Here comes the End of The Year

Well, it was a really rough year for me, sorry haven't blog in  awhile. My mother-in-law and my dad both passed away this year, and so I have been slowly losing my mind while not blogging.  But I want to assure I will be back for the year end wrap up.  I will wrap up my bucket list (if we survive past the Mayan calendar disaster). I will have my iPod top 25 for 2012, and I will have my Top 5 CD's and Top 5 movies and a new Top 5...Top 5 most interesting New women on TV.  So hey, if you'd like a mention in one of my year end blogs, comment on your favorites in any of my top  categories.

Eulogy

Adrian DeVries was born in 1928, the third of six children. He grew up in Munster, Indiana. After High School he joined the Army and served in Korea between World War II and the Korean War.

After returning from the service he met Jeanne Bell; he proposed to her on April Fool’s day, and in September of 1949 he married her, on his birthday (a smart way to always remember your anniversary).

A year later they welcomed their son John into the world. At this point dad stopped smoking, a decision he never regretted. Two years later Gloria joined the family, followed by David three years later, and Sharon two years after that. And after eight years I came along. With a large family dad had to work quite hard to provide for his family. He was always a prudent man with his finances, and he always took care of his family.


As I was growing up, he had two jobs, and I remember him coming home from the gas company, and having to eat dinner quickly with the family before heading off for the evening to work at Sears. But there was always time with dinner for reading from the daily devotional. He would come home from work after my bed time, but he would always stop in my room to say goodnight. Despite long hours at work, dad always seemed to have time for the family. And on Sundays he and mom would always pile us into the car and take us to Church. Dad always instilled in us the importance of Church and a love of God.

When I think of Dad I think of a Godly man, and a man who fiercely loved his family. In 1973 mom fell and broke her hip, this lead to series of long hospital stays, and other broken bones. During this time we kids didn’t see as much of dad, because when he wasn’t at work, he was at mom’s side. Yet through this time dad always made sure we would get to church.

I’m not sure if my sisters or brothers experienced this, but there was a brief time when dad didn’t seem to know much, this was when I was in Junior High and high school. He just could never know or understand as much as I knew. When I went to college, it was amazing how much smarter dad got. And throughout my life since college my dad was always one of the wisest men I knew.

After retiring to California, Dad began to volunteer in the mail room for Mission Aviation Fellowship. This time of service for the Lord was one of his most cherished times of his life. Dad was a man who tried hard to let his life be an example of Godly living. And this is something that was seen by others. I want to share just a few of the comments I have received on facebook since dad’s passing:

“I know your dad was an admirable and beloved man who will be greatly missed”

“I always remember him as a kind gentle man”

“Your dad was always smiling anytime we visited...”

“Uncle Ade is at rest and in his place among the saints in heaven”

“We can rejoice in The Lord that he is up in heaven singing his heart out.”

It is hard to say goodbye. I will miss my dad. I will miss him calling me on a Sunday afternoon to let me know the Bears were winning. I will miss his strong hugs. I will miss his sharing what he has been learning in his Bible study group. I will miss his love.

But he is in a better place. And we can rejoice that we will see him again when our time here is through. This faith in the kingdom of God that is to come, this is dad’s greatest gift to his children, this is his legacy.

Desert Island Music Challenge...Day 30

Well, here I am on the last day of my 30 day Desert Island Music Challenge. I made my list, and for the last 30 days I have only listened to the music of 10 CD's I chose (see earlier posts). I will admit, over the last few days there are a few songs, and albums I have started to tire of. Ironically, the ones that are wearing on my most are the two rock icons, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of The Moon, and the Who's Quadrophenia. Don't get me wrong, I am still huge fans of these albums, but Pink Floyd especially, and the Who also are very hard to listen to on shuffle (which is how I usually do my music) since a lot of the songs on these 2 albums flow into each other...makes for a choppy shuffle.

Also as we go into day 30, I look at my 25 Most Played playlist (which iTunes automatically formulates based on what songs play) 21 of the songs on this year's list are now from my desert island list. What is interesting is that only 9 of the 10 albums show up in the top 25, which is strange because I thought the shuffle was giving everything fair play. But somehow Simon & Garfunkel is missing from top 25...So when I leave for work in a few minutes, I will make sure they get some play.

Talk to you soon with what I listen to tomorrow when I'm "off the island".

I DO want to play this one: Desert Island Challenge Continued

Wow, that is a long title.  Anyway we are at July 4th. On June 16th I started my Desert Island Playlist challenge.  I challenged several of my Facebook friends to make a list of the 10 CDs they would take with them on a desert island, and then I challenged them to make a playlist of these albums for their iPod and listen to just those ten albums for one month.

Well here I am at the end of day 19...way further than I thought I'd survive.  But I guess I did a good job picking my top ten.  Sometimes I put the playlist on song shuffle, but mostly I have been playing the whole albums through  These are great albums  One thing that has surprised me is how slowly these songs have been cracking my ipod's 25 Most Played list.  This shows me that maybe I concentrate on certain songs a lot of the time, but now slowly the desert Island list is cracking that top 25.  We'll see how the next 11 days go.

And if you want to play along, any time is fine to start.  Come join me on the desert island.

I don't want to play anymore

As we are now a full six months into the year, I look at my New Year's Resolutions, and the chart I have tried so vigorously to keep up with despite the obstacles. And I say "I don't want to play anymore"  I have been steadily spiraling away from my goals and points on the chart, and I realize that I have missed a week all together somehow.  It was very fun at first, but has become very discouraging.

I am going to try to get focused on writing again, hopefully before my brief vacation in two weeks.  Also going to try to get back to reading...but I am putting the chart away, as it has become discouraging, and I am deciding that what I need to do, I need to do for ME, not some chart.  Thank you all for your encouragement and support, I'll still be here for you, just maybe ot quite so often.

The problem with Cover Tunes

Cover tunes are everywhere right now thanks to GLEE, American Idol and YouTube.  In case you don't know, a cover tune is when an artist sings a song originally performed by a different artist.  It really isn't anything new.  Joe Cocker had a huge hit when he covered The Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends" back in the late 60's.  Some really good cover albums have come out by the likes of Erasure, Wilson Phillips, Mandy Moore & Phil Keaggy.   A great song can sound great again when a different artist puts there own touch on it.

Or it could sound like Britney Spears awful version of "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones. Or it could end up sounding like a bad night at Karaoke. The problem with cover tunes that I am noticing lately is that a lot of young singers who I thought had potential seem to be stuck doing cover tunes on YouTube.  I am thinking in particular of three young reality show contestants who I thought had potential: Katie Stevens (American Idol Season 9), Mia Boostrom (AGT season 4?), and Drew Ryniewicz (X Factor season 1).  Now Drew is less than a year away from her appearance, and it is understandable to still be feeling the water, but Katie & Mia need to concentrate on recording there own music and stop doing covers, other wise instead of becoming stars you are going to end up being "That cute girl from that singing show who does covers on YouTube."  It's time to come out of the covers.  Give us a real album!

Dealing with Disappointment

Rock of Ages Movie-- Based on a Broadway Musical...I love Broadway musicals. Filled with 80's music...I love 80's Music.  Directed by Adam Shankman...I dig Adam.  Starring Julianne Hough... I adore Julianne Hough.  So what could go wrong???

Well, sticking with my momma's advice "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all", I will say only this about the Rock of Ages Movie-- Julianne Hough looked amazing, and sang really well throughout the movie, and there was some nice choreography from SYTYCD favorite Mia Michaels.

And another disappointing thing i tried this weekend...Quacker soft baked oatmeal cookies.  These are over-priced, individually packaged cookies, coming six to a box around $3 a box.  Although they are "soft", unlike most soft cookies, they are very dry.  Not at all tasty.  I added this to the Rock of Ages review so I could get all my negativity out at once.  Avoid both if you value your cash. Have a nice day!

nothing in the world

I have so many thoughts and so many blogs running through my head right now. I had so much I was planning to do this weekend that I didn't.  Unexpected guest, minor shower catastrophe with the kids. Too much to do too little time.  And I can't seem to organize my thoughts for the six or seven blogs I want to write.  Everything in my brain is a whirl right now, which is not a good place to be on a Sunday night. Sunday I am supposed to feel calm, sorted out and rested to start a new work week on Monday...but that's no where near where I am.

But I do have one thing that makes it all worth while...I have the love of three wonderful beautiful children who call me daddy...except Dakotah who thinks she's too cool and calls me Steve.  I love these kids so much, and nothing in the world can take that away.  So when everything seems to be spinning the wrong ways, I will focus on my little loves, and keep holding on.

