(July 2/16) A Murder of (Counting) Crows…Beware the Dream Killers”

Context:

As often happens, something occurs to me, I write about it, and–shortly thereafter–I stumble upon a writing that ties so well to my theory…

(My thoughts certainly aren’t original, but I enjoy exploring them in creative ways once they take centre stage in my mind).

Familiar with the expression, but not its origins, I discovered this gem as I neared the end of today’s post…

“Oscar Wilde observed that, ‘Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life’.  As in an example posited by Wilde,  although there has been fog in London for centuries, one notices the beauty and wonder of the fog because ‘poets and painters have taught the loveliness of such effects…They did not exist till Art had invented them’.” (Life Imitating Art, Wikipedia)

Hello, Wonder-fuls!  It seems to me that, to mainstream-society’s detriment, it becomes easier and easier to be influenced by celebrity-worship…and by superficial, counter-productive attempts to imitate and capitalise on it.

This is an arguable assertion given that–akin to the cautionary fairy-tale, “The Emperor’s New Clothes”–being-famous-for-being-famous is an increasingly-accepted oxymoron.

In the absence of critical thinking, circular logic rallies round the–“fortune favours the bold”– bluffs that allow for the (dead) ends to justify the meanies …

And, age-old smoke and mirrors antics–re-branded Smokin’ (Hot) Mirrors–purport to reflect the best and brightest that humanity has to offer…

How is this achieved?  A simplified (and, somewhat tongue-in-cheek) explanation follows….

Weed out any remaining traces of  hippy-dippy peace, love, and happiness ideologies…

Create a redefined high-on-life buzz,

kill broad conceptions of excellence by appropriating beauty and unity…

then, in a Kruel 2 B Kind rewind, market cruel-as-cool; and–after vilifying and fact-shaming compassion and encouragement–exile these virtues to  the Island of Misfit Ploys…

What’s left is a reductive, exclusionary, oxymoronic size zero-window-of opportunity.

Think of it this way…

When you wish upon a star, the star’s dreams come true–not yours…not mine…

(And, in time, fame’s toll reveals itself–even as we delude ourselves that we would’ve managed so much better than the chosen ones).

And, not to beat a dead horse, but…

Visiting Kentucky won’t make you Colonel Sanders (there’s no such thing as a free lunch), wearing a derby (with track pants) won’t make you classy, and riding someone else’s coat-tails won’t make you a jockey…

In other words, you can’t make it into the winner’s circle without doing the hard work it takes…

Follow your bliss, and your time will come 🙂

So don’t go chasing, Wonder-fuls….…I get that so many are “(Mr.) Jonesin’–me” included…

“We want to big stars but we don’t know why and we , don’t know how”

…in our weakened states we tell ourselves that, “when everyone loves me, I’ll be happy as I can be”…

Instead, let’s believe in those who believe in us…and believe in those who forge their own paths….

Let’s support efforts (throughout the stages) that serve authenticity–not soul-crushing, competitive  illusions of perfection…

You are so amazing, I’ve seen it for myself…you are going to be a huge success in your own right (whatever that means to you)!

So, at the risk of being accused of being hypocritical, I leave you with this encouragement….with chin up, shoulders back, and confident eye contact, walk like a prediction! 🙂

God Bless You 🙂

Greater Context:  A flock of crows is called a murder  (and, is also the title of a great book); The Counting Crows is band; a common example of an oxymoron is jumbo-shrimp; “Mr. Jones” is one of The Counting Crows’ hits; b) jonesing–is slang for “needing a fix”–as in, “I’m jonesin’ for a new outfit”; c) “Mr Jones and me…we want to be big stars…when everybody loves me…” are lyrics from that song); smoke and mirrors is an expression (inspired by the–now you see it, now you don’t–magician’s distraction); cruel to be kind is an old expression and a 1979 hit by Nick Lowe; misfit ploys is a play on Island of Misfit Toys (in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer); The Kentucky Derby is a world-renowned and prestigious horse race; “(Don’t Go Chasing) Waterfalls” was a (cautionary) 1995 hit by trio, TLC.; and “Walk Like An Egyptian” is a 1986 hit by female band, The Bangles.

