MJade Media

Weekly Sermon by Vidao J. Kram

2012-02-29T06:16:00.000-05:00

For the Week of Sunday February 26, 2012

“Patience is a Virtue.”

Today’s Word:

Psalm 27: 1-2:

~The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

~2: When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

David spoke these words in praise of God.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. ~Psalm 27:14

At the end of Psalm 27 we see David’s love for mankind in that he tells us to simply WAIT! Be of good courage: do not fear. Thine heart shall be strengthened. Wait.

Thoughts and Actions:

We all have wants and needs. Determine for yourself today what the difference is and see how well you are provided for. Make a list of these things. It is not bad to want, but count your blessings of the things you have and give praise to the LORD.

Wait. Be patient with God. He will be your light and salvation. And fear not thine enemies and ask for His protection.

Prayer:

Lord, I pray for patience today. I pray to hear your words. Lord, you are my light, you are my salvation. Lord, please protect me from my enemies. Let me not fear them nor be ashamed of my love for you dear Lord.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

I hope you like this new format.

If you have any suggestions or other comments please direct them to Vidao J. Kram at VidaoKram@gmail.com

Thanks for keeping the faith.

God Bless.

Michael Jackson --- “Into the Unknown”

2012-02-27T21:08:00.000-05:00

The following is a sample short-story for the short-story contest below.

Micheal Jackson — Into the Unknown

by R. Patrick James

I turned away from the light and entered the darkness, my left arm extended to feel my way along endless black corridors, dozens of branching paths and side alleys. My sequined glove is imperceptible because there is no light to be reflected. I have no conception what I might encounter, be it stumbling blocks to bruise my shins, to stub my toes, be it low slung overhead appendages to slam against my already dizzied head. I allow myself to only shuffle my loafered feet to avoid possible cavities in the floor lying in wait down which I might tumble into some form of eternal abyss.

I sacrificed my right to the light on June 25^th in the year 2009. I took my leave after some measure of success in the field of music arts, as well as several questionable incidents. They (whoever ‘they’ are) have called me “The King of Pop”. I guess ‘they’ concluded that I had a noteworthy touchstone of impact on my chosen field of endeavor. I just wanted to be me. And I felt I had something worthwhile to say. Some of ‘them’ actually listened… and understood.

As I inch my way along what seems like an eternity of narrow shoots and mazes, I vaguely notice at the far end of infinity a tincture of light, powder blue light creeping out from under doors and through tiny key holes, piercing my eyes like hot slivers. These beckoning shafts of light are the only guides I use to move forward cautiously. It is the unknown that entices me, and it always was the case back on the real world. It’s what drove me to achieve new experiences, explore new modes of music and dance.

At this point as I move onward, never really certain whether I’m advancing or receding, I hear muffled sounds that become lines of dialogue clipped and sharp with inflections, a congenial argument by several voices. Could there possibly be others here, wherever ‘here’ is, like me? Are there other lost souls ‘here’ condemned to walk the dim, dark passageways of non-time?

I approach with all due caution a battered wooden door with an indented brass knob cold to the touch. I attempt to turn the knob. No click; no give; no creak of rusty hinges. Yet the sounds inside the room (I assume it’s a room) abruptly cease. I’ve been beheld, but by whom?

I take a risk, and tap my sequined glove against the ancient door panel --- only a deadened request to enter into what I don’t know. I hear the scrape of chair legs across a hardboard surface. I feel the door knob turn as my hand is still on the phlegmatic brass handle. My hand withdraws involuntarily in a flash. The door begins to open scraping the floor in an arc of historical scratches, like a deafening alarm.

“Welcome, Michael. We’ve been waiting for you.” offered the voice in the blinding light. I squinted to see who claimed to be familiar with me. Why would ‘they’ be waiting for me?

I entered with a high degree of trepidation, my right sequin-gloved hand clenched in an unaccustomed fist --- ready for the worst. Once my eyes adjusted to the light, I noted that there was no visible source for the light. The room itself was just flooded with an incandescent light, no lamps, no spotlights, no flashlights, no flames. A radiant energy generated by the room itself, a kind of spiritual illumination. I’m left more confused as to where I was than any time I entered the darkness.

“Where am I?” I blurted out not really expecting a candid response.

“You’re among friends,” answered the one who welcomed me at the door.

I quickly counted nine very serene faces casually seated about the room. Gaining confidence and composure I spoke freely. “Okay, enough games! Where am I and who in the heck are you people?”

“We can tell you where you’re not. You’re no longer earthbound. You’ve returned to the cosmos. At least your spirit has. Look, why don’t we introduce ourselves? Maybe this will all make more sense to you.”

Somehow the nine figures before me seem familiar, how you feel a certain kinship with, a connection, an alliance, an affinity.

“We are all entertainers, artists in various fields, certainly recognized around the world, or, at least we were. The gent with the sad clown makeup is the famous Emmett Kelly. You’ve got to recognize “The Shnozzola”, Jimmy Durante. The dude in the corner is the former teen idol slash crooner, James Darren. The rest of us are all members of the rock band, Pink Floyd. That would be David Gilmour, Syd Barrett, Bob Klose, Nick Mason, Richard Wright and, myself, Roger Waters.”

“That’s all well and good. I am pleased to meet you guys, but why are you here, in fact, why am I here?”

