Only the Creative Survive

Upon entering Sea Hear Now, a weekend long music festival in Asbury Park, I was greeted by this Artist (pictured) each day. I will share in my stories the beauty of his music. It is heard as you enter what was once known as the Casino building from Asbury Park's better days. It has survived all the changes and challenges Asbury Park has with it's rich history. The second day I decided to throw a dollar in his bucket. And, as I walked away he stopped playing. He yelled to me "I like your dress!" I went back towards him and thanked him. I flexed my arm muscle and I said "It makes me feel strong". He said that is what they are meant for. And I said I know I have read about the embroidery of the women of Mexico and Guatemala. The conversation became legnthy and I knew I was going to be late to meet my son, and to see Michael Franti. But, I listened to him and even though we are very different, I enjoyed hearing what he had to say. The conclusion we drew from the conversation was "Everyone is an Artist". And, that is a statement I truly believe. We create our own lives. And, the more freedom we have to do so, the better. I am looking forward to October, as it is my birthday month. But, as it is approaching and I am filling in my calender. There are many of my best friends born in October. And, I would love to write a post about each one on their birthday. Celebrating each one and how their creativity has had an effect on me. It should be fun! I love to show some days (nothing special is happening), how I am celebrating the Artist in me and the Artist in you. I do this because I STILL can't call myself an Artist. Still makes me laugh. Someone said they have enjoyed the art I share on instagram this year and I laughed out loud. I said I have not really created anything this year (like I wanted). And she said your photos are great. And, I thought to myself, oh yeah photography is an art. So, I guess the battle of my mind still remains. But, one day I hope to find a style and something I really enjoy to leave on this earth. I am really happy I blog, so I am reminded how much of the arts I enjoy, share and create. Quote of the day: He who loves, flies, runs, and rejoices; he is free and nothing holds him back. ” -Henri Matisse Song of the day: What a wonderful World Joey Ramone

Sea Hear Now Day 2

I love music festivals, as it allows me to follow my heart. Do I want to feel trapped by having a great place to watch in front of the stage? Or do I want to stand back and enjoy all of the concert goers react to the music? This is a hard one to answer. But, seeing my son's band the Ocean Avenue Stompers made me enjoy the experience more then any other. I was really excited to be able to be at Sea Hear Now to see them play. And, when we were about to go by the Wooden Walls project it felt electric. With the artwork and architecture, and all the people it was really exciting. The city came alive. It made Asbury Park shine like the diamond it is. To follow a band on foot is genius. It makes you feel all the feels. Every sense is being used to the fullest. And, what I loved the most is I wasn't around the same people for five hours, like I was the day before. They would march and play a song and then stop. Naturally, the flow of people formed a circle. It was the most fun I have had watching them. I loved marching with them at the St. Patrick's Day parade, too. So, day 2 was amazing seeing The Head and the Heart and Michael Franti in the Transparent Gallery tent. And, then I made the choice of just taking pictures during the Green Day performance. To walk home after being on my feet for eight hours was challenging. But, with the ocean by my side and the sound of Green Day in the backround it was perfect. I knew I had a long and challenging week ahead of me at work. Tomorrow I will write about the artwork. Quote of the Day: Music has the power to bring people together like no other art form Michael Franti Song of the Day: So glad I found this from Saturday Night's sold out show: The Ocean Avenue Stomp at the Stone Pony After Show from Sea Hear Now performed by the Ocean Avenue Stompers Hey Pokey Way

Sounds of Life

This morning's sunrise looks astounding. It is warm, pleasant and the first day of Autumn. I am going to enjoy it to the fullest. I am off work and have no appointments or anything scheduled. I am sort of wishing I would go out and take pictures. But, to be able to see it from my bed is so darn comfortable. I would rather write. Today I am focusing on Michael Franti and the Spearheads. It was another intimate show in the Transparent Gallery tent. I was about fifteen minutes late. But, I walked in right as he put on his guitar to sing. During lockdown he was one of my favorite Artist's to catch up with. Because, he and his wife own a resort in Bali. And, as he put it they were stuck there. But, they were having the best time as a family making these great videos and celebrating each day in paradise. There are so many videos I could share of Michael Franti. His latest "Follow Your Heart" is my favorite. But, his songs make you feel. And, his performance I actually could see his emotions of love. To see love is one thing.....to hear love is another! That is why I am sharing the video "I'm alive". Because, when you see the videos I took in the tent, you will see, hear and FEEL the love. And, there is no other feeling I like to feel is LOVE. He also has a great song I did not video, I just enjoyed. It is "Today is a good day for a good day" I hope you all have the greatest day and enjoy it to the fullest! Peace and Love. Quote of the Day:“Don't let mistakes be so monumental, don't let your love be so confidential, don't let your mind be so darn judgemental, and please let your heart be more influential. Be thankful for all that the spirit provides and be thankful for all that you see without eyes.” -- Michael Franti Song of the Day: Michael Franti and the Spearheads I'm Alive (Life Sounds Like)

