The Five Rings

I've been tidying up among papers and things, and in one pile I found this note where I had written down this:

1. Do not think dishonestly.
2. The Way is in the training.
3. Become aquainted with every art.
4. Know the Ways of all professions.
5. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldy matters.
6. Develop intuitive judgement and understanding for everything.
7. Percieve those things which cannot be seen.
8. Pay attention even to trifles.
9. Do nothing which is of no use.

This is from "A Book Of Five Rings - the classic guide to strategy" by Miyamoto Musashi

This is really about japanese swordfighting - Kendo, but I think these words can be used and interepreted in everyday life.

Info:
Born in 1584, Miyamoto Musashi was destined to become one of Japan's most renowned warriors. He was Samurai and, by the age of 30, had fought and won more than 60 contests by killing all of his opponents. Satisfied that he was invincible, Musashi then turned to formulating his philosophy of "the Way of the sword." He wrote 'A Book Of Five Rings' (Go Rin No Sho) while living in a cave in the mountains of Kyushu a few weeks before his death in 1645.

The philosophy behind this book is influenced by Zen, Shinto, and Confucianism - can be applied to many areas of life other than Kendo. For example, many entrepreneurial Japanese businessmne use it today as a guide for business practice, running sales campaigns like military operations with the same energy that motivated Musashi.
In Japan he is known as Kensei or "sword-saint". Though the facts of his life might suggest to some readers that he was a cruel and merciless man, in fact, Musashi relentlessly pursued and honest ideal, and its truth emerges from A Book Of Five Rings.

The book I have used as source was printed in 2001, but translated by Victor Harris in 1974.

Under the weather

I've been feeling a bit under the weather the last couple of days so I've been resting
but I can't just do nothing.

So I did finish these little silly ones yesterday, and now they live in a paper bag until I've taken their photos, written their bio and added to a shop.

Today I want to get well, preferably yesterday...
Oh well, rest handiwork and pride & prejudice (for the 20th time) will do the trick.
Be well!

My friend KittyBallistic featured my hairpins the other day. Yay for her!
Here's her blog: http://kittyballisticscreations.blogspot.com/

Oh, I'll add the daily note from the universe:

What if funky, confusing, gray, lonely days were just part of a "system" that, in turn, created bright, rich, happy, friendly days?

What if they were just meant to give deeper elements of your creativity a rest?

What if they were deliberately crafted holidays, of a sort, devised by your inner psyche to relieve you from the pressure of artificial expectations?

Would you still bemoan them, wonder what's wrong with you, or fear that they'll never end?
Or, would they kind of tickle you pink?

You party animal, you -
The Universe

:)

today

Made a few flower brooches

Mom got me this beautiful book about Karin Larsson - the wife of Swedish artist Carl Larsson. She made a lot of handicrafts and was also very good at painting and such. Very inspiring book
( "The world of Karin Larsson"):

I got this Selvedge magazine - it's the november/december-issue 2009, but beautiful as always:

The new VivaLaModa online magazine is now available to read here: http://www.vivalamoda.co.cc

filled with fashion, handmade and inspiration.

I also happened *ahem* to buy a little piece of fabric.. So I think I'll get some sewing done. High time for new a collection!
So, cheerio for now then!

Wish, from the Daily Om

January 15, 2010
http://www.dailyom.com/

~:Wish:~

A Magical Mind From blowing dandelion seeds into the air to throwing a penny into a fountain, we have all felt inspired to make a wish, to whisper our secret desires into the ears of the universe and wait for signs that we have been heard. Some wishes come true while others remain ethereal visions that either stay with us or fade like a star in the light of morning. Whether they come true or not, wishes are important missives, expressing our heart’s desire as well as our intention to create something new in our lives. When we wish for something, our consciousness opens to receiving it, like a flower unfolding its petals to receive a bee.

There is something innocent and magical about making a wish, something that recalls the energy of childhood. Wishing is not about formulating a plan and following it step by step to attain a goal, which is the realm of adulthood. Wishing is more like a playful volley across the universe, an invitation to play. Waiting for the response is an integral part of the process. Wishing inspires an innocent opening to the possibility of magic as we wait to see if the invisible realm will bring our wish to life. This opening is a beautiful gesture in and of itself, regardless of the outcome. We place ourselves in a magical mind, and this mind is arguably as wonderful as the fulfillment of our wish itself.

In our straightforward, action-oriented society, we may tend to dismiss the power of this seemingly passive process, yet the power of a wish is well known, hence the cautionary phrase, “Be careful what you wish for.” If you have given up wishing in favor of more adult pursuits, you might want to bring its magic back into your life. The next time you see the first star of the evening, or find yourself in front of a birthday cake covered in flaming candles, give yourself the gift of the magical realm that you knew so well as a child—close your eyes, open your mind, and make your wish.

http://www.dailyom.com/

tiny note

Been making an ad for VivaLaModa online magazine, and now also put labels on my posts here on my blog. So now I can tick off those boxes.

Time for an evening snack methinks!

Wednesday thoughts

The candles have burned out for the evening and it is past midnight. I've been working at home today and even though I have been sewing on beads to flower brooches for hours and hours, I think I should've finished more of them.. Oh well, at least I finished a big bunch.

Today:

glass beads, thread, crocheted flower brooches, Tati's "My Uncle", The house of Eliott, grilled veggies, coffee, Tess (D'Uberville - BBC series, & also crying over the story since it is so tragic, yet good), Midsomer Murders, candles, tea, yarn, computer, facebook, plurk, gmail, beautiful snow, laundry, squeaking footsteps on cold & snowy ground, sleepy...


g'night.

* Sale all over the place! *

* Sale all over! *
La la la lalaa

~:Artfire:~

~:Dawanda:~

~:Etsy:~

~:Signerat.se:~

Yes, well enough of that shouting for now..

Widget!

I just have to mention this very funny and cute blog - Widget's Year. There's a photo each day with the little sock bunny Widget's adventures, and all of his friends of course! I love the photos and to see what he's up to. Pop by, it will cheer you up - guaranteed!
or the Widget and Friends Blog will do the trick

You can buy your very own little creature at Widget and friends at Folksy
http://www.folksy.com/shops/TheWarren

If you're curious on the maker of all this cuteness, go to The Bunny Maker's Blog

REA! / SALE! 25% off!

Indeed! I have decided that it is out with the old and in with the new,
and therefore
all items in my Artfire shop are 25% off!

So run over there and grab what you fancy before it is too late!

*OBS! Om du bor i Sverige och hellre vill betala via Plusgiro så går det ochså bra,
hör bara av dig - antingen via Artfire eller på info[at]jenkarlsson.se*