After you've done all the work and prepared as much as you can, what the hell, you might as well go out and have a good time.
Benny Goodman
*****************
My friend Marty (remember him?), who's doing fine by the way, sent me a quote this morning from an unknown source which says "Do something you love and you'll never have to do a day’s work in your life."
Some directors have a habit of telling the actors just before opening night to go out and "have fun with it." I don't know why they say that unless it's an attempt at offering an antidote to the struggles of rehearsal and preparation. Otherwise it's an unnecessary remark. If course we will have fun with it. If we didn't enjoy it we wouldn't be doing it. It's too difficult.
About ten years ago Ed Earle and I were doing a play in which we were the two main characters. During a break in rehearsal one of the designers came up to us to compliment us on being so good and so funny. I said to him if he thought we were good in rehearsal "wait until you see us in front of an audience."
The purpose of "all the work" that Goodman talks of is to be as entertaining as possible when the audience comes. I don't think there is a single musician who can just pick up his instrument, walk out on stage and play it brilliantly without preparation, without tuning it, warming it up and himself. Benny Goodman may get to a point in performance where his clarinet plays itself, but not without a lot of preparation.
An actor must know many things before opening night. He must know the lines so well he doesn't have to think of them. That takes hours of tedious work and is the biggest pit for an unprepared actor to fall into. He must know the story and his place in it. He must know where he is both on stage and off. He must know how to work as an ensemble player with the other actors. There are some well known actors who never achieve that knowledge, and it shows. He must know how to perform his role with all of its details and subtleties. The accent in Benny Goodman's remark is on the work and preparation as well as on the good time. The only times I have seen an actor suffer during a performance was when he was unprepared and his lock of knowledge of one of the things I just mentioned caught up with him.
My friend David came to see me perform in a play only once. He went out with the cast for a beer afterwards and jokingly said "I don't know how much they're paying you, but it's too much, because you're having too much fun."
What the hell, you might as well.
DB
*****************
APRIL FOOLERY
Weekend Contest
This contest is open for the next 5 days.
APRIL FOOLERY
Choose as many numbers as you want and fill in the blanks
Winners will be posted on the evening of April 4.
The decisions of the nasty biased judge are final. Prizes will awarded on the basis of originality and whatever makes me laugh.
5 ENTRIES SO FAR
On the first day of April my true love gave to me
12______
11______
10______
9_______
8_______
7_______
6_______
5_______
4_______
3_______
2_______
and_______
Good luck
DB
****************
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Home Alone
From success you get a lot of things, but not that great inside thing that love brings you.
Samuel Goldwyn
*****************
I spent my life as a performing artist, most of that time as an actor. Life in theatre means that you work in very close, intimate relationships with other people. Wherever I went I carried with me the constant frustrating fantasy that I was going to make a family out of whatever company I was working with.
I had no family growing up. It was just my mother and I. We did not care for each other much and she was relieved when I finally left. My siblings were so much older than I that they were never around unless they had to be. Any child can tell the difference between real time and obligatory time.
Any possibility, if it ever existed, for a home and a family was spintered on all sides, in all directions. So I was familyless, unfamilied. I know there are people who say a family can be an aggravation if it's a bunch of people who don't get along. But I have also witnessed families that were so close the moment by moment activities were examples of love that was so omnipresent no one noticed it. I once knew a family with four brothers who were fond of addressing each other by their last names, "Mr. __". It didn't matter who answered. They were all attuned to each other.
My search for a family in the theatre world was fruitless, of course. For one thing everyone I worked with had a family somewhere else, they certainly didn't need me in it. And no one understood what I wanted, The young women thought I was coming on to them for sexual reasons, and so did some of the young men. Some of the older folks were also suspicious of my advances for other reasons. I was searching for mothers and fathers, for brothers and sisters, for sons and daughters. It was a pointless search. And there was always an end date. an out clause, closing night, a time to move on.
I shared an apartment with a guy for a while who seemed glad to have me there. We developed, I thought, a fraternal relationship. We were both actors of about the same age. But he met someone, a woman, and wanted his space, so I left.
I kept thinking that someday I would meet another vagabond who was on the same trail with the same need. It didn't happen.
Now I'm 71. My phone still doesn't work. Even though I have some dear invisible friends at the other end of the email world. I live alone. I never found my family.
DB - The Vagabond
----------------------------
----------------------------
APRIL FOOLERY
Weekend Contest
This contest is open for the next 6 days.
APRIL FOOLERY
Choose as many numbers as you want and fill in the blanks
Winners will be posted on the evening of April 4.
The decisions of the nasty biased judge are final. Prizes will awarded on the basis of originality and whatever makes me laugh.
3 ENTRIES SO FAR
On the first day of April my true love gave to me
12______
11______
10______
9_______
8_______
7_______
6_______
5_______
4_______
3_______
2_______
and_______
Good luck
DB
****************
Samuel Goldwyn
*****************
I spent my life as a performing artist, most of that time as an actor. Life in theatre means that you work in very close, intimate relationships with other people. Wherever I went I carried with me the constant frustrating fantasy that I was going to make a family out of whatever company I was working with.
I had no family growing up. It was just my mother and I. We did not care for each other much and she was relieved when I finally left. My siblings were so much older than I that they were never around unless they had to be. Any child can tell the difference between real time and obligatory time.
Any possibility, if it ever existed, for a home and a family was spintered on all sides, in all directions. So I was familyless, unfamilied. I know there are people who say a family can be an aggravation if it's a bunch of people who don't get along. But I have also witnessed families that were so close the moment by moment activities were examples of love that was so omnipresent no one noticed it. I once knew a family with four brothers who were fond of addressing each other by their last names, "Mr. __". It didn't matter who answered. They were all attuned to each other.
My search for a family in the theatre world was fruitless, of course. For one thing everyone I worked with had a family somewhere else, they certainly didn't need me in it. And no one understood what I wanted, The young women thought I was coming on to them for sexual reasons, and so did some of the young men. Some of the older folks were also suspicious of my advances for other reasons. I was searching for mothers and fathers, for brothers and sisters, for sons and daughters. It was a pointless search. And there was always an end date. an out clause, closing night, a time to move on.
I shared an apartment with a guy for a while who seemed glad to have me there. We developed, I thought, a fraternal relationship. We were both actors of about the same age. But he met someone, a woman, and wanted his space, so I left.
I kept thinking that someday I would meet another vagabond who was on the same trail with the same need. It didn't happen.
Now I'm 71. My phone still doesn't work. Even though I have some dear invisible friends at the other end of the email world. I live alone. I never found my family.
DB - The Vagabond
----------------------------
----------------------------
APRIL FOOLERY
Weekend Contest
This contest is open for the next 6 days.
APRIL FOOLERY
Choose as many numbers as you want and fill in the blanks
Winners will be posted on the evening of April 4.
The decisions of the nasty biased judge are final. Prizes will awarded on the basis of originality and whatever makes me laugh.
3 ENTRIES SO FAR
On the first day of April my true love gave to me
12______
11______
10______
9_______
8_______
7_______
6_______
5_______
4_______
3_______
2_______
and_______
Good luck
DB
****************
Monday, March 29, 2010
At The Lie Berry
What is more important in a library than anything else - is the fact that it exists.
Archibald MacLeish
(Thank you Bruce)
********************
One block down the street from me is the public library. As libraries go it isn't very big. It's one floor of a small building but it's chock full of books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, computers and kids. I can look out my window of an afternoon and see a parade of children on their way to the library and feel a quiet sense of pride that I live in a country where education is available to the young. Opening up the minds of youngsters to the knowledge and wisdom of the world, even if it sometimes means the loss of some degree of innocence, is a precious endeavor and so preferable to some places in the world where education is a luxury, denied to many, and in some cases even punished.
I also feel a bit of satisfaction that I live in a state, Pennsylvania, which determinately provides its students with the right to an open minded approach to learning. It is sad to say that there are some places in this country where that open mindedness is not so graciously provided. Unless all points of view are available to people, of whatever age, there is no freedom of thought, instruction is doctrinaire and education suffers. If the Board of Education in Texas or any other state rewrites its textbooks to conform to a limited and specialized point of view, no one will benefit but the bigots and the children will be deprived.
The purpose of education is to allow people to think for themselves not to teach them what to think. In this local library there are separate rooms where workshops are conducted in all sorts of cultural and educational programs with enthusiastic students under the guidance of adults who care and donate their time. In one of the rooms there is an art exhibit of works by local artists. I have 2 pictures hanging in there. It is open all the time the library is. Anyone can go in and look at the pieces, including the children. No one is telling them what they can or cannot see.
Every time I go in there and need help with something, the librarians are always polite and ready to help me as they are with everyone.
Due to fiscal problems across the land many libraries are cutting back in hours or closing altogether. The demise of the public library is one of the greatest potential dangers to our nation. The ruination would not be seen for years to come but it would be devastating. I may never be exposed to more than .05% or less of what is in my library but imagine what life would be like if all that information was not available to me or to the children who walk down my street.
DB - The Vagabond
*******************
Weekend Contest
This contest is open for the next 7 days.
3 entries so far.
APRIL FOOLERY
Choose as many numbers as you want and fill in the blanks
Winners will be posted on the evening of April 4.
The decisions of the nasty biased judge are final. Prizes will awarded on the basis of originality and whatever makes me laugh.
On the first day of April my true love gave to me
12______
11______
10______
9_______
8_______
7_______
6_______
5_______
4_______
3_______
2_______
and_______
Good luck
DB
****************
Archibald MacLeish
(Thank you Bruce)
********************
One block down the street from me is the public library. As libraries go it isn't very big. It's one floor of a small building but it's chock full of books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, computers and kids. I can look out my window of an afternoon and see a parade of children on their way to the library and feel a quiet sense of pride that I live in a country where education is available to the young. Opening up the minds of youngsters to the knowledge and wisdom of the world, even if it sometimes means the loss of some degree of innocence, is a precious endeavor and so preferable to some places in the world where education is a luxury, denied to many, and in some cases even punished.
I also feel a bit of satisfaction that I live in a state, Pennsylvania, which determinately provides its students with the right to an open minded approach to learning. It is sad to say that there are some places in this country where that open mindedness is not so graciously provided. Unless all points of view are available to people, of whatever age, there is no freedom of thought, instruction is doctrinaire and education suffers. If the Board of Education in Texas or any other state rewrites its textbooks to conform to a limited and specialized point of view, no one will benefit but the bigots and the children will be deprived.
The purpose of education is to allow people to think for themselves not to teach them what to think. In this local library there are separate rooms where workshops are conducted in all sorts of cultural and educational programs with enthusiastic students under the guidance of adults who care and donate their time. In one of the rooms there is an art exhibit of works by local artists. I have 2 pictures hanging in there. It is open all the time the library is. Anyone can go in and look at the pieces, including the children. No one is telling them what they can or cannot see.
Every time I go in there and need help with something, the librarians are always polite and ready to help me as they are with everyone.
Due to fiscal problems across the land many libraries are cutting back in hours or closing altogether. The demise of the public library is one of the greatest potential dangers to our nation. The ruination would not be seen for years to come but it would be devastating. I may never be exposed to more than .05% or less of what is in my library but imagine what life would be like if all that information was not available to me or to the children who walk down my street.
DB - The Vagabond
*******************
Weekend Contest
This contest is open for the next 7 days.
3 entries so far.
APRIL FOOLERY
Choose as many numbers as you want and fill in the blanks
Winners will be posted on the evening of April 4.
The decisions of the nasty biased judge are final. Prizes will awarded on the basis of originality and whatever makes me laugh.
On the first day of April my true love gave to me
12______
11______
10______
9_______
8_______
7_______
6_______
5_______
4_______
3_______
2_______
and_______
Good luck
DB
****************
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Splish, Splash
I can't think of any sorrow in the world that a hot bath wouldn't help, just a little bit.
Susan Glasee
*****************
I don't currently have a bath tub and I miss it very much. I'm always amused at those pragmatic sorts who say that a shower is better than a bath because it uses so much less water, as if somehow they were both to serve the same purpose.
To get clean take a shower. It's a good vigorous walk in the rain.
But to slide slowly into the warm and waiting arms of acceptance, to float weightless in the ocean of the universe, to bask in the womblike center where reason and fantasies meet, to be enwrapped in the magic carpet where the mundane matters of life become just drifting clouds, to travel on warm waves of solitary journeys into unknown lands where you are wanted and loved, to visit pastoral fields of calmness and stillness, to feel the knots slowly untie themselves and the doors slowly unlock, to be where the friendly sages of the world unite in harmonious song, to float through revelations of beauty, to visit secret places where dwell the water nymphs, to glide with ease along the winds and waves of flowered paths, to be lifted up to the mystical plateau where the invisible siren song caresses you, to fly through rainbows and ascend to where the worlds hum as they glide by, to know the serene state of your own being, to let your thoughts be washed of all doubt and worry, to be safe, where no trouble can touch you for an eternity and to rise renewed, regenerated, cleansed and reborn, take a bath.
DB
************************
Weekend Contest
This contest is open for the next 8 days.
APRIL FOOLERY
Choose as many numbers as you want and fill in the blanks
Winners will be posted on the evening of April 4.
The decisions of the nasty biased judge are final. Prizes will awarded on the basis of originality and whatever makes me laugh.
On the first day of April my true love gave to me
12______
11______
10______
9_______
8_______
7_______
6_______
5_______
4_______
3_______
2_______
and_______
Good luck
DB
****************
Susan Glasee
*****************
I don't currently have a bath tub and I miss it very much. I'm always amused at those pragmatic sorts who say that a shower is better than a bath because it uses so much less water, as if somehow they were both to serve the same purpose.
To get clean take a shower. It's a good vigorous walk in the rain.
But to slide slowly into the warm and waiting arms of acceptance, to float weightless in the ocean of the universe, to bask in the womblike center where reason and fantasies meet, to be enwrapped in the magic carpet where the mundane matters of life become just drifting clouds, to travel on warm waves of solitary journeys into unknown lands where you are wanted and loved, to visit pastoral fields of calmness and stillness, to feel the knots slowly untie themselves and the doors slowly unlock, to be where the friendly sages of the world unite in harmonious song, to float through revelations of beauty, to visit secret places where dwell the water nymphs, to glide with ease along the winds and waves of flowered paths, to be lifted up to the mystical plateau where the invisible siren song caresses you, to fly through rainbows and ascend to where the worlds hum as they glide by, to know the serene state of your own being, to let your thoughts be washed of all doubt and worry, to be safe, where no trouble can touch you for an eternity and to rise renewed, regenerated, cleansed and reborn, take a bath.
DB
************************
Weekend Contest
This contest is open for the next 8 days.
APRIL FOOLERY
Choose as many numbers as you want and fill in the blanks
Winners will be posted on the evening of April 4.
The decisions of the nasty biased judge are final. Prizes will awarded on the basis of originality and whatever makes me laugh.
