/grand-opening" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">View images by clicking here</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I heard from so many of you that you are looking for art classes...</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a145ebc5-7fff-87d9-832d-62f5434a03a9"><h2 style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">Saturday Studio Classes Forming Now</h2><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p></span></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi025lLPoRLQVc13GrEHSHVLZTEmBLF2JDoTq-nUiCgjWVMDBz9K4oaJ_cNFgRBfdOKHmsCt-5XLbxBpCMeyQmlzqA2liMGxWzlgeg-qPihFVo3i-stbxeLfwZYB99Uv4ytMDn3BmLhpsm9Rc1_7XUD6z6K6dqXqSDBB58lxenpB8B9eJb9JXxj_8vBaA=s1658" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Artist David Borden painting a landscape at his easel" border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1658" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi025lLPoRLQVc13GrEHSHVLZTEmBLF2JDoTq-nUiCgjWVMDBz9K4oaJ_cNFgRBfdOKHmsCt-5XLbxBpCMeyQmlzqA2liMGxWzlgeg-qPihFVo3i-stbxeLfwZYB99Uv4ytMDn3BmLhpsm9Rc1_7XUD6z6K6dqXqSDBB58lxenpB8B9eJb9JXxj_8vBaA=w320-h240" title="Artist David Borden painting a landscape at his easel" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">David at his easel</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is Not Your Tired old Art Class</span></span></span></h3><span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can learn facts from a lecture. For example, if I were to tell you that the United States declared its independence from Britain in 1776, but the current constitution didn’t meet its ratification threshold of states until 1788, you’d be able to cite that fact in a later conversation. Art, however, is not simply the memorization of facts. You can memorize that the sky is the brightest part of a landscape or that human eyes are typically one eye width apart, but until you put those facts into practice, make mistakes, and correct them, you don’t really “know” it?
</span></span></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Can Anyone Learn?</span></span></span></h3><span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is something you’re good at? A sport… cards… an instrument… all of those things required you to “learn by doing” with the help of a coach. Art works the same way. If you want to learn how to do it, all you need is a supportive coach and practice. The good news is that the practice is fun.
<b>
How does a Studio Class Work?</b>
<br /></span></span></span><div><span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You pick your project, or get assistance picking it from me. I’ll even help with the selection of brushes, paints, and other art supplies. I can help you set up your palette and other artist mysteries. We select a subject, such as your dog Sparky, your media, such as acrylic, and the support, such as canvas. You draw the subject from reference material. I coach you through the process and see what skills you need to work on. I’ll suggest techniques or exercises to help you get better. We do the same with the painting. I help you as you mix colors and paint the canvas. We do this with your next project and your next one. We increase the difficulty when projects are too easy and reduce the difficulty when the project is too hard. We try to stay in a place where you are comfortable, but a little challenged. Over time you get better and better.</span></span></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why are Studio Classes better than Regular Classes?</span></span></span></h3><span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We all learn at different speeds. In a studio class, faster students can go faster and don’t feel their time is wasted waiting on slower students. Slower students go at a comfortable pace and don’t feel like they're holding up the class. Everyone is happier and more productive… and no one cares who’s faster or “better.”
</span></span></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What level do I need to be?</span></span></span></h3><span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It doesn’t matter. We start where you need to start and go where you want to go. If you feel you can’t draw, I’ll teach you how to draw. You’ll be amazed at how well you can draw if someone coaches you through the process.
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Studio classes are for people who want to learn in a supportive environment at their own pace. Unlike art school classes with a rigid, set curriculum, the studio is all about you. Work on what you want to work on with guided, personalized instruction. We can work on drawing, using oil or acrylic paint, or printmaking. (I'm afraid I wouldn't be much help with watercolor) I specialize in landscape and portrait painting (animals included). Bring a friend and the experience becomes twice as fun.</span></span></span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">How Do I Register?</span></span></span></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #212121; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">$20 per Saturday. 2 hour slots anytime between 10am and 2pm. Pay by the month. No children under 12. Bring your own supplies. I can assist if you need help with choosing your art supplies. Learn more by clicking here: </span><a href="https://www.impossibledreamstudio.com/classes" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Saturday Studio Classes</span></a><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>.</u></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #212121; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you're interested, contact David at </span><span style="color: #741f8a; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">david@impossibledreamstudio.com </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or come by the studio between 10 and 2pm on a Saturday to sign up.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jxrYPHDCirk" width="320" youtube-src-id="jxrYPHDCirk"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span><h3 style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Location and Contact</span></h3><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Impossible Dream Studio</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">105 N. Patterson Ave</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Florence, TX 76527</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">phone: 512-917-9231</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">website: </span><a href="http://www.impossibledreamstudio.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.impossibledreamstudio.com</span></a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Grimfargle">Facebook</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/impossible_dream_studio/">Instagram</a></p><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div></span></div></div>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com1105 N Patterson Ave, Florence, TX 76527, USA30.8419194 -97.79450412.5316855638211528 -132.95075409999998 59.152153236178847 -62.6382541tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-13372774477888952862022-01-31T09:00:00.008-06:002022-01-31T19:41:57.543-06:00Living Artfully<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Artfully Poetic</span></span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPFEbvVoQvWUHGu28ubs4yqyv_adXhjKvjrxvGr6QPYYsBSr3bonxN1mB4o9AUIfNj_HCeklOMU_RHech7Re1DAbvEONxuo5VxAu98mC4Kpw7Ak9GQ2KStc-ArwiSk6obRLboU1Fns5g2GS943VdDYbG0Tf8P2i7r9Ye1AsLAUQE5QypCHENtb9gKH7A=s4032" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Art gallery wall with portrait paintings hanging" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPFEbvVoQvWUHGu28ubs4yqyv_adXhjKvjrxvGr6QPYYsBSr3bonxN1mB4o9AUIfNj_HCeklOMU_RHech7Re1DAbvEONxuo5VxAu98mC4Kpw7Ak9GQ2KStc-ArwiSk6obRLboU1Fns5g2GS943VdDYbG0Tf8P2i7r9Ye1AsLAUQE5QypCHENtb9gKH7A=w400-h302" title="Art gallery wall with portrait paintings hanging" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The gallery</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Someone once said that we should live artfully. It’s easy to say such poetic things, but another, entirely, to do them. Is there an artful way to sweep a floor or unload a car? What does this dictate even mean? How does one go about living artfully? If you think about it, artful means to do something cleverly, with skill and taste. And in that sense, I can see how this journey to open an art studio somehow fits within that definition. </span></span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The world places heavy burdens upon our shoulders and many of us spend our lives doing the bidding of others. We must labor for wages to pay off our ever accumulating debts: taxes, rents, subscriptions, fees, interest, etc… It feels, at times, as if everyone has a hand in our pockets, so we sell our time and well-being just to break even. </span></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Artfully Exploring</span></h3><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9mqMRT557_Q7MpA0zujSKOhdJdWrV2jl3tE0haClPbWix_jrQGlrkVbvWJ21QZ-I3PdmY5WO3LNjalRNPKC85KWY5HP336QE56vdmCm448Uw5btab_lG3murL_ceadCi7fLkeXZ5ZmM2AVt33zAhyhFUW9GeBEt4DOBJfzO9KWuCsPOXnvMNxBXSeVA=s3099" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3099" data-original-width="2324" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9mqMRT557_Q7MpA0zujSKOhdJdWrV2jl3tE0haClPbWix_jrQGlrkVbvWJ21QZ-I3PdmY5WO3LNjalRNPKC85KWY5HP336QE56vdmCm448Uw5btab_lG3murL_ceadCi7fLkeXZ5ZmM2AVt33zAhyhFUW9GeBEt4DOBJfzO9KWuCsPOXnvMNxBXSeVA=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Living Artfully</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">But this studio has become a shelter from that world. It’s a place that has helped me to cultivate creativity, to explore the possibilities. What paintings will these walls support? What beauty will come from future students and not-yet discovered artists? </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here, my time is my own, and I can use it to make what I want of the future. To live artfully is to not blindly wander, but to push forward, acquiring new skills and improving the world around us. That is my hope for this studio as I prepare to open. I don’t know if crowds will flock here to join me in my celebration of living artfully. I don’t know if anyone will come through those doors, jingling the cowbell over its threshold, or if silence will be my only companion here. It doesn’t matter, I suppose, because I will be here and I will be living my life artfully.