“Think of this as a kind of Valhalla, a majestic hall where fallen warriors of the entertainment field travel upon death. You’re here because you battled well and left a definite mark. Look up; notice how the ceiling is thatched with the awards, golden trophies, brass plaques, platinum album covers and various relevant bric-a-brac. Thus, you have arrived into the martial hall of the chosen dead.”

“Why only nine? There must be thousands, millions who belong.”

“True enough. However, we have been chosen to pay tribute to you, to recognize your uniqueness in our vast field, noting that you have touched legions of adoring fans.”

As I scanned the “great hall” my discerning eye fell upon a yellowed, frayed banner on the west wall. In bold red script lettering it read, “Genius is its own reward; for the best that one is, one must necessarily be for oneself,” attributed to philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, 1844.

James Darren stepped front and centre, and remarked, “Yes, Michael, I’m sure Schopenhauer might have had you in mind when he reasoned that quotation, improving upon the original Romantic notion. You must be wondering why I specifically am here for you. We believe you have not always been viewed fairly. Your departure was epitomized in the lyrics of my and Pink Floyd’s versions of Goodbye Cruel World. For instance,

“Oh. goodbye cruel world, I’m off to join the circus

Gonna be a broken-hearted clown

Paint my face with a good-for-nothin’ smile…

Gotta find a way to hide my tears.”

And the boys in the band performed much the same,

“Goodbye cruel world

I’m leaving you today

Goodbye

Goodbye all you people

There’s nothing you can say

To make me change

My mind

Goodbye.”

Remind you of anything, Michael? Moving on, we all have spent countless hours in the spotlight and loving every minute of it. Ah, the ever-lovin’ spotlight! You, Michael, were always in the spotlight even when you didn’t choose to be. Emmett Leo Kelly is here because he made his lasting fame with the spotlight. Emmett, in his role of the sad-faced, lovable classic tramp clown, Weary Willie, a tragic figure, never actually spoke. So I will on his behalf. He was a master of pathos and pantomime. He is best remembered for his forlorn sweeping up of the spotlight into a dustpan routine. He constantly tried but failed to sweep up that damned pool of light. The crowds loved it and him relating to his task, much like you, Michael.

Another famous clown, Red Skeleton remarked upon Emmett’s passing on March 28^th, 1979. ”I guess those in heaven needed a laugh.” Emmett and Willie left this earth, stepping out of the spotlight into the annals of history as a King walking among Kings. So it is with you, Michael.”

Up next strode another icon with a slight stoop to his shoulders, a cigar and a frumpy, tattered fedora, the great Jimmy Durante, affectionately referred to as ‘The Schnazzola’ because of his Cyrano-sized nose.

“Michael, when you took your leave from that ‘cruel world’ and walked into the darkness, into the unknown that brought you here today, I began to reminisce. I trust you’ve seen my show on television, or at least on tapes of my show on television. Remember how I used to sign-off each and every show. I tipped my hat and bid “Good night, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are,”

turned with a hint of swagger and walked into the dark at the back of the stage. You, Michael kind of stole my thunder with your departure walking off into the dark at the back of the stage.”

All nine broke into a rousing round of applause and bellowed, “Welcome to Valhalla!”

WIN A PAINTING AND GET PUBLISHED!!

2012-02-27T21:07:00.001-05:00

Time is Running Out!! Email Us Today!

SHORT-STORY CONTEST

for ALL ages.

Get Published!

Michael Jackson — "Into the Unknown"

by Plymouth's own, Arthur Walker

ENTER TO WIN

THE PAINTING BELOW.

16" x 20" Acrylic.

ORIGINAL ON CANVASS BOARD

Email TheArtisansWell@gmail.com
Type "Michael Jackson" in the subject box

Email us by February 29, 2012.

Prize to be awarded in Spring!!

And YOUR short-story will appear

in the Spring Issue of

The Artisan's Well — "Where Creativity Never Runs Dry" E-magazine
E-Zeen
E-Mag
E=MCsquared
Stay tuned in.

Good Luck~!

SOPHIA KRUZ: NEW DOCUMENTARY FILM...

2012-02-25T09:26:00.000-05:00

Sophia Kruz

I was twenty years old when I got my first camera, just three weeks before I went to study abroad in the Czech Republic. “europe: 2010” showcases how my long-standing passion for travel quickly fused with my new-found passion for photography.

The photographs in “europe: 2010”, which were taken throughout Central and Eastern Europe from February-June 2010, reflect my hunger to capture and remember every new image I saw; both beautiful and unnerving.

Following this adventure in Europe, I began to explore both moving images and non-fiction storytelling, which led to my interest in documentary filmmaking.

In the fall of 2010, I began production on my first feature-length documentary film titled “Time Dances On”, which tells my father’s story of coming out as a gay man.

Currently, I am producing a documentary about the history of Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium for the University Musical Society, a world-renowned performing arts presenter. I hope to continue to have the opportunity to

travel, photograph new places, and tell original stories.

-Sophia

Sophia Kruz is a documentary filmmaker and photographer

based in Ann Arbor, MI.

For more information about Sophia, her photography, or her award-winning documentary “Time Dances On”, visit: www.sophiakruzproductions.com

Mention MJADE MEDIA when you order Sophia's
featured film, "Time Dances On."

My Mother by Michael Priv

2012-02-23T17:58:00.003-05:00

My mother

By Michael Priv

My mother is a soldier. She is an officer, perhaps a Colonel or even a General. My mother is motivated solely by duty. She is valorous, decisive and determined. She lives and dies by rules and regulations; she actually says things like, “We never leave our own behind.” She has always lived up to her own standards.

