Monday, November 9, 2009

Short And Sweet

I must admit posting on my blog in the 'still of the night' is both good and bad. It's good...because it's quiet and peaceful : thoughts are lucid and free...it's bad...because it's quiet and peaceful : thoughts are lucid
and free.

That's all, short and sweet.

Today's pic is a sample of work from local artist and my budinski David Irvine. You can check out more of his wild and fantastic art instantly by clicking http://www.gnarledbranch.com/ ...and ya beddah do it!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

The Goose

So I've noticed lately: as in the last month or so - that my once independant doggy aka: The Goose has developed what appears to be separation anxiety.

Not totally unexpected given the circumstances. He's old for a Bully (Bull Terrier) and has lost most of his hearing and his ability to see well. Even more so in low light conditions. Night lights though are helping to a degree.
The breed itself has been used, mostly because of their sheer physical prowess, as bait or fight dogs in the horrific world of pit fights.
But Bullies have also had a large role as 'therapy dogs' due to their sweet and stable disposition. They are confident and comical - true companions. And Goose has lived up to all my expectations as a companion dog for the past twelve years.
But nowadays he's easily startled when touched and will bump his nose against me before breaking into a wag. After he's been fed he spends most of his time leaning against my side or lying across my leg until he falls asleep...just as he did when he was a puppy...never venturing far.
The only difference now is that once asleep his breathing can become quite labored if not sporadic. It makes for some long sleepless nights on my part. I always knew our time would have to end eventually. I've never gotten used to the fact that I will have to soon say good-bye to my friend.

Friday, November 6, 2009

DELETE now

The e-world is not to be taken lightly. Take email and 'text-ing' for example. Whereas a 'face to face' conver-sation is layered with personality (idiosyncrasies) and elements on a primal level...email communication - though fast and efficient is really false economy. It lacks the depth and polish to truly represent you or your thoughts. It's like fast food. It's a 'stop-gap'. Only useful as a 'second layer' or 'back-up'. To rely on it as a first wave of correspondence is like playing Russian Roulette.

Actual 'words' during communication account for probably 10% of real conversation, maybe even less. True communication is an orchestra of complex elements such as posture, voice: tone and inflection and even hand gestures that really do the talking.

A sobering thought when you consider the recipient of your email or comment will instinctively and within seconds interpret and make a decision based solely on the typed word they are reading. Even the DELETE button will not save you once that message has been received, read and processed...at least not on the other end. It's a 'zero to sixty' world...text carefully my friends.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Taxi

I arrived at the address where someone had requested a taxi. I 'honked' but there was no response. I 'honked' again - nothing. Slightly annoyed I then walked to the door and knocked.

From the other side a frail voice responded..."just a moment".

I could hear something being dragged towards the door. After a pause the door opened. A small woman, easily in her nineties, stood before me smartly attired in a print dress and veiled pill box hat. She looked right out of a movie from the 1940's.

At her side was a small vinyl suitcase. The apartment looked sparse. White sheets draped the few pieces of remaining furniture. In the corner sat a single cardboard box brimming with framed photos and nic nacs.

"Would you carry my bag to the car", she said.

I took the small suitcase and stowed it in the trunk then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we made our way slowly to the curb...all the while she kept thanking me.

"It's nothing"... I told her. "I try to treat all my passengers the way I'd hope someone would treat my mother."

"Oh, you're such a good boy", she commented.

Once settled into the taxi she gave me an address and said..."could we drive through downtown?"

"It won't be the fastest way", I answered.

"Oh, I don't mind, I'm in no hurry...I'm on my way to a hospice."

I glanced in the rear-view mirror in time to see her eyes glisten over.

"I don't have anyone left... and the doctor has told me I haven't much longer."

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

I then turned in my seat and softly asked ..."What route would you like me to take?"

For the next several hours we drove through the city. She pointed out the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. Then on to a neighborhood where she and her husband had lived as newlyweds, their first home together.

She had me pull up in front of a large sports outlet store that had once been an arena where she had gone dancing as a young girl.

At specific corners and landmarks she would ask me to "slow" as she stared silently into the night.

When the first hint of daybreak arrived she said, "I'm tired, we can go now."

