Applying Some Wisdom-Goodbye Facebook!

  I was working on some drawings of Owls for my February day planner pages to support the theme "Be Wise".  It was during the cathartic peace of scratching out the birds on my tablet that I decided I needed to apply some wisdom and remove things from my life that  I believe have become detractors- starting with Facebook.  I realized, for me, it is not only a significant time waster, but also that  it wasn't adding much benefit or happiness to my life these days. 

 To avoid any conjecture as to my rationale, I am providing the three primary reasons,detailed below. 

1)      I miss my friends! What used to be a fun way to connect with friends is now a platform where I hardly ever see friends!  Yes, you can change some settings to see specific friends (which I have repeatedly, not to mention the options are ever changing), but there is no setting to see ALL of my friends.  I am forced to choose who I want to see the most, and I think that defeats the purpose, don't you? I don't want Facebook picking who they think I should see after I choose the maximum allotted 30 friends--that is absurd!

Too much garbage, propaganda and hate!  

a.       GARBAGE: “You won’t believe what this grandma did!”  “This woman caught her husband cheating.  You won’t believe what happens next!”  This kind of sensationalized "news/entertainment" media nonsense, fake/subjective/biased news, and business promo spam clog up my feed in lieu of friends which is completely antagonistic to the reason why I'm on Facebook to begin with.

      b.       PROPAGANDA: I am tired of the talking heads, the multiple “experts”, and social media voices attempting to persuade me to believe nonsense. I want to be informed by real data, real information--not a person with an opinion, politician, doctor, lawyer, activist, news anchor, show host, YouTuber, celebrity, etc. as to what I should think and why, while rebuking me if I feel differently or question them.  I believe I will be better informed if I take the time to research the facts rather than waste my time on Facebook listening to someone spew partial or biased facts.  Don't get me wrong, I feel they have every right to do so-- i just don't want it in my feed which is not an option as it stands. 

      c.      HATE: The rally cry of the day seems to be tolerance, but I have never seen more intolerance in my lifetime than I have the last few years, and especially in 2020. I have friends of all walks of life, across the political spectrum, with varying religions, and all kinds of opinions. As such I have seen friends post something only to be shredded in comments in the most vile and disgusting ways. People are very vocal in stating their position "Only idiots refuse to wear a mask!"  "Paranoid people wear masks!" "Trump supporters are stupid and uneducated" "Biden supporters are progressive morons!"  This kind of discourse is not productive, makes mass assertions on people groups without conversation and closes the door to reasoning with each other.  This behavior is also promulgated in the aforementioned propaganda. Tolerance in the 2020’s seems to have veered from the "Power of endurance; act of enduring; toleration;- feeling habit or practice of bearing with and not seeking to coerce those whose opinions, actions, etc., differ from our own; indulgence”1 to an excuse to viciously castigate those who do not agree with what one believes should be tolerated vice not tolerated. It is too easy for anyone, me included, to get caught up in the these virtual exchanges. However, attempts at  reasoning always fail when the conversation quickly turns hyper-emotional as is the case with many comment threads. I want no part of the hate.

Censorship vice Freedom of Speech!  There are people I know, people I follow, businesses I like and ministries I support that have all been censored for the most idiotic of reasons over the last several years. What is happening now with the calls and rampant acceptance of technology leaders, media, and politicians to determine what is and is not allowable, and who should and should not be allowed to use their services is eerily similar to the propaganda and censorship campaign in 1930’s Germany (you can read a brief description here: https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/nazi-propaganda-and-censorship.) I don’t like a lot of what people say, but the right to protect people’s ability to say it is important and I denounce those who make light of that freedom by assuming they are the arbiters for what “free speech” means.  By controlling what people see and hear and consistently curating data to the individual, they limit the conversation of opposing thoughts. Take Pinterest for example.  When it started, you would see all kinds of amazing things, some you never thought of or saw before,  that encouraged you to broaden your horizons. Now, if I look at a picture of a turtle, I see tons of turtles in my home feed.  I have to manually go through clicking antics to NOT see turtles.  While a silly example, this kind of curation when it comes to social culture lessens one’s view of the world, social entities, people groups, opinions, and experiences until folks begin to believe that what they are seeing is the norm, majority, and expectation--everyone loves turtles, apparently.  Anything outside of this virtual bubble can soon seem unusual and possibly negative. How much more polarized have we become this last decade?  I firmly believe one contributor is the curation-induced microcosms that technology giants have forced on their users.