My mother is a top-notch professional. Being an industrial electrical estimator, hard hat and all, my 5’ mom spent most of her life chasing construction crews around, beating them silly to conform to the budgets that she worked out—right or wrong.

My mother is a tyrant. Civilization had probably collided with her at some point but only dealt a glancing blow without leaving any significant permanent marks. Consequently, my mom is virtually unaware of the significance of the shade of gray in life. Things are black and white and right and wrong and that is final. If she wanted your opinion—which she doesn’t—she’d give it to you in no uncertain terms. There are only two ways to do things: her way and the wrong way, period. To my mother, democracy is a weird and wonderful animal, kind of like an Australian platypus. People claimed to have seen it somewhere very far away but, honestly, who knows?

My mother is a genius. Only she could keep the family afloat financially through some very lean times such as back in

Ukraine

when I was small. Then in

Italy

, en route to the

United States

from the

USSR

, we had to tighten our belts for nine endless weeks. My mom was feeding us turkey wing tips, the local dog food, three times a day constantly altering her recipes. As I remember, her personal record was eight full days without repeating herself. That is twenty-four different ways of cooking wing tips. In Pittsburgh she even fished for the family just to improve our usual diet which in those early days was nothing to brag about with $237 in food stamps a month for the family of three. In a pinch, she made money by sewing, teaching Russian and working as a draftsperson—always excelling and carrying out her duty and never asking anybody to cut her any slack.

My mother is old now. She likes her free casino trips and watches a lot of TV, mostly sloppy and cynical Russian tragedies where good guys die young. She talks mostly about good old days and about diets and nutrition now.

My mother and I have never been close. I would always head for the hills the moment she’d say, “We need to talk.” I was never there for her. And I never considered that she’d been there for me. Although, I admit, there are different schools of thought on that subject.

I am older, have a family of my own. I am here for her now. You know why?

because, “we never leave our own behind.”

"from the couch" by Vidao J. Kram

2012-02-19T17:26:00.002-05:00

For the Week of Sunday February 19, 2012

“Pause for Guidance.”

Spiritual Meditation:

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. ~PSALM 37:23

Listen to your heart. What is your heart telling you to do today? There is much to be said for intuition—follow it! This is God’s way of guiding us on our path. We do stray, and often times need to fine tune to get back on track.

When your day is not going as planned, pause and breath for a moment, read something positive, inspirational or even some verses from the bible you have written down; remind yourself of why you are here today.

Positive Thought:

If you are on the right path, you will know it. Thy light shall shine upon thee and in thine ways. Keep the faith. Day not going as planned; recharge and start anew.

Today I will listen to my heart. Today I will let the light shine on me. Today I will accept God’s gracious guidance.

—Peace to all, and to all a good day.

Daily Prayer:

Lord, please direct me on life’s path. I wish to follow you, Lord. Please show me the way and shine Thy light down upon me.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

"...from the couch" by Vidao J. Kram

2012-02-17T07:59:00.001-05:00

“Nothing is Impossible.”

Spiritual Meditation:

Is any thing to hard for the LORD? ~ Genisis 18:14

When Jesus spoke unto Abraham and Sarah, Sarah laughed within herself saying, “Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Sarah was in her nineties when she was to bear a child, and Abraham was older still.

Nothing is impossible or too hard for the LORD. We need only believe in something. God is waiting for you to do the impossible, to break free of this small world of ours and become universal. Dreams do come true, but we must take action today to make them happen. Nothing is too hard for GOD.

Positive Thought:

Today I have dreams in my thoughts. Today I believe in my dreams and in myself. Today I will walk forth and God’s light shall shine down upon me.

Today is full of possibilities! ~ Take action towards your dreams!

Today is full of potential! ~ Make each and every day count!

Today is full of wonder! ~ Be observant to the miracles that abound you!

—Peace to all, and to all a good day.

Daily Prayer:

Lord, I am blessed with the wonder of possibilities. I am blessed and saved by Your grace.

Lord, please help me see the potential in my life, and Lord, please help me to believe in my dreams and in myself.

Today, oh Lord, I ask for open-mindedness. Lord, please help me to understand and unlock my potential.

Dear Lord, I ask for guidance in my quest. Please fill my world with wonder.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Tune in every Sunday for

Vidao Kram's Weekly post.

Please leave your comments below.

Thank you.

Namaste.

Mark J. Davio's Photography now On Shirts & other Apparel

2012-02-17T07:59:00.000-05:00

COMING SOON...

SHIRT AND APPAREL DESIGNS FOR LIFE

BY GOOD SIGNS.COM

GOOD SIGN FOUNDER ERIC DENNIS, 2010

Northville, Michigan Rail Road by Mark J. Davio ©2002

More to come.
Please visit Mark J. Davio to view
more of his photography.

NAMASTE.

The time is now for a Good Sign...

2012-02-16T06:26:00.000-05:00

Mark J. Davio

With the world whizzing around we need to take time to smell the flowers and notice the GOOD SIGNS AND miracles all around us.

Our day and our world is full of wonder and amazement. Sometimes we forget to think like a child. To take time in your day to indulge in some forgotten pleasures from childhood. We grow up and forget who and what really matters. The time is now to show others good signs and to spread positive energy through involvement with others; helping others, even if it is by opening a door or listening.

