Author Archives: the LIFESTYLE

The Porch Swing: WORD of the day

The Porch Swing artist residency series keeps rockin with Samuel Bostick’s WORD of the day creative writing project.. Installation Number 5: Discipline [Part II].

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Jim Natale.

Discipline n. 1) Training that is expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, esp training that produces moral or mental improvement. 2) Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training. 3) A systematic method to obtain obedience: a military discipline. 4) A state of order based upon submission to rules and authority. 5) A process intended to correct or train. 6) A set of rules or methods as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order. 7) A branch of knowledge or of teaching.

WORD of the day: Discipline [Part II]

Mind, Body & Soul; discipline is a revolutionary strength.

As the refining pot is to gold,

so is discipline to those who apply it, those who abide in it.

A disciplined mind; development of focus and concentration

A tool of unlimited potential!

A disciplined body; all great achievements are won through great effort

Order in the physical elements is key

A disciplined soul; I read once that a person without control over their own spirit

is like a city broken down without walls

Again, be a disciple to your cause. Submit yourself to the pursuit of the objective ahead.

The self, feelings an’ emotions are concepts. They arise and fall as any other sentiment in this impermanent place. An achievement cannot be taken from by anyone, it is a benchmark.

Do great things—go for the gold all day every day!

Still, be patient with yourself.

Discipline is not always easy and there will be times where you may consider throwing in the towel a time when the burden seems too heavy to bear.

Build a team, a strong core of individuals mobbing in a like minded way.

There is strength in numbers.

A wolf pack, a pride of lions, a battalion of goons…

take down the target!!

We must all run our own race, nobody can do it for you nor for me…still it is encouragement that we need sometimes…it is that one voice that says “you can do it” when we fall from glory and start to feel we can’t. Everyone needs a push, a dear companion in hard times is a great lifeline…trust in yourself, have faith in your teammates, pull your own weight, invest in your team… us versus them.                       Go for the grand prize.

Again, the self is the biggest opponent…discipline is the training needed to run the race                           the outcome will reflect the input.

Never give up, do not give in, find your passion-tie it to your heart and run with it, dare to try, have the audacity to challenge any obstacle, live your life according to your beliefs and convictions, be not afraid to make mistakes—take chances…be true and truth will be forever in your presence…                 overcome disbelief.

Triumph.

Reflection and Response.

Samuel Bostick

@THEREALSHANTS

the LIFESTYLE’s role is to create collective space for active Reflection and Response through the arts. This space is built around dialogue, expression, collaboration, and artistic (ex)change involving international craftspeople and their realities. The Porch Swing series opens up a Reflection and Response residency where we feature a Collective member’s ongoing project through weekly installations.

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Shake This Maze, 2nd Edition Pre-Release

Shake This Maze, 2nd edition. A couple months ago, we released the “First 50” units of Peter’s debut album, independently recorded, with back-to-the-basics handcrafted artwork. The second edition features another set of 50 individually numbered albums, with a new gold-anchored cover design.

We wanted to release a 2nd edition of Shake This Maze as a continuation of our collaborative project. Vicken takes the feel of the collaboration to a different level with the gold banner, which gives new character to the same musical content as the original edition.

This is the end of the beginning. Our first collaborative product, and it’s been a raw experience expanding our craft with you. Thank you all for the love and support!! We’re looking forward to building off this project as we move forward!

Stay tuned for the upcoming release of Shake This Maze, 2nd edition!!

Reflection and Response.

P & V.

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Talk of the Town: The Boundaries of Freedom? Part II

A few weeks back, Samuel and Vicken began a 2-part Talk of the Town called The Boundaries of Freedom? with an introductory look at Kanye West’s “Hell of a Life”. Today we have Part 2 of this discussion, which will open up the floor for analysis and dialogue in the comments section!

“Have you lost your mind? / Tell me when you think we crossed the line”

Considering the lyrical content of Kanye West’s track, “Hell of a Life,” what themes or practices does the artist call into question/critique? What is he saying about the constructed “boundaries” of freedom?

“How could you say they live they life wrong?”

From what lens is the track developed and is there an overall message?

– S & V

Reflection and Response.

The Talk of the Town series opens up dialogue motivated by questions, observations, and analysis that any person would like to bring to the Collective. ANYone who wants to craft a space for discussion on ANY topic can email us at the.lifestyle.rr@gmail.com. One question will be posted every other week, with dialogue following in the comments section below. Thank you and we look forward to building and expanding the Collective!!! – P & V

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Snapshots from the Collective

Untitled (Orixeira, Galicia, Spain) by Lorena Seone

El sol se va a dormir en Orixeira, un recondito lugar de Galicia.