 

46 thoughts on “(July 2/16) A Murder of (Counting) Crows…Beware the Dream Killers””

  1. You are so creative Truly, I love how you wove examples of pop culture throughout this piece. Yes, let’s support each other, let’s motivate each other. You are a wonderful example of encouragement and you also inspire. I love your writing.

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    1. I saw this after I wrote you about being sick of my writing voice…I’m not sure if you’d read my comment prior to writing what you wrote about my post…but, either way, bless your heart. Thank you for your compassion, understanding, and willingness to encourage me whether I am feeling joyful or finding my way back to solid ground….you are such a generous soul 🙂

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  2. Wow, I loved this.

    I believe it was Jim Carrey who said (and I may be butchering it) that he wished that everyone could become rich and famous and get everything that they ever wanted so that they could see that it isn’t The Answer.

    And that is often what people are chasing, fame and fortune, and yet, they’re not sure why. They believe that at that moment, when they acquire loads of money and notoriety they will be fulfilled, because that is the lie that mass media is often feeding people; and although I’m neither rich nor famous, I already know that that is not what a person should be chasing. I get genuinely bummed out knowing that there are actually people out there that have no goal besides getting “rich and famous,” no passion, no skill. They want to be socialites, they want to be “famous for being famous,” an oxymoron that I am just baffled is accepted so widely and is given any attention at all.

    I don’t know where I was going with this haha, but I really loved this one. And I also really enjoyed the TLC reference.

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    1. It is the highest compliment that you “don’t know where you were going with this” (although, you make perfect sense) because that means you were inspired to have thoughts that might not have occurred in the way that they did….this conversation is unique to you and I….we are having a meeting of the minds…and, yes I heard Jim Carey speak of the illusion of fame….I think that people mistake lots of other things (celebrity included) for their yearning to love and be loved…and for their urge to make the world a better place…however, we are inundated with misleading promises and directives and messages, and these include deliberate strategies meant to trigger insecurities…which serves to boost economic drives…anyway there I go, on a tangent….thank you for your praise and appreciation….I think you might know how much it means….especially at a time when I wonder if readers are getting bored with my same old delivery…however, once I start writing, I can’t help but indulge in wordplay and pop references…they just fit…. thank you for being you….you inspire me to keep being me 🙂

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      2. Not trying to be rude and “eavesdrop,” but I’m loving this conversation. It was something you hit on in your post that made the wheels of my mind spin as well. “I think that people mistake lots of other things (celebrity included) for their yearning to love and be loved…” #truth

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      3. Oh my gosh…you are not “eavesdropping” at all…that’s what this means of communication is all about…it is so wonderful that you are sharing and getting where we are coming from–and going…the more, the merrier….I am so excited for all of us to connect with each other….we were destined to meet…you are fitting in seamlessly, and are welcome any time….I love that you love this conversation and I love what you have added 🙂

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      4. Conversation is such a strange artform over the interwebs, lol. Although it’s been made to be…easier with ‘likes’ ‘tweets’ and ‘memes’…you never quite know when your showing bad manners! 😛

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      5. Well, just so you know, as far as I go, when I communicate on line, it is an invitation for anyone to feel included–if I had something private to say to someone, I wouldn’t post it for all to see…I love that you “spoke up” and look forward to my friends becoming friends with my other friends 🙂

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      6. It’s Oct 8/16, and I’m trying to find you…with no success…clicking on your icon isn’t working…if you get this, can you message back…I am thinking of you and want to read your posts and see what’s new. I was disconnected for a couple months, and am back in the swing of things…and would love to reconnect 🙂

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      7. Hi Truly it’s nice to hear from you. I’m flattered that you’ve kept a place for my blog in your thoughts! I’ve actually segued away from wordpress.org to my very own .com! I’ve fallen in love with the blogosphere and want to take my blog further. However, I will be sharing here on WordPress some of the creative projects I’m engaged in connected to my blog. I’m glad you are also back to WordPress, and I look forward to catching up!