Every Shade of Blue

Day 2 at Sea Hear Now was so full of highlights. I swear I don't know where to begin, and how to put one over another. But, I think I will concentrate on the one group that excited me the most. On a personal level I am struggling to find the time to devote to my artwork. I can't say I am disappointed, because it is supposed to help me. But, going towards Sea Hear Now I took my brush out and painted. I like to listen to a song and just paint how I feel. I painted to the song "Every Shade of Blue". It is written by The Head and the Heart. My daughter saw them at the Firefly Music festival about ten years ago. I have been listening to them ever since. I really appreciate their music. This year they came out with this new album. And their history as a group is really interesting. Because, they were having a hard time after a band member had to leave the group. And, the husband of the female singer stepped in. They went to group therapy. It really worked because, this new album and tour this summer has been really successful. When I was home for a few minutes before leaving for day two of Sea Hear Now I noticed a couple of different people liked my story on instagram of me painting to the song. And, then I saw Head and the Heart had actually shared the story. 24 hours had gone by and I missed it!!! But, anyway I was able to see a very intimate show in the Transparent Gallery tent along with all of the art work of the different bands performing. They talked about thier art and getting into the flow. And, the first song they sang was "Every Shade of Blue". It ends up I know every word. Their song writing is very visual. I think I would love to do a stop motion video to their song "honeybee" which they performed at the evening performance. I will share the videos of each in my stories on instagram and facebook today. I was singing along to this song. My favorite line is " Promises made......sandcastles break......wave after wave." And, you will see at one point the singer looks at me with a big smile and we are singing to each other. He gave me a feeling I really needed. As a human and a artist I feel like I need to be heard. But, in order for anyone to understand how I am feeling I really feel the need to yell or scream at the top of my lungs. Because, maybe then I will really feel everyone would know what I am going through. But, my personality of trying to always control myself and not to act out on my feelings holds me back. But, the moment he makes eye contact with me.....I feel heard. Sounds a little wierd, but the person who did this has no idea how I feel. But, I put my phone away and just absorbed the rest of the show. Art is like that. No matter how you express yourself, there is something inside you that you want to be seen or heard. And, the end result is you want it to be noticed. But, if you are an introvert naturally, it becomes very complicated. But, anyway I was left very inspired to keep painting each day and record it. It is the healing I really need. Quote of the day: “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ― Pablo Picasso Song of the day: Every Shade of Blue The Head and the Heart

Sea Hear Now Day One

As I write this I am frustrated, as it is not going as planned. I can't upload pictures to my computer to include each day of Sea Hear Now. I wanted to feature each Artist with a quote and song that I heard at Sea Hear Now. So, I will try my best with what I have and share the pictures and songs in my stories on instagram and facebook. I was fortunate to get to the rail in the early evening. And, since I work on my feet all day, the last thing I wanted to do this weekend was stand a lot. So, there was two hours in between sets I was able to sit. I did already share my three favorite moments from day one. And, they were watching the sign language during Boy George's performance. Watching Danny Clinch jam with Dave Clark Jr. And, Stevie Nicks twirling at the end of her song Gypsy. Watching an Artist perform is like walking into an Art Gallery. They have the audience to express their feelings and voice with. When it is done freely, it is amazing how they can capture you and get your full attention. The best part is they can feel your appreciation, through you and the crowds reaction. It is an amazing experience. And, it makes you feel alive. Or, I could compare it to the feeling when you walk into a huge cathedral. I was there for a total of nine hours on day one. It was an amazing experience soaking up not just the sounds and art. But, to see my favorite building Convention Hall be the backdrop for it all, just felt so right. I spent my morning at writing class and a conversation came up about attending concerts. And, one person said he would like to write about conversations overheard at a concert. And, I thought to myself that would be great. As I walked through the casino building on the way there I overheard a girl say: "I hope they never take this building down". Spending so much time in Asbury Park with my store, I couldn't agree more. To think of the history of that town while I grew up, and what it is now is a miracle. A miracle I still love to participate in. Day one was SO much fun. Day two was multi-layered and I will have to do a post on each of one my three favorite experiences. Quote of the day: Everything on this record is what I really wanted to say, and I'm back to being the poet I always thought I was. Stevie Nicks Song of the Day: It's a Miracle Boy George Song written by Boy George on his LP Colour By Numbers It was written during his first visit to the United States. The original song words and title was "It's America"