I became involved with Team Good Signs just over a month ago and have enjoyed wearing my pin proudly as I walk about. People ask me, "What does that mean," as they smile and/or laugh. I simply ask them, "What does it mean to you?" The rest has been wonderful. Over 99.9% of the time, people who are first introduced to Good Signs smile and are happier. Why not be involved with such a great cause.

The Founder of Good Signs, Eric Dennis, is very humble. Through a very tough time in his life over 6 years ago, Eric began to search for something to justify why he was put here on this earth. In 2010, in a grocery store parking lot, he and his brother hatched the idea of a universal sign that was simple and would spread a positive message. And so it began, This is a Good Sign was born.

Today, I simply wanted to share with you the short version of the story behind the sign, I will be posting more about this in the near future to be sure. In the meantime, please enjoy the many designs we have made up for t-shirts, hoodies, and others shirts and apparel. Take time today to peruse through Good Signs many new apparel designs. More to come...

To learn more please go to:

This is a GOOD SIGN.COM

Thanks.

Namaste.

Joel: new provision

2012-02-15T02:38:00.000-05:00

New Provision

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”

(Philippians 4:19, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When the people of Israel were in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, God gave them manna to eat. That was good. It sustained them for a while, but it wasn’t permanent provision. Eventually, the manna stopped coming. The people had to move forward, and then God gave them quail. They were so excited. That fed them for a while, but it was also temporary.

See, God gave the Israelites temporary provision on the way to the Promised Land where they would have permanent provision. The fact that God had something much greater in store for their future is what kept them moving forward. God could have sustained them with manna or quail, but God is a god of increase. He works in seasons, and He always has something better in store.

Don’t get stuck in a rut and think that one way is going to last forever. Instead, stay open and be willing to change, make adjustments, make corrections or try something new. If the “manna” stops coming, don’t get upset. Just keep moving forward and be on the lookout for the new provision God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, You alone are the just and faithful God! Thank You for always providing for me. Thank You for leading and guiding me. I trust that You have good things in store for my future and choose to keep my eyes on You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

BE EFFECTIVE! by Michael Priv

2012-02-10T10:01:00.003-05:00

Lake Superior, Mark J. Davio, 2011

A philosopher once said that life is in you today and you are constantly creating your own tomorrow. Kind of puts things in perspective. We are not creating yesterday, we are done with that. Right this very second we are living through the consequences of our creations from the past. If we feel that our life could stand a bit of improvement in some areas, well, let’s start creating our tomorrow more efficiently and skillfully so we like it in the future when we live it!

Life at its best is an over-the-ramparts charge, life is action, life is brilliant triumphs and bitter defeats. Obviously life can be stressful at times. We all run into this. So let's talk about stress. First of all, stress is not necessarily and exclusively a medical condition and cannot be effectively handled with drugs.

Stress comes in the wake of bad habits and inabilities in life. Stress indicates overwhelm, it is a sign of inability and ineffectiveness in resolving life problems. People’s abilities vary but sooner or later we all reach our own stress threshold where life is just TOO MUCH and the game of life is no longer fun. Therefore, we could all improve the level of our effectiveness in life and thus push our stress threshold ever higher.

Therefore, if you want to reduce stress, let’s be more effective in the art of living. Let’s be more responsible, skillful and competent in resolving our problems. Right now, today, you are fully capable of handling your stress and anxiety, you can improve your financial situation, regain control over seemingly hopeless situations, make your business more profitable and life more interesting, find love and joy in your personal relationships and yes, you CAN be happy!

Happiness is just a condition of enjoyment of life caused by reaching goals that you set for yourself. You cannot expect to enjoy life without any goals at all or without any possibility of their attainment.

If your life is filled with stress and anxiety please try these simple exercises that will immediately help you. The first one is a general extroversion step.

1. Take daily 30-minute walks. Walks twice a day are twice as effective. Just look around noticing various specific objects situated far away from you and close by, up above and under your feet. Simply walk and pay attention to the houses, cars, airplanes, lamp posts, people’s clothing and other things. Make yourself notice these things.

2. Put together a list—in writing—of the projects you started but did not complete. This is the key point, definitely do it today. Any action always has its END, an exact moment when the action is fully completed. That completion point is not vague or relative, it is not a state of mind, it is very simple. An action is completed when you do not have to go back to it, no explanations or justifications are needed, it is FINISHED and there is just nothing more to say. It is DONE. Let us say, you are making a cup of coffee. You went through all the needed actions and here it is—a steaming cup of brew in your hand and the coffeemaker is clean and ready for future use. There is just nothing else to be done on this, to qualify or explain so your attention is not stuck on that action anymore. If any of your actions do not fit this description, they are simply not finished. Write down all unfinished actions. Your attention is stuck on each of these actions creating the sense of impending doom. Simply make a list of your incomplete actions, large and small, and you will immediately calm down and your general disposition toward life will improve.

3. Now take that list and find in it one simple action that you could complete right now. Complete that action right now. Complete as many SEPARATE and UNFINISHED actions as possible RIGHT NOW. Sort out other unfinished actions, plan out how and when and what it is you need to have to get them completed. But try to complete as many simple things as possible today.