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    1. You are just the sweetest….thank you for your unfailing appreciation and super-kind comments…they really do warm my heart and boost my confidence and sense that I am contributing something that matters….it is so easy for me to see the gifts of others, but I tend to take my own for granted sometimes….and forget that it is my intention to contribute to the good that matters…all I can do is my best, and not judge myself 🙂 Thank you so much ❤

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    2. It’s Oct 8/16, and I am thinking of you–but, when I click on your icon, it says your cite is no longer available….if you get this, can you respond so that we can reconnect….I value you so much and would love to catch up on your posts (I was disconnected for a couple months, but I’m back and grateful for my blogging friends 🙂

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  5. Murder is a really cantankerous collective noun wordy thing…crows it fits well but I oft, and possibly incorrectly, to overuse adverbs, apply it to politicians…..especially of late when it comes to Brexit MPs who now scatter far and wide saying I’ve procured a problem that I’ve no idea how to fix….post forthcoming upon matters comedic….

    I believe I have the very CD from whence Mr Jones is tracked….and was, back in the day, a fan of a certain geriatric homeguard series in which the butcher come corporal had, coincidentally, the very same name…although the actor was Clive Dunn…not nearly so coincidental 🤔

    I heartily concur, my zany, friend..note…no reference to madness and tea parties….that the world is turning while our beds are burning the Midnight Oil….and folk just want the quick route to fame and fortune. It is why lotteries are so popular….and gambling…reality to shows and…ah yes…my soap box….

    Me…I’d like a book published…simples…none of your fame and fortune…us introverts don’t like that sort of thing…work hard and achieve well….or…enter the vanity press and do it the easy way….but at considerable cost….but is that not what they are called vanity press for?

    Fabulous post once more my friend….keep up the fine work 😊

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    1. I always love your comments…obviously, they are kind and flattering and encouraging…but, I also appreciate that you share things about yourself…and I find that fascinating and entertaining….our friendship deepens as a result….and, yes…lotteries and gambling and (un)reality shows….and, I’m with you….I want to be a published (and successful) author, but none of the fame….that would be a nightmare 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to support me…:)

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      1. Comments I treat as potential conversations, an engaging form of interaction…mind you I ramble too!! This you might have ascertained already 😜
        Published…yes, ran over the first six chapters of the proofers changes today….getting closer to having something to send out now….scary 😱

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      2. Oh, wow….I am sending you positive and warm vibes and prayers that you will feel a sense of peace….you are doing it–you are persevering where others would buckle under the pressure….on the other side of all this angst is your dream come true….and it is going to happen, big time! 🙂

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      3. I don’t know about big time but the aim is to hold a book and say “I made that!” Still scary though and you thoughts are always a huge boost so thank you 💐

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  6. With each piece of writing, you create the gift of disillusioned disjointed clarity. You make us think; you make us smile; you make us think some more. Your wit and wisdom intertwine creating philosophical messages dealing with reality and the “make believe.” Distinguishing between the two can be confusing, but then again, can be confusing in real life as well. Keep sharing these wonderful messages to stimulate the dormant neurons in our craniums caused by our dependence on television and social media.

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    1. At the risk of TMI (too much information), you brought tears to my eyes….it is soooooo validating to be understood…I have been fighting self-doubt of late….and, the wordplay comes easy, but weaving it into a cohesive and eclectic tapestry can tax my brain and challenge my own understanding when anxieties tug at the forefront of my mind. I am driven to write from the heart, and this is how it translates…I could write in a straightforward manner, but it doesn’t feed my creativity. Thank you for your kind, kind words…you get me, and appreciate me, and that is a gift in and of itself…P.S. I am copying your assessments into my journal (eg. “the gift of disillusioned disjointed clarity”)….I will read, and re-read as needed….thank you so much! I have the best supporters in each and every person who lets me know they like what I have to say!

