Hey Everyone - I know that the blog has been down for a while, but that's all about to change... I have been working overtime on new ideas and starting next week, A Brand New Dave will be back up and running...
However, before the new posts start hitting let me remind you that this Tuesday is Election Day and I am urging you to VOTE! Now I am not going to tell you how to vote, but I encourage you to do so because it is one of our most basic rights... The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and if you need help figuring out where to vote - just ask me...
Also click below for my appearance on the My 9 news program...
My 9 appearance
ONWARD!
Dave
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
And above all else don't drop the queen...
So true believers I have survived my first show in about 15 years... It's funny that one of the only things that has changed for me is that my confidence level was a little bit higher (not much but higher) now then what it was way back then.... I guess life will do that to anyone...
So I think a top 10 is in order to properly recall my experiences at the Winter's Tale...
10 - wearing a toga is not as easy as it looks - especially if you have to climb a rock, while holding a lit candle in a lantern and attempting to act solemn and graceful as you try and hit your mark...
9 - the art of Shakespearian Shepard dancing requires the rare combination of grapevining, hand clasping and the occasional hop... All while getting prepped to carry a 12 foot Maypole 50' off stage while dancing down hill...
8 - there are no small parts just small actors - if you are cast as multiple parts embrace your inner voices....
7 - bugs are not a delicious protein especially when flying directly into your mouth as you are speaking during a performance...
6 - when volunteering to do a dead lift of a fellow actor it is imperative to make sure that you body mike is shut down to mask the occasional grunt, groan or curse word...
5 - great audiences are manna from the heavens - great friends make great audiences...
4 - a very round hat on a very windy day equals Shakespeare vs Aliens
3 - to properly flub a line from Shakespeare simply add an "ay my lord", a "dispatch your attendants" or my personal favorite "sleepy drinks" to an old English line and say it with great authority...
2 - directors should director and no body else...
1 - above all else DO NOT DROP THE QUEEN - ok it only happen once....
Seriously I had an unbelievably incredible time doing this - to the talent cast and crew - thank you for your generosity... To the production team a superb showing and to Mary Clifford our director - thank you for reminding me why I love theatre and continuing to inspire me for all these many years (20 right?) and proving to me it's about how you tell your story...
ONWARD!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The announcement...
So...
I'm oddly nervous about what I am about to tell you... Not in a bad way or a good... I mean after all I have put out on this blog a lot of personal stuff... But this is deeply deeply personal...
Well here goes...
I am proud to announce that I have joined a wonderful cast of Shakespeare's "The Winters Tale" being directed by my friend Mary Clifford...
The production is for the last two weeks of July...
I encourage you to come, it's gonna be a fantastic show... Bring a chair or a blanket, bring a nice bottle of wine and food and enjoy a beautiful evening on our stage on the lake...
For more details please visit http://www.theillustrioustheatre.org/ for more details...
I'm oddly nervous about what I am about to tell you... Not in a bad way or a good... I mean after all I have put out on this blog a lot of personal stuff... But this is deeply deeply personal...
Well here goes...
I am proud to announce that I have joined a wonderful cast of Shakespeare's "The Winters Tale" being directed by my friend Mary Clifford...
The production is for the last two weeks of July...
I encourage you to come, it's gonna be a fantastic show... Bring a chair or a blanket, bring a nice bottle of wine and food and enjoy a beautiful evening on our stage on the lake...
For more details please visit http://www.theillustrioustheatre.org/ for more details...
Dave-volution: Dave 3.0
So boy have I been quite... really quite... so much so that a lot of you have inquired...
Well I keep saying I'm back but - this time I am...
You see, I have been gearing up as it were... building up my strength and stamina for new adventures, and new ideas and pushing the envelope in new ways...
I am confident that you all will see the changes too...
For the first time in my life, I feel very aware of my surroundings and very in control... To quote Janet Jackson, "... and I like it..."
Literally I feel like I am finally shaking all the bad that has surrounded me, trapped me and controlled me for so long, - wrestling with your own demons can be a hassle, but you can win - I am living proof... so yes I have new(er) hair - its shorter than before, I have less body fat and I have the best attitude I can...
Now, what about you? All of you out there... I want to hear from you too... Also around 4:30 look for a major announcement from me... its something none of you will expect...
Stay tuned!
Dave
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The spark
Well look who's back posting...thats probably what you're thinking. Or maybe not...yeah I've been a bit quite these days...but all that has changed.
I think that I have been quite too long. A self imposed introspection seemed to take over for a while... I needed to deal with some issues but my creative spark is back...
I have a whole bunch of topics to observe and catch you up on some of your favorites (himbos anyone?) and some new people I've encountered including my friendly neighborhood sociopath...
So as always thank you and more importantly stay tuned...
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Salad Bar Superhero
As you well know I am a devotee of my local Whole Foods - in fact I am there so frequently that I have quite a few friends who work there and generally it's a wonderful experience - even encountering the "Pouf" (see my story about Hangry Himbos in February) has never deterred me from going - nor will this story but it is "interesting"...
The other day I was perusing the hot and cold salad bar - there are wondrous foods there, everything from cranberry couscous (a personal favorite) to pineapple fried rice. It's just the way I like it, you simply grab your food container and pile in as much as you would like and enjoy.
I always start at the hot section - for no other reasons than to start... And as I was debating whether or not to have some Sicilian Cauliflower, I noticed a commotion at the other end of the cold salad bar... A woman, we'll call her "the scrambler" appears to be replicating the moves the Tasmanian devil made as he whirred to life in all those Bugs Bunny cartoons.
Through a wind storm of Romaine lettuce, you could hear a high pitch voice saying, "Oh my God...", "I can't believe this" and "What am I gonna do?"... People, including myself cautiously approach the vegetable maelstrom to see what was the matter... for a moment it all stopped with a loud thud, a sound we all recognized as flesh thumping metal, "I got it...", the scrambler shouted and then just as suddenly, "It's an onion - damn..."
Within a split second, with the romaine lettuce scattered about the floor, the micro-greens picked up where the unfortunate lettuce left off and began flying about ... this was less whirlwindy and more digging, clearing if you will, with the poor baby greens flying out from there protective container...
The scrambler was petite in a pastel sweater and jeans... Her brownish/blondish/reddish hair, pulled back into a long pony tail, gave way to very delicate features... She actually looked like one of those statues that represents the seasons, with lettuce leafs sticking out of her hair at odd angles, the remenents of her self powered storm...
So of course, I have to ask... "Excuse me, is everything ok?"
She replies (alfalfa sprouts coming out of her knuckles - I might add) , "Does it look like everything's ok?" In fairness, I would probably have said that too... "I have lost a ring... I need to find it... I was only at this section and it has to be here..."
At this point I think that Candid Camera is gonna pop out and yell surprise... I start thinking to myself, "Doesn't this happen only on TV? Wasn't this a Designing Women's Episode... Whoa wait a minute, why do I remember it was a Designing Women's Episode? I'm pretty hungry... Focus Dave, damn it, focus... Hmmmmm...."
After Scrambzilla decimated the greens section she set her sights on the onions, apparently the ring was a bluey/purpley gem stone and maybe it got mixed in there...
By this point the Whole Foods Salad Bar Police showed up in earnest... and with precision that only can be described as, "they must drill for these sorts of events", a mob of people are now completely rifling through the "make your own salad" part of the salad bar...
As I stepped away, slowly might I add, I went to continue getting more hot food... and as I walked by all the food containers - what do I see - a bluish/purplish ring glistening from between the small and large containers... Seems the scrambler must have taken it off to get a box... Weird but whatever... The ring was quite beautiful, perhaps an antique and glistened in the light...
With chest puffed out and ring between two fingers, I strode to the Scrambler and presented my find... The Green Goddess of Whole Foods let out a shriek that changed the migratory pattern of a few birds.. and I was hugged as I deposited the ring back to her hands... Lots of smiles were on hand as the Whole Foods Police not only scrubbed the scene of the crime but eerily had it all reset in a matter of minutes...
The scambler became a blur in the store... seems she high tailed it right out the door upon the find... So feeling good about myself, I decided to have the Sicilian Cauliflower and relish in victory...
The other day I was perusing the hot and cold salad bar - there are wondrous foods there, everything from cranberry couscous (a personal favorite) to pineapple fried rice. It's just the way I like it, you simply grab your food container and pile in as much as you would like and enjoy.
I always start at the hot section - for no other reasons than to start... And as I was debating whether or not to have some Sicilian Cauliflower, I noticed a commotion at the other end of the cold salad bar... A woman, we'll call her "the scrambler" appears to be replicating the moves the Tasmanian devil made as he whirred to life in all those Bugs Bunny cartoons.
Through a wind storm of Romaine lettuce, you could hear a high pitch voice saying, "Oh my God...", "I can't believe this" and "What am I gonna do?"... People, including myself cautiously approach the vegetable maelstrom to see what was the matter... for a moment it all stopped with a loud thud, a sound we all recognized as flesh thumping metal, "I got it...", the scrambler shouted and then just as suddenly, "It's an onion - damn..."
Within a split second, with the romaine lettuce scattered about the floor, the micro-greens picked up where the unfortunate lettuce left off and began flying about ... this was less whirlwindy and more digging, clearing if you will, with the poor baby greens flying out from there protective container...
The scrambler was petite in a pastel sweater and jeans... Her brownish/blondish/reddish hair, pulled back into a long pony tail, gave way to very delicate features... She actually looked like one of those statues that represents the seasons, with lettuce leafs sticking out of her hair at odd angles, the remenents of her self powered storm...
So of course, I have to ask... "Excuse me, is everything ok?"
She replies (alfalfa sprouts coming out of her knuckles - I might add) , "Does it look like everything's ok?" In fairness, I would probably have said that too... "I have lost a ring... I need to find it... I was only at this section and it has to be here..."
At this point I think that Candid Camera is gonna pop out and yell surprise... I start thinking to myself, "Doesn't this happen only on TV? Wasn't this a Designing Women's Episode... Whoa wait a minute, why do I remember it was a Designing Women's Episode? I'm pretty hungry... Focus Dave, damn it, focus... Hmmmmm...."
After Scrambzilla decimated the greens section she set her sights on the onions, apparently the ring was a bluey/purpley gem stone and maybe it got mixed in there...
By this point the Whole Foods Salad Bar Police showed up in earnest... and with precision that only can be described as, "they must drill for these sorts of events", a mob of people are now completely rifling through the "make your own salad" part of the salad bar...
As I stepped away, slowly might I add, I went to continue getting more hot food... and as I walked by all the food containers - what do I see - a bluish/purplish ring glistening from between the small and large containers... Seems the scrambler must have taken it off to get a box... Weird but whatever... The ring was quite beautiful, perhaps an antique and glistened in the light...
With chest puffed out and ring between two fingers, I strode to the Scrambler and presented my find... The Green Goddess of Whole Foods let out a shriek that changed the migratory pattern of a few birds.. and I was hugged as I deposited the ring back to her hands... Lots of smiles were on hand as the Whole Foods Police not only scrubbed the scene of the crime but eerily had it all reset in a matter of minutes...
The scambler became a blur in the store... seems she high tailed it right out the door upon the find... So feeling good about myself, I decided to have the Sicilian Cauliflower and relish in victory...
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Scaling my inner Everest
Ok so I have been gone for a bit.... and I am honored a lot of you asked me what was going on... well the short answer is a good one - let's just say I took up a new hobby - emotional mountain climbing.
Now this is not a game where you get really upset and physically climb up a mountain (in some respects that would be too easy), nor is it where you insert jokes about goatherds or yodelers, no this is where you scale your inner Everest, climb through your emotions and look out at yourself on peaks of new awareness... and scaling I have been.
Now, it has been a tumultuous month for me and I think I have been handling things in stride. But there has been something missing. My usually pretty powerful internal drive has been a bit dormant. It's functioning - but only recently did I realize I had shifted gears - and don't read in too much to that - it just means instead of having 100 things on my plate I was hovering at 90...
So with emotional gear in hand, I proceeded to go up an undiscovered mountain...
If I had to give this mountain a name it would be something along the lines of the Great Sorting Mountain chain and I was climbing the biggest and highest of them, the Great Mount of Past Reconciliation.
