Barren Grounds Vs. Lush Gardens

Don't make grounds barren and then claim lush gardens are mere fiction…

The ongoing debate about being realistic or being idealistic keeps getting on my nerves, so might as well bring it up and offer my point of view.

Too often, people assume they have the most correct and accurate perception of the self, people, life, the world, and/or the universe. What they fail to realize is that they are not accounting for what, with what is, could be. In some cases, they are not even accounting for what, despite what now is, has been. Quite literally, they are being short-sighted. Yes, you can see what’s right in front of you and around you with clarity, perhaps even in precise detail, but there is a lot more that goes beyond that.

It’s no lie that many idealists have given idealism a bad name. And this is because, alternatively although similarly, they also fail to take more into account. They ignore the what is in favor of their whimsical imagination. And that’s fine, outstanding even, if you’re working on a piece of fiction. But when it comes to reality… Well, reality significantly matters.

You shouldn’t be convincing yourself that all would be wonderful, when it wouldn’t, the same way you shouldn’t be convincing yourself that all will always be brutal, when it doesn’t have to be. These are limited and incomplete views that keep you from making the most and the best of what you have and could have. In both cases, you are deluding yourself - either trapping yourself within an alluringly escapist dream or trapping yourself within a barely bearable nightmare. And what’s worse, you are letting or even calling others to join you there.

You have a hand in what happens. You, me, and everyone else. So until there is enough of us believing in and working towards an Ideal Reality, we’ll be settling for an ever-elusive fantasy in a grating dystopia. Don't be a fool.

The Callousness of Stepping Over Others

Is it cruelty? Is it done with malice? Or is it mere carelessness? It can be hard to tell when others can’t even be bothered to watch where they’re going, let alone watch their steps. But the result remains the same: something is destroyed in their path.

Excuses and justifications abound. And trying to reason it out of them can take forever, going in circles or downright hitting a wall. They might be terribly dense or have terribly contorted themselves away from the reality of it. That not always, actually only at times, are you legitimately entitled to steamroll and demolish others.

You can only shout “Survival of the fittest!” so much before you find yourself alone, without what supported you, nourished you, brought wonder and astonishment into your life, or at least spiced it up. And if that’s what you prefer, then maybe moving by yourself to another planet would be the appropriate solution.

Pushing through matters, there’s no denying that. There are instances in which you are blocked or expected to make countless turns, of no relevance, only to get from point A to point B. And there are instances in which your opponents, to serve their own interests, would obstruct you from moving forward. So you must be resolute and not let undue consideration hold you back. 

There’s an art to it because it definitely isn’t simple to determine when it is what, why, and how to best proceed. But that’s exactly what not being careless is about. And it is something that the more callous struggle with. 

A lot of the time, they cannot wrap their heads around all that is implied and all that it entails, nor can they grasp much nuance in between. It frustrates them, which then adds to an anger that they like to mistake as righteous. They refuse to accommodate sophisticated complexity and demand that you accommodate their coarse plainness. Assuming themselves victorious merely for taking the easier route.

However, you can be in touch with your nature and raw about it without becoming primitive - a brute that is upset when asked to use their brain or their heart, even if only a little. Worse when, while failing to do so, expects to be welcome or even to dominate areas that require delicate attentiveness to subsist. Understanding that you don’t have to turn everything around you into a reflection of your shortcomings in order to be comfortable and able to roam.

Advantageous NOT Deleterious

Facing and overcoming adversity builds character, but too much of it, at the wrong time and in the wrong place, can instead break your spirit and beyond.

There are times when we can take on more than we realize, when challenges push us to give more of ourselves and foster abilities we otherwise wouldn’t, times when all it takes is stepping out of a comfort zone and adopting a can-do attitude. And that is indeed important, essential even, if we’re ever to grow past the minimum.

However, it also holds true that having space - yes, a safe space - free of the risks and dangers that could harm us is part of what can keep us going. When you’re too young, when you’re too weak, when you’re wounded or ill, or simply tired… These are not the moments in which you should be enduring and attempting to overcome all that goes against you. These are moments to have patience with yourself and tend to your lacks. So that then you can go out there and stand a chance.  

Harm can come at large, all at once, or as bits, little by little, and still ultimately deter you. The former is the most noticeable and, consequently, tends to be the most validated. However, you shouldn’t overlook the latter, which does and accumulates damage over time. And next thing you know, you’re far from who you used to be and who you could have become.

