tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16933904029225355142024-02-18T21:06:04.535-08:00When You're MeThink about itLevihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17103409149026167064noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693390402922535514.post-46263937717677349902015-11-22T10:56:00.002-08:002015-11-23T11:44:38.676-08:00Recognize Choice<br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I was up before the sun today. I placed some coffee grounds at the base of the french press and put the kettle on the stove. I put on a pair of pants, shirt, jacket and shoes; took a step outside. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The darkness of the night was still upon me as I waited for the sun to awake. There was a faint breeze I could feel on my uncovered skin. The leaves of the surrounding trees were rustling in the background. The tall grass field moving like waves of the ocean, a light dew covering the stems. The cold from the dirt beneath me rises into the soles of my shoes; I'm aware of its presence but I choose to ignore. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I take a deep breath in through my nose and exhale through my mouth. The morning air fills my lungs and brings excitement for the day ahead. The breeze across the back of my neck causes my hair to stand on end. In the background I hear the kettle whistle; it's time for coffee. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I return indoors to prepare the coffee. I walk to the cooler grabbing a small yogurt and return to the counter to grab a piece of fruit. I pour my travel mug full of the dark roast; steamy aroma filling the air as I replace the lid. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I grab my water bottle, helmet, pads, and BASE rig, as I walk through the door. I toss them into the trunk and start my car. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">There is a warm orange glow behind the mountain; it's a beautiful silhouette. The sun is coming and the day is about to begin. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">As I drive down the dirt road gravel flips up hitting the rocker panel below. Dust clouds fill the air behind. Rays of light shine through just reaching the rear view mirror. I feel warm. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The pull out is empty. I place the car in park. I open the door, the morning cold is inhaled into the cabin. I step out, gather my gear, tighten my shoes, and proceed to walk to the trailhead. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">As I hike I see my breath in the air. My pack against my back gathering moisture from the warmth of my body. Two birds fly in a circle overhead, the presence is peaceful. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I approach the base of the steep terrain and dig my shoe into the sand, the footing doesn't feel secure, but I proceed. The rock face isn't far from here. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">As I near the exit point and drop my gear, I step to the edge of the cliff and overlook the canyon below. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I put my rig on securing my leg straps and chest strap. Double checking to ensure everything is in working order. I place my helmet on my head clipping the buckle beneath my chin; tightening the strap firmly against my skin. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Again I walk to the cliff, toes nearing the edge. I close my eyes and inhale. Focus consumes me, the only thing that matters is this moment. I'm completely aware of my breathing, the sound of nature around me, and the presence of all things, now. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I lunge forward propelling myself off the cliff in a single, controlled, and stable movement. There is a brief moment where there is complete freedom. I am no longer grounded to the earth or a victim of gravity. I am not falling, or flying, but I am free. In this moment there is no sound, no temperature, no smell, and no control. I am weightless. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">As I accelerate toward the earth, the wind noise heightens and the peacefulness of the world is no longer present. I reach back, grasping my pilot chute firmly and throw it sideways in one powerful motion. I feel the light tug as it inflates and proceeds to pull the canopy from its container. As it reaches line stretch I abruptly sit up vertically in my harness. A sense of comfort overcomes me as my adrenaline slows. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I descend into the valley, canyon walls towering overhead and casting shadows on the ground below. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I navigate to an open area where my feet touch down gently. A calming feeling is present as I start to gather my gear. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I look up to the exit point and take in the beauty around me. The contrast of the sun behind the canyon walls and the deep shadows on the ground below. A slight breeze makes the trees sway and brings a chilling sensation. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I am no longer free. I am no longer falling, or flying. I am now a victim of the gravity that binds us to the rock we call home. This universe is heavy, breathing is difficult. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I proceed to walk back to the car, happiness is in my heart. Everything that I did today was a choice. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I choose, peace. I choose the silence of dead air. I choose the sound of nature. I choose to recognize the detail of the day. I choose small things. I choose this moment. I choose to live. I choose freedom. </span></div>
