Reflection: Fear

We all experience a wealth of human emotions. The rainbow of human experience allows us to soar upon the wings of euphoria. On the other end of the spectrum, we are mired in the sludge of depression or are assaulted by agitating pangs of Fear. All of this got me thinking:

An image came to my mind that perfectly describes the suffocating nature of FEAR. Imagine you are encased in a substance that resembles a tough and tacky cellophane. The real kicker is that without exertion on your part, the blob will shrink you until you are incapable of movement. You may even feel your insides shrink as your skin begins to buckle beneath the pressure of this voracious malady:

Freedom only comes through real effort on your part-- effort that allows you to move and to be with some semblance of freedom. But the moment you shrink away from something and begin to allow that fear to have any room..... ZAP!! You're shrinking under the pressure all over again.

This image above was only the basic idea when I pictured how one struggles with fear inside. The next one wasn't as effective as I wanted it to be either.

The stretchy cellophane appears too pliable and stretchy. I felt that Fear ought to be more effectively portrayed as something that doesn't give an inch at all. Emily helped me figure out how to more effectively portray a material that is thicker and less pliable (she works with fabric a lot). I think the following image is much more effective at what I am trying to portray.

Do you think this is an effective portrayal of Fear? What are your thoughts?

Father's Day

I like posting the gifts I make for others the night before they get them. I am secure in the fact that barely anybody reads my blog so it's okay. I was thinking about how much My Father and my Father in Law have taught me so much and it got me thinking about all of the classic stories and the mentor who helps the Hero learn how to be a Hero. I can equate that mentor role to that of real Fatherhood. So I spent the past two days making this image to my two Fathers. Kudos.

"Favorite Mentors"

A tribute to my Mother in Law

I am BLESSED to have one of the coolest mother in laws in the PLANET! Sunday is her birthday and I made her a personalized card. She doesn't read my blog (at least I don't think so) so I am posting this image now. She is known for her devotion to personal preparedness and self reliance. She's the one to be with when all nature goes berserk and you don't even have a flashlight on you. Her personal symbol that she "collects" is Noah's Ark. For those of you who have read the Old Testament than her choice makes sense. For the rest of you, I suggest you read the book of Genesis in the King James Version of the Bible. Wonderful time. . . great stories . . . and you'll probably learn a few things too. Anyway, this image will adorn her birthday card from me. I think I nailed the mood I was going for so I'm pretty happy with it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

It's been a quiet, good day. Like this lucky guy over here.

Bloom Where You're Planted

"Bloom Where You're Planted"

First off, Apologies to Greg Newbold. Let's just say your image inspired me and I had to personalize the message by doing my own version.

The Article is found in the June 2011 Edition of "The Ensign Magazine": a religiously themed magazine published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The article was a person's experience with frustration after ending up in a place where he didn't want to be. But a Dandelion growing out of a crack in a wall reminded him to "BLOOM WHERE YOU'RE PLANTED" which is exactly what he did. We cannot usually choose our circumstances, but we can change our attitude which can make what was once inhospitable into our personal sanctuary. That includes if the intolerable place is within one's own skin.

Courage: A reflection of the past Nine Months

School is officially over for the 2010/2011 school year. I participated till the very last day: volunteering to help out the staff oversee the eighth grade end of school carnival. My biggest relief is that I no longer have to dread telephone calls from the Substitute office @ Five in the morning. But is also means that the future is totally uncertain for me and my family.

I made this piece as a tribute to spirit of education that I had the opportunity of partaking. It isn't by any means easy, but it is worth it. It is essential for any hope of our future.