Where you been?… 5 Sightings

I have not blogged for so long that I cannot remember the last thing I wrote. Since moving to the Denver area, my days have been pleasantly full. For the past few weeks, my attentions were focused on my doctoral application process for the University of Denver. Currently, the application is awaiting the GRE score {gnashing of teeth}. I do not want to think about my score so no details…know only that I am a poor tester.

1.  I joined Lighthouse Writers.

I love the community involvement provided. Lighthouse Writers participate in “Writing the City” and “Friday 500.” In October, we toured the Clyfford Still Museum and wrote on his “Works on Paper” collection. I read my piece, “Lady of Misery,” at the museum’s 5yr anniversary gala on 18 November 2016. LW collaborate with museums and art galleries as means of relaying artistic expression through diverse media. A text of the poems will be available in 2017. Also, I took my first workshop “Weird World Building” with Prof. Lumans. We read Neil Gaiman’s American Gods, discussed symbolism, and participated in writing exercises. Lighthouse spring courses begin in January, and I have not decided yet which workshop I want. Click HERE for Lighthouse Writers website; online courses available.

2.  The Denver music scene is a challenge.

There are so many bands to choose from, selecting a show is a mini-ordeal. One ultimate truth:  music relies on subjective preference. lol. Just because a friend says it’s the “best band, you’ll love them!” – does not mean that the band is even something you classify as “music.” For me – a writer, a thinker, a reader – I need words. If there are no lyrics in your music, then there is no direction for my mind to follow. Instead, it just loops and loops in eternal “warm-up” phase. No thank you<>. So…I am trying to make room for EDM – ole girl just needs a few words thrown into the mix. Sorry, Tag and all the editors at Punchland.com – I wanted to send you loads of cool reviews and write-ups. Sadly, I cannot corral enough positive thoughts to write about the music I’ve experienced. Instead, I would be writing on the “festival goers” dependency on drugs …and, in my opinion, if one must take the drugs to enjoy the music, then…the music must not be that good to begin with. But that’s just me, and I am not into drugs or bad music. I like my music lean on additives and full of meaning.

We saw Maynard from Tool – twice. We went to the concert and then attended his book reading. The concert was amazing! Even though Maynard forbid photographs and videos, I saw some posted on YouTube. I opted for the official video here because I want to honor the artist’s request. Seeing the show was great, however, the book ended up being written by Sarah Jensen, and the reading  – lmfao – was confused by most of his fans with a show. Click HERE for some reviews, many of which sound like they were written by website employees. First book reading I’ve ever been to where the audience screamed out, “Fuck Yeah Man!” and ticket-holders were so drunk they literally fell down. It would have all been worth it if the book was awesome. Sadly, it is not. The book begins in Maynard’s childhood – which is fine – but…Maynard didn’t have a traumatic childhood experience. The audience, at least this chick right here, expects a meaty, horrid, dark, and twisted tale. Instead, Maynard’s childhood is typical suburban America, a product of divorce. What I mean is – his childhood was average, the author could have skipped over it or quickly summarized. I am now on “skim reading,” searching for something of interest. But this text will go in the donation pile as it does not benefit my library. Not only that, but I have also lost respect for Maynard. Adding insult to injury, Maynard discussed how society should move away from capital gain and expect to give more than one takes – a sound idea, yet he is not leading by example. Music provides him with plenty of income, adding this book shows how capitalistic even the Artists can be.  And that makes me terribly sad.

3.  HLCA Global Conference 2016

Attending and presenting at The Humanities, Literature, Cultures, and Arts Global Conference 2016 cemented my desire for doctoral studies. I found “my people” in other academics. I cannot describe the energy, passion, and momentum present at conference. I only know that this is the place I belong. I am a scholar, and I crave company with other scholars. Why talk about sports or recipes when we can talk RESEARCH? O Philosophy! we can talk research! I cannot stress how refreshed I am at the notion that there is a sect of people who are interested in topics I contemplate. A network of Otherly thinkers is within grasp. In short:  I am not standing alone – “The Cheese” comes in many fragrant samplings.

4.  President-Elect Donald Trump…the election, it happened.

The before-and-after effects of the election are upsetting. What upsets me is the political process, the electoral college, and the mass usage of misinformation. When “Freedom of Speech” is exploited, is the action still “free”? There are so many controversial issues within politics that pointing the finger at figure-heads just seems silly. Read Democracy by Henry James; click HERE for a free download. The President is not the only one who needs an attitude adjustment – society is acting childish on both sides. The scary part is that real-deal ethics suffer, regardless who “wins.”

