When The Winds Of Change Blow, Some People Build Walls And Others Build Windmills. Which Do You Do?

Well, I take a prescription opioid that puts me in a good mood. Then I pack up and leave for vacation with my wife and a few of our dogs to the NorthWoods of Wisconsin. Here I am leaving town.

Good luck with that, Robert.

I love and embrace change, although it can be a little frightening. I love leaving what is behind just there, behind. I look at change as growth or birth.

Good point, Phyllis. My 'comfort zone' is, sometimes, not easy to expand or break out of. Probably because of all the changes I've been through! Lol. I need the time out. But, yes, you are right to 'love & embrace' the changes! Have a wonderful night.

Accept the things I cannot change. Change the things I can and be wise in knowing the difference. I don't use RX to deal with life. I think god offers us each day gifts to deal with life. The words from a friend. a picture from FAA....etc..

I'm always about changing my life for the better, L C, as well as learning to accept the changes 'made' for me. We are given many 'gifts', in many forms, to help us make it through the inevitable changes that occur, yes. Some are better able to weather the storms of life, for whatever reasons...and to that, I believe we are here to love, learn & help each other share the burdens...as well as the joys of this life & beyond.

I'm all for tradition and Eternal art.Like earth,stone,wind,fire,water.Eternal sunset

I assume u mean changes beyond your control that may seem to just happen to u....yes once those changes have occurred its done. Love also comes in many forms. When we are not equipped there are resources that are. My dog is always happy and always ready to sit with me for hours. I am lucky he is so much more equipped than I and unlimited in his offer. My neighbor is equipped with an uncanny ability to make me laugh. Surely she doesn't plan it nor even knows the richness of her gift to me. Her timing is impeccable. She just pops over and I laugh away a stressful moment. I don't have control over any of this yet it occurs and I can choose to let these little gifts from god help. But you are right its less likely that a million dollars will blow in my life to save the day. However there really are people out there who own these millions and more options are out there for them.

drop any notions of control....we are never really in or out of control....stuff is just happening.

I go and fly my kite.

.



..............................I LIKE TO WATCH ......................................=initial reaction....

EDIT.....15 hours later........


.
Although, I can see how this flippancy might have annoyed you, Brooks, it is the viewpoint from my thoughtful perspective of a long life, well lived, during which the joy was/is always ....choice.....to change what can be changed, if so desired. I now do also see the great inevitability of much life offers.....and the graciousness to accept the inevitable, without self-pity.

I'm with Dean!

I'm not sure which I am--because I am that big bag of wind that does the blowing--in all directions, a bursting bag of hot air. So beware!

Right now, the Universe is pushing hard against me. Consequently, I'm having to make changes that I wouldn't normally choose for myself, just to maintain an even keel.

Life always changes, in one direction or the other. The only alternative to change is death; and I'm not ready to lie down and play dead . . . yet. Building windmills is my only option. Good thing I love windmills!

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/wendy-stchristopher.html?tab=artworkgalleries&artworkgalleryid=231878 (To quote my pal Vivian, "blatant!") ;-)

Somebody once said:

" Life is what happens when you are busy making plans "

I can't remember who said that, but it is quite true.

Edit: It may have been Anthony Quinn in an old black and white movie about people in Greece.
Then he threw a dinner plate down onto the floor and began to dance.

Hi Brooks, I know what you are talking about...have been having a lot of that myself lately and don't like it all that much. All I can do is go with the flow...have a pity party here and there...and try to focus on what I DO like about it. What Mel said..." Life is what happens when you are busy making plans " ...so this too will change.

Invite me to your next party, Val; I could use the company! ;-)

Hi Val! Good to hear from you...and, like you [and Wendy!], I have a lot of my plate right now, as well, thus the [main] reason for posting the topic. I, too, am like the windmill, for the most part. You are right, what choice do we have...and 'this, too, shall pass' is what I say a LOT. However, we all know those who dig their heels in, build walls for protection and/or don't want to grow, learn or 'change'. I can, and do, have that mindset from time to time, as well, mostly because I need time to assimilate the changes...or a little R & R from all the changes! Lol. I'm with Wendy, would welcome an invite to your next party, pity or not!

Well, Mel, I do know John Lennon once said 'Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." But, perhaps, there was another was before him? However, thanks for the Anthony Quinn outtake. His attitude works for me...toss the dish & dance! Thanks for your comments, btw!

