'WHATEVER IT IS YOU WANNA DO; dO IT NOW...WE ONLY HAVE SO MANY TOMORROW'S"
--Michael Landon
When Michael Landon passed away in 1991 of pancreatic cancer, a tabloid television show ran the caption, "Say it ain't so, Joe.". Yes, he was Little Joe Cartwright, the youngest of three brothers on "Bonanza"... but most from my generation probably remember him as Charles Ingalls on the iconic "Little House on the Prairie". Who didn't pretend he was their daddy?...I know I did!
The story goes that when Landon's daughter Cheryl became seriously ill, her father prayed to God and said that if he would spare her and make her well, Landon would dedicate the rest of his life to serving God, and getting his message out. Cheryl recovered, and Landon apparently kept his promise, bringing us roles such as Jonathan Smith, the angel sent by God to help people in need on "Highway to Heaven" and Father Dowling in the lesser known series, "The Father Dowling Mysteries."
Two of his earliest roles were as Tony Rivers in "I was A Teenage Werewolf"(57), and as Tom Dooley in the western, "The Legend of Tom Dooley". (59). He was born Eugene Maurice Orowitz on October 31st 1941. The ever changing cast of his show "Highway to Heaven" was like a cornucopia of unknown actors who became very familiar faces, such as Shannon Dougherty, Paul Walker, Helen Hunt, Matthew Perry and Will Wheaton. Actress Melissa Gilbert who played Laura on "Little House on the Prairie," recalled the shock of learning that the man who played her TV dad was terminally ill: "He was always larger than life to me. I remember him putting his cigarettes out in his glove, and believing he was just really strong.". On October 6, 1995, Gilbert gave birth to a son, whom she and then husband Bruce Boxlightner named Michael. Gilbert has also recalled interviews, that her TV dad decided to have the sets for "Little House" destroyed when the series was completed, so that no one else could ever use them. Interestingly, Landon's daughter Cheryl was interviewed by "Unsolved Mysteries.". In a story about the unexplained, Cheryl claimed that she often found roses...left by her late father, and that she could often hear her dad talking to her.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Thursday, October 16, 2014
BELIEF
"I'M BEGINNING TO BELIEVE IN YOU GOD...AND MAYBE THAT'S HOW YOU WORK: YOU EMPTY ME OF LOVE, THEN FILL THAT EMPTINESS."
Sara Myles (Julianne Moore).
From "The End of The Affair" (1999).
Screenplay by Neil Jordan, from the
Novel by Graham Greene.
I rarely quote movies on this blog (I have a different blog for that); but with such a well written script, I love to quote these characters. Now, the movie is different from the novel, but both are excellent, I think...and author Graham Green says that his book was based on something that actually happened to him.
Could having an affair cause someone to begin believing in God? Even if you're an Atheist?
(spoiler alert).
Sara and Henry have been wed for ten years. Henry is fond of Sara and comfortable. Sara is compliant and sensitive, but dying for something more. Maurice Bendrix is a writer who's wanting to "study" Henry for a piece he's working on. He's invited to a drinks party, and at the end of the evening, an affair has begun with Sara. One of Bendrix's books has been made into a movie. Bendrix offers to take Henry and Sara, but Henry, being too busy with his work, tells his friend to take Sara instead. Here is the love Sara has always wanted...but she belongs to someone else. In the middle of WW2, ravaged by bombs, the two see each other in secret. When a bomb hits the house where the couple is staying, Bendrix is knocked unconscious and almost killed. Sara, in complete panic runs downstairs and tries to revive him, but cannot. Being sure he is dead, in a desperate effort to save him, she runs back upstairs, drops to her knees, and prays to a God she has never known. She tells God that she promises never to see her love again, if his life could only be spared.
At that moment, Bendrix, cut, bruised and bleeding comes up the stairs behind her and says her name!
"Oh my God...You're alive??"
"You sound disappointed."
"You're hurt."
She gets up off the floor and comes to wipe his bloody forehead with a rag. But he takes hold of her hand and puts it down at her side...
"What were you doing on the floor?"
"Praying."
"To what?"
"To anything that might exist."
Sara quickly dresses, while explaining that she'd prayed for a miracle. Bendrix is confused. Why was she in such a hurry to leave him? She'd made a promise. Of course, the love of her life does not know that... and he is left thinking that she really does not care about him. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.