Sound of Sunshine

I hope to post each day about Sea Hear Now. It is a wonderful event each year presented by Danny Clinch (the photographer for Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and many others) He also plays the harmonica and will join in on stage with many of the performers. He also has a gallery of photographs in a studio gallery attached the Asbury Hotel. The Asbury Lanes hosted his 5th Anniversary and my son's fund raiser event where I saw him perform with my son! I have to do so many posts, because it is hard to find where to start on this mind blowing Sea Hear Now event. But, basically it is for the music. Wait, it has a lot of art. But, on a whole another level it is about surfing. Professional surfers come and surf all day and then are treated to the shows at night. Bottom line it is astounding how many talented people are involved. But, what I took out of it is.......we are all looking for our flow. Oh wait, there is yoga in the early morning which is free! So, today's post is just about how and who I saw that blew my mind. Each, day was totally a different experience. The amazing part of these festivals is how you rush from show to show. But, I made choices to just go with the flow. Most Artists had new music or chose covers of how they got through the isolation of the pandemic. And, I feel they all came through it in very different ways. My phone is giving me trouble (it goes dark, but I won't be fixing or buying a new one) But, I will try to find you tube videos to share in the meantime. I want to share pictures, but it is not uploading to them to the computer, either. Quote of the Day: “When you're younger, you think you're in competition with everyone. You think everyone's success is a threat to you, and this is a thing you grow out of. You get older and you suddenly realize the only person you're in competition with is yourself.” -- Boy George Song of the Day: It's A Miracle Boy George and the Culture Club

Like a White Winged Dove

I have such great memories of when Bamboozle (Foo Fighters Gaslight Anthem Bon Jovi) was in Asbury Park, and I had my store. I am really looking forward to the weekend with Sea Hear Now (Stevie Nicks and Green Day). I try to write down when I have radio karma (that is what I call it). But, strangely songs are played like a soundtrack to my life. Yesterday, was a good example I got into my car and Green Day came on. Then the best was when I driving home and entered Ocean Grove, the song from The Head and the Heart came on. It was Every Shade of Blue and I painted to that song in the morning and shared on facebook. This morning I am going to try to paint (with paint pens) a folk art dove, while listening to "Edge of Seventeen". This song was written by Stevie Nicks and was written after the death of John Lennon and the words about the white winged dove were taken from a menu while in Arizona. I love the stories that go along with her songwriting. I hope to hear a lot of good ones tonight! Quote of the day: “My generation fought very hard for feminism, and we fought very hard to not be labeled as you had to have a husband or you had to be in a relationship, or you were somehow not a cool chick.” Stevie Nicks Song of the Day: Green Day Good Riddance

The Rising

Last night as I drove back from Maryland, my drive and inner voice has finally become more hopeful. It could have been the Springsteen show I was listening to. It was a concert from 9/11/16 at Pittsburg, PA. He along with the E Street Band played the entire Rising albumn. There was a time I played that CD almost everyday as I drove back and forth to work at Boscov's. It is an extremely hopeful record. It brings you into the reality of missing people and places. But, then with the song "Waiting on a Sunny Day" you feel things will get better. When you drive a long distance to a concert it really helps. For as long as I was sitting and driving, he was singing and the crowd was reacting. It was one of the best sets I ever heard. I loved the sets from the 2016 shows, and was so glad I saw three of them. Including one of the longest shows on record. It was about the same legnth as my ride. When I started my ride it started with New York Serenade. I made a lot of decisions on what work I was going to do on my new home. And, decided to make an instagram reel with all the pictures I have been taking of sunrises. Spending the weekend with my grandson, and being around his young cousins, has left me hopeful. They bring me joy and it is a wonderful feeling to start the week with. We as a world again, are collectively full of grief for the loss of Queen Elizabeth and still coming out of the strange times of the Pandemic. But, as we rise this morning I hope we remember the hope in our hearts we felt on the twelth of September. When we flew our flags, and we knew we just had to get back to it. As the English would say after World War II. We must: Keep Calm and Carry On. Quote of the Day: Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. Maya Angelou Song of the Day: Into the Fire Bruce Springsteen

