Artwork of an Amateur...

...not only amateur, but perhaps, at least in its development, a little immature. But I'll keep practicing, and hopefully it will get there. I'm currently working on a pencil portrait of Anna Popplewell as Susan, and it is coming along quite nicely. I'm also doing a watercolor landscape as well as a watercolor still life, plus a pencil still life. Anyway, here's some of my better work (and, yes, I know, it's not that amazing. =D)

Meridian

Okay...it's not my absolute best work. That's still in the making. =D But hopefully it will be done soon...

This is one of my favorites. The bottom left is incomplete, as you can see, but I'm afraid to ruin the rest of it!! Very cool technique Miss Julie (my amazing art teacher) taught me. This was one of my earlier Prismacolor projects.

One of my first graphite sketches, done in preparation for a watercolor.

Watercolor. This was my second project in this medium, and I absolutely love the way it came out!! I also detailed with Prismacolor.

Chalk. Quick sketch done early in the morning on a gorgeous December day in 2010. Inspired by my front yard. :)

From an English Countryside. I had to re-draw this one like three times, and it's still far from perfect, but I love the serene feel of the landscape. Oh, how I want to go to England someday!!

A fall project in art class. Like all my other pencil ones, in Prismacolor.

My first full-color portrait. Looking back, it's not very good, but my goodness, it seemed like this one took ages! It was one of my favorites to create, but I think it took me a total of close to 10 hours!

This one took even longer. Maybe 12 hours or so, though it was completed in two days' time. The bottom half is the reflection in a lake. I can't remember the name of this mountain, but I found the picture online and was struck by its beauty.

My first watercolor with Miss Julie. This is actually the second time I went through the polar bear painting...the first one was a disaster! My sketch turned out okay, though. :) (see above)

My first Prismacolor project ever. After I did this one, I fell in love with the art so much that I went and bought 156 of these pencils! They're remarkable! (And I got them on eBay for $75, so I didn't pay the whole whopping $400 for them =D)

I did this one in about 30 minutes at a friend's house. Again, Prismacolor, my favorite!! :)

           

And, since I've shown you so many Prismacolor projects, I may as well show you the pencils themselves. I took these this morning while re-organizing my art box. :)

Verithin detailing pencils

So here's to art!!





Eloquence Embodied

Winston Churchill: Eulogy for Neville Chamberlain

House of Commons
November 12, 1940

Since we last met, the House has suffered a very grievous loss in the death of one of its most distinguished Members, and of a statesman and public servant who, during the best part of three memorable years, was first Minister of the Crown.

The fierce and bitter controversies which hung around him in recent times were hushed by the news of his illness and are silenced by his death. In paying a tribute of respect and of regard to an eminent man who has been taken from us, no one is obliged to alter the opinions which he has formed or expressed upon issues which have become a part of history; but at the Lychgate we may all pass our own conduct and our own judgments under a searching review. It is not given to human beings, happily for them, for otherwise life would be intolerable, to foresee or to predict to any large extent the unfolding course of events. In one phase men seem to have been right, in another they seem to have been wrong. Then again, a few years later, when the perspective of time has lengthened, all stands in a different setting. There is a new proportion. There is another scale of values. History with its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past, trying to reconstruct its scenes, to revive its echoes, and kindle with pale gleams the passion of former days. What is the worth of all this? The only guide to a man is his conscience; the only shield to his memory is the rectitude and sincerity of his actions. It is very imprudent to walk through life without this shield, because we are so often mocked by the failure of our hopes and the upsetting of our calculations; but with this shield, however the fates may play, we march always in the ranks of honour.

It fell to Neville Chamberlain in one of the supreme crises of the world to be contradicted by events, to be disappointed in his hopes, and to be deceived and cheated by a wicked man. But what were these hopes in which he was disappointed? What were these wishes in which he was frustrated? What was that faith that was abused? They were surely among the most noble and benevolent instincts of the human heart--the love of peace, the toil for peace, the strife for peace, the pursuit of peace, even at great peril, and certainly to the utter disdain of popularity or clamour. Whatever else history may or may not say about these terrible, tremendous years, we can be sure that Neville Chamberlain acted with perfect sincerity according to his lights and strove to the utmost of his capacity and authority, which were powerful, to save the world from the awful, devastating struggle in which we are now engaged. This alone will stand him in good stead as far as what is called the verdict of history is concerned.