Sometimes, we must do without the one thing we want the most, because God desires that we desire him. What a mystery to think of God "emptying" us of the things that would seem to bring us closer to him. The neat thing is that we get to see Him fill the "space" he creates with something else that is much better for us. Wow!
Sara Myles (Julianne Moore).
From "The End of The Affair" (1999).
Screenplay by Neil Jordan, from the
Novel by Graham Greene.
I rarely quote movies on this blog (I have a different blog for that); but with such a well written script, I love to quote these characters. Now, the movie is different from the novel, but both are excellent, I think...and author Graham Green says that his book was based on something that actually happened to him.
Could having an affair cause someone to begin believing in God? Even if you're an Atheist?
(spoiler alert).
Sara and Henry have been wed for ten years. Henry is fond of Sara and comfortable. Sara is compliant and sensitive, but dying for something more. Maurice Bendrix is a writer who's wanting to "study" Henry for a piece he's working on. He's invited to a drinks party, and at the end of the evening, an affair has begun with Sara. One of Bendrix's books has been made into a movie. Bendrix offers to take Henry and Sara, but Henry, being too busy with his work, tells his friend to take Sara instead. Here is the love Sara has always wanted...but she belongs to someone else. In the middle of WW2, ravaged by bombs, the two see each other in secret. When a bomb hits the house where the couple is staying, Bendrix is knocked unconscious and almost killed. Sara, in complete panic runs downstairs and tries to revive him, but cannot. Being sure he is dead, in a desperate effort to save him, she runs back upstairs, drops to her knees, and prays to a God she has never known. She tells God that she promises never to see her love again, if his life could only be spared.
At that moment, Bendrix, cut, bruised and bleeding comes up the stairs behind her and says her name!
"Oh my God...You're alive??"
"You sound disappointed."
"You're hurt."
She gets up off the floor and comes to wipe his bloody forehead with a rag. But he takes hold of her hand and puts it down at her side...
"What were you doing on the floor?"
"Praying."
"To what?"
"To anything that might exist."
Sara quickly dresses, while explaining that she'd prayed for a miracle. Bendrix is confused. Why was she in such a hurry to leave him? She'd made a promise. Of course, the love of her life does not know that... and he is left thinking that she really does not care about him. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.
Sometimes, we must do without the one thing we want the most, because God desires that we desire him. What a mystery to think of God "emptying" us of the things that would seem to bring us closer to him. The neat thing is that we get to see Him fill the "space" he creates with something else that is much better for us. Wow!
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Arm's Length
"THE FURTHEST ANY OF US CAN GET FROM GOD IS ARM's LENGTH CAUSE WE'RE THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN PUSH HIM AWAY."
--Amy Grant
(The Age to Age Tour) 1982
She's been recording music for almost 40 years. Gospel? Christian? Pop? Rock? Country? The answer is, yes...all of the above. Amy Grant has truly done just about everything...at least in my view. Recording artist, author, actress (yes, she's been in a movie), activist (if you will), wish granter, spokesperson, lyricist, golfer (ha ha :), wife and mother. The list goes on, absolutely...these are just the things I can think of. In 1982 she released what is probably one of her best known albums: "Age to Age," which featured the singles "Sing Your Praise to the Lord" by Rich Mullins and "El Shaddai.". With the this album came "The Age to Age Tour" and a concert video
featuring Michael W. Smith and Gary Chapman. This little gold nugget of wisdom has always stuck me. It's both simple, and dramatic all at once. This reminds me that God waits patiently for us, and is always ready to stretch his arms out, and receive us back.
--Amy Grant
(The Age to Age Tour) 1982
She's been recording music for almost 40 years. Gospel? Christian? Pop? Rock? Country? The answer is, yes...all of the above. Amy Grant has truly done just about everything...at least in my view. Recording artist, author, actress (yes, she's been in a movie), activist (if you will), wish granter, spokesperson, lyricist, golfer (ha ha :), wife and mother. The list goes on, absolutely...these are just the things I can think of. In 1982 she released what is probably one of her best known albums: "Age to Age," which featured the singles "Sing Your Praise to the Lord" by Rich Mullins and "El Shaddai.". With the this album came "The Age to Age Tour" and a concert video
featuring Michael W. Smith and Gary Chapman. This little gold nugget of wisdom has always stuck me. It's both simple, and dramatic all at once. This reminds me that God waits patiently for us, and is always ready to stretch his arms out, and receive us back.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Life:
"LIFE IS A GREAT BIG CANVAS; THROW ALL THE PAINT YOU CAN ON IT."
