Christopher Stewart's Posts - Architects of a New Dawn2024-03-28T16:07:49ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewarthttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/4205257016?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=3msnxp19vvyo2&xn_auth=noIn All Directionstag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2023-03-28:2227378:BlogPost:6223612023-03-28T19:31:06.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/2064894a1f52bc99e7175787636a5d1b/43f1ab01242c2e0c-7e/s1280x1920/2b30ea4383e5a3b4cce9c5860217ce05cdf0a46c.jpg" width="444"></img> <br></br></p>
<br></br> <br></br>
<p>joy is feeling<br></br> looking upwards<br></br> skies enrapture<br></br> the sorry self<br></br>
and its grievance</p>
<br></br>
<p>joy is seeing<br></br> looking westwards<br></br> social fracture<br></br> healing itself<br></br>
from insurgence</p>
<br></br>
<p>joy is knowing<br></br> looking eastwards<br></br> proper culture<br></br> relieves oneself<br></br>
from ignorance</p>
<br></br>
<p>joy is seeing<br></br> looking outwards<br></br> events mature<br></br> the early self<br></br>
from…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/2064894a1f52bc99e7175787636a5d1b/43f1ab01242c2e0c-7e/s1280x1920/2b30ea4383e5a3b4cce9c5860217ce05cdf0a46c.jpg"/><br/></p>
<br/> <br/>
<p>joy is feeling<br/> looking upwards<br/> skies enrapture<br/>
the sorry self<br/>
and its grievance</p>
<br/>
<p>joy is seeing<br/> looking westwards<br/> social fracture<br/>
healing itself<br/>
from insurgence</p>
<br/>
<p>joy is knowing<br/> looking eastwards<br/> proper culture<br/>
relieves oneself<br/>
from ignorance</p>
<br/>
<p>joy is seeing<br/> looking outwards<br/> events mature<br/>
the early self<br/>
from quiescence</p>
<br/>
<p>joy is feeling<br/> looking inwards<br/> divine nature<br/>
express itself<br/>
to give guidance</p>
<br/>
<p>joy is seeing<br/> looking backwards<br/> how the future<br/>
bootstrapped itself<br/>
in existence</p>
<br/>
§Blessings To Counttag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2023-03-21:2227378:BlogPost:6221482023-03-21T19:23:32.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/6637c5a65f17d97f95b3129938732525/620208f859906097-8f/s1280x1920/41528bfa46bf1c83691583a6ebbd27a0da33818c.jpg" width="444"></img> <br></br></p>
<br></br> <br></br>
<p>joy is knowing<br></br> the best of views<br></br> fuels volition<br></br> to climb the mount</p>
<br></br>
<p>joy is having<br></br> freedom to choose<br></br> which obstruction<br></br> one must surmount</p>
<br></br>
<p>joy is knowing<br></br> hearing the muse<br></br> is like drinking<br></br> from the youth fount</p>
<br></br>
<p>joy is having<br></br> nothing to lose<br></br> and yet having<br></br> blessings to…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/6637c5a65f17d97f95b3129938732525/620208f859906097-8f/s1280x1920/41528bfa46bf1c83691583a6ebbd27a0da33818c.jpg"/><br/></p>
<br/> <br/>
<p>joy is knowing<br/> the best of views<br/> fuels volition<br/>
to climb the mount</p>
<br/>
<p>joy is having<br/> freedom to choose<br/> which obstruction<br/>
one must surmount</p>
<br/>
<p>joy is knowing<br/> hearing the muse<br/> is like drinking<br/>
from the youth fount</p>
<br/>
<p>joy is having<br/> nothing to lose<br/> and yet having<br/>
blessings to count</p>
<br/>
§Compass Towards The Grailtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2023-03-13:2227378:BlogPost:6214842023-03-13T21:14:03.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f58d89af1866dfd1c56462dc73d3f669/1e66431e1e703a3b-3b/s1280x1920/e486493a97515d8657a46bf89404cade52055410.jpg" width="444"></img> <br></br></p>
<br></br> <br></br>
<p>when gloominess<br></br> deflects the gale<br></br> joy is the wind<br></br> that fills the sail</p>
<br></br>
<p>when despair is<br></br> tricking the scale<br></br> joy is the clue<br></br> that tells the tale</p>
<br></br>
<p>when spleen is thick<br></br> and hopes are pale<br></br> joy is meaning<br></br> that lifts the veil</p>
<br></br>
<p>when no reason<br></br> can find the trail<br></br> joy is compass<br></br> towards the…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f58d89af1866dfd1c56462dc73d3f669/1e66431e1e703a3b-3b/s1280x1920/e486493a97515d8657a46bf89404cade52055410.jpg"/><br/></p>
<br/> <br/>
<p>when gloominess<br/> deflects the gale<br/> joy is the wind<br/>
that fills the sail</p>
<br/>
<p>when despair is<br/> tricking the scale<br/> joy is the clue<br/>
that tells the tale</p>
<br/>
<p>when spleen is thick<br/> and hopes are pale<br/> joy is meaning<br/>
that lifts the veil</p>
<br/>
<p>when no reason<br/> can find the trail<br/> joy is compass<br/>
towards the grail</p>
<br/>
§Accord With One's Naturetag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2023-03-08:2227378:BlogPost:6213942023-03-08T20:37:42.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f5e8fd3dc1fedbd1466d3b2fd97ab0eb/fcb7f3621e06476f-5a/s1280x1920/5b6c87226870cfbe9958c8114782f22c6b2c52c0.jpg" width="444"></img> <br></br></p>
<br></br> <br></br>
<p>though worries hurt<br></br> and fears injure<br></br> joy yields healing<br></br> beyond measure</p>
<br></br>
<p>though gloom has roots<br></br> deep in culture<br></br> joy at all times<br></br> sages nurture</p>
<br></br>
<p>though the reasons<br></br> may outnumber<br></br> joy is the wealth<br></br> wise ones treasure</p>
<br></br>
<p>though the mundane<br></br> exerts pressure<br></br> joy is accord<br></br> with one's…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f5e8fd3dc1fedbd1466d3b2fd97ab0eb/fcb7f3621e06476f-5a/s1280x1920/5b6c87226870cfbe9958c8114782f22c6b2c52c0.jpg"/><br/></p>
<br/> <br/>
<p>though worries hurt<br/> and fears injure<br/> joy yields healing<br/>
beyond measure</p>
<br/>
<p>though gloom has roots<br/> deep in culture<br/> joy at all times<br/>
sages nurture</p>
<br/>
<p>though the reasons<br/> may outnumber<br/> joy is the wealth<br/>
wise ones treasure</p>
<br/>
<p>though the mundane<br/> exerts pressure<br/> joy is accord<br/>
with one's nature</p>
<br/>
§Respite On Heavy Daystag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2023-03-02:2227378:BlogPost:6207832023-03-02T20:34:19.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/e02a0e594e0c43eceda4ebd86f267fee/2ac24b01d6c8c481-bb/s1280x1920/76bcef97f2f157587351df7e8e725ea2554fa93a.jpg" width="444"></img></p>
<br></br> <br></br>
<p>when the constraints<br></br> the spirit faze<br></br> joy is a door<br></br> out of the maze</p>
<br></br>
<p>when nobody<br></br> offers their praise<br></br> joy is moving<br></br> on anyways</p>
<br></br>
<p>when challenges<br></br> the psyche daze<br></br> joy is clear sky<br></br> after the haze</p>
<br></br>
<p>when upheavals<br></br> disrupt the ways<br></br> joy is respite<br></br> on heavy…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/e02a0e594e0c43eceda4ebd86f267fee/2ac24b01d6c8c481-bb/s1280x1920/76bcef97f2f157587351df7e8e725ea2554fa93a.jpg"/></p>
<br/> <br/>
<p>when the constraints<br/> the spirit faze<br/> joy is a door<br/>
out of the maze</p>
<br/>
<p>when nobody<br/> offers their praise<br/> joy is moving<br/>
on anyways</p>
<br/>
<p>when challenges<br/> the psyche daze<br/> joy is clear sky<br/>
after the haze</p>
<br/>
<p>when upheavals<br/> disrupt the ways<br/> joy is respite<br/>
on heavy days</p>
<br/>
§A Friend Halving The Loadtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2023-02-25:2227378:BlogPost:6202822023-02-25T19:46:53.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/4e5be03d71cdb4d7e8dddf50353bd0cd/2a8d44eb3bb6ce48-96/s1280x1920/4f4c36da352287ac3bf2ca0e9b453a5482995d62.jpg" width="444"></img></p>
<br></br> <br></br>
<p>when there is fault<br></br> at the crossroad<br></br> joy is knowing<br></br> the cosmic goad</p>
<br></br>
<p>when the ciphers<br></br> the wit erode<br></br> joy is insight<br></br> breaking the code</p>
<br></br>
<p>when through hard work<br></br> seeds have been sowed<br></br> joy is seeing<br></br> blessings bestowed</p>
<br></br>
<p>when there's burden<br></br> and a long road<br></br> joy is a friend<br></br> halving the…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/4e5be03d71cdb4d7e8dddf50353bd0cd/2a8d44eb3bb6ce48-96/s1280x1920/4f4c36da352287ac3bf2ca0e9b453a5482995d62.jpg"/></p>
<br/> <br/>
<p>when there is fault<br/> at the crossroad<br/> joy is knowing<br/>
the cosmic goad</p>
<br/>
<p>when the ciphers<br/> the wit erode<br/> joy is insight<br/>
breaking the code</p>
<br/>
<p>when through hard work<br/> seeds have been sowed<br/> joy is seeing<br/>
blessings bestowed</p>
<br/>
<p>when there's burden<br/> and a long road<br/> joy is a friend<br/>
halving the load</p>
<br/>
§Breakthrough From The Standstilltag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2023-02-23:2227378:BlogPost:6201842023-02-23T19:30:00.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/86b4a90c1c869d124b7d29064832bec5/99215879c8854cd6-aa/s400x600/b227c96460a4dec57b9940d8463493514a6e62e9.jpg" width="444"></img></p>
<p></p>
<p>when there's no vim<br></br> the land to till<br></br> joy swells the wind<br></br> running the mill</p>
<p></p>
<p>when there's no verve<br></br> the page to fill<br></br> joy lights the spark<br></br> moving the quill</p>
<p></p>
<p>when obstacles<br></br> challenge the skill<br></br> joy marks the path<br></br> leading uphill</p>
<p></p>
<p>when restrictions<br></br> deter the will<br></br> joy brings breakthrough<br></br> from the standstill…</p>
<p><br></br></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/86b4a90c1c869d124b7d29064832bec5/99215879c8854cd6-aa/s400x600/b227c96460a4dec57b9940d8463493514a6e62e9.jpg"/></p>
<p></p>
<p>when there's no vim<br/> the land to till<br/> joy swells the wind<br/>
running the mill</p>
<p></p>
<p>when there's no verve<br/> the page to fill<br/> joy lights the spark<br/>
moving the quill</p>
<p></p>
<p>when obstacles<br/> challenge the skill<br/> joy marks the path<br/>
leading uphill</p>
<p></p>
<p>when restrictions<br/> deter the will<br/> joy brings breakthrough<br/>
from the standstill</p>