Saturday morning thoughts

It is Saturday and I am getting read to pick up my sister and take her back to the Airport so she can head home to Atlanta.  She flew out this week to be with mom and dad after dad landed in the hospital.  I am so thankful she was able to do this.  I love my family.

This week has kept me busy, and I haven't had the time to write, blog, or read as much as I like.  My weekend looks promising, maybe a bit of time tomorrow morning, and some good family time with my wife and kids.  Sometimes life goes by too quick. I encourage you to take every moment God gives you, and let the people you love know that you love them. NEVER pass on the chance to say "I love you"  even if you just said it five minutes ago.

Have a good weekend.

Rough weekend

One of the things you will find happening as you grow older is that there will come a point in your life that instead of your parents being the strength, and support for you, you will have to become the source of support for them.  As they get older they will need your help more and more.

Sometimes this will mean a 7AM call from the hospital on the one day you have a chance to sleep in.  And you might have to wake and drive down the hill and assure your father that the nurses are not just out to drug him and drain away his money.  Or it may mean you have to give up your vacation time to fly out from Georgia to stay with your mom while your dad is in the hospital.

Yes, there will come a time when it is a task to take care of your parents.  And when this time comes, take a moment to remember all the scraped knees your mother bandaged;  all the overtime your father worked so you could go to college; all the $5 here, and $10 there they provided when you had a need.  Remember who has been there for you through thick or thin.  Then get yourself out of bed, and be at that hospital when your dad needs you.

I pray that each of you is fortunate enough to have parents who really loved and cared for you.  I also pray that they live a good long life, and that one day you will be at that point where you have to care for them.  And I pray you embrace the occasion.

I love you Mom & Dad!

Desert Island List-- Phase 2

Okay Desert Islanders, here comes phase 2 of the experiment.  If you choose to continue this little experiment, we will have some fun. 

For those who made a book list, your challenge is not too hard.  Pick one of your books, reread it, and write a short summary and explain why you would choose it as one of your desert island books.  Post it here.

For those who made a list of CDs your challenge is harder.  On your iPod make a playlist of these 10 CDs.  For the next 30 days whenever you listen to music only use this playlist.  See if you can last 30 days. If you cave in early and listen to other music, let me know how long you lasted.  I'm starting today. 

Let me know if you accept this challenge.  Thanks for having desert island fun with me.

Desert Island List --The Music List

Those of you who know me well have I'm sure been waiting for this list.  It was much harder for me to make than my book list.  For those who are not so familiar with me, I have over 2200 albums, over 20500 songs on my iPod. So narrowing it down to only 10 albums was nearly impossible.  Last minute changes were made just this evening.  But I now stand by my top ten.  I will be presenting them in no particular order, so don't try and guess what goes where.  Ok, you can try, but I won't tell you right or wrong.  Here goes:

1. The Turning-- Leslie Phillips: In her last studio project for the Christian music market Leslie Phillips teams with genius producer T-Bone Burnett for one of the deepest, most introspective and honest albums to ever come from the Christian music market. It came out the year i graduated from Wheaton.  A friend of mine there, who later took his own life, once told me this was the only Christian album he actually liked. A must have album for sure.

2. Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits: I mostly stayed away from greatest hits collections, but there was know way I could pick one S&G album over another, so I had to go with the Hits.  Listened to this CD to death the summer I graduated college.  My brother Dave was a huge S&G fan, and it is just one of many groups I like that I owe to him.  For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her is one of the most haunting songs ever.

3. West Coast Diaries Volume 2-- Charlie Peacock:  Peacock is a musical genius with styles from rock, blues, jazz, pop & worship.  Each album is it's own magic.  The magic of WCD2 is its simplicity.  It is an acoustic trio with Charlie on piano and lead vocals, Jimmy A. on guitar and the late Vince Ebo on background vocals.  If you don't know Charlie's music, check this one out!!

4.Quadrophenia-- The Who:  The Who, for me is a band that either is phenomenal or just barely mediocre, depending on which album/song you happen to be listening to.  None of their work can even come close to matching the power and beauty of this 2 disc set.  It reaches its crescendo on Love Reign O'er Me, which I contend to be the greatest rock song ever written.

5. One-- Still Running: This is a beautiful indie project recorded by my dear college friend Jenna Reed and her band mate Mike Mercatante.  There is such freshness and style. This CD would be enjoyed by fans of The Civil Wars, She & Him, but also Dylan or Simon & Garfunkel fans.  I would count it on my desert Island albums just because it is a voice I actually know...and also, it's that good.

6. No Compromise-- Keith Green: All of Keith's music is powerful and convicting, but this album blows the rest away.  When I bought this album, I played the first side over and over again for at least a week with tears streaming down my face.   Finally after a week or more I could turn the LP over and play side 2.

7. Godspell-- Original Cast Recording: I have loved this musical since I found my sister Gloria's copy of this in her room.  I played it over and over so much, along with her Jesus Christ Superstar that she eventually gave them to me (at least that's how I remember it...maybe I just took them) Anyway my love for this musical is still as strong today as it was as a child, and as it was in College when I worked the tech crew for this show.

8. Dark Side of the Moon-- Pink Floyd: This album might just be aural perfection.  Must be played (for best results) under old fashioned over-the-ear headphones (earbuds won't do it justice).  From the heartbeat, to the alarm clocks, to the old man at the end saying "There is no dark side of the moon really..as a matter of fact it's all dark".  Each extra sound ads to the movement of the music.  And what is so amazing is it was 1972.  And to this day I don't think any thing compares sonically.

9.  Come Join the Living World-- Brent Bourgeois:  The front man of 80's band Bourgeois Tagg (who are doing some California area gigs this year) released one of the most amazing musical expressions of the mid 90's.  His only project for the Christan music market before going on to be the A&R man for word records for several years. Every time I play it, it's like the first time.

10. The Beautiful Let Down-- Switchfoot:  One of the few Christian bands to really ask the hard questions, both of us, and of God.  From the powerful This is Your Life and Dare You To Move to the haunting On Fire and Twenty-Four. This album is amazing.  During one of my darkest times, this album saved my life and kept me going.

Ok, so that's my top ten.  I apologize to Raquel, I told you Joshua Tree would be here, and it did not make the cut.  Also I do realize, before you tell me, there are no Beatles albums, and I my regret that as we enter phase 2 of my desert Island challenge, but that is coming in my next blog.  If you still have not given me your desert Island lists, feel free to leave them in the comment section below.  Top 10 books or CD's if you're stuck on a desert island.

Blue Evening

I had a good day today. Didn't do a lot.  Saw Mom and Dad.  Saw my cardiologist. Came home, saw the wife and kids.  Watched some Glee Project.  Nothing extraordinary.  Yet somehow I find myself feeling blue.  Maybe because one of my favorites on Glee Project was sent home.  Maybe because it looks like this year's contestants are struggling more than last year.  But I don't really think that would make me feel blue.  I'm not sure what happened, but suddenly I'm feeling blue....Hope AGT picks up my spirits...If not, tomorrow is another day.

Desert Island List --The Books

So the challenge of the Desert Island List has gone out.  I sent a challenge out to 24 of my friends to give me their desert island list, a list of the top 10 books or CDs they would like to have with them if they were stranded on a desert island.  I have gotten several response, most choosing the music option, but a few choosing the books.  Today I will give you my list of books, and a brief explanation why I chose them:

