swishism

A personal fav for a few reasons,
1) I’m a sucker for inner meter

2) I often say things I  wish I could rephrase.  I’m learning to appreciate that there is grace in being allowed to catch yourself saying something dumb. This won’t go away completely, but hopefully it will happen less  (the dumb stuff, that is–not the grace)

3) Hubris can seem an occupational hazard in hip-hop; as Shad put it like this in addressing his dejected self on the instructive ‘New School Leaders‘.

[master] …but you got to have confidence,
[mentee] but what about humility?
[master] well I’m not saying be pompous, kid
just recognise your ability / ’cause a real emcee knows if  he’s competent / you feelin’ me?

I’ve been giving out flyers over the last couple weeks for O&U, outside gigs and the like - been trying to do more than just thrust A6 bits of card into the flames of gig afterglow, but I have to say it’s extremely hard work. I find myself chattering, striking up conversations and putting my foot in my mouth.  Add to that the arkwardness of being a creative**, and the oh-your-not-a-wasteman relief that comes across some faces when they discover you are not just a ‘flyer guy’ and it can seem daunting.  But heck, can’t complain I got a swishism out of it, eh? Plus, I’ve realised that what I’m actually doing is networking (thanks Kamau), the icing on the cake is getting to share with someone a beautiful piece of artwork (the flyer, thanks Inua) and some imperfect words from a dude on the grind. ‘I aint no perfect man, I’m tryin’ to do the best that I can…‘ - D.Smith.

I know I’m quoting a lot, remember that imperfect thing.

**’Wanting to be “creative” is a bit like wanting to be loved. It’s a universal desire, but for SOME REASON it’s something we’re embarrassed to talk about’ - Hugh Mcleod

swishism entry hubris, humility, love, words

“More than sitting on O’s and splitting ‘em with commas,
I’m trying to build shoulders.where.infants.stand, honoured.”
-[verb]swish

Just a thought I’ve been having that seemed to also find expression in this shot (left).  Fair enough, the kid is not exactly standing, but that doesn’t detract from what I love about it: You get the sense that 1) the kid weighs something
2) that his Dad, head bowed and more in shadow, sets up his son to bask in the light triumphantly. Get a look at his face, he really is on top of the world! Great capture. Perhaps it really captures what being a dad is all about?

I don’t have kids yet, but when I do- I hope God’ll give me the grace to give them this. My birthday, yesterday, gave me pause to think about how much my own Dad has done this for me, not least in writing. Thanks Pops.

Picture by Randy Son of Robert
Currently listening to  Lupe’s “He Say She Say“

swishism entry inheritance, legacy, love, mentor-mentee, posterity, sacrifice, stand, triumph

A word to the wise who are in a tailspin trying to find the right gift today. From the heart is always best.

Equally this swishism is a part of any  good work/idea ethic…

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do” - Steve Jobs

Shout out to the lovely Mercy, whose swishism about the advertising vid incorporated both of the above!:  such.wonderfully.individual.stuff, honey!

swishism entry acrostic, choice, dont waste life, heart, initiative, love, taking action, valentines