Fiction
Golconda (It's Raining Men)
Introduction This is just a series of observations on this painting and its influence on me and others, flying off in many directions. An obvious choice of music is "It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls but I saw that someone said that "It's Raining Men" and "Let The Bodies Hit The Floor" are just observations on the same event from different perspectives. Two very different types of music, I do like both songs although Drowning Pool's song may not be to everyone's taste as it is loud and violent.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 3 years ago in Art
A Stormy Night's Dream
The colorized photo above shows the grandchildren of Maggie L. Walker (1864-1934), an American entrepreneur of Virginia who chartered a bank in 1903. When the stock market crashed in 1929, Ms. Walker saved her bank by merging with another and becoming the Consolidated Bank and Trust Company. It was considered to be the longest operating African American banking institution. (“Maggie Lena Walker: Civil Rights Activist and Entrepreneur | American Masters | PBS” 2020)
By D. ALEXANDRA PORTER3 years ago in Art
Top 10 Facts About Beauty
Humans have been captivated by the concept of beauty for centuries. Beauty is a fascinating and subjective concept. Physical attractiveness, inner qualities, and cultural perceptions are all included. The following ten fascinating facts about beauty reveal its diverse nature and significance in society.
By Muhammad Ali3 years ago in Art
From Idea to Manuscript: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a Book. Content Warning.
Introduction: Writing a book is a journey of creativity, perseverance, and self-expression. Whether you aspire to write a novel, memoir, or non-fiction work, the process can be both exhilarating and challenging. This comprehensive article serves as a practical guide, offering valuable insights and step-by-step instructions on how to write a book. From generating compelling ideas to outlining your book, from crafting the first draft to refining and polishing the final manuscript, we explore essential techniques that can empower aspiring authors to bring their literary visions to life.
By Pepe Magic3 years ago in Art
Perhaps Asymmetry is not All Bad
"I admit I struggle with asymmetry. Yet every room in my house has a different sized Mondrian on the wall. There is the large one above the mantle, the small one behind the sink in the kitchen, and the actual sized replica above the toilet. There are different sizes with different amounts of fading throughout the house. The painting, oil on canvas, seems rudimentary to some and life changing to others. It is always a focal point of my class on art history, and if I could take you all to Zurich, I would." Amos Smith, associate professor of art at the University of Texas, addressed a room full of students just starting Art History.
By Noah Glenn3 years ago in Art
The Little Match Girl's Journey to the Stars
Once upon a time, in a frost-covered city during the holiday season, there lived a young girl named Amelia. She was known as the little match girl, for her father, a struggling chimney sweep, had assigned her the task of selling matches to help support their meager existence. Amelia was a frail and timid child, often overlooked by the bustling crowds that hurried through the icy streets. Her tattered clothing did little to shield her from the biting cold, and hunger gnawed at her tiny frame. Despite her hardships, she possessed a heart filled with innocence and a vivid imagination that transported her to a world of wonder. On a bitterly cold Christmas Eve, as darkness settled upon the city, Amelia embarked on her familiar route. She carried a small bundle of matches, her only hope of earning a few pennies to buy food for herself and her father. The biting wind whipped through the deserted streets, chilling her to the bone. Desperate to escape the cold, Amelia huddled in a narrow alleyway. With trembling hands, she struck a match against the rough surface, seeking solace in the fleeting warmth and the comforting glow it provided. As the flame danced before her, it transformed into a beautiful vision of a festive Christmas tree, adorned with sparkling lights and delicate ornaments. Lost in the enchanting sight, Amelia imagined a world where she was surrounded by love and warmth. She could almost hear the joyful laughter and the ringing of bells. But as quickly as the match ignited, the flame vanished, leaving her alone in the darkness once more. Determined to experience the warmth again, Amelia struck another match. This time, she saw a table covered with a feast fit for a king. Succulent roasted meats, steaming vegetables, and delectable treats adorned the table. The aroma of the imaginary feast filled her senses, offering a momentary respite from her hunger and deprivation. But as the match burned out, the feast disappeared, leaving only the chill of