August 27, 2025
Clearing my mind
Writing helps me clear my mind which frees me up to focus on other matters. And today I want to focus some of my energy on my Project. An unexpected opportunity has emerged which may lead to something, or not.
Yesterday Peter Limberger published an article, The Draper Option, that sparked some thoughts. But I will only share one sentence that was particularly meaningful. However, the extensive writings of Peter have a connection to my Project.
…there is no community without communion.
And my friend Jasen Robillard posted about The Avoidable Tragedy of Monsters.
This idea is the foundation for Monsterpiece Mashup, my latest puzzle art project. It’s a love letter to the power of stories and a testament to my personal belief that while our past may haunt our present, it need not haunt our future. Hints of redemption arcs abound in our lives. A slight shift in perspective or a mirrored inversion of the darkness can shine the light on our personal redemptive paths.
And I followed the link.
Preview image only - final image to be revealed in September. Release planned October 2025
Artist: Jason Panda
Puzzle Designer: Siri Olson
Dimensions: 27.5 cm x 27.5 cm
Piece Count: ~250-300
Difficulty: 3 out of 5What if the monsters we fear were actually on a long, twisted path to redemption?
Monsterpiece Mashup, explores this very question. We've partnered with Canadian artist Jason Panda to create a one-of-a-kind art piece that tells four stories of transformation: Frankenstein's Monster's quest for belonging and connection, the Vampire's journey to meaningful intimacy through generosity and radical hospitality, the Headless Horseman's search for wholeness through harnessing passions for life, and Dr. Jekyll's journey of self-discovery and self-authorship through creative authenticity. Each piece is meticulously crafted to reflect the narrative, turning a challenging puzzle into a guided exploration of StumpCraft's deepest held values: Generosity, Creativity, and Integrity.
Made in Canada.
This is amazing work and I love the Made in Canada aspect.
Jim Palmer posted a long article, In(tero)ception - What if you are living in a dream someone else created? I could riff on this all day, but won’t. Maybe I will write more later as I have important thoughts to share that relate to this article and my Project.
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This may be a good spot to offer a short explanation of “somatic healing”. Somatic healing is a body-centered approach to emotional and psychological recovery that recognizes how trauma, stress, and emotions are stored not just in the mind—but in the body itself. It’s rooted in the idea that healing must engage the nervous system, physical sensations, and movement patterns to truly release what’s been “trapped” inside.
This may be a good spot to share my perspective which I am not offering as a rebuttal. Somatic practices, which I do not disparage, generally do not resonate with me. My core practices are mindful awareness and journaling and I dabble in some others as well.
And I am excited about Taking The Resistance Global as explained by Charlie Angus.
By now, you've probably heard that we're expanding The Resistance by joining forces with MeidasTouch Network to launch Meidas Canada. Our hope is to bring the essays reflections to a larger global audience through video and touring rallies.
So why Meidas?
Some might think that a Canadian resistance movement teaming up with an American media outlet is a strange fit. But let me tell you how I came to know the Meidas crew.
I had wondered about this and I accept Charlie’s explanation.
…something extraordinary happened.
Ordinary people — workers, retirees, folks on the street — started coming up to thank me for speaking out. They also understood the magnitude of the threat and were looking for people who could articulate a way to push back.
I am one of those ordinary people, a retired Canadian living in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico, inspired by Charlie and my home country and disgusted by monsters.
It is now shortly after 9 am… on with my day.