<p><br/> §</p>The Secret Of Silencetag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2023-02-21:2227378:BlogPost:6201762023-02-21T21:54:45.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/e0f79b68a6f220760608fd54aa2d0042/32a09a81bdeaef38-0d/s1280x1920/d1ba3e350e7dc18b9d278c332c6183c3058ea778.jpg"/></p>
<br/>
<p>joy is being given<br/> the secret of silence<br/> after the hard lesson<br/>
and the heavy penance</p>
<br />
<p>joy is being driven<br/> to relay radiance<br/> and this way forgiven<br/>
for past indifference</p>
<br/>
<p>§</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/e0f79b68a6f220760608fd54aa2d0042/32a09a81bdeaef38-0d/s1280x1920/d1ba3e350e7dc18b9d278c332c6183c3058ea778.jpg"/></p>
<br/>
<p>joy is being given<br/> the secret of silence<br/> after the hard lesson<br/>
and the heavy penance</p>
<br />
<p>joy is being driven<br/> to relay radiance<br/> and this way forgiven<br/>
for past indifference</p>
<br/>
<p>§</p>Without A Cloudtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2023-02-18:2227378:BlogPost:6201672023-02-18T20:49:43.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/27810365acf8a916d3897cbc278be68c/4f553258229161aa-76/s1280x1920/e417f4eeb5dac55a3abd9801ac308c0cdec983e8.jpg" width="444"></img> <br></br></p>
<br></br> <br></br>
<p>joy is presence<br></br> when strings are bowed<br></br> joy is purpose<br></br> when fields are ploughed<br></br>
joy is keeping<br></br>
to what was vowed</p>
<br></br>
<p>joy is a calm<br></br> voice in the crowd<br></br> joy is the truth<br></br> humbling the proud<br></br>
joy is freedom<br></br>
that is allowed</p>
<br></br>
<p>joy is quiet<br></br> when life is loud<br></br> joy is wisdom<br></br> piercing the shroud<br></br>
joy is the mind<br></br>
without a…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/27810365acf8a916d3897cbc278be68c/4f553258229161aa-76/s1280x1920/e417f4eeb5dac55a3abd9801ac308c0cdec983e8.jpg"/><br/></p>
<br/> <br/>
<p>joy is presence<br/> when strings are bowed<br/> joy is purpose<br/>
when fields are ploughed<br/>
joy is keeping<br/>
to what was vowed</p>
<br/>
<p>joy is a calm<br/> voice in the crowd<br/> joy is the truth<br/>
humbling the proud<br/>
joy is freedom<br/>
that is allowed</p>
<br/>
<p>joy is quiet<br/> when life is loud<br/> joy is wisdom<br/>
piercing the shroud<br/>
joy is the mind<br/>
without a cloud</p>
<br/>
§You Hear Me Nowtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2023-02-15:2227378:BlogPost:6201302023-02-15T20:00:00.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p>should you ever o my darling<br></br> hear that i am forever gone<br></br> do not be vainly pondering<br></br> that you will miss our liaison</p>
<p>for upon you i lay no blame<br></br> not knowing who i'd come to be<br></br> when before you i make the claim<br></br> never will you truly miss me</p>
<p>unsettled by futures unclear<br></br> withheld by self-worth glaucoma<br></br> encircled by vultures of fear<br></br> brooded over childhood trauma</p>
<p>peering beyond self-sabotage<br></br> commonplaces and convention<br></br> is the…</p>
<p>should you ever o my darling<br/> hear that i am forever gone<br/> do not be vainly pondering<br/> that you will miss our liaison</p>
<p>for upon you i lay no blame<br/> not knowing who i'd come to be<br/> when before you i make the claim<br/> never will you truly miss me</p>
<p>unsettled by futures unclear<br/> withheld by self-worth glaucoma<br/> encircled by vultures of fear<br/> brooded over childhood trauma</p>
<p>peering beyond self-sabotage<br/> commonplaces and convention<br/> is the end goal only mirage<br/> figment of imagination</p>
<p>experiences recurring<br/> will the lesson ever be learned<br/> is cyclic healing occurring<br/> will the sound me ever be earned</p>
<p>restricted by the rules of men<br/> and harnessed by the hands of fate<br/> never skating time and again<br/> fully free from that figure-eight</p>
<p>somebody else i must have been<br/> all this time i could not be me<br/> whose whole story was just a scene<br/> of mistaken identity</p>
<p>so if i state o my darling<br/> that you'll never truly miss me<br/> don't resent me for the saying<br/> nor do refuse its verity</p>
<p>but trust that time delivers cures<br/> that diseased eyes can come to see<br/> that it was through no fault of yours<br/> that never was i fully me</p>
<p>§</p>Artistic Impulsetag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2020-08-01:2227378:BlogPost:4929892020-08-01T22:09:38.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p>the impulse that drives artistic expression is irrational, unconditioned, and impersonal. it is beyond the grasp of reason and its constructions, which allows it to make the being resonate at frequencies that reason is not able to reach, and thus initiate it into experiences that are beyond his comprehension.</p>
<p>the impulse that drives artistic expression is irrational, unconditioned, and impersonal. it is beyond the grasp of reason and its constructions, which allows it to make the being resonate at frequencies that reason is not able to reach, and thus initiate it into experiences that are beyond his comprehension.</p>One Of A Kindtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2020-06-09:2227378:BlogPost:4924112020-06-09T13:00:00.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/5763673477?profile=RESIZE_710x" style="padding: 24px;" width="400"></img></p>
<p>Essentially written in one day in March 2013, « One Of A Kind » is an upbeat folk pop summer song about meeting someone who turns out to have special significance in one's life, and eventually becoming so close as to form a kind of unit with them.</p>
<p>Ultimately, it's also about how every encounter, whether apparently desirable or otherwise, actually contributes to one's growth and to finding one's place in the grand scheme of things.</p>
<p><br></br> Here are the lyrics…</p>
<p><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/5763673477?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400" style="padding: 24px;" class="align-center"/></p>
<p>Essentially written in one day in March 2013, « One Of A Kind » is an upbeat folk pop summer song about meeting someone who turns out to have special significance in one's life, and eventually becoming so close as to form a kind of unit with them.</p>
<p>Ultimately, it's also about how every encounter, whether apparently desirable or otherwise, actually contributes to one's growth and to finding one's place in the grand scheme of things.</p>
<p><br/> Here are the lyrics :</p>
<p>verse 1</p>
<p>i was lonely<br/> you were alone<br/> silent city<br/>
no comfort zone<br/>
smiles in a faceless fight</p>
<p>one for the song<br/> two for the road<br/> please tag along<br/>
we'll share the load<br/>
hope in a heartless plight</p>
<p>verse 2</p>
<p>faithful come hell<br/> or high water<br/> under the spell<br/>
we're together<br/>
birds in a painless flight</p>
<p>if you don't mind<br/> i'll hold your hand<br/> we're gonna find<br/>
the promised land<br/>
steps at a trackless height</p>
<p>verse 3</p>
<p>this adventure<br/> was no mistake<br/> here's the future<br/>
that was at stake<br/>
wind in a fearless kite</p>
<p>we're the dreamers<br/> of the big dream<br/> all members of<br/>
one winning team<br/>
stars in a moonless night</p>
<p>pre-chorus</p>
<p>our worlds collide<br/> no battles of pride<br/> oh don't go<br/>
we're good for the ride<br/>
across the great divide</p>
<p>unexpected you<br/> you paint my sky blue<br/> you know<br/>
i am grateful too<br/>
for all you do</p>
<p>chorus</p>
<p>i see you you see me<br/> delightful chemistry<br/> we are one of a kind</p>
<p>i wished you you hoped me<br/> look at you smile at me<br/> no way justice is blind</p>
<p></p>
<p>§</p>
<p></p>
<p>The track is available for streaming and download via Bandcamp :<iframe src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=4062311857/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/"><a href="http://poligraf.bandcamp.com/track/one-of-a-kind">One Of A Kind by Christopher Stewart</a></iframe>
</p>
<p>Credits can be found over there.</p>
<p>I hope you enjoy the song !</p>
<p>❤ Thank you for your support ! ❤</p>
<p></p>
<p>§</p>Leaptag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2020-05-05:2227378:BlogPost:4922982020-05-05T16:38:57.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p>tell me i did not dive in way too deep<br></br> and that i will find the relief i seek<br></br> when bells toll the time to jump off the peak<br></br> say that there will be faith to take the leap</p>
<p>although i've walked the path of oracles<br></br> and seen you've kept the oath you'd said you'd keep<br></br> when the fruits will be close enough to reap<br></br> will i really believe in miracles</p>
<p>did your plan really include that last turn<br></br> or did i miss a lesson on the road<br></br> will there some day…</p>
<p>tell me i did not dive in way too deep<br/> and that i will find the relief i seek<br/> when bells toll the time to jump off the peak<br/>
say that there will be faith to take the leap</p>
<p>although i've walked the path of oracles<br/> and seen you've kept the oath you'd said you'd keep<br/> when the fruits will be close enough to reap<br/>
will i really believe in miracles</p>
<p>did your plan really include that last turn<br/> or did i miss a lesson on the road<br/> will there some day be nothing more to learn</p>
<p>not knowing the cost in merit to earn<br/> it's hard to carry on hauling the load<br/> but is there a choice between trust or burn</p>Allegory of the Long Spoonstag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2020-04-14:2227378:BlogPost:4921142020-04-14T17:07:21.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p>« <em>The allegory of the long spoons is a parable that shows the difference between heaven and hell by means of people forced to eat with long spoons.</em> »</p>