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Grimfargle">Facebook</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/impossible_dream_studio/">Instagram</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.impossibledreamstudio.com/">Impossible Dream Studio</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">105 N. Patterson Ave</div><div style="text-align: center;">Florence, Texas 76527</div></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-d60e7f1d-7fff-b394-d70b-70fc4b9cc26c"><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0Impossible Dream Studio30.8419194 -97.7945041-25.117410636336448 -168.10700409999998 86.801249436336448 -27.482004099999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-82462462193248310032022-01-24T08:37:00.001-06:002022-01-24T08:37:33.530-06:00How to Transform an Abandoned Gas Station into an Art Studio<h3 style="text-align: left;">The History</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp-M42XYxCWKTtEPBc2xVkyc4ViJhL28sMMZ39jwJeI0UMhcSXZZPD2f_DmgRjowo9LDMyztYL56H5FJV7FPAh1zR9-nmv_uDRsyEJPNUKWMdmscuE_GnStjULb4d8n_o8HW74gbYTlLEJu4zfxtm4sW8yvSXWrlC7Nwpxp1TWtPvsBORIrhVDKQGPow=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1970s service station in Florence Texas" border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1280" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp-M42XYxCWKTtEPBc2xVkyc4ViJhL28sMMZ39jwJeI0UMhcSXZZPD2f_DmgRjowo9LDMyztYL56H5FJV7FPAh1zR9-nmv_uDRsyEJPNUKWMdmscuE_GnStjULb4d8n_o8HW74gbYTlLEJu4zfxtm4sW8yvSXWrlC7Nwpxp1TWtPvsBORIrhVDKQGPow=w320-h242" title="1970s service station in Florence Texas" width="320" /></a></div>I bought an abandoned gas station in Florence, Texas a couple of years ago. It needed a lot of attention. The poor thing had been left to rot for more than fifteen years, as far as I could tell. Originally built as a gas station, it had gone through several iterations: a convenience store, a pizza shop, and finally a T-shirt shop before succumbing to neglect. The plumbing didn't work. The electrical system would have started a fire if not completely stripped and replaced. At some point water had backed up and rotted sections of the walls. <p></p><p>But the core of the building was sound: steel I-beam construction for the canopy, solid ship lap walls, a brick exterior... It wanted someone to come in an love it... it just needed a vision for its new life...</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Transformation</h3><p>Here is a quick video overview.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TpjHcaYBEMU" width="320" youtube-src-id="TpjHcaYBEMU"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Learn more about the studio at <a href="https://www.impossiblestudio.com">https://www.impossiblestudio.com</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/impossible_dream_studio/">Instagram</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Grimfargle">Facebook</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Impossible Dream Studio</p><p style="text-align: center;">105 N. Patterson Ave</p><p style="text-align: center;">Florence, Texas 76527</p><p><br /></p>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-19843793684210711752021-04-30T21:33:00.005-05:002022-01-31T19:52:59.273-06:00Who defines Beauty?<p>When someone says something is beautiful, ask yourself, "is it? Who gets to define what is beautiful?"</p><p>Some argue that deep within our reptilian brain lies a primordial mechanism that favors voluptuous bodies, full lips, red flowers, cool waters, and green landscapes. These are the origins of beauty, the chemical triggers that give us the pleasure of continued existence. </p><p>But is it still true today?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAmKgXNsvhBqQ6ydB7jU1ppHMdVVgcjfneORSVssmb2sCZnGb4KX_xv4Tj4nAluNSbHEzeToxRWOQPR-pNsspRzp3xTlUTX9k4XFWBHWsnPC_eE8bzvZR_8KqvQMCYkE90Bu874vuH-tj/s2048/bookcover1004.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="drawing of the goddess flora by artist David Borden" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAmKgXNsvhBqQ6ydB7jU1ppHMdVVgcjfneORSVssmb2sCZnGb4KX_xv4Tj4nAluNSbHEzeToxRWOQPR-pNsspRzp3xTlUTX9k4XFWBHWsnPC_eE8bzvZR_8KqvQMCYkE90Bu874vuH-tj/w231-h320/bookcover1004.jpg" title="drawing of the goddess flora by artist David Borden" width="231" /></a></div><br />To be sure, we are still attracted to the same things, but for different reasons. The corporations and politicians and others vying for our attention and cash know how to short circuit our senses. They have studied us and perverted our basic systems into receptors for selling cereal boxes, pop stars, and nationalist projects. <p></p><p>Beauty is power. It is a tool of manipulation-- sometimes good-- sometimes bad. The flower attracts the attention of bees and those who would aid in its propagation. The potential mate advertises DNA. Cool water entices us to drink safely and the green landscape encourages us to settle. But do we still do these things? Not really. The flower sells us perfume, the model sells us automobiles, etc., etc...</p><p>Next time you see something beautiful. Enjoy it, but ask yourself who has put this beautiful thing in front of you? Did the flower grow for the joy of growing? If so, wonderful. On the other hand, the tantalizing woman on TV is not there by accident. She auditioned, like many others. She was selected because she pushed the most sex buttons in the focus group. Remember that she doesn't smile at you because she wants to, but because she's paid to. What are the people who put her there selling?</p><p>What an ugly thing to do? To take beauty and use it to sell crap we don't need, is true ugliness.</p><p>Ask yourself the question again, "Who gets to define what is beautiful?"</p><p>You do. Don't forget that... because you're beautiful.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Learn more about the studio at <a href="https://www.impossiblestudio.com">https://www.impossiblestudio.com</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/impossible_dream_studio/">Instagram</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Grimfargle">Facebook</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">Impossible Dream Studio<br />105 N. Patterson Ave<br />Florence, Texas 76527</div>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-76986886192534700392021-04-30T20:47:00.002-05:002021-04-30T20:47:22.289-05:00Minimalism Purge Ends: Items 13-25<h3 style="text-align: left;"> #13 The Alarm Clock</h3><p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC94tNmgokIxvvrvFJVaIa_MzaJZEC5L3hSpiNLqTBRb8fnEAnj_SK20tR65hPpa5Fa9jdXugOy6ry2t1aKJUp7NieIlw0M_YkYgGbG5zhCTVIMD0M14543bHhU_u2djWkX8rMellIqZin/s2048/alarm+clock.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="alarm clock" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC94tNmgokIxvvrvFJVaIa_MzaJZEC5L3hSpiNLqTBRb8fnEAnj_SK20tR65hPpa5Fa9jdXugOy6ry2t1aKJUp7NieIlw0M_YkYgGbG5zhCTVIMD0M14543bHhU_u2djWkX8rMellIqZin/w200-h200/alarm+clock.jpeg" title="alarm clock" width="200" /></a></div><br />Today, I toss item 13 of 365 in my Minimalism Purge. The alarm clock! The power went out a couple of weeks ago with the Texas Snowpocalypse and I never reset it. I hate the display on these innocent looking beast. I hate the pulsing alarm. This thing must go. Can't believe I waited this long. Screw you, Alarm clock. Go haunt someone else's mornings.<p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">#14 LP Record: Percussion Italiano</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQ9lUV6zti92c-TjouXvnvxWYu542bBDaeQmNk46VdGYTXZkH6BlHzYmLupKUQ4MO2BSpvBIdRdT2JUPYDMepB8-TnRmGzmqt4HX0-3lGQ4-XDf7YuqcaRKi0tcL7uDP4PZe0JF4SAKe5/s2048/LP+Italiano.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="LP record: Percussion Italiano" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQ9lUV6zti92c-TjouXvnvxWYu542bBDaeQmNk46VdGYTXZkH6BlHzYmLupKUQ4MO2BSpvBIdRdT2JUPYDMepB8-TnRmGzmqt4HX0-3lGQ4-XDf7YuqcaRKi0tcL7uDP4PZe0JF4SAKe5/w200-h200/LP+Italiano.jpeg" title="LP record: Percussion Italiano" width="200" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For today's Minimalist Purge (14 of 365), I give you a stereophonic Long Play record: Percussion Italiano. I like to take chances with records in the $1 bin. How could I resist this one? The gain so high the risk so low... Well, it didn't turn out to be awesome. In fact, this record kind of sucked... not even in a "so bad it's good way." It was just too sugary and campy, even for me. </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">vattene amico mio</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">#15 More Comics</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYkIyd7ulhfaipzC3_ffuDgvi_Iv_lr6GBtUi0wjSs1h9CcFFU8ODuBpB_exXgaTYADanlO8I9BDGGZpKhxmWvukbb1_hkCd5HD9yIpMjfdOFK3K42IgPcWBzEzH7riP2dq0qyoyTTAig/s2048/more+comics.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="more comic books" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYkIyd7ulhfaipzC3_ffuDgvi_Iv_lr6GBtUi0wjSs1h9CcFFU8ODuBpB_exXgaTYADanlO8I9BDGGZpKhxmWvukbb1_hkCd5HD9yIpMjfdOFK3K42IgPcWBzEzH7riP2dq0qyoyTTAig/w200-h200/more+comics.jpeg" title="more comic books" width="200" /></a></div><br />While looking for something, I came across another stash of comic books. Apparently, I have comics squirreled away everywhere. These are neither collector's items or good reading. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add them to the recycle bin. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Though, I'm tempted to cut them up and make a new comic by combining the images and dialogue. Oh, but that's a trap for people like me. That's how I end up keeping junk like this. I think, I'll repurpose it as art some day... but I never do. I think I'll compromise with myself. If I tackle aforementioned art project before the next trip to the resale shop, I'll do it... otherwise, they are gone.</span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">#16 Wood Putty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1GSQcOxVOur91EMzj05g97OA_d49ozrbtCZq-Th5XBRtG5IjrnfkiHOAQLaQw7Ejln1AUDqM41juuY8qI7kic6GaztJlaFC-r7DS074COx3G2CcB3nqyIXx4m5pzFFP4vbdZJniNXR7U/s2048/woodputty.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="jar of wood putty" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1GSQcOxVOur91EMzj05g97OA_d49ozrbtCZq-Th5XBRtG5IjrnfkiHOAQLaQw7Ejln1AUDqM41juuY8qI7kic6GaztJlaFC-r7DS074COx3G2CcB3nqyIXx4m5pzFFP4vbdZJniNXR7U/w200-h200/woodputty.jpeg" title="jar of wood putty" width="200" /></a></div></span></h3><div dir="auto">I know what your thinking. Is tossing a ten year old jar of dried up wood putty really purging material possessions? Aren't you really just throwing out trash?</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">If I'm storing something, it's cluttering my life and space whether its trash or not. If you toured a hoarder's house, you'd pass piles of treasures that you would consider trash. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">I think the wood putty goes into a special category of trash... something more akin to "reserves" or "just in case I need it again some day." These are the things you buy for a specific task, but you have left over. You don't throw it away because you may use it again later. However, if years pass, when you go to use it, sometimes that thing as spoiled. It's only in that moment that you check on the item that it goes from "how clever I am to have this thing" to "why am I storing trash?"</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">#17-25 A box of Stuff and the Purge Ends</h3><div dir="auto">I ended the purge with a pile of junk in a box. I found that one day at a time purging didn't work, so my last purge was getting rid of purging. It is these crazy little public displays of getting rid of stuff that I finally realized must go...</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Goodbye purge... goodbye... goodbye.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div></div>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-38540922026445288672021-03-06T09:27:00.002-06:002021-03-06T09:27:49.396-06:00Minimalism Purge: Beloved Long Underwear 12 of 365<p> Beloved Long Underwear</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxA4_Rxtkqp6ssy06I4qxjdiys2qD9_UNoon7AnKT3k4D4qy-J1AIXD4YIA6IYavi6YHWathNhACzaCQfKmI4LILlOB2ESsvVfiOqac6ydSGgslIOJT-cHHzcAXTmUam74Nz6bZigKD3G/s2048/long+underwear.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxA4_Rxtkqp6ssy06I4qxjdiys2qD9_UNoon7AnKT3k4D4qy-J1AIXD4YIA6IYavi6YHWathNhACzaCQfKmI4LILlOB2ESsvVfiOqac6ydSGgslIOJT-cHHzcAXTmUam74Nz6bZigKD3G/s320/long+underwear.jpeg" /></a></div><br />First, I'm happy to report that I can still wear a garment that is 30+ years old. I'm basically the same weight I was when I graduated high school. That, in and of itself, is a feat. Congratulations to me. <p></p><p>I guess if I ever went to a high school reunion, which I never will, people would say, you don't look that different... just old.</p><p>All that said, in the recent Texas-Snowpocalypse, I went through all my long underwear. I happily donned my old friend, but to my chagrin, it was full of holes. Literally worn out. </p><p>It is with sadness that I commit its soul to the deep.</p><p>Instagram: @grimfargle</p><p>web: <a href="http://www.grimfargle.com">www.grimfargle.com</a></p><p><br /></p>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-88069840795532997462021-03-06T09:14:00.003-06:002021-03-06T09:14:20.035-06:00Minimalism Purge: Flashlight Bracket without a Flashlight: 11 of 365<p> Flashlight Bracket</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq9ro11ednQFmVLWJdalxOauZdLowqLZ2pwtVn-pUGbYtZOBy1JNLGVNrhykT66A4G8euWr5p8rnqs3r55QmnFYOTdvzchmA_WPNm035AbEy6VF5FLe7e5Aca8-VK00w8F8PqlcmTmoxf/s2048/flashlightbracket.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="plastic flashlight wall mounting bracket" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq9ro11ednQFmVLWJdalxOauZdLowqLZ2pwtVn-pUGbYtZOBy1JNLGVNrhykT66A4G8euWr5p8rnqs3r55QmnFYOTdvzchmA_WPNm035AbEy6VF5FLe7e5Aca8-VK00w8F8PqlcmTmoxf/w200-h200/flashlightbracket.jpeg" title="plastic flashlight wall mounting bracket" width="200" /></a></div>I used to have this really cool flashlight. It had a hand crank. You could wind it up like an old phone or one of those field radios you'd see in black and white war movies. I loved that flashlight, not because it was practical, but because it generated electricity without batteries. <p></p><p>...Because flashlight batteries are always dead or corroded when you need them.</p><p>Anyway, a few years ago I dropped the flashlight and its guts spilled out of the broken casing. I tried to fix it, but it was too far gone, poor thing. </p><p>So, why do I still have the bracket that affixed it to the wall?</p><p>Instagram: @grimfargle</p><p>Web: <a href="http://www.grimfargle.com">www.grimfargle.com</a></p><p><br /></p>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-36086953023875203382021-03-06T09:02:00.000-06:002021-03-06T09:02:06.550-06:00Minimalism Purge: The man with one black shoe: 10 of 365<p> One Black Shoe.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtnRbI8jfe5g9i901TVoHeH_W8X1UgrxY3OO5jecefGiUl-6kTerbbvAQ0BBFScE_JFJ92q2K3BhCEQadeqYOpPw8wReLTRUo7KqUCoeD5Kx9mY3viF7AOmjdegoi-d6omomJ94Fn5nuH/s2048/oneblackshoe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One black running shoe" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtnRbI8jfe5g9i901TVoHeH_W8X1UgrxY3OO5jecefGiUl-6kTerbbvAQ0BBFScE_JFJ92q2K3BhCEQadeqYOpPw8wReLTRUo7KqUCoeD5Kx9mY3viF7AOmjdegoi-d6omomJ94Fn5nuH/w200-h200/oneblackshoe.jpeg" title="One black running shoe" width="200" /></a></div>I have this methodology for running shoes. I buy a new pair that I only use for running. When they breakdown enough that they need to be replaced, I move them to the status of "around the house for yard work and home improvement." <p></p><p>This black shoe had moved from "around the house" to stored in the garage just in case.</p><p>As you can see, I can't even find its mate, so it's time to toss this lonely soul into the trash. I'd donate it, but by the time my shoes move through the life cycle above, they are nothing but garbage... and at least 10 years old. </p><p>Goodbye, shoe.</p><p>Instagram: @grimfargle</p><p>Web: <a href="http://www.grimfargle.com">www.grimfargle.com</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-90278004225973892022021-03-03T18:58:00.004-06:002021-03-03T19:00:30.771-06:00Minimalism Purge: 9 of 365 A Headband<p>The Headband</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoODLw-hWaUdwn3RDfyJTIxmgLo48wQH2ABqSgr1IenJi-hv4g2mJOIgttGvNvxqGQQtNPTvXnef8LUTwYqmBU1vird6Ayie7RvRrpbulpi-l0v0yjHnstpGoqXINluvxZlOQXnvMZFMP/s2048/running.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Action shot of David running like the wind, rocking the headband!" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1529" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoODLw-hWaUdwn3RDfyJTIxmgLo48wQH2ABqSgr1IenJi-hv4g2mJOIgttGvNvxqGQQtNPTvXnef8LUTwYqmBU1vird6Ayie7RvRrpbulpi-l0v0yjHnstpGoqXINluvxZlOQXnvMZFMP/w149-h200/running.jpeg" title="Action shot of David running like the wind, rocking the headband!" width="149" /></a></div><br />Am I totally rocking this headband? <p></p><p>If I were in a Wes Anderson film, maybe the headband would work. It's too tight. Feels like its crushing my head. </p><p>Makes me look like my dad....</p><p>Do people still wear headbands? I probably wore them in the 1980s along with everyone else, but no longer.</p><p>Instagram: @grimfargle</p><p>Web: <a href="http://www.grimfargle.com">www.grimfargle.com</a></p><p><br /></p>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-61595582190081039522021-03-01T18:57:00.001-06:002021-03-01T18:57:33.909-06:00Minimalism Purge: Socks; 8 of 365<p> Socks</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaS6_krXijgmE80L6PTfTxnKkNij6U3XPMaIY13dcEqcQZgpmprengScoJXlbv08c0VTo7Dbhy7mXcAuaiUnk4JkSSBDjLfwwShNBlzzTJRH5A_Fc11OlMQmwJKJk8ftwZoFFReAoNmaO/s2048/socks.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a pair of dark socks" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaS6_krXijgmE80L6PTfTxnKkNij6U3XPMaIY13dcEqcQZgpmprengScoJXlbv08c0VTo7Dbhy7mXcAuaiUnk4JkSSBDjLfwwShNBlzzTJRH5A_Fc11OlMQmwJKJk8ftwZoFFReAoNmaO/w200-h200/socks.jpeg" title="a pair of dark socks" width="200" /></a></div>These may not even be my socks...<p></p><p>That's the thing about this purge, I'm finding things I didn't even know I had. How has my life been so mindless? </p><p>This project is teaching me to be more mindful of the objects in my life. So far, the items have been easy to get rid of. They're things I didn't know I had or never used. I'm betting as the weeks drag on, I'll have to dig into things that are harder to discard, that will make me rethink what I value.