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BE PART OF THE LEGACY

TAMPA BAY • FEBRUARY 23-24 2026

This FINAL encore experience will be unlike any other. Because like everything we do, it's been "reimagined" from beginning to end. It's not a virtual or hybrid event. It's not a conference. It's not a seminar, a workshop, a meeting, or a symposium. And it's not your typical run-of-the-mill everyday event crammed with stages, keynote speeches, team-building exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and all the other conventional humdrum. Because it's up close & personal by design. Where conversation trumps presentation. And where authentic connection runs deep.

Shadows Long Past

If in life you’ve found each answer,

To the many questions of ancient days,

Touched bright visions deep within you,

Of times lost and hidden ways.

Discovered how great legends conquered,

Knelt before His throne in praise,

Why then did you walk in sadness,

Always seeking different ways.

Was it that you wrapped in sorrow,

Felt that heartbeats growing shallow,

Dealt you cards which rang so hollow,

Buried deep within life’s maze.

When you learned that time it ended,

Confused by passing things suspended,

Did you seek to overcome,

Or did you simply run away?

When in dreams you found your freedom,

Flew above grand mountains high,

Swam the depths of deep seas roaring,

Beat back raging winds and tides.

Did you then believe your journey

In this life and its true path,

Or did you see only memories,

And old wounds from long past.

What is in your heart deep seething,

That forever keeps you fleeing,

From the truth that you now needing,

Freed your spirit from memories wrath.

No man ever alters history,

Shifts His winds, reveals their mystery,

Takes the hurt that lies within thee,

While traveling down a broken past.

It’s now due time to throw-off sorrows,

Move beyond the haunting morrows,

Soothe deep pain and bruises scaring,

Bury bones now long cast.

Time to master thoughts still reeling,

Pull off the shroud, begin the healing,

The darkness gathers upon earths ceiling,

Seize life’s wonders, now while they last.

Johnny Johnston
Johnny Johnstonhttp://www.blufengr-art.com/
An artist/writer as well as graduate of the University of South Carolina with degrees in journalism/20th Century American Literature, and retired senior executive of several international hotel/resort corporations, Johnny is the product of the south having been raised in the ever-changing transient lifestyle of a Carolina coastal resort. A point where he discovered, within his 300-year-old heritage and the world's dramatic social/cultural shifts during the late '60s to early 80’s an ambitious hunger and overwhelming curiosity to touch, see and become a participant in the virtually unlimited possibilities offered to those who wish for and seek life experiences. A journey which when hearing its details initially makes one a bit skeptical, questioning its validity as it is hard to imagine that incidents such as these may have crossed one man’s lifetime. This is the fodder required to step into zones exposing one's personal inner self, which many of his paintings and the words he writes do, openly. An ability to see and hear the tragic, beautiful, accomplished, exciting journey in a life free of inhibitions allowing others the opportunity to live vicariously and become, through his works, a part of its future. His larger works which have been featured in several Colorado and Fredericksburg Texas galleries and resorts have produced a number of collectors and fans. However, over the years, his paintings are mostly viewed by friends, enthusiastic new artist encountered on the streets or a small number of acquaintances he meets when dining in local cafés with his wife.

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8 CONVERSATIONS

  1. Johnny, I will echo the sentiments expressed by Len and Larry but the term “strong ink” is completely foreign in meaning to me. I love the way you write. There is something special in each poem you write. You know how to capture the flavors of life. Please keep these poems coming. I am a fan!

  2. Johnny this is just amazing, beautiful and so heartfelt. This towers above us all with dark clouds hiding the sun. Yet in the end we see light and healing. I am humbled reading such a magnificent and inspiring poem. Strong Ink indeed

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