September 2003 Inner Diablog

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Strongends and Funday

I recently opened an e-mail from my mom entitled, "The New Employee Handbook." It was one of those humorous lists everyone (but me!) forwards to their entire address book detailing 'revised rules and regulations' pertaining to employee benefits, and the lack thereof. 

One of the items noted:

"Employees are allowed 104 personal days a year ...  they are called Saturday and Sunday!"

Ugh. At first I kind of chuckled, because I understood the "message," and I just so happen to work for a company that doesn't have personal or sick days. (Don't get me started on that one...)

Anyway, after reading the item, I realized that although sad, it was true. Saturday and Sunday are the only days I consistently have to myself to catch up on "life's little details," and enjoy some "me" time.

Unfortunately, life's little details often include spending my precious personal time doing big things that are such an unpleasant effort — such as cleaning, organizing, shopping, taking care of the house, and so on. I'll admit, I've neglected these things quite a bit lately, as the life-size dust bunnies nipping at my heals will attest to.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could tack on another day of the week, say after Sunday, called "Funday"? That day would be set aside solely for doing whatever you wanted to, excluding work or "responsibility" things of any kind.

Well, a gal can dream, anyway. 

091303

The week surrounding the anniversary of September 11, 2001 is an emotional, reflective one for many people. The flashbacks I have to the imagery and feelings I experienced that day are haunting, as it was the most terrifying event that I have ever seen in my life. Like millions of other people, the events of that day brought on by terrorists altered my view of the world and shattered the security I felt living in this country.

I'll admit, there are evil-hearted people in this world devoid of genuine love for their fellow man — who look out for their own interests and mercilessly trample upon the lives of others. For those people I try to have faith that the scales of justice will prevail and that "something" ultimately balances the reaping-sowing-karma thing.

Although there are some living among us who thrive on the destruction and suffering of others, there are millions of other people in the world who view the planet without political and religious boundaries and see us all as belonging to one kind: humankind.

And it was many of these people who allowed their human instinct to kick in full force on that terrifying day. Many willing men and women risked their lives  reaching out to help their fellow man in whatever capacity they could. Some lost their own lives in the process. Others who couldn't help in an immediate physical way helped in other ways to alleviate the pain and suffering of their "neighbors."

What a demonstration. 

Man can accomplish much when working together towards the same goal. And yes, that can work both ways — to build up; or to tear down. Hopefully, someday that goal will be for the greater good of all mankind. 

I can only hope. 

090603

The Joy of Building

The one thing that I miss the most about being a kid is the toys. Toys were my vehicle into an expansive world of imagination that made it possible to combine Fisher Price Little People with G.I. Joe action figures. It didn't matter that Joe was as tall as the ceilings in my Sesame Street playhouse, nor that the Oh La La lady was only as tall as his knees. In the world of play, everything is possible.

I think about the toys that I enjoyed the most as a kid, and I realize that I steered way clear of the girly frilly things. I never owned a Barbie Doll doll nor had the desire to take care of a Wetsy Betsy. No, my favorite toys consisted of creativity-related fun including clay, role-play, and building. Plus, I spent a considerable amount of my childhood reading stacks of books from the library. I still love reading.

The last time I remember playing with toys was between the ages of 8-9. After that, I don't remember toys at all (the next thing was music and other teenage novelties). And that group of toys consisted of a bucket of Loc Blocs, which were a loose version of Legos. My mom picked them up for me at a thrift store for a quarter and I literally spent the whole summer with those things constructing all things imaginative. They were by far, my most favorite toy.

I don't know what became of my bucket of Loc Blocs, or why I suddenly lost interest in toys after that summer. What I do know is that the transition from childhood to adolescence happened shortly after, and I was ready to journey forward.

Once in a Leaftime
The title is a reference to the few weeks trees allow us to experience the true beauty and color of their expiring greenery as they paint the landscape with vibrant, energizing colors for our enjoyment.

The beautiful colors of the fall season is the focus of this digital art piece I created from a single image of fall leaves. (© Chris Dunmire, September 2003.)

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Autumnmmmm

The last three months of the year are my favorite. I especially enjoy the time between late September and November when nature turns itself into a dynamic canvas of brilliant color and change. Crunchy leaves underfoot; the faint aroma of leaves burning; cool, crisp weather… it’s all good.

I remember the crafts that we did in elementary school in the fall. Between September and December there was non-stop construction paper cutting and gluing together acorns, leaves, turkey feathers, and other holiday fare. I wish I could revisit those years — when the bulk of my worry was finding a whole brown crayon to color with.

In the spirit of reliving good childhood crafty times, here's some Fall Leaf Cutouts and cards you can use to get into the fall mood and enjoy some creativity! •