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Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17103409149026167064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693390402922535514.post-43461333314792622852015-11-12T19:00:00.000-08:002015-11-23T11:45:40.938-08:00What Happened to Privacy? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENeOgiXQV7y_2OD_MrtDYKTIGoXQ1KkD697rcUVLjncYI_V9sUkH9PptcM1xAiKweunZLETI1x-0Xma8kXZ1F3XR5QBzSMhtp2Hw3a9BS1xOI6G3R0OZkLMFOTUtR76BP3j2ulCciSb5M/s1600/privacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENeOgiXQV7y_2OD_MrtDYKTIGoXQ1KkD697rcUVLjncYI_V9sUkH9PptcM1xAiKweunZLETI1x-0Xma8kXZ1F3XR5QBzSMhtp2Hw3a9BS1xOI6G3R0OZkLMFOTUtR76BP3j2ulCciSb5M/s320/privacy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“All human beings have three lives; a
public life, a private life, and a secret life.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">~ Gabriel Garcia Marquez<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But do we anymore? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now day’s
social media has taken over our lives, and our privacy. I’m talking Twitter,
Facebook, Four Square, Snapchat, Pinterest, Tumblr, Flickr… the list goes on
and on. I seem to be less concerned with the privacy settings on these platforms,
and more concerned with the people using them…excessively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ll be the
first to say, I’m guilty of sharing personal, private, and unnecessary
information on social media. We’ve all done it, and some may continue to do it.
I post on my Instagram 4-5 days per week for sponsorship reasons. But at what
point is enough, enough? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do people
actually gain value from the number of followers they have? Do they achieve
more self-assurance from the number of likes on any given photo? Do they get
joy out of sharing their every move of every day on their ‘Story’? Do they feel
it’s necessary to ‘check-in’ when they arrive at their destination? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m not
talking about a casual post, a rant, or even an opinion. I’m not referring to a
few snapchats while you’re at a party, or even a ‘check-in’ that you arrived in
Hawaii. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m talking
about the people that snapchat their daily routine or update on what they are
doing every hour. People who ‘check-in’ that they made it to Hawaii, now they
are getting shaved ice, now they are at Wal-Mart, now at such-and-such a beach.
I’m talking about a pictures posted as things are happening, all the time,
always. I’d like to call this “Serial Sharing.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">People are
so hungry and needy for the approval of others and to create a following, I don’t
understand it. I constantly see peoples profile’s on Instagram go from
following 400 people to following 1200 people; almost overnight. They do this
to gain followers and then immediately turn around and unfollow those who have
not followed them back. I see this happen with my own following. There are even
apps that allow you to buy followers. It’s sad that many people have turned to
these forms of media to create a sense of self-worth and attention. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
happened to our privacy or having portions of your life be private? Doing
things without telling everyone what we are doing in this very moment. Enjoying
our time out with friends without being glued to our phone so everyone else
knows ‘how cool we are.’ Setting aside our ‘fake’ life, for our real one. Doing
some volunteer work for someone in need. Or maybe just help a loved one who is
going through a rough patch. Doing a nice deed without marketing it to the
world. What happened? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Again, I’ll
admit social media has a lot of positives when used in the correct way. This
has made networking much easier, keeping in contact with those in our lives,
and even job opportunities. Overuse and ‘Serial Sharing’ is where I try to draw
the line. Don’t you want a bit of privacy in your life? A bit of surprise?
People wondering what you’re doing, instead of knowing every waking hour? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I doubt many
will read this post, and others may not care. The intent of this was not to
offend or discount the people who do this, as it is not about anyone in particular
(I’m waiting for people to start blocking me as I hit submit). You all know who
I’m referring to, the people who are constantly blowing up your feed. But if I
may, I’d like to leave you with one suggestion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Next time
you post, post for a reason. Post because you are passionate. Follow because
you have a genuine interest in that person: whether it is their photos, their
life, or their passions. Post to inspire. Check-in because you’re at your
vacation destination and then let your phone take a comfortable ride in your
pocket. Post if you <b>have</b> to
(sponsors, money, etc.). Most of all, post because you feel it will bring
someone some joy or happiness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m not
advocating to boycott social media like many of these other articles around.
