Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Watch What You Say/Do
On Sunday, one of the members of the church was testifying about being humble when one of my younger brothers in Christ tapped me and said: "That's what you always talk about; being humble." I never realize I have been talking about it so much. I know over the past year the Lord has been dealing with me and I have been sharing my experiences with the Youth in my church so that they know they are not alone in their struggle(s). We have to be careful what we say and do in front of the people who are looking at us for an example of Christ. We have this game we play on our youth nights when service is done; it is kind of like Charades except you have to guess who in the church the person is. It's so frightening when you realize how closely the Youth watch us. I realize that they have to see a difference in us everyday....
Act, then Write. Or, the Reverse.
I'm attending another open call today, this one for The Folger. If I and my esteemed readers have learned anything about auditioning this month past, it is that it doesn't really matter in a direct sense. Certainly, people have joined casts by finding their way through the open-call process, but it's such an unpredictable blend of circumstances that it would make a statistician wince. No, the way to get work is to know, and thereby work with, lotsa folks. Open calls are a part of that, of being seen and staying on the ol' radar, but not direct lines to the President, as it were. Still and all, every so often one comes up that provokes some dreaming. And, as I've also iterated numerously at the Aviary, dreaming's an important part of the process.
The Folger is one of those D.C. theatres that I grew up visiting. Between that, Arena Stage and The Little Theatre of Alexandria is the space in which I was formed into a young acting enthusiast. I've actually performed there before. They hold an annual festival of short, high school Shakespeare productions, and I was a part of one Winter's Tale that graced their Elizabethan stage. As I'm sure you can imagine, at age fifteen it was quite a thrill. And, lest you be duped by my omissions: It would be quite a thrill today, tomorrow, and when I'm eighty, too. As something of a topper, they're doing two favorites next season -- Much Ado About Nothing and Hamlet. My favorite comedy, and my favorite tragedy (though in recent years, King Lear has been giving the Dane a run for his money in the racetrack of my preference). So, I dream. I'll pop in midday and lay out my Romeo for them-what-make-the-tough-choices, and I'll do my best to enjoy the rush.
In the meantime, I'm plenty busy. T.S. Eliot wrote that April is the cruelest month, and I've often wondered how much his opinion had to do with taxes. In addition, work gallops apace, unrelenting in its demands on me as the new office-manager/HR-coordinator/assistant. Finally, I'm traveling for the next two weekends, to such far-off and fanciful locales as Pennsylvania and Virginia. Yet, yesterday, as I was writing Friends Mark and Davey to break the bad news of feeling unable to contribute much to a new writing project . . . I got an idea, and wrote a story for it. Because, dang it, nothing is more motivating than being told, "No."
I love that the universe keeps throwing writing ideas -- nay, entire fictitious worlds! -- my way. Thanks, universe (read: friends).
The Folger is one of those D.C. theatres that I grew up visiting. Between that, Arena Stage and The Little Theatre of Alexandria is the space in which I was formed into a young acting enthusiast. I've actually performed there before. They hold an annual festival of short, high school Shakespeare productions, and I was a part of one Winter's Tale that graced their Elizabethan stage. As I'm sure you can imagine, at age fifteen it was quite a thrill. And, lest you be duped by my omissions: It would be quite a thrill today, tomorrow, and when I'm eighty, too. As something of a topper, they're doing two favorites next season -- Much Ado About Nothing and Hamlet. My favorite comedy, and my favorite tragedy (though in recent years, King Lear has been giving the Dane a run for his money in the racetrack of my preference). So, I dream. I'll pop in midday and lay out my Romeo for them-what-make-the-tough-choices, and I'll do my best to enjoy the rush.
In the meantime, I'm plenty busy. T.S. Eliot wrote that April is the cruelest month, and I've often wondered how much his opinion had to do with taxes. In addition, work gallops apace, unrelenting in its demands on me as the new office-manager/HR-coordinator/assistant. Finally, I'm traveling for the next two weekends, to such far-off and fanciful locales as Pennsylvania and Virginia. Yet, yesterday, as I was writing Friends Mark and Davey to break the bad news of feeling unable to contribute much to a new writing project . . . I got an idea, and wrote a story for it. Because, dang it, nothing is more motivating than being told, "No."
I love that the universe keeps throwing writing ideas -- nay, entire fictitious worlds! -- my way. Thanks, universe (read: friends).
