# CK Hicks
> Heartful Technologist, podcaster, code weaver, photographer, writer, and human-first technology advocate in Kansas City, USA
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).

## Pages
- [About](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/about.md) - I'm a Heartful Technologist* and multi-disciplinary creative. * noun: person who thinks intentionally and sustainably about the intersection between humans and technology Understanding how people use technology is my never-ending hobby. Bridging the gap between the digital & physical realms is my c…
- [Articles](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/blog.md)
- [By Way of Reminder](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/bwor.md) - Humble observations of Scriptural principles: I have been writing a Bible study newsletter each week for the past five years. The slow, steady diligence of this project - even to a small number of subscribers - has taught me a lot about the way you can go from zero to hundreds of published works! T…
- [CK Hicks](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/home.md) - Heartful Technologist, podcaster, code weaver, photographer, writer, and human-first technology advocate in Kansas City, USA

## Posts
- [Spirit of the Midwest](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/podcasts/spirit-of-the-midwest.md) - Interviews and stories exposing the deep values and pride found in the heart of America. Hosted by Midwest natives Wesley Noble and CK Hicks.
- [ReCollections](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/podcasts/recollections.md) - Memories from days gone by, now re-collected and recorded for future generations. Join us for brief, intentional conversations that dig deep into the histories and events that made us who we are today.
- [The Heartful Technologist](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/podcasts/heartful-technologist.md) - The Heartful TechnologistWelcome to the Heartful Technologist podcast archive. You can also listen via your favorite podcast player whenever new episodes appear! Thanks for your time.YouTube Exploring the intersection of technology, humanity, and purposeful work. Through personal stories and interv…
- [Integrity and Outer Space](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/integrity-and-outer-space.md) - Finding peace and inspiration from the Artemis II space mission.
- [The Habit of Enjoying (Decaf) Coffee](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-habit-of-enjoying-decaf-coffee.md) - Evaluating and redefining the goals around enjoying a cup of coffee.
- [10 Years as Charles & Kathryn](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/10-years-as-charles-kathryn.md) - Thoughts on the past ten years of marriage to Kathryn.
- [AI in Spaaaaace](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ai-in-spaaaaace.md) - Thinking more philosophically than aspirationally about deploying (read: offloading) technology into space.
- [Balancing Family Time & Photography](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/balancing-family-time-photography.md) - Trying to practice balance between living adventures and documenting them. The answer will shape how I remember these years…and how my family will remember me.
- [Essentialist Photography Kits (Fujifilm X100VI)](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/essentialist-photography-kits-fujifilm-x100vi.md) - Compact proficiencies across multiple disciplines feels almost too good to be true. Could I meaningfully reduce friction for documenting life's adventures with an X100VI?
- [“Trust the Ordinary” 365 Photography Project](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/projects/365-project.md) - Dates: 2025/12/01 - 2026/12/01 Rules: One photo per day, no editing Tools: Different camera each month Goals: Weekly IG recap @ckhicks June Camera: Fujifilm X100VI (full-spectrum converted) May Camera: Nikon ZR + TTArtisan 75mm April Camera: iPhone 3GS March Camera: Canon EOS M February Camera: Son…
- [The Talent of Staying Relevant](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-talent-of-staying-relevant.md) - Shifting the focus from a fearful, defensive position around AI to a more productive conversation about creative potential.
- [Reflections on Photography](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/photowalk-reflections.md) - Zooming out to observe patterns and movements from a life lived with a camera in my hands.
- [Rubber Ducking and Beyond](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/rubber-ducking-and-beyond.md) - Talking out loud, even to an empty room, is one of the most human things we can do. But how often do we select our audience with intention?
- [Betraying Humanity with AI](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/betraying-humanity-with-ai.md) - A cautionary tale about handing over irreplaceable to artificial intelligence, and fighting for the dignity of humanity.
- [Little lives, lost and loved](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/little-lives-lost-and-loved.md) - Thoughts from a father of six, whose family of five are learning to love one another through life and loss.
- [When Practice is the Goal](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/when-practice-is-the-goal.md) - The goal is not analytics, praise, or future endeavors. Victory is ensuring today's growth, not hitting tomorrow's goal.
- [The Great Grandfather of Virtual Reality](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-great-grandfather-of-virtual-reality.md) - The legacy of Ed Catmull and his interactions with early innovations in VR/MR.
- [Film vs Digital](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/film-vs-digital.md) - Monday morning musing: enjoy this brief, nerdy consideration of the reason film photos always feel more natural.
- [Childlike To-Do Reminders](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/child-like-to-do-reminders.md) - Learning to see an endless sea of to-do items through the eyes of my children.
- [Instagram vs Google Photos](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/instagram-vs-google-photos.md) - Making peace with the progress of making photographs in this season of family life.