More, I’m trying to understand the reason behind what is happening in today’s
world. Why are people so drawn to all these insignificant platforms that they
need to share every detail of their life? Why not keep some things close to
you, home, and those you love? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Again, I’ve
been guilty. But…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When you’re
me, you think about it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17103409149026167064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693390402922535514.post-36298217282970765672015-11-06T15:28:00.004-08:002015-11-23T11:46:24.446-08:00By 26...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIWbl6feERVCQtfDxZTwmtEtxAPJFNqO91WU3JOWsVJFzEOAEC-EvuiAynoKIoIFkUeMBNAhp3wFeZreRr9IqmASQlULOz1G7y_1mMrJQwpiiPdj-Vgj70LMVCIrhsh6nZnmV1Btf6zrR/s1600/road-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIWbl6feERVCQtfDxZTwmtEtxAPJFNqO91WU3JOWsVJFzEOAEC-EvuiAynoKIoIFkUeMBNAhp3wFeZreRr9IqmASQlULOz1G7y_1mMrJQwpiiPdj-Vgj70LMVCIrhsh6nZnmV1Btf6zrR/s400/road-07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Life is a 2 lane road that travels 1 direction.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>The direction is North, South, East, and West. </b></div>
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<b>I know it's confusing... it's life.</b></div>
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<b>~Levi Arnone</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It has been over a year since my last blog post. I’m sorry to
those of you who follow and expect more from me, I would like to be more
consistent. However, I do not want to fill my blog with meaningless posts just
to meet a monthly quota. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For those of you who have been following, or have read my
posts before, you will know each post has a certain ‘feel’. I try to convey
that feel through my writing in a passionate way. Hence why I don’t post often.
I have to feel passionate about what I’m writing, or it is difficult to get my
point across. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Well, the time has come. I have had this topic on my mind for
a few weeks and I cannot seem to escape it. This only means one thing… write it
down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I think many of us, if not all, have a ‘plan’ as we mature
and get older. For many this ‘plan’ can come as early as middle school, some in
high school, many in college, and others after that. Hell, some of us still don’t
have a ‘plan’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When I refer to a ‘plan’ I’m specifically talking about how
we envision our future life. In a way, we are setting a loose goal and vision
of exactly how we want things to go. It’s basically a rough draft of our life
as we progress down this path called LIFE. Some of us may write our ‘plan’ on
paper, others talk about it, and for some it’s all in our head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This is a small outline of my ‘plan’, or so I thought. Mine
started to build around age 18 when I was about to head off to college. It went
something like this: Finish my Bachelor’s degree, land a great job, and start
my MBA. Be married by 26, have a couple of children. Build a house, get some
nice vehicles, a few fun toys. Have controllable debt (house payment and maybe
car payment). Live happily. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Fast-forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Let me tell you, my ‘plan’ did not go according to plan. Some
things were able to fall into place and my ‘plan’ was now becoming my reality. Today,
here I am, 26 years old. I have finished my Bachelor’s degree but never started
my MBA. I’m nearing 4 years working for a great company. The rest… well, it
never really happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The ‘plan’ that I had envisioned years ago never really happened.
In fact, I’m glad it didn’t happen. I think society and the people around us
shape our reality and tell us the way things “should” be. It’s okay not to
follow in those footsteps, though. You don’t have to have a ‘plan’, you can
make it up as you go. Blaze your own path and do the things you want to do, not
the things you think you have to do. The things you wanted at age 16 you may
not want at age 20. The things you want at age 20 may not be what you want at
age 25. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Today I’m still deciding; do I want to be married? Do I want
to have kids? Do I want to go back to school and get an MBA? Do I want to build
a house, or live in a big ass van and travel around? Will I ever switch jobs?
