Learn to Distinguish your Real Enemies from Manufactured Ones

"Leap of Faith" oil on canvas

To say our country is on edge is an understatement. Almost every week there is a tragedy, mob violence, a terror event or chaos. It’s unsettling the way the mood of the country and new legislation and "executive orders" are altering the America we once knew.

In my latest read, the topic is Nazi Germany in the 40’s. I'm searching for clues as to how the horrors perpetrated against the Jews happened? This quote jumped out at me: "It’s amazing what years of conditioning and propaganda can achieve."

Today we don't know who to fear or whom to trust. We’re becoming Schizophrenic and paranoid. We’re losing our bearings. The foundation this country was built upon is slowly eroding before our eyes; at least that is how a majority of citizens feel.

(Work in Progress: "Stir fry" oil on canvas)

The Supreme Court has long ago ceased to rule according to Constitutional law and is legislating from the bench, something our founding fathers tried to safeguard against. Once you begin to tamper with established law and disregard principle, you are in muddy waters.

In spite of that, people are resilient. They will adjust and come together when necessary to preserve what is lasting and proven. For over 50 years people have mistakenly dismissed the idea of absolutes and values pushing them into the realms of relativity and personal choice. Mankind has become their own God determining for themselves what is right and what is wrong, what is good or what is evil.

Instead of elevating the best instincts within us, we are descending into a "survival of the fittest mode" in a descent to our primordial and animalistic leanings. Society is becoming less civilized and more antagonistic.

We are in awe when kindness raises its Godly head and we see, as we did in the San Bernardino, California terror onslaught a man shield a young woman beneath him taking a bullet for her and sacrificing his own life.

People of integrity and basic goodness are everywhere. Imagine if their concerted efforts at making the world a better place were concentrated or unified. There would be enough energy and strength to conquer our enemies, to repair and build the tearing fabric of our society. Prayer can also be a unifying force. Each of us in our separate homes asking our divine creator to heal our land and to mend our broken fences.

"Americana" acrylic on canvas

Some people would rather be hip and cool and declare that they are "not religious" or that they don't believe in a God who could cause such bad things to happen. My friends it is us who causes bad things to happen. We are given the gift of free agency, and we can use it for good or for evil. It's all about choice and turning our hatred into gratitude, and our mourning into forgiveness. Being dependent on God's grace and unconditional love is not a burden, but an indwelling strength for believers.

Whatever guides your life, learn to recognize who your real enemies are and not defame or condemn the people who seek to support and help you.

Contract Agreements Need More than a Signature; they Demand Integrity!

"Art Show"  two of my paintings available at http://carol-allen-anfinsen.artistwebsites.com

We’re hearing a lot about respect these days. Do the “cops” respect blacks? Do blacks in general respect police officers? When people disagree with the President, is that showing disrespect? I’ve listened to the arguments on both sides.

I saw the NYPD turn their backs on the mayor who they felt was culpable in the killing of several police officers. I heard the angry mobs shout: “What do we want? Dead cops!” 

Finally, a lone voice spoke up. A voice addressed to both sides. “Respect must be earned,” he said. “Respect comes when both parties feel that their concerns are being addressed.”

Instead, what we got on the public stage was a “shouting match.” Even hard facts were ignored in deference to emotion.

Trust is another one of those words. We all want it. Some of us think we deserve it. But trust is a condition that exists when both sides feel they are being listened to and heard. Trust is not given out like a smile; it should be tested and proven. Like respect, trust must be earned. When both exist, it is because both sides have met half-way to make the relationship work.

"A Joyful Heart"  Pastel on 11x14 bristol; matted and ready to frame.

I did a writing project some years ago for a man who belonged to my church. Because of the so-called “spiritual connection” I gave him my trust and accepted him at his word.

When the project was finished, I turned it over and expected a check in return. Come to find out, he had messed up his end of the negotiation and “connected” with a person who had no authority whatsoever. The person in charge had already commissioned the project from someone else. As a result, the friend who hired me refused to give me payment.