* * *
Well. That happened. It was fine, apart from some nit-picking on my own part. The start went better than the end, and I thought I'd at least get a chuckle. Alas, no, but I can hardly blame the casting assistant. I lost a little breath control toward the end (it is an awfully long line to carry through) owing to, I think, nervousness and not enough abdominal stretching, but overall I feel pretty good, and it's always nice to know one's resume and headshot may now be occupying space in someone else's files. I don't believe they were casting, however. Maybe a few roles, but I doubt it. Couldn't say exactly why, really. Only the casting assistant was there, and something about her "thank you" -- just a feeling. Of course, as we've already learned, Dear Reader, my "feelings" rather suck.
Lately I've been fantasizing quite a bit about what it might be like to be a professional writer. Fortunately, I just read a book on Neil Gaiman that disabused me of some more fanciful notions. It is hard work indeed, becoming a paid writer, and then even harder work still to stay one. Heck: The high degree of fame and accomplishment that Gaiman has accomplished only makes his life more chaotically busy. The only advantage over acting I see is that most of the rejection that happens is written rather than spoken (and seemingly it actually gets done, instead of letting one drop off the face of the earth, tied to one's own sense of expectation). It would even seem that writers need to do as much networking as actors. Who could have imagined that an acting career would be so much like so many others? I should have, for one. Art imitates life imitates art, etc.
Still, it is a nice fantasy, this idea of doing work that I want to, when I want to, and receiving compliments and praises left, right and center. Plus, I could sit at a nice desk (you can justify the expense and cost of a "nice desk" when it supports your primary income) and drink tea and dream about more fantasies, and more teas, expensive teas, teas that defy you to resist their calming, meditative influence! Dear God! It would be beautiful! There would be affectionately attended potted plants during the day, not the neglected, lonely aloe I have now! At night, candles with subtle musky scents, that I could monitor regularly enough to make them of actual FLAME, and not a flickering LED! I would read and write and read and write and write some more!
And man, oh man, but I'd miss acting. *sigh* Anyway, it appears that fantasy is based largely on soothing things, and if I've learned anything at all in my life to date, it's that soothing things don't generally pay the bills. Hugh McLeod is of the opinion that staying busy with the business of living actually aids one's creativity. Maybe I should teach yoga.
There'd be mats, and Vinyasas, and chanting, and . . . !
Lately I've been fantasizing quite a bit about what it might be like to be a professional writer. Fortunately, I just read a book on Neil Gaiman that disabused me of some more fanciful notions. It is hard work indeed, becoming a paid writer, and then even harder work still to stay one. Heck: The high degree of fame and accomplishment that Gaiman has accomplished only makes his life more chaotically busy. The only advantage over acting I see is that most of the rejection that happens is written rather than spoken (and seemingly it actually gets done, instead of letting one drop off the face of the earth, tied to one's own sense of expectation). It would even seem that writers need to do as much networking as actors. Who could have imagined that an acting career would be so much like so many others? I should have, for one. Art imitates life imitates art, etc.
Still, it is a nice fantasy, this idea of doing work that I want to, when I want to, and receiving compliments and praises left, right and center. Plus, I could sit at a nice desk (you can justify the expense and cost of a "nice desk" when it supports your primary income) and drink tea and dream about more fantasies, and more teas, expensive teas, teas that defy you to resist their calming, meditative influence! Dear God! It would be beautiful! There would be affectionately attended potted plants during the day, not the neglected, lonely aloe I have now! At night, candles with subtle musky scents, that I could monitor regularly enough to make them of actual FLAME, and not a flickering LED! I would read and write and read and write and write some more!
And man, oh man, but I'd miss acting. *sigh* Anyway, it appears that fantasy is based largely on soothing things, and if I've learned anything at all in my life to date, it's that soothing things don't generally pay the bills. Hugh McLeod is of the opinion that staying busy with the business of living actually aids one's creativity. Maybe I should teach yoga.
There'd be mats, and Vinyasas, and chanting, and . . . !
Cute Animals Photos Cutest Animals Graphics Cute Cats Cute Kittens Cute Cubs Cute Bear Animals Comments Glitter Graphics
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Cute Animals Photos Cutest Animals Graphics Cute Cats Cute Kittens cute animal myspace layouts cute animal myspace graphics cute myspace glitter graphics cute animal clip art cute animal backgrounds cute codes for myspace cute easter graphics cute backgrounds myspace.Collection of Cute Animal Myspace Graphics - free Cute Animal Myspace Graphic Codes for your Myspace, Xanga, LiveJournal, Friendster, Hi5 or Website.Cute Animal Graphics Collection. Bunny graphics · Frog graphics · Teddy graphics ... Small animals graphics page is a. All Animal Graphics Site!Animals, Cute, Sayings And Quotes Graphics and Animals, Cute, Sayings And Quotes Comments. Grab some Animals, Cute, Sayings And Quotes myspace graphics cute zoo animals cutest animals photos
How to make a website.How to make money from adsense. how to be a successful blogger.How to make money online.how to buy new car.Free Tax Advise Starting Small Business Work from Home ,How to do things rightly? Things you can do yourself Learn How to Everything Yourself question to your answers everything you can think of authentic answers from expert ask anything cars bikes hotels yoga spiritualty money jobs internet mobile phones google money wealth taxes dating tips sexual health spirituality questions yoga tantra.how to realize god.