We then drove in silence to the address she had provided. It was a small building. A large overhang covered the driveway. It seemed more like a convalescent home.

As I pulled to a stop two orderlies immediately approached from within to gather the woman. They were obviously expecting her. I retrieved her case from the trunk and carried it inside the main door. She was already seated in a wheelchair.

"How much do I owe you?", asking as she reached into her purse.

"Nothing", I said. To which she replied, "You have to make a living."

"There will be other fares", I responded and then without thinking I bent down and gave her a hug. Her frail arms wrapped me tightly.

"You gave an old woman a little moment of joy", she said..." thank you."

I squeezed her hand before walking out towards the new day. Behind me the door shut.

It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly - lost in thought. For the rest of the day I could hardly talk. What if the woman had gotten an angry driver...or someone impatient to end their shift? What if I had 'honked' only once...then driven away?

As I replayed the events in my mind I came to the conclusion that... I don't think I have ever done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think our lives revolve around great big moments. But the reality is great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.


"The above was forwarded to me and I felt it worth sharing."

P.S. Thank you Carol

Monday, November 2, 2009

Lonesome Highway

It was only a few years ago I was considering a lateral move from the insane world of the Film Industry into music video directing and production. That consideration was based on many things one of which was the music of jacksoul - which I was fortunate enough to see in concert.

The venue was the Rose Theatre in Brampton Ontario. We had front row centre seats. The music was powerful and moving and the concert felt more like being in the kitchen at a great house party. It was easily one of the most memorable concerts of my life.

Between songs I remember turning to my gf and whispering, " we are going to see every single jacksoul concert...ever." She smiled back in agreement.

Shortly after that concert Haydain Neale was involved in a horrific traffic accident that almost took his life. The story of his recovery and return is just as powerful and moving as that concert.

On November 3rd 2009 the first new single available from jacksoul, Lonesome Highway, will be made available for purchase on iTunes.

And the album SOULmates will be available in stores on December 1st 2009.

All proceeds from the sale of SOULmates will go to the Haydain Neale Family Trust. I urge you to click on the link provided above...if for nothing more than to feel good for a few minutes of your day. Turn up your speakers...and enjoy.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Has To

New day - new month - no expect-ations.
This is the crossroad. This is where I set the cruise control.
I have my plan and I'm sticking. Nothing less.
The last few months...years even have been blurred by outsider agendas.
Will knowing all this change me? Possibly...hopefully...unfortunately... depends on whom you ask.

All I know for sure is life will be different from here on in....it has to be.
This pic is a sand cast from Hydrocal.


Saturday, October 31, 2009

Get Outta Dodge

Another Halloween eve is upon moi. And so is decision time.
Do I hang (no pun intended) with the Goose?...curtains drawn, lights turned low... my GREAT PUMPKIN dvd spinning in the background...or do I "get the #@* outta Dodge" before nightfall?

Way too early, very squirrelly...still undecided.
In the meantime I've plenty of cleaning to do around the house...scary 'nuff.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Flying Shoes : Part Deux

Regardless of the trigger there comes a time we reach a tipping point - an emotional saturation. You're done.

It might have been under bearable circumstances but more than likely... not so much. It could have been our own doing or we were dropped into the middle of a situation without warning.

But realization happens in a split second...and can't be undone. Just as you can't un-ring a bell. It's once again time to move to the front of the line. And with a deep breath you step forward.
All you need is the perfect foot wear.


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Gold, Yellow And Red

Knee deep in gold, yellow and red.

Smell of fresh earth.

The Rock Dove struts,

The black squirrel leaps with bounty.

Leaves fall - blanketing garden stems.

Footsteps swish and crunch.

Knee deep in gold, yellow and red.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Signature

There are some things you can never explain such as what is pleasing to the eye of one and not another.

It's obviously very subjective but personally speaking I find spirals very pleasing and I try to incorporate some form of spiral in every design I draw and every landscape I build.

It may be subtle but it's always there - like a signature - if you know what to look for.

And the best example of a spiral is the Ammonite. Spanning back millions of years they are the most beautiful natural garden element I can think of.

The Ammonite fossil that resides on my desk is dated at 450 million years old.
This pic is actually a cast paver created from a mold using an assortment of genuine Ammonites. I love this piece.