Sometimes a Goat is just a Goat

It seems to me that everything today has to have a deeper meaning. Scrolling the internet, it appears there has to be "depth" to every comment, post, or painting or well anything. That something can't simply "be".

Honestly, all that deep meaning is exhausting.

Sometimes things are meant to just bring joy. Some of my paintings exist for one reason: they make me laugh. Or they’re pretty. Or a little snarky. That's it. There is no "deeper" meaning - no life lessons. I am perfectly happy with my paintings at face value. As long as the viewer feels even a little joy, its purpose is fulfilled.

We all need brain breaks and to simply enjoy the moment.

Goats are funny!

Goats are funny.

They look funny.

They act funny.

They just simply are funny.

There is even goat yoga, for goodness sakes! What Is Goat Yoga? Definition, Origins, Benefits, And More – YogaDura

I painted this goat because it made me laugh. The expression reminded me of a long-suffering waitress who’s been through everything and is absolutely done with YOUR attitude—but will still top off your coffee, serve a snarky comment and expect a tip.

OKC Zoo goat

Florence Jean Castleberry

OKC Zoo goat

The goat embodiment of Florence Jean Castleberry.

I just thought: "Okay, Flo". This is for you. Because really, is there a more iconic fed-up waitress in TV history than Florence Jean Castleberry from Alice? If you haven't had the pleasure of knowing Flo, this link will give you a little insight. Florence Jean Castleberry | Alice TV series Wiki | Fandom

With a little artistic license, I adjusted the face to match the sassy, side-eyed legend living in my head.

The result?

The goat embodiment of Flo.

Bugs, Parachutes, and Perspective

When I first started painting, I painted bugs. Bugs doing all kinds of human activities. Bugs parachuting, bugs at an amusement park, bugs playing tug-a-war. There is no deeper meaning. I simply imagined what a bug does while humans are working "day" jobs.

Adding little human details to the paintings made me giggle. Honestly, I was a little jealous. The bugs in my head were having way more fun than I was.

Ants, lady bugs and an amusement park! All in a bug's life.

I don’t believe everything has to be deep. Not every painting has to carry a message or reflect the weight of the world. Sometimes, it’s just an idea that makes me laugh. Or smile. Or raise an eyebrow. And that’s enough - just joy.

Sometimes Paintings DO have a deeper meaning

That’s not to say I never create work with deeper meaning. Some paintings are born from patriotism, pain, healing or love —feelings that run deep and real. But even those, I’m perfectly okay with people taking them at face value. Not everything needs decoding. Sometimes what you see is what you get. Sometimes a goat is just a goat.

Parachuting ladybug

And sometimes… what you get is a bug with a tiny parachute.

Matt's Caveat

HOWEVER, all this to be said with the caveat that I have told Matt that when I depart this earth he better make up deep insights for ALL of my paintings. The world should view me as one of the greatest thinkers of all time.

Let the world believe I was a tortured genius exploring the complexities of the human psyche through goat side-eyes and insect amusement parks. That’s the least he can do.

Let's Keep It Light (and a Little Weird)

Want more bugs with parachutes and goats with sass?

Stick around for art that doesn’t always take itself too seriously—but might still make you smile.

If it gave you a laugh (or even a raised eyebrow), feel free to share it with someone who could use a little joy too.

What’s something you love just because it’s funny or beautiful?

Scroll down and leave a comment—I’d love to hear it!

Thanks for reading The 3rd Flamingo

A blog for art lovers, creative wanderers, and anyone who’s ever made a beautiful mess.