The Wisdom of an Old Friend

I've had the priviledge of collecting friends throughout my lifetime.  There are those that are dearly departed, some have moved on and some niggle at me to pick up the phone more often than I do.  Then, there are the ones that come to me in the most unusual of ways. 

Consider my friend, Alan Solomon.  I wrote a novel with this man who once lived near the jungles of Chiang Mai, Thailand.  It may seem impossible for people to understand how that happened, but it did.  I've never met Alan, only through emails, instant chats and the like, via internet.  I've never even heard his voice.  That feat alone, makes the accomplishment of "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" a memorable one.  I feel very fortunate to meet Mr. Solomon, that's for sure.  As writers, it's as if we were seated next to each other at a pub somewhere mapping out our novel.  Sometimes people just CLICK.

Then, there is another friend that I've had for quite some time now.  She's a writer as well, only her wordsmithing doesn't rest within the confines of a page, the bonus is the delivery of her words within a melodic package sung in her familiar alto.  We've never met, although I did quite literally bump into her at a radio station on Music Row alot of years ago after she completed an interview.  I wanted to say something to her and couldn't.  I was too shy.  Yet, however many years ago that we first bumped into one another, it is her music and thoughtful yarn that I listen to in the wee hours of night.  As a writer, I can see the care she takes in crafting her thoughts and making sense of them during the most difficult of times.  Whether it comes within a melody or resting neatly upon a page.  She "gets it." 

Right now, I'm going through alot as most people on this planet tend to do from time to time.  It's during these times when I am most grateful for my friends...ones that I've met and ones that I haven't met.  Especially to the one that I was too shy to even say hello. 

More Musings Later-

Comment on my Blog

Last evening, I was checking my email and I noticed that I had a notice of a comment on my blog.  My first thought was "Who did I piss off now?"  When I opened it and read on, I was surprised (and pleased) that I was given an award: "The Versatile Blogger" by one of my fabulous followers, Lloyd.  He's located to the right of this scribbling.  MUCH thanks, Lloyd!! 

Apparently, this is a nod from others that read your blog and like it.  The kicker is that once you are awarded, it's your turn to nominate others and reveal 7 quirky things about yourself.  So, without further adieu, I am going to follow suit for this prestigious award.

Quirks

• I have an uncontrollable urge to buy wallets and purses.  The strange thing is that I despise shopping.  I break out into a cold sweat if I have to step foot into a store.  I think I would rather have a good ass kicking instead of going shopping.

• My hair sucks.  It has cowlicks and it is straight as a board.  It's thick, yet fine.  I once had a hairdresser tell me, "Your hair gives your head character, kid."

• Speaking of hair, when I asked my hairdresser to perm my hair, she put her hands on her hips and replied; "If I'm rolling that hair that pops out of the curler, I've gotta take a valium."
• I look at life with a strange slant.  For example, when I woke up this morning, I walked over to my chair and noticed something odd.  I stared for a moment and then went to get my camera and take a picture of it.  I downloaded it to my computer.  My chair has an outline of my butt.  Look for yourself.  Strange things like that intrigue me.

• I'm a writer.  You would think that I would be a voracious reader.  I'm not.  I just love writing.
• When I laugh, I snort.  There, I said it.
• Ever since I co-wrote "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" with Alan Solomon, I am absolutely obsessed with Asian Culture especially Thailand. 

Well, there it is.  The gritty side of me.  Now, to nominate some worthy blogs!

Award Winning Blogs!

Book or Bust - Linda Della Donna
JMTohline  - JM Tohline
PimpThisBum - Sean and Kevin Dolan
WishYouWereHere - Senor Enrique
Every Problem has a gift for you in its hands - Tanya Touchstone

More Musings Later-

Signature Tag Lines

I was reading an email from a good friend of mine that I've never met last night and she stated that she was going to use my signature tag line quote on her next post on her blog.  I know I've always like that quote and I find it to be very true.  But, I never thought others would take the time to read it and think about it. 

To me, it's one of those mottos that if I was one to get tattoos (and, I have thought about it more than once), that would be the one I would use.  I suppose it wouldn't be your average tattoo verbiage...nothing like "Write or Die!" or something along those lines.  It's just a simple statement. 

When I first started writing, there were times when I was hesitant or shy about writing what I really felt.  For those of you that are movie goers, the scene in "Biloxi Blues" where Matthew Broderick's journal is snatched by a fellow soldier/misfit describes my sentiment perfectly.  In it, he writes of his experiences during boot camp, interesting characters he's met along the way and some rather brutally harsh, yet honest comments regarding a few of his fellow soldiers.  As the misfit reads these passages, his face reflected anger, humiliation, embarrassment and a plethora of other emotions of being so...well, exposed.  When he confronts Broaderick about his comments, Broaderick shouts that he will rip out the pages and throw them away in frustration.

The misfit soldier reaches beyond his humiliation and advises Broaderick that if he is to be a writer, he can't be afraid to write his true feelings.  At the same time, his words should have more substance than to simply be a commentary of unexplored observations.  In other words, if you're going to write it, dig deeper.  You may put yourself in a vulnerable position by doing so, but that is what art is all about .

"It takes talent to be a good writer, it takes courage to be a great one."


More Musings Later-

Let's Get Ready to RUUMMM-BLE!

Ladies and Gentlemen,
In this corner, Vienna Sausage; The bleached blond bimbo from ABC's The Bachelor, weighing in as a empty-headed, petty, money-hungry, always-stirring-the-pot of adolescent drama, grade A, Valley Girl asshole.  (Applause, applause)

"I'd like to thank all the little people for this bad acting award..."

And, in the other corner, Jake, the Crying Bachelor; A middle-aged, dancing crybaby who enjoys dancing in his tighty-whities from ABC's The Bachelor, weighing in as a smug, controlling, sexually confused ex-pilot, trying to make it in Hollywood who has become the voice of reason in this ridiculous fight match with Vienna Sausage aired on this evening's episode of The Bachelorette. 

(I'm still reeling over this one)

Is this what it's come to?  Really?  People enjoy watching this crap??  I purposely watched it tonight to see if there were any valid arguments between them.  I began to dislike Vienna Sausage even more because her atrocious acting, complete with running off the set with her crocodile tears intact were laughable.  Then, not to be outdone, Jake's expert command of smug and pompous retorts made me gag.  I couldn't decide if I should laugh or stare at the tv screen with a bewildered look upon my face. 

More uncontrollable sobbing. Medic?

I think I mostly sat in disbelief that people really watch this shit. 

Amazing.

More Musings Later-