Artist Afflatus
Current mood: hopeful
Category: Life

Feet, what do I need them for
If I have wings to fly.

:::Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo:::

Currently reading : The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait By Frida Kahlo

3:26 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

The Dextrous Dodo
Current mood: creative
Category: Blogging

I really love this image of the Dodo handing Alice her prize thimble after the haphazard Caucus race (a political satire on the Victorian caucus process) where the participants run this way and that, start and stop whenever they want, and everyone always wins. Notice that the Dodo has human hands. Curiouser and curiouser. It also strikes me funny that a monkey mysteriously appears out of nowhere...peering through the motley crowd of soggy birds. He's never mentioned in the actual story...

I've recently started re-reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to gain inspiration for a surreal art collage I'm currently working on. Each Tennial woodcut illustration brings me back to my childhood when I would sit under my favorite tree and travel into this extraordinary imaginary world full of colorful characters and exotic adventures. It has certainly been quite a hoot to revisit the past and discover new Wonderland bits that went overlooked when I was smaller...I suppose Alice and I are kindred spirits afterall...

For some odd reason, I always felt a certain affinity towards the Dodo. Perhaps its awful history made it most alluring to this "green novice". Afterall, this flightless bird most notably symbolizes (wo)man's immense negative impact on the environment. It was discovered in 1598 and completely vanished by 1681...its extinction directly attributed to careless people who wiped out the entire Dodo population. "Dodo" also comes from Portugese doudo meaning "fool" or "crazy." That's probably closer to the explanation as to why I appreciate them so much...

In case you're interested, I did manage to find (1) decent blog dedicated to the Dodo: http://www.dodo.blog.br/ . It sure remains true to its cause..."it's gone the way of the dodo" - since the last post was on October 19, 2007...how perfect.

Currently reading : The Annotated Alice: The Definitive Edition By Lewis Carroll

12:48 AM - 4 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Life is messy…Clean it up!
Current mood: dirty
Category: Blogging

Nobody likes a mess. We desire everything to be clean, sparkling, fresh, and new. Why should we settle for less? We work hard, play hard, and think hard. Surely we deserve the best life has to offer! Are we truly willing to do anything we can to flawlessly maintain it?  Let us for a moment imagine that we have the full capability to keep things neat and clean. Would we permanently want it that way? Doesn't adversity make us stronger citizens?

We as humans have the ability to control our relationships, our jobs, and our mindsets amongst other conditions; but, how well do we cope when things get chaotic? Realistically, a number of relationships fail, we must compete hardcore for jobs we really want or need, and we replicate others to fit in and feel comfortable with our diverse unique selves. How do we clean up these potentially messy situations? Is there really a way to make others believe everything is fresh even when our lives at times demonstrate the direct opposite? Are we really just kidding ourselves? When does the disguise disappear? Should the façade continue for the cause of contagious clean? Is there some sort of mysterious guiding force pulling us towards an alluring spotless scenario? Does the idealistic perception of clean ironically make us feel and act so messy?

I find myself asking equivalent questions over and over again. The more I try to understand people, the less I care for the way they handle messy situations. Ignoring the problem doesn't make it go away. Avoiding matters and pretending everything is fine makes it even worse. Phony smiles, sarcastic laughter, and tense body language radiate the state of disarray. Yet, the masses continue to make a sheer mess…all in the pursuit of cleanliness.

It is unavoidable. Life.is.messy! Inevitably, we must acknowledge the acrid and embrace it in order to objectively circumvent and handle life's tedious obstacles. Sri Sathya Sai Baba, an Indian Spiritual Leader, once said: "You cannot be fresh and feeling fine, wearing a washed vest under an unwashed shirt; or, an unwashed vest over a washed shirt. Both have to be clean, to provide a sense of tingling joy. So too outer and inner cleanliness is but the reflection of the inner achievement." I'm willing to bet that, like the rest of us, he stepped into a lot of muddy water along his way…the difference is…are we also willing to uncover a perfect lotus rising from the muck?

