Not much need for the Good Humor man today and his favorite selection of ice cream. If you have a little imagination, a little dirt and some food dye, you can become your own ice cream vendor. Only thing is you’ll have to watch those pebbles on the teeth- I think I’d rather pay for the stuff than eat one of the kids…
When I was a child my good humored grandmother visited from England. She was your typical Liverpudlian- DAMN fine entertainer and ALWAYS pulling gags. She used to roll her own cigarettes, so one day my brother (he was 2 years younger than I) asked if we could roll her a cigarette. She said- ABSOLUTELY.
We disappeared into the basement…..
We were like two mad scientists creating the Frankenstein Monster Cigarette… it contained small dead bugs, dust, dirt, and practically anything awful, hideous and wretched. Problem was we didn’t know how to roll the stuff AND we had so much of it that it barely rolled. I must have been 8 or 9. I thought we were so smart…..
Well, I can remember coming up to my Grandmother and handing her this crooked part-tobacco, part-alien smoking apparatus. She looked and smiled, entertained by the fact we were using our creativity. She HAD to light it to smoke- even if it killed her. I remember her lighting the end, as much as my brother and I tried to contain our laughter, we couldn’t. She took a drag and coughed like hell, exaggerating every body shaking jolt. We fell to the floor laughing. As you can see, it was memorable. Like the time my brother slammed a roll of caps hit with a sledgehammer and caught my pajama pants on fire…..good times.
Today, I did little ice cream making. I just shoveled. It’s become the bane of my existence. I may have to be the mad scientist tomorrow and create an ice cream store with stools. There’s plenty of snow to play with- plenty of fun to be had and now that the work is done… it’s play time. Get out an enjoy all- this sort of thing makes GOOD times….
First- it’s snowing like HELL here. We’re in the middle of a blizzard. I was supposed to see the English Beat & Fishbone tonight, but the show was cancelled due to the weather. Not only was the show important getting together with my buddy Brian- a good friend since the 80’s. We took an adventure out to Bellevue, OH years ago and even visited the Rock & Roll hall of fame. It was with him I penned the first “song” I’d ever written- “Smooth Shoes” and that was after our visit to the Museum with fresh inspiration from Keith Moon’s Blue Platform shoes.
After work closed early today, I started to venture down towards Asbury Park. Only got as far as Clifton, NJ before I found out the show was cancelled. I went back home to push around some VERY HEAVY snow.
I just saw Modigliani- a movie that starred Andy Garcia. Now, I’m a fan on the artist’s work and thought logically the movie would be a biography on the man’s life. It was FICTIONALIZED….. well, nothing could piss me off more. It was “loosely” based on the man’s life, but when one uses those words- loosely- it could mean absolutely anything. I wouldn’t know what was real and what was fake, so I spent 2 hours following a movie on which I seemed to learn nothing. A story whose attempt to show others how painters of the time could react with each other… no thanks. Thumbs down on my end.
Now, back to the 21 Club…..
When you sit to the side of a bar and observe the interaction of people, you really get an understanding of how the world works. I listened to the waiters, who all seemed to appear MUCH older speak to clientele by their surnames. Evidently a Mr. Gil was there.. a famous attorney who I simply nodded as if I knew who he was. What I find facinating is the people who interact with those kind of people. I was told by Miko that he’d worked at another restaurant many years ago and witnessed Salvador Dali do three paintings for the owner. They were given to the man and he could only imagine what they ran for nowadays. One was of Don Quixote- a favorite character of mine.
I love to talk to bartenders, especially the older kind- the ones who have been around awhile. They’re so full of interesting knowledge, facts and stories. Miko told me of the ‘21′ wine cellar which housed bottles by Frank Sinatra, Clinton and other famous personalities. He told me the party I passed in this cozy little room full of red leather furniture, a fireplace and old mahogany tables (imagine an old smoking room)was going to the cellar to indulge in some wine.
I wanted to get up and walk around, but felt a little intimidated and it’s my nature not to disturb others, especially in this environment. There were probably 10 OLD plaques which were recessed into the far wall- the area where Richard Nixon used to sit. Each one had script which was probably done in the 30’s with sharp and witty sayings. I could only view in the distance.