Listen, enough procrastinating already! Clean up your desk. Complete that term paper. Finish that project at work TODAY! Get your love-life in order already. Throw the insecurities out the window, call him and tell him you love him. Or, if applicable, eject the bastard out of your life forever! Or if you are a man, get a grip on your inner child, or whatever you can comfortably grip, and give her that engagement ring already! But of course, first you may have to complete some actions to make enough money to buy a diamond ring! So plan things out and start completing actions according to your plan. Do not keep thinking about it, you already did it for a long time and it didn’t get you anywhere. Just do it!

Start with something simple. Definitely clean up any portion of your room or your house and—this is important—put things in order—“order” being defined as neat and logical arrangement of things where you can easily find everything. Put your desk or kitchen counter in order, put the cloths and shoes in your closet in order, clean up your car. You will feel much better long before you get half-way down the list!

4. Formulate your goals for a year or two. What would you like to accomplish in that time period? Not what somebody said you should. What do YOU want? Put together a plan and start doing any actions on it right now. Actually do things. None of it is a mental exercise. Set only attainable goals for yourself, such as quitting smoking, becoming a vegetarian or completing a project of some sort. Finding a job is an attainable goal. So is taking a European cruise with your husband. This goal is fully attainable even if at this point in time you have no money and no husband! To a sufficient degree this is just a matter of planning and completing actions. Please realize that if you are right now at point A and you know exactly the location of point B, and you start moving toward it and will continue moving toward it, you WILL eventually reach it!

Do these steps. You will see as you go along that your stress and anxiety turn into the feeling of self-confidence and being in control over your life. You will become more successful in life, you will find yourself being lucky more often and your life will bring a lot more happiness to you and people around you.

You do not have to work hard. Just be effective!


Mark J. Davio, 2003

Keep Tuned In to MJADE MEDIA

Maybe I will walk at sunrise...

2012-02-09T17:39:00.000-05:00

Photo by Mark J. Davio, Manistee, Michigan

Maybe I will walk at sunrise, that would be a good plan, and maybe the sun will come up today, oh the things we take for granted...the sun always rises, but the truth is, one day it will cease to exist in the physical realm, just as humans rise and fall, our mighty star of worship will eventually fade away or burst, which ever comes first, a black hole will be created and our universe will be sucked in...

But worry thee not, we will survive, maybe not in this life form, maybe not in these here physical bodies, but we will survive.

The human conscious is larger than we know or will ever know. It is larger than life itself, than all living organisms. Human conscious has evolved over time, there is no doubt about it, but nowadays it seems more and more important to connect, to survive; to live to create, for we are creations of and in ourselves, we are a multitude of concoctions, living as one communal tribe, or so it should be.

Our world as we know it will cease to exist in the physical realm. Where will you be then? I don’t know where I will be, or if I will “be” in this world or in the next.

Don’t take the sunrise for granted. And, when spring has sprung, please take notice and make a mental note of how flowers look, smell, and how they make you feel. Take heed. This entire world will end. Where will you be when the sun does not rise?

I stroll along the shore at sunrise

The break of day upon me

Walking slowly

Taking it all in

Vitamin D begins

To warm my heart

My eyes wide open

My ears in tune to

The sea waves

Crashing on the beach

Today I am calm

I am not restless

I am rejuvenated

I am revived

Today I am free

To ponder about things

And to reflect on yesterday

But dream of a future

Full of dreams

Full of hope

Today I am full

Of peace, joy and wonder.

Namaste.

Photo by Mark J. Davio, Wixom, Michigan

"...from the couch" by Vidao J. Kram

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Spiritual Meditation, Positive Thought, and Prayer for the Day

Sunday, February 5, 2012

“Be like Nimrod.”

Spiritual Meditation:

He {Nimrod} was a mighty hunter before the LORD: Wherefore it is said, even a Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD. ~Genisis 10:9

Humility and respect for God is important, and even as in Nimrod’s case; a mighty hunter, a master of his domain, even Nimrod showed respect and humility towards our LORD. So be humble and respectful to the LORD or less ye’ be a Nimrod.

Positive Thought:

Today I am grateful to be alive. Today I am respectful of the LORD. Today I am free to be myself. Today I aim to humbly serve thy Lord almighty.

—Peace to all, and to all a good day.

Daily Prayer:

Lord, on this day of days; the SUPER BOWL! Lord, please help me stay in your light on such a magnificent day. You have blessed me, oh Lord, how you have blessed me.

Lord, today I ask for humility in my heart and honesty to all that cross my path. Lord, help me to spread the word of God without need for recognition. I ask, dear Lord, that you keep me humble in all my doings.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tune in every Sunday for Vidao J. Kram's "...from the couch."

Namaste.

I Cry by Kevin Alan Lamb for Carol Davio

2012-02-06T12:07:00.000-05:00

In Loving Memory of Carol Davio, my MOM! :)

I cry for those who don’t believe in mankind

I cry for those who think it’s acceptable to leave the less fortunate behind

I cry for those who don’t believe in their dreams

I cry for those who die amongst mediocrity despite being blessed with the means

I cry for those who know it all

I cry for those without a helping hand to offer to those who fall

I cry for the love that burns fervently in my soul

I cry for vision of dreams that alas insisted I grow

I cry for those who only shed tears for themselves

I cry for the egotistical man and the world’s problems on which he never dwells

I cry tears of joy for the apathetic man muted by greed a perpetual constant of nothing to say

I cry for children whose parents discourage the light and dreams in their eyes

I cry for the love the world is missing by hiding their heart in disguise

I cry for vision wasted on men ruining potential on a credential solely for exaggerated ego