I advise each person to remember that they are an Individual, and individuals are responsible for their own actions. I cannot change the world, but I can change myself. I can be mindful of my actions, thoughts, and words. One trick I use – anytime I immediately want or reject something, I ask myself why I am feeling that way. I question my motives to see if they are, in fact, original and my own, or if the motive was learned.

{The Coffee Test:  Americans wake in the morning and automatically have coffee. Ask the self, “Why do I drink coffee? Do I like it / depend on it? Do I drink it because that is what people drink in the morning? Do I really want a cup of coffee?” …well, do you? Or do you drink coffee in the morning because your dad does, and drinking coffee signifies that you are an adult? I drink coffee whenever I want because I like the hot cup in my hand.}

Choices. Every Individual must choose and then accept responsibility for their choices.

5.  Secular Holiday Guide:  What Non-Believers can do – Create their own Rituals

The Secular Student Alliance developed a Winter Solstice Event Guide. Click HERE for the Secular Student website, the guide is available for free download. The concept of ritual does not have to be removed for Free Thinkers. Humanity develops ritual and meaning by joining together. Personally, the Winter Solstice holds meaning as it signifies life surviving through harsh conditions. It means life continues on, regardless of the climate, despite the shorter days. And we, advanced humans, continue adapting, protecting ourselves from snow, wind, storm, and sea. Winter Solstice reminds me that life may struggle, but that the struggle produces a grand result. For nature, the result being Spring / rebirth.

Apply the concept with one’s life – what lessons did you learn by surviving your own struggle, your own Winter? …more than likely, you learned invaluable lessons that could not have been taught<>

Happy Whatever-Holiday-You-Honor, dear Readers…

Angela, MmeWriter / MmePhilosopher

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O Philosophy! What a week…

Dear Readers …

Apologies for the absence, but life she be hectic recently. I wish I found time for Friday Fictioneers, but…I also wish for a unicorn, unlimited travel, and brief moments of peace.

I graduated with honors from American Public University on 15 August 2016 with a Master of Arts in the Humanities. <> I am a Master <> While many have asked if attaining the degree is relieving, satisfying my intellectual needs. But…no ~ the degree has invigorated my thirst for more knowledge, more research, more academia. I cannot wait to find the perfect doctoral program. I currently am turning my gears around a project proposal for a desirable university.

First, however, my attentions belong with my upcoming poster presentation for the Humanities, Literature, Cultures, and Arts Global Conference on 18 Oct 2016 in DC. Excitement level out of control – ahh…sharing research<> Heaven – so looking forward to the conference!

I began tutoring for Brainfuse, Inc. last Friday. This will be a fabulous way for me to get a little teaching experience. Extra flexible, the tutoring position – Writing Submission Specialist – is online. This allows me the ability of working throughout the day. Recently, there is a high volume, and I have only stolen away a few moments to get a post out.

Husband and I are preparing for travel of the relocation variety. Finally! a return to the West! O Fortune! graceful blessings upon us! After a drawn-out process, the housing approval came through; bummer being that we opted to rent in efforts of avoiding the headache. However, anything that is valuable requires effort. Let me stew in patience until my nerves calm themselves. The desire for our new life overwhelms me, I feel I live there already. Here, in West Virginia, remains a ghost – a fragmented memory of a girl who escaped. Roll on evolution, keep spinning me…on we must grow for the better.

The absence, more than likely, will continue. Once we’ve constructed a new beginning, routine will follow. Until then… Tu me manques

Friday Fictioneers “Backfired Awareness”

Friday Fictioneers * Rochelle Wisoff-Fields * Photo Prompt by Janet M. Webb * “Backfired Awareness” * 100 words * A. Shaffer * 29 July 2016

“Backfired Awareness”

Brenda internally shook. Only a prank, she thought, things weren’t supposed to roll this way. The hoity-toity new mall in Southern West Virginia was an insult because none of the locals could afford the goods. Installing an Olympic-size swimming pool next to the food court — beyond absurd. Local activists hatched the plan, drained the pool, flooded the area. A statement, it was all just a statement. The Media, however, ran with it. The state of West Virginia was shut down, noted as a loss. That’s when they brought in the refugees, populating “Wild and Wonderful” with the world’s castoffs.