Evidently, business was not what it used to be. They, as well as others, were hit hard by the economy. He told me 12 years ago the place used to be 20 deep at the bar, but has quieted substantially- a benefit to yours truly. I thought it interesting how an outsider like myself might be viewed by the others around me. After all, I wasn’t dressed in your typical black suit and white starched shirt, but had a 1970’s red jacket lined with black velvet , velvet pants and a velvet lined shirt- jacket required. In a place like that I always feel everyone is measuring up everyone. Maybe it’s my paranoia, but I had to try a 21 burger to see what made it different than your average $15 burger- it was twice that….. it’s in the sauce… it’s ALWAYS in the sauce. Oh, and the dirty martinis- they were EXCELLENT and packed a punch. I felt so good afterwards, I had to go back to the Tim Burton exhibit. Under the influence of alcohol, perhaps I’d have a different take on things. One things for sure- I felt a need to learn how to draw after seeing that!
The Tim Burton exhibit was phenomenal. It was the perfect exhibit for the budding artist, showing the foundations of the film maker and his need to be different, especially as a teen. They had memorabilia from all of his movies and over 500 sketches. He’s quite an artist in addition to his film making talent. There are so many things I could say about it, but I think I’ll just have to tell you to GO there. If you visit the MOMA website, I’m sure you could purchase a book which will detail some of it. I purchased one and a pack of cards for those nights I have NOTHING to do…. they may just sit there for the next 10 years the way life is shaping up.
I finished with a long walk from the museum back to Penn Station, some 22 blocks. I was slowed by a brewery called The Heartland Brewery- an old watering hole when I worked in the city. They make the best damn stout in the world called Farmer Jon’s Oatmeal Stout. Brian told me to try Chickhouse Porter- or something like that, but the message was a little late. I’d tried a “Not Tonight Honey Porter” the replacement of that I’d imagined and Red Rooster Ale. By this time, I was quite full, but I started an interesting conversation with a woman a few stools down from me. She’d had this antique box sitting on the bar, which I found VERY interesting. She used it like a handbag, but it was a camera bag- she was a photographer. It’s interesting when you get out during the day- the creatives tend to find themselves at bars…or coffee houses it was my hope that this kind of thing would happen.
I was decorated with a VERY high compliment- that I reminded her of Elvis Costello. The hat, the jacket.. the aura I suppose. I don’t think I could have ended on a better note in the city.
So now it begins…. the second bar on the agenda is called “Bemelmans Bar” at the Carlyle Hotel - 35 East 76th Street. That will be this Wednesday March 3rd. probably between noon & 2pm. The time seems good and maybe we can find something interesting to talk about- a story or two. Anyone who wants to follow, fine by me. You’ll need to check to see if there’s a dress code- 21 club had one. I’ll be the one with the book and I’d love ya to sign it- that’s gonna be my thing. A creative day time bar crawl.. nothing sloppy, just GOOD company and conversation. Hope to see ya next Wednesday!
Train Ride:
It’s with great pleasure I write this blog today. It’s been a week since I’ve anticipated my visit and only today has it come to fruition.
There’s something to be said about excitement- trekking into the unknown, and starting a new adventure. It may be nothing more than nonsense to your average man or woman, but to a creative… it’s far more. It’s the stimulus; the smells, the sites, the feels, the tastes; it’s full utilization of all of the senses.
For me, that only takes place with a clear and focused mind. All the trivialities of every day tasks and labors thrown to the side and an unbridled intense relationship with one’s self- blossoms.
When I woke, I was at peace. I knew what to wear, where to go, but in an earth shattering moment I realized the location and it’s proximity to the Museum of Modern Art- one BLOCK away! I’d wanted to get to the museum since the opening of the master film maker, Tim Burton’s retrospective. It was to give layman like me an intimate look into his creative endeavors from his teen years through today- a clue into the very inspirations that brought his fame, fortune, and absolute brilliance.
Museums are a phenomenal source of inspiration. Modern Art not only allows the brain to contemplate our existence, but also the world which surrounds us. It brings another level of thinking, one reserved for the “not quite on” personalities- those who minimize themselves regarding the influence on generations of creatives and fosters an environment where people grow. For this reason, way past my own adolescent physical growth, I must go.