So if something bothers you, if it stings, or it just doesn’t seem right, it is not an overreaction to ask yourself if that’s something that you’d be okay having more of or if you’d be better off without it. Perhaps it is nothing to worry about and it comes with the day-to-day, as part of the package, and can be remedied or countered with ease - and this would be a solution. But if it is no more than chipping at you for no good reason, and you can’t even make enough out of it to compensate, and it is possible to be without it, then why would you allow it to continue? You could look for ways to create an environment that is without needless harm. ‘Needless’ being a key word here.

Many might find it an inconvenience and possibly accuse you of being too sensitive or problematic, but that’s because they’re thinking more about themselves (or how they’ve been conditioned) than they are about you, specifically, and what it takes for you to be well and reach your greatest form.

If you’re honest with yourself, you can have grit and the sort of toughness that’ll take you through harsh conditions, if that’s something you’re meant for, but also keep watch of what is making you less rather than more. 

Aries' Season

♈ ARIES

As we enter the season of Aries, it is believed that the universe will be affecting us with energies that will cause us to act boldly and embrace challenges. We will be more in tune with our inner drive, and abilities to initiate and take risks will be enhanced. If you are receptive to them, you might be imbued with courage and determination. If you are resistant to them, you might be conflicted with impulsiveness 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 daring new beginnings.

Motivational Quote: "Fortune favors the brave."

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

The Elements In The Zodiac

As we go into the Zodiac signs, a significant distinction to make, that can set apart or bring together different signs, as well as grant more perspective on everything, is the element that they are associated with. They encompass certain traits that contribute to the qualities of each sign and what they bring to a person, time, or place. The elements are Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. 

• Fire
Fire essentially stands for dynamism. Fire impulsively, reactively or proactively, does it.
It is the domain of action.
As fire signs we have: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

• Earth
Earth essentially stands for matter. Earth tends to the details of concrete reality, grounded in what is, prudently examining and/or altering it.
It is the domain of practicality.
As Earth signs we have: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

• Air
Air essentially stands for concepts. Air figures out how and why, along with other factors of relevance.
It is the domain of technicalities.
As Air signs we have: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.

• Water
Water essentially stands for flow. Water comprehends, connects, fills, and refreshes, giving life.
It is the domain of humanity.
As Water signs we have: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

So we can take a look at ourselves, or at a situation, and see which elements are abundant and which are absent, which are repressed and which are dormant. Rarely are all four in perfect balance, nor should that be the aim. But we can take note of where our shortcomings and blindspots are, in general or within given contexts, and see where to delegate, be assisted with, or put in more effort.

The Roles of Relaxation & Delight

Speaking of waste… Of course, we’d like to be productive. And of course, many of us are born into environments that pressure and demand of us to always be on the go, lest we fall behind, barely taking any breaks. But this overlooks one important fact: you are an organism, not a machine.

Beyond what you do outside of yourself that is evident and inside of yourself that is more subtle (which also tends to be minimized and disregarded), you must give yourself time to just be. Otherwise, not only will you suffer, but also your work will.

You must relax. Sorting out your thoughts, deciphering your feelings, having epiphanies, and coming up with the best solution to a problem. All of this happens most optimally while you aren’t pushing yourself to execute some other task. When you can relax and let things come and go around, allowing your brain to do both its unconscious and its conscious processing, giving up control (or the illusion of such) so that it can deliver something novel or at least outstanding. Deny yourself that and you will turn into a factory that does mediocre cookie-cutter production at best or have a disastrous assembly that won’t even meet any standards at worst.

And what about delight? How much more of you is on when you can genuinely experience joy, enthusiasm, and fascination? And how much of that transfers onto what you’re doing? Ever heard of something being judged as empty or dead? Well, it is not necessarily an exaggeration. Whether in craft or performance, more gets passed on and achieved if you aren’t completely miserable.

Being able to relax and delight yourself is, then, part of your job as an artist. More so when you aim to specifically transmit those states, but also when working on other types of pieces that might seem or be opposite to these. Because it is through these states that you can most fully channel and capture any condition. Yes, even for the most stressed or numb moments, some level of relaxation and delight is required to pull it off masterfully.

So next time anyone, including yourself, tries to deprive you of that, be aware that you’re depriving yourself of what would have you do your best.  

How Finding and Manifesting Yourself Matters

As we go through life, we pick up and absorb bits of this and that. We make them pieces of ourselves and let them carry us further. However, if we’re not careful, we may end up living a life that is not quite our own.