<p>« <em>In each location, the inhabitants are given access to food, but the utensils are too unwieldy to serve oneself with. In hell, the people cannot cooperate, and consequently starve. In heaven, the diners feed one another across the table and are sated.</em> »</p>
<p>« <em>Given the same level playing field one group of…</em></p>
<p>« <em>The allegory of the long spoons is a parable that shows the difference between heaven and hell by means of people forced to eat with long spoons.</em> »</p>
<p>« <em>In each location, the inhabitants are given access to food, but the utensils are too unwieldy to serve oneself with. In hell, the people cannot cooperate, and consequently starve. In heaven, the diners feed one another across the table and are sated.</em> »</p>
<p>« <em>Given the same level playing field one group of people who treat each other well will create a pleasant environment. Whereas another group of people, given exactly the same tools to work with, can create unpleasant conditions simply by how they treat each other.</em> »</p>
<p>[source : <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory_of_the_long_spoons">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory_of_the_long_spoons</a>]</p>
<p>§</p>
<p>Here's one variation of the narrative :</p>
<p>« <em>I once ascended to the firmaments. I first went to see Hell and the sight was horrifying. Row after row of tables were laden with platters of sumptuous food, yet the people seated around the tables were pale and emaciated, moaning in hunger. As I came closer, I understood their predicament.</em></p>
<p><em>Every person held a full spoon, but both arms were splinted with wooden slats so he could not bend either elbow to bring the food to his mouth. It broke my heart to hear the tortured groans of these poor people as they held their food so near but could not consume it.</em></p>
<p><em>Next I went to visit Heaven. I was surprised to see the same setting I had witnessed in Hell – row after row of long tables laden with food. But in contrast to Hell, the people here in Heaven were sitting contentedly talking with each other, obviously sated from their sumptuous meal.</em></p>
<p><em>As I came closer, I was amazed to discover that here, too, each person had his arms splinted on wooden slats that prevented him from bending his elbows. How, then, did they manage to eat?</em></p>
<p><em>As I watched, a man picked up his spoon and dug it into the dish before him. Then he stretched across the table and fed the person across from him! The recipient of this kindness thanked him and returned the favor by leaning across the table to feed his benefactor.</em></p>
<p><em>I suddenly understood. Heaven and Hell offer the same circumstances and conditions. The critical difference is in the way the people treat each other.</em></p>
<p><em>I ran back to Hell to share this solution with the poor souls trapped there. I whispered in the ear of one starving man, "You do not have to go hungry. Use your spoon to feed your neighbor, and he will surely return the favor and feed you."</em></p>
<p><em>You expect me to feed the detestable man sitting across the table?' said the man angrily. 'I would rather starve than give him the pleasure of eating!'</em></p>
<p><em>I then understood God’s wisdom in choosing who is worthy to go to Heaven and who deserves to go to Hell. </em>»</p>
<p>[source : <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110204060500/http://hodu.com/parable.shtml">https://web.archive.org/web/20110204060500/http://hodu.com/parable.shtml</a>]</p>
<p>§</p>
<p>Here's a video version :</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qhU5JEd-XRo?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</p>
<p>§</p>Living Bondtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2020-04-13:2227378:BlogPost:4920052020-04-13T20:48:53.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p>dare i declare that we'll always be one<br></br> that in your soul breathes an echo of mine<br></br> that our paths will fusion down the line<br></br> that this living bond cannot come undone</p>
<p>dare i reveal how we have been misled<br></br> by values that want us to be apart<br></br> told only a fool could follow their heart<br></br> by demons of greed, reason, and hatred</p>
<p>could you forgive me for being doubtful<br></br> of accepting the fate of a prophet<br></br> and having been of you so…</p>
<p>dare i declare that we'll always be one<br/> that in your soul breathes an echo of mine<br/> that our paths will fusion down the line<br/>
that this living bond cannot come undone</p>
<p>dare i reveal how we have been misled<br/> by values that want us to be apart<br/> told only a fool could follow their heart<br/>
by demons of greed, reason, and hatred</p>
<p>could you forgive me for being doubtful<br/> of accepting the fate of a prophet<br/> and having been of you so distrustful</p>
<p>could you punish me for taking so long<br/> too bruised a lover, too meek a poet<br/> to voice the truths we all knew all along</p>Nexustag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2020-04-08:2227378:BlogPost:4918422020-04-08T13:20:07.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p>how many souls lay blinded by that creed<br></br> stuck on a rock that's lost in the vastness<br></br> fatherless child of mother randomness<br></br> the underlying view that fosters greed</p>
<p>satisfied by the laws of mechanics<br></br> kindergarten of logic and reason<br></br> unfit for the tests of intuition<br></br> barred from the master class in holistics</p>
<p>unprepared to see past material<br></br> as if fearing fatal delirium<br></br> through knowledge of concerns spiritual</p>
<p>yet truth is no stranger to…</p>
<p>how many souls lay blinded by that creed<br/> stuck on a rock that's lost in the vastness<br/> fatherless child of mother randomness<br/>
the underlying view that fosters greed</p>
<p>satisfied by the laws of mechanics<br/> kindergarten of logic and reason<br/> unfit for the tests of intuition<br/>
barred from the master class in holistics</p>
<p>unprepared to see past material<br/> as if fearing fatal delirium<br/> through knowledge of concerns spiritual</p>
<p>yet truth is no stranger to this region<br/> as it resides in equilibrium<br/> where science meets with art and religion</p>Conveyed by Rhymestag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2020-04-07:2227378:BlogPost:4919972020-04-07T14:03:43.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p>i can recall the day when the world fell<br></br> and i could only watch in disbelief<br></br> as people blamed each other for their grief<br></br> before hiding back each inside their shell</p>
<p>from there we edged ever closer to hell<br></br> dying nature, fires, foul climes above<br></br> divided souls all longing for some love<br></br> while minds dreaded for them would toll the bell</p>
<p>and now a plague warns us with its dark chimes <br></br> to see we're tied, us threads of the same rope<br></br> against which…</p>
<p>i can recall the day when the world fell<br/> and i could only watch in disbelief<br/> as people blamed each other for their grief<br/>
before hiding back each inside their shell</p>
<p>from there we edged ever closer to hell<br/> dying nature, fires, foul climes above<br/> divided souls all longing for some love<br/>
while minds dreaded for them would toll the bell</p>
<p>and now a plague warns us with its dark chimes <br/> to see we're tied, us threads of the same rope<br/> against which we all committed some crimes</p>
<p>forgiven by the gods too many times<br/> in the daily struggle to summon hope<br/> our fate rests on a faith conveyed by rhymes</p>Somewhere Aheadtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2020-04-06:2227378:BlogPost:4918382020-04-06T13:07:53.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p>as i sit on the floor and bow my head<br></br> i wonder why my path has led me here<br></br> for which purpose must i be rid of fear<br></br> that lies in store for me somewhere ahead</p>
<p>no way could i the turns have all foreseen<br></br> nor prayed for all of life's given blessings<br></br> for the angels would not reveal their wings<br></br> until after the time they could be seen</p>
<p>is it a door i hear, a voice, a pace<br></br> or only an echo, a whim, a wraith<br></br> a breeze, a thought, a threat without a…</p>
<p>as i sit on the floor and bow my head<br/> i wonder why my path has led me here<br/> for which purpose must i be rid of fear<br/>
that lies in store for me somewhere ahead</p>
<p>no way could i the turns have all foreseen<br/> nor prayed for all of life's given blessings<br/> for the angels would not reveal their wings<br/>
until after the time they could be seen</p>
<p>is it a door i hear, a voice, a pace<br/> or only an echo, a whim, a wraith<br/> a breeze, a thought, a threat without a face</p>
<p>be still my beating heart, oh do not race<br/> stay with me in the dark we'll hope for faith<br/> to subdue misgivings out of its place</p>Ascenttag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2020-04-05:2227378:BlogPost:4918222020-04-05T00:15:24.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p>now that the truth is out<br></br> and edges the windup<br></br> say did you really doubt<br></br> of where you would end up</p>
<p>just right there where you are<br></br> all alone in the night<br></br> feeling more fraud than star<br></br> and really not that bright</p>
<p>not completely grownup<br></br> more bewildered than fine<br></br> but still the wait is up<br></br> time to come forth and shine</p>
<p>seems you blew your thirties<br></br> in healing from your teens<br></br> in bending to worries<br></br> and in blaming your…</p>
<p>now that the truth is out<br/> and edges the windup<br/> say did you really doubt<br/>
of where you would end up</p>
<p>just right there where you are<br/> all alone in the night<br/> feeling more fraud than star<br/>
and really not that bright</p>
<p>not completely grownup<br/> more bewildered than fine<br/> but still the wait is up<br/>