- [Developing a New Era for Audio](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/developing-a-new-era-for-audio.md) - Perhaps my favorite project from the past 20 years of software development. It's an important one.
- [Working the Dream](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/working-the-dream.md) - Trying to find my voice after years of silence and whispers.
- [Brick & Mortar Coffee](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/brick-mortar-coffee-2022.md) - Spec ad for a friend's coffee shop in Springfield, MO that we planned, shot, and edited during the summer of 2022
- [Strength of the Wolf: Gaming & Friendship](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/strength-of-the-wolf-gaming-friendship.md) - It's a privilege to play games with friends. Destiny has been the only disc in my Xbox One for months. The Iron banner event has landed in the Tower once again, Lord Saladin is ready to reward Guardians who fight to victory if only they will lock arms and engage in fierce battle in the Crucible.
- [Writing in the New Year](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/writing-in-the-new-year.md) - Writing has always been easy for me. Since I was young, the many words that flow from my mouth pour forth just as easily through my pen.
- [100 One-Trick Ponies](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/100-one-trick-ponies.md) - I have been learning a lot of new things this year. As the tools of this web trade become more plentiful, it's harder to focus on any one method or process.
- [Compute Midwest - 2016](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/compute-midwest-2016.md) - These are a few of the notes I took at the Compute Midwest Conference in Kansas City, Missouri on November 2, 2016.
- [Making Lemonade](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/making-lemonade.md) - Dealing with a rough sequence of events can be tough. If you're in a strange pattern that seems to be continuing in a downward direction, you may do well to keep a few things in mind to preserve your sanity.
- [Accountability and Shared Experiences](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/accountability-and-shared-experiences.md) - I work and live alone. As a web developer, my day-to-day is largely spent in front of a screen, flying solo. In fact, I work to create opportunities we can all experience in our own little personal glass spheres.
- [re: Lost in Translation](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/lost-in-translation.md) - I have been sitting on this post since mid-summer of 2011. Perhaps you would take a stroll with me as we consider this masterful piece of cinema. Here's to one of the best films ever made...that I may never need to watch again.
- [15 Moments to Close Out 2015](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/15-moments-to-close-out-2015.md) - 2015 was a year of, "firsts" for me: First time moving back to Springfield, MO (from KC). First two months of 60-70 hour work weeks...
- [The Young American](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-young-american.md) - As kids, we learned to want the things we needed most: two parents, how to follow God, the value of hard work, and the importance of respecting all people. I hope one day I can make such a lasting impression on my children.
- [Friendly Neighborhood Chivalries](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/friendly-neighborhood-chivalries.md) - 8:00am on a chilly morning in Springfield, Missouri. One of my neighbors, a woman in her mid-twenties, is trying to scrape several layers of ice off her windshield with a tiny scraper. I have a couple hefty ones in my car - growing up in the Midwest has its advantages - and immediately feel obligate
- [The Marathon](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-marathon.md) - The second lap of the race was killing me. Every fiber of my being was on fire, oxygen wouldn't come fast enough, and I was easily distracted by the crowd. But there it was, sitting on the ground and demanding that I redouble my efforts. I put one foot in front of the other, straining to reach the s
- [29 Years, As You Do](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/29-years-as-you-do.md) - 10:00 PM. Today has been a full day of writing code, having meetings, and thanking the well-wishers who stopped by to say hello. This is what my mom would call a "grown-up" birthday, and it made me wonder where celebration and comfort fit in a culturally-acceptable view of everyday life.
- [Screen Time](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/screen-time.md) - Sometimes I forget that there are people who don't spend all day staring at screens. While that may seem like an oddity nowadays, you don't have to go back in time very far to find that it was once the rule, not the exception.
- [Day One...Again](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/day-one-again.md) - You know those movies where the main character is stuck in a time loop, the woman checks out the noise, and the guy walks into the dark hallway? Those stories suck.
- [Creating Value in the Quiet Times](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/creating-value-in-the-quiet-times.md) - Find something cool or fun to say next Friday when nothing else is going on, and you will break through. Excellent advice from Gary Vee, as always.
- [The Steady Drum](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-steady-drum.md) - Piano players, armies, and frustrated artisans. We all march to the beat of a steady drum.
- [Been a Week (2014-07-04)](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/been-a-week-2014-07-04.md) - Independence Day, Snapple Peach Tea, Term Limits, sunset obsession, and being grateful through hard work.
- [Gun For Hire: Independence](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/gun-for-hire-independence.md) - Over the past twelve months I have been freelancer, hourly employee, salaried employee, and member of the largest employee-owned advertising agency in the United States of America. The adventure continues today, and it feels fitting on this Fourth of July to say a few words about independence.