1) The Bible (NKJV) My list starts off, as did both the book lists I've received, with the Bible I've picked the New King James version, because it is the version I currently use most. I like the feel of the language, and find it relatively easy to understand (I also like the New Living Translation).  Obviously for any Christian the Bible should make their list.
2) Lord Of The Rings--J.R.R. Tolkien: This classic was all around my house as I grew up. both my brothers read it, and even Grandma Bell had a copy. Although published in the US as three separate books, in England it was a single volume divided into three sections. A classic struggle of good verses evil, I would love the chance to be stranded on an island away from distractions to really delve into these characters again.
3) The Chronicles of Narnia Complete edition-- C.S. Lewis: These seven children's stories bound together in one edition are probably the most famous work by C.S. Lewis.  I fell in love with them as a child when my sister Gloria first read Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe to me.  I think this instilled the love of reading into me.  Thanks Gloria.  I received my own set of the books from my 8th grade class wen my brother John passed away. Still own that set to this day,
4) The More Than Complete Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy Omnibus Edition-- Douglas Adams:  By far the funniest books I've ever read. The five books of this trilogy (don't ask) are bound together here along with the short story Young Zaphod Plays it Safe. This is a sci-fi romp through time and space searching for the Answer to the Ultimate Question (42), then trying to find the question itself.  If you have not read these great stories, do so ASAP...and don't forget your towel.
5) The Children's Story-- James Clavell: Originally written for Reader's Digest in 1964, but published as a book in 1980 this story looks at how easily our world can change overnight if we are not careful to hold on o our beliefs and teach them to our children.  Known for his lengthy novels, this is probably Clavell's shortest, but most moving work.
6) Very Far Away from Any Place Else-- Ursula K. LeGuin:  Known for here classic Science Fiction books, LeGuin here gives us a moving look into the life of a young teenage boy as he first discovers love.  I loved this book as a teenager because it shows just ho awkward this time of your life is.
7) Winterflight--Joseph Bayly: A scary look at government control of your freedoms and at tough choices in a changing world.  I cried when I first read this in high school and again 20 some years later when I reread it. A life changing book.
8) The Stand-- Stephen King: One of my favorite King books in high school, I would love to get on a desert island to have time to read the expanded edition King released several years later.  This is a look at the end of the world as only Stephen King could show it.
9)Way of the Wolf-- By Martin Bell: A moving collection of short stories, poems and sermons designed to draw you closer to God.  I've loved this book since college.  A must read.
10) The Clown in the Belfry-- Frederick Buechner:  A collection of stories from life by one of my favorite authors.  I got to know him when he taught for a semester at Wheaton.  He has a story here about his time there and about Dr. McClatchey, one of my favorite professors.  Read all the Buechner you can, but start here.

So that's my top 10...what are yours, enter your list in the comment section. Thanks

Cleaning up my act

This weekend my brother-in-law was over and he brought along a couple movies he said were just the funniest movies ever.  He had "Who Loves You Man" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall".  I was not at all impressed with either.  I particularly did not like the Sarah Marshall movie.  It had its funny moments, but overall it was very crude and filled with graphic nudity and sex.

Maybe I'm just getting too old, but I think a romantic comedy can tell a story and be funny with out being full of breasts and man-parts and humping.  So as of now, I am swearing off R-rated movies all together.  I want to see movies I would feel comfortable watching with my daughter in the room.  Call me an old-fashioned fuddy-duddy, but that's where I stand.  Keep it clean if you want me in the audience.

Desert Island list

Many times you will here people ask someone what is their "desert island CD List" or "Desert Island book list", as in "If you were trapped on a desert island with only 10 CD's or books what would they be"  For me this is a very tough choice, especially when it comes to music, and I'm not sure I can do it.  But this summer I am going to try, and sometime before the summer is over I will blog my Book and CD list. Although to be fare\\ir, I would probably just bring my solar power adapter and my iPod and have all the music I want...but to play fair I will try to come up with my lists. 

If you would like input, please leave your ideas in the comment section of the blog (not on the facebook page, on the blog itself.  Thanks.

Welcome to June

So a new month begins and I am supposed to be telling you how I have finally got myself back into balance and on track for my resolutions and targets for the year.  And truth be told the first week of May looked like I was in fact headed that way.  The second week was a slight slip, but still doing okay.  The last two weeks of May spiraled down, to crash last week at a 0 point week.  So picking up with June we shall try again to pick it up.

First thing is I need to cut out the Domino's snacking, which has gotten really heavy again.  Next I have com to realize that we will probably have 1 or both of my brothers-in-law around on weekends, so I need to find other writing and reading times.  Let's see if June can refresh us.

Music and memory

Memory is triggered by many different things, and it works differently for each individual.  For me the top memory trigger by far is music.  This has become very evident for me in the past few months.  Since losing my mother-in-law in early April I find myself tearing up in the aisles at work at the strangest times.  When the country music is playing on the Muzak system and a Trace Atkins song comes on (He was one of Debi's favorite singers) I find myself remembering a conversation with her, or time we'd spent together.  And it doesn't have to be one of his sappy songs, even his crazy "Honky Tonk bedonkadonk" song will bring the memories on.

And as I noticed this happening, I began to think of other songs that bring on memories. "Don't you want me" always makes me think of the summer I worked at Pine Trail Camp before my Senior Year in High School.  Lionel Ritchie's :Hello" makes me think of my freshman crush at Wheaton (not naming names, sorry). Collin Raye's "The Gift" makes me  think of my December wedding (even though the song wasn't played at the wedding or reception.  Anything by Johnny Mathis automatically takes me back to growing up with Mom as my earliest musical mentor.  And Cheap Trick's "Heaven Tonight" makes me think of my brother Dave, because he introduced me to Cheap Trick (and most of the other rock I listen to).  And who can forget Jenn Treezenburg (sp) when they here Aerosmith sing "Come Together" (Okay, probably only applies to kids I went to Calvin with)

I guess for me life is just filled with musical cues. And as Larry Norman says, "Let the Tape Keep Rolling"!

Aggravating

It is so aggravating!! All season long Dancing with the Stars has been on Monday and Tuesday with American Idol on Wednesday and Thursday.  Now it's finals week and suddenly American Idol is on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ok, they aren't actually against each other, but I watch stuff later with TIVO, and don't have 3 hours of watching time tonight.

WHY DO they do this to me??? Ok..sorry...done moaning.

Music find

When I was growing up in the late 70's and early 80's I was into the Christian music scene pretty heavily...in all honesty, I still am. I had stacks of LP's by big names like Randy Stonehill, Amy Grant, & the Imperials. But I also had more obscure acts like September, Malcolm & the Mirrors and Elim Hall.  Then in the mid to late 80's something crazy happened,,, a little thing called the CD.  Suddenly my vinyl was becoming obsolete.  I grabbed as much stuff up on CD as was rereleased.  But many of the smaller acts never met the digital format.  So when I went from CDs to iPod I could not bring the vinyl with me.

Now I have been looking at getting a USB turntable, but have never had the cash to invest.  But thanks to a friend of mine, I have found a couple website that have been able to help me out.  Now before some of you go crazy on me about robbing artists of their fair share, etc. Let me say first of all, I am only downloading stuff I know I can't find on CD.  Stuff I know is out of print.  I encourage you to do the same.  Check iTunes first, and download from their when possible.  But if you are looking for some great old christian albums check out these two sites:

old christian music


flipsidemn

And for those who just want to listen to some great old christian music, I recommend this podcast:

Full Circle

If you grew up around the same time as me, these will bring back great memories. ENJOY!!

American Idol: Here comes the finale & why Josh went home.

First let me start off by saying that when auditions were first starting, I picked Phillip Phillips to be in the final. And I guess Jessica has a good voice too, and should be there as well.  Problem this season was there was so much talent in the top five it really could have gone to any of them. 

Of course this week we had to say goodbye to judges' favorite, Josh Leddet (sp).  Now here is what I have to say about Josh-- he has an amazing voice.  With that said, I must also say it was his time to go home. "Why?" you may ask. I'll tell you...because every song sounded the same.  He was very James Brownish in his sound, and every time he got onstage I heard the same song with a new set of words.  He would have been great in the 60's but nothing he sang had Today's Hit written on it...I'm sorry. He was good, but not a winner on Idol.

Ok..nuff said. GO PHILLIP!!

I Hit a Duck

I am writing tonight with a sad heart.  While on my pizza deliveries, I hit a duck...or sort of hit him.  It is one of the hazards of mountain living that from time to time you have a run in with wildlife and the wildlife comes out on the losing end.

Tonight I was in a really good mood, and set to jam around the mountain and delivery as many pizzas as possible.  I was traveling pretty quickly, but within the posted speed limit from Blue Jay to Aqua Fria.  As I looked down at the road I noticed there was something directly in front of my car, and I could not stop in time to do anything.  I felt no thud, but as I looked back in the rear view mirror I saw two ducks crossing the street, and one was holding his wing straight up and walking with it's head very low...I think what happened is the wing got hooked on something under the car, and pulled out of socket or something...I am hoping the bird survived, and the wing might heal.  I feel just awful, and I had a bad evening as a result. 

On a positive note, I saw the baby coyote again that I had seen on Sunday, and this time mommy was right with him.

Dragging my Feet

That's how I feel this week, like my feet are just dragging.  So many things I should be doing, so much that needs to be done, and I don't feel like doing ANYTHING right now.

It seems my allergies are getting worse each year, and the dust in the warehouse is activating  the allergies big time.  Major sinus headache today, which could explain not wanting to do anything.  Hoping to find some motivation before the week is out...or I'll just sit and veg in front of Idol tonight like I did with DWTS the last 2 nights.

If you have any motivational tips, let me have 'em, I could use any help I can get. Thanks!