“Best Bar Wednesdays” Blog series will be for the next 20 weeks. It will cover (and give me an excuse) to get to 20 bars as written in “The History & Stories of the Best Bars of New York” - the brainchild of Jef Klein. The first bar was the legendary ‘21′ Club on 52nd. Street. Lunch- this will be a DAYTIME event- is served from noon till 2:30pm. My train arrives 11am and the museum will be open when I arrive. Nothing but good can come from such a venture, so I’ll leave my senses from here in ON.
Time: 11:10am- Subway: As I sit quietly on the ride to 53rd St. a loud noise and clanging change emanates from the end of the car. A blind man with a cane is speaking in tongues (nothing I can understand) and rising and dropping a Tupperware container with a little change in it. He looks haggard and slides his cane from left to right walking through the middle of the car. Even when he is directly in front of me, I can’t understand what he says- he’s mechanized. Much like the train we ride. He’s become so automated that the feeling was lost in some kind of action of repetition. I’ve seen it before in other circumstances, where people become almost numb- “zombified” if you will- to those around them. They know they have a need, but because the city tends to eat and spit people like that out, they go into this state of self protection, become robots. The smell is like diesel and I wonder if he’s powered the same way.
Time: Noon- 4:30pm- Fuzzy
Time: 5pm- Recollections: I’ve read, spoken, listened, walked, and watched. It’s amazing when I attempt to coordinate my hand with my thoughts. It’s like one of Tim Burton’s Alien creations.
The ‘21′ Club is an amazing place. Everyone seemed to know each other. You’re greeted with a smile and asked for help. The workers treat you like Royalty and in such places I feel very small. I’m never comfortable in those kind of establishments, but to be at the end of the bar and observing.. well, that’s what I do best. It helps when you have a bartender who really makes you feel at home. Despite being a new comer, he made me feel at ease.
His name was Miko and he was from Croatia. He goes home once a year to visit; it’s a gorgeous place. Being the son of a world traveller I’ve heard of such places on the Mediterranean sea, but his description and accent simply added romance to the place. He told me he was “new” there and was only there for 18 years….. I think that sums it up entirely.
He told me I should have arrived earlier and he would have shown me some of the place. He pointed to the dividers which separated 3 buildings. He told me the section I sat in was at the back of the bar. I’d read people who sat there were either on the upcoming or the down going. Those at the far side where those who they always want noticed- presidents, actors: Humphrey Bogart had his personal table in the center and proposed to Lauren Bacall there. Funny enough the one in back of me was Donald Trumps. Perhaps he likes the privacy.
The ceiling is filled with numerous souvenirs. I saw an elephant tusk which was taken from the Congo in 1956- bagged by someone famous. What struck me was the amount of transportation vehicles, even Katarina Vitt had her ice skates signed and hung from the ceiling. It actually made me think back to the movie- the Aviator and the personalities of those jet setters during the 1970’s. How they were viewed like movie stars. I thought of my Dad.
There are plenty of things we do in life who make us who we are. We can’t all follow some one else’s dreams of success and how we view success will always be shaped on those early years.
I’m lucky to have the opportunity to indulge and write. I’ve been a failure and I’ve seen success. The best thing I can tell someone is to believe in yourself and support yourself with those who think you have something to offer. Not everyone can stand on their own two feet and it’s important to have the support to get up and walk, when you feel you can’t.
Two dirty martinis and I felt I could have used a little support… but enough for now. I understand we could expect a foot of snow and I’m supposed to see the English Beat & Fishbone. We’ll see. I’ll continue tomorrow. Good evening all.
Morning all. I’m glad to get into this week even if it’s a Monday.
Last week was pretty horrible. Nothing much got done, and my brain felt like a basketball that needed a good bounce. I’ve been stuck in one place and I’m dying to get out in any kind of respect. It’s going to be a miserable rainy week, so you may see me a little more here, but I may just need to put on the “wellies” and fight the water. The most creative ideas often fall like rain… sometimes even in it.
The one good thing from last week was spending time with my son making a snow sculpture. I used to do this when the kids were much smaller, but since our move to New York, I haven’t dedicated much time to it. It always gave me great pleasure making these large snow sculptures, especially since it would fascinate my neighbors and make me look “odd”. It never really mattered much to me. It was the execution of idea to reality.
