Halsey's Colors (Live)

It is not the first and it will not be the last time I bring up Halsey! So many of her works caught my attention and even helped me through some really messy situations. Particularly during the stage of finding myself and redefining who I am, which I called “Exploring & Experimenting” (prelude to “Unbridling & Sustaining Artistic Abilities”), that happened mostly underground, I could often resonate with what she put out.

Today, to me, ‘Colors’ is not only a brilliant piece that illuminates the art of combining, mixing, and blending colors, but also one that commemorates it. Halsey, herself, from what I can tell, through her artistry, does an exquisite job at being a ‘taste tester’ and describing (or rating) the intricacies of what happens when there is one or more unions or fusions and, similarly, when there is a lack of them.

As usual, though, artworks can be interpreted as they were originated, as they were intended, or as however they fit (within reason). In this case, I’m reinterpreting ‘Colors’ more abstractly, more in essence. And it is beyond anything I could have imagined before!

Plus, the emphasis on Blue? Do you remember what makes blue a particularly peculiar color? Besides blue-daba-dee and 'feeling blue’, which… eh. And besides being a harmonious color or even the color of a political party, which… valid associations. Any clue? Here’s one: “I love the colors in the sky.” *Proceeds to paint them.* 

Sagittarius' Season

♐ SAGITTARIUS

As we enter the season of Sagittarius, it is believed that the universe will be affecting us with energies that will cause us to expand our horizons and embrace adventure. We will be more in tune with freedom, and abilities to explore and learn will be enhanced. If you are receptive to them, you might be imbued with optimism and curiosity. If you are resistant to them, you might be conflicted with recklessness and restlessness. If you are completely blocked out, you might not notice them at all. And if you don't pay enough attention, you might miss opportunities for self-discovery.

Motivational Quote: "The journey is the destination."

For context and more of relevance, please read about The Zodiac.

Privacy Please

It is not about being ashamed or guilty of anything, it is not even about lacking self-esteem, it is about respecting the process. You are not meant to perform for others and welcome their input at every step and at every turn. You are entitled to privacy.

Even if somebody is completely non-judgmental and accepts you wholly, and even if they remain silent and still the whole time, you need your moments in absolute privacy. Moments in which you won’t be compelled to be aware of what is happening, in minute detail, through various angles and points of view, so that you can intuit how it is being perceived by another. You shouldn’t have to be burdened with forming an image for somebody else before you’re ready to and unless you’re willing to. That just adds more to take into account and consider. More to juggle and do. That disrupts the process. And exhausts you.

Worse when, instead, THEY ARE overly judgmental and reject many parts of you. In such a case, you’ll barely manage to deconstruct, reconstruct, and construct like you’re supposed to in order to get to the final result. It’ll all suddenly be about them and whether or not they’ll be okay with what you’re doing (or even throw a tantrum over it). And, if they got you invested in their approval, you will be shrinking and twisting yourself, likely breaking while at it, enslaved to their cheers and their boos.

Have some walls up and close some doors. It will only offend two types of people: those who are too immature to understand boundaries and those who are also too selfish to care about them. In both cases, it is not a you problem.

Easier said than done. And in certain situations, not even an option. But if you can claim it, then do without remorse. Stating that you require privacy to focus, regardless of whether it means you’re too inhibited or not, should suffice. You may learn, through inevitability, to concentrate in spite of it, but it is still making it harder and more difficult for you. If they are reasonable and considerate, that argument should be enough. If they are not, how valid is their opinion on the matter?

Are you giving a show or are you only practicing and/or building something? You may choose to make your practice and/or your building a public display, but you shouldn’t be obligated to when that’s not what you’re going for.

If you do have inhibitions keeping you from achieving a greater success, making you too reclusive rather than merely reserved at certain points and in certain areas, that’s something to work on by addressing your fears and vulnerabilities when being exposed. But if you just want some darn privacy, then why should it be a debate at all? 

The Artist's RPG - Batch of Drafts

I haven’t forgotten about it. This is still going! It's practically gonna be my life’s work: The Artist’s RPG.

This year, I didn’t have much time allotted for its design and development, but I kept it in mind as I went through my everyday. And whenever I made observations or had realizations that caused me to go, “OHH! This belongs in The Artist’s RPG!!” I ran to note them down so I wouldn’t forget to add them when the time came.

Next year, I’m allowing myself A LOT more time to work on this. But meanwhile, I wanted to update you all with a few outlines so that you know, without waiting too long, what I’m onto.

For various reasons, I must hold back in showing too much before more official releases, so I’m keeping plenty vague and brief. Left to ponder and interpret. Yet, you can count on extra snippets here and there, over time, on what I continue to figure and sort out for it.

Also, here’s a big THANKS to those who have helped with the manifestation of this astonishing wonder. You know who you are and you know what I mean! I promise I’ll do my best to honor and do justice to your contributions!

Sooner or later, we’ll have an outstandingly memorable game set. One that will also bring and hold everything, within the art realm, in perspective - and then keep adding on to it. In the committed protection and promotion of true artistry. Totally looking forward to this!

Meanwhile, I’ll keep updating you about progress...

