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. :)

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

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.

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...

Who You Are...

"THE ATTITUDE YOU HAVE AS A PARENT IS WHAT YOUR KIDS WILL LEARN FROM MORE THAN WHAT YOU TELL THEM. THEY DON'T REMEMBER WHAT YOU TRY TO TEACH THEM, THEY REMEMBER WHAT YOU ARE."

--JIM HENSON

One of my very favorite books is "It's Not Easy Being Green.". It's a collection of quotes from Muppet creator Jim Henson, and those closest to him. His family, friends and coworkers shared what they loved best about him. This particular quote (which I didn't read in the book), I think is ingenious, because it's gentle, and to the point, but it's honesty cuts right through. His creations endure today, and many others Jim himself would be very proud of, I think. Who knew that a certain pig and frog would become such enduring icons? (I'm a fan of Beaker, The Sweedish Chef, and the two old guys Waldorf and Statler) :).

Anyway, Mr. Henson once said that the Muppets always needed to maintain a certain innocence about them. (He said this is why so many people loved them, and why they endured). Jim Henson was a creative genius I think, who was taken from us way too soon. He took a green coat from his mother's closet and two ping pong balls, and created an empire that has stretched all over the world. His creature shops have given us characters and props from countless memorable films; and to me, what's more amazing is the awesome list of celebrities that have worked with the characters straight out of Mr. Henson's imagination. Awesome! :)

CHALLENGE: Try something you consider to be creative. Especially, if you aren't sure you can pull it off. Try it...and see what happens! *Note: Be safe! Get instruction and supervision where necessary. But try something creative! :). Blog about it!...I'm sure the rest of us would love to see it too!

Social?...

"INFORMATION IS INTERESTING TO ME, BUT TALKING FOR THE SAKE OF TALKING; I FIND THAT QUITE BORING."

--TEMPLE GRANDIN

My journey of learning who Temple Grandin is, has been an interesting one. Two years ago this month, I began researching Autism because I read about the plight of Mr. Gary McKinnon. It had been discovered that Gary had something called Asperger's Syndrome. I had no idea what that was. Any research on AS or Autism will bring up information on Temple Grandin. Born at a time when no one really knew how AS affected people, because only the first literature had been published on it, Temple Grandin struggled a lot in school, but says she got some of her best empowerment when she was sent to a relative's ranch for the summer. The work ethic she learned gave her a sense of responsibility. Today, she is an advocate for autistic children and adults alike. Her love of animals and ranching, coupled with her colorful blazers and shirts, and her western hats with grey hair peaking out, make her resemble someone straight out of a movie about the wild, wild west. :)

Anyway, Autistics need logical reasons, or goals when sharing information. Talking for the sake of talking really is boring, because now there is pressure to figure out something to say. Autistics don't like that pressure...which is why we become akward in social situations. We don't care for "talking for the sake of talking."

Normal People

"THE IMAGE WE HAVE WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR MICKEY MOUSE TO MAINTAIN...WE'RE JUST NORMAL PEOPLE."

--KAREN CARPENTER

As some of you know, I wrote a separate blog entry about her today. Brother and sister Richard and Karen Carpenter made up the 70's duo The Carpenters. With Richard's skills to produce and arrange with multiple tracks and layers of vocals, and Karen's smooth, rich, velvety voice...the two were like gold. They toured the world performing their gorgeous ballads (which have since been used at countless weddings), like "We've Only Just Begun and "Close to You.". In the book, "The Carpenters" by Ray Coleman (authorized), Richard describes helping his younger sister through crowds of screaming fans. He says it was not uncommon for people to have scissors, and they would try to get locks of hair as souvenirs. Underneath it all was a young woman with an eating disorder, and huge insecurities. Outwardly, the Carpenters were clean and wholesome and family oriented, and looked as though they could do no wrong. They looked like they could do no wrong...but I think Karen, herself said it best. (up there). Richard was addicted to Qualudes, and Karen was taking laxatives and starving herself. Karen Carpenter died on February 4th 1983, apparently due to complications of Anorexia Nervosa. It was said that her heart had stopped beating. Her velvety smooth voice will live on forever. I think her untimely death can serve as a reminder that we never really know what's going on under the surface. A seemingly perfect life...can be anything but. An amazing talent who left us way too early...Karen was only 32. BTW...how many girls do know who can both sing AND play drums? :)

Trust

"WHEN A TRAIN GOES THROUGH A TUNNEL AND IT GETS DARK, YOU DON'T THROW AWAY THE TICKET AND JUMP OFF. YOU SIT STILL AND TRUST THE ENGINEER."