On the first day of April my true love gave to me
12______
11______
10______
9_______
8_______
7_______
6_______
5_______
4_______
3_______
2_______
and_______
Good luck
DB
****************
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Bits and Pieces
Excellence is doing ordinary things, extraordinarily well.
John Gardner
*****************
When you get right down to it everything we do is ordinary. All of the great achievements in the world are backed up and prepared by a thousand details all of which must be performed expertly. The player who carries the ball across the goal line can't do it unless the other 10 members of the team perform their functions well. It requires team work.
An orchestra also needs every musician to perform his or her function with excellence even if the score sometimes just calls of an accompaniment to a soloist. That's team work.
Think of the tiny details a chef or a surgeon must get right in order for the result to be excellent. Those details may be carried out by one person but it also requires team work; a team of one.
We all want to get to the results as soon as possible, but we have to enlist in the basic details along the way. The best way is to learn to love those details, a painter claiming his brushes, a teacher carefully reading and grading papers or preparing a lesson plan, a musician tuning his instrument.
One afternoon I was watching a trombone player getting ready for an orchestra rehearsal. First he ran up and down scales, then he played combinations and exercises to get facility, All of that took about an hour of great concentration. If a particular exercise didn't please him he went back over it until it did. He accomplished all of that before he even looked at the music he was going to play that afternoon. You can't just fall out of bed, have a coffee, take the instrument out of its case and expect to play Beethoven.
I doesn't matter what you are, a writer, a painter, a technician, a mechanic, a carpenter, a doctor, a teacher, an athlete. a scientist, an astronaut, you have a stack of details, of ordinary things that must be done and done well and with enjoyment. The enjoyment comes with knowing that if you do everything right the final result will be excellent.
DB
***************
Weekend Contest
This contest is open for the next 9 days.
APRIL FOOLERY
Choose as many numbers as you want and fill in the blanks
Winners will be posted on the evening of April 4.
The decisions of the nasty biased judge are final. Prizes will awarded on the basis of originality and whatever makes me laugh.
On the first day of April my true love gave to me
12______
11______
10______
9_______
8_______
7_______
6_______
5_______
4_______
3_______
2_______
and_______
Good luck
DB
****************
John Gardner
*****************
When you get right down to it everything we do is ordinary. All of the great achievements in the world are backed up and prepared by a thousand details all of which must be performed expertly. The player who carries the ball across the goal line can't do it unless the other 10 members of the team perform their functions well. It requires team work.
An orchestra also needs every musician to perform his or her function with excellence even if the score sometimes just calls of an accompaniment to a soloist. That's team work.
Think of the tiny details a chef or a surgeon must get right in order for the result to be excellent. Those details may be carried out by one person but it also requires team work; a team of one.
We all want to get to the results as soon as possible, but we have to enlist in the basic details along the way. The best way is to learn to love those details, a painter claiming his brushes, a teacher carefully reading and grading papers or preparing a lesson plan, a musician tuning his instrument.
One afternoon I was watching a trombone player getting ready for an orchestra rehearsal. First he ran up and down scales, then he played combinations and exercises to get facility, All of that took about an hour of great concentration. If a particular exercise didn't please him he went back over it until it did. He accomplished all of that before he even looked at the music he was going to play that afternoon. You can't just fall out of bed, have a coffee, take the instrument out of its case and expect to play Beethoven.
I doesn't matter what you are, a writer, a painter, a technician, a mechanic, a carpenter, a doctor, a teacher, an athlete. a scientist, an astronaut, you have a stack of details, of ordinary things that must be done and done well and with enjoyment. The enjoyment comes with knowing that if you do everything right the final result will be excellent.
DB
***************
Weekend Contest
This contest is open for the next 9 days.
APRIL FOOLERY
Choose as many numbers as you want and fill in the blanks
Winners will be posted on the evening of April 4.
The decisions of the nasty biased judge are final. Prizes will awarded on the basis of originality and whatever makes me laugh.
On the first day of April my true love gave to me
12______
11______
10______
9_______
8_______
7_______
6_______
5_______
4_______
3_______
2_______
and_______
Good luck
DB
****************
Friday, March 26, 2010
Get Up
The basest of all things is to be afraid.
William Faulkner
*******************
One of the biggest and fiercest demons to face in the struggle to survive is not wanting to.
I, like millions of other people in the world, have become adept at the fine art of surviving on nothing. It probably has to do with my boyhood. My father died when I was 4. He went believing that his army pension would take care of his family. He was a war hero and had been decorated by General Patton. But because he wasn't on active duty when he went the government declined to grant my mother his pension. She had a nervous breakdown. But she didn't die. In fact she went on to live another 40 to 50 years.
Within two years of my father's death she sold the house and we plunged into terrifying poverty. I can't even remember some of the places I've lived. My mother had been an actress, she had no other skills, She went off to a typing job everyday with arthritic fingers. She was tough.
I know an actor, talented and reasonably well trained, who refuses to give up his night time office job to engange in an acting career. He would rather lose sleep and take roles in small productions for no money than face the fear, that deep knot in the stomach, over financial insecurity. Unless you're a soap opera actor, financial insecurity is the game. We all face it. We learn to live with it.
During the depression of the 20's men who had lost everything leapt to their deaths out of skyscraper windows. Some men were seen sleeping, mid day, in their blue suits on the grass in Bryant Park. Other men found something else to do. There were a few who sold their wife's strawberry jam from door to door.
In this last depression CEO's found a faster way to go by stepping in front of fast moving trains. The fear of loss, of having nothing left, of not knowing how to survive on nothing has caused a lot of death and destruction. It is a terrifying state for anyone to be in. But FDR said it clearly "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Those men died because of a base fear they couldn't face and death seemed to be the best alternative.
I have faced that fear myself many times and came close to thinking that the best thing to do was to pull the plug on myself. But I kept in mind a quote from Shakespeare, "There's place and means for every man alive." But to find that place and means you have to be alive.
It is said that the Donner Party when stranded next to a frozen lake in the Winter while trying to reach California chewed on bark. In my story Brian And Christine, when lost in a frozen wilderness, they also chew on bark just to stay alive. Brian, Christine and the Donners eventually made it out to safety. Some would have given up and died.
Someone once said that success is getting up one more time than you fall. There's no question that falling is a precipice of fear and getting up again is a big struggle.
Does heaven give us any reward for getting up? Probably not. And does the falling and getting up go on in an endless chain of events? Maybe. But as angry, depressed and fearful as I get, I wish to shake my fist at failure, laugh and go looking for the strawberry jam.
DB - The Vagabond
********************
SPRING QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
In your opinion what is the most amazing thing that could happen during this decade? Make it as outrageous as you want but keep it within the realm of what you consider a possibility.
3 responses so far.
Answers will be published the first day of Summer.
dbdacoba@aol.com
DB - The Vagabond
*******************
William Faulkner
*******************
One of the biggest and fiercest demons to face in the struggle to survive is not wanting to.
I, like millions of other people in the world, have become adept at the fine art of surviving on nothing. It probably has to do with my boyhood. My father died when I was 4. He went believing that his army pension would take care of his family. He was a war hero and had been decorated by General Patton. But because he wasn't on active duty when he went the government declined to grant my mother his pension. She had a nervous breakdown. But she didn't die. In fact she went on to live another 40 to 50 years.
Within two years of my father's death she sold the house and we plunged into terrifying poverty. I can't even remember some of the places I've lived. My mother had been an actress, she had no other skills, She went off to a typing job everyday with arthritic fingers. She was tough.
I know an actor, talented and reasonably well trained, who refuses to give up his night time office job to engange in an acting career. He would rather lose sleep and take roles in small productions for no money than face the fear, that deep knot in the stomach, over financial insecurity. Unless you're a soap opera actor, financial insecurity is the game. We all face it. We learn to live with it.
During the depression of the 20's men who had lost everything leapt to their deaths out of skyscraper windows. Some men were seen sleeping, mid day, in their blue suits on the grass in Bryant Park. Other men found something else to do. There were a few who sold their wife's strawberry jam from door to door.
In this last depression CEO's found a faster way to go by stepping in front of fast moving trains. The fear of loss, of having nothing left, of not knowing how to survive on nothing has caused a lot of death and destruction. It is a terrifying state for anyone to be in. But FDR said it clearly "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Those men died because of a base fear they couldn't face and death seemed to be the best alternative.
I have faced that fear myself many times and came close to thinking that the best thing to do was to pull the plug on myself. But I kept in mind a quote from Shakespeare, "There's place and means for every man alive." But to find that place and means you have to be alive.
It is said that the Donner Party when stranded next to a frozen lake in the Winter while trying to reach California chewed on bark. In my story Brian And Christine, when lost in a frozen wilderness, they also chew on bark just to stay alive. Brian, Christine and the Donners eventually made it out to safety. Some would have given up and died.
Someone once said that success is getting up one more time than you fall. There's no question that falling is a precipice of fear and getting up again is a big struggle.
Does heaven give us any reward for getting up? Probably not. And does the falling and getting up go on in an endless chain of events? Maybe. But as angry, depressed and fearful as I get, I wish to shake my fist at failure, laugh and go looking for the strawberry jam.
DB - The Vagabond
********************
SPRING QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
In your opinion what is the most amazing thing that could happen during this decade? Make it as outrageous as you want but keep it within the realm of what you consider a possibility.
3 responses so far.
Answers will be published the first day of Summer.
dbdacoba@aol.com
DB - The Vagabond
*******************
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Road More Traveled
If you are on a road with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.
Seen on a bumper sticker.
***********************
When something goes right, that's a blessing. It's not a blessing that something doesn't go wrong. I must be going somewhere in my life because my way is strewn with obstacles.
The latest is my dead phone. The cheap replacement doesn't ring, takes messages which I can't access and doesn't allow me to connect with extensions. This is on top of debts I can't afford to pay, illnesses I can't afford to have treated, a computer that died last Autumn erasing about 6 months worth of Vagabond Journeys entries, and a bundle of other distracting bumps, pot holes and falling rocks along the way. Life is like one of those video games where you have to shoot the snipers or get through an ever changing maze. It doesn't matter how well you orchestrate and rehearse your day, you still have to improvise. It's like life is saying "You think you're so smart? Okay, let's see how you deal with THIS!"
To iterate problems and troubles is sometimes the first step for solving and getting rid of them. Another good step is having a sense of humor. I have known people who called me dark when I was going through the list of discords I had to deal with. But they didn't get it. They didn't understand how loaded down I was with things and how slowly things were getting taken care of or how much I was suffering under them. The reality was and is that I can sit here bewildered by the extent of things I have to handle and see the humor in it. How can you call a man "dark" who has an abiding and strengthening appreciation of the ironies and absurdities of life?
Faith is also an important step in facing up to trouble. Life may fling us into the quicksand, but life also throws us the rope. I have discovered that many times. "Whine, whine, woe is me" means you aren't looking for the rope. It may be behind you.
It's a lesson I learned as an actor: "I don't know how to play this scene and yet my job depends on it, but I know there is a way to play it and I know that it will occur to me." It always did, but it often took time and effort.
I wish there were fewer obstacles and less trouble in my life. I would like to spend some of my day having fun. A truly harmonious day seems years away from me now. But as it says, Is life just a road full of obstacles or does it eventually actually go somewhere?
The Vagabond
********************
SPRING QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
In your opinion what is the most amazing thing that could happen during this decade? Make it as outrageous as you want but keep it within the realm of what you consider a possibility.
3 responses so far.
Answers will be published the first day of Summer.
dbdacoba@aol.com
Thank you.
DB - The Vagabond
Seen on a bumper sticker.
***********************
When something goes right, that's a blessing. It's not a blessing that something doesn't go wrong. I must be going somewhere in my life because my way is strewn with obstacles.
The latest is my dead phone. The cheap replacement doesn't ring, takes messages which I can't access and doesn't allow me to connect with extensions. This is on top of debts I can't afford to pay, illnesses I can't afford to have treated, a computer that died last Autumn erasing about 6 months worth of Vagabond Journeys entries, and a bundle of other distracting bumps, pot holes and falling rocks along the way. Life is like one of those video games where you have to shoot the snipers or get through an ever changing maze. It doesn't matter how well you orchestrate and rehearse your day, you still have to improvise. It's like life is saying "You think you're so smart? Okay, let's see how you deal with THIS!"
To iterate problems and troubles is sometimes the first step for solving and getting rid of them. Another good step is having a sense of humor. I have known people who called me dark when I was going through the list of discords I had to deal with. But they didn't get it. They didn't understand how loaded down I was with things and how slowly things were getting taken care of or how much I was suffering under them. The reality was and is that I can sit here bewildered by the extent of things I have to handle and see the humor in it. How can you call a man "dark" who has an abiding and strengthening appreciation of the ironies and absurdities of life?
Faith is also an important step in facing up to trouble. Life may fling us into the quicksand, but life also throws us the rope. I have discovered that many times. "Whine, whine, woe is me" means you aren't looking for the rope. It may be behind you.
It's a lesson I learned as an actor: "I don't know how to play this scene and yet my job depends on it, but I know there is a way to play it and I know that it will occur to me." It always did, but it often took time and effort.
I wish there were fewer obstacles and less trouble in my life. I would like to spend some of my day having fun. A truly harmonious day seems years away from me now. But as it says, Is life just a road full of obstacles or does it eventually actually go somewhere?
The Vagabond
********************
SPRING QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
In your opinion what is the most amazing thing that could happen during this decade? Make it as outrageous as you want but keep it within the realm of what you consider a possibility.
3 responses so far.
Answers will be published the first day of Summer.
dbdacoba@aol.com
Thank you.
DB - The Vagabond
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Brian 8
Brian Tames The Lion
Part 8
Sylvia stared at Brian for a moment and then, in a voice loaded with quiet threat said "Is this a joke Mr. Sim, because if it is it isn't funny."
"It's no joke, Ms DeLanne. The Lion is a big role and an important one. It isn't a children's show lion. It takes real acting ability. You're a dancer. The lion's role is delivered completely by movement. You would add so much to the part. And, quite frankly Ms Delanne, there is no one else in the company who could play it.
Sylvia was now staring into space. After a considerable pause she shook her head and said "I don't think so Mr. Sim. I've played a lot of strange characters in my day but I've never played an animal."
Brian chuckled and said "It's a challenge, that's for sure."
"Yes, I know, but...(sigh). I don't know."
"Well, I'm going to go with this other actress for The Seagull. You will be splendid as Linda Loman, I know it, and in the other roles as they come along. Who knows, you might even like A Pinch In Time. It's very funny."
"I doubt it."
"Well, Androcles will be coming up soon and I would like to get it cast. I hate to go outside the company to find another good Lion.
"I'll thin about it Mr. Sim."
"Great. Please pick up a script from Alice on your way out. And when you've read it I would welcome a suggestion as to who you think would be the best to play opposite you as Androcles."
"All right Mr. Sim."
"Sims."
"Sims?"
"Yes."
"Pleasure Mr. Sims." Without another word Sylvia left, closing the door behind her.