Wendy, you are so right. It can be difficult to just let go of what we know and, well, venture 'into the mystic', as Van Morrison once said. I'm a windmill lover, too...some are lovely to watch, plus they create good energy! Good to hear from you. Hope you have a wonderful day. Mine is a bit less bumpy & grind-y today, which is a welcomed relief.

Kenneth, I will be on the look out for those gusts of hot air! Thanks for the warning. Have a great day.

P.S. I knew the word 'control' might get to some, but let's not get 'stuck' on that. We actually DO have some control over certain things in our lives, one being how we deal with change...or answer this question! Lol. But, yes, yes, of course, there's a lot more that we don't control. So, what I'm talking about [here] is how we deal with it. See the original description.

here is a favorite quote of mine by Jimmy Dean "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."
These are such simple words with a big meaning.

Love that, Darice! Good to hear from you. Simple can be the most profound!

I am lucky that I have my wife, my former wife and my gal pal (bird photographer) along with my lady doctors to help me thru the days and nites. hmmmmm, hey, thanks ladies, U all rock.

You are blessed to be surrounded by love, Robert! I'm guessing the women in your life are grateful that you are grateful. We can't do it all, all by ourselves, though some of us try! 'It takes a village', to borrow a quote from another awesome woman. Lucky you, having SO many loved ones, of the female persuasion, close at hand!

Greetings Brooks, it just so happens I have missed your inspiring forum, how true is that, " Some People Build Walls And Others Build Windmills" I think honestly if I had to answer on the spot I try to live life to the fullest. Its not all sugar coatings you have to add a bit of spice and pazazzzzzz! Dazzle is an ideal word. I live every second, minute, hour and day and manufacture memories and turn them into dreams, I climb pyramids, I achieve to the max and if I fail I pick myself right back up and climb and scale to higher levels, as the say "the sky is the limit", I actually put them the memories in a pocket and pull them out on a rainy day.

From this New Orleans native to another
Thank you and cheers,
Michael Hoard


Wowzzzzzzzza,it was a pleasure to view your vibrant and masterful gallery with your personal signature processed in each and every photo. Your flora photos are in my words simplistic elegance!

Michael, most folks would love to share your enthusiasm [another ideal word!] for life and the changes it brings. What a wonderful way to go about your days, making each second count & transforming memories into dreams. 'Dazzle' is a wonderful word, yes. And, pulling out those pocketfuls of memories must serve you well, as there are lots of 'rainy days' in our beloved New Orleans! Great to hear from you. Cheers!

P.S. Michael, honored by your most kind & generous words re my gallery! I, too, am enjoying my stroll through yours! Wonderful to connect. Hope you're having one of those 'be-dazzling' sort of days! It 'easy' to make that happen when in New Orleans.

Hi Brooks,

Since there is SO little we are able to 'control', how do you handle the 'winds of change'?

I'd say one of the toughest winds to blow my way and is very much out of my control is when I learned I was allergic to paints. I had to make a decision to change to Digital and Photography or stop making art. I chose to keep making art. Although working with Digital Mixed Media limits me in some ways, it opens up infinite doors in others. From my perspective, I'd rather go with the most looked down upon media than stop making art. The years in-between when I did nothing, felt like I was out of sync. Don't know if that makes sense or not, but there it is.

Makes perfect sense to me, Roseann, as I too have struggled with a 'sensitivity' to [my] paints...and even pastels. I did have to hide them away, and give some away, ironically, right in the middle of creating an exhibit called the 'Healing Energy of Color'! Go figure. There are still scads of unfinished canvases strewn about the studio begging for [my] attention. It was during that time that I really immersed myself in photography & poetry...and ended-up publishing two collections of the latter combined with some b & w photography. So, 'where there's a will, there's a way'!
I've learned, after some trial & error, that I can work with my paints [had to buy new supplies!] for a few hours at a time, with a few days in-between, outside on my back deck. I don't have a garage, but one w/good ventilation or an outside space/deck, screened or not, might be an option. It helps keep things in 'workable' for me, at this juncture. Thankfully, I created a large body of work before the allergies hit, so am now trying to make that count, as in getting monetary reward for all my labor[s] via prints & the like, or selling the originals after I obtain hi res images of.
Like you, I also moved into the digital art arena. So, you are NOT alone...and, as artistes, we seem to always find ways to create...something! You are right, that is a BIG life change...and you have weathered it well. I'm happy you found an avenue of expression that suits you, even if it does 'limit' you somewhat! Blessings, B.

