It is most difficult to try and explain the difference of where the inspiration comes from when trying to compare an athlete and an artist when talking about drugs in a generic manner. You ask, “how come an artist is accepted when he/she uses mind altering substances to increase or enhance the creative process, but an athlete is condemned for using body enhancing drugs to enhance performance?” I don’t know, but it seems like two separate categories to me. I think maybe if you were to take a cultural twist and all artists such as songwriters only competed directly with each other; say *every* song is written by artists in competition with each other at an auditorium, to be judged fit to be performed *before* it can be performed, *then* perhaps mind altering substances would be frowned on or banned for artists such as songwriters. Until then, it’s like comparing apples and oranges.

As it is, an artist’s work stands separate from the artist most of the time, especially when talking about something like songwriting. It is that work of art that is accepted or rejected on it’s own merits, not the state of mind that the artist wanted to be in when he/she created the work.

Once you use the word “soul” you have to remember that no one can lose it. You just have to say, “Damn! I wish I hadn’t found out!”

Hi Ms. Mack:

I love as much as I can.

The Jade Ruby

I feel like going off topic here, so I’ll post about one of my favs, dreaming. . .

I think that a lot of people have yet to enter the vast dialog that is available to us in our dreams. Some are used to just dismissing this time of alteration of consciousness that most people experience each and every time they sleep. With so much in the way of Western scientific empiricism, lots of people think that dreams are mostly to be ignored. But what of the ancients? Is it such that we can say it’s just that they weren’t privy to our new information, so they really had no clue about what is going on in the brain? Or could it be that indeed, without all our fancy equipment they still found. . . (sound of a gong).

Well, listen up! Today, yes we have new information and new technology, and what that does is give us an even greater chance to see (heh) that there is much more going on in the brain that starts to delve into places where many folks fear to tread. You can find out that the inner worlds hold a vast reservoir of information that has yet to be tapped for our own use as we manipulate our physical environment in the pursuits of happiness, fulfillment, joy, contentment, and wholeness.

It seems to me that even without attempting to fathom the mysteries of our creation that may lie deep within the consciousness just waiting to be touched, smelled, and tasted, there still is the simple matter (heh) of the simple pleasures associated with developing dreamscapes– finding out that entire universe who resides in the Grey matter.

I see that even the venerable Paulist Press has published a work on dreams called, “Dreams and Spiritual Growth, A Christian Approach to Dreamwork” (1984). This book on dream methodology is aimed at both the layperson *and* the religious, to tap into God’s call to the individual and the community. My personal favorite is Stephen LaBerge’s, “Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming,” where he gives information on how to use the best dreamwork techniques based on 20 years of dream research at Stanford University. His latest work, “Lucid Dreaming: A Concise Guide to Awakening in Your Dreams and in Your Life” even contains a CD with dream induction sessions.

So yes, science has followed in the footsteps of the ancients in attempting to unlock the potential hidden in the brain, and revealed by dreams. What about you? Have you taken a sincere look at your own dreams lately?

Thanks IreneT.

Actually one of the best sources of inspiration for one to step up and attempt to create art, is to tap into the dreams. Be it painting, music, acting, fiction, poetry, dramatic or comedy screenplays; dreams are mostly untapped by our artists and hobbyists as LaBerge describes in his advice to professionals.

I see that Smallville was nominated for an Emmy in “Outstanding Sound Editing For A
Series”. My hats off to Michael Crabtree and Al Gomez, Foley Artists.

state of the art

All of the rampant individualism in Western culture, combined with the miracles of technologies that brings us the freedom to possess such a marvelous variety of objects, has lead to a slippage in our abilities to commune with each other. There is a widespread tendency to want to “be on top” in this climate of competition for goods, and people’s Souls.

What takes hold of a person to have the desire to scream their “superiority” over someone else, yet go away to little fulfillment in the Life that they are trying to live on their own? How come?

Is it even possible to have a conversation without a constant jockeying for superiority? Yes? No?

What about the future? Are you going to be obsessed with dominating the Jones? Or are you ready to look at the life of your (gasp) grandchildren’s grandchildren? When is it that you are going to want to save the other guy instead of beating him/her down for that oh so momentary pleasure?

Hello Beth,

Journaling is always a good idea for oneself. I’ve kept a journal, and used it regularly off and on for years, depending on my mood. Even if I don’t keep up with it daily, I seldom leave home without it, I have it on me right now.

In her book, “The Artist’s Way,” Julia Cameron suggests journaling 3 pages every morning. Though at this point in time I don’t feel like making daily entries, I found that morning is a very good idea for a journaling time, and when I am at my peak for journaling daily, that is when I prefer; though I don’t find myself adamant about generating 3 pages daily no matter my mood as Cameron suggests. So go for it!

Take care,
The Jade Ruby

Blogging or not, I hope you have a good time on Sunday Allison.