As I see this mountain, it's filled with crags and cracks, slopes and peaks, channels cutting through it AND boy is it dangerous... It's color obsidian and the weather (well let's just say you can't see the top) is always cloudy and rainy (just like New Jersey in late April and early May). Basically, it is imposing.
With all my mental abilities ready (just like my physical trainer, I have a great therapist too!) I set out on my mission. As I began the climb all I knew was I was very determined to get to the bottom of what has been "missing" recently...
Base camp for this expedition proved to be key... finding the right spot to feel safe did require a lot more surveying than expected... Emotions are always so unpredictable and unstable. I can now say with great authority that I knew exactly the reserves I need to call on and picked the right place and the right memories to operate from.
So with more confidence - knowing I had a base - I continued my ascent...
This mountain was high, for what I thought was a few days to conquer quickly became a few weeks... You see, with the fiendish slowness of time, I had to recognize this great mountain required me to acknowledge my past, honor it, respect it and understand it before it would lift its foggy veil and let me pass through the summit onto its peak. That my friends is no easy feat.
My break came as I was packing away physical things and their memories. The act of putting things where they belong or to return them to their owner was the most therapeutic thing I could do. As soon as I started I became more aware and as I completed my task - I had a revelation. The more I physically packed things away - the more emotionally I did too.
The lesson learned was instead of getting angry, or hating the thing or memory, I simply acknowledged that it's a time gone by and my ire was false at that object, my ire was at the situation that caused me to have to put it away.
Upon that, the clouds did give away... and what I sight I saw... I guess it's my version of Shangri-La. I can see its peak and the bright lights and future it holds...
So as I scale this now not too bleak mountain - and it might be awhile before I get to the top - I acknowledge my past for what it is - I take comfort in knowing my base camp - people like you who are reading this - is the safest place to begin your ascent to your dreams...
THE BLOG IS BACK AND WILL CONTINUE...
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Man in the Mirror
So my house is full of mirrors - and no not for the "you look fab..." reason. I am lucky enough to have a house filled with light and it just further brightens it... Well today as I slogged my way to human status I walked by one of the mirrors and I was astonished at what I saw... Staring back at me was a man I have only recently met.
Now you can call it a shameless plug, or that uneasiness of entering a new decade today, but for maybe the first time in my life I did not recoil at the image cast back at me. And I still looked a little sleepy - FYI. Granted its one part excellent therapy and another part the tremendous outpouring of support I have received of late, but I would like to say it felt - well - good. I hesitate because this is truly unexplored territory.
So what does all that mean - I mean come on - Dave looks at himself in the mirror and he's ok - big deal? -my friends that is tremendous - in so many ways - but mostly it shows me there is progress! Imagine if you will 39 years of feeling blah or mediocre... not because the world said so, but because you - by yourself -thought it. Of course there have been defining moments, recognitions and acknowledgements but nothing that to you personally ever have stood out! And of all days for it to happen, today, maybe because I have had "me" on my mind - or maybe because I truly believe in signs from whatever its we gets signs from... Either way was the cosmos signaling the beginning of something new?
Choose your favorite religion or mythology and they all talk about us being connected - well I certainly believe that's true... I have seen first hand the power of prayer - I have seen first hand the power of faith and I have seen first hand the most miraculous things happen in everyday life. But when something big happens to you - well you're never prepared for it... the immediacy of it - its rush...
It happen today for me, all by a glance in a mirror - simple... the way I like it. I could think of nothing worse then getting a sign oh say in the produce aisle or perhaps right before disaster struck... Now I know that part of this sounds hokey - and no I am not stumping for an energy drink or a fitness regime - but come on everyone - isn't it time that we lift at least a few of the veils?
Here's why I think we are all connected:
So yes, I am a big puddle of love right now (take that ANY WAY you want)...but remember this kids - A BRAND NEW DAVE is in charge - not that old sad one - a much improved, much happier, much more playful, much more verbose (hard to believe!) and much more loved Dave Parano is here to stay - and that's because of you! I truly will never forget those who stood by me and mark my words (I keep threatening this - I know) we are all rising up - together - to a much better state of being... (those of you who think you're gonna be kicking and screaming on the way up let me remind you my muses are pretty tough...)
THE PITHINESS OF THE BLOG RESUMES TOMORROW - till then Carpe Diem - stop for a moment and like me revel in this great connection!
Now you can call it a shameless plug, or that uneasiness of entering a new decade today, but for maybe the first time in my life I did not recoil at the image cast back at me. And I still looked a little sleepy - FYI. Granted its one part excellent therapy and another part the tremendous outpouring of support I have received of late, but I would like to say it felt - well - good. I hesitate because this is truly unexplored territory.
So what does all that mean - I mean come on - Dave looks at himself in the mirror and he's ok - big deal? -my friends that is tremendous - in so many ways - but mostly it shows me there is progress! Imagine if you will 39 years of feeling blah or mediocre... not because the world said so, but because you - by yourself -thought it. Of course there have been defining moments, recognitions and acknowledgements but nothing that to you personally ever have stood out! And of all days for it to happen, today, maybe because I have had "me" on my mind - or maybe because I truly believe in signs from whatever its we gets signs from... Either way was the cosmos signaling the beginning of something new?
Choose your favorite religion or mythology and they all talk about us being connected - well I certainly believe that's true... I have seen first hand the power of prayer - I have seen first hand the power of faith and I have seen first hand the most miraculous things happen in everyday life. But when something big happens to you - well you're never prepared for it... the immediacy of it - its rush...
It happen today for me, all by a glance in a mirror - simple... the way I like it. I could think of nothing worse then getting a sign oh say in the produce aisle or perhaps right before disaster struck... Now I know that part of this sounds hokey - and no I am not stumping for an energy drink or a fitness regime - but come on everyone - isn't it time that we lift at least a few of the veils?
Here's why I think we are all connected:
- You can not EVER tell me that things don't happen for a reason - my life and its trajectory could be living proof of some sort of grand scheme (questionable on grand - but always high on comedy) - but dosen't everyone feel that way? I have those moments where I just stop for a second and revel in where I am at, what I am doing, who is doing it with me, but there in those moments, I can feel something... (boy you can interpert that in many ways - LOL)
- I have a team of friends (I lovingly call them my co-conspirators) who literally have shocked me back into life - with words and encouragement and actions that have ingrained themselves in my being... Those indelible marks prove to me that people can rise up - against the odds - stand up and be counted - and help people with a ferocity, tenacity and drive that makes them all heroes in my book... and proves that we are all connected...
- I love that I get to see the good side of people and even more so the most excellent side of people because it drives me to be a better person... the only way we ever get to see these feats is by - say it with me - being connected...
- I like that I have muses (whom now I get cornered at public events to "out" who they are - well five of nine know they are in the pantheon - but ever sly I won't tell them which one they are) and their source of inspiration is incredible - but all because I connect to them in a mighty big way...
- Finally I feel the vibe - you know the one - when again for a moment of two its like everything stands still and you and a person or people are in the moment and nothing else matters - I take that as a sign and a connection - and I am grateful that I share that with all of you...
So yes, I am a big puddle of love right now (take that ANY WAY you want)...but remember this kids - A BRAND NEW DAVE is in charge - not that old sad one - a much improved, much happier, much more playful, much more verbose (hard to believe!) and much more loved Dave Parano is here to stay - and that's because of you! I truly will never forget those who stood by me and mark my words (I keep threatening this - I know) we are all rising up - together - to a much better state of being... (those of you who think you're gonna be kicking and screaming on the way up let me remind you my muses are pretty tough...)
THE PITHINESS OF THE BLOG RESUMES TOMORROW - till then Carpe Diem - stop for a moment and like me revel in this great connection!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Anagram
*** Ok kids let's play a game... What the hell am I really saying?
Yoga Plant Fume
Of How Wink You
Did Serve Molly
Piano Printer
He Truth Knot Two
Looking forward to answers...
Yoga Plant Fume
Of How Wink You
Did Serve Molly
Piano Printer
He Truth Knot Two
Looking forward to answers...
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A Warning of Words
"Words are birds with fragile wings and swords for lords and fearful kings"
So I think I am a little fed up tonight... I'm not feeling my wry little self today... Now this is not a normal post of mine, and though I exercise great restrain on this blog... I figure I am allow to vent once in a while...
So everything you read here is boiled down to one common denominator... that is... everything is simply words... These are well place and thought out words that elicit emotions and hopefully make all of you think, or laugh, or pause or something and that's that.... the goal is to make you feel...
I haven't been "feeling" in a while... the yet to be documented series of events that got me to this place, left me temporarily without the ability to "feel"... Just know that I suffered major emotional traumas along the way.... but here I am, deciding that the best way to deal with my demons, is to expose them for all to see.... Crazy or stupid or brave - you can make your own choice...
You see I firmly believe we are put on this earth to be examples of what our collective potential is... So truly, why not make lemonade out of lemons? Is it so wrong to write about experiences and feelings. It certainly has been done before... My favorite book is the Great Gatsby, and I admire each and every word written in it - for its placement, thought and emotion... It is witnessing a great feat of literary architecture... But I doubt F. Scott Fitzgerald worried about someone interpreting his book the wrong way...
If you see a truth in you or someone you know, because I have written something, that is simply your experience, and I hope its a good one... perhaps, if its bad, you need to know it is not even my intention... Several people have taken this to a greater level and have shall we say exposed themselves by making words personal that weren't even meant for them... In fact, it is almost insulting that these people are so desperate to make themselves relevant that they dream up scenarios that force my words to try and fit their situations... it isn't always about them - I'm sad to say...
This is a risky game I play and I gladly play it because I enjoy it and I hope I give back something to anyone who reads this - plain and simple... I struggle with being heard all the time... By writing things - at least in these situations - I feel I have a fighting chance... Every response I get from you all, and there a lot of you, gives me encouragement...
You know that several people have sent me messages really identifying with these words... Whether its my struggles with my appearance, weight or emotions it is nice to know that I am not alone... I am not trying to be the Lifetime movie of the week but I really love hearing back from you... I am honored that people are moved, sometimes angered but always respectful - at least most of the time - when they try to convey their experience with me.
I leave you with this, please know that I truly appreciate everyone who is taking this journey with me... and while my posts have been sporadic this month - I am promising you bigger and better things to come...
THANK YOU ONE AND ALL!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monster in the Freezer Case
So I believe I just saw a monster... in the freezer case of Whole Foods no less...
Sitting in a clear jar, toying with my emotions, the beautiful sorbetto lay in wait... Years of marketing and preparation suited her well... Cursivey script letters, punctuated the glistening frozen paradise... Her Roman Raspberry innards, calling me like a siren... tempting me with the promise of luscious dark pink kisses... Ecstasy was available for only $4.99 (no coupon required!)... I have to say it did give me pause...
So I held my new found temptation in my hand... Gently caressing it as I turned to read its label... and there like so many other romances - little distortions became big lies... Yes, there was not an ounce of fat in there... Perfect in a way... But what lurked underneath that - that too too sweet sugary pulp... 25 grams too much of it - I'd say...
Like a new lover scorned, my temptress continued her onslaught... clouding my mind with temporal pleasures and a desperate need to sell before her expiration date... With passionate plees, she called to me, reached out to me, frozen in my hand... A thin layer of frost, the harbinger of what was to come, began our painful seperation... and for a moment she had me, till I began to wonder, "What is dextrose and why is it in here?"
"Cruel, cruel world," she seemed to say... as her angry barcode glared at me...
How sad I thought, perhaps just a taste, a hint of support, but I know myself much better than that... "I must resist" is all I thought... and with trembling hand I put down my very scarlet lettered lover and walked away, alone, but glad to have those sweet memories of moments gone by...
Sitting in a clear jar, toying with my emotions, the beautiful sorbetto lay in wait... Years of marketing and preparation suited her well... Cursivey script letters, punctuated the glistening frozen paradise... Her Roman Raspberry innards, calling me like a siren... tempting me with the promise of luscious dark pink kisses... Ecstasy was available for only $4.99 (no coupon required!)... I have to say it did give me pause...
So I held my new found temptation in my hand... Gently caressing it as I turned to read its label... and there like so many other romances - little distortions became big lies... Yes, there was not an ounce of fat in there... Perfect in a way... But what lurked underneath that - that too too sweet sugary pulp... 25 grams too much of it - I'd say...
