Post date: Jul 5, 2011 4:08:57 PM
This is going to be the last piece of new art and attached missive that you will be receiving for a short while. I am working on some new pieces, but it could take a while to get them completed. For the small number of you that I have not gotten any response, this temporary "stay of execution" is probably most welcomed. In the interim, a LOYAL PARTICIPANT, has offered their assistance in helping me get my art and messages out there to not only my A, B, C, D & F lists rated groups, but to an even larger audience. Someone asked why I wanted to try and get even a bigger head, as there are few hats out there, that will accommodate my present size. To me it is not about vanity or egotism. I firmly believe that we all need to be confronted with differences in life and not just cower to our little sanctuaries or perceived safety zones. You can't hide and no disguise is ever good enough. Remember, God, Google and Garmin always know where you are and what you are doing at all time. They are like Santa Claus in a way, and like him, I am checking my list and checking it twice. I don't know or understand what is so intoxicating about being a recluse, never drawing outside the lines or not trusting in yourself and taking a chance to make one of your fantasies become a reality. I just want people to dare to be themselves and enjoy and experience life. I actually get repulsed by people telling me about all their SAFE WINS in life. I get enthused, elated and almost awestruck, when they tell me about events in their lives, when they bucked the system, went against the grain or simply said "I wanted to see what this or that aspect or part of life was all about". It is amazing that when our perfect plans, our meticulous plotting or our guaranteed routes to the "blue ribbon" fail, they become our greatest and most memorable accomplishments. They allow us to become storytellers and have something to pass on. We get to know ourselves and our limits better. Surviving through a personal self-inflicted bomb is far more memorable and rewarding than a sure, safe and boring win. Winning is easy, overcoming defeats or setbacks is the greatest challenge we face. It's easy to go buy a sleek new car, but it's a pain in the butt to get it back to running and looking new, if you wreck it and don't have auto insurance. When my LOYAL PARTICIPANT was talking to me about expanding my "turf", I had an idea of creating a blog titled "Good Individual, But One Of The Most Boring Stiffs I Have Ever Met And JESUS Concurred With Me." It could be my rehabilitative intervention program to get individuals to get on the right track to a healthy, wholesome, rewarding and fulfilling life, instead of shirking and hiding in the shadows. I was told that even if people changed their email addresses or internet services, that, thanks to our new technological advancements, they can be found, even while sitting on the pot making a simple holiday call to grandma or a friend. You can run again, but you cannot hide. John Ringers' book ,"Winning Through Intimidation" is suddenly a renewed reality manual. I hope we all choose to participate in life, rather than having to be prodded and goaded by the millions out there that have nothing better to do, other than anonymously harass people.
Thanks to those of you who have participated in my little endeavor. I have amassed a large number of "Skip Out of Therapy Free" cards, added a lot of new tools to my many "tool boxes" and have learned that I may be MORE normal than most, for there are many out there that have more problems, thoughts, ideas and perceptions weirder and stranger that anything that has passed through my brain. Maybe I should buy a few couches, open the JMD Maturization, Relativity and Reality Counseling Center and help as many of God's children blossom into the wonderful flowers he wanted them to be. Not only could I help people, but also supplement my Social Security. Who knows the name DODIG, may even go down in the annuls with the likes of Menninger, Perls, Freud, Jung, Halprin or Frankl. Wow! The only problem is that there wouldn't be a hat big enough to fit my head.
As professors, teachers and various instructors would say, "This is the last class of this term. I hope each one of you will take something of benefit to you out of here. I will be adding a few more classes next term and hopefully you will enroll in one. For those of you, who choose to "fly solo", I hope you heed my advice to be smart enough to pack and wear a parachute. Class dismissed."
Today's new piece is titled, "DEAF EARS". It is 18" wide x 11" high x 4" deep. On the back is the following statement: "I have always tried to be there for others as a mentor and listener. It can be quite discouraging when you feel that you wasted your time because your words too often fell on DEAF EARS. Most bizarre to me, after they made the same mistakes, went repeatedly down the wrong road, they tried to turn their "personal responsibilities" over to me. Never understood how it was "my obligation" to get them out of their mess or bind. I never asked for an "I.O.U.", but suddenly I had an unknown debt/marker out there.......an"U.O.I", (better known as a "You Owe I".) I still try to reach out and help, but I have noticed that I am gradually losing my hearing, developing DEAF EARS too".
Have a good break or holiday. Remember to hug someone each day to let them know someone cares. And most of all, make as many people smile, as you possible can.
JOHN MICHAEL
(To see photos of the above art piece "DEAF EARS", go to https://sites.google.com/site/jmdodigartphotos )