You see, just because you were able to incorporate something into yourself it doesn’t mean that it is what suits you the most. And maybe, for a while, it got you through without issue. But ultimately, is it what will take you the furthest you can go?

We try on other people’s lifestyles. The way they move through life. Their recipes and their remedies. Their solutions along with their excuses. And they could work, but only to an extent. Eventually, you hit a cap and realize that, while this is working for you, it is not working as well as it does for somebody else. This seems to suit them perfectly, but not you. So it is time to pause and rewind. Go back to the point before you took that on. 

You may have often heard the encouragement to find yourself, cheesy as it sounded, which was then replaced by an encouragement to create yourself, as though it was the more practical and productive approach - and rendered the other pointless. Yet, it isn’t pointless at all. Because where you build matters. If you are ‘creating’ yourself up on and out of something that you are not, then you’re artificially fabricating a persona rather than growing in your authenticity. And at some point, it might be so heavy and suffocating to you that you will be forced to find yourself after all, a self that would then be even more buried underneath piles and piles of quick grabs. It's that or be doomed to an existence that seems bleak and bland.

Sitting with yourself could seem like a waste, but it is essential and fundamental to manifesting what you have to offer, radiantly so. You ought to get to know yourself. What do you genuinely like and what do you genuinely dislike? And why. What energizes you and what drains you, what comes effortlessly and what is a burden, what is most endlessly fulfilling to you and what is a passing fancy? These and more questions can set you on the path of self-discovery.

That said, you still ought to figure out how much you must devote to it. Some people are more inclined to continue digging, leaving no stone unturned, and arrange their lives around that, while others don’t have to search that deep to remain real and true to themselves. It could be anywhere from untangling all the hidden secrets kept in human nature to simply ensuring that your principles and values align properly.

Finding yourself to manifest yourself then puts you at an advantage, for you are working with yourself and not against yourself. And the traits that set you apart and make you stand out are more accessible and put to more use.

From a Seed to a Full-Blown Tree

What are you, in particular, capable of? While it is true that all of us have at least something of value to bring to the Earth, it is also true that within us lie different gifts. And we’re given a lifetime to discover and uncover what they are to make them a part of all else. Playing a role in the ecosystem.

It goes back, to your parents and their ancestry. It relates to numerous factors during your formation in the womb. And it continues on from the moment of your birth. What made you exactly? And what turned out from that? You are both your nature and your nurture. And that, for better or for worse, can be a highly specific result. You may be anything from the most awaited savior to the most catastrophic menace. Perhaps a step in evolution. Or someone who can, directly or indirectly, awaken and foster more advanced qualities in others.

Undeniably, whether we notice and acknowledge them or not, multiple forces, in and out, are at all times influencing and impacting our development, affecting us in ways that may or may not be reversible. It becomes who you are, temporarily or permanently. As what you must be to survive or even thrive. Maybe what you inescapably exist as. 

You may realize that your needs and wants aren’t so predictable after all. Yes, there are basic things we all need and many things we all want, but it can get more detailed than that. And when that happens, it can be a hassle to explain them, let alone justify them, to those who do not (or cannot) relate. The formula works for them, so why doesn’t it work for you? Well, maybe because you’re built and wired differently, to serve a different purpose - one that is worthy too.

Like any other being, you’ve got your limits. We might not like to admit this, but we do. Some are imaginary. Some are self-imposed. Some are imposed by others. And some are very real, no matter what. Furthermore, some serve you and some don’t. Making these distinctions and identifying what your limits are can help bring you more into alignment with what is meant to flourish out of you.

You’ll encounter obstacles obstructing your better and greater version. And when that is the case, you must overcome them, go around, get through, or even demolish them. So that you don’t stagnate. Or what is worse, die from a lack of life. Meaning, your growth was so stalled that the flow throughout you was impeded. 

If all goes well, though, you could be one of the fortunate ones who achieve their full potential (or close to it) as a symbiotic organism within a larger organism. And what a grand blessing that would be to the world! 

Unfortunately though, when people are short-sighted and narrow-minded, they are prone to miss or even shun this possibility. Instead, attempt to force conformance to a mold that was never made for you. Robbing you and those around you of what would have been your most splendid, possibly unique, contributions.

Content Consumption Guide

At this point, there is already plenty around here to browse through and dive into. It can be overwhelming, exhausting even. So a guide is due!