Like a new lover scorned, my temptress continued her onslaught... clouding my mind with temporal pleasures and a desperate need to sell before her expiration date... With passionate plees, she called to me, reached out to me, frozen in my hand... A thin layer of frost, the harbinger of what was to come, began our painful seperation... and for a moment she had me, till I began to wonder, "What is dextrose and why is it in here?"
"Cruel, cruel world," she seemed to say... as her angry barcode glared at me...
How sad I thought, perhaps just a taste, a hint of support, but I know myself much better than that... "I must resist" is all I thought... and with trembling hand I put down my very scarlet lettered lover and walked away, alone, but glad to have those sweet memories of moments gone by...
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
... and then along came Barbie
******* I could not resist the music - LOL
So, I think that it is more than appropriate in honor of Ken, as in Barbie and Ken, turning 50 that I had a run in this morning with a real life Barbie…
Now training at my gym is a serious subject for me… I am not terribly friendly at my gym, I view it as work and “me” time… My routines as described here are not for the faint of heart, and it takes a lot of concentration and determination to continue moving forward… With that said I think you will agree I am not out for any social aspect of the gym…
Well today I was doing intermediate planks… A quick explanation, a plank is when you rest on your forearms in a push up position for as long as you can… it is a core exercise… intermediate planks are when you do the same thing except your arms are resting on a very wily yoga ball… in other words your core has to be pretty strong in order to do the exercise and NOT fall off the ball…
Now I think you can imagine that this, like all exercise, requires concentration… I am trying desperately not to fall off the ball… So you can imagine my surprise when from behind me I hear a high pitch voice and a gum snap, saying, “You’re doing that wrong…”
Now I thought for a moment that I might be hearing things but I heard another gum snap, the same words and then out of the corner of my eye I saw the bedazzled pink leg warmer of a potential new menace in my life… Barbie…
For the record, I would normally welcome criticism… In fact, I probably would appreciate finding out the “right way” to do something – but it was that tone in her voice… I think you know what I mean… that tone that sorta tells you, “ I’m right and you're wrong”, without even room for explanation… Perhaps I’m just sensitive but trust me when I say this – this was no supportive or constructive assist – I was an easy target for this Mattel wannabe…
Literally standing before me was a living Barbie doll, sweat band included… Blonde hair in a ponytail, a very form fitting pink and rainbow combo spandex outfit and sneakers I am sure actually light up when she walks… I must have looked quizzical to elicit yet another gum snap… All I kept thinking was how does she fit in that dream house of hers? She had an abundance of confidence and clearly a following at the gym… Lots of the himbos were checking her out… but I was the “lucky” one she was addressing….
She went ahead and stationed herself in front of me… She said, “If you keep doing that you’re gonna hurt yourself”, gum snap and chew, chew and more chew…
It is rare that I am in the presence of a living cliché… All she needed to add to her repertoire was a couple of, “Like Oh my Gods” and boom – I would have been transported back in time about 20 years… But with a clear plastic resolve – she owned what she was – and strangely I appreciated that…
I said to her, “Well, this is how I was taught how to do it, by one of the trainers here… You know this is the intermediate plank…”
More vapid than Sarah Brightman in Phantom of the Opera, I just felt the icy gaze of disapproval… I have to say at this point I noticed her chewing was quite impressive… She actually seemed to be a circular chewer… For someone who prides themselves on their looks – this chewing thing of hers was really out of sorts… It kinda mangled her face into these grotesque poses as she chewed and snapped her way through “listening” to me…
She countered, “Well they don’t know what they are doing… Doing that exercise on a ball is almost impossible, I should know I use to be a trainer…” and then back to the gum snaps and the chews…
So at this point I am a little suspect as to the veracity of her claim… I’m thinking to myself , “I doubt that this could be wrong… I spent a lot of time learning how to do this and I had a trainer with me the whole time… and when is she gonna stop chewing like a cow?”
Her headband seemed to tighten as she scowled at me, I guess for not budging to her whim… In fact, her entire body seemed angry that I wasn’t kowtowing to her wishes… Clearly, she is use to getting what she wants…
I started to get mad…
I said to her, “Well how would you do it?”
And then she said it, “Well if you’re gonna be an idiot about it… why should I even bother to show you how to do a push up correctly… “
For a moment I froze… Was it entirely possible that Barbie did not hear me? Did her plastic ears miss a beat? Or was it all that chewing?
Anyway, Barbie got fed up and walked away… snapping her gum in her wake as she entered deep into himbo territory for some solace. I heard her say to a very muscled himbo, “That jerk dosen't know how to do a push up… look…” The himbo replied, “Idiot…” Even their laugh was fake and then off together they went upstairs… perhaps Skipper was waiting up there for them...
I paused for a minute or two, reflected on what had just happened... I realized she was one of the many people we encounter in life who don’t care to listen or understand, or more importantly was ill informed and made decisions based on the wrong concept... Whatever it was I was clear, never going to change that - no matter how hard I could have tried, and proceeded to do the best set of intermediate planks I had ever done.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Art and Life...
When was the last time you were moved by art?
More importantly, when was the last time you stopped and appreciated it?
We live in a world surrounded by art... and yet when was the last time you took the time, for yourself might I add, to experience it?
So I have the utmost repect for artists... whether it is my friends in theatre, or my friends in other media... The actual craft of what we do, is something that should be celebrated more... This weekend I have had the pleasure of witnessing not one but two great artistic endeavors...
First off, please check out the link below. Eric Enright is a talented artist, whose grasp of his media can make anyone appreciate it... I encourage all of you out there to take a few minutes and look at his latest project...
http://www.365daysofprint.com/category/march-artist/eric-enright/
Secondly, I have never been so proud of my friend Maria Wheeler, till I saw her production last night... Now, I knew Maria 15 years ago and when we last left her she played Velma Kelly in a production of Chicago, that truly was amazing, for a college troupe might I add... Maria's love for her craft is evident and the fact that not only does she teach it, but fosters love for the art is something I find so admirable... the link below is from our local paper and explains it far better than I do...
http://www.northjersey.com/news/117817778_Middle_school_students_are_ready_to_take_stage_in_musicals.html
Either way I hope you can take a few minutes and share in the joys of art this weekend... To the Artists - Bravo to the Audience the same... Please make art a smidge more of your life - it's worth it...
More importantly, when was the last time you stopped and appreciated it?
We live in a world surrounded by art... and yet when was the last time you took the time, for yourself might I add, to experience it?
So I have the utmost repect for artists... whether it is my friends in theatre, or my friends in other media... The actual craft of what we do, is something that should be celebrated more... This weekend I have had the pleasure of witnessing not one but two great artistic endeavors...
First off, please check out the link below. Eric Enright is a talented artist, whose grasp of his media can make anyone appreciate it... I encourage all of you out there to take a few minutes and look at his latest project...
http://www.365daysofprint.com/category/march-artist/eric-enright/
Secondly, I have never been so proud of my friend Maria Wheeler, till I saw her production last night... Now, I knew Maria 15 years ago and when we last left her she played Velma Kelly in a production of Chicago, that truly was amazing, for a college troupe might I add... Maria's love for her craft is evident and the fact that not only does she teach it, but fosters love for the art is something I find so admirable... the link below is from our local paper and explains it far better than I do...
http://www.northjersey.com/news/117817778_Middle_school_students_are_ready_to_take_stage_in_musicals.html
Either way I hope you can take a few minutes and share in the joys of art this weekend... To the Artists - Bravo to the Audience the same... Please make art a smidge more of your life - it's worth it...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Ok - its pop quiz time
Ever wonder what your EQ is?
Emotions have the potential to get in the way of our most important business and personal relationships. According to John Kotter of Harvard Business School: “Because of the furious pace of change in business today, difficult to manage relationships sabotage more business than anything else - it is not a question of strategy that gets us into trouble; it is a question of emotions.”
Take the test... I scored a 56
http://www.ihhp.com/quiz.php
Emotional Intelligence, or EI, describes an ability or capacity to perceive, assess, and manage the emotions of one's self, and of others. Our EQ, or Emotional Quotient, is how one measures Emotional Intelligence.
Emotions have the potential to get in the way of our most important business and personal relationships. According to John Kotter of Harvard Business School: “Because of the furious pace of change in business today, difficult to manage relationships sabotage more business than anything else - it is not a question of strategy that gets us into trouble; it is a question of emotions.”
Take the test... I scored a 56
http://www.ihhp.com/quiz.php
Shout Outs...
Two quick shout outs...
1) Happy Birthday Kelly - I hope you are having a great day...
2) To my dear cousin Donna - thanks for having a quick 4 hour lunch with me today.... it was fab as always... (And blog family Im gonna need your help convincing my cousin to be a guest writer on this...)
1) Happy Birthday Kelly - I hope you are having a great day...
2) To my dear cousin Donna - thanks for having a quick 4 hour lunch with me today.... it was fab as always... (And blog family Im gonna need your help convincing my cousin to be a guest writer on this...)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Higher ground - 10 days in review...
So I have been sick... I think everyone can tell... the blog here goes radio silent... I had, twice might I add, whatever is going around - high fever for days followed by all these flu like symptoms... it knocks you out for a while, me something like 7 days - that's like an eternity if you ask me.... but when you are bed ridden for days your mind tends to take you to higher ground... moving your psyche away from the physical situations at hand and affords you the luxuary to watch, think and observe... From a my lofty perch;
So to all of you whom I own emails and return calls, please understand why its been so hard to get me of late....
I have a himbo update in the works, a true gym update as well and posts, lots of posts (what else do you do when you are forced to stay in bed all day?) so the blog is back up in earnest!
Finally, today - even if it is for a moment - please join me, like so many others in sending your thoughts and prayers to the people of Japan...
- I have been amazed at what's going on in our world, nature's fury and man made problems all rolled up into a perfect storm of destruction. I have watched people who have been left with nothing have more grace and dignity then people I know who have everything and then some...
- I managed to rally when I needed it most and pull off something (we will explore it in a blog all by itself) that a small bunch of harpy-like nay sayers had me not able to do (and yes I was sick on top of it!) I want to thank them briefly for allowing me the opportunity to prove them wrong - again! I guess people haven't learned I like a good challenge...
- I saw incredible beauty at the New York Botanical Gardens Orchid show and was amazed by the magic of Mary Poppins (yes you heard me correctly).
So to all of you whom I own emails and return calls, please understand why its been so hard to get me of late....
I have a himbo update in the works, a true gym update as well and posts, lots of posts (what else do you do when you are forced to stay in bed all day?) so the blog is back up in earnest!
Finally, today - even if it is for a moment - please join me, like so many others in sending your thoughts and prayers to the people of Japan...
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Ides of March - Parano style
Hey there... miss me?
I know a few of you might wonder why I have been silent over the last few days... Normally, since starting this a little over a month and a half ago, I have been pretty reliable when it comes to posts... Adept friends, that you are, you might have sensed that major events have been taken place - hence my lack of usually verbal ferocity (LOL!) And if you have guessed that congratulations, you are correct...
You see, a major piece of the genesis of all of the changes in me challenged me this week... You know, those intense moments before the finish line... the do or die moments... well one of them (there are 2, FYI) decided to have me face-it-off with the yet described incidents that drive my writing... and while I know it seems very cloak and dagger of me to keep this so close to the vest - please trust me when I say stay tuned, because the payoff will be greater for all of us...
I am amazed at how people react... I mean people that you know for years, that represent major pieces of your life, tend to become your greatest adversaries when left unchecked... or challenged... or both... Not to say that you can't exhibit frustration or even anger but really what is the purpose of those emotions if they prohibit you from functioning to get through a rough patch... I find it illogical (I know how Spock of me)
I am a fixer, I have been all my life... For whatever reason, I am always prepared to handle crisis... And sometimes I find myself moving into the middle of one - because I guess I know I can handle it... Now that may sound great or noble, but let me give you an inside tip... its not... A lot of my day sometimes is spent prepping for those "in case of emergency" moments... and while I am lucky that I can divorce my emotions from the situation at hand, I am also paying the price by constantly being on guard and ready... its exhausting...
Without going into detail, let's just say that I had to call up all of my reserves this week and basically only functioned in the problem that I was facing... I have not done that in quite a long time... All energy that I could give it, I did and I am proud that I always have a plan B... and so now I'm working on plan B and a plan B for plan B (you see where this gets tricky?)