--DANNY KAYE
Singer, dancer, actor. Yes...he was all three. But something about Danny Kaye made him...different. As a young boy, he apparently aspired to be a doctor. His parents did not have the money to send him to medical school, but David Daniel Kaminski, soon earned more than enough just by, well...goofing off. Of course by then, he was Danny Kaye. Known for his velvety voice, and goofball antics combined with amazing tongue twisters, and comical lyrics...topped with a tuft of flaming red hair, Danny Kaye could be best known for his roles in "White Christmas," and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." He was also quite the humanitarian, doing a lot of work with various charities such as UNICEF. He was born on January 18th, 1913 in Brooklyn New York. It's been said that he learned Yiddish before he learned English. :). He died On March 3d, 1987 due to complications during heart surgery. I just love this simple but creative quote!
PS...you cannot listen to a recording of "Minnie the Moocher" and be in a bad mood! Try it...I dare you. :)
--DANNY KAYE
Singer, dancer, actor. Yes...he was all three. But something about Danny Kaye made him...different. As a young boy, he apparently aspired to be a doctor. His parents did not have the money to send him to medical school, but David Daniel Kaminski, soon earned more than enough just by, well...goofing off. Of course by then, he was Danny Kaye. Known for his velvety voice, and goofball antics combined with amazing tongue twisters, and comical lyrics...topped with a tuft of flaming red hair, Danny Kaye could be best known for his roles in "White Christmas," and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." He was also quite the humanitarian, doing a lot of work with various charities such as UNICEF. He was born on January 18th, 1913 in Brooklyn New York. It's been said that he learned Yiddish before he learned English. :). He died On March 3d, 1987 due to complications during heart surgery. I just love this simple but creative quote!
PS...you cannot listen to a recording of "Minnie the Moocher" and be in a bad mood! Try it...I dare you. :)
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Thanks for the Reminder...
"OUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED. ONE OF THE PRIMARY GOALS IN OUR LIVES SHOULD BE TO PREPARE FOR OUR LAST DAY. THE LEGACY WE LEAVE IS NOT JUST IN OUR POSSESSIONS, BUT IN THE QUALITY OF OUR LIVES. WHAT PREPARATIONS SHOULD WE BE MAKING? THE GREATEST WASTE IN ALL OF OUR EARTH, THAT CANNOT BE RECYCLED OR RECLAIMED, IS OUR WASTE OF THE TIME GOD HAS GIVEN US EACH DAY."
--BILL GRAHAM
As a child, he literally walked across Europe to escape the Nazi's. In the 1960's, he managed some of the most popular bands around, such as "Santana," "Jefferson Airplaine," "The Greatful Dead," "Croby Stills Nash & Young," and "The Butterfield Blues Band." The opening of his venues, the Filmore East & The Filmore West, seemed to begin a new chapter in rock n' roll history, with Graham's famous poster art, also reproduced onto playbill's for promotion, and booking several different acts to play on one stage. The Filmore East opened in Philadelphia, and closed in 1971. The Filmore West, in San Francisco, is still open today, and books many well -known artists (both new and old) :). Bill Graham merchandise is in high demand today. Graham is also known for organizing the infamous "Woodstock" concert in '69 and "Live Aid" in '85.
On October 25th, 1991, Graham was tragically killed when his helicopter crashed into an electrical tower, en route to Graham's home upon leaving a Huey Lewis concert, with his pilot Steve Khan, and his girlfriend Melissa Gold. A few days later, over 500,000 people crowded into Golden Gate Park, for a giant memorial concert, which included groups like "the Greatful Dead and "Journey.". Today, organizations like The Bill Graham Memorial Foundation help to keep Bill Graham's legacy going. Hopefully, his words quoted can help us think about what to do with our own legacy.
(Wikapedia).