Hi Brooks,

I think the biggest change I've gone through recently is not feeling so tied to my creativity. Sounds strange, right? Yet, the older I get the more satisfied I become. I'm looking at my moments in a different way. Instead of jumping up for the camera when I see outside elements forming something special, I'd rather just sit and watch it unfold instead of recording it. It feels weird, but really good also. It's a new door to go through and see where it takes me. :-)

Doesn't sound 'strange' to me, Kelley. Good to hear from you, btw. Lately, I have been doing a similar thing. Still seeing those 'snap shots' everywhere I look, framing them in my mind's eye, but I haven't picked up my camera for several weeks now. That's a first for me.
I have 'found myself' involved in other creative ways, though...and letting go of lots of 'stuff' in my life that once seemed so important, especially on the physical level. Makes me feel light & energetic when I do that.
Such a blessing to be able to 'sit & watch it unfold', though, those special moments you speak of. What a beautiful feeling, just being & seeing. 'Be still...and know', eh.

I lost all my canvases. They were in the attic at my parents house and the skylight had a leak. Destroyed them all. I still have pencils, but I didn't have the space for a table.I tried using a portable one, but without a proper surface, drawing is slow and a backache. Now that I have more space, I'm looking to see where I can fit a table.

Roseann, that must've been a nightmare, losing all your canvases! Sometimes, I think it would be freeing in a weird sort of way, but we put SO much of our heart & soul into our works of art that it's actually overwhelming for me to even think about it. Feel for you!
Yes, pencils, that might be workable when you find the right space. So important, finding the right space! I like lots of room to spread out...and a window with a view & some fresh air...and, well, I could keep going!
These days, I cannot sit for very long in certain positions, like leaning my head/back down/over, or I will feel the effects, and not in a good way. I spent many years sitting on the floor or hovering over my canvases that I very nearly 'broke my back'. After creating myriad pencil illustrations for an author's very lengthy book, some years ago, I have not touched a pencil since, as far as working. Seriously! So, I applaud you for making the effort...and wish you a lot of luck & success.

:-)

It was heartbreaking at the time, but you heal and you move forward.

No, I understand it, weird or not, it could be freeing, but I'd rather see you sell them. You'll get the freedom and someone else gets to appreciate the work. :-)

LOL Okay, so it's not just me who spreads out everywhere?

Went from an apartment approximately 1000 square feet to a house approximately 4000 square feet. I thought it was much less until I saw the appraisal. Large windows give me the fresh air and sunshine. Now if I could only prevent winter from coming.

I have to draw for a bit then move around, back and forth. I used to sit hunched over a pad.

A pleasantly odd way to learn how much you might have in common with someone.

Luck and success to you as well.

I learned ten years ago to not stress over money or work as much, spend more time with my kids, who are grown ups, and spend time with photography. I know it sounds clichéd but all you can do is do what makes you happy and be good to others. Cue the violins....lol

Roseann, yes, we meet under interestingly pleasant & similar circumstances! And, it's nice to know we the need to spread out in common! Lol. We do need our space, in more ways than one! Yes, winter is coming, around the bend. It's actually already chilly up here in southern OR, at least at night, and too quickly for me. Great to hear from you. Look forward to 'talking' again, sometime.

Okay, Karl, strings cued! Lol. You are one of the lucky ones to have learned 'early on' what is most important in life: family, doing what you love [for a living] & being kind to others. It sounds SO simple...and yet, many have such trouble doing just that. You have it 'made in the shade'.
Good luck with your own on-going discussion thread. Looks like it's still garnering a lot of attention & opinions, which you can expect via the 'community forum', especially re your topic. 'Everyone' wants to chime in!
Have a good day, Karl. Nice to 'meet' you.

there is change every day when you get up - nothing remains the same - some is more stressful than others - and other days are almost pure joy.

Our life - to this very minute - is all about the choices we have made, the friends, the work, the books we read, the music we listen to, the places we go - and who we hang out with, who may not be our 'friends'.

Look at Robin Williams....rich, successful, lots of pals.....from all accounts a wonderful friend and generous to all sorts of charities...
And at 60 years old........dead by his own hands....because of a life long deep depression....

Mental illness is just one of life's problems that keeps millions of humans from being happy for any amount of time. And then of course we have desease, war, accidents, murders, etc....

Being happy and content is for the lucky few...

