HUMAN CREATIVITY -- Amazing Art Using Pumpkins as the Canvas

Posted: 3 Nov 14

As further evidence of the wonders of the human mind -- and of this fabulous Internet, which brings so much proof into our easy reach -- is the following remarkable example of amazing creative vision, talent, skill -- applied -- which help us to see ordinary things in novel ways -- and is a useful capacity for us all to notice, admire, and emulate.  I've seen such before and it never fails to please.

This came to me via recent e-mail (thanks, Rye) -- and fits with the Civic Mentor spirit which tries to celebrate being human, at every opportunity.  We have every reason to glory in the achievements and contributions of others.   Inspiration is delivered by such examples -- and is a welcome source of energy and power and determination in our own endeavors.  Enjoy.

And, since pumpkins are perishable -- and these masterpieces will quickly dissolve away (unless preserved) -- we have yet another reason to celebrate the human photography-achievement -- and its presence on the huge list of creations that are making the unfolding centuries so much better than those that came before.  It's kinda hard to appreciate a great many things, if we can't picture them whenever we wish.

David Nelson

P.S.  Here is a Google search-link, which gives us more on this wonderful artist.

 Master Pumpkin Carver - Ray Villafane

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"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." George Santayana

"Truth never penetrates an unwilling mind." J . L. Borges

 “When Governments fear the people there is liberty.  When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.” Thomas Jefferson

How long do you retain a deaf position before you realize it was a mistake? 

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All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved. BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.

THE CULTURAL ARTS == "RIVERDANCE" == A Celtic Experience Revisited

Posted: 24 Oct 14

Purpose

To help us remember the "unforgettable" Riverdance Phenomenon -- and to increase our likelihood of re-experiencing it, whenever we please.

Here is the YouTube Riverdance Channel.  (Click here and enjoy)

My Reasoning

One nice thing about doing a project -- such as this Civic Mentor thing, which sees the whole tapestry of human existence as it's "playing field" -- is that everything seriously ventured has relevance to the whole -- every topic is fair game.

The logical connections may not all be obvious, until I make clear the linkages that show how and where I see useful connections.  But that's just part of the price of seeking novel ways to celebrate our humanness -- with much unfinished business remaining.

But any such celebration must account for the arts and their range of impact on our cultures and individual selves.  I believe the extraordinarily successful "Riverdance" phenomenon has had a lasting, favorable effect on how Celtic culture is perceived by the non-Celtic world, as well as by itself.  Riverdance has the power to thrill and enlighten generations, provided that it is made known to them.

I believe that most will agree that to experience Riverdance performances (the gorgeous music and brilliant dance routines) is to experience something extraordinary.  They electrified the whole world, more or less.  But time marches on.  The unforgettable is pushed out of conscious awareness -- submerged by the endless parade of other life-experiences. And, yet, it would be a shame and waste to let it get away, completely -- when it still can uplift our spirits, far into the distant future.

To help increase the staying-power of the "unforgettable,"  I have the luxury of being able to post bulletins which place these glorious experiences closer to the surface, in ready reach, whenever the mood and opportunity coincide in you.


David Nelson







All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved. BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.