http://www.do-everything-yourself.blogspot.com
Free Abstract Wallpaper Myspace Backgrounds Widescreen wallpapers Windows Vista Wallpaper windows 7 Wallpaper Windows Xp Wallpaper Animals Cats Dogs African Safari Football Cricket players Wallpaper Indian Cricket Team Celebrities Bollywood Hindi Movies
http://www.stock-photos-windows-wallpapers.blogspot.com
How to make a website.How to make money from adsense. how to be a successful blogger.How to make money online.how to buy new car.Free Tax Advise Starting Small Business Work from Home ,How to do things rightly? Things you can do yourself Learn How to Everything Yourself question to your answers everything you can think of authentic answers from expert ask anything cars bikes hotels yoga spiritualty money jobs internet mobile phones google money wealth taxes dating tips sexual health spirituality questions yoga tantra.how to realize god.
http://www.do-everything-yourself.blogspot.com
Free Abstract Wallpaper Myspace Backgrounds Widescreen wallpapers Windows Vista Wallpaper windows 7 Wallpaper Windows Xp Wallpaper Animals Cats Dogs African Safari Football Cricket players Wallpaper Indian Cricket Team Celebrities Bollywood Hindi Movies
http://www.stock-photos-windows-wallpapers.blogspot.com
Monday, March 30, 2009
Burlesque
Last Saturday was the day of celebration for Wife Megan's 30th anniversary of the day of her birth and she, being the woman I married, wanted to go see some good, wholesome burlesque. You know burlesque, right? It's that quaint throw-back to a more innocent time, when men were men, women were women, and occasionally they all agreed to meet somewhere with dim lighting to reveal their knees to one another. One of the things I love about living in New York is being somewhere that such nostalgia for the frilly sins of the past exists. Any town that's a friend of anything remotely related to vaudeville and old-timey fun, is a friend of mine, as I always say (or will, henceforth). Furthermore, I specifically love burlesque. It's theatrical, it's joyous, and it usually incorporates lots of humor and props with its boobies. What's not to love?
So we went to The Slipper Room.
We stayed for many acts and several hours.
We left late, and they were still going strong.
Most of us will never be the same.
So from a theatrical perspective, it was a roaring success. I mean, if I can perform in something that really evidently changes people, I consider that a pretty big success. The specificity of that change is something that's even trickier than the change itself, given that all live performance is by its nature collaborative and interpretive. So personally, if you got something out of it, I got something out of it too. This reflects my attitudes on a lot of things. Like . . . dance. Or . . . board games. Or . . . other occupations of one's quest for joyous experiences. Let's not be judgmental about anyone's pursuit of happiness, even if they spell said pursuit "happyness." Hey: Rock on. It brings you joy and, on some level, that makes me happy.
Now there were some things I witnessed Saturday last that did not, per se, make me happy. The responses I had were more along the lines of being made to feel surprised, or confused, or scared. Very, very scared. But others really enjoyed some of these things, and no one got hurt or maligned beyond repair (though of course some audience mockery is part of the idiom), and so we can all look back on it and laugh. Sure, some of us may have gone home and gone directly into the shower, do not pass "GO!", do not bother removing one's clothing. But here we all are, scarless, and with a generally broader view of our fellow man, woman, and all others.
A broader view in a smaller world, I should say. I knew one of the performers -- had performed with her before, in fact. Her stage name is Miss Saturn, and she is a dynamite hula-hoop artist. She is also, it turns out, somewhat uninhibited in her display of God's gifts. When I performed alongside her, it was at a benefit for Friend Melissa's company, Kinesis Project. She hooped it up, I clowned around, and afterward she suggested we work together again some time, but I never followed up. Now I'm left to wonder if following up would have led me to The Slipper Room. It would not have been an entirely unwelcome opportunity, assuming I would have been able to stick to my personal preferences for the content of my act. During Saturday's experience I also had the unexpected mystery of feeling I recognized another performer: one "Harvest Moon." As it turns out, I don't. She's not who I mistook her for, but she has nevertheless reminded me that secret identities are as common in this city as free newspapers.
