Blog

"Do More"


tom-hlas over-there-three


“Over There: Three”
©Tom Hlas 2016. All rights reserved.
Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 12” x 12”


What do you do that’s important to you?


Is it opening your home and sharing good times with family and friends?


Is it waking early in the morning to greet the sunrise or close the day with a beautiful sunset?


Is it spending time with those less fortunate than you or with one who’s having a down day yet who seems to have every advantage in life?


Is it working hard, yet working smart, in order to provide for those in your care?


Or is it taking some “me time” so you have the physical, mental and spiritual energy needed to attend to all that comes your way each day?


Whatever it is, do more of that — and don’t be surprised if the number of things important to you increases along the way.



Click on the Date Below to leave a comment.

"Give Me that Sense of Wonder"


Tom Hlas Through the Clouds


“Through the Clouds”
©Tom Hlas 2018. All rights reserved.
Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 12” x 12”


I find curious people interesting.


You know who they are. 


They’re the ones that aren’t bored with life. They ask what if, they’re filled with wonder, they listen, they’re willing to be wrong and ready to take a chance to do something new. They’re simply fun to be around and they challenge me to step up to the plate rather than fall short of myself.


And here’s the good news: It’s not too late to recall and reinstate the curiosity we naturally had as children if we’ve lost it along the way.


I find that news encouraging — all is not lost.

___________


“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet.
Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up.”

― Stephen Hawking (1942-2018)



Click on the Date Below to leave a comment.

“Dream Big"


Wings of Thought 400


“Wings of Thought”
©Tom Hlas 2018. All rights reserved.
Mixed Media on Paper, 7-1/2” x 6”


If you had a magic wand to wave and with it could get anything and everything you wanted out of life, what would you want?


I was asked that very question a few days ago and I have to admit I was stymied.


At first I thought answers would come easily and quickly: everyone knows what they want, right?


But if you let the question simmer and wash over your mind or even sit on your shoulders with the weight of the world, how would you answer it?


What do you want, really want, out of relationships, finances, material possessions, emotions, responsibilities, pleasure, health or security?


Have you voiced any of those desires to anyone? 


Who knows, if you say it, you may actually get it!



Click on the Date Below to leave a comment.

"Shattering Limiting Expectations"


Tom Hlas South of Town 36x32


“South of Town”
©Tom Hlas 2017. All rights reserved.
Mixed Media on Canvas, 36” x 32”


I often think about creativity, about being creative, about leading a creative life.


What does it mean to be creative and embrace a creative life?


It doesn’t necessarily mean being a musician, artist, dancer, woodworker, poet, actor, interior designer, photographer, hair stylist or fashion designer.


Rather, I think it has something to do with being curious in whatever line of work you pursue. 


Being curious, asking questions, mulling over options and not being satisfied with the status quo are ways to expand one’s mind frame, of looking beyond the limiting confines of others' expectations and accomplishing what you need to accomplish with a breath of fresh air.


That’s the kind of life I want to lead. And in your heart of hearts, I think that’s the kind of life you want to lead: being the creative office worker, the creative parent, the creative laborer, the creative teacher, the creative food server, the creative spouse, the creative friend.



Click on the Date Below to leave a comment.

© Tom Hlas 2004-2022
All Rights Reserved.