Overcoming Negativity

Hello,

With the weather taking over many of our thoughts and moods, it can be hard not to fall "victim" to negativity. This is a blog to help those who may be trying to avoid/ may be dealing with depression, low self-esteem, or low self-confidence.

There have many times in life when depression has “knocked on my door”. I never always recognized it, or even knew it was “knocking”. And I guess I never really thought about it much before doing it...

I share this in hopes that this may help anyone in need. Quoting myself here from a comment made on Facebook.
‘When I fell into depression before, I found art/ experimentation explorations to be my "therapy". I explored in multiple arts and crafts, and community activities that included:

~ I joined some community committees, and helped host their events (see it in my volunteer info. on my profile).

~ Painting with acrylics: mostly on canvas of various sizes, but also various objects. Some pre-made, and some I made myself with plaster of Paris (my Death by Series #1).

~ I created a resource, and hosted some events for others to join in the fun (my Halloween calendar, a.k.a. ACCG, that I did for 5 years). I created the whole thing myself including charts and pictures. It was only the printing I couldn't do without help (took it to a printer).

~ I also hosted some mini-events during others events, to help promote their events and add some extra fun. (Ex. International Monsters Day/ Pose-able Dead Dolls).

~ I made "splash pages" of all the various things I did, and what I helped out with/ supported. OUTCOME:

~ All of this contributed to me not feeling like I was a useless member of society in our community. 
~ It enabled me to explore my creative/ design-minded-self more.

~ It helped me to grow positively in multiple ways, and show others some things I am capable of. I call them "Favourite Freedom Forms (F3s)".

Dancing is another one of these forms for me. But it is something that I have always done, enjoyed, and won't quit doing. It can also serve as a great way to release some negative energies.’

Life can be quite the "Le Challenge" at times, and we may not always be up for it. If you are feeling the “cold crushing hand” of depression creeping up/ involving you, please keep this in mind.

Don’t give up! With a positive mindset and the right opportunities, you can find your way out of many/ any negative "funk". Sometimes those opportunities are right in front of us, we may just need to change our perspectives or receive that gentle nudge that family/ friends can provide.

Best wishes and positive vibes sent... (^&^)

Until next time,

Take Care & Safe Travels,

Sincerely,
Chris S./ C.E.S. (^&~)

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The Magical Dating Realm

(~*~)
Hello out there,
This is inspired by a friend's conversation on FB.
When it comes to dating, it's never easy finding "the right one".
The first thing we should always look at here is, some questions to think about before we pursue/ look for "the right one".
Do we think of it as an overall thing?
Is it just "the right one", or "Mr./ Ms. right", or the one that suits us best?
What do we consider as factors of being "the right one"?
Do we think of what we would like to find in the other potential companion/ mate?
Do we know what we are "looking for", or why?
Are we looking because we are lonely, for financial reasons, or because we truly want to have that companion to be with for the rest of our lives/ marry?
I am sure there are more questions here, but they would probably be specific to each individual.

Now to continue with some theory...
I shared this part in a comment, and it inspired me to share it here.

Just throwing these thoughts out there...

Hell level 1: Comes before we die, and is usually unknowingly/ unwillingly done by us.

Hell level 2: Online dating for the single/ lonely.

Hell level 3: To some this is kids/ an addiction problem (once acknowledged as a problem or not).

Hell level 4: To some... FB/ any other "social media". The drama never seems to end/ they seem to attract it.

Hell level 5: Probably after we do actually die. This would probably include all the things we disliked/ hated/ "personal tortures" while we were living.

The rest would be down there.

So, why live in Hell? STOP the online dating!

Instead:

> try going to events instead and meeting people while there...

> Like Dale suggested, try going to a bookstore/ library...

> Try other public places like pools, billiards, cafe's, etc...

> Maybe a friend/ (dare I say) a family member may know someone that would totally suit you. They may not know off the top of their head, but you never know who they know. Try attending friend's parties...

We tend to find people better when we meet in person... 

Just remember to keep an open mind & heart, not blind ones.

Seriously, I was introduced to my boyfriend currently (that yes, I do plan on moving in and marrying) through a mutual friend while at CLUB ABSTRACT one night, then we ran into each other in line for their closing night. From there we started chatting here on FB via messages, and after I got to know him better I invited him over for a movie. 

I hope this helps... (^&^)

Until next time...
Take care & Safe travels!

Chris S./ C.E.S.

Diary of an Arthritic 1

=> D.o.A1 – Growing Pains

Hello,
First I feel the need to say... I do not share this to "re-open old wounds", make anyone feel bad/ sorry for me, or any other negatives. This is simply a blog for the inspiration of others.