Farewell

I think one of the greatest lessons I have learned this past year is how not to be so sad saying goodbye. When we lose someone in our life it is sad, but with the loss comes a change. And, how we adapt to change is up to us each as individuals. I would say overall in my life, every ten years came with either a loss of a person or a devastional loss by nature or war. Since the millenium it started with 9/11, Sandy and then the pandemic. Each one effected a large area, not just me. But, personally I have had enormous loss since the pandemic. But, I did have a gigantic gain....my grandson. I am babysitting this weekend and I have him all to myself. His mom and dad are at a wedding in Virginia, and won't be back until tommorow. We watched the new movie Pinnochio by Disney last night. I was surprised by how attentive he was, and I love to hear how he pronounces Pinnochio and Geppeto. The visit by the blue fairy was of interest to me. And, of course, Jiminy Cricket being assigned to be be Pinnochio's conscience. I realize now the effect of the story and the cartoon had on me as a child. Pinnochio needed to be brave, truthful and unselfish to become a real boy. I am looking forward to our adventures today. He still loves to talk abouts ghosts and monsters. But, added this year are pirates and dinosaurs. I wrote down a story we made up talking to each other as he was going down for his afternoon nap yesterday. He is starting to wake up now, so I hope to get in a quote and song. Looking forward to making some insta stories with him today. Pictured is Paddington Bear at the station in London. It is with sadness to say goodbye to the reigning Queen of England. I don't watch the news, but I did see what was happening in politics in England the last month and it was pretty dreadful. Happy to see there is a new woman as Prime Minister. I am happy Harry is now a father to a prince and princess. And, I wish the royalty well, and hoping for a bright future for England. Quote of the day: Grief is the price we pay for love Queen Elizabeth Song of the Day: https://www.youtube.com/embed/QdpVxy7Mbeo Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me Elton John

Struggling to do Everything Right

Summer is almost over. And, it is nothing like I planned it to be. But, I could say it was the best summer ever! Being able to walk to Asbury Park and the beach on any of my days off, was great. But, I ended up most days off working on closing on a Condo in Brick. I'll be in another over 55 community. But, I am concentrating on the reality of my future, monetarily. This one place I found to live isn't very visually appealing and far away from any markets. But, it is possible to walk somewhere, without crossing a major highway. It is also right above the Manasquan river, so I can sit on a bench and have a river to look at (that is just a couple of blocks from me). I really needed to do this. So, it was worth not having many days on the beach. My place is really small, which is perfect for me. And, when I look out the window or come out my door, there is nothing but trees. Most places overlook the parking lot. I plan on making a fairy garden for my grandson to enjoy when he visits. It will also have a special spot for his dinosaurs. I get to see him this week, and we'll paint a fairy door and some rocks to put around one of my trees. I do get three feet around the the house, and the rest is maintained by the HOA YAY! Work, in general, is good for me. I have some struggles here and there. But, then I have my days off to get it back together. And, this week I have a short week, and will end it in Maryland. Overall, it was a great experience to be in Ocean Grove this close to the beach for a season. I thought parking would be a problem. But, it was not. I have made new friends, and kept up with a lot of friends, too. Closing out the summer at the Stone Pony with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and then the Ocean Avenue Stompers (my son's band) at Langosta Lounge was the cherry on top. But, it ain't over! Better days are coming! Locals summer, and now I have the time off to really enjoy it! The picture above is a necklace given to me by an Artist friend. It is the brass ring from the Carousel in Asbury Park. Quote of the day: In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing. Theodore Roosevelt Song of the Day: Little Miss Can't Be Wrong Spin Doctors (Then and Now) Rock stars who continue to perform are my inspiration! Especially, the ones who perform in the rain!!!! NOW: Little Miss Can't Be Wrong Spin Doctors

