They look pretty but not Chinese.
It is a shame if you are a sham.
Something looks strange.
For true recognition drop the act, be your self. Pretending to be something you are not is not a good idea. Because we can not take the credit, the applause go to the actor. We know we are pretending and we can not deceive our self. We can not accept a complement when we know we do not deserve it. We have to earn it to enjoy it.
Pick the poser.
To be trusted we have to be trustworthy and honest. To be respected we must be respectable. To be loved we must give love. Our lives are a reflexion of ourself.
This is a genuine father and son.
All the acting, the splendid performance, is for nothing when we know we are not the hero. We know when we are a minor part of a performance, we need to get real.
You are all mixed up pretending.
Our ego is the villian in the act, wanting those applause by fair means or foul. The ego is not really you and when you realise this the acting ends. Reality takes place, no more stage props are needed. The powder and paint, the fancy garments are not necessary. We can be our self and relax. All the costly stage props advertised to tempt our ego are unnecessary. We are free to make our own choices of what we need. Not what a greedy ego wants as a status symbol.
No one is putting on an act when we go to the beach.
Being an actor is not an easy job. It is like being a politician. You have to learn your lines and be in the limelight under the public scrutiny. All the publicity and hype can be overwhelming. Just too much for the ego that now cries out for peace and quiet.
The ego can never be satisfied whether it gets what it wants or not, it is unsatisfied.
Mobile phone puts a hold on quiet time.
We need quiet time to appreciate the beauty of reality, to clear our mind of worrying thoughts that disrupt our contentment. Time to chew on wholesome words and savour them. If they are greedily gobbled down their nourishment is lost.
This is more like it.
Slow down, life is not an action movie full of turbulence. With understanding it can be an enjoyable, true love story. Not an unreal, hectic TV romance. That is not what we need, we need the real thing. It is no good acting, you have to honestly carry out those noble deeds. That is what is needed to get true joy in life.
Feeding the Sea Gulls.
jacksjottings 
Verily, the way to go is to drop the act that panders to ego, and just be with a heart brimming with love and acceptance, as depicted in the pics here.
Thanks Raj 🙂 is this my ego talking?
I don’t think so it would be false modesty not to be pleased with a supportive comment from you.
In a few well chosen words your comment rings with sincerity and kindness._/\_
For beginners, just realizing they don’t have to impress anyone of prove anything is such a big step!
Thank you for the reminder Jack 🙏
An understanding comment that lets me know my message was clear, thanks Val.
I like to remind people and it reinforces and clarifies the thoughts in my own mind.
Most of my followers are aware of the pitfalls involved allowing their ego to take control. _/\_
Jack, what a lovely post. I wish I had been raised to value differently than I was. But ultimately, I learned authenticity from the disappointments in acting my life. I deepened my compassion for others by being miserable for so long, trying in vain to ‘measure up.’ Peace, dear one.
I just made a comment on your poem ‘On Point.’ I thought it was very good and will visit to see what else you have for me. Nice that our paths have met up on WordPress. _/\_
Can’t put an old head on young shoulders, Jack, but I wouldn’t mind being that first lady on the right 🙂 Have a happy week, hon!
Wonderfully illustrated Jack.. and I thought ALL politicians were self taught ‘Actors’ LOL.. 🙂 most are following the promptings of their ‘Ego’ 😉
Such truth in your words, so many pretend to be something they are not.. And I smiled to myself when you mentioned Hero’s..
Your sentence ” Slow down, life is not an action movie full of turbulence. ” made me think of what I saw on TV only last evening a real life Hero..
My hubby was swapping channels and I do not watch a lot of the rubbish that is on TV, we enjoy Documentaries and Nature programs.. I cannot stand the soaps etc..
Any way it was what the CCTV camera’s catch as it was about Crime..
4 youths on two scooters with crash helmets and baseball bats had in broad daylight decided it was a good idea to rob a jewellery store..The set about trying to smash the window.. But it was toughened glass.. When this little old lady comes running across the street and swung her handbag at them she chased them and knocked one over as he mounted his bike.. 🙂
Just had to share that.. As others just stood and the shop had activated its metal shutters to come over the window as the other bystanders praised the little old lady.. What she did was instinctive.. She did it not to be a hero.. But was doing what she felt was right..
And that is really all any of us need do.. We don’t have to be a hero.. just do what is right..
Loved the picture of the girl feeding the gulls.. Perfect take.. _/\_ thank you Jack you are a treasure
Thanks Sue for the story about the old lady. The girl feeding the Seagull is one of my 3 granddaughters, My 2 sons are on the guitars and Pauline is in there too. _/\_
Oh Brilliant.. Now I have to come back to your post and take a third look lol 🙂 Your granddaughter is beautiful 🙂
My son Jason and his wife’s world revolves around their 5 children.
They home school them with Christian ethics as their guide.
We are a family of diverse beliefs, like a mini world, but this in no way gets in the road of our love for each other.
There is respect, reciprocity and love in our little world.
It would be wonderful if it was possible for this way of life to spread to the greater world.
Not trying to change each other but to see the good behind the differences.
I rave on a bit Sue but you are such a good listener. _/\_
Jack you have every reason to rave on 🙂 especially about the love of your family!.. And I agree Jack. wouldn’t the world be a brighter better place if we all respected each others beliefs and accepted that the core principle behind each of them is LOVE.. Yet so often we see otherwise..
You have a wonderful family and I think I told you before, I was the eldest of 5 children.. 🙂 _/\_
First of five that makes you special.
I was the youngest in a family of 4.
Younger by 7 years, how is that for good luck? _/\_
Now that is Good Luck Jack.. 7 🙂 is a very good number _/\_
Loved revisiting and looking deeper in each photo.. Such a wonderful family you have Jack _/\_ Love and Blesssings
Thank you Sue for your blessings.
I have been blessed with a wonderful family.
I feel that family extends to every one radiating kindness and also all those that are hurting.
You are part of that family Sue spreading your kindness so generously. _/\_
Many thanks Jack I am honoured to feel part of your ‘Wonderful’ Family Jack.. _/\_