Tuesday, August 12, 2008

THE SIMPLE THINGS


I read the Newspaper about once a month, if that, because it unsettles me to read about the turmoil in my country every day. We have unacceptable crime levels. Rape and murder are so commonplace they don't even elicit a shocked reaction anymore. I'm tired of reading about fraud, bribes, greed, corruption, theft, burglaries, violence. We have regular strikes, demonstrations and electricity load shedding which is crippling business and as if the electricity blackouts aren't enough we can now look forward to water shortages too......And lets not even talk about the goings on in Zimbabwe.


As far as I'm concerned, "if it happens it happens" but I would rather not dwell on it by reading about it in the newspaper everyday. I certainly feel a lot more content since I've been avoiding the news.

Today I count my blessings and focus on the simple things in life.

Working quietly in the courtyard, the sound of the stream gurgling in the backround and the loeries calling overhead. My work is my meditation.


Sitting on the lawn with the dogs, gazing up at an amazing sky. Clouds with silver linings.




Breathing in the fragrance of crushed rose geranium leaves.


Orchids flowering on the meditation tree.

The scent of camphor as I remove clean sheets from mom's old camphor chest.


Gathering metal bits and pieces to use in my art ....or just gathering for the sake of gathering.





Listening to my daughter's unbridled laughter. Appreciating my husband's quirky sense of humour.

.........And while I am tapping away at the keys, loving being part of this blogging community, the phone rings. Someone has just purchased two of my carved doors at the gallery..."please send more." It's such a great day!

21 comments:

  1. oh, robyn, i am smiling!!! about the doors selling, the sky, that incredible piece you're working on, the lovely top pic, all of it... i rarely read the news either... i don't think it helps things if i do. i think i make a better contribution to energetic vibe of humanity when i'm doing my own thing... happy and contented...

    xo

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  2. Hi Robyn, oh yes, the news is bad all over.I don't read the papers, or watch the television.
    Like Lynne, I try to keep me and mine in our little corner, bright and happy.
    You are grateful for the simple things in your life and that is the cornerstone of happiness.Let's all go with that!

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  3. 'Being' in the 'moment', that's how I felt whilst reading your beautiful post.
    I too, try to avoid daily papers...
    Sometimes it all gets too much...and when it does, grab a camera and go for a walk!
    Stunning images and wonderful matching insights, thank you Robyn.

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  4. Kudos on the great sale! How could they not resist?

    I know what you mean about the news. I've recently stopped watching the nightly news on TV because it always made me so depressed. It's so much better not to dwell on the negative! :)

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  5. lynne, i like that ..."I think I make a better contribution to energetic vibe of humanity when I'm doing my own thing".

    annette, I find the moment I focus on the simple things my spirits soar.

    Jo, grabbing the camera and going for a walk is such a great way to unwind.

    Willow, I'm sure if everyone took their bloodpressure before and whilst watching the news they would notice a big difference.

    Willow,

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  6. Hej Robin,
    thanks for leading me here through your comment:).
    There's something to explore here, not only your beautiful art but also your feeling for life in a country I've never seen and only know the way one-eye look from our...hehee..newspapers!
    I'll be back!

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  7. It is definitely the simple things that matter, but selling two more doors is not a simple thing - that's a great thing! Congrats! Re. the news, I agree that it's a downer. I admit to missing much of what's happening, but I also recognize that it's important to keep up with it. One way I do that is by listening to NPR, more specifically, RadioIQ, http://www.radioiq.org/. The news is provided "on a human scale". Granted, you will still need to read your monthly local paper, as this is much more global, but I find I actually get something from the news. I also love their other programs, like Fresh Air, the Diane Rehm Show, All Things Considered, To the Point, Science Friday, and I love the show on Sunday called "Speaking of Faith". I'll admit the shows are left-leaning, but they have become much more balanced in the past couple of years. I'm personally left-leaning, so I've always loved it, :-). Seriously, it is 95% a-political, and I think you would even "not hate" their reports from Iraq. Of course, if you really want to ENJOY the news (??!!), you'll want to watch Jon Stewart, http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=179206. Congrats again on the sale! I love your tools, by the way, :-). Virginia

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  8. Congratulations on selling two doors! Bravo! I must say that I rarely read the paper for the very reasons you discuss. And I love Lynne's comment and believe it to be true - our own peaceful, positive, and personal actions really do have a gentle but powerful effect on the "energetic vibe of humanity". Ripple effect. I am mesmerized by the photos of your totem in progress, surrounded by wood shavings. Does each element of your totem have an intended significance or is it done intuitively and left to the viewer. Or both! And your metal bits...oooohhhhhh.