My Top Ten Goal Setting Rules

1. I graduated with a degree in Art. I don't follow the rules! I did and it didn't work out. I am now enjoying more freedom, and not setting any rules for myself and others. 2. Make a vision board ( only if you want :) ) It helps you focus on what your visions are for the future. 3. Write it down. Keep a blog. Handwrite on your calender. Use post it notes. You will amaze yourself in the next year all the things you have accomplished. 4. Try not to buy anything new. Make do with what you have. This is a big one for me, as I have purged so much. I don't miss or need anything right now! That is a great feeling. 5. Always be thankful 6. Don't stop thinking about the future. Thinking about the future, and worrying about the future is tough sometimes. But, focus on the reality and make it happen. Then sprinkle in what would make you feel joyful. Also, try to do this without spending any money. 7. Does it require a lot of love or a lot of work? How do you look back at what you have worked hard for. Most of it came with love of what you were doing. So, make sure you spend your time on what you love. 8. Make your story a good one. Look ahead to what goals are realistic. Write them down. Nike says it best: Just Do It! 9. Be inspired by words (quotes) music, nature, scents, and tastes of the season, and surround yourself with only the things you love. For me, this means I can't watch the news anymore or the weather. Too many times I wasted time, because I let the weather forecast rule my day. I can say, right now, I could sit in the rain outside and be happy. Just to not let rain stop me from doing anything is a big deal for me. 10. The biggest one! Realize everything does NOT have to be perfect. This means what you think of yourself and body image, especially. I am in the best place in my life, as far as that goes right now. I have not worn make up in two years. I don't get my hair dyed anymore. I lost thirty pounds and have not gained a single ounce in eight months. BE comfortable in your own skin. It can save you a lot of money and I feel better! I didn't share my visual board until I felt that some of the pictures are going to come true for me. It was a wish to find a home to buy in January (when I made this board) and now it has come true. September in the last few years has become better for me to set goals. I am celebrating my first year at a job I find challenging, but I really do love. I am celebrating buying a home. I am celebrating the Artist in me. I am celebrating me AND you. I want to drink as much champagne as possible! I took a really fun collage class and the teacher was popping champagne every hour. We ended up with one of the corks. When some people came to our table to see what we were up to. They loved the cork I bedazzled. Meanwhile, I spent two hours on my collage, and two seconds dipping the cork in glue and rolling it in some sparkly embellishments. This is the KEY.....time is prescious. Make note of what you are paying attention to. If you love it......give it your time. If not, move on! Make sure you include some magic into whatever you do, too. I think of it this way. I look back at working the last fifty years and my work life and think "how did I do that". I also think of my thirty nine year marriage and think that too. If you think of it as magical, it really is. But, the word I have trouble with this year is love. And, I spent my time and focus on love and that made it magical. Again, I didn't say it was perfect, I said it was magical. And, I would not change a minute of my past. Because, I learned how to focus on the good, and I will continue living out my dreams. I am looking forward to the future, and the most magical part of my life. And, that is my family. I am SO blessed to be G-MA and I want to be looked at as loving and magical. That is my ultimate goal!!! Quote of the day: Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning. Gloria Steinem Song of the Day: Follow Your Heart Michael Franti Spearhead

The Pretender

Let me introduce myself. I am pictured above. My name is Tinker Balls and I am the daughter of Tinker Bell and Jiminy Cricket. I have had the pleasure of meeting Geralyn Stelle (the writer of this blog). We met when she was a child on the shore of Wreck Pond in the most beautiful town of Spring Lake, NJ. She was four years old. I have to say this was the best part of her story. She was a carefree, but caring child. I was happy to spend some of that time with her before she started school. I have come in out of her life at times when I think she needs my creative spirit. And, sadly, I left her alone, mostly during her thirty-nine year marriage. The picture above was taken of me on June 1, 2021. It was six months into her time home after the loss of her job. I do admit I entered into and out of her time, at the store April Cornell. But, as far as her marriage goes, I thought she had it made. I thought she didn't need me. Boy, was I wrong. The day she came through my village and captured a picture of me in the Millburn Fairy trail wasn't my best day either. I was shunned by the rest of the fairies. Because, no one is ever to see us, let alone capture a picture of one of us. So, I jumped into her car, without her knowing it. And, I am sorry, but I am the one responsible for the unraveling of her marriage. I know and she knows this could be the best thing that ever could happen to her. But, sadly the shock and truth of it all is just devastating. But, enough of that. Today is a wonderful day. She will now learn the truth about me, and a kind of weight will be lifter from her. She has always wanted to tell her story, but good ol' fear gets in her way. Well, I am here to take that weight off of her. Because, she feels she has a really good story to tell. She has been told to stop writing, because some who knew the truth of her real life, said it sounded too much like a fairy tale. And, they knew the real part of her life wasn't so pretty. This is where I come in, so I can tell her story and show life is like a fairy tale. There are always obstacles to overcome. No one, no place on earth, not one thing is perfect. Not even me, Tinker Balls, we all have our flaws. Now, on to the good news! Geralyn is off to close on her new home today. And, the first thing she is going to do is make it as enchanting as possible. She wants it to be a place of whimsy and love for her grandchild to come visit. It is so good to see her happy and looking forward to the future. She is not going to have much time to write. I hope you don't mind I have taken over here, but I am her true spirit. Quote of the day: "Take the straight and narrow path And if you start to slide, Give a little whistle! Give a little whistle! And always let your conscience be your guide." - Jiminy Cricket. "Your talent makes you who you are, you should be proud of it." Tinker Bell No one, no place on earth, not one thing is perfect. Not even me, Tinker Balls, we all have our flaws. Tinker Balls Song of the day: The Pretender Jackson Browne