ENKINDLER

I am always interested in what inspires people to do what they do; what motivates them to achieve and grow, how they approach obstacles and challenges and how they’ve arrived where they are and what they’ve learned along the way.

In my experience, the most fascinating people are not necessarily famous; they are courageous individuals carving out a life for themselves through their passions and struggles.  They are curious about the world around them and choose to invest in it. They are individuals who express their desires through the actions of their hands, minds, work, and souls.

In the months ahead, I will share with you individuals that I have met along my journey.  You will hear stories from veterans, teachers, pastors, artist, immigrants, chefs, musicians, pilots, directors, doctors, and many others… anyone, I find engaging, real, and honest.  Some will be written about anonymously, and some fully disclosed.   Hopefully, it will bring you closer to the inspirational world I am living in and encourage you to find the best in people around you.

admin Blog This! 40

Fingerprints that stain my keyboard with thoughts unrehearsed

spit it out like it’s lukewarm and cursed…

wonder why we all don’t participate in the verse?

curious as to which Tree you were birthed?

impressed by those that come just to serve

relaxed now that  I settled them nerves,

These are the things for which I look to the sky,

Protection, Mercy, and a path to Scry

Though we burn under the same constellation

we have many different forms of occupation

Some do what they love,

others do only what they know

many think they will survive

few can survive alone

gifts are defined by context

and dreams by the seeds of light we’ve sewn

fire, pain, wind, water, and women, all have my respect

luminescence is homegrown

Above is a picture I drew that reminded me of the Inuit myth of the Raven; who brought back a piece of the Sun, so that humankind could survive. The sacrifice forever turned the raven’s wings black. In my version, the eye of the raven reflects the altar of sacrifice as depicted on the wing. The tongue holds a pearl of wisdom, along with an Athame(double edge blade) in the silhouette.

admin Miscellaneous Media, Poetry Poetry

Last night my wife and I dared to face the drizzle and drive to Oakland where a sturdy group of art seekers gathered on West Grand and Telegraph for sole purpose of enjoying the outward expressions of inward reflections.

When Ann Trinca, Curator of The Nest in Napa, planned the field trip to the Oakland Art Murmur, I knew we’d have fun. Ann’s own openings are laid back, a great way to dream some time away. Whether it’s Andy Warhol factory style night or Bright Lights: Big Top, Ann muses herself into the fabric of the event. When away from Napa, she always seems to know where to find a hodge-podge of curiously fashioned art aficionados and exhibitions. Though I only saw Ann for a moment at The Oakland Art Murmur, before she shape shifted back into the eclectic array of art lovers, I raised my cup of Vodka-spiked street cider in salute to another great idea. Plus, it’s always great to get out of Napa!

At the block party were a mobile in the shape of a snail, street musicians, and delicious cupcakes made by “Idle Hands Baked Goods”. There were thick crowds and plenty of cold brews, people to watch and very ‘lil attitude.

Afterward, we snuck into Lam Toro, a West African diner and listened to acoustic musicians from Senegal just long enough to miss the raindrops and head back home. Peace, James

Check out these hot spots for yourself:
www.rpscollective.com
http://johanssonprojects.net
www.hatchgallery.org
www.mamabuzzcafe.com

admin Short Stories Murmur, Review