Brian went back to his desk, took out his pen and checked something off on his clip board.
The End
Part 8
Sylvia stared at Brian for a moment and then, in a voice loaded with quiet threat said "Is this a joke Mr. Sim, because if it is it isn't funny."
"It's no joke, Ms DeLanne. The Lion is a big role and an important one. It isn't a children's show lion. It takes real acting ability. You're a dancer. The lion's role is delivered completely by movement. You would add so much to the part. And, quite frankly Ms Delanne, there is no one else in the company who could play it.
Sylvia was now staring into space. After a considerable pause she shook her head and said "I don't think so Mr. Sim. I've played a lot of strange characters in my day but I've never played an animal."
Brian chuckled and said "It's a challenge, that's for sure."
"Yes, I know, but...(sigh). I don't know."
"Well, I'm going to go with this other actress for The Seagull. You will be splendid as Linda Loman, I know it, and in the other roles as they come along. Who knows, you might even like A Pinch In Time. It's very funny."
"I doubt it."
"Well, Androcles will be coming up soon and I would like to get it cast. I hate to go outside the company to find another good Lion.
"I'll thin about it Mr. Sim."
"Great. Please pick up a script from Alice on your way out. And when you've read it I would welcome a suggestion as to who you think would be the best to play opposite you as Androcles."
"All right Mr. Sim."
"Sims."
"Sims?"
"Yes."
"Pleasure Mr. Sims." Without another word Sylvia left, closing the door behind her.
Brian went back to his desk, took out his pen and checked something off on his clip board.
The End
The Big Dive
We live in a fantasy world, a world of illusion. The great task in life is to find reality.
Iris Murdoch
*****************
A good Spring Wednesday to you.
After we have worn ourselves out shaking our fists, kicking and screaming at the disappointments, frustrations, callousness, cruelty, ignorance, ugliness, errors, stupidity and injustices of the world, we have to rest. And in that rest is when we can allow ourselves, at last, to bathe in the ocean of thought. The clamor has ceased, the silence is beautiful music, our closed eyes can view the splendors. We become deep sea divers finding the pearls of remembrance.
In my younger years, when I considered myself an intellectual, before I began to become one, I wore a button pinned to my denim jacket which read "Real Life Isn't :Like This." I got a lot of comments about that button, from the very intelligent to the very stupid. I wore it because I was noticing how easy it was for me and others to accept the facades of existence as being substantial. It doesn't matter what something really is as long as it looks nice. It doesn't matter what someone is really like inside as long as he is well groomed and wears the right clothes. I was usually complemented on my hair cut and not on my ideas. People who loved the sound of my voice paid no attention to what the voice was saying.
I still have that button somewhere. But now with my scraggly beard and shaggy clothes I must be an ignorant bum, if it is true that clothes make the man, as the old saying goes. And if it is true then there are a lot of blue suit characters around.
My much older sister once said that she thought I was one of the original Beatniks, and I suppose that's true. But being a Beatnik teaches you that there is hardly an original anything in the world. It also teaches you that beyond the world's flimsy philosophies and arrogant artifices there is true poetry, beauty and joy. But you have to dive for it. It is much easier on the heart, the mind and the creature comforts to settle for and believe in the appearance of things.
To find reality is risky business.
DB - The Vagabond
******************
This living without a properly functioning phone is bad news.
**********************
SPRING QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
In your opinion what is the most amazing thing that could happen during this decade? Make it as outrageous as you want but keep it within the realm of what you consider a possibility.
3 responses so far.
Answers will be published the first day of Summer.
dbdacoba@aol.com
DB - The Vagabond
*******************
Iris Murdoch
*****************
A good Spring Wednesday to you.
After we have worn ourselves out shaking our fists, kicking and screaming at the disappointments, frustrations, callousness, cruelty, ignorance, ugliness, errors, stupidity and injustices of the world, we have to rest. And in that rest is when we can allow ourselves, at last, to bathe in the ocean of thought. The clamor has ceased, the silence is beautiful music, our closed eyes can view the splendors. We become deep sea divers finding the pearls of remembrance.
In my younger years, when I considered myself an intellectual, before I began to become one, I wore a button pinned to my denim jacket which read "Real Life Isn't :Like This." I got a lot of comments about that button, from the very intelligent to the very stupid. I wore it because I was noticing how easy it was for me and others to accept the facades of existence as being substantial. It doesn't matter what something really is as long as it looks nice. It doesn't matter what someone is really like inside as long as he is well groomed and wears the right clothes. I was usually complemented on my hair cut and not on my ideas. People who loved the sound of my voice paid no attention to what the voice was saying.
I still have that button somewhere. But now with my scraggly beard and shaggy clothes I must be an ignorant bum, if it is true that clothes make the man, as the old saying goes. And if it is true then there are a lot of blue suit characters around.
My much older sister once said that she thought I was one of the original Beatniks, and I suppose that's true. But being a Beatnik teaches you that there is hardly an original anything in the world. It also teaches you that beyond the world's flimsy philosophies and arrogant artifices there is true poetry, beauty and joy. But you have to dive for it. It is much easier on the heart, the mind and the creature comforts to settle for and believe in the appearance of things.
To find reality is risky business.
DB - The Vagabond
******************
This living without a properly functioning phone is bad news.
**********************
SPRING QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
In your opinion what is the most amazing thing that could happen during this decade? Make it as outrageous as you want but keep it within the realm of what you consider a possibility.
3 responses so far.
Answers will be published the first day of Summer.
dbdacoba@aol.com
DB - The Vagabond
*******************
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Brian 7
Brian Tames The Lion
Part 7
By DB
"The season has been chosen and agreed upon. Work has begun in several areas and casting choices have been made."
"Does that mean you are committed to the musical, and Harvey and a silly farce?”
“Yes, but….” he paused
“But what?”
“Well actually there are a couple of slots that haven't been filled yet. I've been reading some new plays, submitted for our consideration.”
"Most new plays are awful" she said.
"Yes, but one of them isn't bad. I'll let you read it."
"That's most kind of you." The sarcasm was still in the air.
"But as for the other slot I was thinking of putting in a Shaw play."
“A Shaw play?” her eyes widened.
“Yes.”
“Which one?”
”Androcles and the Lion.”
She laughed scornfully. “Why that one?”
“Because it’s a good play with a good message and it's seldom done.”
“Have you ever done that play before, Mr. Sim?”
“Sims. No I haven’t.”
“Oh. I thought maybe it was something you brought with you from college. If you did, you're making a big mistake. New graduates are always showing up with some production they did in college that everyone thought was so great and they think it's going to work in a professional theatre. They just want to repeat their so-called triumph. It never works."
“No, I’ve never done it.”
“Well, it’s a possibility. There isn’t really a good part for me though, is there?”.
“As a matter of fact there is one.”
“Who?”
“The Lion."
(To be continued.)
Part 7
By DB
"The season has been chosen and agreed upon. Work has begun in several areas and casting choices have been made."
"Does that mean you are committed to the musical, and Harvey and a silly farce?”
“Yes, but….” he paused
“But what?”
“Well actually there are a couple of slots that haven't been filled yet. I've been reading some new plays, submitted for our consideration.”
"Most new plays are awful" she said.
"Yes, but one of them isn't bad. I'll let you read it."
"That's most kind of you." The sarcasm was still in the air.
"But as for the other slot I was thinking of putting in a Shaw play."
“A Shaw play?” her eyes widened.
“Yes.”
“Which one?”
”Androcles and the Lion.”
She laughed scornfully. “Why that one?”
“Because it’s a good play with a good message and it's seldom done.”
“Have you ever done that play before, Mr. Sim?”
“Sims. No I haven’t.”
“Oh. I thought maybe it was something you brought with you from college. If you did, you're making a big mistake. New graduates are always showing up with some production they did in college that everyone thought was so great and they think it's going to work in a professional theatre. They just want to repeat their so-called triumph. It never works."
“No, I’ve never done it.”
“Well, it’s a possibility. There isn’t really a good part for me though, is there?”.
“As a matter of fact there is one.”
“Who?”
“The Lion."
(To be continued.)
Ice Breaking
The undertaking of a new action brings new strength.
Evenius
*****************
What do I wake to? Another day? And what is that, numbers on a calendar page? A month? A season? A new time of life? A new life? A rebirth? Another chance to tread down the dragons and slap away the unexpected wasps.
What are the important things? My phone has stopped working, completely. It's dead. I have another one, a cheap model from the drug store. It gives me a dial tone but I don't think it rings or takes messages, There is no way to reach me now except snail mail and instant Internet. And why would someone want to reach me? Why should I be bothered by bothersome things? But what if a friend should call?
It's Spring. It's stomping time and clapping time and shouting time. It's welcoming time. It's the opening of the windows time. It's the dusting off of the Winter's forgotten pleasures time. It's listening time and breathing time. It's sunshine on your face time.
Spring is a violent time. It's the violence of the bird cracking open its house, of the bud forcing its way out of the branch, of the seed throwing off it's covers and thrusting its feet and fingers into the ground.
Spring is the noisy time. On the first full beautiful day the loud machines come out to mow, to plow, to trim, to clip, to split and to rev. The machine that has the power to drive the sap wakes up and starts pushing through the trees. The winged community starts its variety of constant conversations from its various limbs and nests.
Spring is a loving time. It's time to clean out the closet and call Good Will or The Salvation Army. It's the time to call old friends and write some letters. It's the time to think about starting a romance or paying more attention to the one you've got.
Spring is the time for hopes and wishes, You've made it through another winter, now what? Where are those plans you made? Get them out and look them over. Now's the time.
Spring is a time to be depressed. It's the time to realize that and to fight against it with joy and strength. Spring is the way-station between the struggle to survive and the growing of a new life. Spring is half way between Thanksgiving and harvest.
Spring is the time for children. It's the time for trust and the child-like delight in the act of being alive. It's the time for fertilizing your garden. It's the time to learn.
So be it. So it must be. And so it is.
DB - The Vagabond.
*******************
Evenius
*****************
What do I wake to? Another day? And what is that, numbers on a calendar page? A month? A season? A new time of life? A new life? A rebirth? Another chance to tread down the dragons and slap away the unexpected wasps.
What are the important things? My phone has stopped working, completely. It's dead. I have another one, a cheap model from the drug store. It gives me a dial tone but I don't think it rings or takes messages, There is no way to reach me now except snail mail and instant Internet. And why would someone want to reach me? Why should I be bothered by bothersome things? But what if a friend should call?
It's Spring. It's stomping time and clapping time and shouting time. It's welcoming time. It's the opening of the windows time. It's the dusting off of the Winter's forgotten pleasures time. It's listening time and breathing time. It's sunshine on your face time.
Spring is a violent time. It's the violence of the bird cracking open its house, of the bud forcing its way out of the branch, of the seed throwing off it's covers and thrusting its feet and fingers into the ground.
Spring is the noisy time. On the first full beautiful day the loud machines come out to mow, to plow, to trim, to clip, to split and to rev. The machine that has the power to drive the sap wakes up and starts pushing through the trees. The winged community starts its variety of constant conversations from its various limbs and nests.
Spring is a loving time. It's time to clean out the closet and call Good Will or The Salvation Army. It's the time to call old friends and write some letters. It's the time to think about starting a romance or paying more attention to the one you've got.
Spring is the time for hopes and wishes, You've made it through another winter, now what? Where are those plans you made? Get them out and look them over. Now's the time.
Spring is a time to be depressed. It's the time to realize that and to fight against it with joy and strength. Spring is the way-station between the struggle to survive and the growing of a new life. Spring is half way between Thanksgiving and harvest.
Spring is the time for children. It's the time for trust and the child-like delight in the act of being alive. It's the time for fertilizing your garden. It's the time to learn.
So be it. So it must be. And so it is.
DB - The Vagabond.
*******************
Monday, March 22, 2010
Brian 6
Brian Tames The lion
Part 6
"Before I met you, Ms DeLanne, I was hoping that you would be helpful and bring ideas to me instead of trying to disrupt everything I've done so far."
"I'm listening."
"The Board told me how knowledgeable and important you were to the theatre. And they did give me some background about the early days in the coffee shop. I heard about the night the lights went out all over the area and you had to play with candles and flashlights."
"Yes, se did."
"They told me about strangers wandering onto the stage while the performance was going on."
Sylvia laughed "I forgot about that. From the alley."
"They said you all got arrested one night?"
"No the police came, but they couldn't find anything to arrest us for."
"Oh."
"Some fool of a neighbor reported us for something." Sylvia laughed at the memory.
Brian laughed, then said "The Board had nothing but high praise for your work both artistic and administrative."
"Well, good. Does that mean you're not going to try to fire me Sim?"
"If I have to. But as a matter of fact I had something else in mind."
"Oh, really." It was not a question.
(To be continued.)
Part 6
"Before I met you, Ms DeLanne, I was hoping that you would be helpful and bring ideas to me instead of trying to disrupt everything I've done so far."
"I'm listening."
"The Board told me how knowledgeable and important you were to the theatre. And they did give me some background about the early days in the coffee shop. I heard about the night the lights went out all over the area and you had to play with candles and flashlights."
"Yes, se did."
"They told me about strangers wandering onto the stage while the performance was going on."
Sylvia laughed "I forgot about that. From the alley."
"They said you all got arrested one night?"
"No the police came, but they couldn't find anything to arrest us for."
"Oh."
"Some fool of a neighbor reported us for something." Sylvia laughed at the memory.
Brian laughed, then said "The Board had nothing but high praise for your work both artistic and administrative."
"Well, good. Does that mean you're not going to try to fire me Sim?"
"If I have to. But as a matter of fact I had something else in mind."
"Oh, really." It was not a question.
(To be continued.)
Assess Thyself
The hardest thing to understand in the world is the income tax.
Albert Einstein
*****************
Being a retired fellow with no income except social security nd pensions, my income tax is fairly simple these days. That was not always the case. During my career I was performing all around the country. The theatre companies, recording studios and film companies were located in different states and when tax time came I had to file in all of them.
I had an accountant in the Empire State Building in New York City. Every year I took all my receipts and records up to his office in the lofty heights and left them with him. To do it myself would have been an impossibility, not only because of all the various forms from everywhere, but even more because of the ever changing tax laws and regulations in all those places. Soon I would get in the mail a large envelope filled with documents to sign and addresses to write checks to. I don't know how he did it.
I have come to see that the income tax is as much a subjective business as any thing else. What should be a precise and dependable system is open to interpretation and that includes the IRS itself, evidently.
One year a reporter for a New York newspaper, noting that the IRS will figure out your Federal Income Tax for you, took his records to the IRS offices in all five boroughs of New York to have them figure it out. He got five different results. The IRS was not pleased when he published that.
Some people do try to cheat on their taxes. There's no question about that. But there are also many cases in which people could save themselves money if they knew about and understood their rights. That's why it's a good thing to have a professional help us with the job, and hope that the pro can understand it.