--CORRIE TIN BOOM

In a story very similar to Anne Frank, Corrie Tin Boom and her family hid from the Nazi's during WW2, in a large house. The family was eventually discovered by the Gestapo, and shipped off to concentration camps. Corrie, was the only one in her family to survive. She eventually wrote her auto biography, "The Hiding Place" and began sharing her story in front of many groups of people. Corrie credits her deep faith and relationship to God with getting her through it all, as she had to learn to trust Jesus through so many tragedies in her life. Her fait is an inspiration, and her story, amazing.

Trying is Worth Something

"THERE IS NO 'TRY'... DO.

--YODA
(Voiced by Frank OZ)
"The Empire Strikes Back" (1981)

How many times do we try and we don't succeed? Have you lost count? Guess what you guys...Yoda lied. Now I'm a huge "Star Wars" fan (at least of the original trilogy). But this now infamous line of Yoda's...is not true. If we never tried, how would we know whether we would succeed? If we never failed, what reason would we have to renew our hope, and keep trying. But we do not always win... Amen? In fact, each of us will probably fail a lot more than we'll succeed. Ouch...right? If there is no "try" in the middle, we'll never make it to the other side of the bridge!

This makes me wonder what writer/director George Lucas might consider some of his failures. When the original Star Wars films came out, I think that (to the public), it seemed that everything he touched turned to gold. Maybe this was the feeling already in place because of the classic "American Graffiti". This man is brilliant...he's amazing! This man is as imperfect as anyone else, and has tried and failed at many things, right?

Wanna do something amazing? Walk gracefully through failure. This is boring and usually not even noticed. That's why it's amazing when someone pulls it off. We love to have success and recognition. Of course! Why not? It's wonderful. But what about all the times we're trying and failing? This is difficult, even for me to write because I know I need to take my own advice! :). In my personal case, my relationship with Jesus gets me through. I know that with Him, one is a majority, and that carries me through. Even then, I need all the help I can get, because I'm selfish, and I want things to be easy and feel good all the time. (I'm just as human as anybody else) :)

CHALLENGE: If you have trouble with the "F" word...just change the word. Try "Forgiveness.". Take something that you consider a failure in life, and treat yourself with forgiveness and acceptance. That "failure" just might put you right where you should be so you can succeed!

Makes Sense

"THIS THING THAT I'M REALLY TERRIFIED OF MAKES SENSE...AND IT MAKES SENSE BECAUSE IT'S REALLY TERRIFYING."

--CHRISTOPHER M. GAUTHIER

This is pretty inpramtu for me, because until tonight, I had not even heard of Christopher Gauthier. Everyone else on this short blog is someone that...I've been reading things they say for a while now because they interest me. Anyway, Christopher has two children, both Autistic, and the above quote refers to Autism itself, and how difficult it is to walk through day by day. I found a presentation he gave in a YouTube video. In it, he explains how he was able to use art and photography to connect with both of his children. He also explains other things he and his wife did which helped them to see an easing od symptoms in their kids.

The above statement is so universal, don't you think? How many times do we all struggle with being unsure what to do? We come to a fork in the road, and have no idea where to go next. But the thing that we are terrified of makes sense...and it makes sense because it's terrifying. Now, I think many times, we don't want the thing that terrifies us to make sense! We'd rather run, and rationalize that, and hope that somehow that will be enough for us to be happy with ourselves. It never is...am I right? Ask any actor, and they will tell you that they run straight towards the projects that scare them the most. (Watch "Inside the Actor's Studio" if you don't know what I mean). This may be because the work is not as genuine or satisfying unless they have faced a fear in the process. Having done some acting in high school and college, I think I can relate, if only on a small level. :). Growing up is terrifying anyway, and so is parenting...whether disability is involved or not. It is my personal belief that only when we begin to face what we're afraid of, do we uncover the wealth of blessings hidden in what seems to be odds stacked against us.