-Lorena Seone

Reflection and Response.

The Snapshots From the Collective series works to create a space for Reflection and Response through photography. ANYone who wants to contribute ANY photos to this project can email us submissions at the.lifestyle.rr@gmail.com. One photo will be posted each week, and photos will only be used for the purposes of this series. Thank you and we look forward to building and expanding the Collective!!! -P & V

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The Porch Swing: WORD of the day

Reflection and Response resident artist Samuel Bostick hits with the 4th installment of his WORD of the day project at the LIFESTYLE Porch Swing!

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Jim Natale.

First and foremost I would like to thank you for stickin with me through this process and development. I have been encouraged by this and I pray yall have been too. That being said, lets jump into it…

Discipline: n. 1) Training that is expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, esp training that produces moral or mental improvement. 2) Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training. 3) A systematic method to obtain obedience: a military discipline. 4) A state of order based upon submission to rules and authority. 5) A process intended to correct or train. 6) A set of rules or methods as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order. 7) A branch of knowledge or of teaching.

WORD of the day: Discipline

Surrender, it starts with surrender; the action of submitting to a greater order—to a specific purpose or pursuit. Surrender the concept of “I” and “Self”…become a disciple to the cause of your calling. Curve your desire to the taste of epic victory rather than momentary pleasures. This is the training in preparation for your marathon. With discipline long term goals become daily achievements which unfold into a whole nother level of performance. The hardest part is to really develop the discipline from a seasonal practice into a lifestyle, an order which you live by. Tha’s when it really reaches the revolutionary level.

Be balanced, keep a clear mind, make efforts to improve each day, breath in – breath out, ‘get on your marathon’. The greatest challenge is to overcome the self. Conquer disbelieve. Life is hard, nevertheless carry your cross. Have faith in the product of your effort, sow a great seed.

 

Gang Starr, “Discipline”

Reflection and Response.

Samuel Bostick

@THEREALSHANTS

the LIFESTYLE’s role is to create collective space for active Reflection and Response through the arts. This space is built around dialogue, expression, collaboration, and artistic (ex)change involving international craftspeople and their realities. The Porch Swing series opens up a Reflection and Response residency where we feature a Collective member’s ongoing project through weekly installations.

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Shake This Maze: The A Capella Tapes

For the upcoming release of the Second Edition of Shake This Maze I will be recording and uploading videos of a capellas of key tracks from the album. I think this process shows a dope, stripped down picture of the lyrics on the album. These A Capellas were recorded in my bedroom in Callao, Madrid, España. More will be on the way!

Jade Eyes

These jade eyes are straight lies that bind us

These jade eyes

These jade eyes are straight lies that bind us/ One mind we design our own island/ Or so I thought as I thrust my paw on her/ Didn’t think that I could do her such dishonor/ Back away and I nod my head/ These pretty lights can really play and they’re rocking it/ And these kids eat it up like Lox and spread/ As the clock is lost and we forget our beds/ The jade eyes stay with me and I see her/ Kissing on the dude who arrived in the beamer/ Guess I had weak pop tonight Elisa Steamer/ The jade just caught the light and all disappears/ But she stays florescent cold as December in this northern state that’s the greyest in the hemisphere/ Just like lemmings I follow the trap/ Wonder if she gets off on withholding that vag because

These jade eyes are straight lies that bind us

These jade eyes

Contradiction many been up her blouse/ But my fingers are some splinters she can do without/ This week’s been weak grime and grout/ Games every day every way tagged out/ But I’m glad for the no’s the strep and the colds/ The effect of the soul/ Is it’s left invincible/ Try me all you want these jade eyes still haunt me/ Thought if I got her I’d find some sense of belonging/ After the show all filed out to rides home/ Chose to feign fatigue said peace to the folks/ Got home restless with the image in my mind/ Of her curves her shirt and her perfect jade eyes/ And I dealt with it the only way I know how/ With the guitar and drums turned up way too loud/And as all else slept and tired of the bass/ In it’s beautiful hum I found a place

These jade eyes are straight lies that bind us

These jade eyes

Wake Up

Wake up/ But it’s so hard to do/ The floor’s cold think I’ll stay up inside this dew/ This pillow provides more support than you/ And I’ll stay in bed till 6 in the afternoon/Wake up/ But it’s so hard to do/ The floor’s cold think I’ll stay up inside this dew/ This pillow provides more support than you/ And I’ll stay in bed till 5 in the afternoon/

