I think listen or listening is one of the most important words available in the language regarding conversations.
I find that some people are not really listening. They are kind of hearing but they are not listening. They are listening to the point where they can make their counter argument by saying inwardly, “I need to say this in opposition to that point” or “I can top that story. Wait until they hear my fish story about the one that got away.”
I think conversations are in jeopardy of losing their importance in society as we all turn towards interfacing with our devices be it a phone or tablet or computer. When we go into a coffee shop, what do we all do there? We have our faces stuck in some electronic gadgets and do not look up to interface with other humans. We rarely smile or even acknowledge someone’s presence or existence. We are involved with another world of reality.
Now, I am not saying it is all bad. I welcome the incredible developments in technology. I am of that age that you only received information via books, encyclopedias, the radio, the television and more learned people like teachers or other wisdom holders. I am of the age where you really had to search for meaning instead of just having it at your disposal in nanoseconds.
Kids these days do not know how good they have it but they really do. I suppose that is the point and that we are to improve, grow and develop with each coming generation of people. I think we have to take the best of everything and work within those parameters until there are no boundaries or limitations at all of what is possible in our realm.
I sometimes long for the art of listening where conversations over a cup of coffee or tea or even a glass of wine were meaningful in the most beautiful way of connectedness. I hope we connect even more especially since we are facing unprecedented change in our world. Smile to someone you do not know today and then enjoy that cup of coffee with your new found friend while you listen to their story.
As a very good friend of mine, Ron Owens, says, “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.”
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Psychedelic Roses – Photography by Mary Mikawoz – Click on image or link to see the bigger picture.
I love Indian Ink and traditional nib pens. I love the flow of ink. I developed this psychedelic look because it was fun to do and I was in the mood to create. I put in various other colours to get a cool look and feel. As I did the last part in the computer, I can digitally put any colours you wish if you like the design. I hope you like it. Just contact me if you do.
This reminds of the fashions worn in the 1960s and 1970s during the Flower Power Hippie Movement of Peace and Love. We do need more kindness and compassion in the world. I believe the feeling of this piece is subtle, soft and demure.
With my art, I am often in a zen-type of mood and with my photography, I feel as if I am inspired by God or the Universe to capture these moments in time.
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I have recently invested in a computer drawing tablet and so I am taking my creativity to the next level with technology. I have created with the same kind of flow that I would do with my old-fashion nibbed ink pen or coloured pens or pencils. It is vibrant. I have to admit, it took me a long time to deal with actually creating something. I was fearful of it and do not know all the hurdles I need to climb over quite yet.
This is my creation called “Doing It” because it involves taking micro and baby steps in the right direction. It is about encouragement and “Going for it.” It is time for my new future!
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I love nature in all its forms. I like the wild grass that you particularly find in the prairies. This has a dandelion in the foreground and wild grass in the background. I have added some textures and filters to make it more interesting.
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If you are interested in a print, contact Mary directly at Mikawoz@gmail.com
This started off as a drawing with coloured gel pens while listening to music to inspire me. I input it into the computer and did some designs to it and also painted some more digitally.
I was not thinking of the end of the Earth but the change of a journey from one to another.
This drawing started off as drawing of coloured pencils, blue pen and markers. I then took the basic shape or frame of it and enhanced it digitally. I found it to be a good experience because the essential flow of it stayed intact which I like very much.
I was feeling solemn when I drew this picture but where there is darkness, a ray of light peaks in and brings hope.
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Mary Mikawoz Creative Pursuits Blog 