inspiration from jimmy george in '99

i have received three substantial talks in my life-

the 1st was at the national order of the arrow conference in indiana in 1990, i think it was. it was a boy scout deal and i listened w/ severe intensity to the talks given by mel, earl fenner, bo limbaugh, in regards to singing american indian music of the southern plains.

the third talk came this past year, over december holidays, and was an uplifting talk from mr. doug snyder.

the second is recorded here, on 10/6/99, while mr. jimmy george was giving me a ride home to j. molin's house, where i was living at the time:

I mean, I think Jimmy’s really on to something. It’s like, understanding that art is very important in this world, and pursuing it to no end. Perhaps it’s like observing those parts of the earth that are perhaps devoid of quality or art, placing judgements on those sorts of things, and realizing how monetarily poor those parts of the earth are. What I’m saying is, Jimmy’s no saint, but he’s paved a path for others to follow. Perhaps by listening to him and learning from him, you can also follow in that path, like one of those “10 ways to success” books, but it’s a real, living human in front of you, doing it.

So, you learn from your elders how to do things, and how to live, and how to think. Perhaps they are living some lie, too. They’re just passing on the lie to you. So, you work and raise a family. Where’s the art in your life? Where’s the thing you can share with others and bring them joy and love?

You have to slave at that job to buy the things you need, to be the “bread winner” for your family. But what if you took a chance, realizing that there was art in you, recognizing that it’s a gift you would be giving to the earth, and to its people, seeing that you aren’t being annoying, but giving, and giving up your job to pursue survival through that art.

Notice how I said survival. Lean times, indeed, ahead. Should one replace comfort for the pursuit of one’s art? But what about those credit card bills, and the kids to feed? When am I ever going to get some decent sleep?