I viewed it as a lack of integrity. After all, I had put in my time and kept my part of the agreement. Turns out he did not have the wherewithal to pay me. All he had was a dream and a slick sales pitch. I regretted it, but I had to take him to Small Claims Court to get paid. By the time I received my commission minus court fees, it was a pittance. In addition, I’d built up an enormous amount of resentment toward him.

When people make promises they know they cannot keep that is a lie. When people lie to us, we can no longer respect them. When respect goes out the window, so does trust.

Here is the formula for success:  Integrity = respect + trust.  In the reverse: Lies = lack of respect, lack of trust, and a broken relationship.

"Fish Market" acrylic on canvas

Trust and respect have nothing to do with color. There are almost as many black cops as there are white ones. Respect is a way of treating others. But here’s the kicker. You cannot give respect to someone who calls you names, abuses you or threatens your life. It is impossible!

Trust is a gift people give you when you treat them well, and you’re upfront and honest with them in your dealings. You cannot trust someone who calls you names, lies to you, threatens you, or harms you in any way. It is impossible! On the other hand, they cannot trust you if you have broken the law and refuse to obey authority. In other words, by your actions, you have not earned their respect.

Do you see how important integrity and honesty is in your dealings with other people? Oh, sure you may get away with a lie here or a punch in the nose there, but sooner or later it’s bound to catch up to you. When you use bullying tactics on others it may turn against you in the end. When you persist, don’t be surprised if someone or something puts a stop to it one way or another. 

Trust and respect is a two-way street. If you refuse to cooperate or listen to what others have to say, it’s like putting up a road block. If you know you’re in the wrong and you refuse to make things right, you’re simply making matters worse.

"Tansy's Pride" pastel on 11x14 bristol; matted and ready to frame.

Agreements cannot be made when there is a lack of trust or respect between the interested parties. If one side is willing to compromise or cooperate and the other one isn’t, you cannot reach a consensus. Only if both parties are willing to put their grievances down can you move forward into reconciliation and resolution. 

When my former employer made known that he was unwilling to keep his end of the bargain, I had no choice but to pursue him legally in order to get paid which is what we had agreed to. Lesson learned: Get things in writing and ask for half the full amount up front as all contractors do. It’s only common sense!

Fear has Gripped our Nation and History is being Ignored

"And All that Jazz" mixed media in red box frame

The things we once learned from past mistakes are soon forgotten in the clutches of today. The rising generation is not equipped for self-governance nor alerted to the warning signs of impending tyranny. We are inundated with violence in our homes and schools and eager to blame “the other guy,” or guns, or the government when, in fact, as the cartoonist for “Shoe” puts it: “The enemy is us.”

We’ve become a gullible nation intent on harming ourselves. We depend on other people’s advice, knowledge, and strength rather than developing our own. We’re on the cutting edge of science and invention, but on the slippery slope that afflicts every generation after the lessons of the past have been forsaken.

"Lucky Lady" mixed media in red boxed frame

Nero fiddled while Rome burned, and we are just as likely today to perish from the bad choices that are being made for us and around us. Even when people vote their preferences, federal judges are overturning the people’s voice. Our land of laws and Constitutional principles is being rearranged, disassembled, and gradually pushed into chaos.

With Ebola threatening to sweep across the world, and terrorism shaking us to the core at home and abroad, is it any wonder that people are hunkering down; afraid to engage with others, fearful of spending money they don’t have, and not knowing where to turn for help.

"Shimmy Shake" mixed media in black box frame

History tells us that we are not alone. People have weathered all kinds of atrocities, tribulations and persecutions in the past. The key to holding it together is to remember those values and principles which made us strong in the first place; things like honesty, trust and integrity.

There was a time when a “man’s word was his bond” and a handshake was as good as a signed contract? Today lying and double-dealing has become “the thing to do” because “everybody does it!” Our own President has received many Pinocchio’s for deceiving the American people and he's in first chair!

Husbands lie to their wives and visa verse. Children lie to their parents. Bosses lie to their employees, and employees take out their anger by stealing from their bosses. Goods and services cost more because shoplifting is figured into profit margins as is price gouging by “middlemen” who put a thumb on the scale at purchase point.

