As I painted in the studio this morning, listening to Ani Di Franco and Utah Phillips, god bless his hopefully resting soul, my mind wandered many many times to the issues of our time, and how much hard work, lobbying, activism, advocacy and self change is ahead of those of us who think that there must be a cataclysmic change in the way the world is run.

I had been reading an article earlier in the day, that if we art-bloggers want to engage people, we need to let our passions ring clear for all to see, for it to be more than just art that visits our pages.  [I have also finally realised, that now that I really have the opportunity, that this is primarily an art blog..but will always have life and other bits and bobs included...anyway...digressions aside]

So folks, I have mostly stayed quiet on my opinions in this new iteration of Strongsoutherly, since we moved to Norfolk Island. Partly because I had some sense that maybe, just maybe I might end up working for the Federal Government presence here at some point, as I know my skills are relevant...and that given my vocal presence elsewhere...I should probably shut up here. Well, bugger it. I don't want to. So maybe I won't be able to work for the Federal Government...and I am fine with that. I'm not so keen on the current iteration anyway.

The album I have been listening to this morning is a collaboration between Utah Phillips and Ani Difranco. It's a ripper. It takes some getting used to as it is a lot of spoken word, quite folksy, and very american. But I have listened to it for years, and I just love it.

But as you listen you feel yourself transported to the feet of a silver haired old man in a dusty old hall somewhere, learning the wisdom of an era and an age gone by. You may, find yourself, like me, lamenting that our generation is UNLEARNING the lessons of old. We have grown so complacent that the  human rights, the workers rights,  women's rights,  rights we take for granted, the steps toward equality that were gained, are being eroded before our very eyes. 

If you listen to the spotify link below, you will learn about Mother Jones, and what it takes to stand up for what you believe in.  It's time I enrolled in that bloody degree, and it's time I spoke up more for what I believe in. Because, if there is to be a cataclysmic change in the way the world is run...there will be a need for many more Mother Jones's.