I cry for the racist man that sees MLK as a Negro

I cry for love wasted on the wretched that have chosen to be incapable of loving themselves

I cry for the storyteller and the story he no longer tells

I cry for light consumed by darkness

I cry for the lonely accepting that love wasn’t meant for all of us

I cry for the miserable that will kill for company

I cry for the musician sold on the idea that there’s no place in this world for his creation and accompaniment

I cry for the entitled and their subsequent desired titles

I cry for stories written by editors and not writers

I cry for kingdoms in the sky without keys for the likes of you and I

I cry for love lost, love never had, but infinitely for belief fled from to perpetuate the disheartened and mad

I cry for souls and suns that no longer set

I cry for the indifferent, living lives void of purpose because a cause they never met

I cry for the miserable and the misery they expect

I cry for those who think this is about me

I cry for the vision the masses refuse to see

I cry tears of joy for those who believe

I cry tears of joy for an army of peace

I cry tears of joy for tyrannous dictators brought to their knees

I cry tears of joy for the need we will appease

I cry tears of joy for our journey across the seven seas

I cry tears of joy for collaboration without fees

I cry tears of joy for a starving child that feeds

I cry tears of joy for Good Signs planted like seeds

I cry tears of joy for the illiterate child that one day reads

I cry tears of joy for the hopeless man that one day preaches

I cry tears of joy for a world without oil on its beaches

I cry tears of joy for a world where the less fortunate thrive and are no longer leaches

I cry tears of joy for a global community without dividing lines like creases

This poem was inspired in the loving passing of Carol Davio, mother of my new friend and media partner, Mark Davio. After learning of his mothers death I felt like fate intended for me to attend her funeral, even though I did not know her and had only met Mark once.

Growing up I fled at the sound of the dreaded word “church”, yet the last two services I have attended have each inspired a book I am now working on. The first came Christmas day. I agreed to go with my parents because it felt like the right thing to do, and immediately after agreeing I discovered my mom’s brother, Arunas, had passed.

While at mass I decided I would attend one religious service of different denomination and culture each week, interview a representative of the congregation, speak with its members, and write a book titled “Little Faith”. In a world that wages war over the differences of religion I will focus on how they are similar. I will embrace each unique culture in an effort to reduce barriers by backwards mapping their individual religion to the original source of the word.

The second, “The Ones We Love”, came to me with such perfect clarity during Carol’s funeral service that my compassion was immediately rewarded. I will attend two funeral services a month and tell the story of the deceased by discovering the fruits of their life by talking with the ones they loved.

More to come from this author/writer.

A great person to know for sure.

Thanks Kevin.

R. Patrick James presents On the Dark side: a mixture of Fine Art and Prose

2012-02-04T14:43:00.001-05:00

R. Patrick James, The Artisan's Well Contributing Writer and Artist.

R. Patrick James does it again! I mean, what else would you expect from the Internationally renowned artist and author? You heard it here first.

Mr. James weaves his words with his art in some wonderful prose on a rather dark matter.

I had the opportunity to view and read what follows in the home of Sir Patrick James in Windsor, eh? The prose is tight and the art is fantastic! Each panel of the art work is 18" x 36"; lined up on a wall (or on his basement bar) the art stretches over 9 feet wide.

SIMPLY AMAZING! ENJOY and please provide your comments below. The art work is not for sale, but will be seen on display sometime in the near future in both Metro-Detroit and in Windsor.

First Panel

cont.

Panel Two

The end.

Panel Three

For more information on this or any other artist, you can always leave a comment or email us:

MJADEMEDIA@GMAIL.COM

NAMASTE

TIPPING POINT THEATRE: An Intimate Venue, A Lasting Impression

2012-02-02T19:31:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for a good time in a great town, come to Northville’s own Tipping Point Theatre. TPT’s newest show, The Love List is a barrel of laughs; a real side splitting performance.

The Tipping Point is one of Southeast Michigan’s finest theatres. Celebrating their 5^th season, Tipping Point Theatre is thriving. Why? Well, the great atmosphere, the people, and most importantly; professional theatre at its best.

Seating is limited to just around 100 patrons providing a very intimate experience. The thespians can almost jump in your lap — but they won’t. Just a superb setting with the stage thrust into the audience.

Don’t forget to have dinner or lunch in one of the fine restaurants in Northville’s Downtown District before or after the show. Matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

Tipping Point Theatre opens the third show in its 2011-12 season with this fantastic, farcical comedy that will have you believing you should be careful what you wish for.

“The Love List” runs from January 19 through February 19, 2012

Leon (Wayne David Parker*) takes his long time single buddy Bill (Dave Davies) out to dinner for his 50th birthday. As a humorous present, Leon gets Bill an appointment with a gypsy who can guarantee she’ll find him the perfect soul mate, but first he must make a list of the most important things he is looking for in a partner.

The next day, Justine (Tina Gloss-Finnell) appears at Bill’s apartment and acts like she’s been with him for years. Since she is a perfect match for him, Bill thinks Leon is behind the whole thing, but Leon is also in the dark about this “perfect woman”. When Bill and Leon change some of the qualities on the list, Justine’s personality changes and the buddies now think they may have created a female Frankenstein! This situation throws the two friends into mayhem where the laughs never stop. Please Note: Adult content and language.

*Member of the Actors' Equity Association

This production is supported in part by an award from the MICHIGAN COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT for the ARTS.