 

Hello Dear Readers and Fellow Authors…

This week, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields called on Janet M. Webb for Friday Fictioneer’s photo prompt. In 100 words, Friday Fictioneer Authors craft “story” from a picture. For me, the excess water automatically makes me think of those in the Southern part of the state who are currently still devastated by recent flooding. This weeks output of rain has probably not helped them recover. Husband and I are closer to Pennsylvania, and while we have had much rain we are not in dire straights as our Southern brothers/sisters.

I wish that there was something I could really do to help them, but my allergy to the sun prevents me from being able to get in the car and race down there. Silly, I know, but I am lucky if I can tolerate a five minute period outside. Even something simple like taking my dogs out may result in an attack. I linger in bits of shade, trying to hold on to consciousness.

Needless to say, I offer much thanks to the Friday Fictioneer family and friends for the online connection. I cannot enjoy summer like everyone else, but I can safely stay inside, working on “story.” Keep on spinning, Saffron. I can create a reality where the Sun does not set out to destroy me, or imagine what it would feel like to be “normal,” spending a day on the river or — hard to imagine — purposefully laying out in the sun for a lovely, golden complexion. “Story” has a way of providing for the mind when reality lacks. “Story” lives in the art we express. We can find “story” in many places:  literature, theatre, film, COSplay, paintings, sculpture, photography, music, lyrics, and video games. Yes! I said, “video games” lol my all-time dislike {secret there is that I am terrible at ‘playing’}.

Click the BlueFrog below and read the other esteemed Friday Fictioneer stories. The concept is so interesting because one picture inspires endless possibilities<>. As always, if inspired by the photo prompt, please create a “story” all your own. Simply follow the links and copy the codes, and KaBam!…I, along with the other Authors, will read your “story” and offer feedback. Because, telling “story” holds rewards but so does knowing that someone reads your work.

Keep on creating!

Angie

Friday Fictioneers: “Thus Spun Saffron”

Friday Fictioneers * Rochelle Wisoff-Fields * Photo Prompt by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields * “Thus Spun Saffron” * 100 words * Angela Shaffer * 1 July 2016

Thus Spun Saffron

Saffron thought doily curtains were designed after crystalized snowflakes. Perfume trapped the elements of flowers. The daintiest of cakes are hinted with lavender. Any beauty created by human hands found example in nature. Ten years passed like shifting sand — the accumulation like frosty fingers. Only the first few issued pain, then a strange numbness set in her limbs. Saffron made herself cold, isolated, strong as the frosted glass. The harms of the world could not shatter personal fortitude. Positioned here, high up in her cave-like fortress, Saffron created reality for those too tired, for those unaware that they could.

Hello Dear Readers and Fellow Writers…

Every Friday, the lovely and talented Ms. Rochelle Wisoff-Fields shares a photo prompt, and creative Friday Fictioneer Authors create a story for the picture. Very cool<>… I look forward to Fridays for our outstanding fictional challenge. I like considering writing prompt practices as “exercise” for the brain. As hinted at through Saffron’s story above, We are the Artists – let us continue sculpting reality. Fiction presents a playing field for inventive imagination. Curious? …give Brian Boyd a read – On the Origin of Stories and see how fiction shapes experience.

Click the BlueFrog below to read the works of Friday Fictioneer Writers. Feeling creative?… I hope so 🙂 follow the link at the bottom of the BlueFrog’s page, follow directions, and add your own story as prompted by the photograph.

To a grand weekend, Darlings…Keep on dreaming<>

Angela aka @MmePhilosopher aka MadameWriter

 

Link to Interview w/ Bev Zizzy…as promised

Interview with Bev Zizzy

Music Improves Society

Hello Dear Readers ~

Happy Friday! Today brings an extra *smiles* as Bev Zizzy, an artist I interviewed for my music journalism internship, released her new album Standing on a Platform of KINDNESS on iTunes. Click HERE to purchase, or follow the link provided in the interview. Click HERE to read the interview “Reclaiming 13 and Supporting Compassion:  Bev Zizzy Slides Societal Issues with Acoustic-Soul” (Punchland). Thank you to Mr. Taron Cochrane for introducing me to Miss Bev, she is the most interesting of individuals! To any of my you DearReaders who are also TalentedArtists – click HERE to view Taron’s twitter and connect for entertainment relations.

13 is a theme of the album that Bev noticed afterwards, and I add my own notice of 13 here. The article has been ready-to-print minus the music till today when the tracks released. It was then that I noticed there were 13 revisions. In a tweet, Bev said:

“@MmePhilosopher That is wicked awesome! Can you hear me laughing out loud! I LOVE IT! #sacredgeometry”

The experience is enlightening — hashing out philosophical fundamentals through discussion and music. At one point, one has to let language go and let the brain accept music’s message. Here, we can learn lessons even language cannot capture. Truths we cannot tell but may absorb, and in turn, express.

