John Bailie's Cobble Crab Corner

Cobble Crab August Newsletter

2010-10-09T06:46:00.009+02:00

The arrival of spring often helps to inspire our creative minds as we absorb the beauty surrounding us. I wish you a season of splendor and trust it will be a great time of year for your writing
Blessings
John Bailie

"If a story is in you, it has got to come out." – William Faulkner

New Books:

Kelsey and the Giant by Lesley Shillinglaw.
As a young girl Kelsey went into the forest to explore and fell into a deep pit and she was rescued by the wonderful Giant of the forest.
Together Kelsey and the Giant began an adventurous journey during which she learnt many of life’s wonderful lessons.

simply church by John Bailie
Have you ever asked:
Why do I belong to a church?
Why do people belong to the church I belong to?
This book seeks to answer these questions- as simply as possible.

South Africa on the Brink of Collapse by Iain Peters
This is not a novel but a well researched prediction which is a mathematical certainty should government, industry, agriculture and society fail to take immediate remedial actions.

In that moment of time by Sally Moon
“In a world of confusion, chaos and darkness, a ray of sunshine breaks through as Sally moon brings the reader’s attention back to the standard of equilibrium that restores balance and healing, God’s word. Take hold of the Words of Life and Live.”
Pastor Bernie and Dalene Vos - Eagles Nest Ministry –Randburg SA

Popular choices:

 Discovering an Authentic Lifestyle by Dr.H.Leon Klein
 New Beginnings by Quentin Smith
 The Significance of the feasts of Israel By Peter Warner
 Who Replaced the Sugar with Epsom salts by Bruce Jack
 Now By Delme Lindscott
 Voices of the Heart By Festus Marumo
 Feed my Lambs / Laat my lamers Wei by Val Michelsen
 Max ….an ordinary Hero by Mandy Daly
 A Twenty Yard Stroll by John Bailie

2010-08-05T09:02:00.006+02:00

July Newsletter 2010

“Cobble Crab Publishers is a non-profit company whose sole purpose is to assist everyday writers/poets to get their work into print.”

Welcome to the Cobble Crab Publishers July Newsletter.

At best, most people who want to write want to be read. And often they are discouraged and believe they’re wasting their time. Yet the more one writes, the more ones style and personality develop through ones words.

Blessings John Bailie

Join Cobble Crab at http://www.cobblecrab.co.za and receive discounts on books and our Creative Writing Course

Cobble Crab helps the Community……

True to our mission to encourage reading and writing,
Cobble Crab Publishing donated books to a Circuit in Bongweni, Kokstad to assist their Sunday school ministry.

Register now for the upcoming creative writing course and you stand the chance of winning free tuition. Every 10th student will be registered free of charge
Creative Writing News………

Meet Petshi Desire and Dave Dike, our latest graduates from the Cobble Crab Creative Writing course. Here’s what they had to say:

“The Writing course for me was, and will always be, the platform which makes me realise that there is a writer full of energy and imagination sleeping within me. To wake him up is only a matter of making time to be ready to navigate in a world where the only rule is: show don’t tell.”
Petshi Desire

“I have really enjoyed being part of the creative writing school. It has been lots of fun getting to know the others in the group, and for me enjoyment is a big part of anything that I undertake. For many years I have nursed the idea that one day I might write a book. When I retired I thought, but I can’t see that happening in the near future. So perhaps I should start anyway.
I had no idea on what subject or what type of book, but I just felt that I had a special gift with the English language, and that I had the ability to write something entertaining. The course has opened my eyes to the technical side of writing and the planning required to create a readable piece of work. Doing the exercises has given me confidence, and shown me my style of writing and the type of story that I should write.
Reading aloud what you have just written was a bit daunting at first, but is also a confidence builder. If I had been told in advance about the warm-up writing exercises, that is, writing a few hundred words on a topic you have just been given, I would have said that I couldn’t do that. But in fact I surprised myself. Once I had an idea in my head, the words just seemed to flow. I have learned a lot, and as a consequence I have started to expand a story that I wrote as an exercise, and I hope it will end up one day being a novel. My hope is that it will be published and that it will bring a smile to many hearts. “
Dave Dike

Bookshop
In Pursuit of Holiness by Charles l. Szente
Discovering an Authentic Lifestyle by Dr.H.Leon Klein
The Boot Brother’s Adventures by Lyndrea Huntly
Now By Delme Lindscott
Voices of the Heart By Festus Marumo
Feed my Lambs / Laat my lamers Wei by Val Michelsen
The Significance of the feasts of Israel By Peter Warner
New Beginnings by Quentin Smith
Max ….an ordinary Hero by Mandy Daly
My Simple Faith by Sean Bastible
A Twenty Yard Stroll by John Bailie
Op Pad Na Siloam by Pieter Liebenberg
Hope Waits by John Bailie
The God Inclusion by Quentin Smith
Who Replaced the Sugar with Epsom salts by Bruce Jack
Head, Heart and Hand, Adventures in the Biblical Meta-Narrative, Volume 1 by Jenny Hillebrand
The Quest for Smallholder Farmer Success by Gibson Kutadza.
Into Your Hands Lord by John Bailie
Daily Devotional Mathew by John Bailie
Daily Devotional Mark by John Bailie
Living in Grace by Delme Lindscott
Abundant Life in Jesus Christ by Alan White

Visit our website to view and order books:
Should you wish to be removed from this mailing list send your email address to: info@cobblecrab.co.za

Fastforward

2010-05-06T12:55:00.002+02:00

Had some interesting feedback on the Forward or Backward thing.

