May 26, 2003 - A

"An Examination Of Two Lives"

If there is anything in me that is of permanent worth and service to the universe, the universe will know how to preserve it. Horace J. Bridges

Thus declares Bridges, a man that prior to a web search, I knew nothing about. On the other hand, prior to watching Quills yesterday, I did know something of the man who is this movie's subject. The Marquis de Sade, an infamous French pornographer, has lasting immortality because the whole concept of Sadism, pleasure in sexual cruelity, is based on him.

However, when the Marquis de Sade died in 1814, he made a surprising last request for a man so wholly devoted to scandal and sensationalism: to be buried anonymously in a thicket, so that ''all traces of my tomb will disappear from the face of the earth, just as I hope all trace of my memory will be erased from the memory of men.'' Self-loathing evidently was the outcome and probable cause of his cruelity.

He did not get his final wish. Opinions are divided on whether he was the Devil's own mouthpiece, or misunderstood genius. His interests weren't the comparatively innocent standard whips and chains I'd previously suspected, however. ''Coprophilia, mutilation, necrophilia and pederasty are staples of Sade’s oeuvre.'' says the man who wrote the play and subsequent screen play about this man. A fascination with this repugnant man continues unabated.

Whether de Sade achieved infamy or fame is a matter of opinion.

Meanwhile, who was Horace J. Bridges? He wrote six books, the titles of which give an idea of his character: As I Was Saying; Aspects of Ethical Religion; Criticisms of Life; God of Fundamentalism & Others Studies; Humanity on Trial; and Taking the Name of Science in Vain. This was a man obviously concerned with ethical questions. He was involved with the Ethical Movement, a ''religious society imbued with the spirit of religion without its dogmas.''

Basically, few have heard of this man who tried to be a good man, and most have heard of the man who tried in every way NOT to be a good man. Bridges conviction in the justness of the universe may have only been a comforting fiction. However, some would say comforting fiction is one of the chief reasons for the existence of religion.

But the tale isn't done yet. We can't say throughly what is the total web of influence spanning forth from Bridges, and conversely from Sade. That our actions live on after we do is undisputable. Bridges goal of ''each of us, an original fountain of spiritual life pouring into others and quickening in them the responding spiritual life that is latent in them'' is meritorious.

I shall, in my own unique way, inspire to do likewise. Whether I am so trusting of the universe as Bridges, I can not say. My faith wavers. Yet, irregardless, I shall continue. I'll stand with Socrates, who Bridges quoted, who told those who condemned him to death: "I would rather die having spoken after my manner, than speak in your manner and live."

Socrates, who defended philosophical inquiry until his last moment of consciousness, certainly lives on in the minds of those who, like him, decry 'the unexamined life'. My own very, VERY examined life (and journal) continues.

 
May 26, 2003 - B

"Meow!"

We have enjoyed many movies this long weekend. As I have mentioned in this morning's entry, we saw Quills. Even though I find the Marquis de Sade reprehensible, Geoffry Rush, the actor who portrayed him, did a marvelous job of showing his repulsiveness yet retaining a strange allure. That takes great skill. Kate Winslett (who was in Titanic), the chamber maid he takes to, is sexy and pleasing. Joaquin Phoenix, (who played the crazy Emperor in Gladiator), did a marvelous job as the priest who loved the chambermaid, but kept his distance because of his priestly vows. And Michael Caine, as the doctor who tried to 'cure' Sade, does a chillingly convincing job of portraying a conventionally acceptable evil.

The movie makes a good point of asking the question, which is the worse evil: the one you can see from afar off and know it for what it is, or the sly and slippy one that hides under the guise of respectability? You can well imagine my answer. Though how much of what is depicted in this movie truly happened is questionable. The screenwriter admits to inventing much of it, in an attempt to convey the SPIRIT of the thing.

Anyway, Quills gets high points for being a thoroughly engaging and sometimes humorous portrayal of a time, a place and a man.

