What if being different meant you’d never be alone again ?
Imagine…if those of us who felt different could be strengthened in our difference through the sharing of stories….which wouldn’t mean we’d all become the same ….but we might feel less alone in our difference….
(Art by Stormie Mills. ‘Clunk & Jam’ book – a collection of art and stories championing diversity and difference.)
(Ash Browne).
As bush fires rage throughout Australia and news feeds take us live into the tragedy unfolding, its heartbreak and suffering, be mindful of protecting children from the trauma of these scenes. And yourself too. Those affected will need very sensitive care for a very long time to come – and this is already happening through the heartening swell of human kindness that has emerged in response to this tragic time. Keep safe.
There is strength, comfort and hope in art and stories ….
These beautiful image are from a book called ‘The Mysteries of Harris Burdick’ by Chris Van Allsburg. The artist has never been found, nor the stories he wrote about the 14 beautiful drawings (with titles only). They were published as a collection of drawings in the hope that children will be inspired by them – and write their own stories.
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The Crossing .
One day I will swim out to the seaweed. And I swam for the longest time to know the place where I now rest. But let me not forget to look far back into the distance. Cast the mind before the deep unknown. Feel the fear in every stroke as I made that crossing. As I make it still each day.
(Clunk & Jam book, 2019. Pictured, Hansel & Gretel).
The Artist Crime of The Century .
Imagine … sitting in the waiting room of a dentist surgery, flipping through a newspaper. You spot a sketch of the proposed Twin Tower buildings in New York. In that moment you decide, upon completion of the buildings, you will (illegally) string a tightrope wire between the towers (450 metres high) and attempt the impossible. And you do it. Not once, but you dance (and kneel and lay) along the wire, crossing back and forth 8 times. Philippe Petite devoted years to making his dream a reality -along with loyal supporters. A friend told me this story and recommended the movie ‘Man on Wire’. I return to it time and time again for inspiration and strength – and the message that we must prepare our steps well but also be prepared to step back from the wire when those steps don’t feel right to take.
Find in Clunk & Jam book. See ‘Man on Wire’ documentary film, 2008).
Imagine a world that encouraged and valued nice guys…..Check out The Black Dog Story about difference. And think about Good Difference and Strange Difference.