- [The Blank Page](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-blank-page.md) - "Let me say it again: you must not come lightly to the blank page." -- Stephen King, On Writing
- [It’s 2014. Is Web Design Dead?](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/its-2014-is-web-design-dead.md) - -- Jeffery Zeldman (source) This is a really great reminder to stay focused on the core issues of work online. If we forget why we got into this, or why it keeps us involved, we risk sacrificing the victories we have won in exchange for fancy code snippets. Keep the faith.
- [The Pursuit of Happilyness](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-pursuit-of-happilyness.md) - Everyone searches for joy and peace, hoping to find something that makes them happy. Regardless of the pursuit, few things are worth the journey without the company of those you love. These are some of the footprints one twenty-something man left in the sand while pursuing...happiness.
- [Tools and Toys](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/tools-and-toys.md) - There comes a time in every techie’s life when he/she simply must indulge in, “what apps do you like?” I generally stray from such posts, but my dev lead at work told me I had to do so. Hat tip to him for forcing my hand with sharing some tips.
- [The Truth About Glass Boxes](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-truth-about-glass-boxes.md) - If you know me from anywhere other than this website, it may be hard for you to believe that I would ever run out of words. In truth, the words are always there, but lately I haven't known how to put them onto a page. This is not a victory shout from a writer who has found his way out of a slump; th
- [Zoom Out, Focus](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/zoom-out-focus.md) - Do you ever wonder if this ecosystem of electronic data makes us want to save too much? We have the collective knowledge of millions of people at our fingertips, plus nearly all of the recorded information for all of times past, and yet we still want to save and preserve...more. When we see an app…
- [Gun For Hire: Downtime](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/gun-for-hire-downtime.md) - A funny thing happened today: I actually ran out of things to work on. My clients were happy, news of my new job was in motion, and I had no access to my home setup. What is a young creative to do? I think you can tell a lot about someone with how they use their "down time." While I caught myself s…
- [Gun For Hire: Likeness](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/gun-for-hire-likeness.md) - I tend to obsess about online presentation. Whether it's business speak or replies on Twitter, I am fully aware that every time I "publish" anything it may be read by future clients. Here is an example of why that's so important. Yesterday I received a phone call from someone here in Springfield, M…
- [Gun For Hire: Portability](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/gun-for-hire-portability.md) - I get asked about my netbook at least once or twice each week. No matter where I go, the little Dell 10v with the Apple sticker draws a few stares. What is it? Why on earth is it so small? How could anyone get anything done on that thing?!
- [Holmes and Hobbits](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/holmes-and-hobbits.md) - I consider one of my chief failings in life to be how many similarities I (sub)consciously trace between my own portrait-of-the-knowledge-worker-as-a-young-man and Sherlock Holmes...but that will not stop me from using those personalities in this pseudo-psychological comparison.
- [Gun For Hire: Reliance](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/gun-for-hire-reliance.md) - These GFH articles have been down in the depths as of late, discussing the hard realities of having a business and searching for work. I'd be remiss to suggest that it really is turtles all the way down. Time to bring this trend of topics back toward the surface. I don't get stressed out easily. Fo…
- [Safety Noose](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/safety-noose.md) - Nothing feels "right" until I write. Whenever I am trying to figure things out, typing or doodling is always part of the solution. I also really enjoy listening to and learning from other people. Crazy as this may sound, I have a very short list of folks that I pay attention to online. I sincerely h
- [Gun For Hire: Unsustainable](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/gun-for-hire-unsustainable.md) - This will not be the last post in my Gun For Hire series, but I do hope that it marks the start of a new chapter. It's time to step up and deal with the elephant in the room: sustainability.
- [Infidel](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/infidel.md) - "I feel like I lost my job." 27 years old and this was the second time I had ever said those words. The first time was three years earlier, when I launched out to start my freelance web business. Always an adventure.
- [HTML5 Reset on The Big Web Show](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/html5-reset-on-the-big-web-show.md) - This is exciting - I've been working with Tim Murtaugh [http://monkeydo.biz/] to update the HTML5 Reset WordPress Theme [http://ckh.me/html5]. His work was some of the first HTML5 code I read/wrote back before a lot of the frameworks became popular. I've been pleased to contribute back to this proje
- [Gun For Hire: Nomad](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/gun-for-hire-nomad.md) - I recently wrote a tongue-and-cheek post about losing internet for several days. It has a few tips for keeping things in motion while you wait for the interwebs to re-animate, but it doesn't deal with the mindset of having to "run and gun" on public wifi. This post will.
- [Freelancer On The Run](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/freelancer-on-the-run.md) - I was teasing a good friend about losing his internet connection the other night...then I came home to a dead line at my house. Cruel irony. Though this issue drove me to public wifi for several hours, I wanted to share a few ABC's for the digital nomad with a non-functional home office.
- [5by5 + 70Decibels = Win](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/5by5-70decibels-win.md) - 5by5 is acquiring 70Decibels. I feel that this is wonderful news for listeners of both networks. These are two of my favorite groups of people online, and I hope it helps both networks grow and expand into new territories!