Adaptation, about Charlie Kauffman, a screenwriter with a case of mental block, was also mentally chewy in the same fashion as Quills. Nicolas Cage plays two twin screenwriting brothers, and is able to convey their uniqueness by acting ability alone. That takes skill. Meryl Streep does well as the author of the novel which Kauffman is attempting to dramatize. Chris Cooper depicts 'The Orchid Thief' with power and substance.

So we saw two films which challenge the viewer mentally. Then we saw CATS, a delightful musical about 'jellical' cats. This film was of the London stage rendition, and is one which may later find a place in our video library. I'm sure I will understand the lyrics more with repeated listenings. The soloists enunciate well, but choral efforts are sometimes muddied. It's not a great weakness, however, and the intriguing individuality of each of the Cats gives the show its charm. I want to play with those CATS again.

The most charismatic is Rum Tum Tugger, who 'does as he pleases'. John Partridge, who plays him, exhibits an irresistable sexyness. He has the perfect combination of joyful exuberant and athletic BADNESS. AND he can SING! He would be perfect to play Lestat in the upcoming musical The Vampire Lestat upon which Elton John and his team mates are working even as I type.

WILD, just the way I like it!

Partridge, without make-up, portraying 'Gringoire',
I've not seen the movie from which this character comes,
but doesn't he emanate a powerful vampiric presence?
BITE ME! Oooh!

Yes, I am having fun this long weekend!  
May 26, 2003 - C

"What Does This Mean?"

I haven't had one of those weird enigmatic poems in a while. So perhaps I'm due:

Self To Self Where now the dividing line? Do you think you can cross it? Will you know if you find it? Will tickling tremors of realization occur? The line is not so far as that. Turn around! Have I already crossed it? And what does this mean? How long will it take for me to figure it out?   Tickling tremors of realization tell me, ''It won't be long.'' JAL, 5 - 26 - 03

I shall ponder a while on the possible creepiness of that! Good night to all!

 
May 27, 2003

"The Hidden Sanctuary"

A reporter asked a small group of people various questions. Among them is this question:

Where do you go and what do you do for spiritual solace?

A variety of answers were given. Some people seek outside of themselves, in an external faith. Some people go to a favorite nature spot. Indeed, to be in such beautiful surroundings can be restorative. But these are not always available. Sometimes it is the deep retreat into oneself that can be the most renewing.

As I've done before, I'm going to quote from the Czech Unitarian minister Norbert Capek:

In the depths of my soul There where lies the source of my strength, Where the divine and the human meet, There, quiet your mind, quiet, quiet. Outside let lightning reign, Horrible darkness frighten the world. But from the depths of your own soul From that silence will rise again God's flower. Return to yourself, Rest in yourself, Live in the depths of your soul Where the divine and the human meet. Tune your heart to the eternal And in the depths of your own soul Your panting quiets down. Where the divine and the human meet, There is your refuge. Norbert Capek

This hidden sanctuary is always available if we know how to find it. Peace and comfort to all who wander here!

 
May 28, 2003 - A

"Angelic?"

Via one of my discussion groups, I've learned of yet another FUN QUIZ, Which ArchAngel are you most like?

My results: Gabriel You're most like the ArchAngel of Communication, in charge of things like telephones, libraries, internet, and the 411 phone menu. You're organised and are not shy about inflicting that organisation on others. Which ArchAngel are you most like? brought to you by Quizilla

I chuckle, for indeed I have contributed a LARGE pile of files to the internet, and they are mostly organized. I did re-arrange the ordering of my index page recently for greater clarity.

I could have ended up as Michael, who likes 'shiny things'. With my love of stainless steel mugs and plateware, and brass statues, and jewelry, oooh, I definitely like SHINY THINGS. But I'm not so fond of hitting people, though. No, it is well that I am like Gabriel.

I sat down and read Anne Rice's Vittorio in one sitting last night. Vittorio, who of course becomes a vampire, can see and talk with angels. Only they are not very nice, not nice at all.

Julia, who recently finished Rice's Memnoch The Devil, says their distinctly 'not nice' natures are further explained in that book. Perhaps I will venture into that book soon.