time to come forth and shine</p>
<p>seems you blew your thirties<br/> in healing from your teens<br/> in bending to worries<br/>
and in blaming your genes</p>
<p>cloistered in priory<br/> yet life was not tranquil<br/> your want was fiery<br/>
unending test of will</p>
<p>years of slow advances<br/> at the foot of millions<br/> trained by circumstances<br/>
pruned by disillusions</p>
<p>countless angels unseen<br/> arranging the decor<br/> staging every scene<br/>
closing every door</p>
<p>but the ones to your fate<br/> in ways that tamed your spleen<br/> and pacified your hate<br/>
they polished up your sheen</p>
<p>to this constrained ascent<br/> found pointless to oppose<br/> much better to consent<br/>
than struggle in the throes</p>
<p>now you're pinned to the sky<br/> right where life wanted you<br/> you are not asking why<br/>
in truth you always knew</p>
<p>alien in the void<br/> stuck to celestial dome<br/> the gods blocked or destroyed<br/>
all the bridges back home</p>
<p>with no way to retreat<br/> you must recite your tome<br/> revealing the deceit<br/>
exposing the syndrome</p>
<p>you have no place to stand<br/> and yet a world to move<br/> a posse to disband<br/>
a thesis to disprove</p>
<p>billions of souls to stir<br/> hearts to set afire<br/> with notes that rouse and spur<br/>
and rhymes that inspire</p>
<p>to herald the reset<br/> of the world that wasn't<br/> and hasten the onset<br/>
of a way that doesn't</p>
<p>disregard our nature<br/> but puts the living first<br/> above expenditure<br/>
through the best and the worst</p>Starscapingtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2020-04-03:2227378:BlogPost:4919112020-04-03T23:18:48.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p>was it not all written<br></br>in the divine memoirs<br></br>on the nightly heaven<br></br>as a pattern of stars</p>
<p>that the worst could happen<br></br>at the perfect hour<br></br>to rescue the fallen<br></br>from haughtiness dour</p>
<p>so that they could in turn<br></br>save from the bonfire<br></br>their fellow men who burn<br></br>in confusion dire</p>
<p>was it not all written<br></br>well ahead of the time<br></br>in words aptly chosen<br></br>metered and set to rhyme</p>
<p>that there's no simple way<br></br>to rekindle…</p>
<p>was it not all written<br/>in the divine memoirs<br/>on the nightly heaven<br/>as a pattern of stars</p>
<p>that the worst could happen<br/>at the perfect hour<br/>to rescue the fallen<br/>from haughtiness dour</p>
<p>so that they could in turn<br/>save from the bonfire<br/>their fellow men who burn<br/>in confusion dire</p>
<p>was it not all written<br/>well ahead of the time<br/>in words aptly chosen<br/>metered and set to rhyme</p>
<p>that there's no simple way<br/>to rekindle nature<br/>but take what from the day<br/>provides shallow pleasure</p>
<p>so that there's no option<br/>but to renew the deal<br/>and forego volition<br/>of escaping the real</p>
<p>was it not all written<br/>well before the ordeal<br/>in words left unspoken<br/>lest they too soon reveal</p>
<p>that much more to this life<br/>awaits behind the sheen<br/>of the rewards of strife<br/>and calculated mien</p>
<p>so that knowing the shame<br/>of the superficial<br/>would suffice to shun fame<br/>for what's beneficial</p>
<p>was it not all written<br/>in the celestial script<br/>that thy fruit was smitten<br/>and destined to the crypt</p>
<p>as it was not the yield<br/>of pure inspiration<br/>but was bred in the field<br/>of selfish intention</p>
<p>so that from its demise<br/>a new strength could emerge<br/>a new life could arise<br/>a new world could converge</p>Land's Endtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2020-03-20:2227378:BlogPost:4918812020-03-20T14:54:18.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="God, suspended in the clouds, creates light. Line engraving Wellcome V0034177" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/God%2C_suspended_in_the_clouds%2C_creates_light._Line_engraving_Wellcome_V0034177.jpg/512px-God%2C_suspended_in_the_clouds%2C_creates_light._Line_engraving_Wellcome_V0034177.jpg" width="444"></img> <br></br> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:God,_suspended_in_the_clouds,_creates_light._Line_engraving_Wellcome_V0034177.jpg" target="_blank">God, suspended in the clouds, creates light.</a></em> » by Thomas de Leu)</span></p>
<br></br> <br></br>
<p>what was there left to do<br></br> standing at the summit<br></br> but to reach for the sky<br></br> up above infinite</p>
<br></br>
<p>what was there left to do<br></br> at the edge…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="444" alt="God, suspended in the clouds, creates light. Line engraving Wellcome V0034177" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/God%2C_suspended_in_the_clouds%2C_creates_light._Line_engraving_Wellcome_V0034177.jpg/512px-God%2C_suspended_in_the_clouds%2C_creates_light._Line_engraving_Wellcome_V0034177.jpg"/><br/> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:God,_suspended_in_the_clouds,_creates_light._Line_engraving_Wellcome_V0034177.jpg" target="_blank">God, suspended in the clouds, creates light.</a></em> » by Thomas de Leu)</span></p>
<br/> <br/>
<p>what was there left to do<br/> standing at the summit<br/> but to reach for the sky<br/>
up above infinite</p>
<br/>
<p>what was there left to do<br/> at the edge of the land<br/> but to keep on going<br/>
and defy gravity</p>
<br/>
<p>what was there left to do<br/> at the end of the road<br/> but to invent a bridge<br/>
onto a higher world</p>
<br/>
<p>what was there left to do<br/> at the death of a hope<br/> but welcome the visit<br/>
of the ghost of a chance</p>
<br/>
<p>what was there left to do<br/> at the crush of a love<br/> but to try to redeem<br/>
all the sins of the dove</p>
<br/>
<p>what was there left to do<br/> at the end of the dream<br/> but to break the machine<br/>
that had torn us apart</p>
<br/>
<p>what was there left to do<br/> at the total collapse<br/> but marvel at the sky<br/>
up above infinite</p>
<br/>
<p>§</p>Zen and the Art of Mushroom Cultivation : An Inquiry into Morelstag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2018-01-17:2227378:BlogPost:4669082018-01-17T21:35:08.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<div style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"><img alt="" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/White_Morel_IMG_0399.JPG/640px-White_Morel_IMG_0399.JPG?w=444" style="width: 444px;"></img> <br></br> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_Morel_IMG_0399.JPG" target="_blank">Morel in eastern West Virginia</a></em> » by Gzirk)</span></div>
<p>once, there was a guy named Gus. and although Gus was without a passion, Gus's head liked to think that Gus was a passionate guy. Gus's head also liked to think that it was bright. in fact, Gus's head just liked to…</p>
<div style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"><img style="width: 444px;" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/White_Morel_IMG_0399.JPG/640px-White_Morel_IMG_0399.JPG?w=444" alt=""/><br/> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_Morel_IMG_0399.JPG" target="_blank">Morel in eastern West Virginia</a></em> » by Gzirk)</span></div>
<p>once, there was a guy named Gus. and although Gus was without a passion, Gus's head liked to think that Gus was a passionate guy. Gus's head also liked to think that it was bright. in fact, Gus's head just liked to think.</p>
<p>through apparently fortuitous circumstances, Gus was lonely most of the time. often, during that time, mostly because it just liked to think, Gus's head would think. and often, sadly, during that time, Gus's head would think that Gus was lonely most of the time. and often, sadly, mostly because it liked to think that Gus was a passionate guy, Gus's head would think that Gus was lonely most of the time, and do so with a passion. and, at those times, Gus's heart, which was infinitely wiser than Gus's head, and knew that Gus was never really alone, would thus prompt Gus to feel sad, and often, do so with a passion, so as to discourage Gus's head to keep on thinking those thoughts. but Gus's head, which all things considered was indeed bright, though not that bright, just kept on thinking those thoughts, mostly because it just liked to think. Gus's head also kept on thinking that it was bright.</p>
<p>Gus lived in a town where other people lived too. and the other people living in Gus's town liked to talk about Gus. in fact, the other people living in Gus's town just liked to talk. sometimes, some of them would even talk about the fact that, most of the time, most of them were passionate about talking.</p>
<p>through apparently fortuitous circumstances, when he was not around, which meant most of the time, sadly, and mostly because they just liked to talk, when the people would talk about Gus, they would refer to Gus as sad Gus. and often, during that time, sadly, the people would talk about how sad Gus was sad and lonely. sometimes, some of them would even talk about how, most of the time, sad Gus was sad and was without a passion. and as a consequence, sadly, most of the time, most of the other people living in Gus's town were not inclined to spend time with sad Gus.</p>
<p>once, through apparently fortuitous circumstances involving accidental food poisoning, Gus's head, mostly because it just liked to think, thought it would be a good idea to think more about mushrooms. and, mostly because it liked to think that Gus was a passionate guy, Gus's head thought it would be a good idea to think more about mushrooms, and do so with a passion. and, at that time, Gus's heart, which was infinitely wiser than Gus's head, and knew that what Gus really needed was to have some fun, some of the time, seized the moment and prompted Gus to feel passionate about the prospect of cultivating his own morels. Gus's head, which all things considered was indeed bright, though not that bright, just thought it just had had another good idea, mostly because it just liked to think. and, mostly because it liked to think that Gus was a passionate guy, Gus's head thought it would be a good idea for Gus to cultivate his own morels, and do so with a passion.</p>