</p><p>Instagram @grimfargle</p><p>web: www.grimfargle.com</p>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-8007129266102442572021-02-28T21:24:00.000-06:002021-02-28T21:24:04.790-06:00Minimalism Purge: Blank DVD 7 of 365<p>Blank DVDs</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2VinW5feBOfbBZxREbpvSDOn2U_i4gysWQmx53lbVfP5EUvp3gH-Jfu3Fm9q1YdAoitMTCvqcSn7PdsTxPniichuosvau1rDrcEy_Zkjp3vNtGoZ8QwFGMh4a_DSB0AQm9HYBjEWchkN/s2048/blank+dvd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a box of DVDs" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2VinW5feBOfbBZxREbpvSDOn2U_i4gysWQmx53lbVfP5EUvp3gH-Jfu3Fm9q1YdAoitMTCvqcSn7PdsTxPniichuosvau1rDrcEy_Zkjp3vNtGoZ8QwFGMh4a_DSB0AQm9HYBjEWchkN/w320-h320/blank+dvd.jpeg" title="a box of DVDs" width="320" /></a></div><br />I've had this box of DVDs stored on a shelf for so long that I don't have any computers that play DVDS, let alone records one. I don't even know why I'd have blank DVDs. I don't think I've ever copied a movie in my life. I don't know why I would.<p></p><p>I have watched a few movies more than once, but I typically don't. There is so much life out there to explore, I find it hard to use my valuable time to watch something twice. </p><p>Be gone, thing I never needed and don't know why I even have!</p><p>Instagram: @grimfargle</p><p>web: <a href="http://www.grimfargle.com">www.grimfargle.com</a></p>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-9628990683050038262021-02-27T09:25:00.002-06:002021-02-27T09:25:51.008-06:00Minimalism: A Book; 6 of 365<p> The Bean Fields</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdkuVJtc3utOAEMnvZle8jet3t44N7JZfNTO4y2a28mLeVnHZ4bsfVFzGvOxkJ-tliNCUABci3TX1bJmVbJ1T9QCdByaNjfTqy8qGPjK8IaWzZNOdAmzN47jxtSyjnsIe8K3BOWSzyuOu/s2048/File_000+%25285%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdkuVJtc3utOAEMnvZle8jet3t44N7JZfNTO4y2a28mLeVnHZ4bsfVFzGvOxkJ-tliNCUABci3TX1bJmVbJ1T9QCdByaNjfTqy8qGPjK8IaWzZNOdAmzN47jxtSyjnsIe8K3BOWSzyuOu/s320/File_000+%25285%2529.jpeg" /></a></div><br />I must have read an article somewhere that recommended this book. I'd read Barbara Kingsolver books before in the early 90s (most likely). I had a favorable memory of her in the back of my mind, so I thought, why not? I'll pick up one of her books next time I see one at Half Price Books. <p></p><p>I recently read The Bean Fields. I can confidently say, I will never read it again, nor will I pass it on to anyone else. It will go back to Half Price Books or Goodwill. Maybe it'll speak to someone else.</p><p>Why my distaste? It had a few good moments, but on the whole, it falls into the category of "maybe it was relevant when it was written, but now it's cringy." It was a product of its time. I found the plot, which revolved around the single white woman who receives and abandoned and sexually abused "Indian," (Native American) toddler a little too fraught. I couldn't get past how the white woman saves the Native American child. Gag. Such a colonial mindset. Even the subplot was about white women helping undocumented immigrants from Central America felt condescending and trite. Like I said, maybe this was edgy and not so patronizing in the 1980s, but from a 21st c. perspective, it was full of wincing, groaning, head shaking moments for me. It felt like a bunch of trite tropes in search of a purpose.</p><p>Instagram: grimfargle</p><p>Web: <a href="http://www.grimfargle.com">www.grimfargle.com</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-41139272942710113062021-02-25T20:37:00.000-06:002021-02-25T20:37:02.204-06:00Minimalism: WTF number 5 of 365<p> A Freakin' Box?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK2_7fvqjfZRvKbhxpvvAOaFWfJhyoS1f8I8Udf9GY5zavVezrfGVSaWAT_JjTdSlMs76ksjjDvT8uWEWU5yI3IL0GkiQsOAZcRYqEHxCjszCofWHdvU9kpZAEemWQVvn4OgduGhWEM1O/s2048/mystery+box.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK2_7fvqjfZRvKbhxpvvAOaFWfJhyoS1f8I8Udf9GY5zavVezrfGVSaWAT_JjTdSlMs76ksjjDvT8uWEWU5yI3IL0GkiQsOAZcRYqEHxCjszCofWHdvU9kpZAEemWQVvn4OgduGhWEM1O/s320/mystery+box.jpeg" /></a></div>So, I went into my closet to scrounge up the fifth item to discard. I thought I'd look inside this box. I knew it didn't have an electric water kettle beneath its cardboard because the kettle broke a while back and had gone in the trash. The box itself had slept on a high shelf of a few years. <p></p><p>I expected to find trinkets or baubles or other such nonsense in the box-- you know, things I'd squirreled away for safe keeping. </p><p>Maybe there'd be cash?</p><p>or an old book?</p><p>or photographs?</p><p>Do you know what was in this stupid box? </p><p>Answer: The packing materials for the kettle. That's right, I'd stored an empty freakin' box in my closet for years. </p><p>Out! Out! damn box!</p><p>Instagram: @grimfargle</p><p>web: www.grimfargle.com</p>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-14250233449342335932021-02-24T11:44:00.000-06:002021-02-24T11:44:00.875-06:00Minimalism: A Realization with Item 4 of 365<p> Comics</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdoKE-uhXOLaygyT5u2LKT80rGT45DmuRRGt3dgFqlkGqVGfcX5LfMxV7iol9hBnp00RWg1mmXhQ1_l0d6iOE42cjbzPrsnSSRVKYi2Xorvp8_wXD-sK3XpTF-wXxvPxT6DsqPCqDM9T7/s2048/comics.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A pile of comic books" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdoKE-uhXOLaygyT5u2LKT80rGT45DmuRRGt3dgFqlkGqVGfcX5LfMxV7iol9hBnp00RWg1mmXhQ1_l0d6iOE42cjbzPrsnSSRVKYi2Xorvp8_wXD-sK3XpTF-wXxvPxT6DsqPCqDM9T7/w320-h320/comics.jpeg" title="A pile of comic books" width="320" /></a></div><br />What I realized while going through my pile of comics: It's not about whether a comic is good or not. It's about whether I'll read it or give it someone else in the future.<p></p><p>I think that criterion for keeping or jettisoning an item is good. It answers the question of why I was holding on to something. In most cases I was mindlessly holding on to it. I kept it out of laziness. I had the room to store it, so I stored it instead of asking if I would ever use it again. </p><p>This is different from the "joy" question. I've heard people say, "Keep things that give you joy." Not everything I keep gives me joy. I keep a desk not for joy, but utility. </p><p>Anyway. That was day four.</p><p>Instagram: @grimfargle</p><p>web: <a href="http://www.grimfargle.com">www.grimfargle.com</a></p>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-86778057953842370742021-02-23T20:32:00.003-06:002021-02-23T20:32:43.495-06:00Minimalism: 3 of 365<p>The Blue Tie.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtpr_v47vibSuGh6Xo5CdCQPVdgMI_qzHELUsvOpKYfxpMQxO_XYE_zMan60XJr_PJOTk4fgTTTJQoCpLj7mMi370fZGiO9FJI-9BBPl_esw8nxB2vy7thEuxtOpToSnBrH93Xtw88aad/s2048/bluetie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtpr_v47vibSuGh6Xo5CdCQPVdgMI_qzHELUsvOpKYfxpMQxO_XYE_zMan60XJr_PJOTk4fgTTTJQoCpLj7mMi370fZGiO9FJI-9BBPl_esw8nxB2vy7thEuxtOpToSnBrH93Xtw88aad/w200-h200/bluetie.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Day three of the challenge and I'm going to toss this blue tie. I've had it for so many years, I don't even remember when I bought it. It was always a disappointment. I liked the pattern and color, but the material was too thick so the knot was enormous, even with a single Windsor. Time to chuck it. I'm done thinking I'll ever wear it.<p></p><p>follow on Instagram: @grimfargle</p><p>web: <a href="http://www.grimfargle.com">www.grimfargle.com</a></p>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-59080331501553019942021-02-22T07:38:00.002-06:002021-02-23T20:33:07.044-06:00Minimalism: 2 of 365<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi2Q3RzehXiL7w6pXXrhgO7fSXmMX4jBAHIzJuJKtkpZKDW4HuloodCKgDPCx6IZJ1770MH26TIjNwu4YEv6Q_8o_yRzxRaHM9mfTrLFLNDErnBsq8NZ4q7RTxtcawOWwWU28FGw1dheH/s2048/pink+robot.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="little pink robot drawing by artist David Borden" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi2Q3RzehXiL7w6pXXrhgO7fSXmMX4jBAHIzJuJKtkpZKDW4HuloodCKgDPCx6IZJ1770MH26TIjNwu4YEv6Q_8o_yRzxRaHM9mfTrLFLNDErnBsq8NZ4q7RTxtcawOWwWU28FGw1dheH/w320-h320/pink+robot.jpeg" title="little pink robot drawing by artist David Borden" width="320" /></a></div>The Pink Robot.<div><br />Today I'm tossing a little, pink robot toy into the donation box. I don't recall where it came from. I assume someone gave it to me years ago. It's fun to wind up and watch it go, but I've dong that maybe five times in however many years I've had it. Mostly, it collects dust.<p></p><p>This toy should find a home where it can bring joy instead of clutter.</p><p>Goodbye little robot.</p><p>Follow on Instagram @grimfargle</p><p>Web: <a href="http://www.grimfargle.com">www.grimfargle.com</a></p><p><br /></p></div>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-82981783979298474902021-02-21T17:00:00.004-06:002021-02-23T20:33:34.124-06:00Minimalism: Possession 1 of 365<p>How do we right-size the stuff in our life?</p><p>I don't know, but I'd like to try and find out. To that end, I'm going to discard something every day for the next 365 days. I'm going to try to make a catalog as I go. I'll draw the item and make a few notes.</p><p>Here we go...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmxgxQzRQsHyZ5A2bi0T4sp1R8zyf6zcss5xgU5egUtOio-i7jI_qwKbXITw8Q6HuCgzKy2fc0sK6LVH71etZGbjEv1RZ20RQ9DdhfoRCTeGXAty13Cq1V1mzAqINqSH-4TdKClJUBpNB/s2048/grayjacket.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="gray men's sport coat. oil pastel drawing by artist David Borden" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmxgxQzRQsHyZ5A2bi0T4sp1R8zyf6zcss5xgU5egUtOio-i7jI_qwKbXITw8Q6HuCgzKy2fc0sK6LVH71etZGbjEv1RZ20RQ9DdhfoRCTeGXAty13Cq1V1mzAqINqSH-4TdKClJUBpNB/w240-h320/grayjacket.jpeg" title="gray men's sport coat. oil pastel drawing by artist David Borden" width="240" /></a></div>The Gray Jacket.<div><br /></div><div>This jacket always felt a little baggy. I have another gray jacket, so do I really need it? Also, I hadn't worn it in a while. When I pulled it out of the closet, I found a fuchsia white board marker and a meeting agenda in the pocket. The agenda was from November 2016. I think it's time for this jacket to go.<div><br /></div><div>Follow on Instagram @grimfargle</div><div><br /></div><div>webpage: <a href="http://www.grimfargle.com">www.grimfargle.com</a></div></div>DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-76406395394426004462020-07-15T20:50:00.002-05:002022-01-31T19:53:25.407-06:00Howdy Florence, Texas...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CQw70EObm_s/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CQw70EObm_s?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Well, we did something crazy... we bought a run-down service station in Florence, Texas. We intend to build something amazing. The people we've met have been wonderful, and the Mayor and Chamber of Commerce have been helpful, accommodating, and welcoming. In fact, on July 11, the Chamber organized a "clean up" day that was a smashing success.<br />