Up shot of the thing is this:

Democracy, whilst not perfect and corruptible, gives me the freedom to say what I feel.
It also gives me the chance to put pressure on the politicians who want my vote.
After all, dictators serve themselves. Democratic elected leaders are aware of their vulnerability.

Never forget that!

Creatively, I would have no other system!

2010-04-13T10:36:00.001+02:00

Forwards or Backwards:

A few simple thoughts on South Africa 12th April 2010:

Nations, at some or other stage all throughout their history, have faced the choice to either move forward or backward. In fact, this choice is symptomatic of the development of humankind.

No society stays exactly the same. Partly, because they collectively face new challenges. Partly, because they come into contact with other societies and are influenced by them. And partly, because human beings are constantly evaluating themselves and making adjustments.

What determines the choice is not, as we are sometimes lead to believe, historical settings, individuals or the influence of leadership. The choice is affected when ordinary people are moved by their own understanding of the need for change.

Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk did not liberate South Africa. And while they received the Nobel Peace Prize because of their leadership positions at the time, they merely represented our South African collective need for change. It was the everyday interaction of millions ordinary South Africans which lead to the change. Without this choice, we may still have found ourselves gripped by a destructive political and social system.

Within this collective choice, there is always going to be those who either sit on the left or the right. In all of history, in all of societal changes, neither of these have the ability to effect change. Yet ironically, they often have the loudest voice. And while they seem to have nothing to lose, the truth is that they really desire to gain power at any cost. This cost is to destroy the collective choice. They do however, enable the collective whole to examine and re-examine their position. And this examination is vital to the health of the collective whole.

A question, at this juncture, in terms of the South African collective whole, may be whether the recent events represent the left, right or the collective whole? If in fact they do represent the collective whole, then one would want to assert that the country has chosen to step backward. It is the path to more violence, destabilisation and ultimately collapse.

For ordinary people like myself as part of the collective whole, (I am not a member of a political party nor have I been to prison nor do I aspire to be anything other than an everyday person), I refuse to believe that these events represent me. I refuse to be swept up by the left or right.
Rather, I recognise that I am fulfilling my commitment to making the collective change of 1994 a reality. As a training Christian minister, I spent a year in a township, washed the feet of my fellow South Africans at Easter and continue to believe in the future for South Africa.

Despite this, the current events have shaken my, and I believe many others, belief in South Africa. I believe that we all have much work to do. This work must not be determined by political parties, the left or right but our collective examination of who we are. If we allow individuals the space to hijack our collective choice we will only have ourselves to blame when South Africa does not live up to her potential.

The new South Africa is almost twenty years old and I feel no guilt about the past, it only takes me backward. Rather, I believe, that we as a collective whole can, right now, choose to move forward and choose leaders who represent us.

I am not a decision maker so the best I can offer is to challenge my common sense and all my ordinary fellow South Africans, to continue to work at our collective whole. Fancy programmes, extreme leaders and quick fixes will do nothing for us. Rather, I chose to live as part of a collective whole facing the everyday challenges of daily living together. My faith determines that I should and it is really the only way for us to attain long-term potential as a nation. After all, any collective whole that can topple a destructive political system without violence must unquestionably be able to resist being hijacked by extremism.

Rev Dr John Bailie
Cobble Crab Publishers

Book Festival

2010-03-08T08:32:00.004+02:00

It's amazing how great a miracle country South Africa is!

Forget what the politicians say, look around at everyday life and see the small miracles.

It's those every day things which allow us to find ourselves and each other.

And it's those stories which will help others in the present age and future age, find each other.

Writing songs, poetry or stories is a wonderful legacy because it captures forever who we are as a people.

So hey, keep writing!

Reading

2010-02-14T16:44:00.004+02:00

The other I asked my teenage son whether he had read his matric set work.

No, he replied, he was going to watch it on DVD.

His answer shocked me! How could someone not enjoy reading?

As I thought about it more and more, I guess there are many folk, sadly, who don't read.

John Locke once said:

Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him.

I believe it!

Honestly....DESIRE!!!!!

2010-01-19T13:38:00.007+02:00

When someone said - time waits for no one - they were spot on!

It's end of January already....and what's been done?

Nothing...no everything....no nothing....no....

I come to learn a couple of things with Cobble Crab:

- people want to write

- people don't know how to write

- people can learn to write

Why?

Because writing is a skill that can be learnt. All it takes is a little DESIRE to learn.

Books are written by people with DESIRE.

So now....

2009-10-20T15:18:00.008+02:00

Lately I've been going to gym.

Like most obsessive compulsives, I promised myself to take it easy.

Right!

Most days after I've been exercising , I struggle with the energy to be creative. This got me to thinking how some people don't want to be creative.

Why?

Because it takes energy to be creative.

Hummmmmmm.....??????

Don't Ever Stop

2009-10-06T19:36:00.004+02:00

Someone once said:

“People who do things that count, never stop to count them.”

Does that mean....