More Truths can be found through culture and more culture. However one was raised is one’s culture, but let’s get more. The act does not have to diminish the original, but can be used to better understand internal motivation, which presents awareness. Yesterday, Dr. Bob helped me to better understand and face ugly historical happenings. We must be brave and bold, courageously confronting truth.

#RisingArtists #Dionysian #MusicMoveMe

Shout to sources:  iTunes, Punchland, Twitter

Peer-Review: When are Comments “too much”?

Writer Workshop / Peer-Review

I love a good hangloose (a mental hangout for ideas). When writing, a workshop fits the needs better than just exchanging ideas. Critiquing comes into play, however, that may come with negatives. The following are a few tips I cling to when considering the work of others.

1.  Find errors and offer suggestions.

A writer writes often, which means much time is dealt with creation and personal editing. However, writers develop almost x-ray lenses as they’ve lived in their topic for sometime. While editing, the writer may cut information required for a reader to understand, but… since the writer wrote the material, they may not realize their stepping stones vanished. Reader’s can see the slip. I know this to be true as I just cut forty-three percent of my paper and lost much. It happens, and it is horrible. However, critiquing can fix misconnections. “Silly-slips” are found this way, little things like typing “in” instead of “it/is” or “there” instead of “their”…you know. When I suggest a different word or sentence structure adjustment, I end the comment with a question mark as this shows the author I am not certain only curious. This allows the author to make the ultimate decision without feeling forced. It’s a small thing – a “?” instead of a “.”

2.  Stick to your guns – grammar, structure, sense.

If there comes a moment when you’ve lost interest or cease to understand, leave a thoughtful comment noting your confusion and ask for explanation. Do not give up on the review. The author still needs your help – possibly now more than ever. However, as an editor/reviewer, one cannot demand the piece change, or reach for something that is not there. What one is left with is grammar, structure, and as much sense as one can see. Even if one does not “like” the piece, it is proper etiquette to complete the review. Failure to do so makes the editor/reviewer look bad, not the author. Keep that pen poised and assist with fundamentals if theory has escaped.

3.  Balance negatives with positives.

Authors are looking for correction assistance, but they also appreciate praise. Remember, the words one reads are the sentiments of the author – their views, feelings, perspective on the situation. Authors bear their soul, if their work is passionately written. Critiquing can be an act of bravery, with the author’s courageous effort laid naked at the reviewer’s fingertips. Show decency and appreciation for the effort the author put forth. There are many pieces I have not “personally liked” but find numerous ways to offer appreciation for the author’s work. One thing to keep in mind:  the author did not write the text for you – it was written for an audience. The reviewer’s voice is one among many. Surely there is something good one can say about any given text. ie:  “Crime and Punishment details elements of human nature, expounding on guilt and anguish” – sounds rather interesting, right? The secret is that I hate that text in an absurd way {I literally threw it into the fire}.

4.  Read as if there were two papers – the first as information, the second as confessional.

As mentioned in point two, the author {if the text is good} has exposed their inner soul. When critiquing, imagine one is two editors:  the first reads for fact and information while the second reads for artistic expression. Topic or genre is irrelevant. If fiction, the “fact and information” would mean the fictional rules and order. Are the character described? Can one visualize certain images by reading? If essay or non-fiction, is the information true or accurate? If literature, was the lesson learned and the protagonist changed – can you see more than one story within the story? Editors and reviewers look for structure with one eye and creative flow with the other.

5.  Remember:  suggestions are just that, the author may not accept or agree.

The editor is not the final word on the document – the author is. If during the initial workshop the author ignores or rejects the editors suggestions, the editor should not take this personally. Sometimes it is hard to do, but one must drop the issue. Shake it out. The piece belongs to the author, and while they appreciate critiques they are the last gasp and will write how they choose.

Where you been Ole Girl?…

On Becoming…

Funny you should ask, I’ve been rolling through theory for ten weeks. I am evolving, twisting turning. Shedding old skins that no longer fit my season. Its weird, to say the least…but we like weird. And the further I crawl in evolution research – the more I begin to see that we are all a little weird in our own right {not just the “us-es” that live in me, all those “you-s” too}. And that’s not even opening the can of “species” in which one is indeed many different things. Most recently, I’ve considered transcending dualism…you know, asking “What is next?” Are we really two? Or a form of one with multiple expressive components. A large, flexing plurality micro-sectioned into millions of individuals. Creepy, I know<>. If there were a choice, to be be all body or all mind, which one would you select? Here, I see the need for unification. What would be the point if action held no meaning, or if thought could not experience? The two go hand in hand. We must have both.