I try to have some sort of routine like waking up about the same time everyday. I also take care of myself by practicing yoga. I'm learning to embrace change though it's not always easy. :)

Right you are, Roy! Like I said, change is inevitable, whether it's welcomed or not. Either way, it's here to stay! And, yes, yes, of course, our choices, those we make & those made for us, evolve to make our lives what they are every moment of every day...including how we handle change!
The thread, per my original post, is not about the fact that there IS change, but how one handles it, building walls, windmills, or as Dean said, 'flying a kite'! Some are more prone to erect retaining walls & hunker down, while others thrive on changes, however big and/or little. Especially during these days of seasonal transition, as well as the on-going changes personally & global, the questions seemed, well, worthy of a post. Good to hear from you.

Hi Tamara! Thanks for your comments. I agree, embracing change is not always easy. And, you're right, how we react to it, is all about choice. A routine that works for you is a good one. There are days, though, when I realize I've made SO many changes, and very quickly, that I need a 'time out', literally, to rest my body & brain. And, that's just on a personal level! Lol. Some of us feel things more than others...and too many changes, though heatlhy in the long run, can seem overwhelming while in-progress. Hope you're having a wonderful day! It's a beautiful one here in southern OR.

Hello, again, Robert. I'll save 'happiness' for another topic in another post. That could go on, well, for EVER:
What is happiness? Are you 'happy'? 'What does happiness mean to you? Do you think happiness is attainable? Is it all about being 'HAPPY' or [rather] living a life that has meaning?
I'll leave that to you & others to ponder, while I just continue to moderate this little discussion re how one handles the inevitable changes of life, as we know it, both personally & beyond. Not IF 'how' you handle it makes you happy, or not, but how you tend to react to change, both on a large scale & small...and, perhaps, why.
I've had more tragedy in my life that I could ever imagine anyone being able to handle, but my heart still contains a 'happy' optimistic spirit, in spite of the many scars, both emotionally & physically. All of us deal with a host of issues, some more than others. Mental illness affects SO many lives: those dealing with it, those who love them and those helping on various levels, as in looking out for their needs as best they can.
It's a big world with LOTS of problems, as well as LOTS of love and beauty, inside & out, all happening at the same time. War, crime, poverty...I've seen it, experienced some of it, and am close to those still experiencing it. Blessings all around. We need all the help we can get.

Hi Brooks! My pleasure. Hope you're having a great day too!!

I just break out the sail bike and take a trip. :)

Thanks so much, Tamara!

Hi, Dan. Can I tag along!? Lol. It's been too long a time since I went sailing. It was once a brief passion of mine. Best & last trip was sailing the San Juan's. Sound like you've learned to adjust your sails well on this life journey. Enjoy!

I'm off to work on a painting, price of few prints & originals for my new cubicle at our local artiste's emporium and get ready for 'First Friday', an art walk downtown. Ashland is pretty amazing, for a small town: lots of art, music venues, theater offerings, quality restaurants & so on. Have a couple of paintings hanging in one of the galleries. Wish me luck!

Whether or not I consider a significant change in my life circumstances encouraging or discouraging,
something beyond a mere coincidence related to the change usually occurs at these times. I then feel like I'm on the right path.

Hi Brooks,

it is going to be mercury retrograde - means communication goes wrong, mail doesn't arrive etc
this is however good for intro and retrospection

concentrate on the things you love

treat yourself to something nice

take a day off and just hang out

find things you are grateful for

and never give up

with all the above wonderful messages I hope you are already wearing your party dress

cheers and keep up the good work

Nina

Hi Darryl. I agree, being on the right path, or 'a' path really, helps to keep us focused & balanced, and isn't that a plus, 'coincidentally', when contemplating, navigating, enjoying or otherwise participating in [this] amazing life w/all it has to offer. Good to hear from you. Thanks.

Hi Nina! All good things from you, in spite of Mercury going retro for a spell! Thanks SO much for all your positive suggestions & encouraging words. Party dress is ready & hanging on the closet door, btw! All the best to you, as well. Have a wonderful night/weekend!

Oh yes, many delays and inconveniences with Mercury retrograde! :-)

Oh, Vivian, I did miss your comment, initially. Re-scrolling, I'm seeing it w/ the follow-up included.. Thanks for clarifying. I did not take your first statement as being 'flippant', though, but I could see how you might think someone would. You are blessed to have experienced a life well-lived due to your wise choices & the ability to accept changes w/grace, 'come rain or come shine'. Appreciate your reply. Good to hear from you.

Hey, Kelley! Just saw you up there. I've noticed things are not going 'according to plan' these last several days...and I'm feeling it more so on the physical-energetic level than anything. Interesting. Hope the flow starts ebbing...or flowing, sooner rather than later! Lol. Have a wonderful afternoon/evening.