<br />
Ruby and I spent our spare time putting up some murals...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/22pOS4vZCU5hS6s6eOkPmXzRTCslAZApSSgGga2bwDFOtRjCOv2ESUA3LelAkyPlxpeNMumYXhw=s400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="a collection of grimfargles: whimsical, fantastical creatures by Ruby Borden" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/22pOS4vZCU5hS6s6eOkPmXzRTCslAZApSSgGga2bwDFOtRjCOv2ESUA3LelAkyPlxpeNMumYXhw=s400" title="a collection of grimfargles: whimsical, fantastical creatures by Ruby Borden" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Ruby original mural design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/svY__lcRu5a9gEr22Uxg11t_kAhd224dBB-LLnvrcc_N5qAKr5srsUU2kdbvn834lxCCQTg02ko=s400" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="a collection of grimfargles: whimsical, fantastical creatures by Ruby Bordena collection of grimfargles: whimsical, fantastical creatures by Ruby Borden" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/svY__lcRu5a9gEr22Uxg11t_kAhd224dBB-LLnvrcc_N5qAKr5srsUU2kdbvn834lxCCQTg02ko=s400" title="a collection of grimfargles: whimsical, fantastical creatures by Ruby Borden" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Ruby original mural</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's the beginning of a great adventure...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can learn more at our website: <a href="http://www.grimfargle.com/">www.grimfargle.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/bGrikwATT7kfIObMzOq27bUEJocN1LHllIRlGYADSWio9O8DfSFEfsVWtwvefRXouNlqUyRO1sE=s400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/bGrikwATT7kfIObMzOq27bUEJocN1LHllIRlGYADSWio9O8DfSFEfsVWtwvefRXouNlqUyRO1sE=s400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p>Learn more about the studio at <a href="https://www.impossiblestudio.com">https://www.impossiblestudio.com</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/impossible_dream_studio/">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Grimfargle">Facebook</a></p><div>Impossible Dream Studio<br />105 N. Patterson Ave<br />Florence, Texas 76527</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-79690006297066396282019-01-30T15:00:00.001-06:002019-01-30T15:00:06.781-06:00Winter PaintingsI'm back in the studio with a NEW series of paintings. I call them the Winter Series.<br />
<br />
In the video, I show you what I've done so far and talk about this exciting new direction.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JiT3xbHxy9U/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JiT3xbHxy9U?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Each painting is oil on canvas, 16 x 20 inches.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_mnPD0yEs-k5HwyZHa79gc0oiEMPcmoD3x3aHe6AM7nyKwBdslpoSVamkWZNXVuTD3ambEQLaCK_eFVcX7jJw26hrJhMS9HQqyDlUlq4m0-9G7oRtRfYFUgXi7bOmDcmmY7VVVVzci97/s1600/winter+baby+carriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Winter 1 oil painting by artist David Borden" border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1489" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_mnPD0yEs-k5HwyZHa79gc0oiEMPcmoD3x3aHe6AM7nyKwBdslpoSVamkWZNXVuTD3ambEQLaCK_eFVcX7jJw26hrJhMS9HQqyDlUlq4m0-9G7oRtRfYFUgXi7bOmDcmmY7VVVVzci97/s320/winter+baby+carriage.jpg" title="Winter 1 oil painting by artist David Borden" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you are interested in seeing any of these paintings up close, just let me know. You can contact me at david@scribblefire.com. All paintings are for sale and you can read about my pricing structure on my <a href="https://scribblefire.com/art-works/" target="_blank">art works web page.</a><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br />
Website: <a href="https://scribblefire.com/" style="background: transparent; color: #4737be;">www.ScribbleFire.com</a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidborden5912/" style="background: transparent; color: #4737be;">https://www.instagram.com/davidborden5912/</a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/david.borden.501" style="background: transparent; color: #4737be;"> https://www.facebook.com/scribblefire/</a><br />
Twitter @dsborden<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-87233462547128722712018-05-09T14:21:00.004-05:002022-01-31T19:53:49.619-06:00Does Singing Make you Healthier?Fascinating research shows what a lot of people know: singing with others has health benefits. It releases endorphins and boosts the immune system. I take this phenomenon for granted because I like to play and sing with other people. For the past year, I've been playing with my friend, Eric Clow. He writes these poignant, heart-felt songs that you've got to hear. And lucky for you, I've got our latest performance below.<br />
<br />
My decision to sing and play with him is one of those decisions that I've made with my heart instead of my head. <a href="https://dsborden.blogspot.com/2018/03/why-should-you-make-more-decisions-with.html" target="_blank">See the first article in this series.</a><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
"Who has the time to engage in frivolous things, such as making music, simply for the joy of it?" You may ask.</h3>
American adults like to leave their childish ways behind. They stop singing with other people (except at church); they stop drawing, and they stop playing (except with children). Bah! I think all the things we've been told not to do because they are frivolous, are the good things. We're so consumed with being productive. Shouldn't we be consumed with living instead?<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4p3TfqzACLg?rel=0&start=125" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Link to article about the benefits of singing:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ox.ac.uk/research/choir-singing-improves-health-happiness-%E2%80%93-and-perfect-icebreaker">http://www.ox.ac.uk/research/choir-singing-improves-health-happiness-%E2%80%93-and-perfect-icebreaker</a><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<h3 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
You can also find David on:</h3></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">Learn more about the studio at <a href="https://www.impossiblestudio.com">https://www.impossiblestudio.com</a></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/impossible_dream_studio/">Instagram</a></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Grimfargle">Facebook</a></p><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">Impossible Dream Studio<br />105 N. Patterson Ave<br />Florence, Texas 76527</div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
</div>
<br />
#health #stress #singing #music #joy #happiness #zen #heart #disability<br />
<br />DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-77167282680973291142018-04-30T19:34:00.003-05:002022-01-31T19:54:24.972-06:00Art Reduces Stress, Research Shows<h3 style="text-align: center;">
"Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one." Stella Adler</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2vxDgj7icly2xoluXBLUi2Q2R2Lg2LAA1z45iLENnhzZuScZGp0CTMuGiIsuTv2Ab3SRrWl3_vjRJYUcLbyr4g-kXdsxIBGtq7QaA_DmwYY32rzA6HKKPhuLjQy95CEldfeSGwWx0Qws/s1600/merlin%2527s+beard+2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Reduce stress with a fake beard" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1122" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2vxDgj7icly2xoluXBLUi2Q2R2Lg2LAA1z45iLENnhzZuScZGp0CTMuGiIsuTv2Ab3SRrWl3_vjRJYUcLbyr4g-kXdsxIBGtq7QaA_DmwYY32rzA6HKKPhuLjQy95CEldfeSGwWx0Qws/s200/merlin%2527s+beard+2.jpg" title="Reduce stress with a fake beard" width="140" /></a>What’s that thing in life that beats you down? You might be thinking, “One thing? Are you kidding? I wish there were only one thing beating me down!” How do you cope with the stress of modern life? Some people escape with drinking or entertainment. Other people may take up yoga or meditation. In some cases, the solution creates its own stressor when you feel guilty for not doing the thing that was supposed to make you feel better.<br />
<br />
Some interesting new research shines a light on a relaxation technique that is fun and satisfying. Researchers have found what artists already know to be true: doing art reduces stress… REGARDLESS OF SKILL LEVEL.<br />
<br />
Indeed, you don’t have to be Rembrandt to feel the benefits of doing art. Try it. Go find some makers or crayons lying around and draw something… anything… it doesn’t matter what. You can make colorful swirls. Just create. If you haven’t done any drawing since you were a kid, you may feel awkward at first. If that happens, follow the advice of Vincent Van Gogh, <b>"If you hear a voice within you say, 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced."</b><br />
<br />