Idol Chatter (SPOILERS)

Okay, I cheated.  I found  out who was voted off on Idol, and I'm a little ticked.  We all know that America's votes are swayed by the judges, and all season the judges have been hard on Hollie.  Admittedly, she did have some early problems with nervousness, but I think she has conquered that in the last few weeks.  I also agree her second song last night may have been a bad choice.  But I still think that Hollie has the best voice this season.  Now I know we are supposed to vote based only on the shows performances, but when you listen to the studio versions on iTunes, Hollie's voice is totally amazing.

Now Jessica also has a good voice, but she tends to lean toward screaming the high notes, while Hollie hit them cleanly without the scream.  Joshua's voice is great, but every song sounded the same, and frankly I was bored with him by week three,and use his songs as time for clean-up or bathroom break while I watched.

And then there's Phillip...he's been my favorite since his audition....I t should have been him and Hollie in the finale, now I'm guessing him & Jessica.  Anyway, go download Hollie's songs and you'll see what I mean.

Presenting "Doctor Who Clip of The Day'

For many years I have been a fan of Doctor Who.  If you are a fan, you know what I'm talking about. If not, I invite you to come to my facebook page, and each day you will be able to find a clip from the show.  Of course you will have to friend me first if you aren't a friend already..just drop my a note telling me you're a blog reader of mine and I'll accept your friend request.

Today I posted a scene from the very first Doctor Who episode in 1963 "The Unearthly Child".  For those only familiar with the 21st century incarnations of the Doctor, I will help you get to know the versions I grew up on.  Please join me on facebook for the daily clips.  I'll give you today's here on the blog, but com to facebook for the daily entries.

Learning curve

Today at work I started training on a new function.  Okay, actually it is just a major overhaul on an old function, but quite a bit of new stuff to learn.  They had me training with one of my best friends as my trainer.  That was nice, but also a little distracting, because talking is more fun than work.

I have always been a pretty quick learner, which is I guess a really good thing, because they needed to pull my trainer out halfway through the day to cover someone who left early.  I managed to survive the rest of the day with no major mishaps, and I think I have the hang of the new process.  I hope so anyway, because tomorrow is the heavy volume day for this function.  I'd explain the process to you, but it is long and complicated and would probably bore you.  Plus, if I did explain it, I'd have to shoot you....No wait, I don't work for the CIA.

I miss Hymns

Call me old fashioned, but I miss Hymns.  I grew up in a Baptist Church, and Hymns were a part of our service every week.  Some of the songs seemed a bit old-fashioned to me as a kid, and some were really hard to understand the meaning.  But they were good powerful songs.

Modern church music has turned to a series of praise and worship songs, and  many of these are good songs, and they can draw you in to a spirit of worship.  But I find many of them lack the substance that so many great hymns had.  I fear as more and more churches get rid of their hymnals and go to slick multi-media presentations with the words of the praise songs up on screens, that we might forget the great hymns of our faith.  

That is why I was so grateful early this year to find three great albums featuring mostly hymns.  First was Collin Raye's His Love Remains which features the country crooner on a number of hymns along with a few of his inspirational country songs.  The second came from one of favorite obscure Christian artists, Kemper Crabb; the album is called Reliquarium and features a selection of hymns done in a variety of styles, very unique and beautiful.  And lastly is the sweet voice of Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer) on Hymns And Sacred Songs a mix of traditional hymns and a few more modern tracks, brought to you in simple almost folk like arrangements.  If you, like me are missing Hymns, check these albums out.  Here is a video from the Leigh Nash album...enjoy.

May Update

Well, here we are at the beginning of May.  And happy Cinco de Mayo to you all.  I thought it was time to give you an update on how April went as far as the New Year's Resolution chart. As you may remember, I started April off with the hope of coming out of the slump I had fallen into in March. Unfortunately this did not happen.  After my 0 point rest week I had a 2 point week and two 1 point weeks.

My big downfalls came in two area.. First of all, the food and snacking kept up..I find my big problem in this area is that quite honestly, I LOVE food.  It is yummy and I like to eat.  I have managed to control it a little better this week, so we'll see where I end up this week.

The second area I had problems was in my writing especially and also the reading.  My creative juices just seemed to dry up and I could not get the writing to come out.  This seems to have gotten better this week and I should hit the weekly target this week.  And with the reading I have just found myself very distracted and having trouble making myself do it.

So for May we will try once more to buckle down and get back on track.  Hopefully the June update will have better results.

So, you really are out there.

Recently I changed to the new Blogger interface.  I must say for writing the blogs and posting, it will take a little getting used to.  I think I like the old interface better on the writing end, at least so far.  But oh, the fun of the new dashboard.  It tells me how many views I get a day/week/month/or year. It tells me were people are viewing me (I even have readers in Russia!! exciting) and it even tells me if you are on your computer, or iPhone or android device, and what browsers are being used.

This is exciting for me because it lets me know people are reading my blog, even if few people ever post on the blog.  So to my readers out there around the world, "HI!" I am so glad to know you are reading.  So I have a simple favor to ask.  If you are reading this blog, please take the time to 1) leave a comment with your name, city you live in, and any suggestion you may have for a topic of a future blog; and 2) take a minute to share my blog with a friend or 2 (or 20).  If you do me this favor I promise to respond to each of you personally, and write a blog on your selected topic, no matter how obscure or strange it might be.

So let's see if you're REALLY out there.

When words won't come.

I am a man who loves words. Reading them, speaking them, writing them.  Yet lately the words won't come.  I have been on a writing hiatus for the better part of the past month, and I am often left nodding in response to a persons comment, or shrugging, or just hugging my wife.

When a loved one passes, I am guessing, this is common.  And when the passing was more or less unexpected, the loss of words is probably more intense.  People ask me how I'm doing, or how my family is.  We are alive and trying to keep life flowing, with minor moments of uncontrolled crying.  We are trying to live our normal life with out falling into the hole that was left by our loss.  And people around seem to be at a loss as to what to say to us.  This is okay.  Please know that you don't have to say anything.  In fact the words to the following Charlie Peacock song say it best.

Now Is The Time For Tears

Charlie Peacock

Now is the time for tears
Don't speak
Save your words
There's nothing you could say
To take this pain away
Don't try so hard
You can just simply be
Cry with me don't try to fix me friend
That's how you'll comfort me Heavenly Father cover this child with mercy
You are my helper through this time of trial and pain
Silence the lips of the people with all of the answers
Gently show them now is the time
Now is the time
Now is the time for tears 

So if you see me, and I'm not my normal fun and chatty self, know that I am still grieving. And if you see me chatting and acting crazy and having, know that I am still grieving and that tears might follow soon.  Don't be afraid to talk with me, but also don't be afraid to be quiet with me, or to just listen.  Sometimes the words won't come...but that's okay. 

Party All The Time

So maybe it is sign that I have grown old.  Maybe I am just a fuddy-duddy; but I am strongly convinced that there is more to life than partying all the time.

It seems that there are many people who think that the world revolves around one great big party, and work is just an inconvenience you put up with so you can earn money to buy more alcohol for the next round of the party.   

I blame my generation for this attitude among the younger generation.  We wanted our kids to have it better than we did, so we handed them what we could as they grew up.  Now there is a generation of young adults who expect to be handed anything they want (and why not, the government seems to think that's a fine way to do things).

Some day these young adults will wake up and realize that the babies they made while partying are suddenly in need of braces, new clothes, and maybe a college education, but all the partying has kept them from getting a decent job with benefits, and no one is there to hand them what they want or need.

Sorry if I'm being grumpy, but really folks, there is more to life than Party All The Time.
Love ya!

unbalanced

Change is never easy, especially when it is change brought about by a death in the family. With the recent loss in our family, Bekkee's family, that is her brothers are naturally drawing closer, and spending more time at our house. This is great in that it is more support for Bekkee's dad, and mor ecousin time for the kids. But at the same time it has thrown my time stream out of whack. my computer time has declined, and my bed time has gone haywire. Just trying to regain balance. I'm not complaining...just need time to rebalance.

Civil Disobedience: Blue Like Jazz, Hunger Games & The Avengers

Civil disobedience is part of one of my favorite scenes in the new indie film Blue Like Jazz. In the scene several character dress up like robots and invade a large Barnes & Noble style bookstore to protest the mega-store controlling what we read. A very fun scene.

This has made me think that we fans of Hunger Games need to stage our own act of Civil disobedience on May 4. May 4 is the opening of yet another comic book movie--The Avengers; and experts are predicting it will out sell Hunger games, and knock the film from the top of this year's box office charts. I'm sure Avengers is a fine film, but I really was blown away by Hunger games, and would like to see it maintain it's hold on the top for the year.

