A wise friend once told me in that irresistible city "it is what it is and what it is is okay." Things are slow and so am I. Busy and confused times call for not a lot of scanning and posting, and though I just got my DSLR back on track, it is trapped in my room with a mean wasp for the time being. However, I would like to mash some things out on the keyboard for the sake of keeping this thing alive. Life is but a ride that we must endure. Either you can force this endurance, or you can embrace it and make it your own. I've been struggling in the middle for quite some time, but the advice of others is pushing me towards the more positive approach to this whole shabang. Trying to grow up, move out, make nice, make due, find self, give time, work hard, be cool... it's exhausting, and quite frankly, I don't know how so many people do it without a sweat. This thing is just so fucking bizarre. The timeline of how we are supposed to progress through life- the expectations we put on ourselves based on social norms- the struggle to find something that genuinely makes you happy and not just money- the pressure to look, act, be a certain person based on all of these constructs you've fit yourself into. Just one question:What? Ok, one more: Why are we, as a species, so fixated on maintaining these weird molds that have no real basis in the fundamental beings that we are? Why can't we all just be ourselves and not give a fuck what these other monkeys are doing? I just want to be a rebel artist biologist with a cool ass research job that lets me wear nice things to work. Yes, I have that as an undergrad, but when are people going to start telling me to change? When am I expected to halt my other interests to focus solely on my research? I don't know if I want that to happen. All I want is to find my place. I want to make enough to give enough, eat healthy, do yoga, maintain my hobbies, love my job, love my life, love love, love people, love the world. Easier said than done in this climate, but I'm pushing on to figure out where to find it. As a random person on the internet showed to me earlier:

 

4/29/14- Life is so cyclical

it starts

 It all began with my time in Sweden. New soul connections and inspirations in a place that felt like a foreign dreamland home. The surrealism of living in this magical forest and the shared amazement with my new best mates sparked something in me that had become a dull flame after years as a most studious student. We sought an outlet for expression, creation, a way to find a place in our minds for this place in time. Defining our individuality and seeking complete satisfaction. Now, after months of avoiding putting it all out there, I hope to share with you aliens some more different views on the world and things in it. Profound or simple, every artwork has its story. Through my work and that of those who have inspired me, I give you ours.