- [Gun For Hire: Replicant](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/gun-for-hire-replicant.md) - Like any crazed freelancer, I receive multiple emails a day from clients who all need something right at the same time. I'm not sure if this is a good sign or not, but it's how things have been going for the past three years and change. How do you tell people they are important...but there are other
- [Gun For Hire: Support](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/gun-for-hire-support.md) - Flying solo is a blessing and a curse. There seems to be a lot of debate in the freelance community about what it means to "make it work." What do you consider success, how do you measure growth, and when do you know to stop pulling the trigger and call for reinforcements?
- [Doing That "One Thing"](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/doing-that-one-thing.md) - This may be one of my new favorite articles on writing. [http://gigaom.com/2013/03/06/doing-that-one-thing/] Great thoughts on the industry, the craft, and the hustle it takes to keep writing great stuff.
- [Gun For Hire: Connections](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/gun-for-hire-connections.md) - I love meeting people who live, work, and breathe the web industry. There are plenty of places I would like to go and people I would like to meet, but sometimes the "right" connections are right here in my own backyard.
- [Gun For Hire: Relocation](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/gun-for-hire-relocation.md) - I'd love to glorify my current calendar mess and say something like, "I'm moving into a new studio space."
- [Owning A Business](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/owning-a-business.md) - Owning a business is about doing the right thing and having the confidence that what you’re doing is going to work.
- [Gun for Hire: Introductions](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/gun-for-hire-introductions.md) - Doing web work for yourself, clients, *and* a local web agency requires some fancy footwork at times. I'm not sure I've read too many blogs about going from flying solo to sitting at a desk (not like a corporate stooge, thankfully), so perhaps this will help some people
- [Five by Future](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/five-by-future.md) - Lots of changes are coming down the tubes; what does that mean for the network as a whole?
- [On Websites (Part 1)](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/on-websites-part-1.md) - Websites should be simple tools that illustrate what we do. When I decided to remake this site, I had a clear vision in mind, but it’s all about perceptions and choices. Part one of two dealing with our goals and "missions" online.
- [Searching for Home](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/searching-for-home.md) - My name is Charles Kimball Hicks, IV, but you do not know me by that name.
- [OT Prophets](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ot-prophets.md) - Reading about the lives of the prophets in the OT is really hard. I can’t imagine some of the struggles they went through, much less the things they had to surrender so that God would be most glorified in their lives.
- [Edison.](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/edison.md) - What we do to stay busy may not be where we should spend our time. Do you work because you want to improve the area around you, or to meet the false expectations you established? Don’t deify Edison’s principle; I urge you to pause before you ruin your reputation with empty promises.
- [Day of Rest](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/day-of-rest.md) - By most people’s standards, I probably don’t have a lot of crazy adventures. That said, this last week I was up in Omaha, NE to launch a big project I’ve been working on for the last four months.
- [Push](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/push.md) - Written during a dark time in September, 2012 It was a dark and stormy night. The clock struck twelve, pulling the man from his narcoleptic trance in front of his keyboard. He was one tired dude. Already worn out from a long day, he glanced around his desk, knowing it was time to get the last- …he…
- [Goldilocks.](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/goldilocks.md) - Goldilocks, Ecclesiastes, and Zappos. Being stuck in the middle isn't a great place to be, even though we really love that place in our culture. Do we know how to progress steadily, or will the constant din of shoe-swapping, bed-hopping, and taste-testing wear us out?
- [Sherlock.](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/sherlock.md) - What pieces of what you'd like to do can you be doing today? If there aren't any, you might need to re-configure your expectations of the future. Can you cut out something silly to get 10x more of something important? I'm wildly fascinated with the way Sherlock is portrayed *between* solving cases;
- [Clackity.](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/clackity.md) - I haven't published much RSAGS™ as of late, because I've neglected the time of day when I should be "making the clackity noise." Even though I believe polish is one of the most important things in creative work, it's also really tough to keep moving your hands if you have to stay in the lines every
- [Boom.](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/boom.md) - Over the last several years, I have re-designed this site about a dozen times. I'd like to explore the idea behind this change, what drove me to this point, plus a bit about content strategy and the way our brains work. I love that stuff.
- [The Hunger Games (Follow-Up)](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-hunger-games-followup.md) - A quick plot analysis from the Wiki page tells me all I need to know about the ensuing struggle for yet another girl to pick between two amazing guys. It just gets old.
- [The Hunger Games (Review)](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-hunger-games.md) - This review will likely make me unpopular among many of my peers, but I couldn’t resist the urge to say a few things about this novel.
- [Smoking Jacket](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/smoking-jacket.md) - Working and writing through the smells and voices of daily life in my new apartment. I'd really like to not wear this smoking jacket any longer.