You don’t have to show anyone the art you create if you’re afraid of criticism. You can make it just for you. Besides, it’s the process of creation that matters. You are producing, creating, exploring. Once you push past your initial trepidation, you’ll slip into the zone. The zone is a magical place where space and time cease to exist. You’ll lose track of time… and you won’t care because you’re enjoying yourself.<br />
<h3>
Conquer your Stress with Creativity</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1yVzoxu7wgZVlebfIHrKx-BHudElkwlvXixi-y2aYqz4EwTVM8PYCxUJTQOhYygeaLQ6vJd2PeveaXP0vAR4oeybTtw4iDvMwN_j9FxMZy36vP4SSypI9x_e784CRQRYT6_JBh7e9M0q/s1600/sea+tiger+header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painting by David Borden of the Coast in Palacios, Texas" border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="1395" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1yVzoxu7wgZVlebfIHrKx-BHudElkwlvXixi-y2aYqz4EwTVM8PYCxUJTQOhYygeaLQ6vJd2PeveaXP0vAR4oeybTtw4iDvMwN_j9FxMZy36vP4SSypI9x_e784CRQRYT6_JBh7e9M0q/s320/sea+tiger+header.jpg" title="painting by David Borden of the Coast in Palacios, Texas" width="320" /></a></div>
I’m leading a stress-conquering retreat to the Texas coast the weekend of May 19. Come down, hang out with like-minded people. Paint. Enjoy the beauty of the sky and water. See the world as an artist does. Learn more about this fantastic opportunity at: <a href="https://scribblefire.com/learn-the-secrets-to-happiness/">https://scribblefire.com/learn-the-secrets-to-happiness/</a> ONLY 1 spot left. Get it before its gone.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"The difference between art and life is that art is more bearable." </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Charles Bukowski</h4>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Read more about the stress study and how skill level doesn't matter:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.psypost.org/2016/06/skill-level-making-art-reduces-stress-hormone-cortisol-43362">http://www.psypost.org/2016/06/skill-level-making-art-reduces-stress-hormone-cortisol-43362</a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">Learn more about the studio at <a href="https://www.impossiblestudio.com">https://www.impossiblestudio.com</a></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/impossible_dream_studio/">Instagram</a></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Grimfargle">Facebook</a></p><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">Impossible Dream Studio<br />105 N. Patterson Ave<br />Florence, Texas 76527</div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you liked this article, you may also like the first in this series:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: lora, serif;"><a href="https://dsborden.blogspot.com/2018/03/why-should-you-make-more-decisions-with.html" style="background: transparent; color: #4737be; text-decoration-line: none;">https://dsborden.blogspot.com/2018/03/why-should-you-make-more-decisions-with.html</a></span></div>
</div>
<br />
#stress #art #artlessons #artretreat #relax #joy #happiness #meditation #zen #chill<br />
<br />DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-48139169903299731782018-04-25T10:47:00.000-05:002019-01-30T14:53:58.449-06:00A Sunrise in your Home Everyday!<h3>
Bring the sunrise into your home to enjoy every day.</h3>
You know that time after sunrise, right before the sun has cleared the tree line? I love that time. The ground glistens with dew. The birds are starting to rustle and chatter. A coolness permeates everything.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXudmDupUst8PhiENNnivtTFv8LtPfqVQA0jzDMIqPOjorVYxoiZ6WLoFsuTvEgpwpr7PwQm6oMuGAtgkxZsiueGdAwPkK9uWYCU8Aw6QkYazCDsBXuwkmw4Ng11OHV1flYo68kquicEu/s1600/transmission+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Oil painting landscape of transmission towers and trees at sunrise in Austin Texas by artist David Borden." border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1600" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXudmDupUst8PhiENNnivtTFv8LtPfqVQA0jzDMIqPOjorVYxoiZ6WLoFsuTvEgpwpr7PwQm6oMuGAtgkxZsiueGdAwPkK9uWYCU8Aw6QkYazCDsBXuwkmw4Ng11OHV1flYo68kquicEu/s320/transmission+final.jpg" title="Oil painting landscape of transmission towers and trees at sunrise in Austin Texas by artist David Borden." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Transmission" oil on canvas (c) 2018 by David Borden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In our busy lives, it is so hard to get up early on a crisp spring morning to see this glorious event. Every year I think that I will set my alarm and experience a spring sunrise, but I don’t. Have you ever done that? Why don’t you (or why don’t you do it more often?) Because we’re too tired. Life is busy.<br />
I thought that I should try to remedy the situation, so I set my alarm. As the dawn broke, I donned my shoes and a sweatshirt and made for the greenbelt. These giant steel transmission towers run through the neighborhood. I’ve wanted to paint them for a while. I love the lattice work of their hulls that loom large. They connect us in so many ways. Though they are a crucial part of our infrastructure, they’re mostly ignored. They only become visible when we are confronted with them. But in the early morning, set mostly in silhouette, they complement the trees that line the easement. The long, heavy wires, draw your eye to a focal point at the transmission tower, only to roll back down the line of tress. The sunrise peaks through the steel and tree limbs.<br />
<h3>
The land is dark, still asleep. </h3>
They sky has awakened with yellow and pink, orange and blue. In a few minutes the sun will break over the trees and flood the grass with light. The squirrels and birds will come out and this hidden meadow will burst with flowers and butterflies.<br />
I wanted to depict this moment and share it with you.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydEdMJ4AgBPmcMTKH6b7hY6HNk5J7LfdxLLXmadh-eUCyYxlghvzUHuqDIFBZjfr3HFMvCbV7qIZyJj8ADDY4UZYUnBVsAgFOzegFcpnMrOSxFHXuUYqV-rUsIlJ3voMac-LBaPjyeb4G/s1600/landscape+studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Artist David Borden painting transmission towers and tree landscape oil painting in his studio." border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1600" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydEdMJ4AgBPmcMTKH6b7hY6HNk5J7LfdxLLXmadh-eUCyYxlghvzUHuqDIFBZjfr3HFMvCbV7qIZyJj8ADDY4UZYUnBVsAgFOzegFcpnMrOSxFHXuUYqV-rUsIlJ3voMac-LBaPjyeb4G/s320/landscape+studio.jpg" title="Artist David Borden painting transmission towers and tree landscape oil painting in his studio." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>David at work in his studio</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you would like this sunrise to greet you in your house, <a href="https://scribblefire.com/product/transmission-lan%E2%80%A6painting-18-x-36/" target="_blank">click here to purchase on my website before it's gone.</a><br />
<br />
Or contact me directly at: david@scribblefire.com<br />
<br />
I accept credit cards, checks, and even cash.<br />
<br />
I also sell paintings on <b>lay-away or barter</b>. Just contact me to work out a deal.<br />
<br />
If you have a beloved landscape painted for you to enjoy for generations, let me know, and we can talk about a commission that will work perfectly in your home or office.<br />
<br />
This painting is 36 x 18 inches. Professional quality oil paints on canvas.<br />
<br />
If you want to learn how creating art can make you healthier, read the article at: <a href="https://scribblefire.com/learn-the-secrets-to-happiness/">https://scribblefire.com/learn-the-secrets-to-happiness/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Twitter @dsborden</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidborden5912/" style="background: transparent; color: #4737be; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.instagram.com/davidborden5912/</a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Website: <a href="https://scribblefire.com/" style="background: transparent; color: #4737be; text-decoration-line: none;">www.ScribbleFire.com</a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/david.borden.501" style="background: transparent; color: #4737be; text-decoration-line: none;"> https://www.facebook.com/scribblefire/</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
If you liked this article, you may also like the first in this series:</div>
<div style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: "lora" , serif;"><a href="https://dsborden.blogspot.com/2018/03/why-should-you-make-more-decisions-with.html" style="background: transparent; color: #4737be; text-decoration-line: none;">https://dsborden.blogspot.com/2018/03/why-should-you-make-more-decisions-with.html</a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
#art #artist #commission #austin #landscape #painting #oilpainting #happiness #joy #inspiration #heart #sunrise #peace #stress #tranquility </div>
<div style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-60752901445866404882018-04-13T05:50:00.002-05:002018-04-13T05:57:57.695-05:00The Doctor's Visit Performance at The Lion and Pirate<h3>
The Due Choir plays Doctor's Visit</h3>
One of the things I've been up to lately is playing guitar for my friend Eric Clow, a local singer and songwriter. His band is called, The Dude Choir. Recently, we added Sam on Trombone and keys. Here's our most recent performance of an original song by Eric called, "Doctor's Visit."<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PToIPVQJHrY?rel=0&start=192" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Leading with Heart</h3>
This experience goes in the category of decisions I've made with my heart rather than my head. My head told me not to join a band because I don't have the time. Rehearsals and travel to rehearsals... That would have been a bad decision.<br />