Each person in that accident, had children who were left without a parent that night. Graham had 2 sons, David and Alex, and a step-son, Thomas. The pilot, Steve Kahn, also had kids, but I was unable to find any information on them. Graham's girlfriend Melissa Gold, had three kids; a daughter, Nina, and twin sons Ethan and Ari Gold. Ethan Gold is a musician, and Ari is a short film maker and a member of the bands "The Gold Brothers" and "The Honey Brothers" with Adrian Grenier.
In an interesting post script: The Ari Gold on "Entourage" actually has nothing to do with...the REAL real Ari Gold. Yes, the names are the same, and yes, Adrian Grenier has a role on the show, and yes, the fictional Ari's wife's name is Melissa. But the fictional Ari, is actually not based on the real Ari Gold. He's based on Ari Emanuel, who is probably most famous for being the brother of Rahm Emanuel, president Obama's former chief of staff.
arigoldfilms.com
ethangold.com
--BILL GRAHAM
As a child, he literally walked across Europe to escape the Nazi's. In the 1960's, he managed some of the most popular bands around, such as "Santana," "Jefferson Airplaine," "The Greatful Dead," "Croby Stills Nash & Young," and "The Butterfield Blues Band." The opening of his venues, the Filmore East & The Filmore West, seemed to begin a new chapter in rock n' roll history, with Graham's famous poster art, also reproduced onto playbill's for promotion, and booking several different acts to play on one stage. The Filmore East opened in Philadelphia, and closed in 1971. The Filmore West, in San Francisco, is still open today, and books many well -known artists (both new and old) :). Bill Graham merchandise is in high demand today. Graham is also known for organizing the infamous "Woodstock" concert in '69 and "Live Aid" in '85.
On October 25th, 1991, Graham was tragically killed when his helicopter crashed into an electrical tower, en route to Graham's home upon leaving a Huey Lewis concert, with his pilot Steve Khan, and his girlfriend Melissa Gold. A few days later, over 500,000 people crowded into Golden Gate Park, for a giant memorial concert, which included groups like "the Greatful Dead and "Journey.". Today, organizations like The Bill Graham Memorial Foundation help to keep Bill Graham's legacy going. Hopefully, his words quoted can help us think about what to do with our own legacy.
(Wikapedia).
Each person in that accident, had children who were left without a parent that night. Graham had 2 sons, David and Alex, and a step-son, Thomas. The pilot, Steve Kahn, also had kids, but I was unable to find any information on them. Graham's girlfriend Melissa Gold, had three kids; a daughter, Nina, and twin sons Ethan and Ari Gold. Ethan Gold is a musician, and Ari is a short film maker and a member of the bands "The Gold Brothers" and "The Honey Brothers" with Adrian Grenier.
In an interesting post script: The Ari Gold on "Entourage" actually has nothing to do with...the REAL real Ari Gold. Yes, the names are the same, and yes, Adrian Grenier has a role on the show, and yes, the fictional Ari's wife's name is Melissa. But the fictional Ari, is actually not based on the real Ari Gold. He's based on Ari Emanuel, who is probably most famous for being the brother of Rahm Emanuel, president Obama's former chief of staff.
arigoldfilms.com
ethangold.com
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Commonplace?
"SPOTTING THE INSANE AND THE BIZARRE IN THE COMMONPLACE."
--MEL BROOKS
I suppose one would have to do what it says there in order to BE Mel Brooks. I mean, how else could you direct "Spaceballs,"The Producers," and "History of the World"? Anyway, how glorious it is to be able to spot the insane and bizarre in the common place:
When the light catches someone's face just right.
When you see some ordinary object in the background of a photo.
When you hear a cool rhythm or bottom part in a song you thought you always knew.
Maybe drops of water make a cool pattern on a flower.
I think the list could go on forever. For some of us, if we did not do this, we could not live and breathe...I know I couldn't!
CHALLENGE: Hmmmm...this one's a bit tricky because usually we spot insane and bizarre in the ordinary when we aren't trying to find them. I think this consists of backing off instead of "doing.". But when you DO spot something insane or bizarre in the commonplace, take note of it...literally. Blog it if you like. You may notice things about yourself that you didn't know before.
