Stargazing is something you can get lost in completely. I find you capture the essence of it and the wonder of it. I started with a telescope and searching through the night sky for clues and hope and just random beauty. I don't know how the Buddhism quote blends in with my beliefs. I'd like to hope that my efforts today bring solace, respite and hope not just for this moment but for the future too. I guess it's part of my culture and upbringing. Maybe it's wrong or right. It doesn't matter when you see all the dancing stars in the sky at night in your comics. Beautiful work!
Stargazing feels like one of those primal human activities that somehow bind us together as a species and connects us to some kind of higher power.
As for the Buddhist idea of not being entitled to the fruits of your labor, it is, like many things (and especially most things Buddist), not a matter of right or wrong as much as it is perspective. I think it's perfectly reasonable to hope to be able to enjoy the fruit of your labors.
But I like the idea, even though I'm not Buddhist because I have found myself getting too attached to outcomes, and that has led to a lot of suffering. By detaching myself from outcomes, I suffer less and I think my art is more honest.
Thanks as always for reading and engaging in such thoughtful ways!
Very well put J! I think perhaps the way Western culture influences our world view and upbringing have a role to play in how we have certain expectations instead of being in the now. You’re right, it’s another perspective.
Thank you! I'm glad you like the title. I find most other caregiver titles a bit inadequate. Housewife or househusband? 🤢 Stay-at-home-mom or stay-at-home dad? Sounds a little too much like someone is just idling away the day.
But work-from-home mom or dad feels more active and closer to the truth for me, at least, that domestic work is work, art is work, and work is work.
Reading your illustrated essay has left me feeling glad to be alive. (I'm still smiling.) The best stargazing for me is deep in the woods with no ambient light. I'm talking about you, Newbury and Paul Stream, Vermont!
I'm so happy that this essay delighted you! I agree about stargazing from the deep woods! I've never been to Vermont, but it sounds like my kind of place!
Here I am - grandmom of boy who loves your work and accepted haiku challenge after holiday dinner last year! Pondering before I dm you for one of your art pieces for him xxxxx
I definitely will. He’s always so delighted with your books, he’ll absolutely love something you put together- however simple it may be - that you’ve incorporated him in. I’ll dm a bit later today?
If we care to look, we will find we live in a world of marvels!
Stargazing is something you can get lost in completely. I find you capture the essence of it and the wonder of it. I started with a telescope and searching through the night sky for clues and hope and just random beauty. I don't know how the Buddhism quote blends in with my beliefs. I'd like to hope that my efforts today bring solace, respite and hope not just for this moment but for the future too. I guess it's part of my culture and upbringing. Maybe it's wrong or right. It doesn't matter when you see all the dancing stars in the sky at night in your comics. Beautiful work!
Stargazing feels like one of those primal human activities that somehow bind us together as a species and connects us to some kind of higher power.
As for the Buddhist idea of not being entitled to the fruits of your labor, it is, like many things (and especially most things Buddist), not a matter of right or wrong as much as it is perspective. I think it's perfectly reasonable to hope to be able to enjoy the fruit of your labors.
But I like the idea, even though I'm not Buddhist because I have found myself getting too attached to outcomes, and that has led to a lot of suffering. By detaching myself from outcomes, I suffer less and I think my art is more honest.
Thanks as always for reading and engaging in such thoughtful ways!
Very well put J! I think perhaps the way Western culture influences our world view and upbringing have a role to play in how we have certain expectations instead of being in the now. You’re right, it’s another perspective.
Wonderful post, Jason.
I'm quite fond of your work-from-home-dad title and will steal it for myself. Replacing dad with mom, of course. 🙂
Thank you! I'm glad you like the title. I find most other caregiver titles a bit inadequate. Housewife or househusband? 🤢 Stay-at-home-mom or stay-at-home dad? Sounds a little too much like someone is just idling away the day.
But work-from-home mom or dad feels more active and closer to the truth for me, at least, that domestic work is work, art is work, and work is work.
Cheers to all the work from home parents!
The night sky is alive.
Look up. Gemini. Meteor shower
Is a sparkling show to delight.
Beautifully put, Richard!
Reading your illustrated essay has left me feeling glad to be alive. (I'm still smiling.) The best stargazing for me is deep in the woods with no ambient light. I'm talking about you, Newbury and Paul Stream, Vermont!
I'm so happy that this essay delighted you! I agree about stargazing from the deep woods! I've never been to Vermont, but it sounds like my kind of place!
My heart is always going to be in the Green Mountain State.
Wonderful reflection Jason. Thank you!
Thank you, Ronald!
BTW I shared your post on a Slack channel of the DarkSky organization. (I hope the post a open to the nonpaying public.)
Thanks! Yes this post is open to everyone
There you are!!!! Nice to see this from you!!! 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
Thanks, Sue! I'm still here and kicking. As my grandpa liked to say, I may be slow, but I take my time. 🤣
Glad to hear it!!!! I like slow!!!! Keep going however s l o w l y!!! 💚💚💚💚
Beautiful post!!!!! Love it!!!! Thank you!!!! 💚💚💚💚💚💚
Thank you for reading!
Beautiful! I particularly like the reminder that we all share the same sky.
Thanks, Cindy! It feels like we spend a lot of effort trying to divide ourselves from each other, when to the stars we are all the same.
Here I am - grandmom of boy who loves your work and accepted haiku challenge after holiday dinner last year! Pondering before I dm you for one of your art pieces for him xxxxx
I'd love to make something for your grandson! Just let me know!
I definitely will. He’s always so delighted with your books, he’ll absolutely love something you put together- however simple it may be - that you’ve incorporated him in. I’ll dm a bit later today?
That works!
Such an excellent essay on what is the most important thing to write about. It would make a good intro for your next book. thanks
Thanks, Weston! I'm thinking of putting together a collection of essays for this next year and would definitely include this one in that.