So I am calling all Hunger Games fans, no matter how many times you've seen it, to go back to the theaters on May 4th and pay to see Hunger Games AGAIN!! keep it at the top of the box office, even in the face of The Avengers. And if you really want to see Avengers too, sneak in to see it after you've seen Hunger Games.

April (snow) Showers

So this winter was for the most part terribly dry, and our first big winter storm hit the last weekend of winter (after I had totaled my AWD Matrix) and we have had 2 or 3 more good storms this spring. Friday night was the latest, and dumped 4 to 6 inches of snow around the Lake Arrowhead area. But today the sun was out full force with highs in the mid 50's, so alot of the snow has melted, and is soaking into the ground or running down into the lake. That's what I like about spring snow showers...they don't hang around on the ground as long. Now just hoping this was the last snow of the season.

We will miss you Jimma

Yesterday morning I learned of the passing of Dr. James Young, or as he was better known to his students, Jimma. Jimma was my theatre professor at Wheaton College. He was certainly the most influential teacher I ever had. More than anyone in my life he taught me to accept my self for myself, and try to be who anyone else thought I should be. He taught me to embrace life, embrace God, and embrace the laughter and tears that life brings.

I was first introduced to the Theatre program at Wheaton by a fluke of housing placement. My freshman year at Wheaton I was assigned to Fischer 2 East. This was the 1983-84 school year, otherwise known as the last year the Arena Theatre was housed in Fischer 1 East. As a courtesy to our floor being directly above the theatre (and possibly to bribe us not to be noisy during their performances, they gave our whole floor free tickets to the final dress rehearsals of the shows. I remember Mad Woman of Chailot and All My Sons...can't quite recall the third play of the season, but I loved them all. The following year when the Arena Theatre was relocated to Jenks Hall, I knew I had to have season tickets. I loved the Theatre, and as a Sophomore struggling to make grades as a Chemistry major I kicked myself for not having auditioned for Workout my freshman year.

At the end of my sophomore year I knew that in order to avoid flunking out I had to change majors. I switched to communications. This allowed me to take Intro to Theatre and finally become involved with the inner workings of Arena Theatre. I got involved in the production end, working on sets and lighting. I helped mix the soundtrack recording we put together for the 1986 (I think) production of Godspell (I still have it saved now as mp3 files if any cast or crew would like a copy) and when it came time for Merchant of Venice I had the honor of being Jimma's assistant director.

I don't remember all my college classes, all my college friends, or even all my professors; but every memory of my time in Arena Theatre I hold dear. Many of my best friends on Facebook came from the workout group, and I still have many Christmas cards from Jimma (I could never bring myself to throw them away). Sadly I had let life's small details and absurd busy-ness keep me from maintaining contact with Jimma. I always told myself "you need to contact Jimma" and sadly I never listened to myself. Now it is too late for me to contact him. But I make the promise now to not let the important people in my life slip away. I hold and treasure you all my friends. I will always remember Jimma, and miss his vitality and love of life.

Walk forever in God's light my friend.

The Hunger Games (Spoilers)

Okay, I'm not planning to give anything away, but depending on what you know or don't know about the book/movie, there may be spoilers.

When I first saw the previews for The Hunger Games it instantly reminded me of two of my favorite stories from my growing up days: 1)The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, and 2) Logan's Run, the classic 1976 science fiction film. I saw The Hunger Games as a cross of these to classics, mixed with a bit of Survivor (the long running CBS reality (?) hit).

When I saw the film it went far beyond my expectations, easily becoming my favorite film of the year so far. The acting was first rate, from the amazing young actress Jennifer Lawrence, and from supporting actors Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson and Donald Sutherland.

I also am a huge fan of the music, both the score by James Newton Howard, and the Soundtrack album put together by T-Bone Burnett. The music is as haunting as the story. And it is the story, the brilliant story-telling that sets this film above the Twilight series, and even above the Harry Potter films. Now don't get me wrong, I am a fan of both these series, even the dialog in the twilight films is often awkward and/or unrealistic, I enjoy the films And I have followed Harry and his crew for over a decade as they have grown. But this story just wraps itself around you and draws you in.

I recommend this movie with ultimate enthusiasm. I am sure it will be in my top five still at the end of this year. Watch this music video to catch just a small touch of the emotion (yes I cried within the first ten minutes) and strength of this film.

Reset Week

Well, needless to say, March was a very rough month, which ended with the passing of my mother-in-law. Needless to say, my New Years resolutions all took quite a hit, bottoming out with stress eating, and my inability to focus on writing or reading.

So last week I took a break and had what I will call a Reset Week. I blew off all efforts to follow my resolutions, and just tried to sort through everything that has been going on, and all the clutter in my mind. I spent some time with my mom, who was in the hospital, and is now in nursing care at a physical therapy center.

It was a calming week, and did allow me some time to just think...and time to NOT think also. For my resolution chart, i gave myself a zero for the week. But now I am ready to get back on track; put the stress, and its accompanying stress-eating on the shelf. Get back to reading and writing, and tackle the resolutions anew with full force.

Thank you all for your support over the last few rough weeks.

low blog week

I have neglected my blogs this week, and I am sorry, but mom is in the hospital, along with my mother-in-law hospitalized, so the resolution chart and blogs have hit a low dip....it will get better...It has to get better....look next week for fuller, funner blogs.....ok Off to work.

Idol thoughts

Thought last nights Idol was pretty good. People singing songs by their idol helped, since they couldn't use the "I just learned this song three days ago" excuse.

Everyone did pretty well I thought. But here's a few of my random notes to the contestants
Colton-- great job, and thanks for being open about your faith, I find that very refreshing.
Holly-- I think your great, and loved your song choice, forget about what Steven & Randy say.
Heejun-- you were better last night than previously, but I still have trouble understanding you sometimes, need to work on diction...also may have been "Too little, too late"
Skyler-- Don't like Miranda, and don't like you much...sorry.
Jessica-- I think you have a great voice, but last night was by far your weakest song, I couldn't get into it at all...sorry
Josh-- Your voice is great, you did fine on the song, but I kept thinking how much I liked James Durbin's version of it last season so much more.
Deandre-- sorry man, I can't dig your falsetto, sound too squeaky for me...if it were up to me, you'd be heading home.
Elise-- No one can touch Zeppelin, you shouldn't even try.
Phillip-- You sounded great, but I didn't really know the song, something more familiar would have worked better for me.

Feeling discouraged

All right, I'll admit it, my New Years resolutions Chart hit a major snag last week. Getting slapped in the face with asphalt on the side of the freeway put a kink in everything. For one thing I'm a stress eater, and all my eating resolutions went out the window as I stressed...and ate.

As for my writing, I couldn't seem to get my mind to focus. Every time I sat down to try and write, my head would start bonging and I couldn't concentrate. So for the first time this year I didn't put in my 2 hours of writing last week.

My reading also suffered, because when I put on my reading glasses, the edge of the glasses rested on the sore on my cheek. This my seem silly, but it is hard to read when you're in pain, so I only got like half an hour of reading last week.

So needless to say I'm feeling discouraged today, and hoping & praying I can get my focus back this next week and not let the resolutions spiral out of control. It is going to be a rough week of fighting back.

Turning 200

Well, this marks the 200th post in the Growing old gracefully blog. You'd think I would celebrate with a huge flashy blog filled with videos and pictures. Or maybe I could give you a huge list of ten best this or that. I could up date you on my Bucket List (haven't done that in a while) or I could do an update on the new year's resolutions (not a good week on that front...Nuff said) Or I could rant about American Idol or give you early picks for DWTS.

But I am going to do none of those things because I am tired... Sorry, sometimes as you gracefully grow old you get tired. You have weeks that knock you on your face..really, you can see the pictures on my facebook. And at the end of that week you just want to snuggle in with your wife and plop in a Harry Potter DVD and watch as far as you can before you start dozing. So that's what I'm gonna do. Catch you netx week on the other side of 200 with Idol, DWTS and general blogginess.

Rough week...again

I do not want to seem like a griper. But this yer is turning out to be a monster year. It is as if the universe is fighting against me accomplishing anything. The face dive on Monday is just the latest thing. Due to the pain from this, and the placement of the abrasions, I am having trouble reading (my glasses rest right on the cheek abrasion) and writing (my brain hurts)...gonna keep pushing through. Please pray that I will have the relief of pain I need to get things done. Also continue praying for my mother-in-law. Her prolonged hospital stay is putting a strain on our whole household. Lots of tears and frayed nerves. Thank you all for your prayers.

Also pray for mom & dad as they prepare to move to assisted living. Thanks!

So how was YOUR day?