Once I filed my taxes on April 15. I was in New York at a large post office. I stood in line for over an hour. I vowed I would never do that again. One other time I arrived at the post office on the last day, because I had been out of town. I saw a long line of very unhappy looking people. I went to the stamp machine and bought more stamps than was necessary, stuck them on the envelop and put it in the slot. I'd be dammed if I was going to stand in that line just to save a dollar.
I consider filing my taxes an aggravating but necessary interruption in the possible harmony of my life. So I get it done as quickly as I can to save myself the anxiety and bother.
If you haven't done your taxes yet, get to it. It may be difficult and complicated for you. But if Albert Einstein had difficulty understanding his taxes you're in good company.
DB
****************
SPRING QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
In your opinion what is the most amazing thing that could happen during this decade? Make it as outrageous as you want but keep it within the realm of what you consider a possibility.
2 responses so far.
Answers will be published the first day of Summer.
dbdacoba@aol.com
DB - The Vagabond
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Starting today I'm collecting the Brian stories into one journal The Brian Saga
http://thebriansaga.blogspot.com/. They will be in his chronological order from his youngest days (The Little Black Disk) to his oldest (Brian and Christine). They will appear gradually as I get them written and edited.
DB
Albert Einstein
*****************
Being a retired fellow with no income except social security nd pensions, my income tax is fairly simple these days. That was not always the case. During my career I was performing all around the country. The theatre companies, recording studios and film companies were located in different states and when tax time came I had to file in all of them.
I had an accountant in the Empire State Building in New York City. Every year I took all my receipts and records up to his office in the lofty heights and left them with him. To do it myself would have been an impossibility, not only because of all the various forms from everywhere, but even more because of the ever changing tax laws and regulations in all those places. Soon I would get in the mail a large envelope filled with documents to sign and addresses to write checks to. I don't know how he did it.
I have come to see that the income tax is as much a subjective business as any thing else. What should be a precise and dependable system is open to interpretation and that includes the IRS itself, evidently.
One year a reporter for a New York newspaper, noting that the IRS will figure out your Federal Income Tax for you, took his records to the IRS offices in all five boroughs of New York to have them figure it out. He got five different results. The IRS was not pleased when he published that.
Some people do try to cheat on their taxes. There's no question about that. But there are also many cases in which people could save themselves money if they knew about and understood their rights. That's why it's a good thing to have a professional help us with the job, and hope that the pro can understand it.
Once I filed my taxes on April 15. I was in New York at a large post office. I stood in line for over an hour. I vowed I would never do that again. One other time I arrived at the post office on the last day, because I had been out of town. I saw a long line of very unhappy looking people. I went to the stamp machine and bought more stamps than was necessary, stuck them on the envelop and put it in the slot. I'd be dammed if I was going to stand in that line just to save a dollar.
I consider filing my taxes an aggravating but necessary interruption in the possible harmony of my life. So I get it done as quickly as I can to save myself the anxiety and bother.
If you haven't done your taxes yet, get to it. It may be difficult and complicated for you. But if Albert Einstein had difficulty understanding his taxes you're in good company.
DB
****************
SPRING QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
In your opinion what is the most amazing thing that could happen during this decade? Make it as outrageous as you want but keep it within the realm of what you consider a possibility.
2 responses so far.
Answers will be published the first day of Summer.
dbdacoba@aol.com
DB - The Vagabond
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Starting today I'm collecting the Brian stories into one journal The Brian Saga
http://thebriansaga.blogspot.com/. They will be in his chronological order from his youngest days (The Little Black Disk) to his oldest (Brian and Christine). They will appear gradually as I get them written and edited.
DB
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Brian 5
Brian Tames The Lion
Part 5
"I don't believe you."
"That doesn't matter, does it?"
"We'll see."
"Why don't you call one of your friends and ask them?"
"Don't worry, I will."
"Good. And when you do you also might ask if they have given me the freedom to hire new actors and crew if I want to."
"Well, it's a nice little empire you have for yourself here, isn't it, Mr. Sim?" Sylvia said sarcastically.
"The Board has also given me the right to let anyone go who doesn't fit in to our new plans and designs." Brian was taking a big chance but he was remembering an episode with his father and a certain Wexler Mayhew at a summer camp. ["Sometimes life’s lessons come after life’s tests.”]
"Meaning me, I suppose? You wouldn't dare."
"I would, but I don't want to."
"Well, don't even think about it. If you tried to fire me other members of this company would scream so loud you will find yourself with your 'empire' out on the sidewalk."
"Ms DeLanne I see from your resume that you also teach a dance class"
"Yes, I have a ballet studio. What about it? Stay away from that."
"It means that you're a dancer as well as being an actor."
"What's your game, Mr. Sim?"
(To be continued.)
Part 5
"I don't believe you."
"That doesn't matter, does it?"
"We'll see."
"Why don't you call one of your friends and ask them?"
"Don't worry, I will."
"Good. And when you do you also might ask if they have given me the freedom to hire new actors and crew if I want to."
"Well, it's a nice little empire you have for yourself here, isn't it, Mr. Sim?" Sylvia said sarcastically.
"The Board has also given me the right to let anyone go who doesn't fit in to our new plans and designs." Brian was taking a big chance but he was remembering an episode with his father and a certain Wexler Mayhew at a summer camp. ["Sometimes life’s lessons come after life’s tests.”]
"Meaning me, I suppose? You wouldn't dare."
"I would, but I don't want to."
"Well, don't even think about it. If you tried to fire me other members of this company would scream so loud you will find yourself with your 'empire' out on the sidewalk."
"Ms DeLanne I see from your resume that you also teach a dance class"
"Yes, I have a ballet studio. What about it? Stay away from that."
"It means that you're a dancer as well as being an actor."
"What's your game, Mr. Sim?"
(To be continued.)
Press Here
Some people make headlines while others make history.
Philip Elmer-DeWitt
********************
I advise you to take what the general media says about anyone with more than a grain, more like a handful, of salt. I was never a major celebrity during my career, but in my small way I had a public life and appeared on radio and television programs as a guest and was interviewed by newspapers and magazines. In my memory I can recall only one journalist, for the New York Daily News, who was interested in finding out and reporting accurately on what I did. All the rest, to one degree or another, tried to find something strange ("newsworthy") about me to discuss. As a result I have a healthy disregard for whatever I read in the papers or see on TV or Internet news about anyone in the arts, show business, sports, religion or politics.
Instead of accepting the fact that we are all human beings, trying to get by in life, with all of it's daily problems and solutions, some of the media and its fans try to find the real secret behind someone's actions, the real "dirt." What a waste of time and effort!
Wrong, sensationalized reporting of people and events has caused much misunderstanding and trouble in the world from the condemnation and death of Socrates up to the recent health care debate. Facts are brought out and interpreted one way or another. Other facts are ignored.
Socrates made history. If he hadn't mentioned his accusers by name we would probably never know who they were.
Before I lessen or insult anyone's efforts I want to assume that there are responsible, intelligent journalists in our society. There certainly are. They may be hard to find because their reporting is not intended to tantalize us with outrage or scorn. It's much easier, it seems, and more interesting, to have an emotional reaction to people and events than an intelligent one.
(That said, one of these days, soon I hope, I will write about the New York Journal American and the Mad Bomber.)
We have freedom of the press in this country, and thank heaven we do. That it is often misused or poorly applied is no excuse for denying that freedom. That there is a dumbing down process to much of what we are given by the media is an undeniable fact. Given that fact it is up to us as individuals, the world over, to resist it and to hold the media accountable for it's actions just as we should our governments. The press is very powerful. Just as honest reporting has been able to topple tyranny, dishonest, or even just irresponsible reporting has helped to establish it.
No matter what the story there is always another side or other sides to it. Don't stop watching the news or reading the papers, but always have that handful of salt ready to fling in the face of the reporting if you are not hearing all the sides.
DB
*****************
SPRING QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
In your opinion what is the most amazing thing that could happen during this decade? Make it as outrageous as you can but keep it within the realm of what you consider a possibility.
Answers will be published the first day of Summer.
Dbdacoba@aol.com
DB - The Vagabond
*******************
Philip Elmer-DeWitt
********************
I advise you to take what the general media says about anyone with more than a grain, more like a handful, of salt. I was never a major celebrity during my career, but in my small way I had a public life and appeared on radio and television programs as a guest and was interviewed by newspapers and magazines. In my memory I can recall only one journalist, for the New York Daily News, who was interested in finding out and reporting accurately on what I did. All the rest, to one degree or another, tried to find something strange ("newsworthy") about me to discuss. As a result I have a healthy disregard for whatever I read in the papers or see on TV or Internet news about anyone in the arts, show business, sports, religion or politics.
Instead of accepting the fact that we are all human beings, trying to get by in life, with all of it's daily problems and solutions, some of the media and its fans try to find the real secret behind someone's actions, the real "dirt." What a waste of time and effort!
Wrong, sensationalized reporting of people and events has caused much misunderstanding and trouble in the world from the condemnation and death of Socrates up to the recent health care debate. Facts are brought out and interpreted one way or another. Other facts are ignored.
Socrates made history. If he hadn't mentioned his accusers by name we would probably never know who they were.
Before I lessen or insult anyone's efforts I want to assume that there are responsible, intelligent journalists in our society. There certainly are. They may be hard to find because their reporting is not intended to tantalize us with outrage or scorn. It's much easier, it seems, and more interesting, to have an emotional reaction to people and events than an intelligent one.
(That said, one of these days, soon I hope, I will write about the New York Journal American and the Mad Bomber.)
We have freedom of the press in this country, and thank heaven we do. That it is often misused or poorly applied is no excuse for denying that freedom. That there is a dumbing down process to much of what we are given by the media is an undeniable fact. Given that fact it is up to us as individuals, the world over, to resist it and to hold the media accountable for it's actions just as we should our governments. The press is very powerful. Just as honest reporting has been able to topple tyranny, dishonest, or even just irresponsible reporting has helped to establish it.
No matter what the story there is always another side or other sides to it. Don't stop watching the news or reading the papers, but always have that handful of salt ready to fling in the face of the reporting if you are not hearing all the sides.
DB
*****************
SPRING QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
In your opinion what is the most amazing thing that could happen during this decade? Make it as outrageous as you can but keep it within the realm of what you consider a possibility.
Answers will be published the first day of Summer.
Dbdacoba@aol.com
DB - The Vagabond
*******************
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Brian 4
Brian Tames The Lion
Part 4
by DB
“WHAT?” Sylvia was almost screaming. “Who are they?” She grabbed the papers she had and turned them over looking for the list of the Board.
“All good people.”
“All good people? Mr. Sim what have you done to this theatre?”
“Sims.”
“I’m not letting this go down. Who the hell do you think you are? You have no right to come in here and rearrange everything. Fire the Board of Directors behind my back. Let Jeffry go. Pick you own stupid juvenile choice of plays and start auditioning strangers.”
“I’m the Artistic Director.”
“Artistic Director my ass. You’re a rude kid fresh out of college who thinks he knows something. Well, let me quickly inform you Mr. Sim, Dim, Dimwit or whatever your name is, I’m going to see you out of here in a big hurry. There's the door. Go through it.”
“It’s Mr. Sims and it’s too late. I have a contract.”
“Contracts can be broken.”
“If you try to do that we will both spend a lot of time in court, because I will fight it, and neither of us will get any theatre done.” There was a pause. “It’s a good solid contract.”
“I don't care. You're a punk kid and you're not going to have the final word on everything.”
“I should hope not.”
“Good. Now about this schedule....”
“Most of those things have been decided upon before you came and are already in the works.”
“Indeed?”
“Yes.”
“And just what genius decided on them, you I suppose?”
“I did, with the help and blessings of the Board.”
“The new Board, of your handpicked cronies.”
“No Ms. DeLanne. The old Board.” Brian couldn’t resist. “Of your handpicked cronies.” He smiled a friendly smile.
(To be continued.)
Part 4
by DB
“WHAT?” Sylvia was almost screaming. “Who are they?” She grabbed the papers she had and turned them over looking for the list of the Board.
“All good people.”
“All good people? Mr. Sim what have you done to this theatre?”
“Sims.”
“I’m not letting this go down. Who the hell do you think you are? You have no right to come in here and rearrange everything. Fire the Board of Directors behind my back. Let Jeffry go. Pick you own stupid juvenile choice of plays and start auditioning strangers.”
“I’m the Artistic Director.”
“Artistic Director my ass. You’re a rude kid fresh out of college who thinks he knows something. Well, let me quickly inform you Mr. Sim, Dim, Dimwit or whatever your name is, I’m going to see you out of here in a big hurry. There's the door. Go through it.”
“It’s Mr. Sims and it’s too late. I have a contract.”
“Contracts can be broken.”
“If you try to do that we will both spend a lot of time in court, because I will fight it, and neither of us will get any theatre done.” There was a pause. “It’s a good solid contract.”
“I don't care. You're a punk kid and you're not going to have the final word on everything.”
“I should hope not.”
“Good. Now about this schedule....”
“Most of those things have been decided upon before you came and are already in the works.”
“Indeed?”
“Yes.”
“And just what genius decided on them, you I suppose?”
“I did, with the help and blessings of the Board.”
“The new Board, of your handpicked cronies.”
“No Ms. DeLanne. The old Board.” Brian couldn’t resist. “Of your handpicked cronies.” He smiled a friendly smile.
(To be continued.)
Winter Passage
All through the long Winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of Spring I dip my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy and my spirits soar.
Helen Hayes
************************8
This journal entry is all about the WINTER QUESTION ANSWERS.
Here are the answers to the Winter Question. There is a greet variety of them. Some are humorous, some are ambitious and some are poignant. I think you will enjoy reading all of them.
"Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before?"
---------------------------------------------------------
Eradicate cursing from my vocabulary.
---------------------------------------------------------
Skydive. I'll be doing it too. It's my gift to myself after I lose over 100 pounds. I lost 83 this year. So I'm on track for doing it in the spring of '10.
----------------------------------------------------
get this place de-cluttered once and for all!!
-------------------------------------------------
to see the youngest additions to our family
------------------------------------------
to see the ocean
----------------------------------
I would take a trip around the world, blogging about my adventures, with an emphasis on the help that could be provided to each place that I traveled.
----------------------------------------------
I would like to start traveling....since I was always too busy working and raising my children and never had the time but now........I don't think I can afford it.............
-------------------------------------------
Realistically, the one thing that I've already DONE for 2010, that I've NEVER done before was buy my Disneyland Annual Premium Pass!! My son and I bought them on my birthday, he's had one before he got as a gift, I've never had one.
That's the only thing I could think of right now, but if I think of more, I'll come back!! LOL!!
----------------------------------------
I want to travel route 66 to California and then watch the whales migrate in August.
--------------------------------------------
To travel into outer space.
-----------------------------------------
My answer would be: I will be assertive to follow my heart but doing it rightly and be respected by... with the help of God's guidance of course!