        I will miss my friends for sure, but the sad truth is, I don't really see you much anyways the way things work now. Facebook no longer brings me happiness, but instead incites more aggravation, frustration, and headaches. I will be closing my account down Jan 23^rd to allow me to get things in order. If you want to stay in touch, drop me a line. I am sure there are better ways to maintain our friendship!

1 1871 The Cabinet Dictionary of the English Language

Chipper Little Cheeper

Another dreary day today, and even as I feel better getting over a spring cold, I think the weather has taken me down.  After waking up feeling pretty good, I ended up running out of steam.  So I thought, what better way to rejuvinate the sunshine in my spirit then with a colorful little birdie?  I admit, I didn't spend much time on him...still a tad worn out.  Hoping one more night of cold medicine and I'll be like new.  We shall see...

In any case, enjoy the little cheeper!

"I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine." Ps 50:11

In A Sweater

It seems appropriate to post this blog today, since it is soooo cold!  It was 12° this am, and tonight we are expecting a low of 3°!

I have already posted my Bird In A Sweater, and then my Bundled Birdie in late December.  You may recall the story...my teenage son teased me about a figurine of a bird in a sweater I admired (and ultimately bought), so I told him in his honor I would be doodling anything in a sweater for a while. I always seem to revert back to animals-maybe because they are cute. But who knows, maybe I'll do something ridiculous at some point, like a potato in a sweater, a hammer in a sweater... yeah, maybe I'll just stick to animals.

In any case, today I give you two more sweatered critters!  Say hello to Bunny In A Sweater and Dog In a Sweater. Both of these guys, along with my over-clothed birdies, will be on display at an Art Expo being held at work.  But, for those who won't get to see it there, here you go!

I came across a cute pic of a lop eared bunny, and thought he would be adorable in a sweater.  So, with some artistic license, I "cutified" him even more than he was and gave him a giant, cozy sweater.

This little guy was doodled during a staff meeting! Before you think I was goofing off, please know - I really was paying attention! I think better when I doodle sometimes, and I relax more. You know, when God created everything, the Bible says He rested on the 7th day. Not because He was tired, but because He was setting an example. I can relate to that, in a way. Doodling in pencil is cathartic for me, as opposed to other mediums I am experimenting with that I am not yet as comfortable with. Take for example this Owl, No Sweater, Just Flowers. 

This was my first real watercolor attempt last summer.  It was a lot of fun, but definitely not what I would call relaxing...maybe more exciting,or challenging, as I tried to understand the medium better. But it was not as restful as gently scratching a pencil on a piece of paper and watching as things begin to take shape.  

By the way, Mr. Owl will also debut in the Art Expo, my only submission without a sweater!  I know, I know...he must be cold!

What is it that helps you to unwind?

Stay warm!

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable." Isaiah 40:28

A Peaceful New Year

As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a happy and blessed New Year!  May you have peace and joy in 2019.

Here is another bird in a sweater to welcome Winter. God bless!

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 

Isaiah 26:3 ESV

The Gift

I have a ton of Christmas movies that I haven't watched in years.  Each year Christmas comes so quickly, I generally only watch the ones that are "must-sees" to make the holiday, i.e. Christmas Vacation, Elf, Charlie Brown Christmas, and of course, my Christmas Eve Tradition-the Muppet Christmas Carol.

Today was a leisurely day for the family, and as everyone else was preoccupied doing what they do, I set out to watch my movies as I got some things done.  The lineup included some titles such as the Pink Panther Christmas, Nestor the Long Eared Donkey, the Grinch who Stole Christmas, A Fruitcake Christmas, Kung Fu Panda Christmas, The Nativity, and this one here, as I sat doodling.  Fancy a guess?

Ok, so this one is a yearly one for me-The Year Without a Santa Claus. I love the Miser Brothers...cracks me up.

It is true that Jesus wasn't born in December and that Christmas has pagan origins.  Even so, our family celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas.  And, as Christian traditions has it, the Nativity story is in many of the Christmas movies I watched.

I love the storytelling, but I often think about how I would tell the story if I were to make the movie...