I hope your day was better than mine. It started as a normal drive down the hill, but ended with my face grinding into the asphalt. We had a winter storm this weekend, you see, so I was driving with chains on. I stopped to take the chains off, and my tire went flat...well mostly flat. I waited till it was light and then went to change the tire I couldn't get my jack out from where it was stored in my car, but another motorist who was having his own car issues let me borrow his jack. While in the midst of changing the tire I tripped over the jack handle and kissed the asphalt. Nothing is broken, but my face is badly scraped and my lip is very swollen. I do not recommend face diving on asphalt as a fun time. ...Hope YOUR day was better.

A plea for help

I hate doing things like this, but today I really need your help. I ran into a major financial snag this week, and I want to ask for your help. We are having a major winter storm and they are calling for a lot of snow, so I had to shell out $75 for some snow chains. This put a crimp in my budget at a pivotal time for my writing. There is a contest I was hoping to enter, and the deadline is Monday, and I am a bit short on the entry fee. So what I am doing here today is a long shot, but I am asking if you might have a few dollar to spare if you could donate to help me raise the $20 entry fee. As a thank you for a donation I will send you a digital copy of some of my work. 1 story for a $1 donation, 2 for a $5, 3 for $10 or 5 for a $20 (these or word doc file, not e-book copies)

Just click on the donate buttons below to donate and leave me your eMail address and I will contact you about which story or stories you might want. Thanks, and forgive me for being so forward in asking.

To donate in any amount

A few issues with American Idol

I am a huge fan of American Idol (don't laugh, you know you are too, even if you don't admit it). But I have a few issues with the producers, judges and host that I have to get off my chest. Before I get into the issues though I must say Kudos to Nigel Lythgoe for the professional way you handled dismissing a contestant. You are a classy man I'd love to meet.

Now to the issues. First to Nigel and the other producers. When you make the theme "songs from the year you were born" i think you should only allow song ORIGINALLY done in that year, not covers released that year. As a man who grew up in the 70's it bugs me to hear some 17 year old kid singing a song I grew up on, claiming it was from the year he was born, I had to disqualify Joshua from my voting last night for this reason, even though he sang his butt off.

Second issue is with the judges. First of all, you all are to sweet during the auditions...not everyone is awesome and amazing, some are just good, and some stink. You have gotten a little better now that we're in the live shows. But one BIG gripe..make up your mind; Last season when Pia was doing all ballads you told her to pick it up and show variety, now Jessica who probably watched last season tries to mix it up, and you tell her stick to ballads. That drives me nuts and probably the contestants too.

Last issue is for Ryan. I love you man, but please stop asking the judges who they think is in trouble. This is an insult to those contestants who didn't perform well. they have already heard once what the judges thought, why slap them in the face again right before opening the phone lines. Plus it makes the judges feel bad. We already heard what they had to say, why put everyone on the spot again?

Last suggestion, make Jimmy Iovine a judge, not just a mentor. he's the only one half the time who gives HELPFUL critiques.

My return to Stephen King

When I was a young teen one of my favorite authors was Stephen King. I believe the first book I read was Firestarter. After that I went back and read his earlier works and was a very devoted fan. I read everything I could find for a number of years. I started to become a little disturbed when reading Pet Sematary, it seemed that King was leaving the arena of psychological suspense that I so loved, and starting to head to pure gross out mode.

And for most of the 80's right through last year I pretty much ignored Stephen King's work, with a few exceptions. I read IT, although I didn't really enjoy it much. I read Eye of the Dragon, that one I did really enjoy, a totally non-King-like book. But aside from that I avoided King. But when I started putting Audiobooks on my iPod, I began getting into King again. I put The Shining on, it had been a favorite. Then I put on the Just After Sunset collection, a few gross ones, but mostly good stories. I added a few more of his shorter novels and really enjoyed listening to them. I am currently listening to 11/22/63 which has had some absolutely amazing moments in it, and overall I'm really loving it. So I welcome Stephen King back into my literary life. If any of you have King books you can recommend, let me know. I'm looking for more psychological thrillers than the really gross and graphically violent stuff. Thanks for your help.

My children amaze me

We are in the seventh day at our house without Nonnie. Nonnie is my mother-in-law. For those who do not know a lot about me, my wife and I and our three kids live with my in-laws. Nonnie is primary chauffeur, cook, doctor, hairstylist and probably several other things for our kids.

Last Wednesday evening she was airlifted to a hospital down the hill. And I must say, our kids are handling it better than Bekkee or her dad. They have been amazing, keeping up with their school work, and helping take care of each other. Especially my twelve year old Dakotah. She is an angel, and cares for her little brother and sister, even when they are driving her crazy. I love these kids. Couldn't ask for more!

ANOTHER crazy week

Well, any shot of 2012 being a normal, calm year was shot down this week. From the start of the week my mother-in-law was feeling sick. She didn't want to admit that it was getting her down...who does want to admit that?

On Wednesday afternoon my wife and father-in-law finally convinced her she needed to get checked, so she went to the ER at Mountains Community Hospital. They ended up helicoptering her down to San Bernardino. Three days later we still aren't sure of all that is wrong. Possible heart attack, pneumonia or some other lung infection. Needless to say, she could use your prayers, Thanks.

Also pray for calm this coming week....please.

Oscars Vs. Sales: What is Hollywood Thinking?

I am not a Hollywood insider, so I have no idea what Hollywood insiders are thinking. But I have noticed a disparity between what Hollywood considers great movies (Oscar Winners) and what the general public considers great movies (Top Box Office draws). So I decided to do a little research. My information sources were simple-- boxofficemojo.com for sales figures, and oscar.go.com for Oscar winner info.

I looked back over the past ten years: 2002-2011 for box office figures, and 2003-2012 for the corresponding Oscar winners. What I found was not surprising to me, but may be to some of you. First of all, all the top selling movies, except for Avatar in 2009 were part of a series (and I suspect there will be Avatar sequels), yet only one of the Oscar winners was part of a series. That movie, Lord Of The Rings: Return of the King was also the only movie in the last ten years to be the top selling film of the year (2003) and Oscar winner for best picture (2004). Before that Titanic in 97 & 98, Forrest Gump in 94 & 95 and Rain Man in 88 & 89 were the only top grossing movies to win best picture going back as far as boxofficemojo.com goes (1980). Now in the 80's I noticed a few of the best picture winners were at least in the top ten money makers, but that has certainly not been the case in the last decade.

I'm not going to give you the list of top money making film from the past ten years, but I am going to list the Oscar winning picture and tell you where they placed on the list of movies released during the year:
2002/2003: Chicago #10
2003/2004: Lord Of The Rings: Return of the King #1
2004/2005: Million Dollar Baby #24
2005/2006: Crash #49
2006/2007: The Departed #15
2007/2008: No Country For Old Men #36
2008/2009: Slum Dog Millionaire #16
2009/2010: The Hurt Locker #116
2010/2011: The Kings Speech #18
2011/2012: The Artist #85 (still in release, may place higher)

To me, I feel that these Oscar choices reflects Hollywood trying to say "look at the wonderful movies we can make, we are artist and so enlightened" and yet the things that seem to sell these days are action sequels or animated features. But if Hollywood were really concerned with making artist films and enlightened entertainment, couldn't they just stop making the fluff that sells, and only make the artistic films......No, money is still a central factor. Can't blame them.

Another blog on bullying

So today I read an article about Jake Lloyd. If you are not familiar with that name, I'm really not surprised. Jake was the young boy who played Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace. The article told how Jake's childhood after Star Wars became "a living hell" and how the bullies at his school would "make the sound of a light saber every time they saw" him. This made him drop out of acting, and throw away all his Star Wars memorabilia.

I am so sorry, but I have trouble feeling sorry for him. I know there are people out there who are bullied horrible, either physically or verbally. Kids who are struggling with homosexuality, kids who are handicapped or retarded are often bullied. Fat kids (like I was) are bullied. But for kids to pic on you because of a movie you were in, this is a simple case of "I'm jealous of you, so I will mock you to try and make you feel bad" And Jake let the stupid jealous kids win. He let them destroy his life, even though he was a star in the #4 money-making movie of all time. He could have totally turned the tables on the kids, but he let them beat him. For the average kid struggling against bullying, they have little they can do to turn the bullying around; but please mister child movie star, don't ask me to feel sorry for you because kids made light saber noises around you.

Oh, and Jake, May the Force be With You!

March monthly update

Well, here we are on the first weekend in March, and time for an update on my resolutions.
My reading is doing great, my goal of 1 hour a week has been almost a steady 2 hours a week, and I finished my second book of the year. I'm setting a goal of one book a month. This is aggressive, but I think I can pull it off. I'm starting Terry Brooks' Landover series.