------------------------------------------------
As to that question: I'd like to be breathtakingly beautiful for one hour while riding bareback on a white horse in the ocean spray of the shoreline. That's yet to happen. Yes I'm serious - deep down, there's a shallow yearning I suppose.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Go to Italy and step my feet in my Mother’s hometown of Licodia Eubea in Catania, Sicily, and I’m going…in October.
-------------------------------------------------------------
One thing in 2010? Realize the final step in a plan that I am so longing to complete--but do not have the courage(yet)to finalize.
----------------------------------------------------------
If money and time were not a problem, I'd love for Stan and I, our
companion animals, and our closest friends to take the cross country
rail line across Canada to Victoria, BC. There we would all board one of
the cruise ships headed for Alaska. Coming back the same way would make
twice the fun.
--------------------------------------------------------
get into the Actor's Studio by doing a great part like James O'Neill.
-------------------------------------------------------
I plan to start writing a book about my experiences with blood cancers, a bone marrow transplant and subsequent complications. I don't know how long it will take me to finish the book or if the result will be publishable, but I want to try anyway. -----------------------------------------------------
In 2010 I'd like to start designing and making jewelry, and storing them up for a time when I can start selling them. I have made a piece or two, however, I have not been able to put together much, and I have not been able to sell them. I won't be able to sell them for awhile, as my life is hectic, but I'd like to make some pieces, in anticipation for the time I can sell them and have my own business. That is what I want to do in 2010. Thank you for asking this important question.
--------------------------------------------------------
Winter Challenge: If resources were not a challenge, I would train to become a Red Cross volunteer and travel the world helping others.
-----------------------------------------------------------
trust.....wholeheartedly and completely trust God this year. that is my goal and my "buzz" word for this year. No matter what happens. Just trust he knows best and he is in control.
-----------------------------------------------------
I'd like to be successful in convincing people this is 2009, which in truth, it is.
--------------------------------------------------------
After reading your post I have to say...find myself.
*********************************
*********************************
Thank you all, you wonderful people.
Starting tomorrow the SPRING QUESTION
DB
Helen Hayes
************************8
This journal entry is all about the WINTER QUESTION ANSWERS.
Here are the answers to the Winter Question. There is a greet variety of them. Some are humorous, some are ambitious and some are poignant. I think you will enjoy reading all of them.
"Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before?"
---------------------------------------------------------
Eradicate cursing from my vocabulary.
---------------------------------------------------------
Skydive. I'll be doing it too. It's my gift to myself after I lose over 100 pounds. I lost 83 this year. So I'm on track for doing it in the spring of '10.
----------------------------------------------------
get this place de-cluttered once and for all!!
-------------------------------------------------
to see the youngest additions to our family
------------------------------------------
to see the ocean
----------------------------------
I would take a trip around the world, blogging about my adventures, with an emphasis on the help that could be provided to each place that I traveled.
----------------------------------------------
I would like to start traveling....since I was always too busy working and raising my children and never had the time but now........I don't think I can afford it.............
-------------------------------------------
Realistically, the one thing that I've already DONE for 2010, that I've NEVER done before was buy my Disneyland Annual Premium Pass!! My son and I bought them on my birthday, he's had one before he got as a gift, I've never had one.
That's the only thing I could think of right now, but if I think of more, I'll come back!! LOL!!
----------------------------------------
I want to travel route 66 to California and then watch the whales migrate in August.
--------------------------------------------
To travel into outer space.
-----------------------------------------
My answer would be: I will be assertive to follow my heart but doing it rightly and be respected by... with the help of God's guidance of course!
------------------------------------------------
As to that question: I'd like to be breathtakingly beautiful for one hour while riding bareback on a white horse in the ocean spray of the shoreline. That's yet to happen. Yes I'm serious - deep down, there's a shallow yearning I suppose.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Go to Italy and step my feet in my Mother’s hometown of Licodia Eubea in Catania, Sicily, and I’m going…in October.
-------------------------------------------------------------
One thing in 2010? Realize the final step in a plan that I am so longing to complete--but do not have the courage(yet)to finalize.
----------------------------------------------------------
If money and time were not a problem, I'd love for Stan and I, our
companion animals, and our closest friends to take the cross country
rail line across Canada to Victoria, BC. There we would all board one of
the cruise ships headed for Alaska. Coming back the same way would make
twice the fun.
--------------------------------------------------------
get into the Actor's Studio by doing a great part like James O'Neill.
-------------------------------------------------------
I plan to start writing a book about my experiences with blood cancers, a bone marrow transplant and subsequent complications. I don't know how long it will take me to finish the book or if the result will be publishable, but I want to try anyway. -----------------------------------------------------
In 2010 I'd like to start designing and making jewelry, and storing them up for a time when I can start selling them. I have made a piece or two, however, I have not been able to put together much, and I have not been able to sell them. I won't be able to sell them for awhile, as my life is hectic, but I'd like to make some pieces, in anticipation for the time I can sell them and have my own business. That is what I want to do in 2010. Thank you for asking this important question.
--------------------------------------------------------
Winter Challenge: If resources were not a challenge, I would train to become a Red Cross volunteer and travel the world helping others.
-----------------------------------------------------------
trust.....wholeheartedly and completely trust God this year. that is my goal and my "buzz" word for this year. No matter what happens. Just trust he knows best and he is in control.
-----------------------------------------------------
I'd like to be successful in convincing people this is 2009, which in truth, it is.
--------------------------------------------------------
After reading your post I have to say...find myself.
*********************************
*********************************
Thank you all, you wonderful people.
Starting tomorrow the SPRING QUESTION
DB
Friday, March 19, 2010
My Proud Painting
Well I went to the opening of the Artists of Bristol exhibit and I am pleased to say I have nothing to be ashamed of. Both of my pieces are prominently displayed and nicely commented on, and there is a lot of excellent work there. It's a large exhibit and I'm glad to be a part of it.
DB
DB
Brian 3
Brian Tames The Lion
Part 3
“It’s probably going to be Kiss Me Kate’” said Brian with an innocent grin.
“It will probably be not!” she snapped back.
Brian was enjoying this. If he could face up to a knife wielding Samuel, he could easily face Miss Bitch.
“Now about casting. I will take Linda Loman, the role in Present Laughter, whoever she is, and Madame Arkadina. Then perhaps something else later in the season when I decide what we’re doing. The Seagull is our first production so you must get to work on it right away.
“I agree” said Brian. “It’s pretty much cast already. I have someone in mind for Madame Arkadina.” There was a long pause, and then he put in the nail. “But you’re welcome to read for it if you want to.”
Up to that moment Sylvia DeLanne had been merely egotistical and demanding. Now there was fire in her eyes. The fight was on and Brian was enjoying it.
“I do not read for roles, Mr. Sim….”
“Sims”
“I play them. This is my theatre. I began it. Years ago in the basement of a coffee shop, I and Jeffry and the others. Those were hard times. Mr. Sim. But we survived. I am the leading actress of this theatre and you better get used to it.”
‘Yes, Ms. DeLanne, your work over the years has been splendid. I’ve read some of the reviews.”
“Quite. Now I won’t hear any more about someone you have in mind. I play the roles I wish to play and the Board of Directors will back me up on that.”
“I don’t think you know them.”
“Who?”
“The Board of Directors.”
“Don’t be stupid. Of course I know them. I’ve known them for years. I picked them.”
“Didn’t you get a notice about the annual meeting?”
“Oh yes” she sighed heavily. “But I never go to those, they’re just a boring waste of time.”
“You probably should have been at this one.”
“Why?”
“There’s a new Board.”
(To be continued.)
Part 3
“It’s probably going to be Kiss Me Kate’” said Brian with an innocent grin.
“It will probably be not!” she snapped back.
Brian was enjoying this. If he could face up to a knife wielding Samuel, he could easily face Miss Bitch.
“Now about casting. I will take Linda Loman, the role in Present Laughter, whoever she is, and Madame Arkadina. Then perhaps something else later in the season when I decide what we’re doing. The Seagull is our first production so you must get to work on it right away.
“I agree” said Brian. “It’s pretty much cast already. I have someone in mind for Madame Arkadina.” There was a long pause, and then he put in the nail. “But you’re welcome to read for it if you want to.”
Up to that moment Sylvia DeLanne had been merely egotistical and demanding. Now there was fire in her eyes. The fight was on and Brian was enjoying it.
“I do not read for roles, Mr. Sim….”
“Sims”
“I play them. This is my theatre. I began it. Years ago in the basement of a coffee shop, I and Jeffry and the others. Those were hard times. Mr. Sim. But we survived. I am the leading actress of this theatre and you better get used to it.”
‘Yes, Ms. DeLanne, your work over the years has been splendid. I’ve read some of the reviews.”
“Quite. Now I won’t hear any more about someone you have in mind. I play the roles I wish to play and the Board of Directors will back me up on that.”
“I don’t think you know them.”
“Who?”
“The Board of Directors.”
“Don’t be stupid. Of course I know them. I’ve known them for years. I picked them.”
“Didn’t you get a notice about the annual meeting?”
“Oh yes” she sighed heavily. “But I never go to those, they’re just a boring waste of time.”
“You probably should have been at this one.”
“Why?”
“There’s a new Board.”
(To be continued.)
My Poor Painting
The outward work will never be puny if the inward work is great.
Meister Eckhart
*******************
I'm feeling down on myself today. Yesterday I entered one of my paintings in an exhibit of the artists' group I belong to, the Artist Of Bristol. I was told the picture had to be framed in order to hang there. I only had three pictures framed. A old quick drawing of some flowers that I don't think much of, but my lady friend at the time thought it was worth something, so she framed it. Another isn't bad but it's only my second painting and it's destined for another art show. That left the picture I entered. It's a small comical piece of blobs and globs which I don't like. I worked very hard on it but it really isn't good. I'm not proud of it. It's puny. I care for it as a mother would a backward child, but when I looked around at some of the other work I was asheamed to even leave it with them and almost didn't.
I have other, newer works which are much better but they're not framed. The local framer is very good, I'm told. But he takes a long time. And I don't know how much he charges, but I can't afford to have it done anyway.
Tonight there's a reception which I will probably go to. Maybe I'll just look around and leave. The hard thing is that I could show much better work if I could have had it framed. It's very disappointing.
I spend the money on food instead of frames.
The Vagabond
*****************
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Hold your breath, Spring is coming any minute
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before?
You have the Winter to answer. And Winter is almost up. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring. 24 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
Meister Eckhart
*******************
I'm feeling down on myself today. Yesterday I entered one of my paintings in an exhibit of the artists' group I belong to, the Artist Of Bristol. I was told the picture had to be framed in order to hang there. I only had three pictures framed. A old quick drawing of some flowers that I don't think much of, but my lady friend at the time thought it was worth something, so she framed it. Another isn't bad but it's only my second painting and it's destined for another art show. That left the picture I entered. It's a small comical piece of blobs and globs which I don't like. I worked very hard on it but it really isn't good. I'm not proud of it. It's puny. I care for it as a mother would a backward child, but when I looked around at some of the other work I was asheamed to even leave it with them and almost didn't.
I have other, newer works which are much better but they're not framed. The local framer is very good, I'm told. But he takes a long time. And I don't know how much he charges, but I can't afford to have it done anyway.
Tonight there's a reception which I will probably go to. Maybe I'll just look around and leave. The hard thing is that I could show much better work if I could have had it framed. It's very disappointing.
I spend the money on food instead of frames.
The Vagabond
*****************
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Hold your breath, Spring is coming any minute
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before?
You have the Winter to answer. And Winter is almost up. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring. 24 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Brian Part 2
Brian Tames The Lion
By DB
Part 2
“Pleased to meet you” he said.
She moved over to the sofa and sat down without looking at him.
Brian got up from his desk, moved over and sat.
Sylvia, without looking up, said “I’ve looked over this schedule of plays and I’m going to make some changes.”
“Oh?”
“Of course. What is A Pinch In Time?”
“It’s a farce”.
“Oh, really. Mr. Sim, perhaps they didn’t tell you. This is a serious, professional theatre company. We do classics and traditional plays and the very best of modern plays. We do not do farces.”
“We will this year.”
Sylvia looked up with a grim expression on her face and said “Absolutely not. Now if we do a comedy I suggest Noel Coward. Perhaps Present Laughter. Yes, that would be a good one.”
Brian was silent but he was thinking: This is going to be fun.
“And we won’t be doing Harvey. It’s a silly play. It has no substance to it.”
“It’s on the schedule. Our designer is working on it.”
“I don’t care. Have him do something else. Who is it, Jeffry?”
“No. Jeffry is no longer here,”
“Why not. I hope they didn‘t fire him. He was one of the best designers we had.”
“No Miss DeLanne, he took a job in Las Vegas. More money.”
“Poor Jeffrey.”
“He said he might come back to design the musical.”
“Musical?” Sylvia was visibly shocked. “WHAT MUSICAL? We don’t do musicals. What musical? I don’t see one listed here.”
“It’s under To Be Announced.”
“I see. Well I’ll pick another play. We don’t do musicals.”
(To be continued.)
By DB
Part 2
“Pleased to meet you” he said.
She moved over to the sofa and sat down without looking at him.
Brian got up from his desk, moved over and sat.
Sylvia, without looking up, said “I’ve looked over this schedule of plays and I’m going to make some changes.”
“Oh?”
“Of course. What is A Pinch In Time?”
“It’s a farce”.
“Oh, really. Mr. Sim, perhaps they didn’t tell you. This is a serious, professional theatre company. We do classics and traditional plays and the very best of modern plays. We do not do farces.”
“We will this year.”
Sylvia looked up with a grim expression on her face and said “Absolutely not. Now if we do a comedy I suggest Noel Coward. Perhaps Present Laughter. Yes, that would be a good one.”
Brian was silent but he was thinking: This is going to be fun.
“And we won’t be doing Harvey. It’s a silly play. It has no substance to it.”
“It’s on the schedule. Our designer is working on it.”
“I don’t care. Have him do something else. Who is it, Jeffry?”
“No. Jeffry is no longer here,”
“Why not. I hope they didn‘t fire him. He was one of the best designers we had.”
“No Miss DeLanne, he took a job in Las Vegas. More money.”
“Poor Jeffrey.”
“He said he might come back to design the musical.”
“Musical?” Sylvia was visibly shocked. “WHAT MUSICAL? We don’t do musicals. What musical? I don’t see one listed here.”
“It’s under To Be Announced.”
“I see. Well I’ll pick another play. We don’t do musicals.”
(To be continued.)
Time To Play
I want to sing of my inner visions with the naive candor of a child.
Claude Debussy
**********************
Debussy (1862 - 1918) was a French composer and when he started writing music the world changed. He inherited all the music which had been written up to that time, culminating in the Late Romantic traditions and pulled it all apart. He knocked down the pile of rocks which had been the rules of harmony, he cut up melodies with his imaginary scissors and stuck mental wedges into the ideas of rhythm. What he did was to open the curtain on modern music. And yet all the time he was writing beautiful music, because he was listening to his inner song. And he went to work with a childlike trust in that song.