<br />
Read more about my new approach to decision making <a href="https://dsborden.blogspot.com/2018/03/why-should-you-make-more-decisions-with.html" target="_blank">leading with my heart</a>:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dsborden.blogspot.com/2018/03/why-should-you-make-more-decisions-with.html">https://dsborden.blogspot.com/2018/03/why-should-you-make-more-decisions-with.html</a><br />
<br />
On a similar note, I've organized an all skills art retreat to Palacios, Texas to paint. ONLY ONE SLOT LEFT. Get it before its gone! Now, before you think you have no talent and the trip won't be worth it... Regardless of skill, the trip is really about getting away, relaxing, and seeing the world like an artist: the way it is, rather than the way you think it is. <a href="https://dsborden.blogspot.com/2018/03/what-artists-know-about-secret-to.html" target="_blank">Click here for more information.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<h3 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
You can also find David on:</h3>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Twitter @dsborden</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidborden5912/" style="background: transparent; color: #4737be; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.instagram.com/davidborden5912/</a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Website: <a href="https://scribblefire.com/" style="background: transparent; color: #4737be; text-decoration-line: none;">www.ScribbleFire.com</a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/david.borden.501" style="background: transparent; color: #4737be; text-decoration-line: none;"> https://www.facebook.com/scribblefire/</a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/dsborden" style="background: transparent; color: #4737be; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.patreon.com/dsborden</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
#austin #openmic #disability #P2P #VSATexas #song #poetry #happiness #inspiration #heart</div>
</div>
</div>
DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-17384839350033929922018-04-12T07:19:00.004-05:002022-01-31T19:54:59.921-06:00Your Impending Existential Crisis…<h3>
You may still be asking yourself, “What do I want to be when I grow up?”</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yr_sk2dxQsb03YJUAqtMWm-MKhDpVGtUoTCfrLajG282dcmIfo19rwcntBlBKltNsayZFTDqIzb2hIjWZLCeXg-echW_DAQwa9aBQbjD-PJ8BIQPe5uRsNO6KLguM9dJm_DcZAPodqhX/s1600/Flightless13+102.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Medieval peasants probably didn't have an existential crisis" border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="649" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yr_sk2dxQsb03YJUAqtMWm-MKhDpVGtUoTCfrLajG282dcmIfo19rwcntBlBKltNsayZFTDqIzb2hIjWZLCeXg-echW_DAQwa9aBQbjD-PJ8BIQPe5uRsNO6KLguM9dJm_DcZAPodqhX/s200/Flightless13+102.jpg" title="Medieval peasants probably didn't have an existential crisis" width="100" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>peasant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Have the urge to quit your 8-5 job? Ever wonder what your purpose is life is?<br />
<br />
Ancient people didn’t have these questions. Before the agricultural revolution and the specialization of skills in society, humans didn’t think about such things because they didn't have jobs that were disconnected from their "life purpose." Their objective was live life as it came. Even after the invention of social roles, people still didn’t spend much time worrying about it because if you were born a peasant, you just lived life as a peasant. You couldn’t exactly dream about being a member of the ruling class.<br />
<br />
Up until the twentieth century, most people resigned themselves to labels: worker, female, Methodist, German, or whatever. In the twentieth century, a small part of the population began wondering if there was more to life than living out a role, especially one that served a ruling elite.<br />
<br />
By the twenty-first century, particularly in the West, roles had started to dissolve (which is causing much angst as firmly held beliefs about society, jobs, religion, and even gender are being challenged). So many choices of careers, places to live, mates, hobbies, and more. How can anyone choose? It’s like walking down the cereal aisle at the grocery store for the first time. Your mother asks, “Which one would you like?” and you become paralyzed by the choices... and you want even the ones you know are bad for you, or way too expensive.<br />
<br />
Of course, some people are perfectly comfortable with the chaos because they know exactly what they want. They love roles and labels. This person confidently declares, “I love being a (fill in the blank). I love the stability of the status quo."<br />
<br />
Great. That’s awesome.<br />
<br />
But what about you? The person who gazes down the "Aisle of Too Many Choices" and stutters, "I want the Frosted Flakes, the Lucky Charms, the Granola, the Mini-Wheats, the Coco Puffs, and the Rice Crispies? Oh, what's the use? I give up. Just give me Corn Flakes. I don't really like Corn Flakes, but I grew up with them and I'm comfortable with them."<br />
<br />
The overwhelming choices presented to us mean we have to sacrifice something in order to have something else. If you try something new, it's a risk. Suddenly, you don't know who you are or what you want any longer.<br />
<h3>
Take Hope. Confusion is Okay.</h3>
<i>“When you let go of the belief that you should or need to know who you are, what happens to confusion? Suddenly it is gone. When you fully accept that you don’t know, you actually enter a state of peace and clarity that is closer to who you truly are…” (</i><i>A New Earth</i> by Eckart Tolle, <i>page 90)</i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gV7cNw8XIm2PgqJVdpB2FNMH3JMIkK0dxkpFu-au3RQ9viQc4VOrEGtH6oaPIWI6_BthswmcC7FawwtNb5ob3fsJuNNwyIrhy3DeEZY3r4RRhl8UD4wYRrR3I4LJIOWLv53_LPlHcQZx/s1600/borden+studio.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="David Borden painting at his easel" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gV7cNw8XIm2PgqJVdpB2FNMH3JMIkK0dxkpFu-au3RQ9viQc4VOrEGtH6oaPIWI6_BthswmcC7FawwtNb5ob3fsJuNNwyIrhy3DeEZY3r4RRhl8UD4wYRrR3I4LJIOWLv53_LPlHcQZx/s320/borden+studio.jpg" title="David Borden painting at his easel in his studio, not caring about confusion" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>David not caring about confusion</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I find his idea liberating. Why do I need to define who I am as a role? I’m a father, a husband, an employee, a teacher, an artist, a writer, a beer drinker, a guitar player, a (fill in the blank). Why do you have to juggle these roles? Why should you have any confusion? <br />
<br />
How will the media or society label you? I heard the Austin Bomber referred to as a college drop-out. Really? Is that what defined him? Was that the most important role the media could assign to him? Did that label have any relevance to his horrible actions?<br />
<br />
<h3>
I think many people are confused about their roles for two reasons.</h3>
<br />
Roles are fictions. That’s right. I said it. We made them up. Before the agricultural revolution we didn’t have cashiers and taxi drivers and statisticians to count up all the cashiers and taxi drivers. Humans were just humans. We spent most of our evolutionary time hanging out doing human stuff, (such as foraging, hunting, cooking, napping, telling stories, fixing stuff, building stuff, and goofing off) instead of playing roles. Perhaps that’s why we have angst. We’re still trying to fit into roles that have only existed for a few thousand years.<br />
<br />
<h3>
What's the answer?</h3>
The answer is both simple and hard:<br />
The simple answer is: stop wondering who you are, and just be who you are.<br />
The difficult answer is: stop wondering who you are, and just be who you are.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking to become comfortable with confusion? Try a retreat. Learn more at the link below:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scribblefire.com/learn-the-secrets-to-happiness/">https://scribblefire.com/learn-the-secrets-to-happiness/</a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<h3 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
You can also find David on:</h3>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">Learn more about the studio at <a href="https://www.impossiblestudio.com">https://www.impossiblestudio.com</a></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/impossible_dream_studio/">Instagram</a></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Grimfargle">Facebook</a></p><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">Impossible Dream Studio<br />105 N. Patterson Ave<br />Florence, Texas 76527</div></div></div><div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
If you liked this article, you may also like the first in this series:</div>
<div style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "lora" , serif;"><a href="https://dsborden.blogspot.com/2018/03/why-should-you-make-more-decisions-with.html">https://dsborden.blogspot.com/2018/03/why-should-you-make-more-decisions-with.html</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "lora" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "lora" , serif;">#confusion #existentialcrisis #happiness #decisions #tolle #joy #career #jobs #midlife #crisis</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "lora" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
DSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410102731749936749.post-2155133117336964302018-03-31T08:29:00.001-05:002022-01-31T19:55:15.495-06:00Why Should You Make More Decisions with Your Heart<h3>
Elusive Success?</h3>