Before you continue consuming the content stored and displayed on this site, you can go over and consider the following:

• All the content on TintySun, in one way or another, ultimately ties back to the mission of “Unbridling & Sustaining Artistic Abilities”. So if you’re wondering why a piece is here and what its purpose is, it is essentially that.
• Not every related keyword is included in an article, but they’re still quite searchable through the more central ones.
• Posts are tagged, organized into categories and subcategories, which are accessible via the various menus plastered all around. (And more to come.)
• Mainly, this place is meant for artists and art enthusiasts. However, the definitions of such aren't strict at all. It might be for you too.
• What is covered can go from basic to advanced, from vague to specific, and from general to specialized. But in any case, having other sources of information is still encouraged.
• A release may not bring you something you don’t already know. But if that’s the case, you can take it as a reminder, a confirmation, and/or an emphasis. Or even simply as something that puts into words (and/or other mediums) what you already know.
• Certain posts are spontaneous, made and published within the moment, but a large amount of them were done ahead of time and scheduled to automatically publish on their own at a given date (with or without revisions the day before).
• Posts will be brought up again when, for any reason, the topics addressed become relevant once more and it's worth revisiting them.
• Minor and major changes might be made to existing posts. An “edited” sign may or may not appear, depending on significance.
• Finally, you must be discerning. See for yourself where what is explained or described applies or is applicable.

If you have any questions, you can also send them in.

Birthdays

Here we go again!
Happy Birthday to all in advance in case I miss it.
(But let’s try not to.)

Spring Once More

Spring arrives once more...
Do you know what that means?
It means we move forward.
New and different awaits.
And better be ready for it.

I’m Sorry if I don’t Seem Very Professional

Lately, especially with younger generations, and more with artists, strict etiquette and formalities aren’t demanded or even expected. Quite the opposite, a more laid-back and personable approach tends to be preferred. However, having and showing a degree of respect and consideration for one another can’t go wrong (it’s twisted if it does). So, basically, don’t worry too much and just be humane. Keep being professional in terms of your competence, reliability, and what you deliver. Being stable and secure matters more than appearing “serious” when building long-term. 

Could We Collaborate?

Chances are that you come from different backgrounds, different walks of life, and maybe that’s part of the magic that brings you together and that you can manifest together. However, it does come with the fact that you might not be on the same page right off the bat. You may be used to something and they may be used to something else. But as long as there are good intentions behind it and you give each other grace, you’re on your way to a mutually beneficial meeting in some middle. Ultimately clicking well. Unless you just aren’t compatible enough, requiring compromises where there shouldn’t be. If that’s the case, make peace with it and drop it without needless hostility. Maybe you’re not meant for this, yet meant for something else.

How Did You Find Me?

It is totally okay, tactful even, in today’s atmosphere, where almost everyone is active online and has something to show for it, to initiate a conversation with something along the lines of “I’ve seen you around.” You can mention whether you found them via a search or a share, or merely by scrolling/swiping, admit that you’ve been reading and/or viewing for a while and that’s why you eventually reached out to them, and go from there with further details about it. What caught your attention, what stood out for you, etc. All fine to bring up. At some point, could even point out if you noticed anything particularly peculiar and ask about it. It really isn’t weird behavior this far along.

Pisces' Description

♓ PISCES

Pisces, the twelfth and last sign, is a water and mutable sign, sensitive and compassionate. Known for its empathetic nature and artistic flair, Pisces swims in the depths of emotion and imagination. Often associated with spirituality, as it taps into the subconscious realms to channel and create works out of inspiration. It is the dreamiest of all. Adaptable and fluent, it navigates the currents of life with ease. Or it may become weary with the day-to-day tedium.

Spiritually, Pisces culminates in unity and transcendence. It teaches us the importance of surrendering to the flow of the universe and embracing our interconnectedness with all beings.

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

Do you View your Partner as a Partner?

Or even just as a person. It may be bypassed, but it is key to much. When you have a partner, whether that’s for casual or committed activities or endeavors, how you view them affects how you treat them which affects what becomes of the partnership. So what are they to you? What is the person who is your partner?

Whether you realize it or not, and whether it is intentional or not, you may fall into one or more of the following views, failing to check and correct yourself: An object for your pleasure. A milestone for your sense of accomplishment. A trophy for recognition. A slave to delegate labor to. A money-granting machine. A sperm donor/incubator for your offspring. A piece of evidence of your orientation. A prompt for your inspiration and motivation.

