Chaos is the first condition.
Order is the first law.
Continuity is the first reflection.
Quietude is the first happiness.
— James Stephens / The Crock of Gold (1912)
The lines above are from a novel, The Crock of Gold, from Irish author James Stephens. The form above is not how they were presented in the book originally. They were actually dialogue spoken by the main character, the Philosopher, in the comic/fantasy novel that deals with philosophy, murder, love and marriage, and Irish folklore, including Leprechauns and a stolen crock of gold.
From the bits of it I have read on Internet Archive where it is available, it seems like a wild ride. It has had continuing influence, too. The late Shane McGowan, leader of the Irish band The Pogues, used the title for his last studio album before his death.
But it is the bit of dialogue that caught my eye. It seemed to capture much of what I have been seeing in my work in recent times. Or. at least, hoping to see. You’re never quite sure what will emerge when you’re pulling things out of the ether.
This procedural list seems to match with what I am trying to depict. We try to identify order within the chaos in which we find ourselves. Having revealed whatever bit of order there is to be found, we try to maintain it through repetition of conditions and behaviors. Having done so, we find a bit of tranquility in whatever small patch of order we are able to maintain. Therein lies happiness.
That might be all you need to know about life.
I don’t know, that’s for damn sure. But it sounds like a decent recipe.
Maybe that is the gold in the Leprechaun’s crock?
Here’s a song that probably has nothing to do with post. Maybe that’s the chaos part of it?
Anyway, it came on the station I often listen to just a few minutes ago. I hear it every couple of days, and it always catches my attention, even if I am really focused on painting at that time. It’s One of Those Days from singer/songwriter Eilen Jewell.
Maybe the appeal for me is that I’ve had a lot of those days. Bet a lot of you have, as well.
Redtree Times 
Gary,
I saw this and immediately thought of you.
https://epod.usra.edu https://epod.usra.edu/
I hope you are felling better these days.
Be well and give my best to Cherie.
Mr Tony. >
Thanks, Tony. I think I did paint that! Hope you guys are all doing well. I am feeling much, much better than just a few weeks ago. Damn ticks!