<p>thus, Gus started cultivating his own morels. Gus's head quickly realized that Gus had great fun cultivating morels, and that Gus could do so with a passion. Gus's head also realized that by cultivating his own morels, Gus cultivated his own morale. and thus, often, happily, during that time, mostly because it just liked to think, Gus's head would think that it was a good idea for Gus to keep on cultivating his own morels. and thus, often, happily, mostly because it liked to think that Gus was a passionate guy, Gus's head thought it would be a good idea for Gus to keep on cultivating his own morels, and do so with a passion. and, at those times, Gus's heart, which was infinitely wiser than Gus's head, and knew that what Gus really needed was to have some fun, some of the time, would thus prompt Gus to feel happy, so as to encourage Gus's head to keep on thinking those thoughts. and thus Gus's head, which all things considered was indeed bright, though not that bright, just kept on thinking those thoughts, mostly because it just liked to think. Gus's head also kept on thinking that it was bright.</p>
<p>thus, through apparently fortuitous circumstances, happily, and mostly because they just liked to talk, when the other people living in Gus's town would talk about Gus, they would talk about his morels, and his morale, and refer to Gus as fun Gus. and often, during that time, happily, the people would talk about how fun Gus was fun and fun to be with. sometimes, some of them would even talk about how, most of the time, fun Gus was happy and was passionate about his morels. and as a consequence, happily, most of the time, most of the people living in Gus's town were inclined to spend time with fun Gus.</p>
<p>and thus, through apparently fortuitous circumstances, happily, most of the time, out of sad Gus's passionate feeling for growing fungus grows fun Gus with a passion.</p>
<p>and thus it is said that absence makes the heart grow fungus.</p>
<p>(well, it is mostly the other people living in Gus's town who like to say so. they also like to say that Gus's head thinks so too. sometimes, some of them even say that it possibly does so because it just likes to think, and do so with a passion. but you know them, they just like to talk. in fact, if that saying actually holds true, it must only do so in Gus's heart, as only hearts can hold truth.)</p>The Miracle Is Worth The Waittag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2013-09-16:2227378:BlogPost:3971102013-09-16T15:11:10.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/444px-yamagata2.jpg?w=444"></img> <br></br> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yamagata2.jpg" target="_blank">Yamagata University Craft-Pal 2006</a></em> » by simo100)</span><br></br></p>
<div align="center"><iframe src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2201116323/size=medium/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/t=3/transparent=true/"><a href="http://poligraf.bandcamp.com/album/the-abode-of-the-blessed">The Abode Of The Blessed</a> by…</iframe>
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/444px-yamagata2.jpg?w=444" alt=""/><br/> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yamagata2.jpg" target="_blank">Yamagata University Craft-Pal 2006</a></em> » by simo100)</span><br/>
</p>
<div align="center"><iframe src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2201116323/size=medium/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/t=3/transparent=true/"><a href="http://poligraf.bandcamp.com/album/the-abode-of-the-blessed">The Abode Of The Blessed</a> by Christopher Stewart</iframe>
</div>
<br/><p>« <em>The Miracle Is Worth The Wait</em> » was the 2nd song written for the « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » project, and was completed on January 8, 2013.<br/></p>
<p>The inspiration for this opus came from conversations held with David, a somewhat peculiar fellow with whom I was sharing living spaces earlier this year. To the best of my memory, the first words he ever spoke to me were « I can guarantee world peace. » Obviously, the statement got my attention and I just had to know more about him. I eventually learned that he was on a mission to build an ultralight, and that, assuming I correctly understood his long-winded stories, world peace would be achieved upon completion of the aircraft. That particular causality remains to be seen, but one thing for sure, there was something strangely beautiful about how he just kept going against overwhelming odds.<br/></p>
<p>It sometimes seems as if many of us have to build an ultralight of some sort, which will somehow transport us to our ideal. David definitely could trust that it was his fate to fly above the hill. Can you believe it is yours ?<br/></p>
<p>The version embedded above was released earlier this year on the « <em>The Abode Of The Blessed</em> » EP.<br/></p>
<p><em><br/> <b>verse 1</b><br/>
aviator you're working still<br/>
to build your ultralight<br/>
when it will fly above the hill<br/>
the bird will destroy the night<br/>
<br/>
there's a new world to establish<br/>
a new order to crystallize<br/>
a skyward ladder to finish<br/>
an uprising to organize<br/>
<br/>
you're pushing hard, we've seen you go<br/>
you will get there in the long run<br/>
dismiss your doubts you have to know<br/>
that you'll have your time in the sun<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 2</b><br/>
jerusalem opens its gates<br/>
to let you see the golden tree<br/>
that patiently for you awaits<br/>
you will claim it when you are free<br/>
<br/>
today tomorrow is unclear<br/>
yet it's no reason to worry<br/>
to get to the dream that's so dear<br/>
surrender to uncertainty<br/>
<br/>
never give up you shining star<br/>
don't give in to the daily gloom<br/>
joy of this life heals every scar<br/>
and ripens each fruit to full bloom<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 3</b><br/>
aviator you're working still<br/>
to build your ultralight<br/>
when it will fly above the hill<br/>
the bird will destroy the night<br/>
<br/>
<b>chorus</b><br/>
hone your feathers and keep your smile<br/>
you have a date with destiny<br/>
steady go for the extra mile<br/>
and you will soar to liberty<br/>
can you trust that it's your fate<br/>
the miracle is worth the wait<br/>
<br/>
<b>bridge</b><br/>
onward to complete harmony<br/>
at heaven's door often you've knocked<br/>
all of the time never knowing<br/>
that the entrance was never locked<br/>
<br/>
<b>last chorus</b><br/>
hone your feathers and keep your smile<br/>
you have a date with destiny<br/>
steady go for the extra mile<br/>
and you will soar to liberty<br/>
can you trust that it's your fate<br/>
though the road might not be straight<br/>
can it ever be too late<br/>
the miracle is worth the wait<br/>
</em><br/>
</p>
<div align="center">·</div>
<br/><p style="font-size: x-small; border: 1px 0px 0px 0px solid #AAAAAA;"><br/> <em><br/>
The « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » series presents songs written in the aim of building a repertoire of originals that require only guitar and vocals, without additional arrangements, and thus can be performed in a busking context.<br/>
</em></p>Mother Of Pearltag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2013-09-02:2227378:BlogPost:3952092013-09-02T12:54:35.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/444px-abalone_with_conical_pearl.jpg?w=444"></img> <br></br> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abalone_with_conical_pearl.jpg" target="_blank">Natural Abalone with conical pearl</a></em> » by Worldexplorer82)</span><br></br> <br></br>
</p>
<p>« <em>Mother Of Pearl</em>» was the last song written in the location where the music for the « <em>The Abode Of The Blessed</em> » EP was composed. Yet, arguably, considering the clear stylistic and thematic distinctions…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/444px-abalone_with_conical_pearl.jpg?w=444" alt=""/><br/> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abalone_with_conical_pearl.jpg" target="_blank">Natural Abalone with conical pearl</a></em> » by Worldexplorer82)</span><br/>
<br/>
</p>
<p>« <em>Mother Of Pearl</em>» was the last song written in the location where the music for the « <em>The Abode Of The Blessed</em> » EP was composed. Yet, arguably, considering the clear stylistic and thematic distinctions between this opus and the pieces that preceded it, they probably shouldn't belong on the same album. Assuming that I eventually get the chance to properly record the 8 songs and 8 instrumentals put together during that particular period, « <em>Mother Of Pearl</em>» will likely serve as closing track, announcing what's to come.<br/></p>
<p>In the context of the « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » series, « <em>Mother Of Pearl</em>» was the 8th song that I wrote. The music and most of the lyrics were completed by January 21, 2013, but I had no satisfactory words for the bridge until the beginning of May.<br/></p>
<p>The inspiration for the piece stems from how pearls come into being. When a microscopic intruder or parasite enters an oyster, it irritates the mollusk which secretes nacre, also called mother-of-pearl, to cover the undesirable and soothe itself. As the process is repeated and layers are added, a pearl is produced.<br/></p>
<p>However such occurrences can also be interpreted alternatively as follows : when the intelligence that unites and animates all beings needs a pearl, it finds a way to introduce an irritant into an oyster, which will then transform the source of pain into the sought beautiful object.<br/></p>