My writing is also coming along well. I have finished my short story "Outpost 63", and am hoping to submit it to Analog magazine by the end of March. I am now writing a very emotional short story called "18"...the name has a double meaning, you'll have to wait till it's done to find out.

The one area I admit is still getting me down in my resolutions is the food related areas. January with its birthdays had me having extra desserts, and losing points there. February the week point has become the old fast food villain, driven by a few snow days keeping me off the hill and away from safety of home food. Also those damn good Shamrock shakes. Will Power!!! that's what I need. So here's to a March with more Will Power and less green milkshakes.

Setting goals

Pastor Rob (my pastor) did a series to kick off the year on "Setting Goals" and in timing with that I made my New Year's resolutions into goals. They are written down (as Pastor Rob emphasized) right in my blog. I also have a graph to keep track of how I'm doing. (I will update before the weekend is out, so you all can know how I'm doing too.

And this week I took the time to write down some of my goals for my writing, with time line of target dates. I think Pastor is right, you need your goals in writing, in a tangible form so you can see your goals and know how you are doing. So if you have something you want to accomplish, write it down, with a target date, and how you're going to get it down. Set goals, then achieve them!

Oscar Winners

Well, The Oscar Winners are in and it's time to cjheck back with my predictions. This year i limited my predictions to the big six catagories (Picture, lead and supporting Actor/Actress, and Director). My choices that were wrong are highlighted in blue. the winners I got wrong are in red, and the wons I got right are in green. (I only got 2 out of 6 right). Below each list are my original reasons for predictions.

Best Picture :
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
"The Help"
"Hugo"
"Midnight in Paris"
"Moneyball"
"The Tree of Life"
"War Horse"
For best Picture I'm bucking the tradition of going with a golden globe winner. I'm also not going with one of the heavily nominated films. I'm picking Spielburg's "War Horse", because Hollywood loves Spielburg, and especially his war movies. Now, if I had to choose what I wanted to win, it would be "Hugo", but I think "War Horse" may be the dark horse to win it.

Actor in a Leading Role:
Demián Bichir in "A Better Life"
George Clooney in "The Descendants"
Jean Dujardin in "The Artist"
Gary Oldman in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
Brad Pitt in "Moneyball"
I have seen none of these performances, but I am giving it to Clooney simply because I feel he is the best actor among the three names I recognize, and also I heard it was an amazing movie.

Actress in a Leading Role:
Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis in "The Help"
Rooney Mara in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams in "My Week with Marilyn"
A hard category for me. The women are all familiar names, except maybe Viola Davis. I saw only "The Help" and "Dragon Tattoo", but I'm sure all the others were great. Glenn Close might normally get my vote for playing a man; or Rooney Mara for playing a psychologically disturbed individual. But I'm going with Streep playing British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, because America seems so intrigued by British royalty and politics.

Actor in a Supporting:
RoleKenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn"
Jonah Hill in "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte in "Warrior"
Christopher Plummer in "Beginners"
Max von Sydow in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
I'm picking another dark horse here. Jonah Hill, though I'm sure he was great in the movie is out of his league. And the same could probably be said about Nolte. But as much as I didn't love "Warrior" (sorry Rachel Nichols) I thought Nolte was amazing as the father of two UFC type fighters.

Actress in a Supporting Role:
Bérénice Bejo in "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain in "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy in "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer in "Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer in "The Help"
First let me say I thin it is ridiculous that Melissa McCarthy is nominated for a vulgar role in a disgusting mindless filthy comedy. That off my chest I think the obvious choice is Octavia Spencer for "The Help" if for nothing else but the pie scene.

Directing:
"The Artist" Michel Hazanavicius
"The Descendants" Alexander Payne
"Hugo" Martin Scorsese
"Midnight in Paris" Woody Allen
"The Tree of Life" Terrence Malick
I think despite the great work of the other three it will come down to the two giants, Allen and Scorsese, and in the end they will give it to Scorsese and "Hugo" with 11 nominations, but only 2 in the big 6 categories. Scorsese will take it because "Hugo" won't get best picture.

Well, my picks weren't to acurate. I really didn't expect a silent film to score quite so big. Both Hugo (which won 5 technical categories) and The Artist (also a winner of 5 awards) dealt with the early art of filmmaking, so of course Hollywood was patting itself on the back. Interrestingly Hugo was made by an American director about early French filmmaking, and The Artist was made by a French director about early American filmmaking. I'm sure both are fine films, but I still would have given Hugo at least one of the biggies.

Beautiful Women Part 3: The Top 5

Coming to you today with the conclusion of my Beautiful Women series. And let me say to my caring friends who have expressed concerns, this series of blogs is not a sign that I that I am hurting or miserable, and not a sign that my marriage or salvation are in trouble. My wife and I have been married for 13 years and are secure enough in our love for each other that we realize that we both can notice and appreciate beauty in members of the opposite sex with out lessening our love for each other.

The whole point of this series of blogs is to help show, I hope, that beauty is more than skin deep. I hope I am letting you see that the beauty of the women I am showing is not just outward beauty, but inward beauty as well. So her we go, on to the top 5.

5.) Julianne HoughThis former Dancing with the Stars pro, turned country singer, turned actress has been a favorite of mine since she teamed with Apollo Ohno to take the DWTS championship in her first season on the show. I love the fact that she is o family-centered. Reading her tweets she is constantly talking about her brother Derek and her slew of sisters, nieces, nephews etc. I also find beautiful her determination. She had goals, she sets her mind to them, and she attains them. Look for her in "Rock of Ages" this summer, and in "Footloose" on DVD next month. (this is NOT a paid endorsement)

4.) Zooey DeschanelI think Zooey Deschanel has the most striking eyes in Hollywood. I also find her beautiful because she has a crazy wonderful sense of humor. I see her as a 21st century Lucille Ball. She has quirky innocent yet not so innocent demeanor. Plus she sings wonderfully too.

3.) Ashley GreeneWhen I first saw Twilight, I had never heard of Ashley Greene. And to top it off I first noticed her eyes as a bright yellow (not her real color it turns out). As I have come to know her it seems that her real life personality is just as sweet and kind as her Alice Cullen character. I think one of the moments that helped placed her in my list of beautiful women was during the whole "end of the world" thing that was happening last year she tweeted a bible verse about false prophets predicting the end times, and told everyone just to calm down. I would totally love to meet this sweet heart.

2.) Rachel McAdamsRachel first came on the radar in "Mean Girls" opposite Lindsay Lohan. While Lohan has spiraled downward into addiction and legal woes, Rachel had risen to leading romantic actress status, becoming a Meg Ryan of the 21st century. I find her beautiful for the way she can grip your heart with just a smile. She is probably only this high on the list because I recently saw The Vow, but she really is a beauty. Another thing I like about her is that you don't find her splashed across the tabloids, she has somehow found a way to avoid the paparazzi 's gaze, and keep her personal life personal.

1.) Katy PerryI was a fan of Katy's music when she released her album of Christian music as Katy Hudson (her real name). As a fan of Christian music I was alarmed to find it was Katy Hudson who was singing about kissing girls. I took me a while to appreciate Perry's new music. I still find her Christian album more to my taste not only lyrically, but musically (much less commercial and poppy). I also see inside her brash showy exterior that deep inside Katy is still the loving caring preacher's daughter. (Possibly part of why she and Russel Brand split). I hope that the inner sweet girl wins out over the brash stage persona.

Beautiful Women Part 2: The Eyes Have It

In my last blog I strove to show you that I am not just a sexist male who finds women beautifully solely on how the look. I gave examples of women I find beautiful for a variety of reasons. I did that because I know when you see the women in my next two blogs, you'll blast me for only looking skin deep. I hope I can convince you this is not true. Also remember please, this is all for fun.

Now, on to the fun. Who remembers the TV show FRIENDS? Well, there was an episode of the show where the friends were allowed to make a celebrity list of celebrities they were allowed to have an affair with, without their partner getting upset. So I am putting myself in Friends mode, imaging myself as a young 30's unmarried man, who is making these selections, and here is the first half of my list (The rest will come in a later post) **NOTE: I know in real life I am married, and would never have a celebrity fling...this is just if I were still single and younger** (last disclaimer I promise). A lot of mean are either breast men, or butt men, with those being what they notice first in a women; for me, the Eyes have it. So I will be showing you the eyes of the women on my list. Enjoy :
10.) Karen Gillan Karen is the British actress who plays Amy Pond on Doctor Who. I'm not really sure if I like Karen (who has quite the party girl rep) or if I like Amy, a women strong enough to hold her own with the Doctor. Her lovely red hair and beautiful eyes can captivate your heart. Check out BBCAmerica to see her on Doctor Who.