That’s not to say that having a partner that fulfills any of those roles, and that you happen to acknowledge it, is the problem. The problem arises when it stops at that. Because then it is more, or all, about what they do for you rather than what you two can do - and be - for each other. And you may say, “Well, I do things for them too!” Maybe. But how willingly? How many times do you have to be asked, begged, complained, and yelled at, or even “punished”, for you to start doing your part? Does it take the threat of losing them or the reality of such for you to start being a proper partner to them? And even then, you’re still trying to get by doing the bare minimum to keep them around? At that point, you’re already a major disappointment.

To view your partner as a partner and be a partner to them, you must take into account their needs and their wants - and work toward meeting them. With clear communication, maybe a few compromises, and continued efforts to harmonize with them. Intuition and empathy if you’re capable of grasping more with those. If that seems like too much for you, then it’s likely that either you’re not a match or you’re simply looking for somebody to exploit for your benefit (taking without giving). If the former, you should come to terms with it and make way for someone who is more aligned with you and what you can offer (and for someone else to be what you couldn’t be for them). If the latter, may what has to happen to you happen.

So you do care about doing right by your partner? Then sit and ponder.
- Have I been honest about my intentions?
- Do I respect and honor them as an individual separate from me?
- Do I look for ways in which I can be a complement and enhancement to them?
- Do I improve instead of allowing myself to be a hindrance and detriment to them?
- Does bringing joy and relief to them bring me joy and relief as well?
- Does sharing our burdens and struggles lighten the load as we assist each other?
- Am I content to get closer and bond further or do I become guarded and avoidant?
- Am I getting to know more about them so that I can understand (and anticipate) what they require?
- Am I recognizing and rewarding their contributions or taking them for granted?
- Are they supported, encouraged, and safe to be their most authentic and greatest self with me?

Some people are simply not ready to have a partner. Please admit this to yourself when it is the case. Don’t drag others into your ambivalence, nonchalance, and/or unavailability because you’re somehow convinced that you shouldn’t be single or that your mere attraction is a gift to others. If they’re attractive, that’s on them. Chances are that you’re not going to be the first or last person to be drawn by what is valuable in them. Please work on yourself or leave others alone. You’re not owed a partner for desiring one.

Learn to be a partner to your partner.

Alright, Let’s Talk About It

For February, I would like to habitually bring a little something to gradually cover important aspects of having and holding intimate relationships that could go overlooked or even denied. Sex & romance are often a topic, in and out of art, and can affect much of our lives, with either their absence or their presence. So as part of my mission of “Unbridling & Sustaining Artistic Abilities”, I will also be sharing what I can in this regard. (Revisions and additions may be done over time.)

Valentine Month

February arrives again!
And with it, though you may take it for love in the wider sense, the Valentine mood.
If you’re fond of treating others or even yourself, you can indulge it with me.
I celebrate it with relationship and care content and vibes here and there.

Welcome, Newcomers!

To those of you in alignment with what I stand for, welcome! I wish I already had more ready and in place for your arrival. But, regardless, I gladly open my doors to you before too long!

At this point, there's plenty of content accumulated to browse through or search up. However, you are not required to go through all of it before making yourself comfortable as a regular. Maybe it'll be enough to read only a few pieces, here and there, and wait for more that's on the way.

I have more content coming, more organization left to do, and more sections to add (it's getting political, something artists would rather not fully revolve around but ultimately cannot completely avoid). So, it's part of the package of Unbridling & Sustaining Artistic Abilities.

In any case, keep in mind that there's only so much that I can cover from my own angle and through my own approach. You must, along with it, curate a list of various sources to count on for your development. And I'll just keep contributing my part to it. 👍

This Mess is a Bit More Complicated Than That

Things are rarely so linear and clear-cut, but for the sake of gaining or keeping some perspective beyond the extremes, I made this graph. I hope it’s self-explanatory enough and prompts you to notice even more ‘cause, jeee, is there a mess of stuff going on between and behind all of it? But I’ll still try to describe what it’s meant to mean. And leave the rest to you!

First and foremost, I’ll highlight: What’s TYPICAL and MODERATE is not what you should be too concerned about, whether that’s your ideal or not. It’s what’s ******* DEMENTED that poses a real danger. The NORMALCY CHASER/ENFORCER can also be annoying as **** and a huge part of what ruins everything, so always watch out for it too. The Catholic Church? Well, essentially, when truly standing for the values and principles of Christ, it tends to be somewhere there - showing compassion regardless of agreement or even understanding. But beware of The False Prophet who will cherry-pick what’s convenient and what suits it to lead you astray and into unholy grounds.