These are all things I’ve questioned recently that I never thought I would have
at age 18. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I never pictured my plan being something like this: Get my
Bachelor’s degree, get a good job. Start skydiving and jumping off other high
objects. Spend large amounts of money on parachutes and wingsuits. Selling my truck
and motorcycle to downsize; put Jeep up for sale. Start working in the skydiving
industry to support my hobby. Be in a series of relationships, some good some
bad. Start going bald (definitely not planned). Figure out what I’m doing with
my life…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There is nothing good or bad about this. There isn’t a right
or wrong way to do things. It is simply an observation I’ve made when I look
back and say, “By 26 I…” and realized so much of it never happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now I’m working on my next ‘plan’… “If I live to see 30…” ;) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When you’re me, you think about it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17103409149026167064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693390402922535514.post-53321650507487074432014-03-16T22:05:00.000-07:002014-03-16T22:05:15.164-07:00My Kind Of Beautiful My kind of beautiful doesn't have blonde hair; blue eyes. She can't always be found on the catwalk at a local fashion show.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful doesn't wear designer clothes or drive the latest Lexus. She can't always be found with makeup on and her hair done up.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful doesn't have brown hair; brown eyes. She doesn't waste her time trying to please others.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful doesn't have a perfect face. She can't always be found twirling her hair around her finger.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful doesn't know where the best tanning salon in town is. She likely doesn't have time to paint her nails.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful doesn't have perfect teeth. She doesn't get caught up in others drama.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful doesn't have a 'model' body. You won't always find her at the gym.<br />
<br />
You see, my kind of beautiful is different.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful loves adventure. She is open to new experiences.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful prefers natural beauty. She already knows she is beautiful.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful has nice clothes. She wears them on special occasions.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful doesn't waste time pleasing others. She is too busy being herself.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful can hold a conversation. She is passionate.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful is intelligent. She is quintessential.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful is glowing. She has been sun kissed.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful has a perfect smile. She only has time for happiness.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful is healthy. She is active in all walks of life.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful has a sense of humor. She laughs at her mistakes.<br />
<br />
My kind of beautiful is personality.<br />
<br />
Personality...is beautiful.<br />
<br />
Think about it...Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17103409149026167064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693390402922535514.post-36416438041695109582014-02-20T17:30:00.000-08:002014-02-20T17:30:24.498-08:00I Didn't Think...Didn't Think...<br />
<br />
You always said I think too much<br />
Why worry about the future and what you can't control<br />
<br />
So I changed my ways to avoid the thoughts<br />
I was having every day<br />
<br />
Thinking if I didn't think<br />
You'd never go away<br />
<br />
So I didn't think there would come a day<br />
I couldn't kiss your lips<br />
<br />
I didn't think there would be a day<br />
I wouldn't hug you around the hips<br />
<br />
I didn't think there would be a day<br />
You'd say, let's just be friends<br />
<br />
I didn't think it would end this way<br />
Left sitting on the fence<br />
<br />
I didn't think about things<br />
I know I can't control...<br />
<br />
So I didn't think I'd never see your smiling face<br />
<br />
I didn't think you'd be looking for someone<br />
To fill that empty space<br />
<br />
So I didn't think I should have thought about thinking you would leave<br />
<br />
But now you're gone; gone for good<br />
And I am here alone<br />
<br />
And now I wonder do you THINK of me<br />
The answer is probably no<br />
<br />
Because all along everything<br />
Was under your control<br />
<br />
So I changed my ways to think again<br />
Now I miss you every day<br />
<br />
The more I think, the more I know<br />
I'm sad you went away.<br />
<br />Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17103409149026167064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693390402922535514.post-52720452476552888902014-01-24T15:52:00.002-08:002014-01-24T15:52:53.697-08:00Direction is Difficult<div class="MsoNormal">
“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet
will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are
conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which
may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous
to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic
core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life
comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater
joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and
different sun.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Jon Krakauer<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently I had a conundrum in my life that I couldn’t seem
to get passed. It wasn’t a major event or series of events that changed my
outlook; but instead, a self-reflection. I looked at myself and those around me
and asked, “Am I really happy?” This made my mind go crazy and reflect in more
directions than I could comprehend at any given moment. Emotions began pouring
through my body and mind as if it were a fast moving stream flowing through a
plethora of pebbles and rocks. I found myself distracted by all of the
different aspects; I couldn’t take one steady path and analyze it as I had
hoped. The bulk of this feeling, coming from the lifestyle I’ve been living. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I analyzed my situation further, I began to feel
complacent. Nothing I seem to do has felt good enough for me, I feel as though
I’m not progressing, changing; I’m becoming stagnant, almost, boring. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any of you reading this that know me are probably thinking,
“Levi… complacent?” It sounds absurd to them due to my lifestyle. To them, I’m
always up to something; be it skydiving, scuba diving, rock climbing, mountain
biking, hiking, etc. All of these things I participate in on a regular basis,
but perhaps it is not as ‘regular’ as I’d like. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This becomes more apparent when I pull my career into the
picture. I love my job; the fact that
I’m able to help thousands of people communicate each day is a very rewarding
thing. I’ve been with my current company for 2 years now, and in my position
for 1.5 years. I feel as if I’m stagnant because I haven’t experienced change
in so long. My routine is just that, a routine. Which leads me to sit and
wonder… isn’t there something more? Working thousands of hours a year in order
to get a couple hundred hours to go to the place of my choosing; as money
allows? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even though work bounds the lifestyle I love, and limits my
freedom. It is also a necessity in order for to be able to do the things I want
to do. It all costs money. Fortunately, there is a way around it; becoming a
professional athlete. It’s an extremely rare opportunity and only a small
portion of individuals that have that dream, will get the opportunity to live
it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So where does one divide the line of living a life of
adventure and prospering in this beautiful world that was put before us, and
the realm of working to ensure you are secure, can retire, and continue living ‘the
dream’? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Balance seems to be the logical choice, and rightfully so,
but it also comes with compromise. We can’t experience everything, and have
nothing. Yet at the same time, we cannot have everything and experience nothing.
It all depends on how you choose to allocate your recourses (money). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being a well-rounded person is difficult. You want to have
everything and do everything, but a dollar can only stretch so far. So you
compromise doing things that others might do more often, or on a regular basis,
and you accept that you find happiness in different ways. Some individuals want
to have nothing to show for their money, but be rich in experiences and travel.
Others want to have fancy cars and a big house, but never leave their comfort
zone. Yet those who want a bit of everything, or are financially privileged,
try to get a little bit of both. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems to me that this thought isn’t one that will go away
any time soon. It’s something that I continue to search for in my life. More
experiences, more toys, more friends, more traveling, more skills, more time,
just….more. When you’re me, you think about it. <o:p></o:p></div>
Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17103409149026167064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693390402922535514.post-76945210703592772122012-10-27T16:50:00.000-07:002012-10-27T16:50:43.797-07:00Just [be]<br />
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"Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself." -Willam Faulkner</div>
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<br /></div>
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Well, it's been just over a month since I posted last. Since then my brain has been going crazy about what subject/hobby/bothersome issue to write about next. I think this one has been a long time coming. </div>
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<br /></div>
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It's simply about, life. It's a truly amazing thing to be brought into this world by two individuals who were able to share something special. However, this post isn't about sex or making love. Like I said, it's about life. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Those you of you who know me, know I'm a 'go-getter.' I don't sit around for things to be handed to me, I strive to move forward and work for what I want in life. Outside of career goals, needs, and wants; I try to live the same lifestyle. </div>
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<br /></div>
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First, lets put career aspirations in focus. Far too often I see people sit around waiting for the next opportunity. They talk of a business they want to open, a product they want to develop, a store they want to manage, or a position they want to attain within their company. That's great! I will encourage and support them in whatever they choose. </div>