If you’re reading this article, you may feel that you are not as successful as you’d like. You could be like a friend of mine (that I’ll call Sam). Sam makes good money, but she’d like to make more so she can take a trip each year, pay off her car-- those kinds of things, nothing extravagant. In her personal life she’d like to feel happier. Something seems missing.<br />
<br />
If you Google “tips for success,” you’ll get results like these (the top results for me in March, 2018)<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>10 Tips to Achieve Anything You Want in Life</li>
<li>5 Real Life Tips for Success</li>
<li>Richard Branson’s Tips for Success</li>
<li>21 Tips for Young Aspiring Entrepreneurs</li>
<li>10 Great Tips for Success in Both Life and Business</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBKp7RtCOeWtszY4h6TCmM1QXxyXT3xfsjBqR2B9RrFgBEh569J__7vhcLYDEbQHquSUWZM52wLbKO5YmUbNLCBxqAgEtMQU73U8pgIjxT8-GvpX7DI7XolP3SJZWXjfcXCOhL6M8meAg/s1600/hello.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="David Borden wearing some very attractive Hello Kitty ear muffs and pondering whether to Make More Decisions with Your Heart" border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="913" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBKp7RtCOeWtszY4h6TCmM1QXxyXT3xfsjBqR2B9RrFgBEh569J__7vhcLYDEbQHquSUWZM52wLbKO5YmUbNLCBxqAgEtMQU73U8pgIjxT8-GvpX7DI7XolP3SJZWXjfcXCOhL6M8meAg/s200/hello.jpg" title="David Borden wearing some very attractive Hello Kitty ear muffs." width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I did not follow my heart and buy these</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I went through all the “tips” and found what you might expect: experts telling me to follow my passion, plan, focus, etc. (the list of common advice is at the bottom of this article with links to all the source material if your interested). What I didn’t find, was anyone telling me to follow my heart. Maybe that’s because following your heart is a bad idea. (See an article in <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everybody-marries-the-wrong-person/201006/bad-advice-follow-your-heart" target="_blank">Psychology Today</a> that implores you NOT to follow your heart.)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or…</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe…</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Following your heart is exactly what you should do. Very counter-intuitive, I know.</div>
<h3>
Following your heart, your gut, and your head.</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0u55BKOMhdxircw9mFe0nYm28k2leAEWypnA55SHbzWKmu89GPG6XWrDSYMnrtXyU8LeAJVTNj8_qk5lgcjFGh8_srVjohUwAFrRCc7NLD2Qw3rvI25kNdq67bq65FzQozv7XnZk8mXl/s1600/cute+kitten.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="cute kitten" border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0u55BKOMhdxircw9mFe0nYm28k2leAEWypnA55SHbzWKmu89GPG6XWrDSYMnrtXyU8LeAJVTNj8_qk5lgcjFGh8_srVjohUwAFrRCc7NLD2Qw3rvI25kNdq67bq65FzQozv7XnZk8mXl/s320/cute+kitten.jpg" title="cute kitten" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Please take me home..."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I guess I should define what I mean by “heart.” I’m not talking about raw, knee-jerk emotion. This isn’t about seeing a cute kitten in the window and buying it because it pushed my emotional buttons. If we did that, we’d forever be buying kittens. What I’m talking about is leading with that part of your soul that is guided by what feels right. Before you say, you’re talking about intuition, let me stop you. Intuition is that feeling in your gut that gives you instant feedback based on your prior experiences. Intuition tells you if the nice man with the candy is actually a serial killer. By contrast, "heart" is that intangible swirl of feelings and emotions. This is the part of you that feels peace, happiness, and knows what is right and wrong. When something feels right. It is good and creates happiness or ameliorates sorrow, that is how I’m defining heart.<br />
<br />
You may be tempted to throw jealousy, hatred, and anger into this mix. They are NOT “heart.” They are jealousy, hatred, and anger. I’m not going to make decisions based on those emotions. That is courting disaster.<br />
<h3>
The Year of Heart</h3>
I’m going to try another grand experiment on myself. The last time I did something like this, I called it “The Year of the Phoenix.” <a href="https://dsborden.blogspot.com/search/label/Year%20of%20the%20Phoenix" target="_blank">You can read about my adventures here.</a> The Year of the Phoenix was about trying new things and taking risks... It is how I ended up getting murdered by a giant bunny rabbit on stage at a comedy festival. Yeah... really. The "Year of Heart" is about approaching decisions based on what I feel is right, rather than on what my head tells me to do. I embark on April 1, 2018 and proceed until March 31, 2019.<br />
<h3>
How Does it Work?</h3>
Here’s my protocol:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Decide whether a decision aligns with my heart.</li>
<li>Evaluate it with my gut. What does my intuition say? </li>
<li>Evaluate it with my mind. </li>
<li>If all agree I’m good. </li>
</ol>
<br />
So, what’s different here? Well, if the heart and gut agree, I’m going to let them overrule the mind. I find that my mind is overly pessimistic and risk averse. It needs to be tamed. I’m going to live a year with this methodology and see what happens. I’m going to lead with my heart, take advice from my gut, and only use my head to prevent catastrophe.<br />
<br />
We’ll see what happens...<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIHdnct9dQiaoNaYsZj7pFk5x6DpTdGMF3jPOgfigWPnIACvfLqEdU37nKX6NUB_OfCrFWtntWoE9OlwbnBwi5aRDJPsPGDS6PCE5EqqdheM1U-XhGp6IWqr0QcAwxtC1ryhI2SKOY4sA/s1600/ohm.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="David Borden sitting in a very bad Buddha pose." border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="669" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIHdnct9dQiaoNaYsZj7pFk5x6DpTdGMF3jPOgfigWPnIACvfLqEdU37nKX6NUB_OfCrFWtntWoE9OlwbnBwi5aRDJPsPGDS6PCE5EqqdheM1U-XhGp6IWqr0QcAwxtC1ryhI2SKOY4sA/s200/ohm.jpg" title="David Borden sitting in a very bad Buddha pose." width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Meditation David</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Why don’t you join me? </h3>
Send me an email or message on social media. Tell me how your year is going by applying this method. I don’t think it will all be peaches and cream or that I won’t make mistakes. What I’m hoping for is to see if I make better decisions that lead me down a path with more fulfilling experiences and a more vibrant life.<br />
<br />
Often the journey is more important than the goal. I hope that living by heart, I will better enjoy the journey and not get so hung up on the end goal.<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<h3 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
You can also find David on:</h3>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">Learn more about the studio at <a href="https://www.impossiblestudio.com">https://www.impossiblestudio.com</a></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/impossible_dream_studio/">Instagram</a></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Grimfargle">Facebook</a></p><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">Impossible Dream Studio<br />105 N. Patterson Ave<br />Florence, Texas 76527</div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
BTW:<br />
<br />
Here’s the top advice from the “success” articles I found on Google. Suffice it to say, there is a lot of “follow your passion” and “plan” kind of stuff in there. The most noteworthy:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Focus</li>
<li>Commitment</li>
<li>Learn</li>
<li>Stop being nice to yourself</li>
<li>Get rid of distractions</li>
<li>Don’t rely on others</li>
<li>Plan</li>
<li>Prioritize</li>
<li>Sweat the Small stuff</li>
<li>Positive input</li>
<li>Focus on the big problems</li>
<li>Follow your dreams</li>
<li>Make a difference</li>
<li>Believe in your ideas</li>
<li>Have fun</li>
<li>Don’t give up</li>
<li>Add value</li>
<li>Be extraordinary</li>
<li>Start now</li>
<li>Hunt for good mentors</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sources:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.success.com/article/10-tips-to-achieve-anything-you-want-in-life">https://www.success.com/article/10-tips-to-achieve-anything-you-want-in-life</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-lorenzen/5-real-life-tips-for-succ_b_5268521.html">https://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-lorenzen/5-real-life-tips-for-succ_b_5268521.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-26575792">http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-26575792</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/247540">https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/247540</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-great-tips-for-success-in-both-life-and-business.html">https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-great-tips-for-success-in-both-life-and-business.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<span face=""calibri" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everybody-marries-the-wrong-person/201006/bad-advice-follow-your-heart">https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everybody-marries-the-wrong-person/201006/bad-advice-follow-your-heart</a></span><br />
<br />
#heart #passion #success #secrettosuccess #followyourbliss #bliss #meditation #joy #happiness #now #decisions #focus #positive #followyourheart #gut #followyourgut #intuitionDSBordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07526020431962098000noreply@blogger.com0