But it is also a help to our country and to our whole Empire, and to our decent faithful way of living that, however long the struggle may last, or however dark may be the clouds which overhang our path, no future generation of English-speaking folks--for that is the tribunal to which we appeal--will doubt that, even at a great cost to ourselves in technical preparation, we were guiltless of the bloodshed, terror and misery which have engulfed so many lands and peoples, and yet seek new victims still. Herr Hitler protests with frantic words and gestures that he has only desired peace. What do these ravings and outpourings count before the silence of Neville Chamberlain's tomb? Long, hard, and hazardous years lie before us, but at least we entered upon them united and with clean hearts.

I do not propose to give an appreciation of Neville Chamberlain's life and character, but there were certain qualities always admired in these Islands which he possessed in an altogether exceptional degree. He had a physical and moral toughness of fibre which enabled him all through his varied career to endure misfortune and disappointment without being unduly discouraged or wearied. He had a precision of mind and an aptitude for business which raised him far above the ordinary levels of our generation. He had a firmness of spirit which was not often elated by success, seldom downcast by failure, and never swayed by panic. When, contrary to all his hopes, beliefs and exertions, the war came upon him, and when, as he himself said, all that he had worked for was shattered, there was no man more resolved to pursue the unsought quarrel to the death. The same qualities which made him one of the last to enter the war, made him one of the last who would quit it before the full victory of a righteous cause was won.

I had the singular experience of passing in a day from being one of his most prominent opponents and critics to being one of his principal lieutenants, and on another day of passing from serving under him to become the head of a Government of which, with perfect loyalty, he was content to be a member. Such relationships are unusual in our public life. I have before told the House how on the morrow of the Debate which in the early days of May challenged his position, he declared to me and a few other friends that only a National Government could face the storm about to break upon us, and that if he were an obstacle to the formation of such a Government, he would instantly retire. Thereafter, he acted with that singleness of purpose and simplicity of conduct which at all times, and especially in great times, ought to be the ideal of us all.

When he returned to duty a few weeks after a most severe operation, the bombardment of London and of the seat of Government had begun. I was a witness during that fortnight of his fortitude under the most grievous and painful bodily afflictions, and I can testify that, although physically only the wreck of a man, his nerve was unshaken and his remarkable mental faculties unimpaired.

After he left the Government he refused all honours. He would die like his father, plain Mr. Chamberlain. I sought permission of the King, however, to have him supplied with the Cabinet papers, and until a few days of his death he followed our affairs with keenness, interest and tenacity. He met the approach of death with a steady eye. If he grieved at all, it was that he could not be a spectator of our victory; but I think he died with the comfort of knowing that his country had, at least, turned the corner.

At this time our thoughts must pass to the gracious and charming lady who shared his days of triumph and adversity with a courage and quality the equal of his own. He was, like his father and his brother Austen before him, a famous Member of the House of Commons, and we here assembled this morning, Members of all parties, without a single exception, feel that we do ourselves and our country honour in saluting the memory of one whom Disraeli would have called an "English worthy."

If you know much about these two men and their relationship, you will at this point be left in utter astonishment. What an incredible man Churchill was, and so gifted with words! Thank you Mr. Baker for giving me this analysis assignment, thank you Jake H. for the subject suggestion, and thank you God for Winston Churchill!! I look forward to meeting him someday.

Meridian

20 books for 2012...

...alright, so it's not really that many, but it's a start anyway. I'm a student, and reading 20 books in addition to my schoolwork could end up being a challenge. Of course, I have several books already on my list. (See below). I'm aiming for 5 specific subject matter books, 5 biographies, 5 novels/poetry, and 5 theology/devotional/inspirational books. If your favorite books aren't on this list, however, leave a comment with a favorite title and/or author, and it will definitely get on my list for the year. ;) I'd encourage y'all to do the same. Reading is refreshing, renewing, and good for the restoration of the mind. It is also quite entertaining and informational.

Specific Subject Matter
Logic, by Isaac Watts.
Politics, by Aristotle.

Inspirational/Theological
Be the Change, by Zach Hunter.
The City of God, by Augustine.

Biography
Amazing Grace, by Eric Metaxas.