- [Microsoft & Japanese Culture Aftershocks](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/microsoft-hit-by-japanese-culture-aftershocks.md) - In case you missed my reactions to Bing's latest move on Twitter, check out my tweet and the two videos that followed!
- [Facebook Tutorial: Adding Default Tabs](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/facebook-pages-tutorial-adding-default-tabs-and-applications.md) - This one is pretty basic, but with all of the changes to Facebook's page layout and dynamic content I thought it'd be helpful.
- [Being Inventor-y to Take Inventory](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/being-inventor-y-to-take-inventory.md) - To boil it down: I think you have to be an inventor before you can take inventory.
- [If Freud Had Facebook](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/if-freud-had-facebook.md) - We live in the age of ethereal analyzation of the social collective, right? Everyone is trying to figure each other out, posting content about themselves to find out what makes them tick, and generally poking their noses into the most open-source society the world has ever known. It's a zoo, it's m…
- [Top Things Through Twenty-Ten](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/topthingsthroughtwentyten-25.md) - I've learned a lot in my 25 years on this Earth. Every trip around the sun brings more wisdom, experience, embarrassment and so on to my story. This year has been no exception - since I'm turning 25 I thought I'd finish 2010 with 25 things I've learned thus far. Check back every few days to see the…
- [Letter to Stephen King](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/letter-to-stephen-king.md) - I just finished listening to your book "On Writing" this evening. Thank you for taking time to regale your thoughts on the craft, and offer insight for old and new writers alike. Even my shoes thank you for heaving aside much of the discernible bovine feces we face on this path. There is one thing…
- [March-ing Onward](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/march-ing-onward.md) - rimshot I'm so clever. This month holds the 6-month mark for my time in Springfield, MO. I moved because I felt like I should; the list of reasons and opportunities were encouraging, challenging, inviting. So far, things have been working out very well! Since a few weeks before I moved, I have been…
- [Trenches Launch](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/trenches-launch.md) - Trenches hit the streets after many moons of being held back by various studios - go check it out! I worked hard on this with some really awesome artists and the finished product rocks.
- [Job 32:1](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/job-321.md) - Do you ever feel like your closest friends ignore you; that your trust with the deepest questions returns no results? If so, I propose a question: have you checked to see if you've left a place for them to stand next to you? This passage states that Job's three friends ceased to answer him. It wasn…
- [EE10 - New Directions](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ee10-new-directions.md) - Note: EE8, EE9, EE1b, and EE10 are all "old news" in a way. My original plan with these short stories was to write overly-detailed exposition for a little writing exercise. What I found, however, was a desire to explore new directions; each time I looked at one of these I felt like writing entire c…
- [Acts 8:4](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/acts-84.md) - It is very important that we spread the news of Jesus Christ to all people. Sometimes this is done with other believers at our side; other times it means going alone. The number is irrelevant, however, because we are commanded to go into all the Earth and tell people about Christ. (Matthiew 28:19-2…
- [Making Contact in 2010](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/making-contact-in-2010.md) - When I started writing this, my intention was to stay away from the regrets and resolutions that permeate most blogs around the first of the year. What I found was…perspective. Too much reflection or projection makes your vision blur; I like the balance here. Starting from today, it's easy to glanc…
- [Thanks(by)giving](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/thanksbygiving.md) - Much of my time this year has been used to test and define how and why I do the things I do. One of those areas pertains to holiday celebrations: is there a good reason behind each date I consider important on the calendar? Why should I alter my behavior around a specific day, and should I support…
- [Allergies < Halo](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/allergies-halo.md) - I have finally found it - the one thing that actually stops allergies dead in it's tracks. Now I've been allergic to most airborne things for my entire life, been on lots of different stuff for it, but never have I found something this effective. Want to know what it is? Halo. Sitting and playing H…
- [EE9 - New Dawn](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ee9-new-dawn.md) - The sun rose slowly over the horizon, a bright ball of fire burning the morning dew off of the canvas tents. All was still in the encampment, the residents therein concealed from the crisp morning air for a few moments longer. They were all eager to start the day, though not before the morning ligh…
- [Haiku - Positions](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/haiku-positions.md) - Past pursuits prepare, Present problems persevere, Post placements provoke.
- [Haiku - Friendship Math](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/haiku-friendship-math.md) - Three start together, One added two subtracted, Two apart again.
- [Haiku - Numbness](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/haiku-numbness.md) - Numbness does occur, When scabs of emotion form, From wounds ripped open.