"Yes, Sir, that's my Baby!" mixed media in grey box frame

Gas prices and transporting of goods is also figured into the cost of food and clothing. But in spite of the gloomy picture there is reason for hope. “The pendulum always swings.” When society gets too far afield, common sense usually pulls us back to calmer times. Swift thinking and logical choices made in the silence of the voting booth may prevail. Let’s hope it does so again before things go so far awry that there's no turning back!

All artwork in this blog may be purchased at Anfinsen Art on Etsy

"Vamp on a Ramp" mixed media in grey box frame

That’s my Story and I’m Sticking to It!

"Skudeneshavn Norway" Commissioned painting SOLD, Prints available. Sold Print in May.

I have a long list of paintings I want to create. Whenever I get an idea, I quickly jot it down. Some of these gems blossom and some wait in the wings; never to become more than a fleeting wisp of ethereal brain matter.

Many good ideas are beaten down with the big stick of apprehension or common sense. Do I really want to do anything so risque? Would anybody buy such a painting if I did create it? These are the kinds of nagging fears and inhibitions we are told to avoid. They are the pitfalls that drag us into the dark abyss of self-doubt. They make us question our ideas, our inspiration and skill even before we get our ideas off the ground.

"Vikeholmen Lighthouse; Skudenshavn Norway" 20 x 16 acrylic on canvas (Sold Print in May)

We are our own worst enemy. We sabotage ourselves at every turn. First we’re too young and inexperienced; and then when we gain knowledge and skill, we chastise ourselves for not being “at the top of our game.” We ruthlessly compare ourselves to others. We’re not smart enough, good enough, or skilled enough. Someone else is always better.

Finally if and when we reach some semblance of success, we wax melancholy, worrying that perhaps we’ve already reached our mediocre pinnacle. We fear that our encroaching age may make us obsolete or irrelevant.

We humans are so predictable. We want to be this unique and special gift to humanity, but we give up before we’ve even gotten our big toe wet in the gene pool of competition and exposure. We not only fear failure, we fear success.

"Egret Reflections" 8 x 10 oil on canvas SOLD; Prints available

When was the last time you truly believed in yourself and in your ability to not only complete a project, but to fill that empty hole inside where your unfulfilled dreams reside? What is trust but an innate belief in one’s worth?

Does the seed question that it will eventually germinate, blossom, and reproduce? No. It simply does what it was born to do: grow, develop and bloom. The same things we were created to do. We were born to grow, develop and bloom. But rather than nurturing our hopes and dreams, we smother them with insecurities.

The seed sprouts because it is created to grow upward, forever searching for the light. Our fears are born in darkness and by constantly looking inward to measure whether we’re happy or not. Instead of reaching up to our source of strength and inspiration, we become self focused.

Dreams must be outward focused. We reach out and up trusting that we are capable of better things because we are “gloriously and wondrously made.”

An intense desire to share our vision of life with others can pull us out of ourselves and stop the unfruitful tail spin of self-defeat. When you love your craft and trust in your own inner passions, the thrust will automatically bring you fulfillment and completion.

(Solo show at our club house -- shorter hair!)

The Quiet Strength Among us: People who Face Trials with Courage and a Smile

"The Dregs of Winter" original drawing; prints available

They are all around us. You won’t read about them in the newspaper; unless, of course, they serve somebody else’s personal or political agenda. You won’t hear them complaining or whining for attention, either. They go about their business quietly without fanfare.

They are you and me. They are our neighbors, relatives and friends. They are heroes and role models. They are silent lambs who suffer courageously regardless of what life throws at them. Most do not deserve their fate, “for the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all.” (ECC 9:11 KJV)

Life on earth is a challenge. Our bodies may become diseased. We may suffer accident or illness. We may be maimed, disabled, or made infirm. If it’s any comfort, we are not singled out by life or by God, but as Ecclesiastes states: “time and chance happens to us all.” The crux of the matter is: What will be our response?