9.) Jennifer Lawrence Jennifer was in last summer's X-Men First Class, stepping into Rebecca Romain's blue body paint. Next month she turns her blond hair dark to play the lead role in Hunger Games. I admit that I don't know a lot about her, but in her eyes I see strength, and inner confidence. Also there are small fleck of gold light in her eyes like my wife Bekkee has.

8.) Rachel NicholsI first noticed Rachel when she joined the cast of ALIAS for its final season. She was a spark of fresh air and could steal a scene from Jennifer Garner, which said something. She was briefly green for the Star Trek movie, and a stunning redhead in GI JOE. But what I find really beautiful about her is that on Twitter she bares her life, flubs and all, and actually communicates with her followers. I have received over a dozen replies from her. Very col in my book. Also very active in charities.

7.) Taylor Swift
Country Music's sweetheart. What I find beautiful in Taylor is her wide-eyed wonder at the world. Following her on twitter you see all the little things that excite her, and fill her heart with joy. Also loved the fact that in the middle of her tour a few years back she flew her band and their families to Hawaii... I want to be in her band.

6.) Eliza DushkuFrom the movie Bring It On and the TV shows Buffy, Tru Calling and Dollhouse, I find this lovely actress attractive first because she enjoys doing Sci-Fi stuff, which I love. She also is very active in charity work and especially aid to third world countries. I also love that she is on such good relation with he mom.Talks about her all the time. I find that beautiful.

For the top five tune in to the next blog. Remember, the EYES have it.

Beautiful Women Part 1

Men enjoy looking at women. This is a fact. Even gay men can appreciate a beautiful woman (probably more so than a straight man can appreciate a handsome man). Now before I get into this two (or maybe three) part blog I expect to get complaints saying I'm being sexist, or only glorifying women with looks, so in part 1 I will try to explain that when I talk about beautiful women, I am not referring only to outward beauty, but also the character traits that make you a beautiful person. With that said, I will admit on behalf of the male gender that most of the time it is the physical appearance that first draws our attention to a woman. But I know for me, it is beyond the first glance that I find true beauty. A woman can be stunning to look at, but if her personality is rotten, then I don't find her beautiful. Likewise, a less physically appealing woman can be the most caring loving person, and this is true beauty.

So today I will be looking at six women over 40 who I think, for various reasons are beautiful women. These are in know particular order:
1.) Michelle Pfeifer-- I first became aware of the young actress in the movie Grease 2. I never actually saw this movie, but I saw Michelle in the adds. She caught my eye, and to this day, when I see her in an ad for a movie, she still catches my eye and makes me want to see the movie. She is a good actress, and she has for the most part aged naturally (as far as I can tell). She takes care of herself, but doesn't use lots of artificial help. I find it beautiful that she is comfortable with the fact that she is maturing, and doesn't feel she needs lots of injections to keep herself 20.
2.) Julia Roberts-- Another actress who has matured before our eyes from the young hooker in Pretty Woman to the boozing professor in Larry Crowne, She plays age appropriate roles, and shows that woman can be stunning at any age. Also she seems to have become more lovely when she became a mother. I love hearing her tell stories about her kids.
3.) Betty White-- Who doesn't love this 90 year old veteran. And to me what makes her so beautiful is her sense of humor, and her love for life. If I live to be 90 I want to be as lively as Betty!
4.) Mary Tyler Moore-- This lovely lady was my first TV love. As a child I would watch the Mary Tyler Moore Show religiously. What I think makes her so beautiful even today is her courage. She has battled diabetes for nearly forty years and has battled alcoholism, and last year had brain surgery. And yet she keeps smiling, and making others smile to as we saw on the recent Birthday celebration for Betty White
5.) Shania Twain-- This country megastar has always been outwardly lovely. Her inner beauty has shown over the last few years as her husband left her for a family friend. I have to laugh at how she overcame this challenge, she got together with the ex-husband of the woman her husband left her for. And she is restarting her musical career... good for her!
6.) Jennifer Aniston-- So Brad Pitt left her for Angelina. So what if her romances have not been very successful, she still lucks great and is a pretty big box office star, grossing over twice as much as any other FRIENDS alum. She is ranked #137 box office grossing star according to Box Office Mojo. And she just keeps smiling and melting our hearts.

We'll discuss more beautiful Women in future blogs this week. Hope you can see that beauty is more than skin deep.

"What are you writing?"

"What are you writing?" One of my friends at Domino's asked me that question today, so I thought I'd let you all know what I've been working on. As you probably know, I wrote my children's book "Dino-Boy's Adventure" about ten years ago. It was published through a messy process where we paid a "Vanity publishing house" big bucks to print up a bunch of over-priced copies of what I think is a very cute book for kids. Since then I've been working on several projects. My novel "Moral Imperative" is about 2/3 done. It is a futuristic political thriller, that will need a few major rewrites to keep it futuristic. I also am working on a young reader novel called "Their Tears Will Make Them Better". But most recently I have been focusing on short stories. I have written "The Actors' Club" (which has been rejected by both Analog and Glimmertrain literary magazine), but I still have hopes for it. My story "Christmas Dreams" (which you can find in my older blogs from December 2010) has been submitted to Glimmertrain. I have also finished "The Sentry", a short story of my early life from the point-of-view of a tree in my front yard. I will be submitting that to Glimmertrain in April for their Family oriented fiction contest.

Currently I am finishing up "Outpost 63" a scifi story I am hoping to submit to Analog. So for Jessica and Larissa, who wonder what I'm writing, that's the rundown. Hope to have a lot of you as readers soon.

Winter weather, rental cars...excuses excuses

Once again this week the battle to keep the new years resolutions faced several challenges. Two evenings (Monday and Wednesday) it was snowing up the hill and I was forced to stay down the hill at mom & dad's. This left me unable to work on my writing very much. Also being away from home lead to more fast food meals (at meal time only, not as extra snacks). I haven't done this weeks points total yet, but pretty sure it will be low.

Hopefully by the middle of next week I will be in a temporary lease and my life will flow back to normal. But for now, I will keep trying, and keep pushing on.

New Car Time

Well, got word today that the insurance company is not going to fix my trusty matrix. I guess the roll was more than she could take. So it is time once again for a new car. I am hoping to get another Matrix. They are good cars and the All Wheel Drive model gets me through most of the snow storms the mountain throws at me. I am also considering a Prius, which would give me some good mileage...but I don't think they come in All Wheel Drive, and I REALLY hate putting chains on. So pray that I make the right choice in what to order, and that it arrives without a problem. And pray that the stress from accident and snow and stuff doesn't make me stress eat and gain back the weight I've lost this year.

Another rough week

Well, if you are working at keeping goals & resolutions, or just generally trying to get stuff done, a word of warning: Do NOT roll your car. I did just that on Monday and it has really screwed up my resolutions for this week. In particular my writing (hard to get inspired when your brain is focused on the accident) and my eating goals (I stress eat, and the accident has of course caused stress). So this is going to be a low point week. and I say....there's always next week. Praying for a better one.

P.S. Jury Duty also screws things up!

Don't be a Hater (or I'll report you)

One thing I have found on social media is that the distance a computer offers you from those you are contacting has lead many to reject general rules of conversational conduct and manners. Or to put it more bluntly, "I'm on line and I can say whatever the He** I want and you can't do anything about it".

But today I found out there IS something I can do, at least in a small way, if you offend me on Facebook. I was viewing comments on a post from a young rising music star. She had commented on her faith, and how important it was to her. Many other people had comment on her post and encouraged her. Then there was a post from someone telling "all you Christians shut the +*&# up and go +*&# off ". This is when I discovered you can report a post or comment on facebook as offensive, and it then gives you drop down choices of how the comment was offensive. I decided to report this comment.

Now please don't think I'm a week little Christian who cries any time someone says anything bad about Christ or God. I am perfectly willing to let other people have and express opposing views. I will even debate or discuss religion, politics, music, theatre, movies...anything you want. If you want to have a civil, intelligent discussion on a topic, I'm up for that.

But one you jump into a chain of comments just to hate on a person or group of persons, and to cuss at them and tell them to shut up. I'll report that stuff. I'm in favor of an open discussion forum on line, but lets use manners and common courtesy. If you are rude to someone on line and attack them personally because of religion, politics, sexual orientation, etc., and if I see the post, then I will report it. Call me a snitch if you like, I prefer to call it a politeness policeman....no, that;s corny ..maybe a rudeness eradicator. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is be nice..just because we are not face to face doesn't mean we can't be civil.