reality. With tears streaming down her cheeks, Amelia struck another match, yearning for a glimpse of comfort and love. This time, she saw a vision of her dear departed mother, her face radiating love and tenderness. The matchlight illuminated her gentle smile, bringing solace to Amelia's aching heart. Reluctant to let the vision fade, Amelia struck the remaining matches, one after another, basking in the glow that transported her to a world of hope and happiness. She saw the warmth of a crackling fireplace, the laughter of children playing in the snow, and the embrace of a loving family. But as each match burned out, reality cruelly returned. Amelia found herself alone, shivering in the freezing cold. With no matches left, she had nothing but the harsh reality of her impoverished life. Her dreams had offered fleeting moments of solace, but they could not erase the painful truth. As the city awakened to a new day, passersby discovered Amelia's lifeless body in the alleyway. The little match girl had succumbed to the unforgiving cold, her delicate spirit unable to withstand the harshness of her existence. Yet, in the heavens above, Amelia's soul found solace. She was embraced by her mother, their love eternal. Together, they watched over the city, witnessing the compassion that stirred within people's hearts. Moved by the little match girl's tragic tale, the city banded together, vowing to never let another child suffer in such a way. Amelia's story echoed through the generations, becoming a symbol of the hardships faced by the less fortunate during the holiday season. It served as a poignant reminder to extend a helping hand to those in need, to spread love and kindness to all. The city transformed, with shelters and programs established to provide warmth
By JAHID BIN ALAM3 years ago in Art
Whispers of the Heart: A Journey of Unbreakable Bonds. Content Warning.
The sun's golden rays spilled through the lace curtains, casting a warm glow in the cozy living room. In that room, the air was thick with anticipation and emotions. It was a place where stories were shared, tears were shed, and laughter echoed through the walls. This was the home of the Johnson family, and their journey of unbreakable bonds was about to unfold.
By Able Johnson3 years ago in Art
The Luminous Path: Embracing the Magic Within
Once upon a time, in the quaint village of Evergreen Hollow, there lived a young girl named Aurora. With her fiery red hair and eyes that sparkled like stardust, she possessed an enchanting spirit that radiated warmth and curiosity. Yet, deep within her heart, Aurora felt a yearning—an inexplicable pull toward something greater.
By Giovanni Thomlinson3 years ago in Art
The Last Armada
The Earth's Ecosystems had worked perfectly until the twentieth century. Things had begun to deteriorate with the industrial revolution and then discover that coal and fossil fuels could be burned to drive mill wheels previously driven by water.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 3 years ago in Art
Love's Priceless Gifts
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of London, there lived a young couple named Emily and Thomas. They were deeply in love, but they were also struggling with financial difficulties. Despite their limited means, their love for one another burned brightly, and they found joy in the simple pleasures of life. As the holiday season approached, Emily and Thomas longed to give each other a special gift to celebrate their love. However, their pockets were empty, and they couldn't afford to buy anything extravagant. Undeterred by their circumstances, they resolved to find a way to make their Christmas memorable. Emily had a beautiful collection of handcrafted earrings that she treasured dearly. They were her most prized possession. Meanwhile, Thomas owned a vintage leather jacket that he cherished, passed down to him by his late father. Each of them knew the significance of these items, but they were willing to sacrifice them to make the other happy. Emily came up with an idea. She decided to sell her beloved earrings to a jeweler in order to buy a leather strap for Thomas' treasured watch. She knew how much he cherished that watch, and she wanted to enhance its beauty and meaning. With a heavy heart, she bid farewell to her earrings and received a modest sum of money in return. Meanwhile, Thomas was determined to buy Emily a stunning hairpin adorned with precious stones. He knew how much she loved to style her hair and thought the hairpin would be the perfect gift. He scoured the city, searching for someone who would be interested in buying his cherished leather jacket. On Christmas Eve, both Emily and Thomas anxiously prepared to exchange their gifts. Emily held the leather strap for the watch, while Thomas clutched the exquisite hairpin. Their hearts were filled with love and anticipation. Little did they know that fate had a surprise in store for them. When Emily opened her