Be an Independent Thinker!

The Thinker by Rodin

In a world bombarded by information, where are the independent thinkers?

Where do the fresh, untarnished minds hang out?

Where does ORIGINALITY rear its beautiful head?

In a world deafened by conformity instead of individuality, the imaginative Creators of art, music, literature, and science are silenced under the dull roar of sameness, mediocrity, and

group think.

I will not be hampered by intimidation!

I will not be silenced by coercion!

I will not bow down to threats!

I will rise above the mundane crowd and be, above all,

AN INDEPENDENT THINKER!

Dawn Pisturino

February 7, 2017

Copyright 2017 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Native American Tattoos – A Short History

Many Native American tribes across the United States practiced the art of tattooing for a variety of reasons: to mark special rites of passage, such as puberty; to identify other members of a clan; to scare off enemies; to express spiritual beliefs; to honor great achievements, such as bravery in battle; to provide magical protection and strength; and to mark certain leaders, such as the medicine man.

Tattooers used geometrical designs to represent celestial bodies, natural phenomena, and animals. A person receiving the tattoo of a turtle, for example, would expect to achieve a long, healthy life since turtles symbolized Mother Earth, water, life, and health.

Tattooing was a painful process, but many tribes believed that pain brought a person closer to the spirit world. Designs were cut, hand-tapped, or hand-pricked into the skin with sharp needles made of stone, bone, or other materials. Then dye was rubbed into the wounds.

Black dye could be made from soot or charcoal. Ochre mixed with clay produced a brownish-reddish hue. And blue came from indigo or other materials.

These tattoos became permanent markings on the skin that could be enhanced with temporary body paint, especially during time of war.

Dawn Pisturino

September 25, 2012

Copyright 2012-2015 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

(This short article was originally a sidebar on another history-related article.)

Art by Rebekah Joy Plett FOR SALE!

Rebekah is a fantastic artist and the artistic director for Underneath the Juniper Tree.

this literary life

This is your chance to buy the stunning, grotesquely beautiful, insanely unique art of Rebekah Joy Plett. Rebekah’s art has been featured in several galleries in which the price is generally out of most people’s price range. So here is your chance to buy several of her paintings at a discounted price (NOTE* prices do not include packaging and shipping).

Take a look at the art and contact me at brianne.ogden@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing. *Some prices are negotiable so feel free to email me with any questions.

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The Underneath the Juniper Tree Anthology is coming soon! Can’t wait!

this literary life

It’s moments like these that remind me why I work hard on my passions for no money and little recognition. Moments like these:

 

It’s coming, friends. 

 

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Singing Versace

 

My daughter, lyric soprano Ariel Pisturino, was one of a few lucky singers who participated in a flash mob at the grand opening of the new Versace boutique in the Beverly Center Mall in Beverly Hills.

The singers had to dress and act like shoppers in the store. On cue, they began singing a well-known chorus from the opera “La Traviata.” They were given the red carpet treatment, the customers loved them, and Versace loved them. At the end of the evening, they received special gifts of cologne and perfume.

Ariel sang a couple of solo parts and got a lot of fine compliments. This was such a thrilling experience for her (and she got paid.) I hope she gets more gigs like this one!

And I hope the video ends up on YouTube so I can watch it.

This is my daughter’s website:  http://www.arielpisturino.com

Ariel Pisturino, lyric soprano