CHALLENGE: Find one thing in your life that you know, "makes sense because it's terrifying" and take one step towards it (no matter how small that seems). If you feel confident enough, take another. Who knows? You may be pleasantly surprised to find you can handle it better than you thought. :)

Beautiful Head Dress

"YOUR DRESS SHOULD BE TIGHT ENOUGH TO PROVE YOU'RE A WOMAN, AND LOOSE ENOUGH TO PROVE YOU'RE A LADY."

--EDITH HEAD

Remember the black and white photos of Edith Head? Pony tail, and trademark dark glasses. I read once that Head wore those glasses so that she could always see how certain fabrics or colors would look, when photographed in black and white. One of the most famous costume designers in Hollywood, she is probably best known for the classics 'Rear Window" (54), "The Sting" (73), "Sunset Boulevard"(50), and (my favorite) "White Christmas"(54). I am all for anyone in Hollywood giving any kudos to modesty. And Edith Head should know!...She dressed some of the most famous names in the business... and beautifully, I might add!

In an industry saturated with completely bare, or scantily clad women, someone stating that to be a lady takes more conscious effort... definitely a breath of fresh air! Do men actually want modesty in a woman despite being inundated with sexual images constantly? I'm inclined to think the answer is yes. To put it another way; I admire a man who wants modesty in a woman because this tells me that he'll be protective of my character and my heart. If I could do one thing with my life, it would be to encourage women to be "ladies.". Up your anti girls!! Never mind trying to figure out what you are worth...just know that you are a priceless gem! This takes courage to believe in a culture that teaches women to wear immodesty like a badge and then collect sexual encounters as their reward for that immodesty. This breaks my heart. Many unwanted babies come that way, and many lives (both men and women) are torn apart. There is a better way, and there really is so much more!

CHALLENGE: Look up the word "Modesty" in the dictionary. Ladies, find 2 things you can do this week to demonstrate modesty, be it in your dress, your attitude, or your personal habits. Gentleman, find two things that you can do to ENCOURAGE modesty. Question: what do you think are some ways that GUYS can behave more modestly? (Wow...huge stereotype. Does modesty apply only to women?).

Character

"AT FIRST OUR DREAMS SEEM IMPOSSIBLE, THEN THEY SEEM IMPROBABLE...BUT WHEN WE SUMMON THE WILL, THEY BECOME INEVITABLE."

--CHRISTOPHER REEVE

Obviously best known for playing Superman in the films spanning from 1977 to 1989, Christopher Reeve also did comedy, and some suspense thrillers. Not to be confused with George Reeves who played the famous super hero in the 1950's TV series, Reeve also unexpectedly became famous as an advocate for the disabled, after becoming paralyzed in a horse riding accident in 1995. He and wife Dana Reeve started the Christopher Reeve Foundation for spinal chord injuries. Reeve died in October 2004 from complications due to severe infection. Personally, my very favorite role of his is Richard Collier from "Somewhere in Time.". Freddie Dallas from the movie "Noises Off" is right behind...but he'll always be my favorite Superman!

I feel that the true character of a person really shows itself in how they handle the dreams that don't work out. As wonderful as the quote is...there are many times in life when it simply isn't true. Things change. People go in different directions. Sometimes, a dream we have is shattered and we have to start over again. Perhaps this is what Chris found out when he was in his accident, and he had to (as he said) "learn to live a new life.". Faithfulness...being steadfast...long-suffering (when things don't work out). Do we even use these words anymore? Ouch. Who want's to be long-suffering? Guess what? Not me! But sometimes it's the only way we get through things and grow. Right? :)

CHALLENGE: Write down a dream you had that you had to give up (or at the very least, alter). Make a decision today that you will be the best you can be, in spite of the change in direction. Decide to be a Phoenix which rises from the ashes! :)

Tragic Comedy

"IF JESUS CAME BACK AND SAW WHAT WAS BEING DONE IN HIS NAME HE'D NEVER STOP THROWING UP."