Anyhow, I believe my writing will be coming back in earnest very shortly - a preview includes another foray into the elusive world of himbos and some mayhem of cosmic portions...
Stay tuned
D
I know a few of you might wonder why I have been silent over the last few days... Normally, since starting this a little over a month and a half ago, I have been pretty reliable when it comes to posts... Adept friends, that you are, you might have sensed that major events have been taken place - hence my lack of usually verbal ferocity (LOL!) And if you have guessed that congratulations, you are correct...
You see, a major piece of the genesis of all of the changes in me challenged me this week... You know, those intense moments before the finish line... the do or die moments... well one of them (there are 2, FYI) decided to have me face-it-off with the yet described incidents that drive my writing... and while I know it seems very cloak and dagger of me to keep this so close to the vest - please trust me when I say stay tuned, because the payoff will be greater for all of us...
I am amazed at how people react... I mean people that you know for years, that represent major pieces of your life, tend to become your greatest adversaries when left unchecked... or challenged... or both... Not to say that you can't exhibit frustration or even anger but really what is the purpose of those emotions if they prohibit you from functioning to get through a rough patch... I find it illogical (I know how Spock of me)
I am a fixer, I have been all my life... For whatever reason, I am always prepared to handle crisis... And sometimes I find myself moving into the middle of one - because I guess I know I can handle it... Now that may sound great or noble, but let me give you an inside tip... its not... A lot of my day sometimes is spent prepping for those "in case of emergency" moments... and while I am lucky that I can divorce my emotions from the situation at hand, I am also paying the price by constantly being on guard and ready... its exhausting...
Without going into detail, let's just say that I had to call up all of my reserves this week and basically only functioned in the problem that I was facing... I have not done that in quite a long time... All energy that I could give it, I did and I am proud that I always have a plan B... and so now I'm working on plan B and a plan B for plan B (you see where this gets tricky?)
Anyhow, I believe my writing will be coming back in earnest very shortly - a preview includes another foray into the elusive world of himbos and some mayhem of cosmic portions...
Stay tuned
D
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Well sometimes doesn't this sum up life...
These mice above are a great example of how I feel sometimes...
Running around and around in a big circle... Don't we all feel that way...
Perhaps its the emergence of spring, or those tense moments we all don't like to have that make it all the more evident that sometimes we are just spinning our wheels. I have done a lot of wheel busting or derailing (your choice of word) lately in trying to stop spinning my wheels and have had great success... However, as with life some wheels are larger than others...
I find if I am allowed to think it through and not feel pressured for an answer, there is always a way... I believe that... I explained to a few people I have learned that "NO" is truly not an answer. You just have to dig in and figure things out... Hard work really does pay off and no matter what you can control your destiny... Hell, I'm living proof these days...
What gets me is the emotions that are conjured up... people when pressured are usually at their worst... I have a job and some what of a life that does not allow me that luxury. I believe in helping people, finding solutions and trying NOT to disappoint anyone... oh wait, there is one person who I disappoint, myself... You see for far too long I have moved everything in front of my needs and now I am starting to realize the price I paid... so now I am working on righting a lot of wrongs that I have done to me... but also still stick to my mantra of helping people not hindering...
In parts of my life, I am really almost there - just mere steps away from freeing myself of the big wheels that have haunted me of late... I can feel them going down, I just have to figure out a few more steps... I am rallying all my strength (though part of that is zapped from the INTENSE workouts I'm doing - LOL - I will be blogging about that tomorrow) and I know I will get there - one way or another... when I get through this last hurdle, a darker part of my life will close, something I have been wanting and needing for a long time...
So if you run into me in the next few days and I seem perplexed or distant... know that I am just spinning the wheels in my head to figure out how to stop spinning the wheels of my life...
Monday, February 28, 2011
...and the winner is...
So I had a conversation last night after the Academy Awards - the person I was talking to ask me which was my favorite speech? I said to them matter of factly, "Well it has been said yet..."
There was silence on the other end of the phone.
I continued, "Well the film hasn't been made yet (I did stifle the words, 'a very important picture', like Auntie Norma Desmond would say) and I haven't gone up there to accept the award..."
Strange only one of us laughed - and it wasn't me...
Two true facts for those of you who aren't in the know - one I am a theatre arts person (COULD NOT TELL BY MY PERSONALITY RIGHT?) and two I went to the Academy Awards way back in the 90's when Cuba Gooding Jr. won for Jerry Maguire... I made a promise to myself I would return and at least be nominated for something... Granted I placed it only a few years later but hey if David Seidler, writing the King's Speech, at 73 can win an award - I got some time....
So I thought about it and I wondered if I was nominated and should I have won - considering all the things going on in my world... what would I say...
There was silence on the other end of the phone.
I continued, "Well the film hasn't been made yet (I did stifle the words, 'a very important picture', like Auntie Norma Desmond would say) and I haven't gone up there to accept the award..."
Strange only one of us laughed - and it wasn't me...
Two true facts for those of you who aren't in the know - one I am a theatre arts person (COULD NOT TELL BY MY PERSONALITY RIGHT?) and two I went to the Academy Awards way back in the 90's when Cuba Gooding Jr. won for Jerry Maguire... I made a promise to myself I would return and at least be nominated for something... Granted I placed it only a few years later but hey if David Seidler, writing the King's Speech, at 73 can win an award - I got some time....
So I thought about it and I wondered if I was nominated and should I have won - considering all the things going on in my world... what would I say...
"Wow! This is amazing... incredible, wonderful... but there are somethings I would like to point out to you all... Yes, everyone thanks the cast, crew and production teams and granted I am right there with you - with out all of you - this wouldn't be possible... Thank You...
But there are people out there who you all don't know that truly won this award tonight... Who are they you ask? Well they are the people who have been my family and friends in what seems like forever...
You have them don't you? The people that you just click with, cry with, laugh with... who strangely are more your family than what the definition is... They show kindness, bawdiness and they are the funniest people around... They can sit around a table and in minutes rally to a cause, dispel any rumor and gossip more rigorously they anyone you know... You know them right? Because I hope we all have them in our lives... Mine break into teams...And in true Parano style as the music swelled, I would trip as I walked off the stage...
There are "the muses", my rag tag bunch of beauties who give me inspiration daily, there are "the co-conspirators" whose mission while secret have never failed me and our loyalty and trust are a lesson for the ages, then there are "the ones" - those who I would go into the fire for... but together they make an impressive array of mentors whom I learn from and treasure.
There are also, "those people" - the ones who doubted and wronged me. Without you as well, this wouldn't be possible. Your mistake was to make a judgement call too quickly... and while you are on the periphery of my life - it is important to acknowledge your presence - and to remind people to rise up and above their critics and blaze trails those stunted people could never ever do.
Of course I am thanking my long suffering family - putting up with me for all these years... and then to the two people who made this all possible, my mother and father - they prove to me daily that my mother should be made a saint and the nickname "The Riddler" is most apt for my Dad... "
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Ocean Floor
Water - not the normal thing this fire sign talks about... But I'm not talking about the Atlantic or the Pacific... I'm talking about the waters that lie within all of us.. You know the channels and currents of our mind, and the waters that make each of us - well us...
In the oceans that are me, I know that it is pretty much setup like our earth... Plateaus and canals that are the most accessible, but then there is the deep water... The darker places... literally the core of what our minds ocean function on... Some people simply allow there oceans to remain undisturbed - moving and flowing to their own natural rhythm. Others are all about turbulent waters... kicking up storm after emotional storm...
I mean how do you determine your emotional state? Do you notice rough seas or storm clouds... or is it like a tidal wave from nowhere? Is it the acknowledgement of the issues at hand - or are there things that lie below the surface waters that are growing out all the other issues that bubble to the top? More importantly, are we dealing with just symptoms, like storms passing, and not causes? I mean with what seems like the Prozaic nation that we have become - have we lost our ability to delve into the deep waters of our own psyche or is it just easier to skim the surface and skim through life?
I think from my other posts, you can guess my stance on the issue...
What lies beneath the surface is what truly interests me... You see, I think that at the core of the myriad of issues we face there are the biggies, the primal ones that breath life in or fester and grow out into an array of situations, responses and reactions. The only way to ever see what they are however is to take the plunge...
It might be the most beautiful thing you have ever seen. For me I look into myself usually sitting by a barely dawn lit sunny window, when the dogs are sleeping and there is peace in the house... These are the only waters I don't fear to tread... Like a diver, submersion is breath taking and scary and for a minute or two I panic in the unnaturalness of it all... but then I am in my world...
I am taking the plunge as it were into the deep waters a lot these days... Swimming literally in oceans of synapse and feelings and emotions... Looking around inside of me to see what is down there... What is at my core? Am I missing something? You know what I found?
You read it here a lot.
The first few minutes are the scariest thing you have ever felt - because in our world emotions are frowned upon usually - and diving deep into a sea of feelings takes some bravery - but then all of a sudden there is peace, understanding and knowledge...
Dive my friends, dive...
In the oceans that are me, I know that it is pretty much setup like our earth... Plateaus and canals that are the most accessible, but then there is the deep water... The darker places... literally the core of what our minds ocean function on... Some people simply allow there oceans to remain undisturbed - moving and flowing to their own natural rhythm. Others are all about turbulent waters... kicking up storm after emotional storm...
I mean how do you determine your emotional state? Do you notice rough seas or storm clouds... or is it like a tidal wave from nowhere? Is it the acknowledgement of the issues at hand - or are there things that lie below the surface waters that are growing out all the other issues that bubble to the top? More importantly, are we dealing with just symptoms, like storms passing, and not causes? I mean with what seems like the Prozaic nation that we have become - have we lost our ability to delve into the deep waters of our own psyche or is it just easier to skim the surface and skim through life?
I think from my other posts, you can guess my stance on the issue...
What lies beneath the surface is what truly interests me... You see, I think that at the core of the myriad of issues we face there are the biggies, the primal ones that breath life in or fester and grow out into an array of situations, responses and reactions. The only way to ever see what they are however is to take the plunge...
It might be the most beautiful thing you have ever seen. For me I look into myself usually sitting by a barely dawn lit sunny window, when the dogs are sleeping and there is peace in the house... These are the only waters I don't fear to tread... Like a diver, submersion is breath taking and scary and for a minute or two I panic in the unnaturalness of it all... but then I am in my world...
I am taking the plunge as it were into the deep waters a lot these days... Swimming literally in oceans of synapse and feelings and emotions... Looking around inside of me to see what is down there... What is at my core? Am I missing something? You know what I found?
You read it here a lot.
The first few minutes are the scariest thing you have ever felt - because in our world emotions are frowned upon usually - and diving deep into a sea of feelings takes some bravery - but then all of a sudden there is peace, understanding and knowledge...
Dive my friends, dive...
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
hai moũsai
Oh look, didn't think I could do anything in Greek now did ya?
Brand New Dave - Brand New Skills....
Would it be more impressive if I typed, αἱ μοῦσαι... WOW! Right, and he's not even Greek is what you're thinking... Let's just say, for a variety of reasons, I feel certain affinities toward Greek culture as a whole and have always appreciated their mythology, epic poetry and well their food...
So the hai moũsai or the Muses have long been a favorite... I kinda like the idea that these ladies rove the earth inspiring people to do great things... and that got me thinking - as I ponder Greek culture a lot - well basically where are they? Why haven't I seen them of late? Have I ever seen them? And then it hit me, (NO I'm not going for the cheap and easy shot of the Olivia Newton John Xanadu joke...) I believe they have been hiding in plain site... For real... Hmmm, did a muse inspire that thought? This game could be played for days...
But the simple fact is, you know Snow White had seven drawfs why can't Dave have nine muses? In fact why can't we all have nine muses...