- [EE8 - Citadel Celebration](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ee8-citadel-celebration.md) - The city bustled with excitement, a merry time of year had arrived for those who wished to observe such occasions. Many citizens had taken to the market squares and public meeting places, their growing anticipation for the days ahead removing any of the usual barriers that divided them from the res…
- [Christmas Disquisition](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/christmas-disquisition.md) - Christmas Disquisition An evaluation of an especially eccentric time of year. Regardless of how or why you observe December 25th, this was written for you. While I do speak more pointedly to those that celebrate this day as a commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, I gladly extend my thoughts t…
- [Sailing in Place](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/sailing-in-place.md) - I stepped out on to the deck, the cool ocean air hitting my face as the cabin door swung open. The gentle rocking of the ship seemed to almost lull one into a false sense of security, as though we were in the arms of a loving parent rather than the millions of unforgiving gallons moving us with eas…
- [Haiku - Ballerina](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/haiku-ballerina.md) - Though her statue sat, Poised and pretty on the shelf, It broke in my hand.
- [Why DO I Write - responding to George Orwell](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/why-do-i-write-responding-to-george-orwell.md) - "Why I Write" the headline boldly stated, backed by a confidence only years of success and failure could yield. When I read this essay for the first time I was flooded with a mixture of emotions - all of which ended in resounding agreement leaving me in stunned silence - though I paled in compariso…
- [EE1b - Dreaming](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ee1b-dreaming.md) - Laughter echoed into the dimly-lit hallway, joyful sounds traveling on rays of light spilling from the opening. A shadowed form approached the source of the noise, eager to enter the inner area where the others had gathered. He moved slowly through the doorway in efforts to remain unnoticed, though…
- [Haiku - Do Right](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/do-right.md) - Your best truly shows, When a crowd of none observes, Let peace be the judge.
- [The Widgetmaker](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-widgetmaker.md) - "Gah, it doesn't work!" he cried, tossing the piece of equipment into the corner. He instantly regretted his decision, and was relieved to find that it had landed among a collection of blankets lying there. "I guess not doing laundry can pay off." mused the male, slumping back into the couch. The c…
- [Haiku - Directions](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/haiku-directions.md) - With few options left, If deep down something stands up, Listen and do right.
- [EE5 - The Spartan](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ee5-the-spartan.md) - Long blades of grass rustled softly in the breeze as the first rays of morning light appeared on the horizon. Not a single animal stirred, no movement could be detected save for the gentle sway of prairie grasses. Even the dew seemed to hold fast in silent protest against the rising sun that would…
- [Haiku - The Last Word](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/haiku-the-last-word.md) - To speak the last word, Means you simply had more time, To shape your story.
- [Haiku - Concise](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/haiku-concise.md) - Simple and concise, Somehow the words of these lines, Always seem to fit.
- [Haiku - Profound](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/haiku-profound.md) - The most profound things, Can not be put into words, But trust they are heard.
- [Haiku - Answers](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/haiku-answers.md) - Sometimes answers come, Not through finding more to try, But the strength to do.
- [Research Paper: Creativity ≠ Originality](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/research-paper-creativity-originality.md) - I wrote a paper for college discussing, defining, and determining just what creativity is and also taking a practical look at everyday examples. I figured would be interesting to see how people reacted and what their opinions were - all comments welcome! CK Hicks English Composition II January 8, 2…
- [EE7 - The Teacher](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ee7-the-teacher.md) - The children laughed and ran through the forest, eager to roll in the soft grassy meadow and climb the smaller trees that shaded the winding path. Traveling through the forest was a small price to pay for the beauty of their destination, and each week when it was time to return to the valley they w…
- [EE6 - Training Exercises](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ee6-training-exercises.md) - Upon first glance, the nature scene seemed perfectly serene with nothing out of place. It could have been a painting, really, with the soft moonlight shining down through the trees and onto the water's calm surface. Not a sound could be heard aside from the gentle splashing of a small waterfall at…
- [Poetry - Music is Medicine](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/poetry-music-is-medicine.md) - Music is a thing that soothes my soul, It somehow completes me, makes me whol, When life kicks me and I don’t know what to do, I reach for my CD player and turn up the tune, Soon my problems are gone and my thoughts are clear, After listening to the music I needed to hear, I don’t need a doctor or…
- [Poetry - My Notebook](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/poetry-my-notebook.md) - I carry a notebook with me all the time, In case I am thinking and come up with a rhyme, You see I like to write things every now and again, Instead of voicing me thoughts I write them down with my pen, Sometimes people won’t give me the time of day, And I’ve found I can speak whenever in this way,…
- [Poetry - Purity](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/poetry-purity.md) - Purity’s a subject which I’ll try and define, I’ll try to be brief – yet I’ll do it in rhyme, Purity can be symbolized with a number of things, Some people use bracelets, others pennants or rings, However something I think most people today miss, Amongst all the jewelry and gift-giving bliss, Is th…