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      1. Your style and creativity brings a perspective from “outside the box.” In a world that promotes an “in the box” philosophy, it is truly a breath of fresh air. Never get “sucked” into the world of conformity. You add great balance to the world.

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      1. Glad you enjoyed it. The best oxymoron I ever experienced was a one man play called, “The Male Intellect, An Oxymoron.” Funniest experience of my life. Click the link below and be prepared to LAUGH A LOT!

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      2. Utterly fantastic!!!! Again, you broaden my horizons and share something that brightens my day….of course, it will come as no surprise that I love the way he thinks and shares….there’s nothing like a sense of humour to brighten my days 🙂 Thank you! 🙂

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  7. I’m just having all sorts of 90s flashbacks…anyway. I like the positivity in this; it reminds me of a mix of a TEDx talk about self-confidence and an iconic line from the anime series Gurenn Lagann. If we can’t believe in ourselves, believe in those who believe in us.

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment….it is very flattering and much appreciated….I love your frame of reference–although, to be honest, I am unfamiliar with all but a rudimentary conception of anime (big eyes, primary colours, Asian inspired cartoons?) Sorry if my ignorance offends…I don’t mean to butcher what I know to be a hugely popular genre, but, as I said, my experience is limited in that regard. I will Google “Gurenn Lagann” and broaden my horizons 🙂 Also, I am “following” you and have commented on a post…one of many I look forward to reading. Your blog is fascinating and entertaining….thanks, again 🙂

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    2. For some reason, I can’t seem to reach your cite/blog….if you get this, can you message me (just acknowledge this comment) and hopefully that will do the trick…I look forward to catching up on your posts 🙂

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      2. Hi, there…so, I can reach you by clicking on the address you’ve provided…for some reason, I can’t connect when I click on certain icons, but most others, I can….thanks for responding…I will be right over 🙂

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  8. Your play on words is so delightful! This is a unique style of writing I’ve only vaguely encountered, and it’s poetic yet articulate at the same time. Beautiful work!

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    1. Why, thank you so very, very much for taking to time to read my post…such high praise….I really appreciate your feedback…your kindness and positive regard is not something I take lightly 🙂

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  9. Incredibly clever writing and very profound thinking. Have read and re-read this post and shall come back to read it some more, for, I’m sure I shall find something new in it again. That’s how complex and thought-provoking your writing is. Glad I visited and gladder I stayed, Gladdest to continue ‘following’ ! Have a wonderful day ahead and keep writing. 😀

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    1. Such heart-felt appreciation is humbling and heart-warming…and, more than I could have expected. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with me…I am honoured and humbled by your generosity. “See you” soon….and, again and again 🙂

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  11. This hit home, Truly – a truly original way to put it. Amazing work! I’m also sure that we can only find happiness being ourselves and striving to be our best. Some may be more successful (how to define success?), and some less. Nevertheless there may be no difference in the “level” of happiness reached.

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    1. Bless your heart…thank you for letting me know that you were impacted by my post…it is so gratifying to know that you appreciate the message (and the packaging it came in 🙂 ). And, I really like the way you summed up the main point…just wonderful. 🙂

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  12. I’ve been binge-reading your posts and I am enjoying every word and phrase. Think of a child being told they can’t have anymore cookies but, behind their parent’s back, swipes one off the granite and greedily stuffs it in his mouth. That’s how it feels to read your thoughts when I should really be sleeping, a guilty pleasure that, no matter how many times the cycle is repeated, is worth staying up for to savour every last crumb. Lovely.

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    1. You are speaking my language, and it is so wonderful to hear….thank you soooooo much for your fantastic comment….it’s made for the start to a bright morning….thank you for taking precious time and energy to read….utterly flattering and encouraging, and much appreciated 🙂

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