My inspirations for this blog:

> My continual efforts to help/ support those who may be in need of inspirations in many ways.

> & http://www.rebellesociety.com/2017/04/24/christiedelvesco-heal/

(~*~)

Physical Difficulties

My childhood was rough. When I was 13 months old, doctors discovered that I had JRA (Junior Rheumatoid Arthritis - Stills), so I was in and out of hospitals since it was discovered. I was told that at the age of 2 years my leg was broken over a simple clumsy fall, and I think this was my first stay in a hospital overnight that I vaguely remember. I am not sure if I was kept for observations when I was younger though. After that I was in and out for check ups that involved a minimum of my doctor, and his assistant or a learning student. I remember some times I felt like a lab experiment, as the table I was lying on was completely surrounded by medical staff/ students. Hospital check ups continued into my teen years, until finally I didn't have to go so much as my arthritis seemed to be in remission around 15 years old.

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Surgeries

In my adult life, I have now seen an "acetabulor osteotemy" (I call it a hip extension with large metal screws), both hips replaced (also metal), and a shin plate (also metal) from a broken leg. All this happened in an 11 year span, and with all these metal parts I often wish they were bionic – why not be like the "Bionic Woman"?

&

Social Difficulties

I had challenges with walking "normal" due to my JRA, so naturally I was avoided/ made fun of by others in grade school. I knew this was to be "the norm" for my life at school, but I didn't realize it was also going on at home in different ways. When my sister started to take on an "I'm better than you" attitude that she felt free to say often/ treat me badly; while my mom just stood by and watched, as if a school kid watching a fight on the playground. My mom seemed to show favourtism towards my younger sister for many years, and I got blamed for things I didn't even know about/ do – "normal" for most families some may say... but I think it could have been due to my mom's possible feeling of burden/ hassle from raising me with such an issue/ problem, and my younger sister's attitudes did not help. My mom never seemed to support me much outside my JRA.

I never really realized that my mom and sister were like this still until a more recent visit. Sad but true. So I prefer to keep my distance, as I see these as "toxic" behaviours. I rarely talk to either of them now, and honestly it doesn't bother me. What does bother me is that they still choose to behave in such ways towards me. I am forgiving not forgetting, and I hope it stops before any of us die.

&

Change is good!

Out of all this, came my change of perspective as I decided to ignore the rudenesses/ ignorances of others, and teach myself how to find my inner strength to become the survivor I needed to be. I think I was about 13 years old then, because by 15 years old I started trying to move out. I didn't succeed until 2 years later, and I am thankful that I have never had to live there again.

And despite the fact that these events can be depressing to think about, I find positivity and comfort in knowing that I have gotten past them – at least for now.

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HOW DID I DO IT?

1. Seeing the truth of situations, and realizing when there are "toxic" behaviours/ relationships. Then distancing myself from them – mentally & physically. Mentally is harder.
2. No longer looking for/ needing comfort, support, validation, or closure.
3. Self-Awareness & Developments - Doing "my own thing(s)", and finding the values of me.
4. Continual Self-Interests based studies for life and career – ongoing life-long learner.
5. Reaching out to my community supports (friends included).
6. Remaining POSITIVE through it all – not always easy, but I try.
7. Sharing all this for those who may need some inspiration.

If you have read this far down, thank you.

Feel free to leave a comment anywhere I may share this, and to share this with anyone whom may need it.

Until next time...

Take Care & Safe Travels!

Sincerely,

Chris E. S./ C.E.S. (042717635PMishC.E.S.)

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Crafting Our Characters (COC) – Introduction

(~*~)

Hello out there,

Today brings a couple of different twists to my blogs, and I am unsure how many/ often it may happen in the future.

First: In my usual attempt to keep blogs short/ on one screen length, this blog is now a common themed series.

Example: Basics Intro. (this blog) covers an 'edu-idea' (042214330PMishC.E.S.) of mine only.

Next subject section (Basics1): Background Information

& Second: I hope you appreciate this educational introduction!

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Subject: Character Creation/ Design

When we think about character creation/ design, we usually think of video game avatars/ cartoon characters we grew up with on Saturday mornings. This blog is about getting in touch with ourselves as people, and how we can create/ design our own personalities/ character traits. How is this related to creating/ designing video game avatars/ characters? Read on my friends... (^&^)

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My 'Edu-Idea':

This is a blog about creating a character for your own amusement/ educational purposes.

