Sunday, September 11, 2011

where i want to be.

waikoloa village.
who's with me?!





















taken from turkey day 2010.
hawaii. i miss you.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Friday, July 15, 2011

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Long Weekend Holiday Musings

what the hell am I doing here -- or a summer night’s tribute to nihilistic fantasies and bemusements of real-life mis-adventure. (aka) some random musings for the Holiday Weekend:

In the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson lists three rights to which all citizens of United States are privy to -- but truthfully the one I’m most interested in is the third – and the second I take for granted.

In 2008 I started my journey and in the 3 ½ years since, I’ve learned more than I ever could have imagined – equating those experiences (especially in the past 18-months) to drinking through a fire hose.

Since arriving in Los Angeles, I’ve been blessed with every opportunity that’s come my way. I’ve met some amazing people, and this whole pursuit of happiness thing (at times) seems remotely possible.

However, I’ve also had to overcome my share of adversity. There have been more than a few moments when I could have quit – but quitting is not an option (at least for me). Consequences be damned.

In the past few months, I’ve started to realize the talent that others have told me I possess – but knowing you’re talented does not account for output or production…and being told you’re talented is one thing, harnessing it is another.

With the family reunion in Oregon looming, I find myself thinking about the life-altering choices I’ve made. While I would do things differently, I regret nothing. Everything happens for a reason, whether we chose to believe this or not.

I trust in my passion, I believe in my talent. While I continue to surround myself with likeminded people – the real struggle is creating that platform to showcase our work.

Surrounding yourself with the right people is never more prevalent – but not just in film. While the personal front leaves much to be desired, everything else is rapidly coming together. Whether we’ll succeed is to be seen – but at least we’re in this fight together – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The next few months will be interesting. Changes are looming and projects are queued. I’m ready to transcend my peer group and push the envelope as far as what I’m capable of. Failure is not an option.

Tomorrow marks Our country's Day of Independence. And whether we chose to acknowledge it or not - the third right which Mr. Jefferson references (aka The American Dream) is only possible because of those who have given us the opportunity to chase after it. To those who have come before us, with us and after us - who have fought for stood for and embody the American Spirit. Thank you.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

sobering moment no. 1623

"Who is going to replace Uncle Tom when he gets older?"

I love my nieces more than anything, but I'm certainly not getting any younger. Quite possibly the best compliment, and most sobering realization, I've had in a long long time :/

I guess that's why I have such a love/hate thing going on with the gym -- either way, I'm especially grateful everyday for the unconditional love I have for and receive from these two amazing little girls.

Friday, May 20, 2011

i want to run. i want to hide.

because of the nostalgia.
because it's a metaphor.
but most of all -
because it reminds.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Anthem.

because everyone needs a little shuffling.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

only words.

have you ever had one of those moments when you say something you think is clever, and you suddenly realize it isn't, but it's too late because it can't be unsent, and suddenly it misconstrues a certain someone's perception of you, even though they don't quite get your humor yet, leading to attempted damage control which only makes the situation worse, fueling unneeded anxiety and perpetual over thinking?

well, if you have, then you share my pain...and you also share my sympathies.

i guess the only thing to do is hold tight, and let the storm run its course.

NEXT UP...

Monday, April 4, 2011

CO ess-ca-peh

there's nothing like escaping LA to visit the nieces in Colorado.

hence, this is what happens when they try and keep up with their uncle:





and yes,
she fell asleep.
standing.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

saturdays are for resting.

it's amazing what a little music can do.

just like any saturday, i went on a prolonged run. on my usual trail. my normal routine. and then a specific song kicked in.

i don't know if it was due to the events preceding the run, the fact i haven't heard that song in a while (read: FOREVER) or if it was because in heightened moments of physical exertion you're more prone to question the meaning of life. whatever.

regardless, the accompanying epiphany added something that's been lacking a lot lately. clarity.

since i've been working for Walter and Laurie, i've been reluctant to keep chasing after what i want. there are no excuses for this. i've been lazy (not that 12-hour work days and 60+ hour work weeks constitutes being lazy). but i've painted myself into a corner due to my own inability to seize opportunities. and while my own understanding of story and storytelling continually grows, it's my own lack of applying this skill that's hindered my ability to evolve to what i wish to one day become.

in order to succeed you not only have to be lucky, but you have to be disciplined and apply yourself to commit wholly, 100-percent. no matter what. no matter the risk. no matter the consequences. and settling for drafting in the wake of someone else's success is not why i left arizona and not something i wish to settle for.

which brings me back to the run. inspired by the rediscovered melody, i realized those perceived barriers are entirely self-imposed. and if you are to have that 'breakthough' you have to be willing to test those limits and forge a path that not only inspires, but pushes you past your boundaries and out of your comfort zone. to a place where you are free to transform into the very thing you wish to become.

but knowing that is one thing – taking the first step is another…

Friday, March 11, 2011

8.9

thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the earthquake and tsunamis in japan and across the pacific rim.

la, you're officially on notice.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Saturday, March 5, 2011

the wall.

can i ask - what the hell is it about the proverbial 'wall'? it's out there, staring at us. taunting, waiting, drooling for the opportune moment to snarl us with it's gangrenous claws to choke the life out of us...

as mental exhaustion segued by waning spirits pushes me further from who i am, i find myself forced to make a decision. to either wilt, take the easy route and crumble under a maelstrom of trivialities, or...

shut up, fight back and force life to change my luck. too long have i been bitching. too long have i been complaining about what i don't have. and too long have i allowed myself to believe i am a victim because life hasn't worked out the way it was intended...

i'm tired. i'm over-extended. i'm not getting any younger. i'm sick of allowing life to push me around, dictating the flow when i have the ultimate say. i'm tired of being 'too tired' all the time as i rest and wallow in my comfort zone, waiting. (waiting for what?)

that 'wall' is coming, as my patience dwindles. eff it. how i let my attitude affect me will ultimately decide the outcome. what the result will be is anyone's guess, but this comfort zone needs to go.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

back to work.

with the end of awards season, everyone can finally get back to work.

here are my two-cents on the past year in film:

best film: social network
most entertaining: inception
most inspiring: the king's speech
cutest flick (aka "the nieces award"): despicable me

tomorrow, as industry-types awaken to a new day, a new year in cinema will begin and work will return to business as usual. as most honorees begin to nurse their post-oscar hangovers with a bloody mary and a pair of tylenol, a new corps of dreamers will be gunning to bottle their magic and maybe add their name to an elite fraternity of oscar recipients.

for myself, i'm glad this is finally over as we can finally get back to focusing on what this is all about. not winning awards, earning titles or labels, but instead making good films. making better films. and evolving as storytellers and finding new means to transport people into the world of others, so that maybe they can dream as we have and share in the beauty of the cinematic adventure.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

febrauary is for...

happy valentines day.

Friday, February 4, 2011

network.

self explanatory.