These mind games she plays are amazing/ Every time I find gains turn out to be lies lately/ Been too many years/ Not to see it clear/ Though she might flirt and veer/ The thing is not changing/ Used to be long and lanky/ Now I got cheeks/ no exercise exacerbates angst greatly/ Painstakingly wait patiently by the phone/ Waste hours just watch Hoarders and drone/ But I swear to god I’m over it/ I entered this war alone/ And on my own/ I’m done with the soldering/ I don’t deserve it and neither do you/ As you fuck whoever cuz I’m tired and through

Wake up/ But it’s so hard to do/ The floor’s cold think I’ll live up inside this dew/ This pillow provides more support than you/ And I’ll stay in bed till 5 in the afternoon/ Just wake up/ But it’s so hard to do/ The floor’s cold think I’ll live up inside this dew/ This pillow provides more support than you/ And I’ll stay in bed till 5 in the afternoon/ I wake up

My invitations seems to be a game/ Imitations pixelated frames on your playstation tres/ She sees me in a friendly way/ And just seems to say things that a friend would say/ But I let the winks and smily faced texts get to me/ Stupidly imagine actions we don’t end up doing/ Telling myself lies as my mental health slides into fantasy attraction chosen so randomly/ No use looking for accuracy/ Cupid shoots and the damage done collaterally/ So if it wasn’t for this pen and this pad and this beat/ I would have been as sad as I was mad at seventeen/ Let’s get it all out and throw it on the table/ Don’t know if I loved her is a twenty year old able?/ But her burn once hurt so painful/ Until I turned the scar into my angel

Wake up/ But it’s so hard to do/ The floor’s cold think I’ll live up inside this dew/ This pillow provides more support than you/ As I’ stay in bed till 5 in the afternoon/Wake up/ But it’s so hard to do/ The floor’s cold think I’ll stay up inside this dew/ This pillow provides more support than you/ As I stay in bed till 5 in the afternoon/I Wake up

Reflection and Response

-P

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Snapshots From The Collective

Trip to Salamanca (Madrid, España) by Antonio Guerrero Acosta

Reflection and Response.

The Snapshots From the Collective series works to create a space for Reflection and Response through photography. ANYone who wants to contribute ANY photos to this project can email us submissions at the.lifestyle.rr@gmail.com. One photo will be posted each week, and photos will only be used for the purposes of this series. Thank you and we look forward to building and expanding the Collective!!! -P & V

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The Porch Swing: WORD of the day

Here is the third installment from The Porch Swing , a weekly series focusing on a unique version of Reflection and Response. Samuel Bostick, our first resident artist, brings us his WORD of the day project which centers on a word presented with his personal blend of creative writing. His first and second posts bring new light to classic vocabulary. Stay with us as he presents another piece in the ongoing series crafted through the lens of Reflection and Response as part of the LIFESTYLE collective…

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Jim Natale.

Perseverance:  n.  1) Adherence to a course of action, belief or purpose without giving way; steadfastness. 2) To persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement

 

WORD of the day: Perseverance

Day in day out, we move in order to make progress.

Moment to moment each second building on the next

The click clock tick tock

Time keeps running will it ever stop?

Click. Clock. Tick. Tock.

Understand this clearly, all things have a purpose, a charge in this life.

Every day comes with its challenges, this is certain. Some days more challenges than others…

These past few weeks have been rough.

Burning holes in Pockets, Bills marauding mail boxes;

Tough times still my hustle the world will not stop, a rhythm-a passion the world will not take.

This heart beats with purpose.

Yesterday brought word of a woman…she lay in a coma, a fight for life…

all due to the abusive hands of a partner, a lover

Fatal attraction.

Steady increase in teen pregnancy, more and more absent fathers

Fuck. (On second thought…Don’t)

Schools raise tuition and cut classes

…whats the remedy…

prisons yards, military recruits, pockets full of stone

 its MEAN out here!!

Move with conviction, keep a balanced mind, follow your passion, keep goin hard, make ‘em feel you! PER.SEV.ERE

 

Still I Rise.

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

-Maya Angelou

Reflection and Response.

Samuel Bostick

@THEREALSHANTS

the LIFESTYLE’s role is to create collective space for active Reflection and Response through the arts. This space is built around dialogue, expression, collaboration, and artistic (ex)change involving international craftspeople and their realities. The Porch Swing series opens up a Reflection and Response residency where we feature a Collective member’s ongoing project through weekly installations.

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