<p>When I look back on my life there is no doubt that the main incentive that has impelled me to create works of art throughout the years is a psychological trauma that I experienced as a teenager. In a manner similar to that of the oyster which soothes itself by adding layers of nacre onto the irritant, I healed my injured mind through repeated creative processes. Thus, conceivably, this might be one of the ways using which the intelligence underlying all things develops works of art, by creating the conditions that compel beings into action. And considering how ill-equipped I was to face the distressing event when it occurred, it seems plausible that this is also how artists are goaded towards maturity, carrying within themselves the motivation that urges them to give expression to what's in them.<br/></p>
<p><em><br/> <b>verse 1</b><br/>
told love was forbidden<br/>
i used to play the fool<br/>
hopeless and angst-ridden<br/>
yet in me you saw the jewel<br/>
<br/>
you cared to make me wise<br/>
led me to the river<br/>
made sure i saw the prize<br/>
across the great water<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 2</b><br/>
with a dream to fulfil<br/>
and a heart to restore<br/>
i rowed like a windmill<br/>
to reach the other shore<br/>
<br/>
you oversaw the tide<br/>
i sought stability<br/>
through this purposeful ride<br/>
i grew in adversity<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 3</b><br/>
looking back i'm aware<br/>
each moment every day<br/>
you have always been there<br/>
with me on the journey<br/>
<br/>
years of battle upstream<br/>
out of the days of yore<br/>
you are the constant theme<br/>
the ever open door<br/>
<br/>
<b>pre-chorus</b><br/>
you shape me<br/>
make me all<br/>
i can be<br/>
show me the<br/>
better me<br/>
whoa-oh-oh<br/>
<br/>
<b>chorus</b><br/>
you know how to make me pure<br/>
see me through the whirl<br/>
orchestrate the cure<br/>
o mother of pearl<br/>
<br/>
my all-embracing oyster<br/>
take me in your swirl<br/>
add another layer<br/>
o mother of pearl<br/>
<br/>
<b>bridge</b><br/>
feed me your potion mother of pearl<br/>
relieve my tensions mother of pearl<br/>
rouse my devotion mother of pearl<br/>
show me the ocean<br/>
</em><br/>
</p>
<div align="center">·</div>
<br/><p style="font-size: x-small; border: 1px 0px 0px 0px solid #AAAAAA;"><br/> <em>The « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » series presents songs written in the aim of building a repertoire of originals that require only guitar and vocals, without additional arrangements, and thus can be performed in a busking context.<br/>
</em></p>Perfect Magictag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2013-08-20:2227378:BlogPost:3938722013-08-20T01:24:00.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/444px-john_atkinson_grimshaw_-_spirit_of_the_night.jpg?w=444"></img> <br></br> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Atkinson_Grimshaw_-_Spirit_of_the_Night.jpg" target="_blank">Spirit of the Night</a></em> » by John Atkinson Grimshaw)</span><br></br> <br></br>
</p>
<p>« <em>Perfect Magic</em> » is the 9th opus penned for the « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » project. It was completed on February 6, 2013, and is the first new piece to follow the compositional rush that…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/444px-john_atkinson_grimshaw_-_spirit_of_the_night.jpg?w=444" alt=""/><br/> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Atkinson_Grimshaw_-_Spirit_of_the_Night.jpg" target="_blank">Spirit of the Night</a></em> » by John Atkinson Grimshaw)</span><br/>
<br/>
</p>
<p>« <em>Perfect Magic</em> » is the 9th opus penned for the « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » project. It was completed on February 6, 2013, and is the first new piece to follow the compositional rush that led to the « <em>The Abode Of The Blessed</em> » EP.<br/></p>
<p>The lyrics were written in an « everything happens for a reason » frame of mind and aim to hint at how each and every life, even the apparently disadvantaged, is blessed with the loving support of the underlying intelligence that unites and animates all beings.<br/></p>
<p>Although they are presented as separated in written form, the pre-chorus really evolves into the chorus, both lyrically and musically, and so the boundary between the two is not that clear-cut when I perform it. The current structure is basically verse -> pre-chorus -> chorus which means that the pre-chorus -> chorus sequence is heard four times overall. I'm sometimes under the impression that this might be one time too many, so the song will probably be edited before it is properly recorded.<br/></p>
<p>« <em>Perfect Magic</em> » has the distinction of often serving as icebreaker whenever I go play in public places. Not that it is the easiest song of my repertoire, but it surely is one I am most comfortable playing.<br/></p>
<p><em><br/> <b>verse 1</b><br/>
in this infinite world there's a man named Joe<br/>
really he's a boy with a thirst to know<br/>
when it was time for school he had no chance to go<br/>
it's so tough when you're coy to get out of skid row<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 2</b><br/>
in this infinite world there's a woman named Lynn<br/>
really she's a girl whose broken heart has caved in<br/>
the onions and the garlic she overeats everyday<br/>
are no treats for her health but it keeps most people away<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 3</b><br/>
in this infinite world there's a prime minister<br/>
people will tell you that he's an impostor<br/>
they haven't realized that indeed he is there<br/>
only to spur them to rise against all that's unfair<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 4</b><br/>
in this infinite world all is in its good place<br/>
and everything unfolds at the proper pace<br/>
miracles occur as we intertwine<br/>
apparently apart but part of yours is part of mine<br/>
<br/>
<b>pre-chorus</b><br/>
yet it's hard to outgrow<br/>
what you're unaware of<br/>
when you're blind as life shows<br/>
the true meaning of love<br/>
<br/>
<b>chorus</b><br/>
that there's a cause for all things<br/>
and it's understanding<br/>
that it's part of the plan<br/>
try to trust 'til you can<br/>
<br/>
life will never forsake<br/>
whichever road you pick<br/>
at the best time you will awake<br/>
to this perfect magic<br/>
</em><br/>
</p>
<div align="center">·</div>
<br/><p style="font-size: x-small; border: 1px 0px 0px 0px solid #AAAAAA;"><br/> <em><br/>
The « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » series presents songs written in the aim of building a repertoire of originals that require only guitar and vocals, without additional arrangements, and thus can be performed in a busking context.</em></p>A Tide Of Positive Changetag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2013-08-08:2227378:BlogPost:3922362013-08-08T14:34:44.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/444-wave-markac.jpg?w=444"></img> <br></br> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60580775@N08/5520234250/in/set-72157626124827577/" target="_blank">Wave</a> »</em> by Mark)</span><br></br> <br></br>
</p>
<p>The 23rd song written for the « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » project is entitled « <em>A Tide Of Positive Change</em> » and was completed on March 24th, 2013.<br></br></p>
<p>The aim here was to come up with an inspiring and energetic song that…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/444-wave-markac.jpg?w=444" alt=""/><br/> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60580775@N08/5520234250/in/set-72157626124827577/" target="_blank">Wave</a> »</em> by Mark)</span><br/>
<br/>
</p>
<p>The 23rd song written for the « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » project is entitled « <em>A Tide Of Positive Change</em> » and was completed on March 24th, 2013.<br/></p>
<p>The aim here was to come up with an inspiring and energetic song that can uplift the listener into an optimistic frame of mind. Considering the comments offered so far when I played it in public spaces, I'd venture to say that this particular objective has been achieved.<br/></p>
<p>No audio nor video clips are available at this point as my game plan for this summer is to make the most of the sunny days and go out busking as often as practicable. In my crystal ball I can foresee myself switching into demo-producing mode sometime around mid-September. That being said, if you've been following my activities of the last few years or so, you know how reliable my crystal ball can be. But there's always hope, right ?<br/></p>
<p><em><br/> <b>verse 1</b><br/>
there's a river running over<br/>
the consequences of your errors<br/>
putting out all the fires<br/>
that burn the fruits of your labours<br/>
<br/>
you gotta wish it up muse it up<br/>
build it up to live it up<br/>
you gotta wish it up work it up<br/>
build it up<br/>
<br/>
<b>pre-chorus 1</b><br/>
trust in the dream that flows in you<br/>
parts of it stream inside me too<br/>
when it's ready let it be true<br/>
it'll sweep you off outta the blue<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 2</b><br/>
this turning point you're pining for<br/>
is closer than ever before<br/>
never lose sight of the plot<br/>
and strike the iron when it's hot<br/>
<br/>
you gotta keep going believing<br/>
the ending will be amazing<br/>
you gotta keep going believing<br/>
keep going<br/>
<br/>
<b>pre-chorus 2</b><br/>
trust the feeling inside of you<br/>
the water is flooding me too<br/>
out with the old in with the new<br/>
this current will bring me to you<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 3</b><br/>
you've done your best you've passed the test<br/>
enjoy the rest you're being blessed<br/>
you've wished it up, you've built it up<br/>
now live it up<br/>
<br/>
<b>pre-chorus 3</b><br/>
trust the feeling inside of you<br/>
the water is flooding me too<br/>
out with the old in with the new<br/>
this current will bring me to you<br/>
<br/>
<b>chorus</b><br/>
no way to stop<br/>
this tide of positive change<br/>
the surf is up<br/>
let the wave rearrange<br/>