Writing that book...finishing that painting....reading that poem in public???

Do something that counts today!!!

And don't stop!

I know I'm slow but....

2009-09-29T14:48:00.006+02:00

Leigh Ann and I watched the movie August Rush last night.

What am amazing story about the power, love and place of music in our lives ! (Forget the issues of a child being safe on the streets of New York.)

Some of the lines from the movie:

"I love music more than food.."

" Never lose the music.."

See the movie!!!!!!

Man, do I.....

2009-09-28T11:35:00.008+02:00

Yesterday, we went fishing for Yellowfish.

Never caught one, but did get some mudfish.

The amazing thing was:

- Standing for three hours thigh deep in a fast flowing river

- Being out in the open air

- Watching these strong fish constantly fighting against the stream

As I watched, I wondered why they didn't move to a more sedate place, where they could enjoy the sun, eat and be calm?

I guess they are like artists of all kinds - we do what we do beacause it doesn't make sense!

Cobble Crab Newsletter

2009-09-23T14:48:00.007+02:00

We now have a newsletter which has been sent to those who have joined the website (www.cobblecrab.co.za) as members. (And anyone who asks: info@cobblecrab.co.za )

It's these kind of reflections which allow one to see the value of engaging with each other and touching our creativity.

If God places a touch of creativity in each of us, then surely we must allow it to express itself?

Dallas Willard Said:

"I don't want you to think of art as a little frill or whipped cream on the cake of life.It's more like steak and potatoes."

Think about it!

Change Your World

2009-09-18T08:51:00.010+02:00

As a kid, I remember going to a library down the road.

Mostly because I wanted to read the Asterix & Oblex comics.

But I also loved the compelling quiet and musty smell of the large rooms. Everything seemed controlled and in place.

As I think of it now, one thing sticks with me. Following the one of the wall arches, in huge bold print, was a sign that read:

If you want to change your world - read!

That's about one of the most true sayings I've ever seen.

Awesome!

Coming Out of the Woodwork!

2009-09-14T11:59:00.005+02:00

Since Cobble Crab's inception, it's amazing how many potential writers have come out of the woodwork.

It's amazing to think that creativity is prevalent in our society.

Let me say, I never realised it!

So the question is:

Is creativity a God given talent which most of us hide?

Listening Versus Reading

2009-09-10T10:48:00.002+02:00

I am amazed that people (for the most part) would rather listen than read!

I say this because my devotional cd's are more popular than the same books.

This has got me thinking.

Imagine a world with no books?

I shudder at the thought but maybe it's just me!

Creativity is Different

2009-08-31T13:47:00.002+02:00

I believe that creative people are different.

Not because of their dress code or that they take drugs (in fact these are wannabes)!

Creative people see things differently because to see behind things is a way to creating a picture, character or poem.

Awesome.

Opening Doors

2009-08-21T08:09:00.003+02:00

I love opening doors!

And when doors open!

The publishing company is growing and taking some amazing turns.

For those creative people out there - find ways (they are there).

Take the first step.

In all this, one thing I've learned about the road of life, there are those who want to take and there are those that want to give!

It's simply our understanding of ourselves that determines which road we'll take.

Passion!!!

2009-08-15T13:12:00.009+02:00

D H Lawrence once said:

"Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you've got to say, and say it hot!"

Cobble Crab has made me passionate about two things:

Getting people to: Write & Read

Ignorance is dominations closest bedfellow!

Publishing - A New Wineskin

2009-08-07T17:53:00.009+02:00

Isn't amazing how things change!

A recent TIMES magazine article questioned whether large publishing firms can adapt to the demand for less expensive book printing and marketing.

At Cobble Crab, we have had an amazing amount of inquiries for publishing because we our motivation is to offer authors the opportunity to get their work into print and at the same time to make it affordable for readers.

How cool is that?

We may say, our time has come!

Keeping Up With...

2009-07-01T08:40:00.003+02:00

Just as it is, I haven't kept up with my blog...shocking but given trying to finish my new book and my doctoral thesis..that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

But it's good to be back as well. If creativity is in your blood...create!!!

And remember:

Routines are the darling of accomplishment!

And So...

2009-05-02T12:46:00.002+02:00

Have you ever been 'lead' in a certain direction?

Like you can't stop it even with good sense...

Well, I've somehow got on this pastel train and it's leading me places I never thought I'd go.

It's been great though...ride on!!!

Always be open to all things, it beats being closed because that's like being a book in a fire!!

There are times...

2009-04-05T08:16:00.003+02:00

I'm more used to working with oil but when I saw this Himba (a tribe in Northern Namibia) bride, I felt it needed to be in pastel.

She has a wonderful quality about her...a serenity, I think...

She makes me know that all things are in order...all things can have peace, live in peace and follow their destiny...

Know who you are! It's the greatest gift you can give the universe..

Every Artist

2009-02-18T08:08:00.004+02:00

Every artist has a way in which they approach their craft.

Some like solitude, other need people around them, some are lost in alcohol and drugs, some crave the complexities of creativity etc...

But ALL suffer the pain of potential rejection and failure!

I'm of the opinion there is no failure in trying, only those who refuse to try, fail.

Moments

2009-02-02T15:01:00.003+02:00

" We do not remember days, we remember moments."

Cesare Pavese

Jeez! How true is that?