The best was a giant tank, with a pvc barrel and wood tracks. It was great to have the kids stand on it for pictures. It took a day. Saturdays took only a few hours, not too elaborate and what started out as a lion started to look more like a seated dog. (If you picture the Sphinx, with a dogs head- then you got the snow sculpture). I built it out near the street on account the last head (an Easter Island head) built back in December made the neighbors dog freak out. He barked at the thing till it disappeared. The one I did this time was not visible through the fence.
I named it Snaggletooth on account of one or two of it’s sharp canines falling straight out it’s mouth.
I thought it might be fun to get more elaborate as the snow comes on. I have a friend who I recently found out was a graffiti artist and I thought it might be cool to work a 3-D graffiti sculpture on the side yard with color dyes. I think it’d be quite poetic as the weather turns, and it disappears, much like the scrubbing of paint from a building.
All of this stuff comes is the result of a particular mind set. It takes days to get motivated and actually DO it. I can only hope the snow is packable on that day, and that I’m free from other commitments.
When it comes to snow, the joy must be seized, because too soon it disappears. Next time instead of thinking of the burdens it provides like poor driving, visibility problems or shoveling, try and think of what it is you could provide for your neighbor- perhaps a couple of strange looks, OR maybe even a smile.
Have a great week all.
So here I am at 11:44am with a Scotch next to me. I had thought about having it after noon (like it would have mattered) but decided it’s noon somewhere.
I intended on taking the 9:37am train into NYC today to visit the first bar on my “Best Bar Wednesdays”- the ‘21′ club. I was dressed, all ready to meet the day, mentally prepared. Just as I was leaving, and I mean literally, a call comes through. The ID was a local number. I thought I should let the answering machine pick up, after all I was catching the train…. no call is that important - EXCEPT a call from the school nurse.
FUCK……
It’s just typical for me. Every time I want to do something for myself, I get slapped in the face and must face the responsibilities of being a father. Last Weds, it was snow and schools were cancelled. The Weds before my other half was out of town. What will it be for next Weds? I have no FUCKING clue- but something’s bound to come up.
Anger is a tough thing on days like today. When I’m mentally prepared to do something, start a project or do an interesting for MYSELF, something always gets in the way. It’s starting to make me cynical. There was blurb I’d read not long ago in a book titled, “The Art of the Personal Essay”. It was a passage by F. Scott Fitzgerald about getting older and how when he used to help others, he never seemed to get anywhere. It struck me at the time. He started to cut people off, not want to engage with conversation because he wasn’t interested. He was disenchanted. I could see how that could happen.
I’m not one to sit around and get fat. I’m a mover, a shaker- get up and go sorta guy. Being confined gets me messed up. Seeing people sit around makes me angry. I suppose in some ways it’s good, cause it works the mind a little, but I need my imagination to bridge the reality of confinement. I need to explore, need to feel and touch those inanimate objects with past histories, to find new passages through which to jump. It’s like Jimmy Fallon once said in a Mick Jagger skit, “Mick, it’s Stale.”
(I’m swirling the ice cubes in my drink…..I put it down)
It’ll be another week I put off my venture, so for that I apologize. At this point, I don’t give a damn if I have a Gout attack. I think it’s far easier dealing with physical pain than mental. Nevertheless, it’s a rut. Could be the weather, could be my state of mind-
(Phone rings- I answer and disappear a few minutes..)
Good news is my buddy, Brian called to get back to me regarding a show in Asbury Park, NJ. Many of you rock and rollers are probably familiar with the town that made Bruce Springsteen famous. The legendary Stone Pony is hosting a double bill of the English Beat along with Fishbone (a band my friend Brian & I have been seeing since the DAY). It’s very close to his place and it’s something I didn’t want to miss. The two together… well, that’s the bomb. It’s happenin next week and he wanted to pick up tickets. HALLELUJAH ! Good news!
Now, I take a deep breath and begin to repeat to myself, it’s not so bad… it’s not so bad…. boy, that Scotch really helps take the edge off….
Ever feel lazy all of the sudden?
Today is one of those days I feel I need to write, but truly have no time to. It’s been one of those weeks, I’ve neglected this, but hope to recover enough to keep you interested and coming back.