cream of the crop<br/>
time to reap your reward<br/>
expect the top<br/>
you have worked so hard<br/>
</em><br/>
</p>
<div align="center">·</div>
<br/><p style="font-size: x-small; border: 1px 0px 0px 0px solid #AAAAAA;"><br/> <em><br/>
The « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » series presents songs written in the aim of building a repertoire of originals that require only guitar and vocals, without additional arrangements, and thus can be performed in a busking context.<br/>
</em></p>To Kill Your Demonstag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2013-08-02:2227378:BlogPost:3912812013-08-02T13:46:40.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/444px-ashs-year12-painting1.jpg?w=444"></img> <br></br> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ashs-year12-painting.jpg" target="_blank">Painting created in Year 12 Painting at Albany Senior High School</a></em> » by Mosborne01)</span><br></br> <br></br>
</p>
<p>« <em>To Kill Your Demons</em> » was completed on March 10, 2013, and is the 20th song written for the henceforth entitled « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » project.<br></br></p>
<p>Basically, the…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/444px-ashs-year12-painting1.jpg?w=444" alt=""/><br/> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <em><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ashs-year12-painting.jpg" target="_blank">Painting created in Year 12 Painting at Albany Senior High School</a></em> » by Mosborne01)</span><br/>
<br/>
</p>
<p>« <em>To Kill Your Demons</em> » was completed on March 10, 2013, and is the 20th song written for the henceforth entitled « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » project.<br/></p>
<p>Basically, the main point of the song is that most-if-not-all experiences, apparent catastrophes included, can be interpreted positively as opportunities for growth.<br/></p>
<p>Again, I plan to repost the following lyrics with an audio or video clip when time allows for the recording and production of proper demos.<br/></p>
<p><em><br/> <b>verse 1</b><br/>
you were waiting for the right word<br/>
for the phrasing no one has heard<br/>
no escaping the calendar<br/>
no book signing for the dreamer<br/>
<br/>
<b>pre-chorus 1</b><br/>
you've learned your lessons<br/>
paid for your crimes<br/>
to kill your demons<br/>
life took its time<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 2</b><br/>
you were hoping to be a bird<br/>
you had two wings but wanted a third<br/>
scared of jumping you went downward<br/>
no high flying for the coward<br/>
<br/>
<b>pre-chorus 2</b><br/>
you've bitten lemons<br/>
you've bitten limes<br/>
to kill your demons<br/>
life took its time<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 3</b><br/>
you were waiting for an answer<br/>
an opening on the future<br/>
you couldn't stick to the letter<br/>
no advancing for the sinner<br/>
<br/>
<b>pre-chorus 3</b><br/>
you've heard the sermons<br/>
you wrote the rhymes<br/>
to kill your demons<br/>
life took its time<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 4</b><br/>
you were hoping to get a chance<br/>
to find a friend to share a dance<br/>
no one could get past your first glance<br/>
for the heartless there's no romance<br/>
<br/>
<b>pre-chorus 4</b><br/>
you've seen the omens<br/>
magic sublime<br/>
to kill your demons<br/>
life took its time<br/>
<br/>
<b>chorus</b><br/>
how many doors must pass<br/>
'til you go in at last<br/>
don't let your moment pass<br/>
just seize it fast<br/>
</em><br/>
</p>
<div align="center">·</div>
<br/><p style="font-size: x-small; border: 1px 0px 0px 0px solid #AAAAAA;"><br/> <em>The « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » series presents songs written in the aim of building a repertoire of originals that require only guitar and vocals, without additional arrangements, and thus can be performed in a busking context.</em></p>Pacifytag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2013-07-23:2227378:BlogPost:3894152013-07-23T13:07:09.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/family-444.jpg?w=444"></img> <br></br> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oter/3586062159/" target="_blank">Family</a> » by Jo Christian Oterhals)</span><br></br> <br></br>
</p>
<p>At some point during this past winter, I thought it would be interesting to see if I could come up with a bunch of songs that I could play on my own, without the need of a backing band. I had always wanted to try my luck at busking, but because of the demands of Poligraf, I…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/family-444.jpg?w=444" alt=""/><br/> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(« <a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oter/3586062159/">Family</a> » by Jo Christian Oterhals)</span><br/>
<br/>
</p>
<p>At some point during this past winter, I thought it would be interesting to see if I could come up with a bunch of songs that I could play on my own, without the need of a backing band. I had always wanted to try my luck at busking, but because of the demands of Poligraf, I never really had the chance to build a repertoire of original songs that require only guitar and vocals, without additional arrangements. Eventually I imagined that 30 songs would be enough, so I set out to write as much in time for the sunny season, and actually reached that goal on June 27th, when I completed the words to « <em>67th Heaven</em>. »<br/></p>
<p>« <em>Pacify</em> » is the fifth song that I wrote for this project. I chose to share this one first because I especially like how it turned out, not only in terms of contents, but also in how the poetry is structured and how the verses are linked together. The lyrics follow below. Possibly, I will republish them later with an audio or video clip if I can find some time to record demos, but for now I hope you enjoy the words as much as I do.<br/></p>
<p><em><br/> <b>verse 1</b><br/>
no aces up your sleeve<br/>
you didn't have your way<br/>
no luck you're stuck<br/>
peace is kept at bay<br/>
<br/>
unwilling to receive<br/>
the lesson of the day<br/>
fate daunts life wants<br/>
a price too high to pay<br/>
<br/>
you're inclined to leave<br/>
however if you stay<br/>
maybe you'll see<br/>
further shades of grey<br/>
<br/>
you'll find no reprieve<br/>
dwelling on what is wrong<br/>
hold on be strong<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 2</b><br/>
a future misconceived<br/>
has brought you to dismay<br/>
aligned you'll find<br/>
distress goes away<br/>
<br/>
the mirror will relieve<br/>
as you meet it halfway<br/>
express no less<br/>
than you're afraid to say<br/>
<br/>
and if you don't deceive<br/>
it will never betray<br/>
progress confess<br/>
in all naiveté<br/>
<br/>
of faults it will bereave<br/>
and false views it will sway<br/>
make do be you<br/>
<br/>
<b>verse 3</b><br/>
you don't have to grieve<br/>
if you don't go astray<br/>
stick to true blue<br/>
and remember to play<br/>
<br/>
there will be greener leaves<br/>
in the month of may<br/>
all you went through<br/>
sunshine will allay<br/>
<br/>
and if you can't believe<br/>
it doesn't hurt to pray<br/>
maybe you'll see<br/>
it's a better way<br/>
<br/>
life its tapestry weaves<br/>
its wisdom to convey<br/>
endure be pure<br/>
<br/>
<b>chorus</b><br/>
ongoing and hardly fully told<br/>
the making of our hearts of gold<br/>
amazing how you play your part<br/>
echoing pacify my heart<br/>
<br/>
amazing how you pacify my heart<br/>
echoing how you pacify my heart<br/>
amazing how you pacify my heart<br/>
</em></p>The Abode Of The Blessedtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2013-02-02:2227378:BlogPost:3679842013-02-02T19:39:07.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
<div align="center" class="post-header"><div class="photo"><br></br> <a href="http://poligraf.bandcamp.com/album/the-abode-of-the-blessed"><img alt="" src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/the-abode-of-the-blessed-444.png?w=444"></img></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center" class="post-player"><iframe frameborder="0" height="280" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/v=2/album=2201116323/size=grande2/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB/" width="300"><a href="http://poligraf.bandcamp.com/album/the-abode-of-the-blessed">The Abode Of The Blessed by Christopher Stewart…</a></iframe>
</div>
<div class="post-header" align="center"><div class="photo"><br/> <a href="http://poligraf.bandcamp.com/album/the-abode-of-the-blessed"><img src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/the-abode-of-the-blessed-444.png?w=444" alt=""/></a></div>
</div>