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  9. It's hard for me to grasp that unbelievable beauty and miracles exist along with such tragedy. I also avoid the news as much as possible - blog news is much better!! Great news about your doors!!

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  10. Hey Uschi, glad you came over for a visit :-)

    Virginia, thanks for the great comment and all the news info.

    Thanks Kate, I do a little of both. Most of the elements are symbolic and if I'm inspired to add things as I go along I do. This totem I've called Secrets of the Forest so I've incorporated forest elements.

    Kerri, blog news puts a smile on my face.....and hows that wedding platter?

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  11. Robyn,

    Reading the news is indeed depressing, especially when there are so many positive things to read, like you blog!

    I like the gentleness of this post, it was meditative visiting and reading it...

    Dan

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  12. Dan, I appreciate your comment. Thank you.

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  13. My sentiments exactly. So much doom and gloom. The media regularly talk the economy down. I wonder what would happen if they were only allowed to report good news, would the world slowly become a more positive place? With any luck our blogging and art world will even the balance.

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  14. What a lovely day. Good for you for tuning out on the news. I dont bother either as it is a form of evil, I think.

    You know it struck me that your work is quite shamanic... calling in totems and symbols. In a way you are doing your own bit for peace in your country. Oh and what are those little square "package" things on the first image on your carving? They look like presents waiting to be unwrapped.

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  15. Your thoughts are mine too.. This is exactly how I think and what I do... I relate..

    I'm so glad your work is going to a new home to be appreciated for the beauty is exudes...

    This new piece you are working on there is wonderful.. I love that you shared it. Thank you!

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  16. Ro, I think our blogging world does a lot to keep spirits up.

    grrl, I've been using those little leather "packages" in my work for some time now. Originally inspired by the jackets worn by hunters in Mali. They would sew all sorts of little amulets onto the jacket to keep themselves safe.

    Gwen, we speak the same language.

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  17. Hi Robyn!
    Apologies for not hopping over sooner, wanted thank you for taking the time to comment on my painting...united across the globe by the power of granny budgies! :0)
    Congrats on the sale and here's to more...of which I'm sure there'll be many...love your work!
    x;)

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  18. Robyn ~ your blog (or should I say...YOU) is/are a source of interest, intelligence, true craftmanship and humanity all rolled into a few words ... but so totally enjoyable, stimulating and sometimes moving. Unlike the news which most of the time is soul destroying, frustrating and very, very depressing....hence I avoid the news with passion. I look forward to your next post!

    CONGRATULATIONS with your sale.
    x
    PS.....Is'nt 'Mimilove forever' wonderful?

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  19. Wow! My third comment to you today, but your posts are so inspiring! I love your simple things. Your rusty pieces are also beautiful, why can't I find such unique pieces...Roxanne

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  20. Congratulations on selling the doors! Wonderful goings on.

    I turn away from news of your country (and most others), but not because I don't want to know or don't care- because it's too much. As Ben Harper said 'I have seen enough to know I have seen enough.' It occured to me one day that the news was just a nightly run-down of terrible things that had happened in the world. Not long after realising that I happened to miss the news for about a week, and I felt lighter. I used to be a serial news-chaser, I used to think not watching the news was what people who didn't care did, but I've come to realise over the years that I don't really need to know about it beyond knowing it happens. I still work hard to do what I can to make my own ripples, which get bigger everyday.

    One of the great things about your blog is that it shows me your country is not all in flames, that there is still peace there, even if it is only in small pockets- it makes me heartfull to know it is there.

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  21. Little Brown Sparrow, I like the way you put it....little pockets of peace.

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