So! Moments for me this year so far:

- Finally getting my thesis to the markers
- Really putting energy into a painting
- Being with Leigh Ann with her mothers death
- Watching my son grow in maturity
- Watching Roxy take on her life with passion

It's been a good year so far!

Amazingly!!!

2009-01-19T10:24:00.001+02:00

Pierre Reverdy says this:

Creativity is to think more efficiently.

Have you ever noticed how your creativity helps you to see the world a little differently?

No matter how I'm feeling, music, art or writing seems to give me a different perspective...like, hey can things be so bad if....

Yep, effective thinking starts in the right brain not the left..

Energy

2009-01-06T11:10:00.002+02:00

Without sounding like a Darwnistelectroscientificbiologist, I am moving towards appreciating how almost everything can be related to ENERGY.

Energy has rules!

Rule One:
Energy - cannot be stored or created!
Therefore there is given the universe, a finite amount of energy.
Humans have a finite amount at their disposal.

Rule Two:
Energy can only be directed or redirected!
Therefore, kinetic energy is converted to static and visa versa.
Humans convert their energy by the choices they make.

Rule Three:
Energy is always available whether latent or active!
Therefore, energy awaits patiently a change of state.
Human choices determine a changed state, of themselves, and of the world.

Conclusion:

Make good choices, make bad choices, but make them. And the world, as you know it, is changed when you do!

It's Been..

2008-12-12T11:29:00.003+02:00

It's been a fantastic year.

Got everything done on my part.

University still dragging feet with my thesis but then I was warned it would be that way.

I learned so much this year - hope you did too!

Creativity is about a spirit that longs to learn and be shaped.

So allow your spirit to shaped in 2009!

Have a blessed Christmas - celebrate the KING!

Looking Back

2008-12-01T14:50:00.004+02:00

Dangerous to look back because:

a) Woe is me!
b) Tell me the point!
c) Does anyone really care!

But just sometimes it's helpful because:

a) Look how far I've come!
b) I'm motivated!
c) It really didn't kill me!

Anyway, the point for me is, I remember my sister telling me one day I would never be able to do things creatively. I believe her main motivation was to cover her own short-comings - you know that thing we all often do.

So, Saturday I sold two more paintings, my latest book is due back from the printers and I have learnt the bass guitar ( added to drums and acoustic.)

So now the choice is to say 'up yours' or 'it's a lot of hard work.'

I think I'll choose the latter.

Working

2008-11-04T11:05:00.006+02:00

Here's an awesome quote:

Always be proud of yourself and understand that it's your individuality that makes you beautiful.

Mark Feehily

I constantly need to remind myself that the joy of putting words on paper or paint to canvass is in doing it rather than what it looks like.

Yep!!!!

Learning New Things

2008-10-23T08:31:00.002+02:00

Here's a confession (of sorts).

I love learning new things.

That's not a bad thing I hear you say.

True, but the problem is that I also get bored with old things quite quickly.

Solution: not sure but I went fly fishing last week and I really enjoyed the challenge. Caught one fish, braaied it and it tasted pretty good.

Now, how creative is fly fishing?
Wait till you try it. There is an 'art' to getting the fly where you want it in the water.

After a couple of hours a fishing, I went home to my canvass and seemed more relaxed and hence, to me anyway, the effort was more real and rewarding.

Fishing...painting...sure they are related!

Live!!

2008-10-13T16:45:00.003+02:00

A cool definition of living!

Making the most of the precious moments given to allow the fullness of our creative spirit to mark passage in the vastness of the universe. In other words, to make our mark!!!

Awesome!!!!

Make your mark or be rubbed out forever!!!

Every Now and Again

2008-09-30T12:47:00.002+02:00

Man!

Every now again a song comes along and freaks you out!

Roxy and Thomas gave me a Jack Johnson CD for my birthday.

Its awesome!!! (I know, I know...I'm way behind!!!)

But still, his lyrics are amazing.

It's inspired me to do more creatively. Especially poetry...

So here I go!!!

Agents Of Change

2008-09-01T15:12:00.002+02:00

I think all artists on some level are agents of change.

Think about the artists who in one way or another, capture an era.

Like the Renaissance artists.
They captured the essence of the move of humanity to free themselves from the oppression of allowing others to think on their behalf.

In other words, their painting capture for me, a freedom from stagnation.

Perhaps that what we need to today, artists who show us that freedom is not a reason to paint graphic violence or sexual promiscuity.

Rather that freedom has limitations defined by a sense of mortality.

Slip Knot and the Harmse boy may be one example of what happens when art is taken to the extreme.

At last!!!

2008-08-11T17:41:00.002+02:00

Here it is my latest work.

I cannot say how relived I am that I finally got something finished.

I have three half done canvasses so you go figure...

More to the point I feel like working!

Yep!!!

2008-07-31T08:47:00.004+02:00

I feel quite weird right now.

For a couple of reasons:

1. My doctorate is eating all my time and brain!

2. I am going through a 'do I really want to' period with my art - haven't done anything for a few weeks.
Yesterday, I pulled myself towards myself - and bought two canvases. So will be doing something tomorrow.

3. Even though my work is going well, I can't shake the feeling that there must be more! Maybe I need to bungi again - just to get some perspective.