Some may view my appetite for nostalgia with disdain, but what can I say? I like sentimental sweetness in my indulgences, and could have used a bit more at The Slipper Room. After each break, the acts grew progressively more risque and shocking, and I grew less and less interested. Of course, if I were to run a contemporary burlesque show in New York City, I've no doubt I'd have to make similar allowances. After all, what we saw was probably closer in overall effect to us as the burlesques of old were during their time. These shows were shocking, titillating not just in sensual ways, but in visceral ones. The atmosphere should be one of reckless abandon and in this sense there was nothing inapt about my experience Saturday night. It was just that I had walked into a circa-1930s Berlin burlesque, when I had been hoping for a circa-1889s French one, I suppose. C'est la vie! I regret nothing!
Looking back, it occurs to me that there's an awfully fine line between anticipation and dread, and that line is going to be set at different places for different folks. A friend of mine recently sent me some writing research that discusses the role of feedback loops in sexual experiences. The gist of it was that "healthy" sexuality involves a feedback loop of increasing focus on arousal, and "unhealthy" (or perhaps, unhelpful) sexuality involves a neurotic, self-evaluative loop. Both increase the focus, but one allows you to engage, and the other rather prevents it. If we accept that sexual feelings are erotic in the broader sense, this is a very interesting way of looking at what we as performers inspire in our audiences. Will we fill them with eager anticipation, loathsome dread, or something of a different ratio altogether? In my opinion, neither is bad, just a different effect. And whatever effect, it begs the question: What, if anything, will we make the payoff?
You Melt My Heart to Stone
I found myself singing "Melt My Heart to Stone" by Adele unaware at work today. I saw her live a while ago we she was in New York (she was a well kept secret then) and was amazed by how she sang that song with all her heart. You could tell she was singing the song from experience. It had me thinking: why do we do this to ourselves? Why are we so impatient to let someone in only to have them do what they want and leave without warning? It's like we prepare a wonderful feast just for them, invite them, only to have them behave how they want and leave without even a "thank you". What makes it even worst is after we get hurt we put a shield or a defense and make ourselves unreachable to the One God has chosen for us. I think it's because the first (or second or third) time we love, we love with all our hearts and we get burned. We become so guarded that the Right one has to go through some serious hurdles just to get our attention. I started thinking about this as my godmother was telling a tale about this female eagle that made a group of male eagles go through a series of tests. She told me the female eagle would pick up sticks and start to fly, she would be persued by male eagles interested in mating with her. When she gets to a certain height, she would drop the sticks and they would have to catch it. This would continue; she would fly higher and carry a heavier sticks each time. She would keep going as some of the male eagles would get tired and give up. Finally one male eagle would keep going; and she decides she will mate with him. Later they have offsprings. When its time to teach them to fly, the mom would push the offsprings out of the nest and if they don't fly the male has to catch them. She made him go through all that so would know he could handle the situation later. I thought that was the coolest story I ever heard. If we enter into courtship knowing what the person can handle before hand we won't have any surprises later.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
As a Children's Church teacher I have learned that children aren't like adults in many ways. They want to know: Who? What? When? How? and always Why? This was especially true last week in class. I was teaching them about Jesus Private Ministry (Baptism, 40 Day & Night Fast, His Temptation) and every 5 minutes I was asked questions that broke into a series of discussions. Mind you we teach 2-12 year olds but their minds were as sponges; eager to take in as much information as possible. The lesson was supposed to last 30 minutes tops; but with all the children shooting question after question, the lesson ran until service was done. I often tell myself that I want a mind like a child; where I believe in God's word and there's no room for doubt. Where I am so hungry to learn more and more about Him that I am constantly reading His word. I have this one child in class who reminds me of myself when I was younger. He came up to me and told me he was prayed for and anointed. He was so excited! He said he felt like he could do anything! Remember when we were like that? When we were so gung ho and on fire for Christ that we would do any and everything possible just to do something for the kingdom of God? When we quoted God's promises, believed it without a trace of doubt; if God said it then it was so? We are constantly at war with our minds between what can be so easily achieved with a "child-like faith". I think if we just take on the simple mind frame as a child and ask & answer those questions we will feel a lot better. Who: me. What: the situation at hand. When: right now. Why: It's just another way God can show me who He is in my life. How: He will solve any problem if I put my trust in Him. All it takes is faith as small as a mustard seed.