• Moderate Progressives. They’re usually allies, closeted or not, to the more flamboyant. They don’t need to be as expressive and can pass as conservative with relative ease, but they believe in freedom of expression and can view others as too narrow and close-minded.

• Moderate Conservatives. They may disapprove of your way of life, be repulsed even or just shake their head at 'the youth', but can still adopt an attitude of “whatever floats your boat”. And mind their own business.

• Typical Progressives. These are the more outspoken and visible. With crazy hair and crazy clothes, on-your-face queer and loud & proud. Or just very active in their activism (know and talk their politics inside out) and purposely push boundaries.

• Typical Conservatives. They prefer things simple and predictable. What do you mean you went off script? “Get back here and be and do like the rest of us! You’re being strange.” However, they can range from “ignore and keep going” to “we’ll bully it out of you or ostracize you”. Still, that’s what you'd expect from “normalcy” and it's nothing new.

• The Catholic Church. When they’re not wolves in sheep’s clothing and do their bible study well, they can be some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. Even if, fundamentally, they still believe in holding certain things in strict structure.

So far all this is tolerable enough. At least for periods of time, depending on where you are. The following, not so much...

• The False Prophet. Literally the type of people who have been giving The Catholic Church such a horrible reputation. They’re usually awful narcissists looking for excuses to justify or disguise their awful (or downright psychopathic) behavior. They have a place in hell but often pretend they’re among the saintliest.

• Normalcy Chaser/Enforcer. All they care about is fitting in with what is the currently acceptable thing to be and do. They chase it and then enforce it. Taking sentiments such as “I’d like to express who I truly am” to mean that you must be as “PC” as possible or else you’re not doing it properly and ought to be canceled, witch-hunted even. These are the people that belong with the normies that verge on demented, but find themselves elsewhere when the norms change. (I blame them for a lot.)

• ******* Demented "Progressives". You know people claiming that wearing deodorant is oppressive and that women should be allowed to bleed out on the street when they menstruate? Also the people who believe it’s totally okay for a child to make serious alterations to their body before they even get a clue about themselves or life in general? The ones trying to normalize pedophilia? I put them here. I don’t associate with them at all.

• ******* Demented "Conservatives". This is where you get Nazis and The Patriarchy in its most perverted form. Echo chambers? THEY ADORE THAT. Forget education, ban books. “My word is law” and, basically, reality is whatever they deem it to be. You thought they were people of ~FACTS~? Think again. Confirmation bias is how they roll. Anything else can cause them cognitive dissonance that they’re too scared to face and sort through. Let alone admit. Needless to say, a danger to any civilized society.

Bear with my use of terms because, as many of us know, wording is tricky and words can signify different things. But I hope you get the gist of it and can see where to aim and what to keep at bay.

Dear Women, PoC, and LGBTQ+ Crowd…

Although I’ve always been an LGBTQ+ supporter, in light of current events, I will begin being more evidently so. During a time when, as an LGBTQ+ person, you can’t be sure where others stand or whether they’ll “turn” against you, you can count on me to always stand for you.

As being anti-LGBTQ+ starts getting normalized again, you might see many people, entities, and organizations show their true colors (or lack thereof). As, from the beginning, they were only “for you” while they believed they had something to gain from it.

Now, it is possible that around us there will be “closeted” people (and just “undercover agents”) doing their best to support us without losing the war in the process. However, it can be detrimental to your morale (and overall health) to be constantly doubting and questioning whether or not they can be trusted. So, I urge you to stick closer with those you can be sure are at their core and will always be by your side on this matter. (If you're doing the quiet part, I salute you and thank you for your noble service.)

In my case, I can’t be anything but in favor of freedom of expression. I literally almost lost my life by trying to “fit in” and be “normal”. I know that, for some of us, this is no trend or brainwashing. We are a certain way and, if we suppress that badly enough, we can suffocate and die - not only symbolically. So, yes, I take this very seriously. (And if by some sick twist I switch sides, you can at least bet I’ll suffer for it and that’ll be my punishment. 99.9999999999% unlikely, though.)

As for women and people of color, you also have my undying support. But this is no time to play dumb to coddle others’ ego. If you absolutely must, that’s understandable. But if you can afford to, keep on making it as obvious as you can that these sexist and racist f***ers are no more than delusional and expecting to have their illusions confirmed. Furthermore, never ever forget your worth. Keep on being your brilliant and unstoppable self.

There will be those who read this, or something like this, and assume it is an overreaction. But you should all know by now that you don’t have to wait for a disease to become deadly and incurable in order to recognize it as dangerous and lethal unless treated and combated.