The snow this past Weds was horrendous. Any snow is horrible on account I need to shovel my drive. It’s not a problem, just time consuming and when you expect 12 inches plus, it’s a downright day of moving snow. It’s only then you realize what age does to the body and how the mind challenges our will to overcome physical pain. Really, I exaggerate here, I’m achy, but not a complainer. It’s just I need more rest now to compensate for the activity- rest isn’t so bad.
Yesterday, I spent a brain dead sort of day at home and went to work, forced to exercise what I felt I couldn’t. Artificial stimulants like coffee thus serve their purpose and today, I feel lazy once again. Work, and a busy weekend. Anyways…
I’m watching a fascinating show on Discovery this morning called something like Marvelous mysteries of the Smithsonian. It tells us of all the wonderful discoveries which await at the national museum- one I hate to say I’ve never been to. It’s a definite must, and one I’ll try and get to in the next few years- my problem being- I’d need a week to absorb it all.
Abraham Lincoln was born today and as I was contemplating what to blog- it went into his exhibit on the show. I’m not going to elaborate, but I’ve always found it interesting what comes up and when. Charles Darwin was also born today in 1809. Ethan Allen died- not the furniture designer- but the American Patriot.
The original Scottish sailor who was saved from a 5 year ordeal on an uninhabited island- Alexander Selkirk- was rescued in 1709. His story was the basis for the famous book Robinson Cruesoe. In 1924, George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” was played for the first time in New York. Lady Jane Grey- an English queen for 9 days was hung in 1554. Supposedly her ghost haunts the Tower of London and was last sighted in 1957.
There it is…. a blip of interest in a small unknown corner of New York called “Thunder world”. May the heavens of inspiration always be upon you.
We all go through those moments of adjustment. We have our highs, we have our lows and I feel often it takes something extraordinary to change the way we do things. It could be interaction with someone, or it could be an event. It’s the little things which we neglect.
You’ll notice the previous post I did today of people setting up “piano stairs” so more would take the stairs over the escalator. 66% more people took the stairs because it was fun.
I may be getting cynical with age, but I’ve become wiser also. Towards the end of last year we did a song (MILC) which was improvised (they all are with MILC). It was called, “The Music”. Basically, it’s a song about going through and seeing all the changes which happen in music over time. When you look at all the decades, the foundations from Big band, to the blues, to jazz, to rock & roll, to metal, to grunge…. it evolves each one being a stepping stone on to another. We process all of this beautiful music and in doing so, it builds us- becomes one with us- and all of the sudden, it comes out again in it’s own way. Innovation is glorious.
The first lines start “I’ve lived through grunge, watched the king of pop fall, seen the grooves of generations incinerate without call…” and ya know it’s all about the music. Listening to it, it’s pretty powerful. “Music is what it chooses to be, I have no feeling of adversity” There are so many lines, but the point is that the darkness has channeled into forms through which we hear. Funk Thunder seeks to add a little fun into the lives of those who listen. My wise old painter friend says, “you’re still a strange man, who enjoys dressing funny”.
We all enjoy a little comedy and I think it’s time we all lighten up. Spin the mood. There’s too much grief in the world today. We’re at war, our economy sucks, unemployment is skyrocketing, natural disasters are clobbering us…. hey, we all know the shitty side of life. Let’s give something to people…. a little light maybe. See the movie, “Pay it Forward”. Maybe people CAN make a change….
I watched Dirty Jobs last night on discovery. It’s a great show that shows how awful some jobs are, and the dirty things people have to do to make a living. I saw one with worm farmers in GA, who support themselves by getting worms out of the ground. They put a wood stake into the ground, hit it with a mallet and the vibration drives the creatures out of the ground for collection.
Last night, he was with a demolition crew who destroy buildings- most of it the old fashion way- mallets, sledgehammers and pulling things down. He said they couldn’t include some of the best bits in the episode due to editing. During the film, they walked down to the street and invited people after a long days work to take part in the demolition. He met a woman, who was vary harried. When they started talking, it turns out she’d had a horrible day and she was getting married that weekend- STRESSED to the max. So, they took her into the building to the “destruction floor”. He put a brick in her hand and said throw it where you like. She threw it throw a window- then giggled. He put another in her hand and she threw it at a wall. He continued to give her bricks which she’d throw at various places throughout the room- laughing with each throw.
