Celebrate Life - Charlie Chaplin's Iconic Speech

We have all heard of Charlie Chaplin, an endearing actor, entertaining and inspiring millions in his silent movies without needing to speak a word. 

But when he did speak, he inspired generations, as shown in his iconic speech in his 1940 movie "The Great Dictator" which I had to share for those who have not watched it before: 

With this speech in mind I wanted to share a piece of art that captures the beauty of his wisdom, as relevant today as it was back then in 1940. What will you take from it?

Charlie Chaplin inspired artwork. 

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Inspiration

I get really inspired by events like the London Paralympic and Olympics, they really do "Inspire a generation." 

Colourful performers with umbrellas are suspended from mid air. Image from: 

www.olympics.time.com/

Nearly 27m people watched the Olympic opening ceremony making it one of the most watched programmes in history! It's fair to describe The Games as "the greatest show on earth." 

The hundreds of performers create a sea of umbrellas. Image from: 
www.olympics.time.com/

The ceremonies are a great way to celebrate everything The Games are about. From British history and texts from Shakespeare, to flying performers, fireworks and also Stephen Hawking who said the Paralympic Games is about transforming our perception of the world. 

The Union Jack flag carried by members of the Armed Forces. Image from: 

www.olympics.time.com/

The London Paralympic opening ceremony was set to the theme of enlightenment and offers a more deeper kind of inspiration. What inspires me is the story behind each athlete, they serve as an inspiration to us all. Some are disabled from birth, others have suffered terrible accidents, some the victims of terrorist attacks and others ex-service military men and woman, yet they stay determined to achieve what they want. 

The Cauldron, all lit up marking the start of The Games. Image from:
www.Dailymail.co.uk

I've enjoyed watching The Games, getting inspired and also being able to share the wonderful journeys of the athletes. I'm sure the closing ceremony "The Festival of Flame" will be just as inspiring for me and many others around the world!!

Fireworks display marking the start of The Games. Image from: www.guardian.co.uk/

I'd like to share the words spoken by professor Stephen Hawking at the opening ceremony: 

"What is important is that we have the ability to create. This creativity can take many forms from physical achievement to theoretical physics. However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at." 

"The Games provide an opportunity for athletes to excel, to stretch themselves and become outstanding in their field. So let us together celebrate excellence, friendship and respect. Good luck to all." 

My Week & London Olympics Opening ceremony

Firstly, how good was the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics? I love events like this and the Jubilee in the world as it really brings people together. A great British summer huh? Gutted I missed out at being 1 of the volunteers!! Things in my life at the time of the application process meant that by the time I applied, places were few & competition was fierce. Gutted! 

Copyright photo: http://www.dailymail.co.uk
Fireworks light the sky over London's Tower Bridge during London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. 

I love the Isles of Wonder part of London's Olympic Opening Ceremony: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tm7NWsxRRc&feature=player_detailpage

Copyright photo: http://www.dailymail.co.uk
The fireworks finale lights the Olympic Stadium. 

Anyhow, as I type this, 1 of my pieces of Artwork is making its way to Poland! Always nice to see my art go overseas. Don't forget my exhibit is still up at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. Contact me for more details or if you're interested in purchasing any art: 

Tweet: @MonsoonArts
Email: Sharon_Kerala@hotmail.com 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/monsoonartsandphotography 

Copyright Sharonjeet Galsinh
My framed photographic print making its way to Poland. Contact me if you're interested in this or any other artwork, Sharon.  

Also this week, I bumped into 3 people I haven't seen in years from school, work and 1 locally - nice when life throws good surprises at me! Also took some different photos - always fun, always a bonus! Met some inspiring arty creative people like myself at work and then hopefully might land a new lead - Exciting!

SOMETHING INSPIRING: 
When I was helping a guy he said "Thank you & keep smiling. We're only born with 1 heart so keep showing your heart. Think how much better the world would be - it'd be a much nicer place - Thanks." 

A nice guy, a nice chat & true words, we could all listen to this - so COME ON WORLD !!

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Inspirational World

I love to see beautiful photos of the world as they really inspire me. Here are some that show just how beautiful our world is. Copyright © images. 

A restaurant on a cliff on the east coast of Zanzibar. Depending on the tide the restaurant can be reached both on foot & by boat. 

Lost Paradise, Isle of Lamu, Indian Ocean. 

View of the sunset from inside a wave. 

Thor's Well - "The Gates of the Dungeon." Oregon. 

This is a unique geological phenomenon known as Danxia Landform, China. The colour is the result of an accumulation for millions of years of red sandstone & other rocks. 

Hot Air Balloons over ancient rock formations in Cappadocia, Turkey. 

Office of Selgas Cano. Madrid. 

Star Shower statue, Kaunas, Lithuania. Day & night. I really like the play of light at night. In the daytime this monument makes little sense but when night falls all is revealed, the man's shadow showers stars. 

Copyright photos taken from http://pics.livejournal.com/neferjournal

Inspiring People - John Lennon

John Lennon is one person I find inspiration from and so both my sister and I were excited to spend a few days away in Liverpool last month to enjoy the cities arts & culture. Liverpool offered us an atmospheric insight into the life, culture and music of the iconic 1960s English rock band The Beetles. The Beatles became one of the most successful bands of all time and gained fans around the world, Beatlemania still grips Liverpool to this day. The Beatles "revolutionized the sound, style, and attitude of popular music". 

"For young people in 1972, it was thrilling to see Lennon's courage in standing up to the US President. That willingness to take risks with his career and his life is one reason why people still admire him today". 

John Lennon tribute, Liverpool
Copyright © SHARONJEET GALSINH

The John Lennon Peace Monument ‘Peace & Harmony’. Inscribed with the words “Peace on Earth for the Conservation of Life – In Honour of John Lennon 1940–1980.” 

The John Lennon Peace Monument unveiled in 2010 entitled ‘Peace & Harmony’ shows peace symbols, doves and a white feather. It's inscribed with the words “Peace on Earth for the Conservation of Life – In Honour of John Lennon 1940–1980”. 

John Lennon devoted the later part of his life to a worldwide peace movement. His message of peace is timeless and is one that is more relevant now than ever. 

Meeting Inspiring People - BBC's Mark Speight

I really like it when life gives me the opportunity to meet really inspiring people, people who make me want to achieve more. I recently had the pleasure of meeting the father of the late Mark Speight. Mark's well known for being one of the top presenters of the BBC's highly rated children’s show SMart. He was certainly right when he said always do what you want to do, don't listen to what others tell you to do as you'll be better at doing what makes you happy. See people can make money from being an artist when they're alive! 

Image taken from speightoftheart.org.uk

Click to visit the Mark Speight Foundation