Copyright ©2008 Sarah B. Paquette

12:06 PM - 8 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

Pictures Worth 1,000 Words
Current mood: enlightened
Category: Writing and Poetry

7:51 AM - 3 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Cycle
Current mood: disappointed
Category: Writing and Poetry

Intense Anticipation.

Apprehension.

Hope.

Familiar Feeling.

Unwarranted.

Unwanted.

Emergent Pain.

Strain.

Reluctance.

Blood Drop.

Denial.

Disappointment.

Silent Struggle.

Smile.

Cope.

Inward Flow.

Solemn.

Swear.

Start Over.

Wait.

See.

Intense Anticipation.

Apprehension.

Hope.

Familiar Feeling.

Unwarranted.

Unwanted.

Emergent Pain.

Strain.

Reluctance.

Blood Drop.

Denial.

Disappointment.

Silent Struggle.

Smile.

Cope.

Inward Flow.

Solemn.

Swear.

Start Over.

Wait.

See.

Intense Anticipation.

Apprehension.

Hope.

Copyright ©2008 Sarah B. Paquette

12:36 PM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Green Turns Red
Current mood: annoyed
Category: Blogging

I've been supporting the revolutionary green movement for countless years. It seems utterly ridiculous to me that the masses are only recently becoming appropriately aware through hepped-up media hype to the potential deadly environmental impact our invasive carbon footprint is leaving on this delicate planet. I say this planet as an alternative to our planet because truly we belong to the earth, not the other way around. The ignorant mentality that the "earth belongs to us" really put our society in this detrimental situation in the first place. For example, the next time you're out for a drive, count how many cigarette butts you see chucked out of car windows. These folks don't want the stinky cancer stick odor in their car, so they feel free to toss it. Out of sight, out of mind. It's the same situation with recyclable aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles, day old newspapers, and even that insignificant light bulb that wastes valuable energy while it is left on. Most do not give the whereabouts of these common items a second thought.

Of course it's wonderful that pop celebrities like Al Gore and Leonardo DiCaprio have been placing a familiar face to the planetary cause. I mean why not? The general public seems to relate to them and take what they pronounce as gospel truth. Eco-fashion's sustainable style is only now becoming trendy since Christie Brinkley and Cameron Diaz dared to be different. Hollywood A-listers are driving to the red carpet in high-performance electric cars. The growing movement to go green became even more apparent to me when our local supermarkets started selling reusable market bags, emblazoned with their over-sized corporate logo, for less than $2.00 per bag. Of course the bags are mass-produced in Chinese sweatshop factories…but their eco-friendly hearts are in the right place, correct?

Nature will take care of itself. The earth has a history of warming and cooling, we're just in the heating phase again. What's one candy wrapper? If they sell it at the grocery store, it must be acceptable to eat. I hear these lame excuses more often than I take notice of people attempting to reverse their routine mindset that one person can't make a difference on an enormous technological and industrial world. It's frustrating and a completely bogus belief system, but it's there and I accept it…yet, I still continue to do what I do. To me, it's 2^nd nature to think green. Anyone can do it really. A little common sense goes a really long way…

Anyway, what prompts me to write this particular earth-conscious tome? I was selected to be interviewed for a "green finds" blog and quite frankly my tree-green outlook suddenly shifted to blood- red anger when the post went live. While I should be grateful for the widespread internet acknowledgment, I feel its exposure is more of a hindrance than a help. Once again, I've been duped to believe that illogical set viewpoints are changing towards the betterment of the planet, especially amongst those who claim to be environmentally conscious.