Novel/Poetry
The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexander Dumas. I've made it partway before...but seriously, this thing is longer than my Bible!
Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott.
Shakespeare's sonnets...or at least, some of them. :)

Let me know your suggestions!! :)

Meridian

Heaven...seriously

"When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library." -Jane Austen

:)

All I Want is Pointe Shoes

I sincerely love the art of ballet. I think it is lovely, and I enjoy doing it. But, the fact is, if your feet aren't made for the pointe shoes, it will be your ruin. So, forgive me if this appears at all rude or unkind. It was not intended to be so. I still love each of my friends who still dance as much as ever, but this is meant to be comical. I am not aiming this at anyone. Aaaand I wrote this at age eleven, so that might explain for anything that comes across as particularly unnecessary. Here it is, though, basically raw. To be sung to the melody of "Jingle Bells"

ALL I WANT IS POINTE SHOES
by Meridian Paulton

All I want is pointe shoes,
    so I can look dainty;
And dance around on pink feet,
    a famous dancer be!
I’ll show the girls my new look,
    I’ll read a pointe shoe book;
I promise you, Miss Annie,
    I will be very good!

Chorus:
People staring at my feet,
    they want to know what happened!
Then I tell my story:
    I only wanted glory!
When my therapist comes in,
    she tells me what is best for feet.
Then I cry myself to death,
    and tell her what came next.

Once I was a prima,
    I got all the lead roles;
And danced around on pink feet,
    and wore some clothes so bold.
I signed a big old contract
    with NYC ballet
I’m telling you, dear mother,
    I really did behave!

Chorus

Finally I retired,
    became a dance mistress;
And then I told the young gals,
    “Tis good to go on pointe!”
I taught some little fellas
    to lift and jump and spin
I’m really quite ashamed now,
    I simply can’t begin!

Chorus

All I wanted were those pointe shoes,
    so I could look dainty,
And dance around on pink feet,
    a famous dancer be!

I thought it was my calling,
    my mom encouraged me...

...and now I feel real super-bad,
    living in poverty!

Chorus

Second chorus:

People staring at my feet,
    they want to know what happened!
Then I tell my story:
    I only wanted glory!
When my therapist comes in,
    she tells me what is best for feet.
And now I cry myself to death,
    living in poverty!!

Relativism

A fantastic essay by Syeva Breus =D

   Relativism has gained major acceptance in our culture. It has become a common part of our current society’s worldview. Many individuals today don’t even stop to consider th eimplications of holding such a position on ethics, morality, and life ingeneral; they adopt it due to its popularity and prevalence. However, when comparing the traditional belief of ethical absolutism with ethical relativism,the immediate philosophical position and consequential logical conclusions of ethical relativism present serious problems. In fact, because of the problems inherent in the nature of relativism, many relativists hold to principles of ethical absolutism without acknowledging it or even realizing it. This paper will show that though one may declare himself a relativist, this is an impossibility due to the principles found in absolutism.
         
  First, it would be beneficial to understand what is meant by the terms relativism and absolutism. Relativism can have many variations and theses associated with it. In this case, relativism refers to ethical relativism as the opposing view of ethical absolutism. When one refers to himself as a ethical relativist, he/she is claiming to adhere to one of four basic theses associated with ethical relativism. Ethical absolutism holds the position that morality exists apart from the opinions of cultures, is knowable by human beings, and prescribes humans to act upon these moral principles and laws. The remainder of this paper describes each of the four basic theses associated with ethical relativism and contrasts each with ethical absolutism.
           
The first thesis of relativism is cultural or descriptive relativism. As a factual, descriptive thesis, this position asserts that cultures have different views ofmorality in general. This thesis holds that there is a basic ethical disagreement between cultures: a disagreement about moral and ethical values. However, this position does not provide a coherent, irrefutable view of morality and ethics. Neither does it disprove the absolutist position thatwhile culture A could have objective right moral values, culture B could have objectivewrong moral values. In other words, if there is a disagreement about whether somethingis right or not, it does not follow that the thing in question cannot be right. Furthermore, cultural or descriptive relativism denies the existence of natural moral law: “the notion that there are true, universally binding moralprinciples knowable by all people and rooted in creation…” History shows thatthe majority of cultures have similar values: do not steal, do not murder, respect your neighbor, and so forth. Thus, it is impossible to hold the cultural relativist position due to the absolutist principle of natural moral law.
           
