ECHOES OF ÜNENCÜMBERED WISDOM ✨
🧩 thatishughes PROUDLY presents …
✨THE BOOK FOR (n)ONE AND ALL
With a heart brimming with gratitude and a fervent hope that knows no bounds, I humbly offer to you, my inquisitive reader, the culmination of my laborious endeavor — THE BOOK, resplendent in its completion, its final chapter crafted with unwavering determination. Time has come to become, and unveil this literary digital-labyrinth, envisioned and executed as it evolved in its evolution, now polished to perfection, ready to ignite the flames of inspiration within your very soul.
Oh, the ecstasy that washes over me as I declare, with unabashed pride, that this creation stands as a testament to my unwavering dedication, an embodiment of my relentless pursuit of wisdom and truth. Through countless hours of introspection and meticulous craftsmanship, I have delicately woven the strands of knowledge, experience and imagination into an unconventional lyrical screenplay of unencumbered splendor, resonating authenticity with a musicality of a well-spun, well-sprung adventure — springing forth, just now somewhere from within my Medium✨Manifesto.
Be not mistaken, for this moment is but a fleeting pause, a brief respite on an endless journey. As I present to you this volume, brimming with profound insights and captivating narratives, I do so with an ardent desire to spark the flames of curiosity within your heart. For it is not the end, but rather a new beginning — an invitation to traverse uncharted territories, to explore the boundless realms of human intellect and emotion.
In the depths of my gratitude, I extend my sincerest appreciation to you, for embarking on this labyrinthine digital-literary Choose-Your-Own-Adventurous odyssey by my side. Your unwavering support and unwavering faith have fueled my creative spirit, propelling me ever forward in my pursuit of artistic mastery. It is through your discerning eyes and receptive mind that my words find resonance and purpose.
And now, as you hold this book in your hands, feel its weight, trace the embossed sapphires upon its cover, let the anticipation swell within you, for within these pages lie the culmination of countless sleepless nights, ten years of tireless revisions, and decades lost, alone, in relentless self-reflection. It is a treasure trove of ideas, meticulously organized and meticulously honed, ready to be embraced by your eager mind.
But, let us not rest upon the laurels of completion, for the flame of creativity burns eternal. As your pathway meanders towards the final chapters, my story unfolds before your eyes, and signifies, not an end but a mere intermission — a pause in the symphony of knowledge and inspiration. It is an opportunity to reflect, to absorb, and to embark upon your own journey of discovery.
With heartfelt gratitude and unwavering hope, I beseech you to embark upon this transformative voyage through the pages of my Medium✨creation, 🧩 THAT IS. May it ignite a fire within your soul, awakening dormant dreams and propelling you towards new horizons. Together, let us celebrate this momentous occasion, for it marks the culmination of a profound collaboration between author and reader, a bond forged through the power of words.
So, my intrepid reader, with profound appreciation and the flicker of anticipation in my eyes, I present to you my book — a labor of love, now complete and finished. May this Medium✨serve as a beacon of inspiration, a guiding light on your own path of intellectual and emotional growth, and as you discover what you believe to be the final page, remember that the journey continues, the adventure persists, and the infinite realm of knowledge eagerly awaits your arrival. Hooah?
With boundless gratitude and an unwavering commitment to the written word,
THAT IS HUGHES
🧩 #THATis2024
🧩 PrologÜe
XLVII. INVOLUNTARY BLISS.
“With such enigmas and bitterness in his heart did Zarathustra sail o’er the sea. When, however, he was four day-journeys from the Happy Isles and from his friends, then had he surmounted all his pain — : triumphantly and with firm foot did he again accept his fate. And then talked Zarathustra in this wise to his exulting conscience:
Alone am I again, and like to be so, alone with the pure heaven, and the open sea; and again is the afternoon around me.
On an afternoon did I find my friends for the first time; on an afternoon, also, did I find them a second time: — at the hour when all light becometh stiller.
For whatever happiness is still on its way ‘twixt heaven and earth, now seeketh for lodging a luminous soul: WITH HAPPINESS hath all light now become stiller.
O afternoon of my life! Once did my happiness also descend to the valley that it might seek a lodging: then did it find those open hospitable souls.
O afternoon of my life! What did I not surrender that I might have one thing: this living plantation of my thoughts, and this dawn of my […]”
~ Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
Thus Spake Zarathustra / A book for all and none
The last, and final, time I passed through the Bay Area of California ~ 2021
In the innocent days of my second-grade existence, a pivotal moment unfolded, permanently imprinting the fabric of my life. It was during this time that my grandfather, a beacon of wisdom and love, bestowed upon me a treasure of immeasurable significance — a splendid wooden plaque. Crafted with an artistry that evoked awe, it showcased the lamp of knowledge intricately carved into its polished surface, embraced by a celestial dance of stars. Adorning it were the words “For Outstanding Achievement in Learning,” an inscription that ignited a spark of pride within my young heart.