Musicians are children who take a stick and bang on a can, or stretch a rubber band and listen to it twang, who whistle or sing.
Poets are children who fall in love with words like "murmur," "spoon" and "click."
Painters are children who take crayons and make designs everywhere or who dip into finger paints and push it around on a piece of paper.
Architects are children who put twigs together in the back yard or who pile stones on each other.
Potters are children who play in the mud.
Writers are children who make up stories.
Actors are children who tie towels to their backs and pretend they are superman.
Dancers are children who skip and spin when they hear music.
As George Bernard Shaw put it "We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing."
May you never lose your childhood.
DB
****************
Brian is back.
Claude Debussy
**********************
Debussy (1862 - 1918) was a French composer and when he started writing music the world changed. He inherited all the music which had been written up to that time, culminating in the Late Romantic traditions and pulled it all apart. He knocked down the pile of rocks which had been the rules of harmony, he cut up melodies with his imaginary scissors and stuck mental wedges into the ideas of rhythm. What he did was to open the curtain on modern music. And yet all the time he was writing beautiful music, because he was listening to his inner song. And he went to work with a childlike trust in that song.
Musicians are children who take a stick and bang on a can, or stretch a rubber band and listen to it twang, who whistle or sing.
Poets are children who fall in love with words like "murmur," "spoon" and "click."
Painters are children who take crayons and make designs everywhere or who dip into finger paints and push it around on a piece of paper.
Architects are children who put twigs together in the back yard or who pile stones on each other.
Potters are children who play in the mud.
Writers are children who make up stories.
Actors are children who tie towels to their backs and pretend they are superman.
Dancers are children who skip and spin when they hear music.
As George Bernard Shaw put it "We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing."
May you never lose your childhood.
DB
****************
Brian is back.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Brian
Brian Tames The Lion
Brian was glad to be away from the Blood Basket, the violence and the less than perfect living arrangements. But he was also glad to have learned the lessons in managing a theatre, dealing with actors and the intracies of power and the use of it taught to him by the gang. His new apartment suited him and he liked being in charge of a good professional theatre
He was now sitting behind his desk as the new general manager and artistic director of The West Coast Stage Company. There was vibrancy and an exciting future in the air around the place. A new grant had been awarded to it from the state and a matching grant from Albany Shipping. At the annual meeting a week ago he had been unanimously endorsed by the new Board of Directors who had approved of his ideas for the season and for his desire to include students from the local schools in the plans for expansion. The retiring board had wished him great fortune and said any of them would be available for a chat at any time. Cobwebs were being blown away and old ideas were being replaced by new ones.
He was going over the schedule when he heard a woman’s voice say “I don’t need one, thank you.” As she spoke the door to his office opened and a beautiful middle aged woman came in. She closed the door behind her and said “Brian Sim?”
“Yes” he replied. “It’s Sims.
“Come over here and bring your papers. I’m Sylvia DeLanne.”
(To be continued.)
Brian was glad to be away from the Blood Basket, the violence and the less than perfect living arrangements. But he was also glad to have learned the lessons in managing a theatre, dealing with actors and the intracies of power and the use of it taught to him by the gang. His new apartment suited him and he liked being in charge of a good professional theatre
He was now sitting behind his desk as the new general manager and artistic director of The West Coast Stage Company. There was vibrancy and an exciting future in the air around the place. A new grant had been awarded to it from the state and a matching grant from Albany Shipping. At the annual meeting a week ago he had been unanimously endorsed by the new Board of Directors who had approved of his ideas for the season and for his desire to include students from the local schools in the plans for expansion. The retiring board had wished him great fortune and said any of them would be available for a chat at any time. Cobwebs were being blown away and old ideas were being replaced by new ones.
He was going over the schedule when he heard a woman’s voice say “I don’t need one, thank you.” As she spoke the door to his office opened and a beautiful middle aged woman came in. She closed the door behind her and said “Brian Sim?”
“Yes” he replied. “It’s Sims.
“Come over here and bring your papers. I’m Sylvia DeLanne.”
(To be continued.)
Through The Window
I don't take the movies seriously, and anyone who does is in for a headache.
Bette Davis
****************
It may be an old drum but it still resonates. So I'm going to keep beating it.
Let me put it to you this way. If you went to a concert and saw a man playing the guitar would you say that the man was the guitar? Of course not. He's not a guitar. He's playing a guitar. If you went to the ballet and the next day you saw the ballerina coming down the sidewalk, do you think she would be walking on her toes, doing leaps and pirouettes? Most probably not. If an artist paints a picture is he the picture or simply the one who painted it? If a novelist writes a story about someone is he writing an autobiography or a novel? Then why do people assume an actor is like the roles he plays?
I am currently putting the final touches on a long story about Brian Sims and his journey across the country. (http://db-vagabondtales.blogspot.com/) "Brian On The Road." I made such a journey myself in the same year, 1960. The story is based on my own journey but Brian is a different man, he's my invention. Some of the people, places and events are true, but not in the way I describe them, and some are not. It is simply based on my own journey. And that phrase "based on" is a very important one to remember.
I have a friend, an actor, who played one of the most villainous and despicable characters in a Hollywood film. There is nothing about my friend that resembles that character in the least. The role was a pure invention based on something: people he knew or read about perhaps. I remember discussing that with a young actress who claimed that there must be something to my friend that is like that character or he could never have played it so well. I asked her if she happened to get a role as a prostitute would she like it if someone said there must be something loose and promiscuous about her or she could never play it so well. She admitted that would not please her and changed her mind about my friend.
There's a recent motion picture, a war story, set in Iraq. Members of the military have complained about it, saying that it isn't true to life and doesn't happen that way. Well, of course it doesn't. The film is a work of art, a piece of fiction. It may be based on things that happen in Iraq, but it isn't about them. It's about itself.
If they want something that is true to life in Iraq then they should make a documentary. But that's a different product for a different audience. The film is fiction, just like a novel, just like a ballet. If you watch a film thinking the actors are really the people they are portraying then you're going to end up with a headache.
A work of art is an invitation, it's a window on to our own special lives.
DB - The Vagabond
********************
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Hold your breath, Spring is coming any minute
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have the Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
24 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
**********************
**********************
Any suggestions for a Spring Question?
Bette Davis
****************
It may be an old drum but it still resonates. So I'm going to keep beating it.
Let me put it to you this way. If you went to a concert and saw a man playing the guitar would you say that the man was the guitar? Of course not. He's not a guitar. He's playing a guitar. If you went to the ballet and the next day you saw the ballerina coming down the sidewalk, do you think she would be walking on her toes, doing leaps and pirouettes? Most probably not. If an artist paints a picture is he the picture or simply the one who painted it? If a novelist writes a story about someone is he writing an autobiography or a novel? Then why do people assume an actor is like the roles he plays?
I am currently putting the final touches on a long story about Brian Sims and his journey across the country. (http://db-vagabondtales.blogspot.com/) "Brian On The Road." I made such a journey myself in the same year, 1960. The story is based on my own journey but Brian is a different man, he's my invention. Some of the people, places and events are true, but not in the way I describe them, and some are not. It is simply based on my own journey. And that phrase "based on" is a very important one to remember.
I have a friend, an actor, who played one of the most villainous and despicable characters in a Hollywood film. There is nothing about my friend that resembles that character in the least. The role was a pure invention based on something: people he knew or read about perhaps. I remember discussing that with a young actress who claimed that there must be something to my friend that is like that character or he could never have played it so well. I asked her if she happened to get a role as a prostitute would she like it if someone said there must be something loose and promiscuous about her or she could never play it so well. She admitted that would not please her and changed her mind about my friend.
There's a recent motion picture, a war story, set in Iraq. Members of the military have complained about it, saying that it isn't true to life and doesn't happen that way. Well, of course it doesn't. The film is a work of art, a piece of fiction. It may be based on things that happen in Iraq, but it isn't about them. It's about itself.
If they want something that is true to life in Iraq then they should make a documentary. But that's a different product for a different audience. The film is fiction, just like a novel, just like a ballet. If you watch a film thinking the actors are really the people they are portraying then you're going to end up with a headache.
A work of art is an invitation, it's a window on to our own special lives.
DB - The Vagabond
********************
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Hold your breath, Spring is coming any minute
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have the Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
24 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
**********************
**********************
Any suggestions for a Spring Question?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Places
Life goes on.
Thinking about Brian On The Road, the story I mention in tomorrow's journal entry has made me go back over my life of the last 50 years, skimming over places I've been and things I've done. If I ever wrote an autobiography, which isn't likely, I would call it "Places." The places I've been in my head, in my experience and the places I've lived: for a day, for a week, for a year, for a decade. Now I'm in Pennsylvania. A most unlikely place for me. I don't know why I'm here. I wonder where I go next. Life goes on.
Thinking about Brian On The Road, the story I mention in tomorrow's journal entry has made me go back over my life of the last 50 years, skimming over places I've been and things I've done. If I ever wrote an autobiography, which isn't likely, I would call it "Places." The places I've been in my head, in my experience and the places I've lived: for a day, for a week, for a year, for a decade. Now I'm in Pennsylvania. A most unlikely place for me. I don't know why I'm here. I wonder where I go next. Life goes on.
Real Light
Until we lose ourselves there is no hope of finding ourselves.
Henry Miller
*********************
Even though I have lived completely by myself for the last 22 years, I dearly wish I had a family. But I can't imagine any family that would put up with me. I would make too many demands on people. But without the touchstone of human interaction it is very difficult to know how many of those demands are the normal results of senior citizenship and how many are just bad habits I've developed over the years.
Being a solitary individual gives one the freedom to define oneself, up to a point. True I'm not defined by my family or anyone else around me. I read a lot of journals and I see people defining themselves by their families, by their diseases, treatments and results, by where they live and the homes they live in, by their jobs and professions, by their religious beliefs. And I wonder about that. Can any of those things really define a person. Do those things have any real meaning or are they just labels.
To understand ourselves is a formidable task, made all the more difficult when labels and habitual behavior are pasted on us. I think there is more than likely a fear of removing any of those labels and peering underneath. What if there really is nothing under there? What if those labels and definitions are only like the skins of the famous onion which has no center?
Well, here's some good news. A human being is not an onion, and you can quote me. There probably isn't any center underneath all the labels and definitions. But that's not where we live. A human being is an infinitely greater and more complicated creature than the one that's covered by biographies, news stories, letters, papers, post its, wardrobes, hair dos, skin, organs and bones. The one is a paper mache caricature, the other is a fascinating complex of unlabelable qualities, forces, abilities and ideas. It is an invisible creature with thoughts no one else ever hears,
images no one else ever sees, experiences no one else ever feels and "hopes that have no name" (Nietzsche). And it is incapable of being defined.
Some people would say that's a "soul" but that term itself defies interpretation. "Real being" is another term I've heard. "Inner man" is another. But all of those terms are just so many other labels, in my opinion. The fact is who we are is not definable by any spoken or written language.
So how do I find myself Henry? I can't give up eating, sleeping, bathing myself and all the doodles of my life, important, semi important, unimportant, necessities or self indulgences. No. But I can relinquish the idea that all those things are who I am and do it on a continual basis. And I can then focus on trying to find myself behind, above and away from them. I can search for the true man, the true spirit, the true center, that which makes me distinct, original, individual and connected by an invisible and unbreakable cord to all other creatures and the universe around us.
Such a task takes discipline, constancy and effort. It means developing a completely different mental habit. It also involves the expectation of discovery. It is the most important commitment one can make to oneself.
Lose the false marionette in order to find the true actor.
DB
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Winter question
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Hold your breath, Spring is coming any minute
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have the Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
Only 23 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
Henry Miller
*********************
Even though I have lived completely by myself for the last 22 years, I dearly wish I had a family. But I can't imagine any family that would put up with me. I would make too many demands on people. But without the touchstone of human interaction it is very difficult to know how many of those demands are the normal results of senior citizenship and how many are just bad habits I've developed over the years.
Being a solitary individual gives one the freedom to define oneself, up to a point. True I'm not defined by my family or anyone else around me. I read a lot of journals and I see people defining themselves by their families, by their diseases, treatments and results, by where they live and the homes they live in, by their jobs and professions, by their religious beliefs. And I wonder about that. Can any of those things really define a person. Do those things have any real meaning or are they just labels.
To understand ourselves is a formidable task, made all the more difficult when labels and habitual behavior are pasted on us. I think there is more than likely a fear of removing any of those labels and peering underneath. What if there really is nothing under there? What if those labels and definitions are only like the skins of the famous onion which has no center?
Well, here's some good news. A human being is not an onion, and you can quote me. There probably isn't any center underneath all the labels and definitions. But that's not where we live. A human being is an infinitely greater and more complicated creature than the one that's covered by biographies, news stories, letters, papers, post its, wardrobes, hair dos, skin, organs and bones. The one is a paper mache caricature, the other is a fascinating complex of unlabelable qualities, forces, abilities and ideas. It is an invisible creature with thoughts no one else ever hears,
images no one else ever sees, experiences no one else ever feels and "hopes that have no name" (Nietzsche). And it is incapable of being defined.
Some people would say that's a "soul" but that term itself defies interpretation. "Real being" is another term I've heard. "Inner man" is another. But all of those terms are just so many other labels, in my opinion. The fact is who we are is not definable by any spoken or written language.
So how do I find myself Henry? I can't give up eating, sleeping, bathing myself and all the doodles of my life, important, semi important, unimportant, necessities or self indulgences. No. But I can relinquish the idea that all those things are who I am and do it on a continual basis. And I can then focus on trying to find myself behind, above and away from them. I can search for the true man, the true spirit, the true center, that which makes me distinct, original, individual and connected by an invisible and unbreakable cord to all other creatures and the universe around us.
Such a task takes discipline, constancy and effort. It means developing a completely different mental habit. It also involves the expectation of discovery. It is the most important commitment one can make to oneself.
Lose the false marionette in order to find the true actor.
DB
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Winter question
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Hold your breath, Spring is coming any minute
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have the Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
Only 23 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Word
No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently.
Agnes de Mille
**********************
Now don't worry. I'm not trying to convert you to anything.
--------------------------------------
And he [the Lord] said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind and earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
-- I Kings 19: 11-12 (KJV)
---------------------------------
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John I:1
---------------------------------
When was the last time you heard the word? It only comes from listening. And it only comes when you need it, otherwise you're on your own. It doesn't come with any drama. In spite of what some angry, befuddled preachers are trying to tell us, the word is not in the hurricane, "the Lord was not in the wind." The word is a quiet voice with more authority than an earthquake.
We may pray for a miracle but if we don't get one it means we don't need it. But sometimes the word comes when we ask for it. Calmly, without creating our own whirlwind, we may hear the still, small voice telling us what to do when faced with a bunch of choices, which way to go or which way not to go. (Socrates lived with such a voice his whole life.) And it always comes as your voice and no one else's, that is, it comes exactly in the way you need it. It's not intuition, a hunch or gut reaction, although those things are often valuable. It's more like a quiet voice whispering in your mind. The voice may say something you would never consciously think of yourself. or even know about.