The second thesis of ethical relativism is normative or ethical relativism. In contrast with the previous thesis, normative relativism is an evaluative, prescriptive thesis that asserts that an individual must act in accordance with his/her society’s code. When one believes in normative relativism, he believes that the truth of moral propositions is relative. What is true to one individual or one culture is not necessarily true to another individual or culture. Normative relativism has two forms: subjectivism (moral values are relative to an individual) and conventionalism (moral values are relative to an entire culture or group of people). As with all forms of ethical relativism, normative relativism has many problems and objections raised against it,especially in light of absolutist principles. Normative relativism doesn’t specify what a “relevant society” is, nor does it offer an explanation of what one must do if he is part of several “societies” that disagree over moral principles,such as family, friends, co-workers, etc. In response to normative relativism,ethical absolutism offers natural moral law and the principle that there areabsolute moral values. Furthermore, normative relativism allows no room for social reform; there is no distinction between virtue and vice. This is clearly not the case in the real world, since there have been many reformers who brought reformations and revivals in history. Thus, this clearly points to the existence of an objective morality, advocated by ethical absolutism. Finally, normative relativism rejects the universal principle that “some acts are wrong regardless of social convention” and that any given society can “morally blame”another society. Under normative relativism, it would be wrong for the world to blame Hitler for the Holocaust. Clearly, it is impossible to be a normative relativist because of the existence of objective truth and morality.
          
 The third thesis is metaethical relativism, also known as conceptual relativism. This thesis is very similar to normative relativism. According to metaethical relativism, the very meanings of moral terms are themselves relative to individuals or societies. In other words, what is considered stealing to society A is wrong to society A, while what is considered stealing to society Bis wrong to society B. The problems encountered with metaethical relativism arethe same as those encountered with normative relativism: “problems of defininga society and determining the relevant society…, the reformer’s dilemma, andthe fact that some acts are intuitively wrong regardless of what societies meanby right and wrong.” However metaethical relativism raises another problem, namely that according to metaethical relativism it is “impossible for two societies to even have a moral difference.” In contrast with normative relativism which saysthat it would be wrong for the world to blame Hitler for the Holocaust, metaethical relativism asserts that there wasn’t even a moral difference. Again, this is clearly a misconception of reality. Ethical absolutism absolutely crushes metaethical relativism with the principles of natural moral law and the existence of objective moral laws that are not defined by societies or individuals. Epistemologically, while metaethical relativism denies the existence “the properties of goodness or righteousness”, ethical absolutism asserts that such properties exist and can be known by humans in the universe.
           
The fourth thesis is ethical skepticism. This thesis has two versions: epistemological skepticism and ontological skepticism. Epistemological skepticism asserts thatthough moral values can exist they cannot be known. Ontological skepticism altogether denies the existence of such moral values. Like the previous theses of ethical relativism, ethical skepticism has many problems with its coherence.As a skeptic, one cannot know anything, due to the empirical nature of knowing if a moral statement can be known or not. Thus, in the very least, ethical skepticism is self-refuting. However, ethical skepticism “cannot recommend any moral behavior whatever, including toleration of different moral opinions.” Clearly,people do not hold this view on morality. Ethical absolutism shows that ethical skepticism is incoherent and has no bearing in reality. Thus, due to the principles of ethical absolutism, it is impossible for one to hold to ethical skepticism and maintain a coherent worldview based on reality.
            These are the main theses associated with ethical relativism. There are several others that possibly fall into the category of relativism but due to their resemblance to and agreement with ethical relativism; they are debatable and difficult to disprove. This category includes views such as combinatorial relativism and the principle of tolerance.
          
 In conclusion, the principles of ethical absolutism “refute” the possibility for someone to hold to ethical relativism. This is mainly due to the fact that individuals who claim to adhere to the principles of ethical relativism live under the principles that are laid out in ethical absolutism. Ethical relativism is really appealing because it makes man lord over his choices and views on morality or the absence thereof. However, there are objectively moral values that apply to every individual. These moral values are prescribed byAlmighty God and are knowable by all.

My Top 10 Favorite Novels...