--WOODY ALLEN
(From "Hannah and Her Sisters") (1986).

I'm unsure what I appreciate more about this statement; the comic genius of the person who sad it, or the gut-wrenching, sad truth that it brings to light. Woody Allen is a screenwriter and actor probably best known for films like "Annie Hall" (77), and "Hannah and Her Sisters" (86). I've often said that Woody Allen movies, you either love or hate...there is no in between. It is difficult even to describe the man with the cracking New York accent, and the black rimmed glasses, whose films truly are in a class all by themselves. Often taking subject matter left untouched by most directors, he brings an amazing humor and wit to subjects everyone thinks about at some point...but no one will dare talk about it.

On a personal note, I believe his statement is very true. Many things done in Jesus name probably do just grieve his heart and make him ill. In my search for this quote, I found a review of a book called "Jesus Land" by Julia Scheere. The memoir describes Scheere growing up in the south as a Caucasian girl with two black, adopted brothers. Meanwhile, Scheere had a very abusive father, and a mother who stood by, unable, apparently to stop what was going on, but she believed Jesus for everything, and relied on the congregation of her Christian Reformed Church for guidance. Scheere, and the one brother she bonded with, were sent off to some sort of Christian boot camp in the Domitican Republic, where Scheere says, they were horribly abused and mistreated.

Hmmm... All in JESUS name?? These two children were beaten and abused by people who called themselves Christians, but never had their best interests at heart...all in Jesus name? I don't know a out you, but that makes ME wanna throw up!

CHALLENGE: Be an advocate for someone who needs your help. Maybe a child is being bullied, or a familily is struggling financially. Maybe a friend just needs a word of encouragement. Find someone who needs a voice, and be that for them.

The Essence of Yourself

"YOU'RE ALWAYS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTING IN PERSON BECAUSE YOU CAN'T BE THE EDITED ESSENCE OF YOURSELF."

--MEL BROOKS


hmmm... What exactly would be an edited essence of oneself? Had to think about that for a bit. Is it that version of each of us that is most authentic? Or, would that be the UNEDITED version of who we are? I believe he means that in person, we are unable to rid ourselves of the errors, prejudices and stupidities that can give people the wrong impression of who we are. Although, how can you "be" anything with someone, if you have never met them in person before? How does anyone know anything about you if they've never met you before? Through what they read? Through what others say about you? I suppose the best example of this would be celebrities. Do we really KNOW them?

We know a little bit, about PART of them...and that's IF the information we have is even true. This absolutely is "edited" (whether for good or bad), but I don't know if it is the "essence" of that person. It would seem to me that the only way to get the REAL essence of someone would be to know them personally. But maybe, this us what Brooks means... The REAL essence of someone can be a let down in comparison to the way someone builds a person up in their mind...the way they imagine them to be.

Mel Brooks is best known as a director of screwball comedy, such as "History of the World," "Space Balls, " and "Young Frankenstein.". He was married to actress Anne Bancroft, and this is quite a serious quote from a man known for being so funny.

A Cure...

"THERE MUST BE QUITE A FEW THINGS THAT A HOT BATH WON'T CURE; BUT I DON'T KNOW MANY OF THEM."

--SYLVIA PLATH

Sylvia Plath is probably best known for her autobiographical novel "The Bell Jar" (1963). Plath was actually a poet, who was married to the poet Ted Hughes. The couple had 2 children. Plath tragically committed suicide (also in 1963). Her most famous poems include "The Colossus," and "Daddy.". I developed an obsession with Plath in college... This simple quote is one of my favorites of hers.

Get Some Air...

"LET THE FRESH AIR OF GOD BLOW ACROSS YOUR HEART: 'I SHALL NOT WANT.'"


This was pastor James MacDonald talking about the peace that is spoken of in th 23'd Psalm...a psalm that most of us learn even if we are not well acquainted with scripture. Pastor MacDonald has a radio show called "Walk in the Word" (Harvest Bible Chapel). The words just sound wonderful in the mouth, I think...(Ahhhhhhhh). Nice!

CHALLENGE: Find 3 ways this week that you can let the fresh air of God blow across your heart. :)