gift and saw the leather strap, she felt a mix of joy and sadness. Her heart ached as she realized that Thomas had sold his precious leather jacket, which she had secretly admired. However, she put on a brave face, not wanting to dampen the moment for Thomas. Thomas, too, felt a pang of sadness when he saw the hairpin. He had sold his cherished leather jacket without knowing that Emily had parted with her treasured earrings. Nevertheless, he smiled warmly, wanting to show Emily that their love was more valuable than any material possession. In that tender moment, they understood the true essence of their love. It wasn't about the gifts they had exchanged or the possessions they had given up. It was about the depth of their commitment and the selflessness they shared. Emily and Thomas embraced, their hearts intertwined in a moment of pure connection. They realized that they were each other's greatest gifts, and their love surpassed any material wealth. They laughed through their tears, appreciating the irony of the situation. From that day forward, Emily's collection of earrings grew, and Thomas' leather jacket became a cherished memory. They valued their modest possessions, knowing that their love was the most precious gift they could ever receive. Their story spread throughout the city, reminding everyone of the true spirit of Christmas and the power of selfless love. Emily and Thomas lived a long and fulfilling life together, always cherishing the memory of that unforgettable Christmas and the lessons it taught them. They became known as the couple who exemplified that love was worth more than any material possession—a testament to the enduring power of the human heart. And so, their story became a timeless tale, inspiring generations to prioritize love and kindness above all else, particularly during the holiday season. Years passed, and Emily and Thomas continued to thrive in their love for one another. They faced life's challenges with resilience and unwavering support, always finding solace in their deep bond. Their story became legendary, not only in London but across the world, as an embodiment of the true meaning of love and sacrifice. As their love grew, so did their fortunes. Emily's talent for creating exquisite jewelry gained recognition, and she became a renowned artisan, crafting unique pieces that captured the essence of love and devotion. Thomas, on the other hand, pursued his passion for restoring vintage garments, eventually opening his own boutique that attracted patrons from far and wide. Despite their newfound success, Emily and Thomas remained grounded, never forgetting the humble beginnings of their love story. They actively sought ways to give back to their community, organizing charity events and donating their time and resources to those in need. Their acts of kindness and generosity inspired others to follow in their footsteps, creating a ripple effect of compassion and goodwill. Years later, as they celebrated another joyous Christmas together, Emily and Thomas reflected on the journey they had embarked upon. They marveled at the twists and turns of fate that had brought them from a place of scarcity to one of abundance. They realized that the true magic of their story lay not in the material possessions they had acquired but in the love and unity they had nurtured. In their hearts, they carried the spirit of that fateful Christmas, the memory of sacrificing cherished items for the sake of love. It served as a constant reminder that the true value of any gift lay in the intention and meaning behind it. They cherished their leather strap and the hairpin as tokens of their enduring love, symbols of the selflessness they had displayed so long ago. Emily and Thomas continued to inspire others with their tale of love, resilience, and compassion. They became mentors to young couples, sharing their wisdom and encouraging them to embrace the true essence of giving. Their love story became a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, love could conquer all. As the years passed, Emily and Thomas left a profound impact on the world. Their names became synonymous with love and kindness, forever etched in the annals of history. Their story transcended time and place, continuing to touch the hearts of those who heard it. And on every Christmas Eve, as families gathered around to exchange gifts and celebrate the season, the story of Emily and Thomas would be shared once again. It served as a reminder that the greatest gift one could give was not found in the material realm but in the boundless depths of the human heart.
By JAHID BIN ALAM3 years ago in Art
THE OCEAN
Once upon a time, in a small coastal village, there lived a man named Ben. From the moment Ben laid eyes on the ocean, he felt an indescribable emotional pull. The crashing waves, the briny scent, and the vastness of the sea stirred something deep within his soul.
By Unknown for betterment3 years ago in Art