I consulted the wikipedia for some handy notes as to how I should identify them, I mean after all they have these otherworldly abilities, how could I figure that out - when in doubt go to the some what inaccurate but oft available wiki... According to the wiki I found, "In Renaissance and Neoclassical art, the dissemination of emblem books such as Cesare Ripa's Iconologia (1593 and many further editions) helped standardize the depiction of Muses in sculptures or paintings, who could be distinguished by certain props, together with which they became emblems readily identifiable by the viewer, enabling one immediately to recognize the art with which they had become bound. Calliope (epic poetry) carries a writing tablet; Clio (history) carries a scroll and books; Erato (love/erotic poetry) is often seen with a lyre and a crown of roses; Euterpe (lyric poetry) carries a flute, the aulos; Melpomene (tragedy) is often seen with a tragic mask; Polyhymnia (sacred poetry) often is seen with a pensive expression; Terpsichore (choral dance and song) is often seen dancing and carrying a lyre; Thalia (comedy) often is seen with a comic mask; and Urania (astronomy) carries a pair of compasses and the celestial globe"
Well clearly that was the 1500's - so I took the liberty (again inspired) bringing these ladies up to speed in 2011... So clearly Calliope would carry an Ipad, Clio a Kindle, Erato drop the lyre keep the roses, Euterpe would probably have a digital music device, Melpomene (I think I know a few of her) would be wearing some sorta of unhappy messaged shirt, Polyhymnia just looks pensive, Terpsichore would dance about, Thalia would be wearing the happy messaging shirt and Urania would have a GPS.
Ok so clearly, I know how to identify them... So for the last few weeks, (Strange did one of them inspire me to do this blog?) I have been thinking about all of you out there who inspire me and then violia it hit me, you are my muses...
Now first off I am honored, I really am... The fact that you changed your names and identities to keep me guessing had me going for a while... But after long and careful observation I deduced the nine of you... So over the next few weeks I will begin calling you out, with enough descriptors that you'll know that I know which muse you are... again, inspiration... and share a tale of each of you... Stayed tuned...
If you think you are one of my muses, comment on this post.... we all know that I know who does what... remember the anonymous incident of last week, and without giving your name, test the waters and see if I can guess who you are...
On a serious note, I want to thank all of you for all the inspirations that you have bestowed on me....
Brand New Dave - Brand New Skills....
Would it be more impressive if I typed, αἱ μοῦσαι... WOW! Right, and he's not even Greek is what you're thinking... Let's just say, for a variety of reasons, I feel certain affinities toward Greek culture as a whole and have always appreciated their mythology, epic poetry and well their food...
So the hai moũsai or the Muses have long been a favorite... I kinda like the idea that these ladies rove the earth inspiring people to do great things... and that got me thinking - as I ponder Greek culture a lot - well basically where are they? Why haven't I seen them of late? Have I ever seen them? And then it hit me, (NO I'm not going for the cheap and easy shot of the Olivia Newton John Xanadu joke...) I believe they have been hiding in plain site... For real... Hmmm, did a muse inspire that thought? This game could be played for days...
But the simple fact is, you know Snow White had seven drawfs why can't Dave have nine muses? In fact why can't we all have nine muses...
I consulted the wikipedia for some handy notes as to how I should identify them, I mean after all they have these otherworldly abilities, how could I figure that out - when in doubt go to the some what inaccurate but oft available wiki... According to the wiki I found, "In Renaissance and Neoclassical
Well clearly that was the 1500's - so I took the liberty (again inspired) bringing these ladies up to speed in 2011... So clearly Calliope would carry an Ipad, Clio a Kindle, Erato drop the lyre keep the roses, Euterpe would probably have a digital music device, Melpomene (I think I know a few of her) would be wearing some sorta of unhappy messaged shirt, Polyhymnia just looks pensive, Terpsichore would dance about, Thalia would be wearing the happy messaging shirt and Urania would have a GPS.
Ok so clearly, I know how to identify them... So for the last few weeks, (Strange did one of them inspire me to do this blog?) I have been thinking about all of you out there who inspire me and then violia it hit me, you are my muses...
Now first off I am honored, I really am... The fact that you changed your names and identities to keep me guessing had me going for a while... But after long and careful observation I deduced the nine of you... So over the next few weeks I will begin calling you out, with enough descriptors that you'll know that I know which muse you are... again, inspiration... and share a tale of each of you... Stayed tuned...
If you think you are one of my muses, comment on this post.... we all know that I know who does what... remember the anonymous incident of last week, and without giving your name, test the waters and see if I can guess who you are...
On a serious note, I want to thank all of you for all the inspirations that you have bestowed on me....
Monday, February 21, 2011
Dear Ground Hog...
MEMO
TO: Ground Hog
FR: Dave
RE: Forecast
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So I thought we had an agreement... you forecasted an early spring. So happy was I at that forecast, I took to the airwaves myself, at least on Facebook, and posted that I was keeping you to your word... Let's review, shall we, I said;
To further jog your memory various people responded to to the post with equally telling comments;
I don't need to remind you, who we are, what we are and most importantly a majority of us come from the "heartland", New Jersey.... Think long and hard next time you predict the weather oh not so truthful rodent... and if I were you I would pray that not one more ounce of snows comes our way...
All the best,
Dave
TO: Ground Hog
FR: Dave
RE: Forecast
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So I thought we had an agreement... you forecasted an early spring. So happy was I at that forecast, I took to the airwaves myself, at least on Facebook, and posted that I was keeping you to your word... Let's review, shall we, I said;
NOTE TO GROUND HOG: I am an animal lover and desperately want to believe your forecast for an early spring... However, with the current winter mess we are all dealing with - I would like to remind you that angry people like myself know where you live and will have no problem reminding you of your forecast, one way or another, should you be wrong... Just a little reminder.Now I know you don't possess thumbs, so traversing the internet might be tough, but there is touch screen technology even my dog knows how to use... He randomly calls people all the time... considering you forecast the weather - a much more technical job - I highly recommend catching up with all the technological advances... perhaps an Ipad?
To further jog your memory various people responded to to the post with equally telling comments;
"..animal lover also!!! I'll be right there with you !!!!!!!!!"
"Rumor has it the little rodent entered the witness relocation program shortly afte making his statement.",So consider this your last warning... I think I, like all my friends and family, have been more than reasonable. We are willing to overlook this, shall we say, hiccup in your forecast, but NO MORE MY FRIEND...
"FYI my dog is an excellent rodent finder and while I've never been a violent person......I'll hold the fat thing down while you beat it ;-)"
I don't need to remind you, who we are, what we are and most importantly a majority of us come from the "heartland", New Jersey.... Think long and hard next time you predict the weather oh not so truthful rodent... and if I were you I would pray that not one more ounce of snows comes our way...
All the best,
Dave
Thursday, February 17, 2011
William Wallace on a Wednesday Night
"Ay, fight and you may die, run and you’ll live. At least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives…. but they’ll never take our FREEDOM!!!"
People who know me , know that when I am quiet it's usually not good... I really strive to express myself and be heard... Yes, I can yammer and more importantly I can blather on, but in all the words I throw at people (I freely admit I do this) I strive to be heard... don't we all...
Last night I made a breakthrough... There has been something I have been yearning to say to someone very close to me... Very difficult were the words I needed to say... But I knew I had to say them... I was driving home from Long Island late last night, and that person happened to call me... and at the start the conversation was topical - I literally found my inner William Wallace... Hey I am part Scottish... and I summoned up a lot of might, a lot of courage and found the resolve to move forward with a conversation I needed to have...
The "enemy" that has kept me at bay for all this time was my great adviscary, fear. Fear of expressing myself in such a personal way and communicating a difficult topic and being heard and understood, with NO OTHER VOICE BUT MY OWN - no presumptions or no interpretations...
Now I know that the recipient of my new found might didn't expect to have this convo... but at the end of the day, I finally got to say what I needed to...
I took the risk that Wallace references in his quote, and decided to was more important for me to say what I needed to, then not and risk being heard or not...
And I was on, my friends - there is a magical ability when we humans go for broke... I have to say that I thought my argument was sound and the conviction in my heart got translated to my voice in the most clear way I know how...
I urged this person to rage with me, rise up and take flight... Because I see that issues we share in common were holding this person back too... I knew that I needed to tell them this and I knew that I had been late in bringing that information to the table... and that was holding me back...
I am a fire sign and the conversation was on fire... I can tell you this - I have never been more pleased that I got to say what I needed to and how freeing it was for me...
"In the Year of our Lord 1314, patriots of Scotland - starving and outnumbered - charged the fields of Bannockburn. They fought like warrior poets; they fought like Scotsmen, and won their freedom."
I can now add to that quote - that in 2011, this patriotic part Scot learned how to speak out like and found his inner warrior poet - and more important on a Wednesday night on a long drive home I won some more the elusive freedoms I seek...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Red Hot Poker
So I had lunch today at a favorite Chinese restaurant… no stranger to what I like, I ordered the Chicken Pad Thai (yes, I know that is NOT authentic Chinese cuisine) sans the MSG and salt (I haven’t worked out this hard to be taken down by a chicken dish) and was pleasantly surprised when we got to the fortune cookie portion of the meal…
My fortune read – Strike While The Iron is Hot… For the first time in a while I concurred with my fortune…
I think it is high time that we all strike while the iron is hot, cause who knows when that chance will come again. For me, I wish sometimes I could go back in time and strike what is now just a very cool slab of metal.
If I could, I would go back and seize opportunities I let slip away, say I’m sorry more to people, laugh more and above all else live more. The paradox of course is, if we could do that would our lives be the same… Can you imagine the ability to edit life, like I edit this post? We would all be infallible – perfect – gleefully rewriting history… But thankfully we can’t, because bumps, bruises and wounded egos are what makes us – well – us…
Underneath all the blather and stories that I write – I think you all are starting to sense the theme of this blog… It's a little bit about redemption and it is definately about change... Most importantly this blog is about hope and renewal and forging ahead…
I wake up every morning now, excited to move ahead more and relish the victories of this journey I am on.
But in the spirit of this post, and not wanting to miss an instant, I want to thank you all as well for coming on the journey with me. Together what would have been a lonely road is filled with the brightest and the best and mark my words – we will all make history… Stay tuned!
Monday, February 14, 2011
To the one...
"Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us ...
Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits ...
No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves ... Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men ...
My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once ...
Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
Ever thine, Ever mine, Ever ours."
— Ludwig van Beethoven (The Letters of Beethoven)
Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits ...
No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves ... Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men ...
My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once ...
Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
Ever thine, Ever mine, Ever ours."
— Ludwig van Beethoven (The Letters of Beethoven)
Charming as Barbara and Oliver Rose... War of the Roses 2011
So its not hard to imagine that War of the Roses is a favorite movie of mine.... OK it's dark comedy, but at its core - I feel - shows in exaggerated sense the depth to which two people will descend in the name of love or to avenge it...
But have you looked around lately - for me every where I go there are Barbara and Oliver Roses' abounding... People who in the name of love do the craziest things... It is as if generations who saw this movie were silently, subliminally programmed to become those two, years later...
Now love to me is a complex and dense emotion... It goes to the very core of everything that we hold dear... and for me it gives me great pause at both the wonderful and chilling effects it can have...
So today, Valentine's Day, I ran into a Barbara and Oliver Rose at a great cafe on the Upper West Side... Like always, I ordered the Pesto Scramble (simply the best eggs you could EVER have) and while I was checking email and drinking coffee there entered a very well dressed couple...
The woman was in her mid thirties, impeccably dressed with big dark Channel sun glasses on... Wondering why I am so up on eye fashion these days? No wonder... the word Channel appeared on the side of her glasses... Any how, she sat down immediately to my right... With her processed hair and very pouty lips she looked like she was about to be interviewed in Vogue. Wearing quite form fitting black from head to toe, she gave off a vibe of a fashion ninja - ready to strike at any time - perhaps her sun glasses were her weapon of choice. In comes this guy who matched her in every way... you could tell they were a couple...
Sporting a very trendy grey suit and quite sleek hair - he too looked like he was ready for some action - this time in the board room... He kept checking his phone and/or his watch and every so often checked himself out in a reflective surface of choice... He was, like her, just a little over done - betraying a false sense of confidence that only his waxer could call out...
For at least a good 3 minutes nothing was said as they sat there... mind you there are no menus on the table and they are simply staring at each other... when they weren't admiring their personal glorious view. It was like watching cats size each other up... To his great dismay, he could never see her eyes for the sunglasses obscured them... but boy could he see himself in their reflection...
Finally Barbara 2 blurted out, "You can at least get me some coffee..." It was as if she threw a throwing star at him and silently he rose and went to the counter... While he was ordering she pulled out of her purse a mirror and began to check her lips... I thought it strange she just didn't use one of the other surfaces she was already admiring herself in - but perhaps she needed to pull out the big guns...
