I’ve been particularly impressed by a few recent conversations/things I’ve caught on TV/life. All of them have come down to this one point: Take joy in what you do. If it can’t be your means of income, then make time to pursue those things which bring joy into your life.

I talked to the owner of a framing store today, as I was in there getting a wonderful gift custom-framed. I definitely see the immortality and creativity in taking photographs, filming something, drawing something. But somehow I never associated that a framemaker could see his job as an artist as well. He spoke about how people come in, wanting custom made retirement print frames which he designs, and those pieces of gold are in people’s homes, living on with a soulful flicker.

I was definitely impressed. Take time to find the joy and artistic beauty in what you do, and do it as often as you can :)

More later!

Hello all,

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to blog more, especially after receiving some emails from people claiming that yes, y’all really DO read and recommend my blog! Puts the pressure on, but that’s good. The brain needs to think.

And that’s a key note for any creative endeavor: you have to refill the well. Some days I get so antsy with hitting a certain word count or spending so much time writing that the result isn’t necessarily bad–it’s just not as good as it could be.

Take time to breathe. Go walk around a town square or city avenue. Stroll under the glimmering high rises of the city or bask under a willowy tree in the country. Listen to music. Find new music, stuff you normally wouldn’t even listen to. You might surprise yourself. Watch new films, devour looking at paintings, photographs, read books of all kinds–all of these things can speak to our souls, helping us refill the well.

And don’t forget to never, ever quit!

Hey all,

Been a busy week; not much time to blog. Wanted to include the link to the Doors documentary trailer. “When You’re Strange” has gone to Sundance, and is heading to the Berlin Film Fest in February.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoyS8YxE-C4

Have a great week; I’ll blog more soon!

The Sundance Film Festival is currently going on in Park City, Utah. I so wish I was there, not only to see the amazing films but also because it is currently 10-15 degrees warmer than the South. Park City, Utah (ski town, has snow on ground) is warmer than the South (no snow, just shivering people). Go figure.

So, remaining inside with my furry slippers, I surfed the web to find this little gem. It’s a Sundance Channel interview for the documentary, “When You’re Strange” which premiered at Sundance last Saturday night.

The interview includes writer/director Tom DiCillo and the Doors members Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger. I love how Tom speaks of the film’s title and how it relates to humankind. I love how Ray talks about Jim Morrison as if he is still an active presence in their lives. I love how Robby, though admittedly wary at first, compliments the film’s honest portrayal of the Doors more than previous sources. Let’s just say in short: I love this interview.

I’m hoping that “When You’re Strange” will be in theatres later in 2009. Regardless of opening date, I will be first in line to buy a ticket because it’s sure to be mesmerizing.

Happy 2009, everyone! Sorry for the belated wishes; life has been immensely hectic the last 3-4 weeks. BUT one thing that recent events have taught me is this: Life is short. Follow your dreams now. Don’t waste any time, especially being afraid. Take a baby step forward and keep moving.

New Year’s 2009 was unusual. Normally, I like to sit back, make a list of resolutions, think about accomplishments, and write down goals. In December 2008, my Dad went into the hospital for a mini stroke, pneumonia, respiratory and heart issues all at once. Suffice it to say, New Year’s Eve for me was spent watching doctors and nurses wear celebratory hats as they waltzed in and out of my Dad’s hospital room. Then later, drinking some wine w/my mom, us toasting in the New Year before collapsing to sleep.

While I wish this hadn’t happened, I have to take a long look at what I can learn from it. Yes, my mind is swirling with all those life questions: What does it all mean? What are we doing here? Where am I headed? And one answer which keeps resonating with me is that we only have a bit limited time on this Earth – why waste any of it not pursuing what you want to do? I’m not saying quit your day job; I’m saying make the time for those pursuits you’re passionate about.

It only makes sense. I look at other artists and wonder: what would life be like if they’d chosen different paths? What if Aaron Neville had become a store manager instead of a musician? Whether you’re a person of faith or not, his version of “Amazing Grace” is absolutely beautiful. Think of your favorite authors, filmmakers, painters – – what if they’d been too scared to pursue their passion? Life would be different, and isn’t the entire point of life to enjoy its richness while we can?

So, it’s mid-January and I’m just now getting to that 2009 goals list. Continuing to write, telling stories which offer a glimpse into understanding humanity–that’s my top goal. Rejection letters, while sometimes depressing and painful, can only stop me if I let them.

One of my favorite episodes of “Inside the Actor’s Studio” hosts Dustin Hoffman. He talks about Picasso, who was asked once, “What would you do if you didn’t have any paintbrushes to paint with?” Picasso’s answer was, “I’d use pens and pencils, crayons, whatever I had to.”
On being asked, “If someone stripped you naked, put you in prison and gave you nothing to paint with, what would you do?”
Picasso’s answer? “I would spit on my finger and continue to draw images on the walls. I would never let anything stop me.”

THAT is passion, folks. So get out there and begin to follow yours!