This is my 200th post and I have just passed ‘50,000 views all time’. I mention this only as an opportunity to tell you that I would not have kept going if it had not been for your support, inspiration and shared interest in what emerges from this ancient brain and heart. So I say Thank You with more feeling than I can express in words.

To mark this day I am resurrecting my very first post along with its commentators – plus – Rite of Spring which is the first piece of art I ever placed (with nervous anticipation) on this site.
I began this blog as a required project for a Business in Art course (establish a presence on the web – 25%). I thought that I would delete it when the course was over – but here I still am – entranced by the magic of cyber-bonding!
My first post was titled: In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few. Posted on July 7, 2011 | 8 Comments | It follows:
My son asked me if art was still art if no-one else sees it, (does the tree falling in the forest make a sound if no-one is there to hear it?). Profound questions!
To make art is to share ideas, dreams, emotions and stories – the narratives of one’s life. If no-one but the artist ever sees it is the image simply artistic masturbation – a satisfying relief for the artist but a lonely and isolated pursuit? Sharing one’s art and sending it out into the world is always exciting and a little scary, evoking emotions similar to when one’s children leave home.
So, here I am, beginning a new adventure; claiming my small campsite in a vast cyber-scape. I arrive barefoot with nothing but my two passions: art and writing; and a beginner’s mind…
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Oh, I’m so glad to hear that, John and even more so for the “resurrection” of your “Rite of Spring”! Did make me wonder whether there is a connection to Stravinsky’s music, I mean I could hear it [one of my favorite musical works BTW]. 🙂
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No connections to Stravinsky although I adore his music. It was painted in Mexico and the bright, modular colours were a southern, sun-drenched spring while the upper section echoed memories of northern Canadian forests and the tree spirits and Haida dances…
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…I can see that!
Beautiful painting, John!
🙂
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Muchly appreciated Marina…
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Congratulations John. You can be very proud of your outstanding contribution to blogging not only for your wonderful posts but your generous comments on other people’s sites. All the best for the next 100!, Robert
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Thank you Robert – I do hope I make it to 300!…
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You’ve done deservedly well and fan base will continue to expand. Hey, try your hand at a cartoon or two.
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I might just do that sometime Carl – why not eh? Thanks so much for your support…
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You have brought so much to the table of blogging. Always interesting, inspirational and educational – that is something to be proud of. I for one am very happy to have met you here and will look forward to many, many more posts – beyond 300 no doubts. Thank you ! 🙂
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And thank YOU MG for your inspiring and supportive comment…
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Congratulations on achieving 200 posts and 50,000 hits, John.
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Thank you Sharyn – it’s not so much about the numbers but it’s all about people like you…
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Congratulations. Let the good times roll.
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And may they gather no moss – thanks Hansi…
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Aweeee! This is a warm and remarkably happy post to read this morning. Congratulations, John, on so many beautiful moments, shared words, and for the way that you inspire all of us whenever you write!
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Your gracious words brighten my spirit Kathleen as does your art and writing always – many, many thanks…
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Congratulations John, I really enjoy your Art and commentary and I understand myself as an Artist more from visiting your blog.
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What a wonderful thing to say Jackie – thank you…
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!Cheers!
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!Salud!;)
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Wow…50,000 views…and 200 posts…two milestones. Thank you for sharing your art and the word…and the Rite of Spring is beautiful.
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I never imagined I would continue this far – thank YOU TC for your constant inspiration…
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So glad you didn’t delete after the course John! it wouldn’t be the same without you. You are a highly valued member of the community, it is clear. Congratulations on these milestones – you wouldn’t have dreamed this in July 2011. great work and thanks, from my corner. Philippa
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And what a lovely corner it is Philippa. Your words touch deeply, thank you…
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Congrats on all fronts. I’m so glad you reposted this image “Rite of Spring”. I’d not seen it before. What a wonderful image and aptly titled. Feels like new life coming out of the winter of night. So cool. Seeing your work here has certainly enriched my life experience – so glad you are here. 🙂
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Thank you so much Terry for your generous words…
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Congratulations! I see the dancers from the Stravinsky and see the sacrifice, but I know now, my mind went there I correctly!
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Many, many thanks Carl…
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congratulations, john, on hard works well done in a spirit of discovery and sharing.
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Thank you from my heart – means so much coming from you…
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