“The Love List”

by Norm Foster

WHEN: January 19 to February 19, 2012

WHERE: Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., Northville 48170

WHO: Starring: Dave Davies, Wayne David Parker* & Tina Gloss-Finnell

Director: Lynn Lammers

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association

TICKETS: $28 to $30 adults and $26 to $28 students/senior citizens;

reserved seating

Cash, Check, MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted

*Senior Citizens 62 and older receive $2 off per ticket.

**Bring a group of 15 or more and receive $3 off per ticket for all performances. This may be combined with senior discount.

BOX OFFICE: 248-347-0003*
*Mention MJADE MEDIA for Priority Seating

HOURS: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Tuesday - Friday

~ and 90 minutes prior to performances

Coming in May and beyond for 2012

“Fiction” by Steven Dietz from March 15 to April 15

“The Cemetery Club” by Ivan Menchell from May 10 to June 17, 2012.

MORE INFORMATION: 248-347-0003 or visit: www.tippingpointtheatre.com

Contact info: Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., Northville, MI 48170

nonprofit: a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Our Federal Tax ID# = 02-0789525

Winter Day-Dream

2012-01-30T12:44:00.000-05:00

A rainbow of colors burst

from the eastern horizon today,

Stretching sharply cross the sky in omnifarious blues.

Marching forward for a better view

Drawing deeply upon new breathes — I gasp.

Choked coldly by winters scorn.

Photo by Mark J. Davio 2012

Polyester jacket stiff as boards

wind cuts like one thousand daggers.

One last glance, short breath…

a wondrous rising it was.

Then

to dash inside; fire logs, matches, day-dreams beckon.

A cracked window tickles my senses,

“Coo-Coo,”

Oh, how I miss the cackle of birds.

All Photographs by Mark J. Davio.

Somewhere, Michigan U.S.A.

For inquiries about photograph availability

please email us directly at MJadeMedia@Gmail.com

Namaste.

Serenity comes from within...

2012-01-30T03:42:00.000-05:00

Serenity

From lofted thoughts

I rise above all

Which holds me down

And lifts me higher

I am still — I am one

Within myself –

I am calm

Restful, joyful

Peaceful and free

Only good thoughts

Flood my mind

And fill my heart

Serenity envelopes

My soul

Serenity comes from within. Take time upon awakening to get in tune with your inner self. Don't just rush out the door. Plan 30 minutes every morning to be alone. I know how difficult this can be, but I also understand how beneficial it can be. This MY time is essential if we are to achieve and maintain inner peace and serenity throughout the day ahead.

Your 30 minutes in the morning should be spent however you would like to spend it. But you must try to be alone. Consider it your morning Yoga session for the mind and soul. Sometimes I make my coffee and stare blankly at the art on my walls in my office and listen to music. It can be as simple as that or you can listen to music while you journal. You can even get up and cut a rug if you’d like.

My point is this, take 30 minutes before your day begins to fine tune your mind and lift your soul. Feed your mind with positive, inspirational and creative things. Allow your inner child to shine through. Allow the grace to fill you.

Go out and make it a GREAT DAY!

Keep tuned in to MJADE MEDIA for more tips and tricks for the mind and spirit.

Crater Lake, Oregon
Phantom Ship

"...from the couch" by Vidao J. Kram

2012-01-29T16:27:00.000-05:00

Spiritual Meditation, Positive Thought, and

Prayer for the Day.

“Success”

Spiritual Meditation:

What definition did Jesus give of “success”? He said that true success is…to attain to eternal life; all else if failure. ~Toyohiko Kagawa

How do you define success in your life? Have you defined success in your life? Success can mean and has meant many things to me in this life. But one thing is for certain, eternal life is our end all result of a successful life. Our souls are in the end what define us; not physical appearance, not false ideologies, not our normal day to day thoughts on success in this world.

Success is relative to you. Only you can define success in your life and our life hereafter. If you haven’t yet, sit down and write your many definitions of success, include all areas of your life. After you have this list, put it away for a week. Next week take this list out. Read it over thoroughly with one thought in mind; is this gonna give me peace now and promise me eternal life?

You will then know how to change your life to achieve the end all goal. We all need to do this, so let’s get to work re-shaping our lives and attune to the truth of eternal life.

Positive Thought:

Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. ~Job 22:28

This is one of the most fantastic verses I have ever been gifted. In 2002, my friend, she said, “Vidao, read and highlight Job 22:28, write it down and keep it posted above your desk.”

Meditate daily on this verse and watch your dreams come true. And, don’t be discouraged about the small things in life. Establish and decree things in life, then pay attention to the miracles that will abound.

Decree a thing, receive it, and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

Daily Prayer:

Lord, thank you for blessing me in so many ways. I know with You I will find true success in my life. Lord, help me to not sweat the small stuff. Today, dear Lord, help me to see your miracles, to thrive from the fruits of my labor and to dwell in the house of the Lord.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tune in to MJADE MEDIA every

Sunday and enjoy Vidao J. Krams

weekly post.

You can also follow this blog. See left side bar for details.

COME ON UP! IT'S ONLY 71 FLIGHTS!!! NAMASTE

2012-01-28T23:24:00.000-05:00

COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

FOR A GREAT CAUSE!

TAWONLINE.WORDPRESS.COM

MJADEMEDIA.COM

FACEBOOK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK J. DAVIO

NAMASTE.

Training our minds, sculpting our hearts; there is a difference!