"A Joyful Heart" original pastel drawing

A video presentation on www.godvine.com features a courageous man named Charlie Parker who was born without arms. His remarkable parents decided from the get-go that they would encourage Charlie and instill in him the belief that he could do whatever he set his mind to. Charlie’s father said: “We wanted his childhood to be as close to any other child’s as possible.”

As a result, Charlie learned how to ride a tricycle, a bicycle, and later a car. He graduated from high school, from college, and he did all of these things by learning to do things his way. Without arms, he used his feet to steer and his mouth and the space between his cheek and shoulder to manipulate the controls. His first automobile at age 16 was an Impala. He helped adjust the controls to meet his needs.

“Every step of the way in life there have been people who said that I can't do things,” said Charlie: “Said that I couldn't ride a bicycle; Said that I couldn't live on my own. Couldn't get a good job and support myself or I couldn't go to college and graduate. I don't listen too much to people when they tell me I can't do something.”

"With these Hands -- Hope" 16 x 20 mixed media on canvas

Today Charlie is an engineer at Hendrick Motorsports, a top tier NASCAR race car design firm. He designs and modifies racing cars for optimum performance. He uses his feet on the keyboard of a computer. He has worked at Hendrick for the past eight years. 

http://youtu.be/ILJGpjdY9U8

Charlie does not allow his disability to hold him back or stop him from living a full and productive life. No whiner here, he never has and never will allow self-pity or the jeers of others to deter him from doing what he wants to do. The family’s faith and their trust in and belief in God provided Charlie with a strong foundation that helped him weather the storms of life.

God is not some cosmic puppeteer, pulling our strings and causing bad things to happen to us either as punishment for our misdeeds, or because he doesn’t care or really isn’t there (the world’s thinking in a nutshell). 

Time and chance happens to us all. Life is unpredictable. If we ask him, God will comfort us, strengthen us, and help us as we go through this turbulent landscape (and sometimes even when we don’t ask). God neither manipulates nor alters the choices that we or other human beings make. How else could justice prevail and mercy reign? If we were only puppets in a great cosmic game, how could we be held accountable for the harm we cause to others? 

We cannot choose what happens to us in life. We can only choose what our response will be. Faith is letting go of doubts and fears by laying our burdens down at the feet of God. The Newscaster, Robin Robinson said it best: “When fear comes knocking, let faith open the door.”

"India Rising -- the Found" mixed media on canvas

To Coin a Phrase: It's the Children, Stupid!

"First Daffodil" 16x20 acrylic on canvas (now showing at Coconut Point SW FL Co-op Gallery)

Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we lose our imagination. We bump into reality. We scrape our knees on expectations. We feel the slap of human adversity. Oh, that we could capture the awe of discovery as children do.

My three-year-old granddaughter mailed me a picture of a "person." The only recognizable parts were the round ball for the head and a robe for the body. Her mother wrote the caption: "This person is starting to grow feathers and turn into an owl." Sure enough, there were scribbles (feathers) where arms should be, and the eyes were round saucers with dots.

"With these Hands -- Hope" 16x20 oil on acrylic under painting

Children have a lot to teach us about letting go and about suspending belief, if only for a moment. They teach us to ask questions like: what if? Why? and How? Great thinkers and leaders of the past asked those questions, and today we reap the benefits. Spiritual leaders of the past asked similar questions and their answers renewed faith and restored hope in times of suffering.

For a short time, children are pure and undefiled. They are suspended in time, sheltered by a birthing cocoon. As Wordsworth penned, "they come trailing clouds of glory from God who is their home." If more parents recognized this fleeting, fragile period of blessedness, they might be more respectful of the life placed in their care. They might be more gentle, more tolerant, more forgiving of the crying infant flailing about in a new body in a strange new world; an infant "trailing clouds of glory" from its creator.

"Day Dreams" 11x14 oil on canvas

One of my favorite photos of my oldest son and daughter is titled: "The burial of an ant." The children are playing in the sand, and they spy an ant lying on its back. Recognizing the ant is dead, they proceed to cover it with sand. Their sadness over the death of one little ant made me smile. My lessons on respect for life had sunk in. Payoff, I guess, for all those baby birds we rescued, the stray dogs and cats we took in, my refusal to kill a mouse in our house that drove me scrambling up a chair for protection. If there was another way, harming any living thing was the last resort. In our house, we all became experts at trapping stray mice or lizards in a glass jar and depositing them outside.