6:42 AM - 4 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Boob Tube
Current mood: cynical
Category: Blogging

Let me start out by saying that we only get (28) channels. None of them are premium, all of them are crap. (2) of those stations are somewhat interesting at certain times of the day especially the outlandish outfits, spastic dancing, heavy makeup, and perfectly sprayed hairstyles, however, I don't speak Spanish so the jokes are always lost on me. Maybe the fuzzy logic of black and white humming snow screens will conjure spirits. I know their continual blurry invasion drives me to drink.

We searched high and low for the perfect set to fit our talking picture needs. It is so large and heavy that it makes the shelving it sets upon creak and pop...but at least it fits into the unit's empty space. The screen is flat. Our stereo speakers are hooked up to it for better sound. We pay our cable bill on time. My brain is usually fried at the end of the day so by routine, I flip aimlessly through the stations for distraction when I'm too drained to do much else. The alluring televisions' considerable blank face beckons: "Turn me on, feel the love. Loneliness dissipates. Meet different people. Explore unchartered territory. Buy something."  I'll submit to its careless whimsy. I digress…

Without fail, it's repeatedly a hit or miss. Is it really too much to ask for decent television programming these days? I want this expensive flashing box to inspire me, perhaps educate me. Goddammit, amuse me! Please, please no more Seinfeld re-runs! We've seen them all One million Five Hundred and Eighty-Two times already. No soup for you. No gratifying entertainment for me. Contrary to popular belief, everybody does NOT love Raymond. Holy shit. Some corporate schmuck actually thought it would be a GOOD idea to develop a sitcom after those dreadful cavemen from those stupid insurance commercials. Come to think of it, a horde of vapid scantily clad women vying for some wealthy English bloke's affection is certainly not my personal preference for visual delight either. Speaking of skimpy bathing suit beauty school drop-outs, did I really catch George W. Bush on Deal or No Deal the other night? Those damn government cronies have really done it now. Which public relations employee thought that our president should guest star, and even worse, waste valuable time?! This country is going to hell in a hand basket (and I don't even know what that phrase really means). Shouldn't the general public be outraged that the commander-in-chief, who has our country in a complete shambles (due to his lack of any judgment), set his schedule to spew ridiculous propaganda on one of the most mindless game shows ever?! Then again, who cares about horrific unprecedented warfare, starving Armenians, or sky-rocketing gasoline prices? I choose case 2! I want my MTV…on demand! I robot, You idiot.

There have been more times than I care to admit where I have completely wasted my precious astigmatism eyesight on highly publicized Hollywood churned-out garbage. Is this really what Zworykin and Farnsworth had envisioned for their innovative invention? My head aches when incessant commercials scream at me to buy a used car that I can't afford due to obscene petroleum costs (thanks again, Mr. Bush), to tell my doctor about a new-fangled drug which has a tendency to induce compulsive gambling, or to promote yet another monotonous lawyer or doctor spin off. I demand quality, not quantity! I expect respect for my intellect. I change the channel.

Another blessed day will go by in the entertainment industry. Some new kid on the block with a fresh outlook on life and brilliantly crafted ideas will submit his or her well-written ingenious manuscript for immediate consideration and be bumped for sterile, senseless, mind-boggling chum because it's apparently what the masses prefer, which in turn, is what the advertising industry craves. Our asses are getting bigger and our brains flaccid. Our superior intelligence is compromised daily. Yet, we still sit and do nothing. I shouldn't be surprised. More dead people cast votes in our national elections than able-bodied folks go outside to appreciate sunny daylight hours.

Let's face it. There is nothing worthwhile enough on television that supersedes a life experience, a loving gesture, a passing thought, or a simple breath of fresh air. Like taxes, the master Sets to which we are slave-driven, aren't going away. They persistently wait, summon, and bitch. We absorbedly sit, watch, and conform. It's a repetitive cycle that makes my head spin from disgust. Regular scheduled programming has us, well, programmed.