Right, now for today.....

Not For Awhile

2008-06-28T10:16:00.003+02:00

Yep, haven't written for awhile.

No excuse, just been feeling a little worn out.

Been keeping touch with my family, marketing my novels, painting a modern work (attached), trying to finalise my Doctorate and running a growing congregation...

Love all of it but haven't had a break since February so looking forward to going to the Grahamstown Art Festival for 10 days.

Here's a good one by Charles Horton Cooley!!

An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one. >

Live Well

2008-06-03T10:30:00.003+02:00

As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death.

Leonardo Da Vinci

Yep!

Grow,learn, love, encourage, live, experience, create, travel, lose - win, write, paint, run, walk, help others....

Question???

2008-05-20T10:10:00.004+02:00

Lately I've been challenged about the reasons for some people having the desire to discover their creative heart and others not.

Most people who haven't say that they don't have one.

Is that true?

I mean, if its a case of developing the right hand side of the brain (the creative part) then surely everyone can do it!

Or perhaps it means that some don't want to try....and that's sad because they will never know how much they have to offer.

Imagine Picasso never tried or Van Gough or Beethoven or Bach or The Eagles or Bob Marley or .....

Yup....

Feeling Like

2008-05-07T09:23:00.005+02:00
Well, I'm now officially an artist and author!

I've always believed that one isn't until ones sold a painting and a book or whatever...

I have now (see above) and I guess that qualifies me....

Raises a question though: Can you be until you are?

Hmmm.....

Nailed

2008-04-17T10:05:00.003+02:00

After three years of incident free biking, I had a fall on Saturday on the way to a family function and broke a toe ( I think) got up straight away, checked the bike and carried on.
Friends and family finally had the opportunity to say: I TOLD YOU SO!

So, now that they have that out of their system, I wanted to show them that once you have a passion for something, nothing can keep you away from it.

Kinda like having things to say on canvass, paper or vocally.

Sun Tzu says: Know yourself and you'll win all battles.

Yep...

How can creativity help the Zimbabwe crisis?

2008-04-08T10:24:00.002+02:00

I'm not a Zimbo, in fact I went through the 'whenwe' phase in my twenties which, if I'm honest, gave me a rather negative view of the desperate people who came seeking a new life in SA.

But the crises that the country has been through in recent times has made me realise how courageous and committed to their country the folk are who have stayed through it all.

My hope is that I could be so courageous should the need arise in this country.

I believe that part of creativity is being able to dream and then work to make that dream a reality.

So, keep dreaming my Zimbo friends and remember your sacrifices gives us all hope!

Dreaming

2008-04-01T13:17:00.004+02:00

How do like like this one:

"All successful people men and women are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose." Brian Tracy

Another way of saying it might be: Its better to have dreamed than not dreamed aat all.

Hey man, dream big!!!

Perserverance

2008-03-20T11:30:00.003+02:00

Something we all need - staying power!

I've been questioning lately what helps to keep the faith when everything else tells you to stop.

The thing I keep coming back to is - a passion for what you're doing.

Leigh Ann and I talk often about doing things which gives you a kick!

Writing, poetry, art and biking give me a kick but I'm also passionate about my work and the church I serve.

So none of the above makes sense without the passion of knowing why you are alive and for me that's because God made me and has a plan for my life.

Amen!

Let Your Soul Breathe

2008-03-13T15:23:00.004+02:00

You know, every now and again you encounter someone who's worldview is totally different to yours.

Like talking to someone where there's no scope for discussion of anything than what is important to that person!

You come away wondering if you are also so narrow minded!

Creativity breaks that mould, I believe, and gives one a broader worldview.

Like noticing the shades and shadows on trees and flowers or the subtle shades of colour on a leopards skin etc.

It opens our minds and allows our souls to breathe!

Awesome....!

So.....Let your soul breathe!!!!

Passione

2008-03-06T11:54:00.004+02:00

Isn't it amazing to meet someone who is passionate about what they do?

And they're not passionate for any other reason than it's what makes them tick!

I met a passionate farmer yesterday and it was both a humbling and encouraging thing for me.

Creativity inspires me, in fact for me it can be both draining and filling at the same time, scary and bolstering and feeling accomplishment and failure - ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!!

How awesome is that?

I don't know many things which can do that all at once?

Sad but true

2008-03-04T11:01:00.002+02:00

How's this quote:

"Not everybody trusts paintings but people believe photographs." (Ansel Adams)

It's amazing that we'll enjoy a photograph but be critical about an interpretation of it.

For me art needs to express something of the artist whether writing, art or poetry and that's the essential difference between a photo and art.

So next time you look at art work, try to find out about an artists context etc and believe me, the work will come alive...

In light of that, my lady is coming along...

Honestly

2008-02-27T09:29:00.002+02:00

Don't you just feel a fool when you accuse someone or something and then discover the problem lies with you.

Well,I'm one of those people (despite my most valiant efforts) who needs to engage brain before action.

Hah...not so easy but I try!

Anyway, it was not technology at fault but me!!!

So now I'm ready to upload my book to digitext and hopefully we'll sell millions.

Arghhhhhh.........

2008-02-21T16:43:00.004+02:00

Technology is great when it works....cr.....py when it doesn't.

