Send us a textWilliam Blake believed there were two contrary states battling it out within each and every individual human being. Innocence and experience. The way that we developed as unique individuals was by a "dialectic process." That is, there is a Thesis (a little boy is lost) and an Anti-thesis (The little boy is found) Together they can become a synthesis, or, a new thesis.We find this process all throughout this book of poetry by Blake.In today's episode we will be covering the two aforementioned poems. They are very short but reveal much of the way that Blake believed the human soul was developed.The Little Boy LostBY WILLIAM BLAKEFather, father, where are you going       O do not walk so fast.Speak father, speak to your little boy       Or else I shall be lost,The night was dark no father was there       The child was wet with dew.The mire was deep, & the child did weep       And away the vapour flew.Little Boy FoundBy William BlakeThe little boy lost in the lonely fen,Led by the wandering light,Began to cry, but God, ever nigh,Appeared like his father, in white.He kissed the child, and by the hand led,And to his mother brought,Who in sorrow pale, through the lonely dale,Her little boy weeping sought.

Send us a textIn unusual times even the usual is extraordinary.

Send us a textNathaniel Branden, a psychologist and pioneer in the study of self-esteem, said that artists and creators have an above average acceptance of the condition of aloneness. We can learn a lot from artists at any time of life, including our current situation. So how did great artists deal with isolation? What can we learn from them? How can we be better in contemplating art and our own lives?Luc Travers is an art historian and art guide who has returned to the show to explore art with us. We looked at six paintings and he describes what he believes are two huge values of studying not only the painting of great artists, but their lives as well.Luc will be putting on a multi-week course on the topic of Bonding with Great Artists. This video will be a tiny taste of all that he has to offer. I highly recommend you check it out: http://www.touchingtheart.com/bonding-with-great-artists.html?fbclid=IwAR0UkDpz4BglGgvfzwbA1Xp4WplDPK3QA1VE5fTpHkhjbDlUJQdTi-1UdyM

Send us a textIt's great to catch up with friends during this time so Chris De Pretis chatted about what's going on in the world and of course we discussed movies. All of us react differently to external tragedies and I'm personally appreciative of Chris for cheering me up.Also hear our thoughts on the similarities between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and an old but relevant film genre.

Send us a textThis is the final poem in William Blake's Songs of Innocence (1789). The theme is a simple one of "God's love.' But even if you are not religious, it is a wonderfully told poem. Hear how a poet expresses discontent and comes to an understanding of this elusive idea for Christians.

Send us a textTraveling is a big value for people today. It's one of the great benefits of being alive today. It is so easy and affordable to see the whole world. Often, we can travel places and see only the usual suspects. In this discussion I explore Dianne Durante's latest book "Getting More Enjoyment from Sculpture You love," and we discuss Dianne's work as being part of "travelogues."Travelogues don't have to be boring lectures. They can be exhilarating and exciting new ways of seeing the world. Don't just go to NYC and see the same monuments you are "supposed to see." Try, instead, an art tour. Best of all, you can do this at your own pace and in your own way.On this show Dianne and I discuss several sculptures, so you can see how simple her method is and how it helps anyone from any background enjoy art more deeply.We also discuss a little bit of poetry and some ways to work with your children in seeing new art.Special thank you to Quent Cordair Fine Art for the image of one of the sculptures they represent.*To see all the art we discuss as well as links to many great resources please visit troubadourmag.com

Send us a textA prosperous prince isolates himself in his castle along with 1,000 revellers, while a plague devastates the country-side. This is the essence of this very short story by Poe.When, today, we have the King of Thailand ordering arrests for people who go outside, while he holds up in a harem with 20 women, this story seems more real than fantasy.Yet, I will be arguing there is a much deeper psychological story being told right under our eyes. It is one of fear and terror of course. Unfortunately, it will hit much closer to home than Thailand.Enjoy this discussion and reading of a masterpiece by Edgar Allan Poe.

Send us a textHow can we get spiritual nourishment when we are quarantined in our homes?Alexandra York's latest book "Soul Celebrations and Spiritual Snacks" can help us attain a sense of calm and serenity during this time of chaos.In this conversation we discuss the ideas in the book, such as "Secular Spirituality," we read one of her poems from the book and discuss ways that the both of us are gaining spiritual fuel in our lives during the quarantine.Even when this quarantine is over, these practices are very valuable. From picking up a rock by a beach you love, to purchasing a sculpture you love, there are practices big and small to help you have soul celebrations and spiritual snacks.Enjoy!

A man's fascination with an ebony clock during quarantine leads to mysterious musical notes. Deteriorating relationship dynamics, struggles with family business, and desires for a child are explored. Eerie encounters and reflections stir emotions while an ancestral clock influences tense confrontations. A violent encounter with police during quarantine ends tragically.

Send us a textLuc Travers and I just had a fantastic discussion about various artworks and how to look at a paintings. It often feels as though art is a special category of human activity that only a unique few can enjoy. What Luc teaches is how to "enhance those special moments in your life through the lens of art."This approach to great artwork elevates even the everyday, seemingly mundane occurrences. It also, of course, elevates even the high points, the conflicts, the struggles, the achievements, or, in other words, LIFE.On this episode we actually evaluate several pieces of artwork live. You will get to see me struggle to make sense of paintings, and I even get to introduce Luc to a new painting!This was such a fun episode and I know you will enjoy it.