NOTE: Names, descriptions, graphics, and more are not yet final. These are still drafts. Prone to various errors and shortcomings.

Too Quiet or Too Loud

Sometimes you just want everyone and everything to shut up. And sometimes the silence is somehow unbearable. Our brains can be picky about what and how much they process, and what goes into our ears can be especially distracting.

You would notice whether you’re the type of person who tends to prefer loudness or who tends to prefer quietness, but we all need or want both at intervals, to some extent. It depends on who we are, how we’re wired, but it also immensely depends on what kind of activity we’re currently partaking in or trying to participate in. Are sounds contributing and cooperating or are they interrupting and jolting you out of what you’re doing? Furthermore, are they precisely the kind of sounds that fit the scenario?

Amazingly, sound, or the absence of it, can play an outstandingly important role in how productive we are and what we manage to produce.  

Is it dialogue, melodies, or noise? Are they jumbled together dissonantly, forcing your brain to attempt to break them apart, or are they harmoniously blending with each other, letting your brain swiftly shift through and take in the various layers? Is it so loud it hurts or is it so quiet you strain, in both cases failing to hear what is happening exactly? What can you simply ignore?

• Dialogue is engaging. If the activity you’re partaking in involves verbal or logical tasks, like writing or math, you might not do well with talking on the side or in the background. Hearing words forming sentences can keep you from doing that yourself, but they are the complement to when you’re on ‘autopilot’, in a ‘trance’, or simply taking care of menial and tedious tasks you already know too well.

• Melodies are energetic. When chosen well, they can join you even when you have to think about hard and difficult matters and issues. They can be soothing, inspiring, empowering, and, indeed, energizing. It can direct you, if not merely give you the bit of stimuli that you would otherwise crave.

• Noise is impactful. They could be no more than disturbing. But in certain cases, they might serve to block out what's worse and allow you to focus. White noise, the fan, water running, and so on. 

• Absolute silence leaves you defenseless. Then it’s only you and what you carry with you. Can you listen to that? If you have a lot going on within that you’re willing to sort out, it would not bother you. You might not even notice it. Up until you’re done - and then yearn to fill it.

Have you figured out what you should be filling the silence with? Did you look into podcasts or audiobooks that could interest you? Made playlists of music with or without lyrics? Set up congenial noises to run constantly? Don’t underestimate the effect that they can have - especially when picked out specifically for this or that purpose.

Lastly, should you soundproof where you are?

Grimes' Artificial Angels

Oh, wow, I adore how this was made. It is such an explosion of what it is like being on the internet, or in front of a computer screen, way too much. And not just lately, but since long ago.

I was trying to keep up with everything that was coming up, trying to figure out how things connected, trying to notice any references, and trying to grasp what it all meant. There’s likely plenty I missed. It is happening FAST. Just like being bombarded with a ton of information, which is exactly how cultural and technological advancements (or regressions) are to me these days.

And I seriously enjoy how artsy it is. Although I can appreciate those too, it gave me a much-needed break from the more widely accepted and adopted styles and techniques I’ve been exposing myself to lately. Bringing me back to the more independent and underground taste and preferences. It is art when you can have more fun with it and are not weighed down by logistics. Originality is served.

That’s not to say there wasn’t thought or feeling put into it. They are clearly there if you pay attention. Along with much talent and skill. But, making art like this, is equivalent to when you can finally take off a piece of uncomfortable clothing after wearing it all day. You can breathe and move around more - while still being artful as you choose to.

Then there’s the whole of it, everything that it is telling and showing.
What is simultaneously behind and ahead of time? This madness.

Everything You Need in Your Space

It’s great if you can operate even under the most dire and atrocious circumstances; that makes you unstoppable. However, deterring yourself like that when you have the option not to is only sabotage. So put some thought and strategy into your surroundings. What is the formula to pushing and maintaining your optimal productivity?

Everybody is different, so what works for some may not work for you. This is why you must see what does and doesn’t suit you, then tailor your space accordingly. And funnily enough, what may be paradise to you could be hell to somebody else. At least if they prolong their stay beyond what they can tolerate.

This brings into focus an important fact: Everybody needs their own space. Even if by nature or by nurture you are the type of person who meddles and intertwines with others as if your life depended on it, clinging desperately to anyone and anything that’d keep you from being by yourself, you require your own space. You may not know it yet, and you may even deny it, but it’s something you must look into and have (even if you don’t need as much time there as others do in theirs).

Your space must consist of what is essential, beneficial, and convenient to you. Too often, people stop and stick with only the essentials. And while that, in certain situations, can be applauded, it is ultimately depriving you of what would lead to reaching your potential.

So, if you can afford to, and depending on what your job is, make sure you have an environment that:

• Gets you in the state that allows you to optimally function. Whether that’s one with high or low stimulation, cluttered or not.

• Has all the tools and materials that you frequently use, nearby, placed where you know they’ll be (or at least where you can figure you’ll find them), and accompanied by what would charge or otherwise enable them.

• Is comfortable for you. If you’re standing, sitting, lying down, or moving around. It’s a disservice to give yourself terrible posture or horrid circulation.