- [Poetry - Teapot](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/poetry-teapot.md) - I sit quietly in the room, awaiting the meeting, Hoping to serve my purpose or risk a beating, The people all enter in their clamorous ways, Some pausing to stare, others still in a daze, After a noisy discourse they all take their seat, Their talking continues, though it never did cease, Not long…
- [Poetry - What Can You Say?](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/poetry-what-can-you-say.md) - What can you say, and how can you describe a very special person? How can you explain their traits to someone who doesn’t know them? Someone who’s always been there when you’re in a tight position, Someone who is constantly helping and always ready to listen, A person who is truly dedicated to his…
- [Poetry - Beauty](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/poetry-beauty.md) - When you hear the word beauty - what do you see? Some people see a meadow, others a forest or stream, Some people find beauty in great music or art, Others prefer movies, sports cars, or trophys for a start, But when I think of beauty, I see different things, I see what God has done with the world…
- [Poetry - Christmas](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/poetry-christmas.md) - As the holiday draws so very near, I bid you all some Christmas cheer, I ask that during this holiday season, You focus on the one true reason, Why we celebrate Christmas the way that we do, And I hope the real reason is quite clear to you, In case you were wondering or had a slight doubt, I just w…
- [Poetry - Friends Like You](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/poetry-friends-like-you.md) - It’s a real blessing to have friends like you, People who you know you can always talk to, People who will listen when you’re feeling down, Who won’t spread your conversations all over town, People who you can look straight in the eye, And talk to them honestly without having to lie, People that wi…
- [Poetry - Happy New Year](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/poetry-happy-new-year.md) - With the closing of the last 12 months drawing very near, It brings to peoples minds how they will bring in the new year, For some it provides an excuse to stay up late, To join all the people who pack into a small space, They all chant a countdown as a ball drops down a pole, And yell in the camer…
- [Poetry - I Wish That I Could Sleep](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/poetry-i-wish-that-i-could-sleep.md) - There are so many times I’ll be lying in my bed, And this always happens on nights when I need my rest, I’ll be thinking about you and all that you’ve said, And a rhyme or a poem will start to form in my head, It will no doubt involve your grace - possibly your beauty too, Something special I remem…
- [Poetry - Library](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/poetry-library.md) - Oh to be trapped in a library, With nothing to do but read When my troubles for each day, Are eyes that no longer see, Hours spent but never wasted, Words not bound by lock or key, Propped up against the shelves, Whether sitting or on my knees, I'd pour over countless volumes, Knowledge seeping int…
- [Insomnia - My Old Friend](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/insomnia-my-old-friend.md) - I sat up in my chair, a slight surge of energy surfacing from some unknown storage cell within. Fighting off the relentless pull of slumber, I allowed myself a moment to find my bearings and send the message I had been typing moments earlier. It was late, somewhere near 3:00 am, and I had once agai…
- [Dance of the Doves](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/dance-of-the-doves.md) - Once I was walking though the woods, the sunlight shining through the trees making everything come to life around me. As I neared a clearing, I saw a bridge spanning a shallow ravine with a small creek running through it. The water played a sweet tune as it drifted past, the gentle ripples highligh…
- [Haiku - Jonathan](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/haiku-jonathan.md) - The mexican smiles, Not at actions of his peers, But quirks of his own.
- [Haiku - Road Trips](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/road-trips.md) - Miles from home again, Memories and starry nights, Make the ride complete.
- [EE4 - Morning Preparations](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ee4-morning-preparations.md) - On any given day, one could walk through the courtyard and hear a myriad of sounds. At times it was cluttered with clanks and clangs of steel upon steel, a sure sign that a training exercise was taking place. Some days it was peaceful, almost serene, with the carefree songs of birds filling the air…
- [EE3 - Scouting New Lands](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ee3-scouting-new-lands.md) - Two shadows fell across the edge of the creek, their outlines nearly merging to become one form. It could be assumed both were cast by humans, their slim builds and straight stature of youth revealing one as male and the other a slightly shorter female. The shadows paused and separated slightly as…
- [Car Alarms](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/car-alarms.md) - I was on my way home last night shortly before 2:00 am, and I needed to stop at the library to drop off a few materials. Rain had been falling for part of the evening lining the empty streets with small rivers of water. I pulled into the parking lot and turned my car off, not bothering to lock the…
- [EE2 - The Scholar](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ee2-the-scholar.md) - "Finally. At long last that's one down...only four to go." She let out an exasperated sigh and slumped back in her chair, the fatigue already beginning to show on her face. This was taking a lot longer than planned and the night was still young! Stacks of paper and piles of books cluttered the diml…
- [My Car is a Morning Person](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/my-car-is-a-morning-person.md) - So I'm on my way to work today and all of a sudden my wipers...eh...wipe. I look down and they're turned off, but this isn't the first time it's happened and it's an older car. I shrug and keep driving, and don't get far before it happens once more. Finally when it occurs a third time I take the hi…