Emo Photos Emo Love Emo Comments Emo Backgrounds Emo myspace layouts Emo lovers Emo Graphics Emo Fashion
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Links to this Picture (Html Codes) (Copy/Paste into your own Website or Blog):
Emo Photos Emo Love Emo Comments Emo Backgrounds Emo myspace layouts fotos emo emo girl emo videos emo punk emo lyrics emos layouts emo orkut emo xanga emo multiply emo glitter graphics emo photos emo lovers emo hairstyles emo pictures emo fashion emo songs emo sites emoticon emo lyrics how to look emo emo layouts.Emo Graphic Codes For Myspace Profiles and Myspace Comments. Emo Comments and Comment Codes for Myspace, Piczo, Xanga, Friendster, Blog, website cute emo animated graphics
How to do things rightly? Things you can do yourself Learn How to Everything Yourself question to your answers everything you can think of authentic answers from expert ask anything cars bikes hotels yoga spiritualty money jobs internet mobile phones google money wealth taxes dating tips sexual health spirituality questions yoga tantra
http://www.do-everything-yourself.blogspot.com
Money Online, Easy Money, Make Easy Money, Easy Ways To Make Money, Make Money Quick And Easy, Make Easy Money Online, Easy Way To Make Money, Make Money,Most Profitable Online Money Making Low Cost Home Based Internet Business To Earn With ..... work at home business
Yoga certifications Yoga teacher Online Yoga Lessons therapeutic massage chakra balancing Self Help Reiki Therapy Researched information on yoga, yoga philosophy, yoga schools, yogasanas and other yogic practices For all your yoga videos, books, clothing and mats, as well as pilates equipment,
Bollywood Celebrities Wallpapers Indian Film Stars Film Personalities Sports Celebrities Wallpapers Cricket Players Photos Film Actress Pictures Hot Indian sexy Heroine Pictures User Wallpapers · 3D & Digital art. 3D & Digital Art Exclusive full screen wallpapers of Indan celebrities,
How to do things rightly? Things you can do yourself Learn How to Everything Yourself question to your answers everything you can think of authentic answers from expert ask anything cars bikes hotels yoga spiritualty money jobs internet mobile phones google money wealth taxes dating tips sexual health spirituality questions yoga tantra
http://www.do-everything-yourself.blogspot.com
Money Online, Easy Money, Make Easy Money, Easy Ways To Make Money, Make Money Quick And Easy, Make Easy Money Online, Easy Way To Make Money, Make Money,Most Profitable Online Money Making Low Cost Home Based Internet Business To Earn With ..... work at home business
Yoga certifications Yoga teacher Online Yoga Lessons therapeutic massage chakra balancing Self Help Reiki Therapy Researched information on yoga, yoga philosophy, yoga schools, yogasanas and other yogic practices For all your yoga videos, books, clothing and mats, as well as pilates equipment,
Bollywood Celebrities Wallpapers Indian Film Stars Film Personalities Sports Celebrities Wallpapers Cricket Players Photos Film Actress Pictures Hot Indian sexy Heroine Pictures User Wallpapers · 3D & Digital art. 3D & Digital Art Exclusive full screen wallpapers of Indan celebrities,
http://www.celebrities-wallpapers-bollywood.blogspot.com/
Orkut Graphics Hi5 Layouts Free Backgrounds Love Pictures romantic Photos Celebrities Hot Babes Sexy hunks Myspace Comments Spiritual Photos Lord Shiva Bible Quotes Vedic Inspiration Motivation wisdom kaalchakra Blogger Templates Free
http://www.animation-stock-photos-website-design.blogspot.com/
Animated Pictures Animation Clipart Glitter graphics Myspace Backgrounds Wolves Fairies Goddess Mermaids Good Morning Comments Good Night Comments Blessings Comments Inspiring Quotes
http://www.animation-digital-photos-posters.blogspot.com/
Orkut Graphics Hi5 Layouts Free Backgrounds Love Pictures romantic Photos Celebrities Hot Babes Sexy hunks Myspace Comments Spiritual Photos Lord Shiva Bible Quotes Vedic Inspiration Motivation wisdom kaalchakra Blogger Templates Free
http://www.animation-stock-photos-website-design.blogspot.com/
Animated Pictures Animation Clipart Glitter graphics Myspace Backgrounds Wolves Fairies Goddess Mermaids Good Morning Comments Good Night Comments Blessings Comments Inspiring Quotes
http://www.animation-digital-photos-posters.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
