So I flunked English (and art) and dropped out of school. But I’ve since found reading, writing and drawing to provide an essential power source. So even if you struggle with reading and writing …. can’t spell …. or your writing’s messy …. keep reading and writing despite (in spite) of this. Found this image by Stormie that might give you added encouragement. And wouldn’t we all have a stronger sense of identity and place if they made studying your ‘Self’ as important a topic as English and Maths at school? And music, art, poetry and film were on the booklist for this subject. But it’s never too late to make your ‘self’ a topic to study – to seek a greater knowledge and understanding of who we are and explore the possibilities of who we can become. And if through this more people felt more comfortable and at peace with themselves (and difference), and more solid in their sense of place in the world – wouldn’t society (the world) stand to gain from this collective of more educated selves? …. See also this post for an inspiring story about a girl who picked up an ink pen despite being told at school her writing was messy and spelling all wrong. The beautiful book, ‘Rock The Boat’, full of her handwriting, is available in the website shop.
Click on the typewriter for your Clunk & Jam note to print and stick somewhere.
My personal interpretation of this Rose…. I know I talk alot of the virtues of being small, but in a world that’s constantly promoting big, and potentially making us feel more insignificant (less significant), we have to champion a little harder for the small stuff. And with consumerism and the invasion of mass media and our lives can potentially become a merry-go-round of decision making – even if it’s that conscious decision not to buy into it. So I like this Rose. She seems aware of the trappings of ‘wanting more’ yet holds firmly onto her single cone. She settles for less and feels so much more for it. Something very worthy of looking up to. Pass her on to all the friends you value just as they are …
A favourite from my latest book, Clunk & Jam. Image from Grace Jones CD ‘Hurricane’. If you’re new to Black Dog and wondering what Clunk & Jam is about check out its origins here. Pass some chocolate on to friends for Easter …. back to post some more next Friday…
This guy’s got a good message for young people – for everyone. My brother sent me this one. Thanks Chris. And for another inspiring short film previously posted see, ‘Life is what you make it’. Pass it on …
Click on typewriter to print the Clunk & Jam note to stick wherever you please.
Rose captures nicely what I was talking about in ’The Star Refused’, a couple of posts back…. It’s hard following your own path, particularly if that’s different to the ‘norm’ or what others expect of you – but ultimately the most liberating and fulfilling. Another Rose here. There’s 12 to go so stay tuned – and share Rose with friends….
