Did is just strike you as fitting, did you just want to get something in, does it fit your personality and why, did it insprire you...why did you choose what you did.

Mine was for inspiration. My avatar has much to do with my healing journey. Although no one can recognize it, it is a picture of Jesus holding an infant. I feel that is what God has done my whole life and it reminds me that He is in charge of my healing and there is always comfort there. I am having an artist make up some new drawings for me, so that people can tell what it is...I am really excited!!!

I just need an avatar that is funny.. to see my funny side..

My Avatar of choice for right now is taken from an image of a big cartoon bloke reaching up for a golden star and with it was the poem Desiderata (Latin for ‘desired things’) which I’m looking at on the wall here in Doo-bye…its about attaining happiness believed to go back to the 1600’s and copyrighted in 1927 by Max Ehrmann:

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

— Max Ehrmann, 1927

Works for me!!

Jim,

That is beautiful and inspiring. Anyone of those paragraphs would make a good post and you could explain your avatar and encourage people to get their's.

Can I use it on one my blogs?

I joined today and I am not sure how to get an Avi :)

Welcome to GO! Smell the flowers Anne...

Let's get you set up - all you need to do is head to Gravatar, as below, upload your image and in 10 minutes you'll be recognised on any Wordpress blog!

http://gosmelltheflowers.com/upload-your-avatar-logo-now

When complete feel free to head back here to let us know the inspiration behind your avatar.

Hope this helps,
Cheers!

My Avatar is an old story - It's taken from a picture of me accompanying the children on a 'gentle' roller coaster type ride for kids at the now closed American Adventure theme park in Derbyshire.

The windswept - hanging on for dear life - steely fixed grin - look says it all really but it reminds me of a great day out with the kids and its a rare shot where i don't look like a complete idiot.

Here's a link to the full picture.... http://purple13.blogspot.com/2007/12/avatar-full-picture.html

Thanks Jim! :)

btw I joined this blog today since I saw an article about your writing on OSHO in our daily newspaper here in Pune.......in Pune Mirror...they had your blog writings plastered across three pages... :)

And here I have my Avi! :)

It's my photo ...just my smile :) since I believe that a gentle Smile can bring down walls and make distances disappear between human beings.

Something nice i read about Smile :

If in our daily lives we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. If we really know how to live, what better way to start the day than with a smile? Our smile affirms our awareness and determination to live in peace and joy. The source of a true smile is an awakened mind.

by Thich Nhat Hanh, Peace Is Every Step

Welcome Anne,

Thanks for bringing your wonderful smile here - the more the merrier....

I'm looking forward to seeing the piece in the Pune mirror - it's making its way over to the Time group aswell!

Bit of a cosmic coincidence with your quote as right in front of me is 'The Art of Power' by Thich Nhat Hanh - A guy I coach bought it for this trip from Dubai!!

Your smiley avi will also work at the main blog so feel free to get involved with the gang there as well**

**Sense of humour essential.

Mine is a miniature of the logo for the Rothko Chapel in Houston TX. I used to live in Houston, so it's got those associations. Rothko is my absolute favourite artist; his work takes me through every emotion on the spectrum and draws me in like little else, so it's got those associations. The Rothko Chapel is an omni-religious/non-religious place for contemplation and worship. And I love the potential in that. It was my favourite bit of Texas and the one bit I deeply miss now I've moved to London. So my avi is a reminder of the power of art.

Plus, it makes me happy.