Timshel

Ink Entry #3
There is much difficulty with the transliteration of this combination of Hebrew characters.  When alone, it is pronounced “Timshol”, but in a certain passage it is followed by something that turns it into “Timsh’l” and pronounced “Timshel”. In John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, he focuses on the tense of the word used- second person imperfect.  Thus, this term refers to an action that has not occurred yet.

So other than the technicality of it all, what exactly does it mean?  With closer examination, it has been understood by some to be “Thou mayest”, or you may. In the book I read, a character named Lee explained to his family why the King James and American Standard translations of the Bible are inadequate and why the Hebrew is so important: The “word timshel— ‘Thou mayest’— that gives a choice. It might be the most important word in the world.  That says the way is open.  That throws it right back on man.  For if ‘Thou mayest’— it is also true that ‘Thou mayest not.’” 

With this, we are “given stature with the gods” as Lee explains it- we are given the choice of free will and do as we please.  Therefore, it consequently plays into the fields of temptation and evil, where even if we are able to do something, does it really mean that it’s the right thing to do?  We have the power of choice to rule over our demons and temptations.

Even if I had gone to a private religious school for half my life, I am not that religious.  If anything, I had taken certain morals and respects from it.  I had chosen to get “Timshel” tattooed in Hebrew in my pelvic region as a reminder, especially when I’m most naked and vulnerable, that I have a choice in everything I do (and that I should do the right thing).  I guess it’s a bit laughable at the location of my ink as well, but I’m content with it.

Ink done by Chris at Aloha Tattoo

Dear Mom,

It’s been a year since we took this picture. I know you had to go back to Florida in order to work, and I know that meant you had to move away from the kids.  I heard your tired and exhausted voice tonight, and I truly hope you’re doing alright.  I know you might be having a Mother’s Day dinner by yourself, and for some reason I feel that no mother of four should ever suffer a lonesome night like this.  But I hope you remember that I love you so much. Stay strong, mom.

With much love,
Dan

(Source: danooosaur)


Balloons on my mind

For about 99.9% of my days, I have something at the back of my mind- I’ll call it a balloon for now.   This “balloon” could range anywhere from a call I need to make, to a drug test I need to take, or even a feeling about an ex that I need to break.  And all these “balloons” can be either very exasperating and burdensome, or insignificant and almost nonexistent.  In this series of photographs you will be able to see the balloons present in my daily routines, whether I like it or not.

So now that I’ve explained myself, I ask you- What’s your balloon?


(Photos were supposed to be in an exhibit, but plans did not follow through so I’ll show you guys some of my stuff here instead!)

Dear sis,

You know, you’re one of the only things that’s constantly on my mind. 

Like your older brother, I always hope that you’re staying in the good classes and hanging out with the right people. Like your older brother, I always wonder who’s ass I’m going to have to kick for making you cry. Like your older brother, I’m working hard and staying in school so that I can get a good job and help pops pay for your greater education.  And like your older brother, I’ve always got your back in whatever you do (110%).

But most importantly, like your older brother should, I’ll always, always, always love you. And not only today because it’s national sibling’s day, but everyday.  Happy National Siblings Day.

With much love,
Dan

(Source: danooosaur)

Dear Viewer,

Today, I woke up pretty early to go and volunteer!  This specific cause was for the homeless keiki (children) in Hawaii.  We were standing on the side of the road and walked by cars that were stopped at the traffic light while looking for anyone that would make a small donation.

But during the several hours of volunteering, I realized a few things. Some might look down upon the homeless, thinking that they probably lost it all to gambling, drugs, or some other negative reasons.  But these poor kids had no choice.  Where’s the justice in that?  I’ll be honest, thinking about it made me tear up a bit.  And also the fact that there are people that genuinely gave a moment in their day to spare some change- perhaps some change for another kind of…change?  A change in a homeless child’s day.  Maybe they’ll get to eat today?  Maybe they get a blanket for the colder nights?  Maybe, just maybe.

From the several donations that I gathered, I took a second to ask for their name.  Then I’d reply saying “(Name), you’ve made a difference today. Thank you.”  These people give me hope.  I’m genuinely happy that I was able to volunteer today.

So, viewer, I’m not going to nag at you and tell you to go and dedicate the rest of your life to volunteer work.  I do ask though, that you take a moment to ponder upon the idea that we may make complaints every day about such small things in our life, and that you’re actually very fortunate.  Fortunate enough to be reading this on a computer or phone. Fortunate enough to not have to worry about when you’re going to eat next.

You, my friend, are fortunate. So put on a smile :)

With much love,
Dan


Maui Entry #2:

Ensō  

Beautiful simplicity, the wholeness of spirituality and mentality, absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the Universe and the Void- These are some of the many symbolic interpretations of the Ensō. 

With a sumi brush and ink, it is drawn in a fluid motion onto silk or rice paper.  These circles are usually drawn as a spiritual exercise, since it is supposed to demonstrate the expressive movement of your spirit.  I’ve heard of Buddhists that practice drawing this symbol on a daily basis, and some say that only those who are at Absolute Enlightenment can achieve the drawing of a “true Ensō”.

It just so happened that one of the days I had spent on Maui, the same day as my grandmother’s funeral in fact, I had finally decided to get it. You might call it a bit crazy, spontaneous, or just not thought through, but after an almost life-changing yoga session with my mom I felt that the time was perfect. Don’t get me wrong though- I had been planning to get this tattoo for a while now, I just didn’t schedule an appointment in advance.  We went back home and I got the brushes and ink out.  Beforehand I had tried to create my Ensō, but I felt like I definitely could do it that day. Eventually, I had finally created my Ensō.  People who get the Ensō tattooed on themselves typically grab an image off the internet, but I think that’s a contradiction to the meaning of the symbol itself.  This symbol represents your own spirituality in my opinion- it’s like your spirit’s signature, and that’s why I decided to create my own Ensō.

As far as my own interpretation of the Ensō, I believe in everything mentioned above as well as some other important interpretations.  I’m sure you’ve all heard of the “Circle of Life”? In this way, it could be a little memorial for my grandmother as I’ve come to realize that death is just another part of life.  Nature, life, and anything else in this universe follows this schedule to achieve that harmony and balance.  I also chose to draw my Ensō as an opened circle because of its imperfection it represents. You might even say that it’s perfect in the imperfection. But isn’t that how everything else is in life? Everything is meant to be that way, and should be accepted for how it is- perfectly imperfect.

Oh, and by the way- I’ve never experienced so much pain in my life with this little bit of ink. Even if it only took maybe half an hour, well, whoooooo. Hahah, thanks for reading!


Maui Entry #1-My siblings.

Hannah the sweetheart (8), Coleton the look-alike (12), and Noah the thug (14). Distance really made the heart grow fonder. These little troublemakers would constantly make me pull my hair out, but ever since I left I realized how much I missed having them around. We were never really that close and always got on each others’ cases, but when I got back I had the chance to catch up with each of them. I don’t think I’ve ever been this close to my siblings. This was definitely the best part about my trip back to home.


PS- Sis, you’ve always been beautiful, but now with your full smile I’m going to have to start fighting some boys off. So, so, so beautiful.
PSS- Cole, it scares me as to how much you look like me when I was your age. Identity theft is a serious crime young man.
PSSS- Hey brat, you better stay in school. Mofo.

[Flash 10 is required to watch video]

Ladies and Gents, I present to you…

Foolin’ around while failing at singing and improv on the guitar.

I might not be the hottest singer, but I’ll sing my heart out for you.  Enjoy haha


It’s that time of year again- Halloween here I come ;)

Pretty much ready to tackle anyone who gets in my way.