Misogynistic men who aren’t white: You’re not as safe as you’d like to believe either. A white man who treats a woman as an inferior will treat you as an inferior too. If not only see you as one and stealthily regard you as such. It’s just how they operate. But I know some of you are such bootlickers that you’ll be fine with it anyway. May you get what you deserve, then.

Furthermore, I’m all for art. Including the dark kind. If unchecked banning begins and more gets written off as a “disorder” rather than a very natural response to a dysfunctional and unfair system or set of circumstances, I have an arsenal of arguments and evidence to dismantle the BS. Nobody will make you feel crazy (or merely inappropriate) when you’re not. Not on my watch.

Things in my country aren’t very progressive either but, buddies, you’re welcome here if the USA becomes intolerable to you.

Lastly, you can contact me directly if you wish. Don’t be afraid to reach out - especially if you’re breaking and could use the extra reassurance. Throughout this year and beyond I will be making content that I hope will be helpful, but you can still make specific requests and I’ll tend to them to the best of my abilities.

DO NOT SUCCUMB TO DEFEATISM. We fought for our freedoms already and learned plenty in the process, we can do it again. If anything, this could be a reset that allows us to tackle all issues more thoroughly so that we can build again, this time more firmly and impenetrably. Give yourself permission to be as opportunistic as these $*&#@#@$ are. You’re not alone.

Aquarius' Description

♒ AQUARIUS

Aquarius, the eleventh sign, is an air and fixed sign, portraying innovation and independence. Known for its visionary thinking and progressive ideals, it marches to the beat of its own drum. Often associated with originality and eccentricity, they celebrate their uniqueness and challenge societal norms. Their mindset causes them to seek out novel ways of thinking and living. It has a role as a humanitarian and a bringer of change. Yet, beneath its rebellious exterior lies a desire to create a better world for all.

Spiritually, Aquarius brings us toward progress and even revolution. It teaches us the importance of our individuality, of standing up for what we believe in, and of using our gifts and talents to effect positive change in the world.

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

Plus a Bit More of All

More credit where credit is due. And it’s about time I bring them all up together.

A few years ago, I set off into YouTube. Not only as intending to become a YouTuber, but as committing to making content regularly for that and other platforms. Through my browsing and during my watching, several YouTubers caught my attention. But ultimately, these are the ones I ended up sticking with.

They are both informative and humane. Furthermore, they are devoted to what they cover and don’t take themselves too seriously - which I personally appreciate. That and they’re indeed great at making content! I don’t always watch the full videos they release, but the snippets and extracts they share on their respective topics are something I try not to miss. And I’m glad whenever I see them on my dashboard.

For sure, what they put out has helped me stay on track and figure my way through all of this.

• Sean Cannell
Focus on making content and the marketing & advertising aspects of it. Inspiring and motivational, preserving the soul while being ambitious. Beyond being brilliant, he can be extremely energizing. His public speaking abilities? Top-notch.

• Sara Dietschy
Focus on technology. From gadgets to applications to what’s becoming of the world through these advances. I particularly enjoy her lively and personable, yet undoubtedly nerdy approach to showing us around and introducing us to what’s at hand.

• Sorelle Amore
Focus on freedom. Something that starts with having your finances in order. She tends to the material without neglecting the spiritual and that’s what most stood out for me. Her presence is delightful and, undeniably, so are her captures of existence.

There’s much more that could be said about them, of course. But I’ll let their work speak for them.
(You should check them out.)

Personal Development: 3 Attitudes For Excellence

Previously, 5 Traits to Stand Out were brought up. Adding to that, here is more toward excellence.

If you’re doing the work and wish to keep going forward, it is fundamental to adopt certain attitudes with which you will receive and respond to most if not all things. Let them sink down into the core of you to operate by default on their own. If you dare.  

• Competing Against Yourself

When you don’t have a point of reference, it is indeed constructive to look around and compare yourself to others to then compete against them. However, this has a few pitfalls. What if what they’re good at is not what you ought to be good at? And what if you’re already the best one around at that particular thing? What happens then? You’re led astray or you hit a cap. Therefore, it is important to learn to push yourself based on higher and higher standards that you set for yourself regardless. It is not about taking it easy and letting yourself fall behind. On the contrary, it is about constantly taking a look at yourself and admitting where you’re failing or lacking on your path toward actualization and addressing it.

