Regarding imprinting:
This seems to possibly imply that creativity needs to have a worldly source, something that leaves the imprint that you, the creative individual, reacts to in some manner. If I have this wrong, feel free to further enlighten me. If I’m right about this, imprinting seems restricted by the need of a outward source. Further, it would seem that all creativity would also be influenced by the actions of man ’cause how can you pick and choose what leaves an imprint and further still up the road, how could any of these imprints possibly be un-tainted?

For instance (I feel comfortable in tossing this one out there because you hit us with the Descartes reference), if I write a song that uses the 12 note chromatic scale, I am forever beholden to that prick Pythagoras because he’s the guy that came up with that bright idea. Left to my inner self’s devices, I would possibly create something without the influence of that imprint.

I think you are spot on in encouraging the little shavers to embrace the madness and discouraging any use of substance to fuel it. It’s within, the use of substances will, in the end, only numb one’s ability to recognize and harness it. To quote John Lee Hooker (who by the way owes no debt to Descartes and had no problem telling Pythagoras to fuck off); “It’s in him and it’s got to come out” When it does come out, use it for good not evil.

As for the moral to your anecdote, all roads point to choice C. That being said, it’s a good idea to be cautious with women who wear “stylish yet practical shoes” particularly if they are size 8 or above.

It is called imprinting: For instance, stare at red dots intently, then close your eyes. I suspect you see a negative of the dots in your “mind’s eye.” In my old age, now when I depart on madness, I have learned to let go and work hard, and fast.

On another vein, I would encourage all “youngers and beginners” new to this, to appeal to each’s “what Jack refers to as Madness” as often as you would pray to Jesus for help and guidance. It is the only way “through.” But please say “No” to controlled substance that advertises to enhance/ bring on, etc, the madness..

In my old and lucky age I realize that this madness chooses its own time to manifest.

Now for the miserable anecdote:
After my first marriage, before my second marriage — I was having dinner with the daughter of my minister, and we were discussing the “madness.” She enlightened me, killing me softly with my own words, telling my whole life, with her.. errr, she explained to her knowledge that “creative madness comes in spurts.”

It turns out, it is not a gradual storm building in the gulf, rather, like DeCarte sleeping in a boiler, a frenzy of debris flying about, Dorothy in the storm. The next morning is “Shazammm, gotta write this song!!!!! paint that scene, gotta dance for Oz… gotta describe the origin of the Universe without miracles or divinity…” and other unplugged mind benders.

I fell at her feet that instant asking her hand in marriage, slobbering all over her stylish yet practical shoes, but she rejected me, and referred to the madness thing again, and that she is Dr. Harper’s, the minister’s, daughter… and well “No,” she sweetly denied. “You see, Pat, my boyfriend is working on his doctorate, and I am going to missionary school…” Yes, after that I got help.

A Poll
:> so pick your favorite moral to the preceding footnote:
a] Never practice what you preach to the daughter of your preacher man, as if she is the only one who could ever please you..
b] When having dinner at DeCarte’s Liver and Chicken Truck Stop, never show your madness until ‘after’ the girl pays the bill..
c] Beware of the barnyard if the rooster is lying on his back playing dead.

FAQ
So, you ask where is the best place to store your madness until it comes back?

:Store in a bag, box or other storage container and keep in a cool dry location. Simply inflate during seasonal storms, or reposition as needed as better conditions present opportunity. Always use a protected outdoor elcetric power cord, to reduce risk of fire. And buy lots of recordings from Jack. [Not responsible for spellling errors.} and did I say buy lots of Jack’s recordings, and listen respectfully to your elders.

I leave you with peace of mind; good night friends and lovers. >pd

Pat Darnell’s last blog post..MooPig Welcomes you to Syllabic syndicate consort… Or a game of Hang Man, sort of