<div class="post-player" align="center"><iframe src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/v=2/album=2201116323/size=grande2/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB/" frameborder="0" height="280" width="300"><a href="http://poligraf.bandcamp.com/album/the-abode-of-the-blessed">The Abode Of The Blessed by Christopher Stewart</a></iframe>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Believe it or not (and if you do, please help me believe it too), but I just published an album. It's a 4-song EP entitled «<em> <a href="http://poligraf.bandcamp.com/album/the-abode-of-the-blessed">The Abode Of The Blessed</a> </em>» that I recorded in an overnight session last weekend and produced this past week.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But first things first. Before I go into more details about the music, here's the abridged version of what happened since my last post.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After publishing « <em> Takers Economy </em> » at the end of August, I spent most of the following two months distributing and promoting it on the internet. The task was daunting and the progress was slow at first, but the process eventually yielded positive results.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then I took a little time off, and I do mean off. I escaped to the countryside for about two weeks, where I mostly rested and dreamt about the next phase of my life. There was a lot of music making in those reveries. Far away from the city, I especially enjoyed the silence and the night skies. It had been a long while since I had last seen that many stars.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The return to civilization did not unfold quite as I had expected, and I finally had a chance to compose more music, and was even offered the opportunity to record some of it, which I gratefully accepted. The last few years had been dedicated to writing novels and essays, and so it felt very good to come back to music again. Indeed, I experienced it as a kind of rebirth, and so it was only apt that the classical guitar I had access to during this unexpected passage was a Renaissance model.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Over the course of my residency thus far, I wrote sixteen new compositions, eight songs and eight instrumentals, that I hope to release as a full-length album in the near future. I would have liked to produce them all here, but the tight recording window forced me to choose only a few.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The original plan was to record at least five of the compositions, and keep the four best tracks for the present EP. However, time constraints and technology determined which songs ultimately made it on the album.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The music is miles away from what I usually write. The pieces are basically folk songs that I believe most will categorize in the «<em> singer-songwriter </em>» genre. There are no intricate arrangements, it's just my voice and the nylon-string guitar. One thing for sure, it's a definite change of pace from the prog rock extravaganzas that I typically come up with.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Life being what it is, it looks like that will have to be it for now. I must run, really.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The album is <a href="http://poligraf.bandcamp.com/album/the-abode-of-the-blessed">available in various e-formats via Bandcamp</a>. The description follows below. Thanks in advance for your support. I hope you enjoy the songs !</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Does heaven really exist ?</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><em>Some insist that it does, yet others seem to think that there cannot be such a place.</em></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><em>I have been searching for paradise for most of my life, and on several occasions I actually thought I had discovered it, but in hindsight I'm not sure I can claim to have been very successful. Or in any case, that's what I used to reckon until I tried to resign myself to the unacceptable conclusion that it was merely a fanciful invention, and considered that I would never find it. That's about when I happened to stumble upon its hall.</em></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><em>I definitely wasn't looking for anything of the sort when I was offered to stay in this surprising location. Nor was I quite certain of where I was at first. However, after various eye-opening occurrences, it finally struck me that I very possibly have reached the vestibule to heaven. Apparently, the blessed come and go to this uncanny domain, some to rest for a while, and others to perform their angelic duties.</em></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><em>I haven't been officially admitted to paradise yet, so I'm only speculating, but it would appear that some of the guests here are waiting to be granted access. Or more precisely, we have a challenge to overcome before we are allowed to move onward.</em></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><em>« The Abode Of The Blessed » documents my unexpected sojourn in this enchanting mansion, this antechamber of the promised land, were I received much support, was taught important lessons, and experienced many validations of prior understandings.</em></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><em>The songs depict the task that I must discharge, some of the dwellers, and their own trials and tribulations. The music aims to provide inspiration and encouragement to those who have to go through a similar process.</em></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><em>All in all, having seen this place that feels like a gateway to paradise, it looks very likely that there's a heaven. So here I am, advancing into the unknown, all the while attempting to leave footprints behind so you can find your way too.</em></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><em>Onward, beautiful dreamer !</em></em></p>Essay : Takers Economy : An Inquiry into Illegal File Sharingtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2012-09-01:2227378:BlogPost:3493612012-09-01T17:43:55.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ChristopherStewart
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<div><a href="http://bit.ly/takers-economy" target="_blank">Read on Issuu</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">I've been nearly completely inactive in my social networks since mid-July or so. Not that I wouldn't have liked to participate, but I have been engrossed in the redaction of the above essay.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When I tackled the project, I thought it would take a few weeks at most, and that I would be able…</p>
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<div><a href="http://bit.ly/takers-economy" target="_blank">Read on Issuu</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">I've been nearly completely inactive in my social networks since mid-July or so. Not that I wouldn't have liked to participate, but I have been engrossed in the redaction of the above essay.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When I tackled the project, I thought it would take a few weeks at most, and that I would be able to maintain my regular pace in other activities. However, I soon realized that the endeavour required great amounts of attention, and that the most efficient way of discharging the task was to dedicate as much time as I could to it, as quickly as practicable, so that it wouldn't drag on forever.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I finished the first draft a little over one week ago, and the final revision was completed yesterday. If the process was more protracted and demanding than originally expected, it nonetheless led to some very interesting insights and discoveries, notably in terms of the implications of the oneness of all things and beings, and with regard to the existing initiatives and organizations that work to improve the conditions of creators and inventors.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Essentially, the document elaborates on the points that I had attempted to convey in concise form through several conversations held in June and July, which in retrospect weren't the best context for such an exercise. In hindsight though, there was clearly something impelling me to finally voice my position on the question, after I had silenced it for too long. Given all that is expressed in the text, I doubt that it would have been possible for me to come up with an effort as exhaustive any sooner. So, perhaps the timing was perfect, or at least better than I reckoned when I began writing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I am glad that the undertaking gave me the opportunity to explain my conception of art and of its nature, value, and function, as I had tried to achieve this in the past, but circumstances had ultimately prevented me from attaining the objective.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Hopefully, the perspectives that I offer on the issue of illegal file sharing and its consequences in the lives of downloaders, artists, and the whole of society, will prove useful and enlightening to many readers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To access the essay, simply click in the embedded reader above to enter the full page view mode, or follow the « Read on Issuu » link if you want to download it for free.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The description follows below. I wish you a most enjoyable reading !</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Over the last decade or so, file sharing has become a widespread phenomenon. As much as having the possibility of exchanging information almost instantaneously can represent a blessing in terms of communication and progress, it obviously opens the door to pursuits that enjoy a far less angelic reputation.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Still, the overall picture suggests that a significant number of internet users participate in such ill-famed activities. Considering this state of affairs, could illegal file sharing actually be a positive process for those downloaders, and for the collectivity alike ?</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>The question is generally approached from the angle of its economic impacts, but there is evidently more to the issue than its pecuniary dimension.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>« Takers Economy » proposes an alternative look at illegal file sharing in light of the role of art in society, and in the context of the oneness of all beings and things.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>In addition, the inquiry explores the global picture from which the circumstances emerge, and attempts to characterize the underlying culture that gives rise to them.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Finally, the essay introduces a philosophy of endosymbiotism that aims to foster attitudes and behaviours that accord with the ethics of the inherent unseparateness of being.</em></p>