 
May 28, 2003 - B

"CRUSHing Disappointment"

On one of my many discussion groups, a woman writes, wanting 'a love spell'. Things get more complicated when the others learn the object of her yearning is an actor. From California, we can only assume this actor is quite famous.

One by one, the group members are giving their advice. I told her how I empathise, for I once had a similar crush. I was disappointed when my fan mail went unanswered. However, the famous get so much fan mail it's impossible for them to ever see it all. Everyone is advising her to look at prospects nearer to her in distance and station.

I also used to lust after fame, then I began to realize what it entails for those who have it. They don't have the freedom to just go anywhere they want, for they are easily recognized. Anything they do, reporters are there, cameras in hand, to seize upon it. The business of being famous can really get in the way of life.

So my humble lot in life has much to recommend it. I write from my serene 'mountain', untroubled by such difficulties. Sometimes we don't know how lucky we are.

A bit of inspiration came to me:

Are you there, in your golden cage? All fame and glamour to the world outside. Only you (and I) know it's a cage. How you'd like to fly free. But how the world wants to own you, pride of possession, as they exclaim your brightly colored feathers. You can only fly in your mind, and then the mood has to be right. Oh sweet bird, I have loved from afar all your pretty feathers. I know, I know. Can my thought-wing reach you, all alone in your golden cage? Surely you should hear my whispered words. If only you can. Thought-wing will keep on trying. I send love without demands, You have given so freely. I send love without demands. Maybe in some ethereal dimension you can know this. I will keep my faith strong. Do you hear, Do you feel, Do you? But you are there, in your golden cage. Not for one dime would I trade. (oh, I once thought I would.) The ultimate price is so much more. ''Come to your window!'' the public cries. Softer, I know, softer I whisper ''I wait for you to sing.'' I'll hear the hidden message. I know. So pretty bird, in your golden cage, I know. I, among the many clamoring for your song, I know. JAL, 5 - 28 - 03

 
May 30, 2003

"Odd And Mysterious Art"

In the movie Julia watched earlier about Hitler, we learned he had started out not with ambitions of world dominion, but of artistic creation. He, however, was not encouraged in these efforts. The author of One of my favorite web-stops, has given a link to some of Hitler's artistic efforts.

As is so characteristic of the human race, there exists a fascination with evil. A retired Air Force major, Charles E. Snyder, Jr., now runs a profitable business collecting Hitler's artwork, figured to be around 600 pieces total. One he offers at his site has a price tag of $49,999.99.

His work is of decent skill, but no great distinction. He preferred landscapes and architectural scenes. However, Hitler wasn't good at drawing people. In fact, he was denied admission to Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, because he failed his test drawings, all figure studies.

But this didn't stop him. In The Art of Evil, Mark Fisher declares:

Even as he hurled his nation into war, Hitler took the time to burnish his artistic credentials, designing his capital city, defining acceptable, "Aryan" art, declaring many modern works to be "degenerate" art by demented and subhuman artists.

[emphasis mine]
What offended Hitler most deeply was art that aimed to show the artist's state of mind rather than mirroring an external reality.

And, indeed, the most distinctive thing about his artwork is its strange absence of emotion. I wonder, if he had tried to show the evil within him, what would the artwork have looked like?

Would it have been a catharsis for him, and would it have kept him from pursuing evil in the outer world? This is all spectulation now. Meanwhile, the people come often to Snyder's business to buy Hitler's artwork. He doesn't ask why they want it, he just sells it.

But enough of that. I love work which shows the artist's state of mind. External reality I can get from photos or my own eyes. Give me something of deeper truth.

With that, I announce one of my own artistic creations. I've detailed its background alongside the piece itself.

It is born entirely from an internal reality, though I did use a few props from reality as a skeltal base.

This Flower Blooms For You

The beautiful pale creature holding the blue flower may be whispered images and voice from an astral visitor, or, more likely, he may be sprung entirely of my own consciousness, and BE my deeper self. Whatever the case, I embrace him and his flower.