Some loud electro-pop-synthesized ringtone blared out of her pocket - loud enough to make me jump and her to quickly fold the mirror... She looked at her phone, then looked at Oliver 2 and said, "Tell them to make it quick, our appointment is in 15 minutes..." Again Ollie 2 went back to his stare down of the wait staff to get the coffees...
Thankfully my eggs arrived... it gave me a prop to further investigate the goings on of the table to the right of me...
Oliver returned with coffee and cake in hand... With out warning - like a good ninja should - Barbara 2's attack was calculated precisely between stirring milk into her coffee and grabbing a forkful of cake...
"You know this is all your fault..." she hissed, "we wouldn't even have this stupid appointment if you would have listened to me..."
"Listen to you? Listen? That is the last thing you do when I talk is listen..." he retorted as a tiny sugar explosion erupted with his response... It was like the granules of sugar were little pieces of him - collateral damage from Babs 2's first blow...
After coming to grips with the sugar situation, he continued his attack, "I mean really, its all about blame for you? What about the big picture..."
At this point I have to say as good as the eggs were, this free entertainment was becoming quickly the thing to watch....
"Let's face facts, this is the big picture, it's Valentine's Day and we are going to a couples counselor... not my idea of romance..." Good point, I thought... I did get a little nervous that more sugar would pour out of his psychic wounds...
You could tell this was a fight they had before, after gulping down some coffee he said, "I think that it's the most romantic thing we could do... save our marriage..."
Now at this point I have to say witnessing this at point blank range and on the face of his statement he seemed sincere... It was like he pushed the big red button and the nuclear option was used... but Barbara 2 was no slouch... She came back with her own nuclear weapon and its uranium was made of deadly combination of anger and high drama...
"I don't know if I want to save our marriage...", I waited for old fashion organ music to play, but sadly it didn't happen...
At this point, I believe the owners were glad its a cash and carry establishment... Barbara slammed the table into Oliver as she rose... Her scorn was like a heat lamp melting the pan au chocolates in the near by case...
Spinning around on her expensive heels, she said, "Hurry up" and mockingly "We have to go S A V E our marriage..." and out the door she went... I am positive there was love in that statement - but perhaps buried way down deep inside...
Oliver removed the marble table from his chest, slowly got up, and with anger and hurt in his eyes followed her out... These moments seemed almost too real for him as he fumbled to open the door... From the plate glass window I watched them disappear into the city, bickering and yelling as they made their way to what hopefully is salvation...
Now I know this isn't the most romantic story, especially on Valentine's day... But there is a lesson to be learned... I implore you all, whether it is the love of your life sitting next to you as you read this - or its someone you have loved and lost, or if you are thinking that you are out of love with someone - DO NOT BECOME BARBARA AND OLIVER ROSE... Seriously, we are all better than that...
As the waitress was clearing my plate, she looked at me and smiled... She said, "Talk about awkward..." I said, "No, not all - they were charming as Barbara and Oliver Rose..."
Happy Valentine's Day kids...
But have you looked around lately - for me every where I go there are Barbara and Oliver Roses' abounding... People who in the name of love do the craziest things... It is as if generations who saw this movie were silently, subliminally programmed to become those two, years later...
Now love to me is a complex and dense emotion... It goes to the very core of everything that we hold dear... and for me it gives me great pause at both the wonderful and chilling effects it can have...
So today, Valentine's Day, I ran into a Barbara and Oliver Rose at a great cafe on the Upper West Side... Like always, I ordered the Pesto Scramble (simply the best eggs you could EVER have) and while I was checking email and drinking coffee there entered a very well dressed couple...
The woman was in her mid thirties, impeccably dressed with big dark Channel sun glasses on... Wondering why I am so up on eye fashion these days? No wonder... the word Channel appeared on the side of her glasses... Any how, she sat down immediately to my right... With her processed hair and very pouty lips she looked like she was about to be interviewed in Vogue. Wearing quite form fitting black from head to toe, she gave off a vibe of a fashion ninja - ready to strike at any time - perhaps her sun glasses were her weapon of choice. In comes this guy who matched her in every way... you could tell they were a couple...
Sporting a very trendy grey suit and quite sleek hair - he too looked like he was ready for some action - this time in the board room... He kept checking his phone and/or his watch and every so often checked himself out in a reflective surface of choice... He was, like her, just a little over done - betraying a false sense of confidence that only his waxer could call out...
For at least a good 3 minutes nothing was said as they sat there... mind you there are no menus on the table and they are simply staring at each other... when they weren't admiring their personal glorious view. It was like watching cats size each other up... To his great dismay, he could never see her eyes for the sunglasses obscured them... but boy could he see himself in their reflection...
Finally Barbara 2 blurted out, "You can at least get me some coffee..." It was as if she threw a throwing star at him and silently he rose and went to the counter... While he was ordering she pulled out of her purse a mirror and began to check her lips... I thought it strange she just didn't use one of the other surfaces she was already admiring herself in - but perhaps she needed to pull out the big guns...
Some loud electro-pop-synthesized ringtone blared out of her pocket - loud enough to make me jump and her to quickly fold the mirror... She looked at her phone, then looked at Oliver 2 and said, "Tell them to make it quick, our appointment is in 15 minutes..." Again Ollie 2 went back to his stare down of the wait staff to get the coffees...
Thankfully my eggs arrived... it gave me a prop to further investigate the goings on of the table to the right of me...
Oliver returned with coffee and cake in hand... With out warning - like a good ninja should - Barbara 2's attack was calculated precisely between stirring milk into her coffee and grabbing a forkful of cake...
"You know this is all your fault..." she hissed, "we wouldn't even have this stupid appointment if you would have listened to me..."
"Listen to you? Listen? That is the last thing you do when I talk is listen..." he retorted as a tiny sugar explosion erupted with his response... It was like the granules of sugar were little pieces of him - collateral damage from Babs 2's first blow...
After coming to grips with the sugar situation, he continued his attack, "I mean really, its all about blame for you? What about the big picture..."
At this point I have to say as good as the eggs were, this free entertainment was becoming quickly the thing to watch....
"Let's face facts, this is the big picture, it's Valentine's Day and we are going to a couples counselor... not my idea of romance..." Good point, I thought... I did get a little nervous that more sugar would pour out of his psychic wounds...
You could tell this was a fight they had before, after gulping down some coffee he said, "I think that it's the most romantic thing we could do... save our marriage..."
Now at this point I have to say witnessing this at point blank range and on the face of his statement he seemed sincere... It was like he pushed the big red button and the nuclear option was used... but Barbara 2 was no slouch... She came back with her own nuclear weapon and its uranium was made of deadly combination of anger and high drama...
"I don't know if I want to save our marriage...", I waited for old fashion organ music to play, but sadly it didn't happen...
At this point, I believe the owners were glad its a cash and carry establishment... Barbara slammed the table into Oliver as she rose... Her scorn was like a heat lamp melting the pan au chocolates in the near by case...
Spinning around on her expensive heels, she said, "Hurry up" and mockingly "We have to go S A V E our marriage..." and out the door she went... I am positive there was love in that statement - but perhaps buried way down deep inside...
Oliver removed the marble table from his chest, slowly got up, and with anger and hurt in his eyes followed her out... These moments seemed almost too real for him as he fumbled to open the door... From the plate glass window I watched them disappear into the city, bickering and yelling as they made their way to what hopefully is salvation...
Now I know this isn't the most romantic story, especially on Valentine's day... But there is a lesson to be learned... I implore you all, whether it is the love of your life sitting next to you as you read this - or its someone you have loved and lost, or if you are thinking that you are out of love with someone - DO NOT BECOME BARBARA AND OLIVER ROSE... Seriously, we are all better than that...
As the waitress was clearing my plate, she looked at me and smiled... She said, "Talk about awkward..." I said, "No, not all - they were charming as Barbara and Oliver Rose..."
Happy Valentine's Day kids...
All You Need is Love...
So I am blessed with a wonderful and diverse tapestry of friends... Whether we survived a show together, we worked in the movie theatre or for the last decade plus survived a campaign together each of you has a special place in my heart... As you can guess from this blog, I feel very safe in expressing my ideas...
I just got off the phone with a friend of mine, Idida... Now some of you immediately know who she is... Wonderful, charasmatic and funny as all get out - and through the years a friend in the best senses of the word... We haven't talked in a while and I needed to get her take on a situation... Like a true friend she was there for me in an instant...
The interesting thing about Idida is that she is enrolled in seminary school above all the other things that she is doing. And after I got some of her thoughts on the subject at hand, we drifted, like friends do, to other bits and pieces of conversation... Among them we got to talking about emotional issues and that led to a conversation about acceptance and love...
She couldn't have said it better, that amongst all other things you truly have to love yourself too... As a person who is slowly learning how to do that - it brought a smile immediately to my face... Now we weren't talking the overboard, self absorbed variety - we were talking about being at peace with yourself and appreciating it...
So today, amoung the loves of your life, take a moment to recognize that loving yourself, even a little, is probably one of the greatest Valentines you can get...
I just got off the phone with a friend of mine, Idida... Now some of you immediately know who she is... Wonderful, charasmatic and funny as all get out - and through the years a friend in the best senses of the word... We haven't talked in a while and I needed to get her take on a situation... Like a true friend she was there for me in an instant...
The interesting thing about Idida is that she is enrolled in seminary school above all the other things that she is doing. And after I got some of her thoughts on the subject at hand, we drifted, like friends do, to other bits and pieces of conversation... Among them we got to talking about emotional issues and that led to a conversation about acceptance and love...
She couldn't have said it better, that amongst all other things you truly have to love yourself too... As a person who is slowly learning how to do that - it brought a smile immediately to my face... Now we weren't talking the overboard, self absorbed variety - we were talking about being at peace with yourself and appreciating it...
So today, amoung the loves of your life, take a moment to recognize that loving yourself, even a little, is probably one of the greatest Valentines you can get...
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Gatsby's Green Light
So my favorite book of all time is The Great Gatsby, it has been since I first read it 25 years ago. I can say that was the first book that ever spoke to me... and throughout time it has always come back ever present in my life. My favorite quote is from the end... because to me it is really where I have been sometimes in life or more appropriately how I understand this adopted verse...
I, like Gatsby or Fitzgerald, believe that the future will have to be better - even sometimes when our hopes and dreams are behind us... we still press on - still strive. But the Daisy's of my world aren't always human, they are the dreams and experiences I want in my life as well.
I have placed a green light on my being now for the last year... Trying to, calling for people and experiences that I yearn for. I have to say it does work and more importantly it takes work to accomplish this. You see even the green light is fickle, and what you call and what arrives sometimes are two different sides of the same dream and its up to you on how to interpret what comes to you.
Now I know this all has an air of metaphysics. Sort of the belief that we have the unspoken ability to call things to us or away from us. I believe we do have that ability. Ever notice the thing you most want is the hardest to get, yet when you don't want it - it is available in abandon?
I think there is a message within this ability about balance... We all should strive to balance what we want versus what we need...
Some people, most of us in fact (I use to be one of them), don't have that ability all the time and an inequity occurs.
I have watched with almost puzzled amazement people and how the quash their dreams. I think I was amazed because I did this too.
One friend of mine is gifted in music, yet she let the world beat her down and not only has abandoned her craft but has basically reviled it as a way of dealing with the trauma. Another friend of mine in plain words is simply beaten down. Dangerously close to submitting to a world that has drawn him into a corner - a million miles where he should or wanted to be. How many of you out there "give up" something for the greater good but in your heart of hearts knows that what you long to do? Or more importantly have to do...
Now as we all "grow up" we make these sacrifices - some more than others - to appease the situation of our life. But shouldn't there be a balance?
So I came up with an idea - that I would like to put out there... I think we should all challenge ourselves - starting today... What is something that you have always longed to do or use to do and stopped that had real meaning in your life? Is there one thing that you can start working towards today that will appease the inner needs that you have? Basically I am asking you to turn on your green light and call for something and see what happens...
I mean let's face facts - you have proof that it works - you are reading this after all aren't you? This is one of my green lights - I have called and for whatever reason - you have read... That is pretty amazing... So what do you say? Are you willing to walk with me on this little journey? Can you find it in you to call upon change? I hope so...