While my grandfather himself did not fashion this masterpiece, he curated its creation with the utmost care and thoughtfulness. His deep-seated passion for intellectual pursuit became the catalyst for our shared bond. Together, we embarked on captivating journeys of knowledge, indulging in documentaries that expanded our horizons and engaging in spirited discussions that nurtured curiosity. His encouraging words urged me to explore the vast expanse of language, as I devoured the pages of the dictionary with a fervor reserved for the most captivating of novels. It was within these cherished moments that the seeds of lifelong learning were sown, their roots firmly planted in the fertile soil of our laughter and shared discoveries.
The day my grandfather presented me with the plaque marked an indelible milestone in my young existence. Amidst a surge of jubilation and gratitude, I basked in the profound sense of accomplishment it bestowed upon me. It served as a testament not only to my personal triumph but also to the boundless love and unwavering support my grandfather had unfailingly showered upon me. Its presence whispered a gentle reminder that the pursuit of knowledge is an infinite journey, an odyssey where discoveries await at every turn. For thirty-nine years, that cherished emblem remained a cherished relic, a constant reminder of the enduring influence my grandfather had imprinted upon my life.
Yet, destiny, in its capricious dance, dealt a heartrending blow as I embarked on a tumultuous cross-country odyssey from the serene landscapes of Spokane, Washington to the vibrant shores of Saint Petersburg, Florida. In the chaos that ensued, my car became a hapless victim of theft, snatching away not only material possessions but also a piece of my grandfather’s legacy. The loss was profound, and it resonated within the depths of my soul. However, even in the face of such adversity, the plaque remains an indomitable presence, firmly etched in my memory as an enduring symbol of my grandfather’s unwavering influence and the laughter we had shared along our intertwined paths.
And so, dear reader, at this very moment, the chronicles of my tale unfurl before your eyes. What began as a mere endeavor to preserve the iridescent memories of a remarkable journey — a lavish celebration of my beloved’s birthday amidst the ethereal beauty of the Maldives — has embarked on an extraordinary metamorphosis. It has evolved into a boundless exploration of uncharted territories, propelling me into the enchanting realm of artistic expression. A vast horizon of possibilities stretches before me, seemingly guided by the celestial hands of destiny itself, urging me to embrace the mantle of an artist. What was once a humble collection of photographs and stories yearns to transcend its initial purpose, surging toward a greater calling that resonates with profound meaning and artistic vision.
Enveloped within the spellbinding allure of the Maldives, its turquoise waters caressing pristine shores while celestial hues ignite captivating sunsets, my soul succumbs to an irresistible charm — an intoxicating elixir that kindles the creative flame within me. It is an irrevocable summons, urging me to weave together the tapestry of experience, emotion, and inspiration, threading them delicately into a magnificent masterpiece of beauty and resonance. As the intoxicating call of creation reverberates, I find myself venturing further into the unexplored frontiers — an intrepid expedition into the expansive realms of artistic expression. The tendrils of creativity extend, their gentle touch guiding my hands and igniting the dormant embers of imagination. In this uncharted terrain, a new narrative emerges, where words dance upon screen’s pristine pages and brushstrokes breathe life into the dormant canvas, transcending the boundaries of the familiar.
Deep within the recesses of my being, the very essence of creation stirs — an ember that yearns to infuse life into this grand project. It seeks to imbue the captured moments of love, celebration, and profound beauty that envelopes my journey with purpose and soul. No longer confined to the realms of mere documentation, it aspires to ascend to the status of an artwork — an homage to existence itself, an ephemeral symphony that encapsulates the essence of our intertwined souls. With each stroke of my thumbs, my brush, I strive to transcend the tangible, venturing into the ethereal realms that lie beyond. Evoking a myriad of emotions and stretching the boundaries of perception, I embark on this artistic expedition with an open heart. Inspiration becomes my guiding compass, breathing life into every stroke, infusing every word with the essence of our extraordinary encounter.
Though the path that unfurls before me remains veiled in uncertainty, with formidable challenges poised to test my resolve, I embrace the unknown with an unyielding fervor. For it is within this uncharted territory that the promise of self-discovery resides — a realm where hidden facets of my own creativity lie dormant, awaiting their transformative awakening. With each step, I venture deeper into the labyrinth of artistic creation, propelled by an insatiable hunger for beauty, truth, and the raw essence of the human experience. Thus, my cherished memories of that extraordinary journey transcend the boundaries of recollection — they become a resounding testament to the awe-inspiring power of art. It breathes life into the ephemeral, defying the passage of time. And so, fueled by an unquenchable passion, I embark upon this voyage of creativity, navigating the uncharted territories of artistic expression, in pursuit of crafting a masterpiece✨that echoes the profound beauty of the Maldives and embodies the timeless essence of love itself.
#THATis2024
Kooddoo Island ~ EArTHDay2023