Been trying for days to change a Word document to a Mobi-read file to but I can't get my inserted footnotes to work properly...

HELP!!!!!!!!

If you can put me out of my misery.....please do!

Anyway here's the lastest on my model.

Life

2008-02-12T08:23:00.000+02:00
Haven't written for awhile, not because I didn't want to but one of the joys of living in South Africa is that things go missing!

Someone kindly 'borrowed' my lap top - permanently.

So here I'm back on 'air' but it didn't stop me from being creative.

I have started a paining of a model and she is comming along nicely.

Art etc:

2008-01-24T09:18:00.000+02:00

My dream at one time in my life was to be a farmer.

Coming from a city background, I had no idea of how farmers spoke, how they dressed and what they did all day!

But then I had the opportunity to work for farmers from the Tsitsikama in the Eastern Cape (not sure of spelling) to Ermelo on the Highveld to Underburg in Natal and then attended Cedara Agricultural College. So I soon found out how a farmer looked and dressed etc.

Now, if I 'm honest, I dressed like a farmer, spoke like a farmer but until I actually farmed for myself (which I did later), I was not a real farmer.

I've also often met people (you might have too), who look like artists, dress like artists but I question in my mind whether they are real artists.

For me an real artist produces work for the sake of art and not commercialism.

Call me old fashioned or whatever, but I believe unless we keep Art for art sake, we'll loose our ability to be creative.

All Over Again

2008-01-14T15:47:00.000+02:00

Yep, lets face it!

Another 365 days of possibility.

Resting in December, I found myself dreaming of opportunities for 2008.

At the same time, I tried to imagine a world devoid of water falls, a world without elephants or lions - a world which will exist unless we begin to take seriously our role as stewards of creation.

So naturally I began by looking at others - that lasted a whole morning - then I began to think of what I'm doing (filled in a thing on the web called Earth Day Footprint Quiz) and man, if everyone lived like me, we would need 4 and half planets!

Shocked I was/am and now desperately trying to figure how to improve my ecological footprint.

So while I dream for 2008, I'm also challenged to make a serious difference ecologically.

Ah yes finally finished my Orchids - check out the larger version on http://www.johnbailie.co.za/

The End is in Sight

2007-12-12T08:26:00.000+02:00

Don't you just struggle with this time of year?

Everything virtually comes to a halt.

Frustrating but necessary.

Time to chill and take stock of 2007.

When I Look back, I can say with a sense of peace that there was much to do and most of it got done.

Creatively, it was great to able:

- to write a new short story and start a new novel.

- to paint at least ten pictures

- to finish and hand in my Doctoral thesis

So, yeah, I'm looking forward to the break.

Be blessed with your loved and spread peace and joy.

Its the season for it!

Staying with it

2007-12-06T10:29:00.000+02:00

An old guy said to me the other night: "John, stop trying to do everything in one day, slow down..."

Yeh...right!!!

What's up with December?

It's supposed to be a quiet time, when things slow doooooown.

Well, so much for that!

I'm busy with my large canvass and there are five other painting ideas waiting in the queue.

I'm waiting for hard copies of my book and i have two more in the pipe line (one finished and another up to 6000 words).

Do you also feel rushed at this time?

Let me know how to slow down...please.

Isn't it amazing?

2007-11-24T10:00:00.000+02:00

Here's the progress on my massive canvas (1000/1200mm - biggest I've ever attempted).

Isn't it amazing, that just when you've been working really hard at something and at the point when you don't think it's ever going to work, how many times, all of a sudden things happen?

I'm reading a book based on a poem called: Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On by Stormie Omartian.

Stunning.

One line really grabbed me:

Sometimes what seems to be like the darkest step we've ever been on comes just before the

brightest light we've ever experienced.

Coooollll!

Creativity works that way too sometimes - LIFE IMITATING ART!!! (and all).

Just Another Monday

2007-11-19T09:12:00.000+02:00

I was reading an interesting article the other day about the folly of lyrics in songs.

Some like: ...I wish it was Sunday, my I don't have to run day...

What's up with that?

Imagine life with no purpose - a constant set of Sundays.

I think I'd die of boredom.

My friend has been in Aus for a month. Immigrated.

I spoke to him the other day and when asked how he was finding it, he said one word: BORING!

Now how about that?

My Monday started like this - nearly got hit by a taxi,
- Drove through the effluent filled river,
- and had to ride over the pavements to avoid backed up traffic.

Don't you just love this country?

Here's a quote which may be helpful:

"Only two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity and I'm not sure

about the former." Albert Einstein

The Power of Creativity

2007-11-11T06:52:00.000+02:00

Here's another thought.

If we are going to solve the problem of Global Warming, then siting a list of scientific theories (which are important) won't do it (at least as much as) as telling our stories can.

Yep, I believe we all have something to say for/about the willful destruction of our planet.

Be creative, in other words, just let it all hang out.

Risk. Make yourself vulnerable.

Why?

I don't know for sure but it makes me feel creative. Like I can make a difference.

Don't You Just

2007-11-09T13:43:00.000+02:00

I've just had a thought!!!!

Don't you just hate waiting for things.

I mean, it's like waiting for paint to dry.

It serves no purpose at all and if you try to work with wet paint, it's a mess...