Till then know this... This not so little boat still beats on against the current - and will for as long as he has breath in his body...
"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter--tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther.... And one fine morning--
So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."
I, like Gatsby or Fitzgerald, believe that the future will have to be better - even sometimes when our hopes and dreams are behind us... we still press on - still strive. But the Daisy's of my world aren't always human, they are the dreams and experiences I want in my life as well.
I have placed a green light on my being now for the last year... Trying to, calling for people and experiences that I yearn for. I have to say it does work and more importantly it takes work to accomplish this. You see even the green light is fickle, and what you call and what arrives sometimes are two different sides of the same dream and its up to you on how to interpret what comes to you.
Now I know this all has an air of metaphysics. Sort of the belief that we have the unspoken ability to call things to us or away from us. I believe we do have that ability. Ever notice the thing you most want is the hardest to get, yet when you don't want it - it is available in abandon?
I think there is a message within this ability about balance... We all should strive to balance what we want versus what we need...
Some people, most of us in fact (I use to be one of them), don't have that ability all the time and an inequity occurs.
I have watched with almost puzzled amazement people and how the quash their dreams. I think I was amazed because I did this too.
One friend of mine is gifted in music, yet she let the world beat her down and not only has abandoned her craft but has basically reviled it as a way of dealing with the trauma. Another friend of mine in plain words is simply beaten down. Dangerously close to submitting to a world that has drawn him into a corner - a million miles where he should or wanted to be. How many of you out there "give up" something for the greater good but in your heart of hearts knows that what you long to do? Or more importantly have to do...
Now as we all "grow up" we make these sacrifices - some more than others - to appease the situation of our life. But shouldn't there be a balance?
So I came up with an idea - that I would like to put out there... I think we should all challenge ourselves - starting today... What is something that you have always longed to do or use to do and stopped that had real meaning in your life? Is there one thing that you can start working towards today that will appease the inner needs that you have? Basically I am asking you to turn on your green light and call for something and see what happens...
I mean let's face facts - you have proof that it works - you are reading this after all aren't you? This is one of my green lights - I have called and for whatever reason - you have read... That is pretty amazing... So what do you say? Are you willing to walk with me on this little journey? Can you find it in you to call upon change? I hope so...
Till then know this... This not so little boat still beats on against the current - and will for as long as he has breath in his body...
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Get Stupid - or the aftermath of Anonymous
Ok - so I am a kid in a candy store sometimes... I just love knowing that I have a new toy to play with... Take for instance the identity of my unnamed frenemy whom so kindly decided to dip their toes in the murky water of blog posts... LET ME REMIND YOU I KNOW WHO YOU ARE... There I said it, I know that your act of cowardice, coupled with the lack of insight as to how the web works makes for a delicious combination of awkwardness and embarrassment... and boy I can't wait to see you live... I can only hope the rest of your cabal of our friends are with you when I do the big reveal... Forget Extreme Home Makeover... this might be one for the records... or maybe I will wait and watch from a distance as you try to lay ground work to cover your tracks...
Last night, over a fab dinner, I had a conversation about this very topic... My dinner companion asked me why didn't I just delete the message and move on... wasn't I breathing life into a situation that didn't need it... All valid points, might I add... And the other burning question, "Why are you doing this - what's the point?"
Let me get to that.. So the video I attached to this is "Get Stupid" by Madonna... If you ever need to understand why I am doing this little blog... the video might say it all... "You have got to say what's on your mind..." More importantly, sometimes silence is not so golden... look at what happens when we are not informed or silent...
Now you all know that I am NO stranger to controversy, working in politics and all... In fact when this little anonymous issue came up a friend called me and was amazed to watch me "blow them up..." A family member referred to it as "that's what I call a beat down..." All of you who posted something on Facebook get my thanks for coming to my aid... But what's important here is that they, like 99% of you recognize that there isn't every going to be a problem posting your opinion about my opinion, except when people like (oh I almost slipped and gave the name up... LOL) that person just chooses to say something with out taking ownership for it...
Now that we got this out of the way once and for all, my blog will continue unfettered...
Friday, February 11, 2011
Dear Anonymous
Hello there everyone... Today at 4:24 p.m. I received the following email from a new friend: ANONYMOUS. It said:
Well perhaps you underestimate someone like me... You see anything you post on this blog, is logged in to a server, which I have access too... More importantly, I know a lot more about "Anonymous" then they would like me too, you know IP Address, method of how they found the blog and oh yeah their identity.
I guess people forget that opposition research is a speciality of mine. So to the ANONYMOUI of the world, remember who you are dealing with. Should you every decided to post again in that manner, be prepared for me to reveal who you are and why you feel the need to give such meaningful comments. You know being frank and honest where you can't be. I think that it also might be a twinge embarrassing.
So, I can only hope for an apology right? I plan to deal with you directly - maybe not right now, maybe never but please know that I know. Internet terrorism like this is ridiculous at best. If you have something to say good or bad - just say it, own it and leave your name...
poem sucksNow I am fine with someone not liking what I wrote. I welcome any comment... But what makes me laugh is that whomever this is didn't have the ability to sign their insightful missive... In fact they thought it was easier to register their distaste for it in a simple and "anonymous" fashion.
Well perhaps you underestimate someone like me... You see anything you post on this blog, is logged in to a server, which I have access too... More importantly, I know a lot more about "Anonymous" then they would like me too, you know IP Address, method of how they found the blog and oh yeah their identity.
I guess people forget that opposition research is a speciality of mine. So to the ANONYMOUI of the world, remember who you are dealing with. Should you every decided to post again in that manner, be prepared for me to reveal who you are and why you feel the need to give such meaningful comments. You know being frank and honest where you can't be. I think that it also might be a twinge embarrassing.
So, I can only hope for an apology right? I plan to deal with you directly - maybe not right now, maybe never but please know that I know. Internet terrorism like this is ridiculous at best. If you have something to say good or bad - just say it, own it and leave your name...
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Goddess of Love - A Poem
The Goddess of Love
By David Parano
You know who you are
The one who has my eye
The most vivid spector in the lot
Tangible in technicolor
We often meet in secret
Away from the whole world
Just you and I
Two loners in the night
There is so much truth in your eyes
Terrible and real all at the same time
Forbidden glaces still linger
As our stares define what we are
All I am seeking is the truth
The elusive words that fortify my feelings
Words that transmute to feelings
And feelings to flights of fantasy
You should know where I stand
Amongst the mystery and angst
Patiently awaiting the moments
Til perhaps you're mine
Our love is undeniable
Every present in my mind
Now all I need is you to acknowledge
What the fates predicted so long ago
So I wait for you here
Ever looking for you to materialize
As I constantly pray to her
The Goddess of Love
Excursion to the Valley of the Hangry Himbos
According to the Urban Dictionary a himbo is a "male bimbo" An example of the term usage is, "He is such a himbo, can't talk to save his life, but what a body!" Likewise, hangry (I love this word) is described as, "When you are so hungry that your lack of food causes you to become angry, frustrated or both. An amalgam of hungry and angry invented to describe that feeling when you get when you are out at a restaurant and have been waiting over an hour to get the meal that you have ordered."
Now personally I am always on the verge of being hangry. I can admit it here. This Brand New Dave can easily get hangry 20 hours out of the day. But more importantly, I have railed against said himbos. Secretly, or not so secretly, passing snippy comments myself about them and their intelligence. If you were to harness the energy I expended to mock this group you might light a small city for a few seconds - they basically made me mad because I believe all people have more to offer than pretty exteriors but sometimes I was proven wrong with this group...
Well I was taught a lesson today. You see today, I was mistaken for a Himbo. And boy was I hangry.
Impossible you say! (I know, not the hangry part - LOL) Well I agree with that. Forget the body image issues, I mean come on - I am in ok shape these days - but no way could I rise to Himbo status. I mean Dimbo (I know a stretch) yes, Himbo, no. It might actually become a goal after my experience - and perhaps I might have found my next political cause - "Himbos are people too..." or "Have you hugged your himbo today?" I have never been treated like an object - in any sense of the word.
Well granted, I was in Himbo attire - A short sleeve shirt and gym shorts, and yes it was 16 degrees out today... (and ok all you 'moms' out there I had a jacket on too - but not zipped) I simply was coming from the gym right to a food source... I was shopping in Whole Foods, apparently the lair of said Himbos and I was talking about my workout (I just cringed writing that - LOL), but I'm getting ahead of myself...
You see, I was at the breakfast bar after my workout, quite hungry and in a rush... Now I tend to make friends in places I frequent and Whole Foods has a few... One cashier and I have struck up a friendship over healthy eating and working out... She tells me great stories about her husband and kids and the misadventures of all that and her exercise routine, et al. I tend to try to go to her if I see her, just for the pleasantries and the fact she is more than able to handle my order... With recycled carton in hand I see her and approach her line... This is where the fun begins...
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a furry pouf moving at high speed. As I turn to glance I see the pouf is attached to a head and a body and she clearly is trying to get in front of me in line. She has a shopping cart full of stuff and clearly knows the inconvenience of letting me with my two items go ahead of her. With bedazzled cell phone in hand and talking in a high drone of a voice she successfully pulls ahead of me and gets in line. Whomever she was talking to the conversation was a vapid discussion at best - name dropping designers and bemoaning the woe to this seasons look. In other words she really had nothing to say. It is notable that her safari through Neiman Marcus Last Call was a success based on the number of mis-matched pelts she sported. I mean she actually epitomized lions, and tigers and bears - truly oh my.
Our crazed cougar revealed herself some more when she began to talk about all the "younger" guys who are "after" her. How its so much more fun than being married to "him" and in fact every time she said "him" she glanced around as if "he" would pop out of the woodwork or something.
Now my cashier friend is a professional. She was just doing her job - when the cougar starts going into her sexploits of late. Now, I think part of this whole exercise is the apparent shock value of this "frank" conversation and its reverse voyeurism, with the person desperate to reveal there "business" to the world... This next piece is my favorite, she actually, while holding a package of sausage, begins to give excessive gory details of her, as she put it, "stud's" nocturnal activities. The cashier looked at me, I looked at her and we began to chat over the droning pouf and her studly sausage...
Well that did not make our local temptress happy at all, in fact she starts telling her vapid friend, "Don't you think its rude when people distract people from their jobs. I mean really..."
Now I ignored it, thinking that any minute she would pull out a container of cottage cheese from the cart and talk about someone they hated's thighs... But she was talking, oddly in absentia, to me... I just continued talking... She finally had enough and looked at me and said, "Can you stop talking to her, she needs to (here's the punch line) focus on me." Now, I am hangry but not stupid and say "ok". My cashier friend smiles at me and she just keeps moving.
The woman then goes back to her cell phone conversation, and pretends or not, that I have fallen stone deaf as she continues. "Oh I know... If I don't stick up for me, who will... I'm mean he's just some himbo. It's winter and he's wearing shorts... Yeah, probably dumb as a rock..."
Well I'm not gonna let this one get in the way of my ever cooling breakfast. I decided to just pretend that I didn't hear it and move on. If she needs me to be the dumb himbo so be it - just let me eat my eggs...
Her $413.18 order is rung up. In fact she comments to her friend something about shoes and the prices... All the while she's on the phone she never once breaks out her purse to get her cash or credit card ready... She actually plops this rather large, animal print (surprise!) purse down in the cart - opens it like the arc of the covenant, and proceeds to fish around looking for her wallet. From my view it looked like a faux diamond mine in there with various items equally bedazzled as her ever present cell phone... Bling is still apparently in...
Finally out rolls the Onyx Am Ex... How do I know it's the Onyx Am Ex you ask? She tells her friend of course, she'll put in on the Onyx Am Ex and ex husband "him" (yes see looked around again) will just have to pay for it, ha ha ha!
Now this one looks like she's experienced with a credit card... she clearly knows how to use them... But princess puts the credit card the wrong way in the swipe and keeps doing it for at least 15 times. And every time she does it she sighs, pouts and makes the froggy face before her next try. She finally says, "This is not working!"
I decide to have some fun. I say to her, "You need to slide your card the other way..." I thought she was about it say, "It speaks", but she frowned, she looks and does it - and it works... She doesn't even say thank you. She just continues to blather on with her friend and even says, "look at that this himbo knows something..."