• Is secure for you. And this also means just the sense of it. If you have to worry and stay vigilant for threats or disasters, something’s lacking. And maybe you can’t make it 100% safe and impenetrable, but you could put more into it.

• Reminds you of who you are and what your role is. This can be done implicitly through decoration and adornments (including colors, patterns, and textures), but also explicitly through posters and post-its. Try having mood and vision boards.

• Contains illumination that is just right. Straining to see or overexposing to an unnerving degree is no good. Lights should be in the tone, intensity, angle, and coverage that allows you to do you. If they can be inspiring and indulging too, that is a plus. E.g., neons, outer space, underwater, fairy lights, etc.

• Takes other senses into account, like smell. No scents or scents that are pleasant to you. The latter is catered to in a wide range of aromas via soap and wax items. But you can bring in natural objects like rocks, plants, and fruits. Or just spray something artificial every now and then.

• Allows you to have control over the sounds. So you can leave unwanted noises out and choose what fills up the silence inside.

You may now notice that your space isn’t yet all that it can be, but go at your pace. You can tend to it by bits, improving it little by little. Until it becomes your ideal haven.

You might be particularly fulfilled by devoting to this if you previously endured significantly harmful settings that kept you down. It's as if you finally get to live your life on your own terms and make your world yours.

Thanksgiving Month

November is here!
It’s Thanksgiving time.
You can expect an emphasis on gatherings-related content.

My Chemical Romance: Long Live The Black Parade Tour

Posted by My Chemical Romance on Instagram ➜ 

It hasn’t ended yet! When the tour actually started, unfortunately, although I had been anticipating it, I was not in a state to be able to appreciate it. And if I’m being honest, I’m still not fully there yet. But regardless, it is GRAND. So I already very much can! 

Frank Iero wasn’t exaggerating when he responded to a mean comment online with something along the lines of “My Chemical Romance doesn’t disappoint” and practically a “STFU”. (Sometimes bits like that end up on my feed, okay?!)

So, even with my heart currently shattered, undeniable great art is undeniable. And it IS my favorite band. Melodically, lyrically, thematically, with Gerard Way’s creepiness and Frank Iero’s badassery. Along with all the energy they transmit. It is just my jam. Imagine the unbearable pain if that love were to be taken from me…

The first teaser. The utter shock when this dropped. I could not process it. Back from death. I was freaking out. While simultaneously in awe of the exquisiteness and exuberance of it. A dictator? In what looks like another era? Or perhaps an alternate universe? Is he evil or strict and villainizable because of it? But most importantly… LONG LIVE THE BLACK PARADE!

More cinematic excellence. But what do these random scenes with random characters even mean? I don’t know, but I would bet they’re not so random. It is quite possible that there’s an underlying order to all of it, one to be revealed, or at least hinted at, throughout the tour. These guys are being ARTISTIC.

And what’s with these letters? They really came up with their own alphabet. Making us go the extra mile to figure out what is being written. Such fine gatekeeping. But also hiding in plain sight. It is a solvable puzzle, but a puzzle nonetheless.

Posted by My Chemical Romance on Instagram ➜

What is even happening on stage? Voting? Stabbing? Decaying? The drama and the theatrics are unhinged and deranged, to say the least. Some of it is grotesque. And if you know the band, you’d know that this is nothing new. In fact, they’re still holding back. But I applaud how they are pushing boundaries. Knowing what they’re doing. While the rest of us are still catching up, trying to make sense of what is what, why, and how. And they continue to change and switch things around.

Some have complained that it got too political. And oh boy. Tell me you don’t know My Chemical Romance without telling me you don’t know My Chemical Romance.

Anyhow! All that said, it is sooooo good to hear that they’re still alive!
(This is a reference to a previous concert in Mexico.)

I’ll keep paying attention to the tour and see more of what it’s leading up to!

Writing Like Nobody's Reading

A friend and I used to do a lot of creative writing together. We’d go all in, draw our OCs, and more. I miss those days. We wrote for ourselves. Not even an afterthought of whether or not it’d be well-received by anyone else. Just exploring and examining our psyches through the characters, the dynamics, the plots, and overall, the storytelling. I miss those days. However, I could only allow myself that kind of ‘leisure’ because it was a much-needed healing activity and not merely a want. An Art teacher I respected recommended it to me - and I took his advice. So we both tended to our wounds, voids, and messes through art.

And now here I am, with ever-expanding universes within me. The passage of time is currently annoying me more than ever. I wish I could walk through every meaningful portal there is to walk through. But the reality is that time is running out. Therefore, I ought to be wise and pick the most important ones before I no longer can.

Also, I got the purple-aura person in my life to thank for literally saving my life and letting me have the space, without rushing, to restore myself after, on more levels than ever, having died. I didn’t get my dream of going to the Chavón Art School and then Parsons School of Design fulfilled like I was aspiring to, in order to eventually achieve renowned success. Instead, I ended up on a weirder path and, frankly, I wouldn’t trade it. (Still pissed off at the people and situations that detoured and/or delayed me for no good reason, though, but making the best of what I can/should regardless.)

So, yep, life has a lot of twists and turns. Just happy for what’s coming together at last…