I describe it this way, because it can be used both ways either separately or together/ simultaneously. I know this from my own experiences as I have discovered a couple of tricks to getting some undesirable/ difficult/ procrastination ridden tasks done. Examples:

1) If I think of the task getting done by an "alter-ego", I can envision myself doing it easier.

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2) My past research of both our Canadian history/ heritage, as well as characters' (already in our existence) abilities, limits, and character traits has lead to learning what is desirable and undesirable - to both myself, and others.

For example:

In regards to Nationality/ Heritage:

Thinking of our Nationality/ heritage does not always stir the desired memories or feelings, but it can help us learn why we have the character traits we do. Some are heavily influenced by our belief systems, and some of those stem from our Nationality/ heritage. What we choose to practice and what we have grown up practicing, may be two different lists to us.

Here we can go further, with...

A "Le Challenge":
Look up some of your Nationality's history, and compare it with how we behave. & Don't forget any religious influence possibilities! Do you see anything similar or related? Is there any negatives we wish to change to positives?

A good thing to keep in mind... What's generally popular/ well known, may not be "your thing".

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3) Personality growth - This is another positive growth opportunity!

Used as an Educational Tool ('edu-tool' (042214332PMishC.E.S.)): As we see the undesirables, we also see improvement possibilities within them for us and all "Human-kind". With this identification of what we wish to change into, we can start observing ourselves for where/ when those changes are needed. If we take that further during observational times; we can "catching ourselves" in these negative acts, and attempt to change them into positive behavior. Let's write a list(s), so we can start the transformation!

TIPS & TRICKS

A great way to remind ourselves of what changes we want, is to write a list of course. There are a few ways to keep us looking at the list that may help. Keep in mind that what works for one, may not work as well or at all for another. For example: Keeping that list with us often helps a lot, but may be not as helpful as "post-it" notes in places we look often, or texts to ourselves. There are many ways of leaving ourselves notes, the trick is in causing ourselves to look at them.

In Brief:

Seeing myself doing it, is half the problem. Research can further our observations/ decisions; as we learn what is & is not desirable, what we do & do not want to behave like, and that we can observe ourselves for behaviour improvement opportunities. This is how we can create/ design our personalities, and positive growth experiences in life. (042214418PMishC.E.S.)

& BONUS:

This is how we can also improve us as a member of our species/ "Human-kind". If more of us practiced this more often, our world would be a lot better off.

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Tying it Together:
When we create/ design our video game avatars/ characters, this relates in the same manner. We can use the above outcome, to add what we want however we wish.

How would you want your avatar/ character to behave like?

What would be your version, of the "ultimate you"?

&

Watch for Basics1 coming soon! (^&^)

(link will be added once complete)

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Until next time...
Take care & Safe travels!
Trish the Dish/ C.E.S. (*@^@*)

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Tips - DIY Copy-writing

Hello,
   This blog is about protecting our creative rights -  even without money, resources, lawyers, etc...
It is so important to protect your creative rights, in any way we can! In our digital age of technology, it's easy to "rip off" others' work online. I prefer to always ask first if I am thinking of using something that is not
"free to use".
   Our world is filled with so much "stuff", and prices are rising on almost everything! If you have lots of ideas like I do, you probably can't afford copy-writing, trademarking, or getting  patents for any/ every idea.  Due to this factor in my life; I have come up with a way that helps me to know when I had the idea, and it serves the purpose of copy-writing everything. I have been doing this for years, and it has helped me keep some "peace of mind". It was not until a friend noticed it, asked and mentioned I should share the idea.
So I am...
How do I do it?
It's really simple.
 1. Start with brackets ()
 2. Insert in the brackets, the following:
* Date by use of numbers only
* Time without the :
* Your initials (full name)
Once complete, you are done. TA-DAAA!!!
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As I find more time in the future, I will add to this blog with more information about copy-writes, trademarking, patents, etc...
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Until next time...
Take care & Safe travels!
Sincerely,
Chris S. (*@^@*)
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TOOLS FOR YOUR BIO OR EPKs

Hello out there!
Today I bring you some helpful info. to write your "artist bio".
Here we go... (^^^)

I once was asked indirectly, as a 'Le Challenge' (as I call it) from a company to write my artist bio. I dreaded it, and didn't do it. The outcome... I missed out on an opportunity. I have recently been asked again - directly.
This is my research "take" on my findings.