Anyway… The rest of my Grad School update – I’ve constructed a reviewable rough draft! The original, rougher-rough draft, is a sprawling beast. However, when I began the cuts I could not bring myself to really “throw the draft out.” I saved it, and – as recommended by my peer – will possibly look into book form once my degree is attained. Really, this is a bonus – now there will be a paper and a book possibility for the future. That is not to say that I am not nervous as all get out that the paper will bomb from the heavy cuts. O Fortune! smile upon this wayward researcher. Motivation is for the degree, but also… I’ve grown to love my topic, and I see much truth in the words – I hope that publication is possible because I want others to read my discoveries. I think it will help with real-deal life. I know that the research and writing helped me with my daily issues. This thesis led me out of the valley of despair. I want to lead others out, that valley is not good for the genes – much pickling and souring goes on there.

What else…?

My music journalism internship was officially complete 27 May 2016. A hectic day – my SweetJane graduated High School and James Bobin’s Alice Through the Looking Glass released. Exhaustion seized me, and I went to sleep around ten p.m. What a day!

I use the term “officially” because I still have one music assignment waiting to complete. An amazing interview with Bev Zizzy will be published 17 June 2016 – in conjunction with her new album release. I say “amazing” because I am the one that interviewed her – she is hands down the most interesting woman I have met in my physical life.

Followers of this blog will note that I am not a “believer,” but I am a “seeker.” Unfortunately, my MO in the past has been “seeking” to shatter “belief” with “truth.” Ultimately, a lesson I learned nearly a decade ago resurfaces:  truth is subjective. I know this, yet seemed trapped in that terrible Pursuit of Truth. I broke free, and switched it up for the Pursuit of Optimism – but positive living is dependent on will power and forcing the good. Needless to say, it takes work and effort.

I went through a stage where I thought “signs” were pointless, or rather, imaginary. A trick of the mind, leading to delusion. Now, after the internship, after speaking with living, breathing artists…

After the strange Tibetian Monk approached me in New Orleans with a message… After I randomly met the YouTube TruthTalker I once followed online and danced with him in the street… After I philosophized with a new friend of Middle-Eastern culture… After much contemplation of “the egg”… After Bev Zizzy released “Stay Soft”…  I am not certain.

Embedding issues :-< apologies… Watch for the interview on 17 June 2016. MTF

“Stay Soft” by Bev Zizzy. Click HERE for preview and purchase on iTunes.

I am curious again, maybe not fully “curiouser” yet, but I see my own purpling underway. I’ve come to the point where I am seeing more and more signs, but I am trying to ignore them. Trying to cling to science, reason, and the physical world. One thing – I am reminded that I am an Artist. Whether I am a “good” one or not is to be determined, but I am one. Not a musician or songwriter, not a painter or sculptor…but an Artist all the same. I am an Artist because I look at reality and see more than other people do. Sometimes, I see more absence where there should be presence, but that is still more than meets the eye. Mundane life is not enough, there is more if we make there be more – juice it up like a turkey.

I am an Artist, and life can get thick.

My canvas is the mind, my brush dripping in consciousness. I wrap words and break down complex situations. We Artists see the beauty most vivid, and we relate that to others. We Artists see the horror in thirty-three tints of terrible, and we relate that to others. We see

the “good” and the “bad.” We share awareness for altruistic encouragement. Artists revive other Artists, reminding them of the meaning hidden behind it all.  Artists bravely look in reality’s face and demand more. Recognizing this makes me monitor what I share, say and side with – I am an Artist, and others will follow. Careful then, as to where we lead them.

Artists are a light, guiding species through evolution… We may not know the answers, but we are brave enough to explore possibility. #RageOn fellow Artists. There is much to be revealed.

Friday Fictioneers: “Cowboy Camp”

Friday Fictioneers * Rochelle Wisoff-Fields *

* Photo prompt by Madison Woods *

“Cowboy Camp” * 100 Words * Angela Shaffer * 23 April 2016

Cowboy Camp

Summer camp looks like heaven when daily life drags on. However, if one winds up in the desert-mountains, eating carmelized-in-the-can pork-n-beans, surrounded by Christian-rock hymns – you quickly realize this is Cowboy Camp. Illusions of fun evaporate. The ruins drew my curiosity. I was eleven. I left the herd, took up with the Natives. I met kids who would love the beans I ignored. Starvation. When I cut the wire, the stupid cows stared at me, wouldn’t budge. One didn’t make it, but the rest of the cows trotted across the bridge I made from a plank. They used it all.

