Juxtaposition

I was here for the music. But when I walked up this staircase at the Providence Performing Arts Center, I sensed a new art form was about to happen.



The theater was built as a movie palace in 1928, and has since been carefully restored. Crystal chandeliers, gilding on plasterwork and marble columns add to the intricate design within. Even the patterned carpeting duplicates the original.









From our seats, the architectural artwork transported us to an entirely different era. And this breathtaking splendor of a 1920s theater was about to contrast with a contemporary art form of 2009, lending a certain reverence ...

To a rock concert. And in so doing, the music became more than music. For this audience, it would forever be a part of the goldleaf paint, the scrolled architecture, artistic history. Each art form beautifully elevated the other ... the architecture lifted in sound, the sound captured in splendor.

Juxtaposing two art forms ... an amazing way to experience any art. An interesting idea in bringing something new to a genre. Keep your eye, and creativity open, to this collaboration, this combining two arts to ultimately shine each one ever brighter.


~Joanne

Under Arrest

Has anyone called 9-1-1 on your craft? If they did, that's a good thing. The arts are definitely the place to break the rules. To get attention. To have your audience do a double-take, and consider how the infraction benefits the art.

I've seen the rules broken in writing, with changing POV's, with grammatical indulgences, that sort of thing. I've seen bands improvise, taking a song and the audience to places unheard before ... Stevie Nicks singing Led Zeppelin; Billy Joel putting a song in the audience's hand and having 15,000 fans serenade him.

With your craft, have you ever broken the laws of logic? Earned a citation on your synopsis? Gotten a ticket on your tune? Received probation on a painting?

This craft-cruiser is waiting to issue a novel notice. Be the first to be blog-arrested ... How've you broken the rules?

~Joanne

Through the Looking Gate

Sometimes our destinations seem far off, a vision in the distance, almost a part of another world. The details aren't too clear, but the essence is there. We can imagine it. We can feel it. We know the journey will be worthwhile, though challenging. Our destination is what we strive for ... it's what keeps us journeying back to the computer, the piano, the garden, the canvas, the camera, the kitchen.

A vision. So be motivated. Take the time to really look forward and see the beauty of arriving at your destination.

What vision are you seeing through the Looking-Gate?


~Joanne

Home For the Holidays

This Thanksgiving, are you staying home or going home?

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving with a cornucopia of happiness and food and love filling the day. I'll see you all after the Holiday Weekend ...

~Joanne

Simple Things

Along the journey of our choice lives, remember to find happiness in simple things. They're little doses of contentment, keeping us tuned in to the beautiful moments we encounter in the daily busy-ness of living. Like this smiling cat. As she lives waiting to be fed, and struggling to find time for naps, she finds happiness in the autumn leaves. Coming across her on my long, country walk, she reminded me to be aware. To cherish the everyday.

A few of you may remember this photo from a year ago, but it's too important an image to file away. Especially this Thanksgiving week. Her photo says it all, reminding us to be thankful for life's simple things.

Contentment. For me, a cup of hot coffee in a charming cafe will do it. And a walk on the beach. A snowy day.

How about you? What simple things bring you moments of happiness? Let's make this cat proud!

~Joanne

Phys Ed Day

Good health is paramount to effectively living our choice lives. Physically, spiritually, intellectually. Just like athletes must be in complete shape to be at the top of their game, so do we. Healthy bodies, minds and spirits keep us energetic, understanding and wise, moving us easily along the bases of our chosen journeys.

Oh we might have days when it feels like we're in a game of Dodge Ball, ducking and sidestepping interruptions. Or we just can't keep our balance on the balance beam, wavering between home and obligations and the desire to create. Or when we're down for the count trying to wrestle a few productive hours from the day.

It takes optimum physical, spiritual and mind health to stay actively in the game. So what sport best depicts a typical day in your choice life? You might be surprised how many others are on your team ...

Start the line-ups!

~Joanne

Arts and Crafts Day

Yes, folks, we're getting crafty today and making designer tees customized to our choice lives. Let's create logos that will help us to "own" whatever passion, art, craft, hobby, that defines us. Here's your chance to put a fun spin on your life!

"Eat. Sleep. Write." Wow, that defines my days pretty well! Suits me to a t ;)

How about you? I've got a virtual supply of tee shirts and all colors of craft paints. Let your creativity shine ... Design your life here ... Use pictures, words, colors ...

What logo are you living?

~Joanne