We all need things to happen so when one is 'drying' we grab another....that works fine until you have ten things 'drying' at a time, then...they don't and....

Art teaches us that there needs to be a time when we have to wait...and that's okay.

In fact, without waiting things won't happen to their true potential...

So.....wait ...cause the best things are worth waiting for.

New Things

2007-11-03T08:38:00.000+02:00

Right.

Now that my book's gone to printers and my thesis lies somewhere in the halls of UNISA,

I need something new.

So, I have a new book (6000 words) and needed to work on a front cover.

The books name(for now) is: Into Your Hands Lord

Here's what I have in mind for the cover (for now). Hope you can see the outline.

Creativit's great - you never sure what you gonna get, until you get it.

Kinda like relationships.

Wednesday

2007-10-31T09:02:00.000+02:00

I've finished my sunset.

To be honest it's not my sort of thing but I enjoyed mixing the colours and the freedom of expression (as opposed to the more exacting definitions of animals and faces etc.)

However, Roxy Leigh , my daughter (an Art student at TU KS) paid me a great compliment by saying she wants to hang it in her new flat next year.

How about that?

Art's about expression. Some people will like it and others won't.

Kinda like life.

Some people will get us, others won't but that shouldn't stop us expressing ourselves.

A Few Things

2007-10-26T07:08:00.000+02:00

Sometimes I feel blogs can be a little self-serving - so here goes.

A few things happened to me last week.

I handed my thesis in only to be told I'd finished to quickly - what's up with that?

Then I handed my novel in for printing - so it will be available for sale soon.

For a few days I felt lost - but then I started writing again.

I feel back to normal now - kinda like a ship righted to the wind.

If you have creativity in you - you must express it I guess!

(Check out my sunset in progress).

More Than You Think

2007-10-22T14:35:00.000+02:00

There's something about starting out with a painting.

(My lady is finally finished!!!)

You imagine what it's going to turn out like but when its finished, you end up with something different, at least that's my experience.

Kind of like life.

You start out and...

I wouldn't have it any other way because the mystery is the point - always getting more than you think.

Awesome!

Emptying Ourselves

2007-10-17T12:11:00.000+02:00

Many people are suspicious of the term - emptying yourself.

But there is no reason too be.

Emptying ourselves , certainly in my understanding is GETTING RID OF CLUTTER.

At least just for the time it takes to de-stress.

In creativity terms this means being able to focus on small details - we can't do so unless we get rid of interruptions like stress, guilt - whatever!

Its an individual thing too - so find your own way!!!

A Rainy Day

2007-10-11T14:57:00.000+02:00

Its been raining for the past two or three weeks - a shower almost everyday.

Great for grass not so for motorbiking.

My lady is going along slowly.

The most difficult thing for me is getting the eyes right.

In most cases I spend a few hours waiting for paint to dry then working on them until they have a life of their own.

But the moment they come alive makes it all worth it!

Kinda like people I guess.

Open your mind

2007-10-08T15:32:00.000+02:00

Here's a good one:

Minds are like parachutes - they only function when open!

Thought i would try a portrait - no one special or strikingly beautiful but her sense of character grabbed me.

This is the first draught - will fill in from there.

Art's about opening our minds - like parachuting!

Although sometimes we are scared to fall too, but there's a remedy....

Take a deep breath.....now JUMP!!!!

TIME

2007-10-02T06:55:00.000+02:00

My mother always says - Time waits for no man!

Not sure if its her quote or not but in my mind its hers.

I work a fourteen hour day, have written a Doctoral thesis in two years (still has to be approved), paint two to three paintings a month (see some on this site and this one's mine too), have started another book and have a family to care for.

I'm not bragging, just showing that setting aside time each day for each thing can be helpful or let me say, it works for me.

My great thing is not to one day sit with Leigh Ann on the porch and say - I wish I'd done...

Charles Buxton says it like this:

You will never find time for anything. If you want the time , you must take it!

There you are then.

Don't you....

2007-09-29T08:07:00.000+02:00

Don't you just hate it when ....

You talk too much when you should be listening...

Nature speaks and we need to listen...as I write there are birds chattering away in the terrs outside.

I never took much notice before but now I realise that my children may not hear those species of birds if I don't do small things to create awareness.

So writing this is a small thing.....

Time will Tell

2007-09-27T15:35:00.000+02:00
The age old adage, given enough rope, a hanging is inevitable.

Add, another one, human beings natural state of being is war,

And there you have it. Talk will not slow down global warming, factions or crime but patience to wait until circumstance does seems to the order of the day.

Morbid - yes....reality definitely.

We can't change the future...but we have to die trying!!!

Tree Planting

2007-09-21T07:20:00.000+02:00

At the church where I pastor, we are building a new 500 seater and had to remove some trees for the building site.

It was sad but then on Sunday, someone donated 30 new trees!

Awesome!

So we spent the week planting.

At the last count we had planted 20.

What a privilege to leave that kind of legacy.

It's All Good

2007-09-17T15:38:00.000+02:00

Finally finished my lady on the beach.

Must say the technique is still something new.

Hope to get better with it though.

Passion

2007-09-10T15:27:00.000+02:00

There's something to be said about PASSION.

Living with it and living without it.

My passion's to live for every second but more to the point - to live within each second!

Wastage is the antithesis of passion.