• Maturing & Evolving

There is often such needless resistance to mature and evolve. And that’s understandable as this is (mistakenly) associated with dying and losing yourself. However, there is still joy and wonder in moving onto the different phases and newer versions of you. Becoming cynical and complacent aren’t signs of maturity and evolution, they are signs of giving up - and that’s a significant distinction to make. You don’t have to keep repeating the same mistakes, over and over again, stuck in a loop, to be alive and remain “yourself”. You can instead take what life throws at you and see how it can best shape and forge you into someone greater.  

• Embracing Truthfulness

None of this will happen with ease if you have trouble accepting the facts, what is real and ultimately true. Yes, the truth hurts. And yes, too much of it can be debilitating and even paralyzing. But you ought to make room for it. Cushion it and counter it with softer and sweeter truths if you must. Have it in moderation, at intervals if that helps. But at some point, you must welcome it in. And you might find, after all, that the highest truths are the most liberating. And that the most wounding and poisoning “truths” weren’t so true. With practice, you could end up seeking it as much as water and air. And it’ll make it all clear to you.  

Take a moment to reflect. What is lacking in you that could use some work? What can you work on personally developing now?

(Changing) Calendar

Here’s what I have in store so far for the year. It's not completely set in stone, as the unexpected may occur, but it's certainly set in sight. I will add and/or remove (with or without notice, depending) throughout the year...

Don't Forget

You can be open to the inevitable and the favorable, while closed to the dismissable and the infavorable. It can be tricky to tell them apart, and sometimes you just won’t know until you look back and see the relief of a dodged bullet or the regret of a missed opportunity, but don’t be so stiff or so malleable that you prolong suffering and delay fulfillment.

Inducing Serenity

How much noise is around and/or within you? Inhale and exhale. You can find serenity again. Without forgetting what you’ve learned, getting rid of what you’ve made, or denying who you are, grant yourself the space for what you aspire toward. Visualize it and watch it expand, dissolving obstacles and limits you believed you had.

Let this imagery and this melody prompt and carry you toward your own version of it...

CREDIT: AI-Generated, image done on Leonardo AI and audio on Suno AI.  

2025's To-Do List

Plenty was accomplished last year, despite delays and detours, but there is some left over and more to work toward this year. It seems that it will be quite an uncertain one in various aspects, but I might still be able to push forward in certain areas regardless. As usual, I’m flexible (for who knows what the future will bring) but better a plan than no plan.

TintySun
☐ Polish Site Layout (add new modules, too)
☐ Develop Mobile Versions

☐ Complete Rounds of Fundamental Content
☐ Fill Empty Sections Remaining
☐ Showcase Representative Batch of Artworks

☐ Revise/Renew Branding
☐ Promote Your Stuff
(...and officially establish yourself!)

PhantomShuffle
☐ Polish
☐ Fill
☐ Promote
DarkSpectacle
☐ Polish
☐ Fill
☐ Promote
HorrorStumble
☐ Polish
☐ Fill
☐ Promote

WELCOME 2025!

I don’t know what to expect! There have been so many unexpected twists and turns, some so outrageously massive that they have drastically altered the course of history, so speaking as though I have a clue what 2025 holds might just make me look foolish once it comes and goes.

However, I do know that I’m still enthusiastic and still devoted to my projects. And the more comes together, the more amazing it all is to me. Lots of forming and transforming into something greater. Much in ways I would not have envisioned but that make the most sense after all. (Thank God, The Universe, The Mysterious Forces at Play, for what didn’t work out and for what did work out.)

2024 was “supposed” to be a good year of steady progress for me. Yet, it was instead filled with devastating turmoil, as I had to let go of people I had come to be especially fond of, and revitalizing delight, as people I would not have even dreamed of (looking waaaaay better) showed up in their place. Still kinda reluctant to trust new faces (can’t blame me, the world is rotten), but it is nonetheless amazing! That and the priceless abundance of support and assistance throughout all the trials and tribulations.

2025? Well, I’m hoping it’ll keep surprising me with better and better. I’ll do my part, giving my best and making the most of what I can, and the rest is out of my hands. More specifically, though, I aim to bring enough to a state of completion and at last have that sense of being firmly and indisputably established. Heck, I might be one surprising you all with better and better. Looking forward to that! (And keeping the suspense...)

I know, I know. It can seem grim for many of us right now. But let’s keep on surviving and even thriving, no matter what!

New Year Month

January arrives again!
And with it, back to another start, the New Year mood.
If you wish to get organized for what’s to come, you can indulge it with me.
I celebrate it with aspirational and goal-setting content and vibes here and there.