--MEL BROOKS
I suppose one would have to do what it says there in order to BE Mel Brooks. I mean, how else could you direct "Spaceballs,"The Producers," and "History of the World"? Anyway, how glorious it is to be able to spot the insane and bizarre in the common place:
When the light catches someone's face just right.
When you see some ordinary object in the background of a photo.
When you hear a cool rhythm or bottom part in a song you thought you always knew.
Maybe drops of water make a cool pattern on a flower.
I think the list could go on forever. For some of us, if we did not do this, we could not live and breathe...I know I couldn't!
CHALLENGE: Hmmmm...this one's a bit tricky because usually we spot insane and bizarre in the ordinary when we aren't trying to find them. I think this consists of backing off instead of "doing.". But when you DO spot something insane or bizarre in the commonplace, take note of it...literally. Blog it if you like. You may notice things about yourself that you didn't know before.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Chill Out...yeah?
"LOVE IS THE FLOWER YOU'VE GOT TO LET GROW."
--JOHN LENNON
I began today's entry looking for his famous "Bigger than Jesus" quote. But the one that struck me, was this one. Very simple. Perhaps if people had paid more attention to this quote, they might not've been so flipping angry when John Lennon said that the Beatles are/were bigger than Jesus. He was right, by the way. He didn't mean any blasphemy...he was just stating his opinion about what happened when these four guys from England seemed to take over the world. What a wild ride! He probably just wanted to get off, and then things only got worse.
Anyway...this is for anyone who suffers from endless impatience. I don't know about you, but I'm always trying to make love happen. I don't know how to just let it happen on it's own. I think I'm afraid that if I let it go...it will never come back to me. Gee, HOW does that old saying go?? I hate this about myself...sincerely. I see myself sabotaging the very thing I want the most, but I don't stop. Why not? It's like all I know to do is hold on to something until I squeeze it to death. Either that, or I want it RIGHT NOW because I've reasoned that I shouldn't have to wait anymore. Man! Talk about NOT letting the flower grow! What a bummer! This quote could apply to all sorts of different scenarios... but in my case, the "love" of my life, could walk right in my door...and I'd recognize him alright...but would he have half a second to recognize ME? Oh dear.
So, to anyone that I constantly interrupt when I talk, or that I've complained a mile a minute to when they asked me, "So, how's it going?," or to any guy that I wouldn't allow to notice me, because I just wouldn't back off...just bear with me. Sometimes I'm so anxious to do what's right...that I forget to do what is right.
I just need to allow the flower to grow. :)
CHALLENGE: what are some things we can do to be thankful when we believe nothing is progressing, and we are restless? How can we embrace boredom when it comes? I'm going to make a list...
--JOHN LENNON
I began today's entry looking for his famous "Bigger than Jesus" quote. But the one that struck me, was this one. Very simple. Perhaps if people had paid more attention to this quote, they might not've been so flipping angry when John Lennon said that the Beatles are/were bigger than Jesus. He was right, by the way. He didn't mean any blasphemy...he was just stating his opinion about what happened when these four guys from England seemed to take over the world. What a wild ride! He probably just wanted to get off, and then things only got worse.
Anyway...this is for anyone who suffers from endless impatience. I don't know about you, but I'm always trying to make love happen. I don't know how to just let it happen on it's own. I think I'm afraid that if I let it go...it will never come back to me. Gee, HOW does that old saying go?? I hate this about myself...sincerely. I see myself sabotaging the very thing I want the most, but I don't stop. Why not? It's like all I know to do is hold on to something until I squeeze it to death. Either that, or I want it RIGHT NOW because I've reasoned that I shouldn't have to wait anymore. Man! Talk about NOT letting the flower grow! What a bummer! This quote could apply to all sorts of different scenarios... but in my case, the "love" of my life, could walk right in my door...and I'd recognize him alright...but would he have half a second to recognize ME? Oh dear.
So, to anyone that I constantly interrupt when I talk, or that I've complained a mile a minute to when they asked me, "So, how's it going?," or to any guy that I wouldn't allow to notice me, because I just wouldn't back off...just bear with me. Sometimes I'm so anxious to do what's right...that I forget to do what is right.
I just need to allow the flower to grow. :)
CHALLENGE: what are some things we can do to be thankful when we believe nothing is progressing, and we are restless? How can we embrace boredom when it comes? I'm going to make a list...
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