"India Rising -- The Lost" 18x24 mixed media on canvas

This respect for life seems to be slipping away in our society. More people are using violence or murder as a means to solve problems. If they can't fix a relationship, or if it's inconvenient, they eliminate it. If someone gets in their way, slows them down, or makes life difficult, they wipe them out. Even greed plays a part in our society's lack of respect for the rights of others.

Children bring us back to basics. They force us to examine what's really important in life. Their wonder in discovery, their appreciation of simple things, their willingness to believe, simply because we tell them so is a remarkable testament of their faith and trust.

"Mother and Child" brush drawing in oil on panel; monochrome

Are you Cynical or just Realistic? Consumed by Negative Thinking, or just Practical?

Cards or prints are available on Etsy or Carol's web site

I've prided myself on being an optimist most of my life. But when my husband confronted me yesterday, I wondered.

"Cascade has a new dishwasher soap guaranteed to take out water spots," he said, with a hopeful look in his eye. "We should try it!"

"Right," I said. "You know, what that really means is a new package, a smaller size, and a higher price."

"You're so cynical," he chided. "Where's your faith?"

"I'm a realist," I answered. "I see evidence on the grocery shelves. We're paying more all the time and getting less. New product simply means that change is afoot."

Cards, prints, and posters available on Etsy and Carol's web site.

"Lucky Lady" 11x14 mixed media in Red Boxed frame on Etsy or email Carol

We remained at odds on this one. My husband has led a sheltered life, lived in the same place (until he met me) and is not only trustworthy, but perhaps too trusting.

I, on the other hand, have lived in many different states, traveled widely, and have learned from the "School of Hard Knocks" to be less trusting and less gullible than I used to be. I'm keenly aware of the many pitfalls in the game of life.

As a friend warned me many years ago: "Carol, there is evil in the world. Not everyone is good, trusting, and helpful."

"All that Jazz" 11x14 acrylic in Red Boxed Frame at Etsy or Carol's Web Site

My religious background and Christian faith declared that "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." I truly believe that everyone has worth and value. I've always been color blind, disability blind, and culturally blind. I've fought to defend those beliefs sometimes with caution to the wind.

But "truth and reason" are wonderful teachers. Yes, there is evil in the world, and some people will do anything for sex or money. Do I trust advertisers? A resounding, no! Do I trust anyone to give me advice or truth? No! Do I still give people the benefit of the doubt? Yes, I still do. I am still a "cockeyed optimist" at heart. I still believe that people are essentially good (until they prove me wrong).

"Shimmie Shake" 11x14 acrylic in Black Boxed Frame at Etsy and on Carol's Web Site

Today, I'm more aware of the red flags of warning. Today, I trust my gut instincts, and I trust in God's will implicitly. If it feels wrong or if I'm uncomfortable, I accept that as a warning to exercise caution or to flee. I accept the fact that not everyone is honest or has my best interests in mind. Trust is not something you give away. Trust must be earned!

Doggone it, I wish the world were a safer, better place in which to live; but sadly, it's all we've got. So as they say in Florida, "You take care, ya' all!"

"India Rising -- the Found"  18x24 mixed media
NOW 50% off due to small puncture in canvas that has been repaired

Find your Inner Voice, your Power, and “Free Fall”

"Free-Falling Pelican" pencil drawing

I enjoy watching American Idol. It’s fun to witness frightened, insecure wanna-be’s grow and develop before your eyes. It’s miraculous to see what happens when someone with potential is provided with money, opportunity, and support. Their skills increase. Their confidence blossoms.  And they prove to themselves and others that they have what it takes to succeed.

In a recent competition, the contestant Hollie Cavanagh was advised that she “over thinks” her performances. She concentrates so much on the technicalities of singing, and in trying to implement what her coaches and teachers have taught her that she still hasn’t left her “comfort zone” after weeks of competing.