He tied up the episode by stating,”we all have stress, but when you can smash stuff- it helps”. These gigantic workers who own and run the demolition company are the most laid back guys, because they can channel the anger positively. A very sensical guy.
Today, I spent hours in the side yard breaking up old wood. Breaking it with my hands, my knees, and rocks making piles to burn up in my fire pit. I have no tools I wish to utilize. I use mathematics, angles and leverage, analyzing weak points and best determining the place to break it. Going through plenty of large limbs and branches and generally making a mess.
My son helped in doing this and he enjoys it as much as I. I told him how to do it, where he can find weak points and he loves it. The fact we can have a fire usually after is even more satisfying- cooking marshmallows over a fire…. what better is there in life?
Point being- as much as every muscle in my body aches right now, I’m SOOOOOOOOO MELLOWWWWWWWW. Dirty Jobs was right. Smashing stuff is a good thing, especially when you need to channel the poisons which fill the system.
Next time you’re mad- go out and break up wood WITH YOUR HANDS. Don’t take the easy way out cutting it with a chainsaw. It’ll exercise your brain and there’s nothing better than being a Cro-Magnon for a little and warming yourself by a fire. It’s primal.
Last night, I was reminded about how important it is to do things for others, especially when your down yourself. It provides one of the best feelings you can have - giving without want or need for anything back. When you put a smile on someone’s face or give them that warm fuzzy feeling inside- it’s enough to pay you back many times over.
In the Pixar film - Monsters, Inc we find those scary nightmarish monsters find more power in energy by making kids laugh rather than scream. Recently, I saw a study on the detection of heart attacks in women. As a preventative measure they said, a woman should get 15 minutes of laughter a day. It’s as good as physical exercise.
I don’t think there’s a doubt laughter is great for your state of mind. Even the dullest sourpuss could light a room if a laugh crossed his/her face. How many times have you gotten the giggles because someone near you was laughing hysterically, and you didn’t even know why you were laughing?
When I was in college I had the chance to go out to Los Angeles to visit some friends. I worked in a restaurant at the time as a kitchen waiter (food deliverer). One of the cooks- Doug- was this philosophical sorta guy- a dead head- and a basically a living cartoon. We used to hang out, BS over beers, talk philosophy and comedy as he pounded away pitcher after pitcher of beer in the 120 degree heat in the kitchen.
He knew I was going out to LA, so one day he says, “Steve, here’s a dollar. I want you to buy some homeless guy a cup of coffee on Sunset Blvd.” I told him, “I think that’s great, and I’m GONNA do it.”
The trip comes and I’m walkin down Sunset Blvd lookin at the assorted people. I spot this bearded guy who looked pretty destitute. He was tellin some story to others and laughing like crazy. I watched in the distance, noticed his shopping cart full of clothes and stuff and waited until the others left a few minutes later.
I go up to this guy and say “I want to give you a dollar for some coffee.”
He turns around and gives me this attitude, “I don’t want your dollar! Who the hell do ya think I am?!”
Being kindly and soft spoken, I say, “Look I just thought you could use a cup of coffee.”
And he starts with me. “You don’t know what I need! I don’t need your money. I don’t want your money, just leave me alone!”
Well, it was my turn for the attitude, “hey man, LOOK- I got this buddy in Jersey. He told me to give some guy down on his luck a buck to get a coffee. You look like ya needed it, but I’m not gonna argue over it. If ya want it, it’s yours- it’ll give ya a good cup of Joe. Jesus…..” I say and by this time he could see I was pissed.
He humbly bowed his head and turned back to me and says something like, “I’ll take your dollar. I’m sorry. I could use a cup of coffee. Thanks so much.”
It was all in the way he said it. I could see it in his eyes- the appreciation. When I walked away from that man, I was like the Grinch bringing back the presents to Whosville. It was an internal feeling I couldn’t describe.
When you give, you receive- no matter HOW you look at it. You know that dollar was symbolic for me in so many ways. It showed me how a proud man down on his luck survives. It exposed the truth below the surface. It showed me the essence of humanity.
All it took was a suggestion from my friend Doug, and me to carry it out. We all prospered from that moment. Me, Doug and that guy down on his luck- because we all smiled 2000 miles apart. It only cost one dollar. Now, THAT’s TRUE value.