For starters, I would modify how the Angels are depicted. When Angels appeared in the Bible,  they were normally depicted as male warriors that would drop the most strong and devout men to their knees in fear!  So, instead of a glowing dude in a bedsheet, I would have a warrior in glistening armor of supernatural proportions. Gabriel tells both Zechariah and Mary to not be afraid.  I think they would be more fearful of a warrior than a docile dude in a bedsheet, don't you?

Mary always seems to be depicted as a little too solemn, too unemotional for my taste. I would probably have her be a bit more realistic in her emotional portrayal.  After all, she was a young girl, dealing with a very extraordinary situation in difficult times. How many young girls, let alone women, do you know that convey no emotions?

I would also make the Magi have an entourage.  Unlike common interpretation, there is no mention of 3 wise men, just 3 gifts.  The Magi were Persian elite and would have traveled with a large contingent to likely include a company of guards and servants.

Given that Herod inquired about the timing of the star, and his decision to have all boys 2 and under killed, I am inclined to believe that the Magi visit would come later when the Lord was a toddler.  I can accept the fact that God led them to the Lord by the same star supernaturally. Or, maybe they did make the journey in anticipation of the star. I'm really not sure...  In any case, I would modify the scene to not have the crowd of shepherds, magi, etc standing there staring at the Lord all at the same time. And I would have the Magi leave their entourage on the outskirts of town as they ventured in via the guidance of the star in the darkness, because if they had all come through I am pretty sure the whole town would have woken up and came out to see what was going on.

I'm sure I would make some other artistic changes, but those are the main ones.  Not that it makes a difference.  I don't plan on making a movie anytime soon.  I prefer doodling.  My doodle on-and-off tonight is below.  The TRUE gift of Christmas.  God bless you, and Merry Christmas!

"For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder,

    and his name shall be called[e]

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Is 9:6, ESV

Bird in a Sweater

It has been way too long since I last posted.  I think I shall resolve to remedy that.

So I was shopping with my son at Target, and I saw this adorable figurine of a bird in a sweater.  Mind you, I already had one I bought last year during the holiday season.  When I saw they had different birdies, I picked up two more.  My son, of course, saw this as an opportunity to chide me on what he perceived as my "thing" for birds in sweaters.  It quickly progressed to ornaments in a sweater, and cups in sweaters, etc.

While I lounged on the deck of the cruise ship last week enjoying the sun, ocean breeze, and fruity drink, I decided to paint a bird in a sweater, in honor of my son.  Maybe he is onto something....maybe I should start doodling up things in sweaters.  Could be fun!

In any case, here is my bird in a sweater done on pretty inexpensive Strathmore multimedia paper, with a travel watercolor pallet and travel brush.  Here you can see the finished birdie, and the stages leading up to it courtesy of the hubby.

“If you have two coats, give one away..." Luke 3:11a Msge

Kicks with Oswald

"So the last will be first, and the first last.” Matthew 20:16, ESV

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was Walt Disney's first major character.  Unfortunately, Disney did not ensure the copyright of the character, and rather than renew Disney's contract due to the cartoon's success, they kept the character and ditched Disney's studio.  Disney acquired the rights for Oswald in 2006 from Universal by trading Al Michaels to NBC Universal to team with John Madden again calling Sunday Night Football.

My son feels Oswald has been slighted, and favors him over Mickey.  I think that is pretty cool, that he roots for the underdog.  I decided to paint myself some kicks in prep for our winter Disney cruise.  Isn't Oswald Lucky?

Please, God, bless!

Camel Cutie

Finished my camel...took a few weeks longer than planned.  Looking forward now to a long weekend.  :)

"The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus;" Is 35:1, ESV

Please, God, bless!

Cello on the Beach

Last weekend I wanted to go to the beach, but everyone thought it was too far for a day trip.  So, boo...no sand for me.  Still experimenting with drawing digital pictures.  I liked this picture of a man playing his cello on the street, and thought it would be fun if he was playing to the birds. 

You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments. 

Amos 6:5                

 

            

 

Shade Shroom

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."

Psalm 91:1 ESV    

    

Another day, another software.  This time it's Photoshop Elements 15.  Definitely has more oomph to it.  Much better color selection, and a wide variety of brushes.  I guess I was boring, I only used 4 or so.  In any case, I think I like this...no switching pencils, sharpening, and it is definitely faster than layering pencil...which is my only gripe about colored pencils..I seem to lose interest after a few weeks on one drawing.  And the best part....NO SCANNING!