One of the coaches said to her: “Once you’re on that stage, you have to ‘let go.’ You have to free-fall.”

"Flying Your Way" Egret pencil drawing

This is good advice for any artist or performer. Once you step on that stage, you must execute through feeling and intuition what your heart knows. Your hand, your voice, your instrument will automatically follow.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: “It’s all about confidence; trusting and believing in your inner voice. I was hoping Tom Petty’s song “Free Falling” would illustrate this point, but it didn’t. In Petty’s song, he dumps a nice girl with good values and lives the wild life as he “free falls” to his destruction.

I prefer to link the “free falling” process to “soaring” beyond our limits. Free falling should elevate us beyond the rules, structure and dogma of what we’ve learned and take us to a higher plane. Free falling should be the consummate experience of opening our wings and letting the essence of the moment carry us to a higher place.

"Para sailing Roseate Spoonbill" Drawing

“Free falling” is like flying. The hardest part is taking that first step. It truly is a spiritual experience similar to letting go of what you can see, touch and hold, to embrace the unseen, the invisible, the heart and soul. Free falling is akin to faith in a power greater than yourself; a faith that transcends time and space.

"Arabesque" 14x18 oil on canvas

Once you experience this feeling you will never be the same again. It’s the “stuff” that makes performers stars, fine artists successful, and writers remembered. Free falling people create the unexpected, surpass expectations, and win the hearts and minds of their peers.

"Leap of Faith" 16x20 oil on canvas

Achievement comes when your purpose is identified and your mind and heart work together toward fulfillment. If you’re holding back out of fear or insecurity, take that “leap of faith.” Free fall into the arms of God and fulfill your destiny.

Pacing Yourself for Success

Painting "An Open Book" -- 16x20 mixed media

Last night I was supposed to attend a demo by well-known artist Charles Miano at the Alliance for the Arts. But after a very hectic week, what with doctor appointments and other classes, I ended up with a migraine and nausea. Feeling wobbly, and fearful of driving with my meds, I copped out in favor of rest.

Our world contributes to stress and illness. We grapple with technology, social networking and traffic in order to compete and meet deadlines. Today, marketing takes more time than the actual doing or producing; but without product, we have no business.

We make choices about what to do, and decisions about what to ignore. Often times, it’s our families, our children and our spouses who get left behind. Sometimes our neglect spills over into other areas of our life, and we fail to feed and enrich our spiritual side. How do we get out of this rut, this viscious cycle that drops us to our knees and flattens us on the couch or bed?

Drawing -- "Broken Hearted" 11x14 pastel on paper

We must get our priorities in order. We must remember what’s important. Without health, we have no life. If we neglect family, divorce can face us down the road and our children may suffer. Without a spiritual foundation, we may as some professionals have done, take our own life or suffer mental breakdown.

We need to treat our body and our inner self with the same care and respect that we do our career and family. Here are my solutions to help alleviate stress:

• Trust in yourself and believe in yourself. You have honed your skills. You are a professional. Relax and know that you are capable of doing your work, and meeting your goals and deadllines. Don’t allow yourself to stress and worry about the outcome. Be positive!

• Trust in your muse, your God or higher power. He wants you to succeed. He wants your happiness. Inspiration will come because you have prepared your mind and heart to receive it. Trust that ideas will come to you. Exercise your belief and faith. Do your part by allowing this power into your heart. Clear your mind to receive what is yours.

• Focus on your higher priorities and trust in God to take care of the rest. Don’t allow nagging thoughts of “should dos” to interfere with your calm determination. Press forward with the duties at hand. Deal with “one crisis at a time.” That’s all any of us can handle, after all.

Pastel drawing -- 11x14 "Serena Shines"

When the time comes for you to pour out your soul on paper, canvas, or product, go with the energy flow. Don’t worry! Inspiration will come because you have trusted, waited, and fulfilled your higher priorities. You are ready to receive what you were meant to receive. Your heart will soar, your fingers will move, and you will know that your muse, your God is alive and well.