To KEEP YOU FOCUSED/ ORGANIZED, use this basic outline:

***BEFORE YOU BEGIN***:
1. TAKE INVENTORY OF YOURSELF
CHECKLIST:
~ your background,
~ accomplishments,
~ goals,
~ objectives as an artist/ company

2. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE WRITING THE BIO FOR:
The business contacts you want to impress, deal with, and create lasting relationships with.
EXAMPLES:
+ Art Reps - as individuals/ creative companies.
+ "Booking" Agents (Ex. as a vendor)
+ Management Contacts (Ex. Rare Funk)
+ Promoters (Ex. Alan, Em, Joseph, etc.)
+ Possible "Media" Contacts.

3. FILL YOUR BIO WITH:
~ informative, and upbeat
~ filled with useful comments, descriptions, & quotes
~ And motivational language to aid their interest/ listen to you, and help you along your journeys.

+=+=+=
1st Paragraph - WHO YOU ARE
Get your voice heard, and tell your story...
CHECKLIST:
~ Introductory sentence clearly defines the essential artist/ name
~ Specific genre of art
~ Where you are from
~ Perhaps a positive quote about your art from a contact you have made in the business.

2nd Paragraph - WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE
Put a face to the name, and let the art do the talking for the people reviewing you.
CHECKLIST
~ Upload pics of your art with brief introductions/ explanations
~ Include pictures/ videos of you "doing your thing" everywhere/ anywhere you do it.
~ Hand-pick the pieces that showcase your authentic style, and versatility.

3rd Paragraph - WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY DOING
Address the immediate purpose of the Bio.
MENTION & REMEMBER CHECKLIST:
~ Current activity you are involved with.
~ If a new art/ craft/ project is coming out of the "closet", that should be the main topic of the first sentence.
~ A reason why the Bio has been written should be clearly stated early on in the paragraph.
~ Hints about any promotional activities is also useful here.

4th Paragraph: WHERE YOU'RE CREATING & OTHERWISE INFO.
CHECKLIST:
~ Keep an up-to-date calendar of your activities/ workshops, and event dates; so promoters can see where you're "doing stuff".
~ Include your basic requirements for creating.
~ Otherwise Information can be introduced - like:
+ Background information on the forming of the artist/ company/ group
+ Past experience/ accomplishments
&
+ Recognitions can be addressed

(OPTIONAL)
5th Paragraph: THE BIG PICTURE
Do you have "bigger picture" ideas/ plans? Have you developed a plan for larger development/ a career path?
Elaborate here, by demonstrating how your current project(s) are part of a "bigger picture". Quotes from either you or others can be useful to highlight your art/ craft/ new project(s).

Ending:
Remember, the BIO SHOULD NOT WASTE WORDS. For a new artist 1 page is sufficient to get the job done. For more experienced artists, a page and a half to two pages should be the maximum length. So, ending the Bio in a efficient way should be the aim; use another quote from a gatekeeper who supports the artist, or summarize the 2nd paragraph information, reminding the reader of current activities.
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PLEASE NOTE: Info. above is based on 2 sites (as listed below*), and I have combined both general & EPK info. guides per paragraph.
*1. http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/artistbio.htm - For generalized from music, and "adjusted" at the end; to work with the EPKs' guide.
2. http://about.sonicbids.com/bands/your-epk - For EPK Info. Guide

+++===+++===+++===
RE: EPKs (http://about.sonicbids.com/bands/your-epk)
How promoters look at EPKs:
1. Review
Everything you want to know about an artist, including:
~ their art/ craft
~ mediums they use
~ bio
~ where they're creating/selling/ vending
~ what others are saying about them
~ photos, video and more.
This means less time reviewing what's not right for them, and finding the right artist faster. Millions are looking on various search engines/ sites ALL the time!!!
2. Respond
Includes EPKs from all the artists submitting to your gig. With emerging artists, you're met with quality in every genre including clothing and accessories, metal works, paintings, and more. They can review artist's info., and check out their art & social media buzz.
3. Select
Once they find the artist that's right for them, they can customize messages to the artists they've selected. Those not selected/ interested in but haven't decided on yet, usually get put aside.
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*Visit www.sonicbids.com. They can help you with what are called EPKs (Electronic Press Kits - found here: http://about.sonicbids.com/bands/your-epk) However, the information I am providing you with will go along way to helping you with your EPKs, but you WILL need both at this time.

That's it for research here... now I'm ready!!!

My 'Le Challenge' to me:
1. To "attack" this bio with peace of mind - knowing it will finally be officially "started" (as they usually change along life's journeys).
2. To remember to BREATHE during the tough spots.
3. To try and accomplish this BEFORE the week's end.

Thankz to all who inspire me, and those they encounter along the way!!! CHEERS!!!
Until next time...
Pleasant Journeys through all of Life's adventures!!!
Chris S. (*@^@*)