A Word About Creativity

Aloha;

Creativity is a natural impulse.  Perhaps our instinct to survive links us to it; as part of survival for humans means creating new life. But our urge for creativity reaches well beyond that simple, primal, directive.  It’s one of many tools we’ve used to overcome devastating odds in our struggle to exist on this planet.  But beyond being a tool, creativity is a form of expression.

When we hear music we enjoy, there is a natural impulse to respond to it.  Sometimes it gives us the urge to spontaneously dance, sing, or hum.  These are creative expressions of inner decisions and feelings which present who we are.  When we sit and idly doodle, on a sheet of paper; there is usually no predetermined design  planned.  Yet it stimulates our creative impulses.  And there are other ways we cause new creations or experiences to occur.

It springs from the way we consider the world.  As we test and manipulate concepts with our thoughts; new and original possibilities for action inspire us.  When we choose to pursue these decisions, we invest our being into making it happen.  If the attempt fails, it is often considered a negative experience.  However, when we discover ways to generate our unique ideas or perspective physically, it brings us satisfaction.

It’s likely that the human mind actively seeks opportunities to explore creative expression.  It is a hallmark of the raw potential of human thought; and when restrained or thwarted, unrest will occur.  As strong feelings and invested ideas demand expression.  Even when we discuss our DNA we refer to how it expresses itself.  Just as our lives allow us to express the attributes we are born with.  So being creative is part of what made us the way that we are.

But being creativity does not necessarily mean being constructive.  Which is clear to us by the fact we witness daily acts of destruction, which are creative acts.  They are creative in the sense that they bring something, or some condition into being which did not exit before.  These are occurrences such as  a new physical reality; or a novel circumstance which was formerly impossible, unlikely, or unknown.

We hear from birth that we are mortal and that our time on Earth is finite.  Yet beyond our desire for offspring to extend our existence; many people yearn for other ways to live on.  Ways such as remembrance for good works and deeds.  Or for devices, and processes shared with the world that improve or make easier the human condition.  Even an idea, or philosophy which affects or alters what and how we consider reality, applies.  In each instance, the opportunity for self-expression, in a creative way; realizes itself.

However we also call cutting down forests to develop farm land a creative act.  As is destroying an apartment complex to make room for a parking lot.  Or shooting children in a school, so that your name earns a place in some history book.  These acts, and more, are decisions which give some people a sense of creative accomplishment.   If and when they have no other ready or likely avenue for expression; some will choose destructive behavior, over none.

There our others in society who, when faced with a perceived loss of freedom to express what they are feeling or who they are; opt to take their own lives.  It is a creative exercise which is difficult to prevent; and is best addressed by providing other creative opportunities.  Hopefully more constructive ones.  We, as human beings, have input into whether we collaboratively foster a society which makes space for constructive creative pursuits.  Or a world where each individual personality must fight for a chance to express their innate need to create.

We wish everyone a Happy May Day.  And congratulate each graduate, on completing a major accomplishment.  The degree or diploma, you’ve earned is an indicator of the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired.  So we urge you to use them thoughtfully as you embark on your life long pursuit of constructive  creative expression.  May it give you the happiness and permanence you seek.

More posts are available here.

 

Respectfully Yours,

J. A. Stubbs, Editor-In-Chief

Forgotten Lore Publishing, llc

A Word About Taxes

In Place

THE IDES OF APRIL 2019

 

Aloha;

Today, is the day to ‘pay the piper,’ if you haven’t already.  And ‘Uncle Sam’ is awaiting his due.  We honor this tax obligation because it is the law.  But more than that, we pay this money because we accept the idea it serves our best interests.  The courts say that “money is speech.”  So this is the day most of us talk to the government.  And when we speak with our tax money, we want accountability for how it’s used.

People often don’t agree on where the money should be spent. However most people understand there are some things taxes shouldn’t purchase or pay for.  Contaminated or substandard goods, for example.  We also don’t want our taxes directed towards deliberate waste or fraud.  Although people often don’t agree on what that is either.

One thing which is certain, everyone who has income must account for it.  And our government is meticulous when calculating their share of that income.  In turn this process requires each tax filer be equally diligent.  This assures the taxing officials have the right information for an accurate assessment.  This is as important to us at Forgotten Lore Publishing llc, as it is to the rest of the country.

So while we make last-minute adjustments to this year’s offering; we conclude this posting with the same theme that started the month of April: random selections of poetry.  Again, the staff selected these presentations; and the works are by J. A. Stubbs.  He retains all rights, but allows their use for this post.

 

Window

glimpses through a window

bubbles of thought

stolen snatches

of wonders wrought

tastes of memory

simmered in time

echoes of ego

a song of life’s prime

(and how was I seduced – from childhood’s clear course)

 

promises of power

never achieved

strayed from the path

never deceived

new hopes of future

pasts’ bitter taste

fear of present tense

with more life to waste

(why can’t seeing save me – from futility’s force)

 

By

J. A. Stubbs

 

 

In Place

.

You were nowhere

As you are now

You are change and

You don’t know how

By

J. A. Stubbs

 

 


Looking Back

.

the picture was dark

the odds great and grim

when with hope’s dying spark

you battled with them

.

 

you didn’t seek strife

with any other

but what use is a life

chained to another

.

 

so you took your stand

decided to try

to refuse their command

and if not to die

.

 

it was a wonder

when you fought and won

tore their plans asunder

stood free in the sun

By

J. A. Stubbs

 

 

This all for now. Next month we shall return to our scheduled content.  For a look at other posts, click here.

Respectfully Yours,

J. A. Stubbs, Editor-In-Chief

Forgotten Lore Publishing, llc

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