2012-01-28T11:06:00.000-05:00

Photo Mark J. Davio

Training Our Mind:

Today I trained my mind. I studied several methods of consulting techniques. I have partnered with an international consulting firm and am currently going through their training.

This “training” of the mind is very important in our lives. We need to continually exercise our mind daily. Even in the later years of our lives, we need to busy the mind with activities.

If you don’t train your mind, you will lose it; just as you lose the functions of your physical body. The brain is physical too, and is therefore alive. We need to nourish our brain as we nourish our bodies; the brain is of the “body.”

Sculpting Our Heart:

Today I sculpted my heart. I read inspirational and spiritual material and meditated on what I had read. This time in the morning is most important to me. Sculpting the heart is a great way to start your day.

Take time to sculpt your heart. This does not have to be the same activity either. There are many ways in which we sculpt our hearts. How we act and react towards others is another way of sculpting our hearts. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Right?

Sculpting of the heart and training of the mind are simple things we must do. Often times we forget we need these things. Take time in your day and check your heart. Take time to tease your brain. And keep tuned in for more on this series:

Training our mind, sculpting your heart,

by Mark J. Davio.

Namaste

“…from the couch” by Vidao J. Kram

2012-01-24T20:02:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it on Sunday, here it is again...

Spiritual Meditation, Positive Thought, and Prayer for the Day

Sunday, January 22, 2012

“Ask for Guidance.”

Spiritual Meditation:

I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment. ~Proverbs 8:20

It is very easy to get thrown off your path; people, places and things can often cause us to falter. Other people’s judgments can be harsh and hard to swallow. But this is not the truth. These judgments need not worry you, for you are exactly who and where you are supposed to be at any given point in time.

The guidance you are seeking is unconventional guidance — seek guidance for the heart.

To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. ~Luke 1:79

Pay attention to the end of this scripture; to guide our feet into the way of peace. Ask guidance for peace in your heart and for your soul.

Positive Thought:

For within is all the resources we need for this world. We have everything we need inside. Understanding this is key to becoming complete.

Today I am whole. Today I am one with the world. Today I am one.

Daily Prayer:

Lord, help guide me and place peace in my heart.

Direct my life’s path, Lord. I want to follow You. Please show me the way.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Cassidy Thanks Everyone

2012-01-24T04:01:00.000-05:00

Denise Cassidy photo by mark j. davio

Thank you to everyone who came out to see me Saturday. Your support was welcomed. Thank you.

I have several events going on and coming up that I felt I would share with you. Please come out to the Art Fairs this year. Hope to see you there.

Until then, check out my exhibit at Oakwood Medical Center (see below).

~Denise Cassidy

Arts for the Spirits Exhibit

at Oakwood Medical Center in Dearborn.

When: January-March 2012. (Ongoing)

*Fourteen paintings are exhibited and for sale.

*A portion of sales will support the Arts for the Spirit Program.

Summer Art Fairs:

Art Birmingham May 26 & 27 2012

Plymouth Art in the Park July 13, 14, 15 2012

Milford Memories August 10, 11, 12 2012

Rochester Arts and Apples September 7, 8, 9 2012

See more about Denise Cassidy at Internal Bloom

Painting techniques from....a student?

2012-01-24T01:17:00.001-05:00

1.) Doing Painting = Seeing Paintings Better

Although I'm technically the director of Art & Ideas and more of a writer than anything else, this month I sat in on a couple of Shaqe's "Traditional Fine Art" classes on Tuesday mornings. It was tough following all her directions with my shaky hand when painting a landscape and a still life, but I think my work came out OK. Plus I found there were extra benefits...

Last Friday I went to the new Univ. of Michigan Museum of Art -- and was surprised. I found I was noticing subtleties I'd never noticed, even in some old paintings I might have simply glanced at in the past. My recent experience of creating a painting, mixing the colors, etc., allowed me see techniques and effects in paintings I wouldn't have noticed otherwise. I didn't even have time to get through even half the museum because I was constantly stopping, pausing, going back, re-looking, etc.

ART & ideas

CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY & STUDIO

LECTURES / CLASSES / WORKSHOPS / CREATIVE COACHING

"where Art makes Meaningful Connections"

15095 Northville Rd., Plymouth, MI 48170

734-420-0775

Saturday 1-7pm, and by appointment

www.artandideasgallery.com

Art & Ideas on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Plymouth-MI/ART-IDEAS-Contemporary-Art-Gallery-Studio/239035444250?ref=ts

Art & Ideas on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ARTandIDEASmi

Shaqe's personal website: www.imshacha.com

Freed from Fear by Mark J. Davio

2012-01-23T17:46:00.000-05:00

Freed from Fear

by Mark J. Davio

Boats at seas horizon

upon white sandy beaches, I stroll

my feel tickled by sand

gently I rise above the waves

crashing upon the beach

as if I were in space — weightless

floating, looking down

from her I see

tiny granules of sand, though none alike

the less I saw

the less I feared.

Feared?

Afraid of what?

Just what is this fear I’m facing?

Mind hectic, mind racing

but no I float

freed from the bondage of external forces

internally synch-defied, unified.

As one with the ocean, her tidal pulls

me into and spits me out of

this cosmic swirl — I fell

basked beneath the burning sun

today, I awakened my spirit,

today, I revived my soul.

For today I faced

the fear that haunted

me to extremity

but today,

today,

I am free.

Mark J. Davio

Namaste, Peace to All