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<br /></div>
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However, 98% of the time, it's all talk. Anyone can say they want to open a business, or design a product, etc. What sets people apart are the 'go-getters.' What are you doing that the other guys aren't? How are you going to get there? Do you have a plan? Do you have a measurable goal? How long will it take? The list goes on. </div>
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<br /></div>
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When I try to ask these questions, it's usually followed by a list of excuses. Don't have time? Make some. </div>
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Don't have money? Work more, buy less, find an investor.</div>
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Don't have the motivation? Then you really don't want it. </div>
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<br /></div>
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What it comes down to, is finding what makes you tick. What do you REALLY want, and how bad? If you find yourself making excuses, find a way to turn them around and MOVE FORWARD. The worst thing for yourself is to become stagnant. I don't understand how people can sit around wasting their god given talents, 'waiting' for what's to come. It doesn't have to be a competition, but rather a way of self improvement that we should strive for. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So I guess my question is, why? Why don't people have the mindset to achieve something greater than themselves? Why are they happy being stagnant? Why are they comfortable living an 'average' life? Why do they lie to themselves? Why can't they just...be? </div>
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<br /></div>
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When you're me, you think about it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17103409149026167064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693390402922535514.post-26652838824157093242012-09-19T12:54:00.002-07:002012-09-19T12:56:23.697-07:00Just Words?Here is a little poem I wrote over a month ago. It truly amazes me how highly people think of themselves, or how highly we think of others. In the opposite, how poorly we think of ourselves, or how poorly we think of others. We are all built up of the same matter and really aren't all that different. We are each amazing beings, and our communication practices are what divide us more than anything else. They aren't "just words." <br />
<br />
You think you're perfect<br />
I know you're not, <br />
I think you're pretty<br />
You think you're hot<br />
<br />
You think you're flawless<br />
But you're full of flaws, <br />
What depicts perfect<br />
Is what puts us in awe<br />
<br />
So tell the story of being the same, <br />
Boy and girls alike, still play the game<br />
Find someone who matters and makes you feel whole <br />
Because what truly loves you, will never let go. <br />
<br />
Be careful...for the words we are taught, become the words they are not. <br />
<br />
When you're me, you think about it. Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17103409149026167064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693390402922535514.post-51057979157192425612012-05-27T22:51:00.002-07:002012-05-27T22:51:16.456-07:00Among Angels: Wingmen Earn Their Wings<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go.” ~ Unknown</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, I know it’s been a while since I’ve been able to post on my blog, and I truly miss it. Life got so busy with school, work, and photography, that I’ve had no time to do something that I really love; writing. As many of you know, I’m not one to write about life events or what’s going on around me; rather, I write open your minds and try to expand the horizons on normal thought. However, an exception has been made for this blog post because of the impact it had on my life…the story follows. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On Saturday, May 26<sup>th</sup>, I lost one of the greatest friends a friend could ever ask for. Although, it wasn’t just one of the greatest friends, it was 4 of them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This post is not intended to tell you what happened, but to recognize the 4 great individuals we lost on this day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’d like to start with Tanner Holt, the one I knew least of the group…but felt like could relate too. I had met him a few times but never got the opportunity to hang out with him. Prior to his death I had heard so many great things about him, and I really wish I had made the time to get to know. I know from a close friend that he loved his nephew more than anything…and I’ve seen it in the pictures of them together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like all the boys, he seemed like a very friend oriented person, and it’s tragic that we had to lose him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colby Hafen, where do I even start? Another guy I am blessed to have known and grateful to have spent time with. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the oldest of the bunch but a kid at heart, really knew how to have a good time and treated everyone with respect. I remember our few trips to Mesquite and the laughter he would bring to the table, even those he didn’t even know. The first time I officially met Colby he said, “you know those girls you always see at the party that seem way cool and you wanna know them, but you just can’t get yourself to talk to them? Well…you’re that guy for me.” The smile it brought to my face can’t be duplicated. Just goes to show the kind of friend Colby was to everyone he encountered. I love you man, now introduce yourself to all the true angels we thought we’d find on earth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jordan Chapman, the man lady’s wanted, and all the men wish they were. He had a smile that would light up the room and the personality to fit. As with all of these boys, I met him through friends and I am proud to call him a friend of my own. He had such a kind demeanor about him that is unmatched. He was so outgoing and I remember meeting him for the first time on a trip to Salt Lake, with him and Alex combined, I don’t think I will laugh that hard ever again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Alex Metzger, like a brother to me, and a friend to many. Alex….Alex, he was an original to say the least; the most amazing sense of humor that would brighten anyone’s day. He instantly became friends with anyone he came in contact with, especially the girls. He was always wanting everyone to have a good time, and I was one fortunate enough to have those good times with him. He came up with the most original words, phrases, and ways of going about the most dull subject. He’s the kind of person you can just look at, and laugh because of who he is, and how he is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was fortunate enough to talk to Alex the day before his death, and I’m proud to say the last words I said to him were, “Love ya man, have fun.” He had called to invite me with them in their travels, but unfortunately couldn’t join because I was up north on business. I keep thinking to myself that I wish I was on that plane with them, and if I were in town, I would have been. Being with them would be easier than having to miss them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They were all great wingmen, now they are all true wingmen. They lived for their friends, and have now died for them too. The brought so many people joy and love that will always be remembered and never be forgotten. They have brought an already close group of friends, even closer together. They have taught us all many lessons through their lives…most without knowing it. Now, in their passing, they taught us one more. Take each day, live it, breathe it, love it, cherish it, and spend it with the people who mean most; because just like that…it can be over. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the words of Alex Metzger, “Live life as though when you die, it all starts over again.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.” ~John Taylor</span></div>Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17103409149026167064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693390402922535514.post-48825939901351853002012-01-10T20:06:00.000-08:002012-01-10T20:06:53.866-08:00Art is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNKum2IY14NSwxM6qJBTUjM2yxOKQmQ7Iu6_GPfiN9WMlvt5zxLdJZy12LjLv3Td0epJvzBM0zQkNUzZfPV7c5w52xcNdWI5gTgXzfYzgStNDU746q_IhZ1Sw1Sa5-MC6NoEOF61ctoII/s1600/DSC_2818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNKum2IY14NSwxM6qJBTUjM2yxOKQmQ7Iu6_GPfiN9WMlvt5zxLdJZy12LjLv3Td0epJvzBM0zQkNUzZfPV7c5w52xcNdWI5gTgXzfYzgStNDU746q_IhZ1Sw1Sa5-MC6NoEOF61ctoII/s320/DSC_2818.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: #E5E5DD; color: #330000; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: #E5E5DD; color: #330000; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Art is...<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>a question mark in the minds of those who want to know what's happening. ~Aaron Howard<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This post is not meant to be a rant, although it may sound like one. This blog is designed to make people think about a subject in a different light, or perhaps put you in someone else’s shoes. At times, I feel like I’m ranting because I generally talk about something that is bothering me, or something that made ME think. I write in hopes of changing at least one person’s perspective, I want to broaden their horizon. Today, it is all about art. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently I have become more in tune to my artistic side, something I always knew was there, but never had to use it. I have come to appreciate art as if it were the greatest thing since sliced bread or peanut butter. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is where my questions begin to surface and I become flustered with things that I don’t understand. Do I think too deep? Or do I just think, and others don’t? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just like many things in life, I feel, art is highly underappreciated, and to many, unappreciated. People fail to recognize the beauty of art, whether it is architecture, paintings, drawings, pictures, tattoos, sculptures, etc. Everything around us is art and art is all around. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why is it that people fail to recognize the true beauty that coexists within a single frame? Each line, brush stroke, pixel, etc. means something significant to each artist. When we don’t stop to recognize the beauty in each individual segment of the art, we can’t appreciate it like we should; as it deserves to be appreciated. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a professional photographer, it bothers me when someone quickly flips through a photo album of my photographs. Something I put so much thought into, and countless hours of editing, composing, and developing thoughts, that someone can flip through in under two minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had a conversation with an artist a few weeks back where we discussed a painting he was working on. He said, “It’s a button.” However, the plaque underneath the painting would say, “It’s not a button.” Such an interesting concept that many people may not recognize or comprehend as an artist does. It’s not a button…it’s a painting of a button. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The point is this: Art is a passion that many people share, and if you don’t share it, at least try to recognize and appreciate those who do. Stop and stare at a picture or painting that you pass daily; you will be surprised what you find that you didn’t notice in the past. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Art is beauty in its purest form…recognize! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When you’re me, you think about it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17103409149026167064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1693390402922535514.post-25993761988849563432012-01-03T12:12:00.000-08:002012-01-03T12:16:38.568-08:00Life in Solitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5q-W7ykq1EhzrYVHP76g6anSAEMbWqlEQXsaSLigkNAoZhclPG9J1IjsJAtLBAQVQOSLkpOw7XjrlyRYIpEYeZLAdc5wZK8ZboGK0Mmqhhivf8m5gIJQuetkaAg10YdZVEBLR-wJl81y/s1600/2115-3ddigitalart_3dscene_i_stand_alone_wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5q-W7ykq1EhzrYVHP76g6anSAEMbWqlEQXsaSLigkNAoZhclPG9J1IjsJAtLBAQVQOSLkpOw7XjrlyRYIpEYeZLAdc5wZK8ZboGK0Mmqhhivf8m5gIJQuetkaAg10YdZVEBLR-wJl81y/s320/2115-3ddigitalart_3dscene_i_stand_alone_wallpaper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Whoever is too great must lonely live.<br />
Adored he walks in mighty solitude;<br />
Vain is his labour to create his kind,<br />
His only comrade is the Strength within.<br />
The great are strongest when they stand alone.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">-Savitri</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> As my first blog post, I wanted to hit on something that everyone encounters… romantic relationships. A subject that I have put a lot of thought into over the years, yet never seem to figure out. Not only why we want relationships, but also why we long for them and they become a need instead of a want. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Having only one serious relationship under my belt, I am the furthest from an expert on relationships; and on the same note, the opposite sex. Although, romantic relationships are not my focus, or the opposite sex my concern. It is what goes on within us that makes me wonder why we force ourselves into something we are so unsure of. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Face the facts, we are social mammals; we all have the need to belong, and if we don’t interact with others it can cause severe psychological effects. We all have general interpersonal relationships, but they cannot fulfill the needs that we so desperately search for in a romantic partner. So what is it that makes us search for someone who we fit so perfectly with, tell everything to, spend every minute with, and share out hopes and dreams?<br />
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> Are we tired of being lonely, or are we scared to be alone? Although they seem to be the same, I feel that they are two very different aspects within us. Are we truly ‘lonely,’ or do we just want to be with somebody as we are taught from birth? Are we alone, or have we just not found the one we have been searching? After all, who is to say what being lonely really is…or feels like? Could it possibly be a universal feeling?</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> To further the thought above, what is it about loneliness that we dislike so much? Do we want to be needed? Need to be wanted? Need to be needed? Want to be wanted? Loneliness is so complex; by experiencing it in the wrong way, happiness seems so far off, until we find the one with which we belong. However, if we experience loneliness in a positive way, loneliness = solitude, happiness is only a stone’s throw away.</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> In addition, who is to say being lonely OR being alone is a bad thing? Those who enjoy themselves when they are alone (not in a relationship) are solitude in that way. They thrive in their own world and become the greatest they can be. Therefore, we must find power in ourselves and love our lonely life in order to be happy with another.</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> Either way, in my overly extensive years of being single, I’ve come to realize many things by analyzing others romantic relationships; or quite possibly, the need to be in a romantic relationship. As a more recent Facebook post, I stated, “I find it interesting how many people base their </span><i style="text-indent: 0.5in;">LIFE</i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> around </span><i style="text-indent: 0.5in;">LOVE</i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">.” When in reality we should be doing just the opposite and base our </span><i style="text-indent: 0.5in;">LOVE </i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">around </span><i style="text-indent: 0.5in;">LIFE</i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">. We must lose ourselves in enjoying what is given to us, before we set forth to search for what is not.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><b>Stand tall when you're alone, for that's when you're strongest. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">When you’re me, you think about it. </div>Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17103409149026167064noreply@blogger.com0