...in no particular order, because I love them all.  (And the Bible isn't on here because it is not a novel, but that is my favorite book ever =D) Most of these books I have read multiple times, and for the ones tat I haven't read more than once, I have every intention to do so.  Go read these books. And love them like I do. :)

 A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens. A remarkably moving look at life during the French Revolution. This book had me overwhelmed, amazed, laughing, and even sobbing. Definitely one of the greatest works of literature available.

 Ishmael, by E.D.E.N. Southworth. This book is a sort of rags-to-riches story of a young illegitemate child. He is truly a lovable character, and his life is an inspiring one. Ishmael is out of print, and to my knowledge is only available through Lamplighter Publishing, but do get it! It's sequel, Self Raised, is very good, as well, and satisfies the tragic ending of the first book.

 Tales of the Resistance, by David and Karen Mains. What a book! This is a children's allegory of the Gospel, and is part of a trilogy (Tales of the Kingdom and Tales of the Restoration are the other two books). My friend Cooper recommended it to me, and rightly so! I read the entire book in one sitting, and was brought through smiles, tears, anger, and joy. Tales of the Resistance is a must-have for any family!

 The Chronciles of Narnia series, by C.S. Lewis. If you aren't already familiar with this series, do get acquainted. Enter the story of two children who stumble upon the magical experiments of the absurd Uncle Andrew. Before they know what to think, they are thrust into a wood with mystical pools of water, and the adventure begins! Another allegory, summarizing the key elements of the entire Bible. Absolutely life-changng.

 The Lord of the Rings trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Lewis and Tolkien both were members of a group of writers known as the Inklings (from which this blog borrows its title), and have become famous for their friendship. Tolkien has erected a true masterpiece of literature as he tells the tale of a magical ring, a fat little "hobbit," and a handful of people thrust together in a mission to destroy this ring. A very compelling story, again one that brings out all sorts of emotions. While I wouldn't call this one an allegory, it does take key elements of Scripture and beautifully portray them in this epic fantasy.

 Elsie Dinsmore, by Martha Finley. A sweet, inspiring story of a young girl who, despite having everything in worldly terms, has only one wish in the whole world: to meet her father. Practically an orphan, yet one who is heiress to plantations and mounds of wealth, Elsie is the dearest little character you'll encounter. This book might be a little more geared to girls, but it is really quite suitable and enjoyable for the whole family.

 Beowulf, unknown author. I know. Right now you are thinking, "GEEK!" Well that's because I am one. But seriously, this is an awesome book. I've read it four times in the last three years. It is poetry, yes, but very easy poetry. Readable in two hours. At least I've done it. :) By the way, get the Seamus Heaney translation. Best translation ever, especially since you get the opportunity to learn a little Old Norse along the way.

 The History of the Kings of Britain, by Geoffrey of Monmouth. Let the real geek arise. Technically, this is not a novel, but there are enough historical innacuracies that I count it as one. Matthew, my brother, who read this at age ten (yes, he is just slightly intelligent), LOVED it! Even if you hate history, though, and you can't stand acts of blood and gore, and you think that medieval people were stupid, you're going to love this book. I can almost guarantee it. Give it a little patience, because it takes time to get used to for some people. This book is HILLARIOUS, given a chance to show itself. Really, who can pass up five-foot men carrying eleven-foot giants for five miles and throwing them over cliffs? You can also find the basis for all the legends of King Arthur and Merlin in this book. The only thing I might skip is the prophecies of Merlin. They're kinda weird. :P

 Emma, by Jane Austen. Hahaha! That's all I can say about this book. It is hillariously amusing, and brings in a sweet romance as well. Most definitely worth reading. Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility are other favorites by Austen.

 The Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan. What a story! You most likely know that this is an allegory, and you may or may not know that it is the most widely selling book in history, only surpassed by the Bible itself. Yes, it is that good! You can read it in the Old English, or get various translations of it. I'e read it both ways. I distinctly remember being about nine or ten years old and actually memorizing whole chapters of the abridged version! Excellent stuff. Very convicting, and inspiring as well.

Well, those are my ten. If I could have, I would have listed dozens more...books like Jane Eyre, The Secret Garden, Little Lord Fauntleroy, Deadline, Little Women, The Nine Tailors, The Great Gatsby, Till We Have Faces, Anne of Green Gables, and a billion others for good measure. :) Plus, I could have a huge list of non-fiction, But, I have restrained myself, and your job in return is to read all the books in this list.

Bye then!

Meridian