As common drones in the working world, we put in our 8 hours, speed home in our oversized SUVs and minivans, sit down, zone out,  turn on, tune out, and consume another frozen bland TV dinner in front of the flashing boob tube. Ironically, maybe we'll get lucky and some unsuspecting female will accidentally flash their tit on camera. Tyra Banks may possibly reveal what not to wear this season since green is the new black sort of like Drew Carey is the new Bob Barker. Did you know that Joan Rivers has discovered the fountain of youth? Britney bears all including her corporeal suffering (oops, did I mean corporate?) soul…again. Ashley Simpson tweaks her beak. There's a slight chance Anne Heche's alter ego Celestia will come forward - live in front of a studio audience! Snoop Dogg is singing on Ameriscam Idol. Oh joy! Perhaps Oprah can convince a serial rapist to convert to Buddhism. Afterall, the greatest quality is seeking to serve others. The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything. The venerable Zen master Atisha said that. Madonna clarified. We believe.

OK. I've done enough complaining about our square-ish best friend. I'm really no better than the rest. I still do not know how my book ends and it's been 6 months. I stare at violent criminal activity on the news even though it makes me feel depressed and useless. I've become complacent and an honorary member of the mechanical. (28) cable channels, most of which are a waste of time, but I'll surf through them anyway, just in case. What you see is what you usually get…absolutely nothing; however, televised blather has me hooked and hoping for more...

...but enough about me...Let's get on with the show! Baa!

Copyright ©2008 Sarah B. Paquette

11:48 AM - 7 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

Happy Earth Day from Moondrop Clothiers and The Conscious Child!
Current mood: peaceful
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping

Celebrate Earth Day (April 22nd) Everyday at

Moondrop Clothiers  and The Conscious Child !

Yay, Planet Earth!

8:35 AM - 3 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Wonderlust: Written In the State of Just Because
Current mood: loved
Category: Romance and Relationships

Wonder what it would be like to wake from a sound sleep and not think of you first thing. Tense arms outstretched, tired eyes damp with morning tears, deep smile on my face from anticipation of a brand new day. You are always there on my mind.

Wonder if the anxious butterflies fluttering around the inside of my juicy stomach will ever disappear when I walk through our front door and take notice of your musical voice. The carefree melodic sounds capture my heart and surrender my soul each and every time they reach the delicate drums of my all-too-eager ears. You are always there on my mind.

Wonder what this life would be like if you were not in it. My eyes capture the very essence of you daily. Up and down, I quietly observe the way your body moves, the aging lines of your face, and the wild stray hairs that seem to have a mind of their own. A tender gaze becomes routine. You are the epitome of beauty. You are always there on my mind.

Wonder if I will ever be able to think straight, love another unconditionally, or release the strong building tension ever again. My brain cannot escape the alluring daydreams. I hesitate to prevent their illusion from grabbing hold of all sensible thought processes in fear that I will shake this passionate feeling from its core. I'm never willing to let it go. You are always there on my mind.

Wonder if continuous imaginings of our future will ever manifest themselves into reality as I am not strong enough to believe otherwise. What remarkable happenstance brought us together? I've become a laborer for your love. You've become an integral part of my life having a lasting effect without even realizing it. You are always there on my mind.

Wonder where your divine inspiration will lead me. Always standing strong against the callous winds, you dispel any worries that conjure fear or frustration. I'm frequently amazed by your innate ability to endure despite any circumstance. My creative side is encouraged by fully aroused senses which were seemingly dead to the world until you. You are always there on my mind.

Wonders never cease. My wondrous husband, my mind and heart are always there with you.

Copyright ©2008 Sarah B. Paquette

1:49 PM - 8 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

Dali’s Flight of Fancy
Current mood: imaginative
Category: Dreams and the Supernatural

One day it will have to be officially admitted that what we have christened reality is an even greater illusion than the world of dreams.

::: Salvador Dali :::

Currently reading : The Secret Life of Salvador Dali By Salvador Dali Release date: 03 March, 1993

5:31 AM - 5 Comments - 9 Kudos - Add Comment