 

Dear Readers and Fellow Writers ~

Apologies for the day late post and absence last week. As soon as I saw Madison Wood’s photo I immediately thought of my childhood experience. “Cowboy Camp” is based on the cult-like event Mother thought would be good for my “bad” attitude. I wanted to set the cows free because in my mind I thought the Native Americans could benefit. In truth, I could not find anything strong enough to cut the wire. Even if I had, the real cowboys would have corralled them back. I did, however, take what food I could sneak from the chow tent. The saddest part was that I had to go back to camp eventually. Though we did not speak the same language, we connected.

Thank you to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for weekly fiction fun and special thanks to Madison Wood for the photograph. Click the Blue Frog below to read and/or contribute to Friday Fictioneers weekly Flash Fiction challenge.

What a Week: Research Splendor, Texts, Interview

Traces of Connectivity

Researching Darwinism and the Alice texts this week, I came across a slang terminology that applicably embodies half of my theory<>…so very exciting. Also reading Alice beyond Wonderland ed. Cristopher Hollingsworth and The Selfish Gene by the great Richard Dawkins, but today I need to do a lil research assistance for a fellow scholar. The topic is political {gnashing-of-teeth} so I approach with caution – timidly toting Max Weber’s Essays in Sociology. The Capstone is progressing, and I am enjoying the process. Again, I apologize for not disclosing these amazing concepts I’m working, but I cannot take my info public until the end of session (August).

Interview with Earl Pereira from The Steadies

My editorial internship with Punchland.com proved positive this week with an exciting opportunity to chat with Earl Pereira from The Steadies. Click HERE to read the full interview, “Silver Lining Sensation:  Love Revolution by The Steadies,” and listen to their contagiously-happy tracks. What brings me extra <smiles> is that The Steadies incorporates positivism with music. As followers may note, my #PursuitofOptimism research has been lacking since the project was rejected as Capstone theory. Picturing positive vibes pinging off Pereira recharged the authority of optimism. I’ll make sure to visit the group today with an up-lifiting update, inspiring poem link, and band website. Listening to this album invokes reggae-beach-happiness. My fav track:  “Phoenix.” Check out The Steadies latest video below to energize your weekend.

“Take Me Home” by The Steadies from Love Revolution:

 

Picture and video c/o @TheSteadies

Dr. Faustus in 2016: Twisted Lyrics

“I Took a Pill in Ibiza” by Mike Posner from At Night, Alone.:

Looking for Meaning…

Song Interpretation:

I am so busy with research, but I cannot get this song out of my head. Nor, can I think of anything else until I unburden my mind of this flexing metaphor. There’s not time for a lyrical breakdown, but I’ll return to expound.

Philosophical Bend:

I feel Faustus lurking. Once one knows too much, they can never go back. Posner says, “You don’t wanna be high like me, never really knowing why, like me. You don’t wanna step off that roller coaster and be alone. You don’t wanna ride the bus like this, never knowing who to trust like this…” University and individual research presents more, and often conflicting, information as to what a person learned during their childhood and adolescence. Learning can enlighten the mind, but one must lose their innocent understanding in the process.

Sure, he’s referring to singing and his life devotion to music. Same concept applies to diverse artistic expression. High Philosophical Art questions and prods at reality, consciousness, meaning, and purpose. What happens when the “rules” are really figments meant to ensure group delusion? Philosophy demonstrates subjective and objective truth, reaching for but rarely attaining universal implication. Break that down:

nothing is real, nothing is true

amounts to feels, what can one do?

Well…once you kneel, then you must stew.

{read that last line in a deep baritone, just for snickers}

Posner’s chorus:  “All I know are sad songs…” – When one has searched for knowledge, toyed around with epistemology, learned to bend fact to one’s purpose, innocence is lost. Not sexual innocence, deeper than that – fundamental understanding. All that is left of personal experience is “sad songs” or a seriously hollow existence. Philosophically, there is a sense of false comfort that cushions the harshness of reality for those who accept “belief” or conform to society. Once one “knows” the rampant delusions, meaning is lost.

Man, the meaning…it has to come back. See…I feel that we can create meaning. Mount up, Artists. Lady World, she needs creative spin.