Steve
We go through many different phases as we live. We have our highs and we have our lows. We fight to maintain control in sometimes an uncontrollable world.
I’ve learned that we must accept situations which can hurt and spin them to something more positive. I know for myself in such conditions, I bury myself in work; anything to distract me from that moment. It always pans out well, there will always be issues, however, as your conscious is DOING, your subconscious is learning. Invention and creation is the cure for an ailing mind. I think that famous quote goes “Need is the key to invention”
DOING is so important. Even when we DON’T know what we’re doing, we’re learning along the way. In doing so, we may come across something so fantastic, we’re flabbergasted and floored by the results.
We’re not any different- you and I.
Next time you feel under the weather, your inside and it’s bitter out, and all you want to do is curl up in a ball under a blanket, do the opposite. Sounds strange, but if you’ve ever seen that Seinfeld episode where George does the opposite of what he thinks- you’ll have as a good a laugh. Sometimes there’s just no sense in this world, and sometimes, it just takes an outside perspective.
I have a strange habit. During the middle of the night, my body has the need to turn over in some sort of strange and dramatic way. It leaps then flips over.
This morning I realized I’m not much better than a fish out of water during the night. In one moment as my body is still, the need to use all the strength in my neck, arch my body with the exception of my feet, and toss myself over is there. I’m sure most people just casually roll over, but this weird sensation to launch myself into the air comes at least once a night.
I haven’t been able to pin it down to nightmares, dreams, or anything in particular. Perhaps I was once a fish…. or a bird.
It’s good exercise, but it can be somewhat distracting for the woman lying next to me. For when this action takes place and my body bounces to the bed, it sends an earthquake like ripple deserving of a good thud.
For some reason I woke after this comfortable flip, with the thought- CRAP, I’m like a fish! It never occurred to me before today and I had to write you about it.
When I write I take different characters. I can be a gangster, an upper class snob, a low life street urchin, a high fluttin flapper, a horse, a tree, whatever it might be. It’s an actors job really, assuming the position of whoever you are, even if that’s an inanimate object. Being something you’re not, being able to blend into your surroundings as that form.
There’s a song by Keller Williams & String Cheese Incident called “Best Feeling”. It’s all about feeling great and taking your imagination to new heights be imagining yourself as other life forms. In it they put themselves in an environment symbolic of the life form they were imitating. For example- a bird in a tree, a fish in a pond, etc. It’s really a fantastic song to check out. So last night I was a fish, and even when I sleep my imagination is busy searching. For what, I couldn’t tell you- maybe the next story, perhaps this blog, perhaps another perspective into a universal thinking. One things for sure- every breath is as valuable as water is to gills.
Steve
Funk Thunder
Yes, this is the bionic Entry. A very short moment to type a blog due to extreme forces of time weighing in on this personality, and effecting him to do it at great speed. It’s not going to be much, but it’ll be interesting.
The weekend was busy. Finished up many songs in our attainment of finishing our 3rd CD. We knocked off, and finished 7 songs. We have enough to finish the CD, yet we need to do the artwork and I think ideally it should contain 2 more songs. Currently it has 12.
Also thought about the next CD which we’d like to release this year containing straight up rock and roll. We have probably 5 songs for that one, so we need to work on that. Have an idea for the artwork, it should be really coooooool.
Today in history Mary Shelly died in 1851. Had her vision of bring the dead back to life become reality, perhaps she should be the first. That’d be poetic. Maybe we could just recycle some of the bones… “Hey, would you believe my femur is Mary Shelly’s?” What an odd thought… famous bones for famous people…..
You know I’m a fan of Thomas Edison- today in history he erected the first motion picture studio at a cost of $637. If only we could have a day of pricing from 1893- THAT would jump start the economy! In 1682 East Jersey was sold to William Penn & Associates (sounds like an accounting firm). Don’t know how much, but I remember something about a wampum exchange… no, never mind that was Manhattan. I think I need to go shell collecting, absorb some cold beach breezes along with a little salt.
I leave for work in 5 minutes. I tie this up in 2, and have enough time to warm up the car. Imagine that New York Minute come to visit. Nothing like putting the pressure on! Hey all, have a GREAT day. Stay healthy, wealthy (if possible) and wise….