One day I was faced with having to do a particularly nasty and gruesome job. I didn't want to do it. I put it aside and rested. While I was resting I said quietly to myself, Why do I have to take care of this awful stuff? And in a moment the still small voice in my mind said "Because you are the only one in this organization who knows how to do it." I didn't know that, but that was the answer. So I went ahead and finished the task.
That was just one example of the many times the word has been there for me when I needed it. I think the greatest and most life fulfilling wisdom is already there in the word, waiting to be asked and listened to.
Unfortunately there is a reverse side to this coin. Some people hear voices that tell them to go out and do destructive things, and for some strange reason they believe it's the voice of God talking to them. The word is a word of truth. It does not tell people to speak against goodness, to influence erroneously, to rob, kidnap, murder, blow up buildings or themselves. "the Lord was not in the fire" The answer to that kind of madness is to know that you can tell a tree by it's fruit, as the saying goes, to be able to recognize a right word from a wrong one and to develop a good defense made of strong moral fibre. That is something that one should learn in school but, alas, these days it's only to be wished, I guess. If by any chance you start hearing those voices take yourself immediately off to a shrink but otherwise pay no attention to them.
You can always ask "Is that the right choice?" and listen for the quiet answer.
DB - The Vagabond
********************
Sunday Puzzle Answer
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.
A secret word opens the treasure chest.
Can you discover the secret word?
I'm found at MacDonald's.
I'm good for a view.
I don't take to camels.
But I might be on your shoe.
The secret word is -- EYE
Old MacDonald had a farm
Good for viewing
Can't get one through a needle
To put your lace through
There were no winners, alas.
DB
****************
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Hold your breath, Spring is coming any minute
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have the Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
Only 21 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
Agnes de Mille
**********************
Now don't worry. I'm not trying to convert you to anything.
--------------------------------------
And he [the Lord] said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind and earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
-- I Kings 19: 11-12 (KJV)
---------------------------------
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John I:1
---------------------------------
When was the last time you heard the word? It only comes from listening. And it only comes when you need it, otherwise you're on your own. It doesn't come with any drama. In spite of what some angry, befuddled preachers are trying to tell us, the word is not in the hurricane, "the Lord was not in the wind." The word is a quiet voice with more authority than an earthquake.
We may pray for a miracle but if we don't get one it means we don't need it. But sometimes the word comes when we ask for it. Calmly, without creating our own whirlwind, we may hear the still, small voice telling us what to do when faced with a bunch of choices, which way to go or which way not to go. (Socrates lived with such a voice his whole life.) And it always comes as your voice and no one else's, that is, it comes exactly in the way you need it. It's not intuition, a hunch or gut reaction, although those things are often valuable. It's more like a quiet voice whispering in your mind. The voice may say something you would never consciously think of yourself. or even know about.
One day I was faced with having to do a particularly nasty and gruesome job. I didn't want to do it. I put it aside and rested. While I was resting I said quietly to myself, Why do I have to take care of this awful stuff? And in a moment the still small voice in my mind said "Because you are the only one in this organization who knows how to do it." I didn't know that, but that was the answer. So I went ahead and finished the task.
That was just one example of the many times the word has been there for me when I needed it. I think the greatest and most life fulfilling wisdom is already there in the word, waiting to be asked and listened to.
Unfortunately there is a reverse side to this coin. Some people hear voices that tell them to go out and do destructive things, and for some strange reason they believe it's the voice of God talking to them. The word is a word of truth. It does not tell people to speak against goodness, to influence erroneously, to rob, kidnap, murder, blow up buildings or themselves. "the Lord was not in the fire" The answer to that kind of madness is to know that you can tell a tree by it's fruit, as the saying goes, to be able to recognize a right word from a wrong one and to develop a good defense made of strong moral fibre. That is something that one should learn in school but, alas, these days it's only to be wished, I guess. If by any chance you start hearing those voices take yourself immediately off to a shrink but otherwise pay no attention to them.
You can always ask "Is that the right choice?" and listen for the quiet answer.
DB - The Vagabond
********************
Sunday Puzzle Answer
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.
A secret word opens the treasure chest.
Can you discover the secret word?
I'm found at MacDonald's.
I'm good for a view.
I don't take to camels.
But I might be on your shoe.
The secret word is -- EYE
Old MacDonald had a farm
Good for viewing
Can't get one through a needle
To put your lace through
There were no winners, alas.
DB
****************
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Hold your breath, Spring is coming any minute
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have the Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
Only 21 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Claudio's Song
Our chief defect is that we are more given to talking about things than to doing them.
Nehru
*************************
Yesterday afternoon I had a conversation with a woman I've known for many years. We're former colleagues. She's a stage manager. I was reminded about another conversation we had one day. During a break in rehearsal we were sitting together and I was talking about the role, the play and about acting in general. She listened to me with attention. Finally she said "Why do you talk about it? Why don't you just do it?" The question took me back a step. Of course I was doing it. Most of the day was spent doing it. I didn't realize I was spending my free time and her free time talking about it. I had to come up with an answer. If not right then, eventually.
I finally concluded that I talk about it because I enjoy talking about it. I enjoy analyzing things, particularly the art of acting. That's why it tends to show up so often in this journal. If I just talked about it and didn't do it I would be all mouth and no meaning, as we so often see these days on TV.
There's a rule in public speaking which goes: Tell them what you're going to say. Say it. Then tell them what you said. The same rule could be appplied in any of life's activities, although it's probably advisable to forget the first. Do it. Then tell them what you did. If you do it then you have the right to talk about it.
On the other hand you can do what my friend suggested, do it, and not talk about it. I think most of the doers in the world are not the talkers. The doers are those who identify the problem, gather the proper tools together and fix it.
Unfortunately, as Nehru points out, the world is full of the other kind. Go to any civic board meeting, any town meeting, any tenants association meeting and hear the talk. The Latest Up To The Minute News? A few tid bits of information then talk. A fact finding committee? Talk. A board meeting? Talk. The court is in session? Talk. Congress? You guessed it.
Someone, I don't remember who, perhaps you do, once described a committee as that which keeps minutes and wastes hours. I like the old saying that a camel is a horse designed by a committee.
One of my favorite stories in the history of music is about the origins of opera. There are musicologists who will disagree with me about this, but it is open to opinion, and here's mine. During the Renaissance artists were trying to recreate ancient Greek drama which had recently been discovered. They didn't know much about it so they formed a committee, called the Camerata, whose task it was to come up with a consensus, design formal elements and put down some rules of writing and composition. They met for a long time, took expert testimony, learned a little bit about how the ancients sounded and looked. They were carefully and conscientiously designing a camel.
While all that discussion was going on, another man, Claudio Monteverdi, who was basically a song writer, invented opera. Monteverdi was a doer not a talker and when his first opera appeared on the stage everyone knew this was a new art form and it was exciting. Sung drama.
Opera is such an important art form that people are still writing them today, joining story, words and music into a theatre piece on the grand scale of the ancient Greeks. And thanks to Claudio we hove operettas, musical comedy and probably a few MTV videos,
I'm a talker as well as a doer. There's no one around here to talk to so I write. But at least I don't talk about writing. I do it.
DB - The Vagabond
********************
Weekend Contest Answer.
There were 3 winners (actually 4).
The Grand Prize, a set of aluminum doilies, goes to Barry of the Email Lions
Second prize to mrs. miss alaineus of the Blogspot Tigers
And a tie for third place between the Amazing Sister Act of Val and Krissy also of the Tigers.
Pacifica62 came in just under the wire for 4th place.
Which two items do not belong on this list?
-------------------------------------
Cuba
Guatemala
Iceland
Ireland
Madagascar
Manhattan
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
Sardinia
Sicily
Sri Lanka
Tasmania
The answer is Guatemala and Rhode Island. All the rest are islands.
Thank you folks.
Now here comes the Sunday Puzzle.
********************
Sunday Puzzle
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.
A secret word opens the treasure chest.
Can you discover the secret word?
I'm found at MacDonald's.
I'm good for a view.
I don't take to camels.
But I might be on your shoe.
Good luck.
DB
****************
Nehru
*************************
Yesterday afternoon I had a conversation with a woman I've known for many years. We're former colleagues. She's a stage manager. I was reminded about another conversation we had one day. During a break in rehearsal we were sitting together and I was talking about the role, the play and about acting in general. She listened to me with attention. Finally she said "Why do you talk about it? Why don't you just do it?" The question took me back a step. Of course I was doing it. Most of the day was spent doing it. I didn't realize I was spending my free time and her free time talking about it. I had to come up with an answer. If not right then, eventually.
I finally concluded that I talk about it because I enjoy talking about it. I enjoy analyzing things, particularly the art of acting. That's why it tends to show up so often in this journal. If I just talked about it and didn't do it I would be all mouth and no meaning, as we so often see these days on TV.
There's a rule in public speaking which goes: Tell them what you're going to say. Say it. Then tell them what you said. The same rule could be appplied in any of life's activities, although it's probably advisable to forget the first. Do it. Then tell them what you did. If you do it then you have the right to talk about it.
On the other hand you can do what my friend suggested, do it, and not talk about it. I think most of the doers in the world are not the talkers. The doers are those who identify the problem, gather the proper tools together and fix it.
Unfortunately, as Nehru points out, the world is full of the other kind. Go to any civic board meeting, any town meeting, any tenants association meeting and hear the talk. The Latest Up To The Minute News? A few tid bits of information then talk. A fact finding committee? Talk. A board meeting? Talk. The court is in session? Talk. Congress? You guessed it.
Someone, I don't remember who, perhaps you do, once described a committee as that which keeps minutes and wastes hours. I like the old saying that a camel is a horse designed by a committee.
One of my favorite stories in the history of music is about the origins of opera. There are musicologists who will disagree with me about this, but it is open to opinion, and here's mine. During the Renaissance artists were trying to recreate ancient Greek drama which had recently been discovered. They didn't know much about it so they formed a committee, called the Camerata, whose task it was to come up with a consensus, design formal elements and put down some rules of writing and composition. They met for a long time, took expert testimony, learned a little bit about how the ancients sounded and looked. They were carefully and conscientiously designing a camel.
While all that discussion was going on, another man, Claudio Monteverdi, who was basically a song writer, invented opera. Monteverdi was a doer not a talker and when his first opera appeared on the stage everyone knew this was a new art form and it was exciting. Sung drama.
Opera is such an important art form that people are still writing them today, joining story, words and music into a theatre piece on the grand scale of the ancient Greeks. And thanks to Claudio we hove operettas, musical comedy and probably a few MTV videos,
I'm a talker as well as a doer. There's no one around here to talk to so I write. But at least I don't talk about writing. I do it.
DB - The Vagabond
********************
Weekend Contest Answer.
There were 3 winners (actually 4).
The Grand Prize, a set of aluminum doilies, goes to Barry of the Email Lions
Second prize to mrs. miss alaineus of the Blogspot Tigers
And a tie for third place between the Amazing Sister Act of Val and Krissy also of the Tigers.
Pacifica62 came in just under the wire for 4th place.
Which two items do not belong on this list?
-------------------------------------
Cuba
Guatemala
Iceland
Ireland
Madagascar
Manhattan
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
Sardinia
Sicily
Sri Lanka
Tasmania
The answer is Guatemala and Rhode Island. All the rest are islands.
Thank you folks.
Now here comes the Sunday Puzzle.
********************
Sunday Puzzle
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.
A secret word opens the treasure chest.
Can you discover the secret word?
I'm found at MacDonald's.
I'm good for a view.
I don't take to camels.
But I might be on your shoe.
Good luck.
DB
****************
Saturday, March 13, 2010
The Green Man
How can you govern a country which has 246 versions of cheese?
Charles De Gaulle
*********************
Let's suppose a space ship landed in your back yard, a little green man got out, walked up to you and said "Take me to your leader." How do you suppose you're going to manage that?
First the Little Green Man has to talk to the local police who, after they have read him his rights, hold him for questioning by the FBI. By the time the FBI finally arrives and starts their interview the Army Corps of Engineers and the U. S. Marine bomb squad are investigating the space ship.
Green Man is turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration to answer questions about how he got here and where he is from. By this time the media is involved. ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and the Enquirer (hoping for that Pulitzer) are all vying vigorously for the first interview. But when Barbara Walters finally gets through all she can get him to say is "Take me to your leader."
Soon photographs are circulating on the Internet of the Little Green Man and his space ship. The Canadian Government wants reparation because he violated their air space, The Mexican Government claims he is an escaped felon and requests help in extraditing him, the Russian ambassador claims he is a member of a remote tribe in northern Siberia and demands that he be returned, the British ambassador wants to talk with him about some crop circles. Disney quickly produces a small rubber replica of the Green Man and a Japanese/American in California designs a computer game "Catch The Little Green Man."
Next comes the House Investigating Committee and then the Senate Investigating Committee. The Conservatives want Green to be immediately imprisoned and brought to trial for terrorism and war like acts against America. The Liberals want to give him an honorarium and arrange a lecture tour. A Hollywood studio is considering a film (with the original cast).
A Federal Court judge appoints an attorney to represent Green while a full investigation is under way, including testimony from you, (the witness), from the arresting officers, the FBI, the FAA, the US Army and Marine Corps officers, the National Security Council, NASA, as well as opinions from a professor of Intergalactic Science and a detective from the Air Force UFO Investigation Office. Meanwhile Green hasn't even met or heard of the Secret Service.
A group of protesters set up in front of the Federal Office Building. They are carrying signs and chanting "Let Greenie Free" Across the street is a counter protest from the Anti-Greens. All is peaceful.
It is at that point that your lawyer draws up papers to have him prosecuted for unlawful entry, trespassing on private property and criminal misconduct.
Finally he throws up his little green hands and says "Aw, to hell with it" gets back on his space ship and flies away.
That's a lot of cheese.
DB - The Vagabond
*******************
Weekend Contest.
It's easy.
Which two items do not belong on this list?
-------------------------------------
Cuba
Guatemala
Iceland
Ireland
Madagascar
Manhattan
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
Sardinia
Sicily
Sri Lanka
Tasmania
Good luck. The Grand Prize is waiting.
DB
*******************
Charles De Gaulle
*********************
Let's suppose a space ship landed in your back yard, a little green man got out, walked up to you and said "Take me to your leader." How do you suppose you're going to manage that?
First the Little Green Man has to talk to the local police who, after they have read him his rights, hold him for questioning by the FBI. By the time the FBI finally arrives and starts their interview the Army Corps of Engineers and the U. S. Marine bomb squad are investigating the space ship.
Green Man is turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration to answer questions about how he got here and where he is from. By this time the media is involved. ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and the Enquirer (hoping for that Pulitzer) are all vying vigorously for the first interview. But when Barbara Walters finally gets through all she can get him to say is "Take me to your leader."