- [EE1 - Changing of the Guard](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/ee1-changing-of-the-guard.md) - A cool breeze blew gently through the camp making tent flaps rustle and fold in an eerie rhythm. The full moon hung proudly in the sky causing small spots of moisture on the grass to glisten like a thousand tiny stars. No sound could be heard, the birds and small animals that usually frequented thi…
- [Never Trust a Bunny!](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/never-trust-a-bunny.md) - As you know Easter is approaching - this means different things for everyone but anyone can be entertained by the amount of fluff that hits store shelves. (And I'm not talking about those little peeps either!) Perhaps this is is old news, but I for one never really stopped to consider where this wh…
- [Treasure on Silver Wings](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/treasure-on-silver-wings.md) - Download 1000-words-ffx-2-mix1.mp3 Note: this week was one of the first times I'd heard "1000 Words" all the way through, and had to get it from iTunes because it was stuck in my head. :-P After listening a few times I knew I had to write this one out. It has a bit more of a personal tone than I no…
- [The Cost of Inspiration](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-cost-of-inspiration.md) - I'm cursed with the blessing of inspiration. Seldom do I ever have an idea that isn't immediately followed by 5 more, making it almost impossible to ever start (much less complete) even 1/10th of them. Heck, even this post was initially interrupted by several others, which have also evolved into dr…
- [10 Reasons to Check Out Halo 3](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/10-reasons-to-check-out-halo-3.md) - 10 days from now, the remaining copies of Halo 3 (those that survived the pre-order frenzy) will hit store shelves. While I've been a fan since the original there are lots of people out there who need a bit more encouragement as to why this will be incredible. If you're into FPS action and aren't 1…
- [Have YOU Planned Your Funeral?](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/have-you-planned-your-funeral.md) - For a good time...plan your funeral before you die! While this article made me laugh from the very headline, the more I read the more I realized how sad it was that entire companies go to some of the lengths they do for people. This world boggles my mind. Not only are people so uncertain about what…
- [Threads of Destiny - Webdoc](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/threads-of-destiny-webdoc.md) - Be sure to take a look at this latest webdoc for Star Wars: Threads of Destiny - this video shows a brief behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the post-production process of a film like this. Myself and many others around the world have been putting a lot of time into the project and it is goin…
- [The W in Careers](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/the-w-in-careers.md) - Perhaps one of the biggest things I don't like about sending "please hire me" material to companies is the impersonal feel of the package. You shine your shoes, put your best foot forward, and show that you're the best one out there...but you may never actually meet them. Though I understand why it…
- [So Much Cooler Online…](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/so-much-cooler-online.md) - Story of my life - without all the chatting and such though. Higher quality version can be found here at ifilm.
- [American Idol - Day 3](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/american-idol-day-3.md) - All's well that ends well, and this certainly did. I put in a 15 hour shift, bringing my total for the last three days to an even 40 hours on my timecard. Needless to say that's why I am writing this the following day. The auditions were very interesting to watch, though it took forever to get goin…
- [American Idol - Day 2](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/american-idol-day-2.md) - Quick update from the front, mobilize the contestants and prepare for audition day! Got to help move some stuff around and set up various areas for Friday today - also did lots of the same stuff we did the first day but hey that's why we're there! I have found that when in situations like this you…
- [American Idol - Day 1](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/american-idol-day-1.md) - Woke up at 3:00 am today to be at the crew call by 4:00 - we quickly found out that the term "production assistant" basically means "grunt/peon/grip" and that most of what we would be doing would be related to crowd control and ticket handling. That's fine with me, as I'm there to watch and learn h…
- [Culinary Shows, Late Nights, American Idol](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/culinary-shows-late-nights-american-idol.md) - Greetings all, thought I'd take a moment to explain why I've been a bit scarce as of late. No, I didn't win American Idol, but thanks for the flattering notion! Actually the truth of the matter is I've been running almost non-stop since my bother and I got back in town two weeks ago, and it's getti…
- [Another Day At IDS](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/another-day-at-ids.md) - Shot another couple culinary shows here at work today - the main guests were a cook and manager from Chipotle (which I must confess I have never had!) Whenever we shoot culinary shows we get to nibble on whatever they make, this time it was Chipotle guacamole and their fantastic chips. In one of th…
- [It’s Not About Me](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/its-not-about-me.md) - ...well, the website is Before I put anything else on this website, before I add content of any kind, and before I check to see if anyone's looking, I want to make one thing very clear: It's not about me. This website is the product of many lines of thought all crashing into one another after month…
- [First Post!](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/first-post.md) - Think of it as the ultimate sticky thread, the spoiler you'll never have to highlight, and the preview that marks the beginning of a new era - all wrapped up in one post. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship...

## Optional
- [RSS Feed](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/blog/rss/)
- [Sitemap](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/sitemap.xml)
- [Full content of pages and posts](https://ckhicks.mymagic.page/llms-full.txt)