For the first time in my life, I think I had it with stupidity of that magnitude... but cold eggs are worse. I didn't need to worry about a snappy retort cause let's face it, if it didn't have a designer label or bling or shining object she could care less... But more importantly, I could care less. You see I think she simply is beyond repair, or when repair happens it ain't gonna be pretty.
I watched the faux animal lovin' pouf march out of the store... Still talking, still complaining and in character almost get hit by a delivery truck (guess who I was routing for) as she and her privileged little self made it to her expensive SUV.
My cashier friend and I said nothing, but as I was paying, properly with a debit card, she looked, smiled and said "not bad for a himbo"
Now personally I am always on the verge of being hangry. I can admit it here. This Brand New Dave can easily get hangry 20 hours out of the day. But more importantly, I have railed against said himbos. Secretly, or not so secretly, passing snippy comments myself about them and their intelligence. If you were to harness the energy I expended to mock this group you might light a small city for a few seconds - they basically made me mad because I believe all people have more to offer than pretty exteriors but sometimes I was proven wrong with this group...
Well I was taught a lesson today. You see today, I was mistaken for a Himbo. And boy was I hangry.
Impossible you say! (I know, not the hangry part - LOL) Well I agree with that. Forget the body image issues, I mean come on - I am in ok shape these days - but no way could I rise to Himbo status. I mean Dimbo (I know a stretch) yes, Himbo, no. It might actually become a goal after my experience - and perhaps I might have found my next political cause - "Himbos are people too..." or "Have you hugged your himbo today?" I have never been treated like an object - in any sense of the word.
Well granted, I was in Himbo attire - A short sleeve shirt and gym shorts, and yes it was 16 degrees out today... (and ok all you 'moms' out there I had a jacket on too - but not zipped) I simply was coming from the gym right to a food source... I was shopping in Whole Foods, apparently the lair of said Himbos and I was talking about my workout (I just cringed writing that - LOL), but I'm getting ahead of myself...
You see, I was at the breakfast bar after my workout, quite hungry and in a rush... Now I tend to make friends in places I frequent and Whole Foods has a few... One cashier and I have struck up a friendship over healthy eating and working out... She tells me great stories about her husband and kids and the misadventures of all that and her exercise routine, et al. I tend to try to go to her if I see her, just for the pleasantries and the fact she is more than able to handle my order... With recycled carton in hand I see her and approach her line... This is where the fun begins...
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a furry pouf moving at high speed. As I turn to glance I see the pouf is attached to a head and a body and she clearly is trying to get in front of me in line. She has a shopping cart full of stuff and clearly knows the inconvenience of letting me with my two items go ahead of her. With bedazzled cell phone in hand and talking in a high drone of a voice she successfully pulls ahead of me and gets in line. Whomever she was talking to the conversation was a vapid discussion at best - name dropping designers and bemoaning the woe to this seasons look. In other words she really had nothing to say. It is notable that her safari through Neiman Marcus Last Call was a success based on the number of mis-matched pelts she sported. I mean she actually epitomized lions, and tigers and bears - truly oh my.
Our crazed cougar revealed herself some more when she began to talk about all the "younger" guys who are "after" her. How its so much more fun than being married to "him" and in fact every time she said "him" she glanced around as if "he" would pop out of the woodwork or something.
Now my cashier friend is a professional. She was just doing her job - when the cougar starts going into her sexploits of late. Now, I think part of this whole exercise is the apparent shock value of this "frank" conversation and its reverse voyeurism, with the person desperate to reveal there "business" to the world... This next piece is my favorite, she actually, while holding a package of sausage, begins to give excessive gory details of her, as she put it, "stud's" nocturnal activities. The cashier looked at me, I looked at her and we began to chat over the droning pouf and her studly sausage...
Well that did not make our local temptress happy at all, in fact she starts telling her vapid friend, "Don't you think its rude when people distract people from their jobs. I mean really..."
Now I ignored it, thinking that any minute she would pull out a container of cottage cheese from the cart and talk about someone they hated's thighs... But she was talking, oddly in absentia, to me... I just continued talking... She finally had enough and looked at me and said, "Can you stop talking to her, she needs to (here's the punch line) focus on me." Now, I am hangry but not stupid and say "ok". My cashier friend smiles at me and she just keeps moving.
The woman then goes back to her cell phone conversation, and pretends or not, that I have fallen stone deaf as she continues. "Oh I know... If I don't stick up for me, who will... I'm mean he's just some himbo. It's winter and he's wearing shorts... Yeah, probably dumb as a rock..."
Well I'm not gonna let this one get in the way of my ever cooling breakfast. I decided to just pretend that I didn't hear it and move on. If she needs me to be the dumb himbo so be it - just let me eat my eggs...
Her $413.18 order is rung up. In fact she comments to her friend something about shoes and the prices... All the while she's on the phone she never once breaks out her purse to get her cash or credit card ready... She actually plops this rather large, animal print (surprise!) purse down in the cart - opens it like the arc of the covenant, and proceeds to fish around looking for her wallet. From my view it looked like a faux diamond mine in there with various items equally bedazzled as her ever present cell phone... Bling is still apparently in...
Finally out rolls the Onyx Am Ex... How do I know it's the Onyx Am Ex you ask? She tells her friend of course, she'll put in on the Onyx Am Ex and ex husband "him" (yes see looked around again) will just have to pay for it, ha ha ha!
Now this one looks like she's experienced with a credit card... she clearly knows how to use them... But princess puts the credit card the wrong way in the swipe and keeps doing it for at least 15 times. And every time she does it she sighs, pouts and makes the froggy face before her next try. She finally says, "This is not working!"
I decide to have some fun. I say to her, "You need to slide your card the other way..." I thought she was about it say, "It speaks", but she frowned, she looks and does it - and it works... She doesn't even say thank you. She just continues to blather on with her friend and even says, "look at that this himbo knows something..."
For the first time in my life, I think I had it with stupidity of that magnitude... but cold eggs are worse. I didn't need to worry about a snappy retort cause let's face it, if it didn't have a designer label or bling or shining object she could care less... But more importantly, I could care less. You see I think she simply is beyond repair, or when repair happens it ain't gonna be pretty.
I watched the faux animal lovin' pouf march out of the store... Still talking, still complaining and in character almost get hit by a delivery truck (guess who I was routing for) as she and her privileged little self made it to her expensive SUV.
My cashier friend and I said nothing, but as I was paying, properly with a debit card, she looked, smiled and said "not bad for a himbo"
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
When the going gets tough - Exteriors 2
First off you gotta love the 80's right?
Well I thought it was about time to take a detour from Dave's deep introspection and focus a little more on the exterior... Fear not true believers this isn't a dark road with emotional secrets... Its just a little motivation for me to keep me going...
Now I am proud to say I am working out harder than I ever been and Dana Wynne from 24/7 Fitness deserves all the applause... Thanks to her I have learned so much and in such a short bit of time... Doing circle sit ups (I will leave it to your imagination is a treat - NOT!)
My goals are extremely attainable these days and I am so grateful for that... Again to give you an idea of before and after - check this out...
BEFORE (While I apparently detoured to Pepperidge Farm)
and today... (I clearly left the borders of the Farm - LOL)
So I just want to throw it out there - if you every need to believe if you can do this or not - simply use me as an example... Within a few weeks I started to see big changes and I just hung on with all my might... I have never felt this good - ever! The only trick I know is that you have to be ready for it - or it doesn't work... Also I humbly recommend going to a gym and finding a class, a trainer, a professional to get you started...
Here's to our health!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Dangerous Games?
So today I was having a conversation... discussing this very blog.
You see many of you have asked me why take to the internet now in your life? I mean its clear, there were significant events over the past year that have changed the way I think, but also it is my sincere hope that someone randomly might read this and find out there is some hope. By putting it "out there", and being frank about how I feel - I hope that not only does it give perspective to some people but maybe cause some positive change (one way or another) for others. You'd think I was posting state secrets but instead I am posting secrets from within.
Perhaps put simply why is expressing emotions or deep thoughts such a dangerous game?
Socrates said it best, "The unexamined life is not worth living." I needed to grow up, own up and rise up in order to begin the process of introspection. What I have found is that the process for me and what I go through feels like a journey.
Imagine if you will waking up in a room with no lights or windows... you fumble around in the dark for a while trying to figure where the walls are, where the light switch is, is there a door or a window. That's what it felt like about a year ago. For the first time in my life I put the brakes on the distractions that surround us and instead focused on the issues with in. It wasn't easy at all. But when I found a door out of that solitude it was like the brightest light shining into the darkest place. And when the light hit the room, I saw my captor, myself, looking back at me in a mirror.
I have fought my way out of that room... Scars and all I am very very proud of that. More importantly, nobody can take that away from me. My final act in saying good bye to that place was closing the door forever when I found the courage to walk out of it for good.
Once out of that cell, and to this very day I am hacking my way through thickets of emotions, which left unattended have grown to be pretty dense but I know how to get through them all.
All those references seemingly cause panic in some people. The mere fact that I am publicizing them more so. The truth of the matter is those who fear it, I fear, are locked in the very same room I use to be. For them it is easier to keep their eyes wide shut and fool themselves into a sense of completion. It's like they are torturing themselves, fooling themselves that their room is "ok" or safe, unaware that they have fallen into their own well laid trap, Sartre's "No Exit"comes to mind...
Know this I will always shatter that illusion by the very nature of who I have become. And I am those people's mirror now reflecting back something they do not want to see. So some people simply glaze over the wrong issues, there I said it, and sad how it isn't a shock right?
So I promise you this will not always be a dull thud of a blog, fun is on the horizon... I just think that expressing yourself, in any venue, should only be met with an open mind and nothing else...
You see many of you have asked me why take to the internet now in your life? I mean its clear, there were significant events over the past year that have changed the way I think, but also it is my sincere hope that someone randomly might read this and find out there is some hope. By putting it "out there", and being frank about how I feel - I hope that not only does it give perspective to some people but maybe cause some positive change (one way or another) for others. You'd think I was posting state secrets but instead I am posting secrets from within.
Perhaps put simply why is expressing emotions or deep thoughts such a dangerous game?
Socrates said it best, "The unexamined life is not worth living." I needed to grow up, own up and rise up in order to begin the process of introspection. What I have found is that the process for me and what I go through feels like a journey.
Imagine if you will waking up in a room with no lights or windows... you fumble around in the dark for a while trying to figure where the walls are, where the light switch is, is there a door or a window. That's what it felt like about a year ago. For the first time in my life I put the brakes on the distractions that surround us and instead focused on the issues with in. It wasn't easy at all. But when I found a door out of that solitude it was like the brightest light shining into the darkest place. And when the light hit the room, I saw my captor, myself, looking back at me in a mirror.
I have fought my way out of that room... Scars and all I am very very proud of that. More importantly, nobody can take that away from me. My final act in saying good bye to that place was closing the door forever when I found the courage to walk out of it for good.
Once out of that cell, and to this very day I am hacking my way through thickets of emotions, which left unattended have grown to be pretty dense but I know how to get through them all.
All those references seemingly cause panic in some people. The mere fact that I am publicizing them more so. The truth of the matter is those who fear it, I fear, are locked in the very same room I use to be. For them it is easier to keep their eyes wide shut and fool themselves into a sense of completion. It's like they are torturing themselves, fooling themselves that their room is "ok" or safe, unaware that they have fallen into their own well laid trap, Sartre's "No Exit"comes to mind...
INEZ: Mere chance? Then it's by chance this room is furnished as we see it. It's an accident that the sofa on the right is a livid green, and that one on the left's wine-red. Mere chance? Well, just try to shift the sofas and you'll see the difference quick enough. And that statue on the mantelpiece, do you think it's there by accident? And what about the heat here? How about that? I tell you they've thought it all out. Down to the last detail. Nothing was left to chance. This room was all set for us.
Know this I will always shatter that illusion by the very nature of who I have become. And I am those people's mirror now reflecting back something they do not want to see. So some people simply glaze over the wrong issues, there I said it, and sad how it isn't a shock right?
So I promise you this will not always be a dull thud of a blog, fun is on the horizon... I just think that expressing yourself, in any venue, should only be met with an open mind and nothing else...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)