So don't waste:time, energy, water - whatever causes us to destroy our planet!

Balance is moderator of passion which allows healthy expression.

So live balance!

sign up

2007-09-07T07:56:00.000+02:00

Well just signed a petition for a global warming campaign. The address is http://www.avaaz.org/ and follow the links.

Small things like adding my name to 400,000 others, gives me a feeling of DOING SOMETHING!

Yesterday we spent the day without water ( some pipe burst) and that was a wake up call to what it could be like if we don't get pro-active.

So there , hug a tree, send a picture, a poem or something inspirational of the beauty of God's creation to john@johnbailie.co.za and let's post it on this site.

Imagine All the People

2007-09-05T09:04:00.000+02:00

"A classic novel is one everyone wants to have read but no one wants to read!" Anonymous.

My heart's still with global warming and the sudden advent of summer doesn't ease my fears for our planet.

I am busy with a Woman on a Beach in oil (see picture) and each time I work on her, I can't help wondering if we'll have beaches to enjoy in the future.

Yes, its radical but that's awareness does it makes us aware of danger.

So what can I do except pray and the small things that I feel make a difference... and talk.....hence...

All over Again

2007-09-03T11:39:00.000+02:00

Have started a new picture, oil on canvass. Hope it works out.

Really appreciated comments on global warming but lets hope comments become actions.

Global Warming

2007-08-30T07:39:00.000+02:00

I had the opportunity to watch Al Gores DVD on Global Warming today.

Talk about the need for creativity!

If we don't we're in lot of trouble ( in fact it may been too late already.)

So lets talk about how we can be more pro active in reducing global warming.

You might say, I can do nothing, but you can. Think about a new car (smaller motor, more green friendly) or putting off the geyser during the day (less electricity less coal/nuclear power needed). Get your pastor to include creation in his/her prayer during every church service, tell your kids.

Paint pictures of deserts and floods.

Lets be creative in creating awareness. This is for all of us not just for 'tree huggers.'

The Upside of Prejudice

2007-08-27T15:09:00.000+02:00
I've decided to make a concerted effort to self publish my African love story, The Upside of Prejudice.

Spent a great deal of time on the week end trying different printing formats with little joy.

Not my scene. I need help!

The Upside of Prejudice

2007-08-27T14:44:00.000+02:00
I've started to make a more concerted effort to self publish my African love story called The Upside of Prejudice.

Spent a great deal of time on the week end looking at different printing formats. Must say its not my kind of thing - such detail I mean.

I just want switch on the printer and go!.

Anyone got some ideas? I seriously need some.

Frustration

2007-08-22T09:01:00.000+02:00
One of those things!

Want to paint - no money for canvases!

Want to write but works keeping me busy!

Ah, the life of the creative....who would change it?

Not Me!

Quote for the week

2007-08-20T14:22:00.000+02:00
Writing is hard work - sounds romantic but discipline is the watch word.
Quotes keep me motivated so here's this weeks quote:

“Show me a hero and I will write a tragedy.” F Scott Fitzgerald

If you're creating, you're a hero!!

Saturday

2007-08-18T18:57:00.000+02:00

Finally finished wrestling with the leopard! Thank goodness!! Sometimes it just seems that one gets to a point when the thing is done (no matter what.)

Seconds Make up Hours

2007-08-16T09:02:00.000+02:00

Strange thing!

Think about having to patiently wait an hour, sitting cross legged and unmoving.
I don't know about you but it'll seem like forever for me.
Not sure I could do it!

Looking at a book on my shelf or studying a stunning piece of art, I sometimes get the same felling.

Impossible!

Now think of the hour like this: Can I can sit for a second at a time?

For sure! No problem.

The same thing with creativity, start by adding one line, one sentence and.....

Moving On

2007-08-14T10:29:00.000+02:00

Here's the thing! My wrestling with the leopard continues. I managed to set my thesis up for completion but didn't get to write on my novel called Throwing Down the Fleece (might change).

Rest day

2007-08-13T09:35:00.000+02:00
Sundays, as far as creativity goes is a rest day for me.

I like to chill by mooching around but normally by three in the afternoon, I'm hanging from the ceiling.

However, I find if I don't take the break then I'm usually burnt out by Thursday or so.

I'm struggling with the leopard head at the moment so will post the photo later.

2007-08-11T21:17:00.001+02:00
Checking

At least

2007-08-11T08:38:00.000+02:00

Well, I at least managed five hundred words late last night and spent time painting during someone visiting Leigh Anne late in the afternoon...(trying a leopard head in water colour using a technique I found in an art book).
Its tough to feel in the mood on the spur of the moment but I have got used to it over the years. One can train the brain to switch from left(logical) to right (creative).
I seldom have the chance to work only when I'm in the 'mood' so I try to get on with it. Sometimes it goes better than others though!

Sharing ideas

2007-08-10T16:16:00.000+02:00
So! Now that I've entered the world of electronic communication, I'm amazed at the potential for sharing creative ideas/journey's. I hope to share each morning of my creativity for the past day.

Today has not been a good day for painting or writing - too much running around but I'll get to sit down later today. My goal is 5oo words on my new novel and at least 30 minutes art work. I'll tell you tommorrow how it went.

Number one

2007-08-10T11:00:00.001+02:00
First Post