Soon photographs are circulating on the Internet of the Little Green Man and his space ship. The Canadian Government wants reparation because he violated their air space, The Mexican Government claims he is an escaped felon and requests help in extraditing him, the Russian ambassador claims he is a member of a remote tribe in northern Siberia and demands that he be returned, the British ambassador wants to talk with him about some crop circles. Disney quickly produces a small rubber replica of the Green Man and a Japanese/American in California designs a computer game "Catch The Little Green Man."
Next comes the House Investigating Committee and then the Senate Investigating Committee. The Conservatives want Green to be immediately imprisoned and brought to trial for terrorism and war like acts against America. The Liberals want to give him an honorarium and arrange a lecture tour. A Hollywood studio is considering a film (with the original cast).
A Federal Court judge appoints an attorney to represent Green while a full investigation is under way, including testimony from you, (the witness), from the arresting officers, the FBI, the FAA, the US Army and Marine Corps officers, the National Security Council, NASA, as well as opinions from a professor of Intergalactic Science and a detective from the Air Force UFO Investigation Office. Meanwhile Green hasn't even met or heard of the Secret Service.
A group of protesters set up in front of the Federal Office Building. They are carrying signs and chanting "Let Greenie Free" Across the street is a counter protest from the Anti-Greens. All is peaceful.
It is at that point that your lawyer draws up papers to have him prosecuted for unlawful entry, trespassing on private property and criminal misconduct.
Finally he throws up his little green hands and says "Aw, to hell with it" gets back on his space ship and flies away.
That's a lot of cheese.
DB - The Vagabond
*******************
Weekend Contest.
It's easy.
Which two items do not belong on this list?
-------------------------------------
Cuba
Guatemala
Iceland
Ireland
Madagascar
Manhattan
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
Sardinia
Sicily
Sri Lanka
Tasmania
Good luck. The Grand Prize is waiting.
DB
*******************
Friday, March 12, 2010
Blizzard
Leave a happy memory in someone's life today.
DB - The Vagabond
**********************
When I turned 20 I was free at last to pursue my career, think about a family, go on adventures and try to fall in love. I was opinionated, intolerant and egotistical. I did not know what I did not know. I hitchhiked to California and flew back. And then I was being paid full time as an entertainer. I thought I was hot stuff.
When I turned 30 I had been polished a bit and some of my rough edges had been filed down by life. I became sarcastic and critical. My career was going well and I was respected for my artistry. But I was beginning to learn some things that I didn't like. What was left of my innocence was eroding. I tended to retire to myself when not working. A fellow actor described me as appearing like an old fogy with a blanket over his shoulders and soaking his feet. So I changed my ways. I became a wild man, trying to recapture the adolescence I never fully completed. I overextended myself physically and emotionally. and I had no use for the aged. or for children. That was the decade when I began to realize that my life was not stable, in the normal sense of the term. and probably never would be.
When I turned 40 I thought that at last I knew everything. I was in the prime of my life and my career. I was impulsive, energetic, creative, intelligent and good looking. Now I really was hot stuff, I could do no wrong, I thought. So of course I did wrong. I hurt myself and other people. I was piling up a big stack of nasty regrets. But I knew, somehow, that I was turning a corner. I wasn't ready to admit that I was really an emotional, social and intellectual vagabond, and that I was not going to fit in any mold. But I was still searching for love and not finding it.
When I turned 50 I was now an experienced actor and master at my trade but I began to realize how much I didn't know. I was curious about how I could have lived for half a century without acquiring any wisdom. I concluded it was because I thought I knew. That's what kept my mind closed from actually learning. It was a humbling experience and it was then that I began to learn, to sift through things, to separate the truth from the error and to prepare myself for another 50 years of life.
When I turned 60 I was getting to be the age of many of the characters I had played. I had a big voice that had the sound of authority so I had often been cast as older than I was. Looking back over my career I realized how prejudiced I had been about older people. I had to rethink the whole subject of age. My attempt at a love life was winding down, so was my energy and so was my enthusiasm about some aspects of the work I had been doing. I looked beyond it for the first time into an unfamiliar world of science, philosophy and experimental ideas. I was finally growing up. Somewhere during that decade I retired.
When I turned 70 I had to get used to the idea that I was an old man, a geezer, a fogy. I developed a lot of pain in various places. I actually found myself one day with a blanket over my shoulders, soaking my feet. It was then I discovered finally and completely the things that had sustained me and were still sustaining me through my life. When all the nastiness, sarcasm and egotism are chopped away by the hammer and chisel of the world, what remains are the joy of discovery, a deep appreciation for the finest achievements of the human race, an abiding sense of humor, the great, unfathomable sea of friendship, and the reason and determination to not give up.
Every decade seems to be a transition period, a passage, a retranslation of reality. I look forward to what the rest of the 70's and the 80's may bring.
DB
*********************
This Day In History: March 12, 1939. On this day there was a blizzard in the northeast and during the blizzard at The United Hospital in Port Chester, New York a vagabond was born.
***************************
DB - The Vagabond
**********************
When I turned 20 I was free at last to pursue my career, think about a family, go on adventures and try to fall in love. I was opinionated, intolerant and egotistical. I did not know what I did not know. I hitchhiked to California and flew back. And then I was being paid full time as an entertainer. I thought I was hot stuff.
When I turned 30 I had been polished a bit and some of my rough edges had been filed down by life. I became sarcastic and critical. My career was going well and I was respected for my artistry. But I was beginning to learn some things that I didn't like. What was left of my innocence was eroding. I tended to retire to myself when not working. A fellow actor described me as appearing like an old fogy with a blanket over his shoulders and soaking his feet. So I changed my ways. I became a wild man, trying to recapture the adolescence I never fully completed. I overextended myself physically and emotionally. and I had no use for the aged. or for children. That was the decade when I began to realize that my life was not stable, in the normal sense of the term. and probably never would be.
When I turned 40 I thought that at last I knew everything. I was in the prime of my life and my career. I was impulsive, energetic, creative, intelligent and good looking. Now I really was hot stuff, I could do no wrong, I thought. So of course I did wrong. I hurt myself and other people. I was piling up a big stack of nasty regrets. But I knew, somehow, that I was turning a corner. I wasn't ready to admit that I was really an emotional, social and intellectual vagabond, and that I was not going to fit in any mold. But I was still searching for love and not finding it.
When I turned 50 I was now an experienced actor and master at my trade but I began to realize how much I didn't know. I was curious about how I could have lived for half a century without acquiring any wisdom. I concluded it was because I thought I knew. That's what kept my mind closed from actually learning. It was a humbling experience and it was then that I began to learn, to sift through things, to separate the truth from the error and to prepare myself for another 50 years of life.
When I turned 60 I was getting to be the age of many of the characters I had played. I had a big voice that had the sound of authority so I had often been cast as older than I was. Looking back over my career I realized how prejudiced I had been about older people. I had to rethink the whole subject of age. My attempt at a love life was winding down, so was my energy and so was my enthusiasm about some aspects of the work I had been doing. I looked beyond it for the first time into an unfamiliar world of science, philosophy and experimental ideas. I was finally growing up. Somewhere during that decade I retired.
When I turned 70 I had to get used to the idea that I was an old man, a geezer, a fogy. I developed a lot of pain in various places. I actually found myself one day with a blanket over my shoulders, soaking my feet. It was then I discovered finally and completely the things that had sustained me and were still sustaining me through my life. When all the nastiness, sarcasm and egotism are chopped away by the hammer and chisel of the world, what remains are the joy of discovery, a deep appreciation for the finest achievements of the human race, an abiding sense of humor, the great, unfathomable sea of friendship, and the reason and determination to not give up.
Every decade seems to be a transition period, a passage, a retranslation of reality. I look forward to what the rest of the 70's and the 80's may bring.
DB
*********************
This Day In History: March 12, 1939. On this day there was a blizzard in the northeast and during the blizzard at The United Hospital in Port Chester, New York a vagabond was born.
***************************
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Fill The Silo
Everything depends on execution,
Having just a vision is no solution.
Stephen Sondheim
******************
If artistry can be described as blue collar work then I certainly qualify. I was an assembly line actor, a factory worker forging visions into realities, hammering ideas into events, a card carrying union member, skilled labor who knew my craft.
It's apparent that one of the issues of life is that we must spend a lot of time and energy accumulating a large store house, a full silo, of common sense. One of the rules a union actor must follow is to perform the play as directed. It's a very good rule when the director has a vision of the play. It means the actor's work will be consistent with that vision and with the qualities of the rest of the production. And in most cases it works out that way. But there are a few times, now and then, when the director does more harm than good. I call them destroyers instead of directors. Three of the biggest mistakes a director can make are not being completely familiar with the script, casting favorite people in roles they are not suited for and trying to make the play say something it doesn't. Those three faults can be summed up by saying the director did not think ahead. Considering what the results of something are likely to be before you start out is a matter of common sense.
I once read a history of the US invasion of North Africa during World War Two. In one case the generals in America made a careful inventory of everything they would need when they got there. But they loaded the ships in such a way that the most important first weapons were in the bottom and other things like food, medicine and land vehicles were at the top. When the ships arrived they couldn't port because of enemy fire so the land vehicles were useless and the marines had to unload them and a lot of other things before they could even get to the weapons. A lot of soldiers died. Someone was not using common sense.
It's not difficult to think things through and consider possibilities and alternatives. Why don't we do it? Because we don't know we are supposed to? Because we're lazy? Because we have faith that everything will work out just fine? Because we don't envision what the result is and are just following blindly along as things develop?
There's a Persian proverb that says "One pound of common sense requires ten pounds of common sense to apply it." A two hour opening night in the theatre may require 200 hours of preparation or more. I used to enjoy hiking the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I had a book, a trail guide with maps, which told me about the trail I was considering. I always checked it first. I wanted to know how difficult the climb was going to be and where it came out before I started. I learned that lesson the hard way.
The hard way is the way most of us learn common sense and I suppose there isn't any other way that is so effective. We know enough not to put our hands in the fire because of what happen the first time we did. But why do we have to suffer and make others suffer because we didn't do the sufficient thinking ahead of time? That's just another one of life's mysteries.
The Vagabond
******************
Spring is almost here. Get your answer in.
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have the Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
Only 20 responses so far.
dbdacoba@aol.com
DB - The Vagabond
Having just a vision is no solution.
Stephen Sondheim
******************
If artistry can be described as blue collar work then I certainly qualify. I was an assembly line actor, a factory worker forging visions into realities, hammering ideas into events, a card carrying union member, skilled labor who knew my craft.
It's apparent that one of the issues of life is that we must spend a lot of time and energy accumulating a large store house, a full silo, of common sense. One of the rules a union actor must follow is to perform the play as directed. It's a very good rule when the director has a vision of the play. It means the actor's work will be consistent with that vision and with the qualities of the rest of the production. And in most cases it works out that way. But there are a few times, now and then, when the director does more harm than good. I call them destroyers instead of directors. Three of the biggest mistakes a director can make are not being completely familiar with the script, casting favorite people in roles they are not suited for and trying to make the play say something it doesn't. Those three faults can be summed up by saying the director did not think ahead. Considering what the results of something are likely to be before you start out is a matter of common sense.
I once read a history of the US invasion of North Africa during World War Two. In one case the generals in America made a careful inventory of everything they would need when they got there. But they loaded the ships in such a way that the most important first weapons were in the bottom and other things like food, medicine and land vehicles were at the top. When the ships arrived they couldn't port because of enemy fire so the land vehicles were useless and the marines had to unload them and a lot of other things before they could even get to the weapons. A lot of soldiers died. Someone was not using common sense.
It's not difficult to think things through and consider possibilities and alternatives. Why don't we do it? Because we don't know we are supposed to? Because we're lazy? Because we have faith that everything will work out just fine? Because we don't envision what the result is and are just following blindly along as things develop?
There's a Persian proverb that says "One pound of common sense requires ten pounds of common sense to apply it." A two hour opening night in the theatre may require 200 hours of preparation or more. I used to enjoy hiking the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I had a book, a trail guide with maps, which told me about the trail I was considering. I always checked it first. I wanted to know how difficult the climb was going to be and where it came out before I started. I learned that lesson the hard way.
The hard way is the way most of us learn common sense and I suppose there isn't any other way that is so effective. We know enough not to put our hands in the fire because of what happen the first time we did. But why do we have to suffer and make others suffer because we didn't do the sufficient thinking ahead of time? That's just another one of life's mysteries.
The Vagabond
******************
Spring is almost here. Get your answer in.
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have the Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
Only 20 responses so far.
dbdacoba@aol.com
DB - The Vagabond
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Springing
You've got to continue to grow, or you're just like last night's corn bread - stale and dry.
Loretta Lynn
****************
"I gave a party and nobody came."
I do not understand why some people really wish to remain stale and dry. So you're physically, mentally and emotionally challenged are you? So what? What's the big deal? What's wrong with searching for the light switch in the dark? Why wait until dawn when everyone else is already "up and at 'em"?
The number of visits to this journal has decreased to an embarrassing level. I'm told that everyone is off twittering and facebooking. I suppose I should be also. After all one has to keep up with the times. Well, I've always been slow at doing things. I'm the tortoise in that famous race. My lack of alacrity has served me well sometimes. It has kept me off bandwagons that got flat tires. It has prevented me from becoming a card carrying member of the Club of Fools. It has held me back from doing shows that folded after two performances. The only thing it hasn't done for me was to barricade me from love affairs that broke my heart. So what? "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" as Lord Tennyson wrote.
In spite of my apparent lack of enthusiasm about the latest fad or gadget, I believe in taking chances. Life is risky business. It's an iffy thing if there ever was one. So is love. You can't put it in a bottle and seal it any more than you con the air you breathe.
My life is strewn with stumbling blocks of obligations, left over bricks from someone's backyard barbecue. I find it difficult to take care of everything, walking to the market for food, cleaning my apartment, doing my taxes, paying my bills, all the detritus that piles up when you grow older and slow down. But I live in a world of ideas. I don't want to live in any other world. Even though my mind works faster than my fingers, Vagabond Journeys is my reality, not chat rooms. Does that make me an anachronism? I suppose so. Aren't old folks supposed to be anachronistic, fossils of a forgotten age, museum pieces, items on an antique shop shelf?
Spring is coming, cleaning time. I have a birthday, a re-birthday, coming up. There's Easter, the regeneration of life; Passover, escape from the old into the new; buds pushing their way out of the ends of branches; birds pecking their way out of their shells; somewhere a child will take his first step. Where will it lead him?
I refuse to get stale and dry, but where do I go now? What's my destiny? What's yours? What is the desperate, immortal craving of humanity and how will it be filled? There are no easy answers. I write to ponder these mysteries. But if I am not getting out into the New World maybe it's time to do something else.
Let me not forget to express my appreciation and gratitude to the few of you who still read my entries and comment. To you goes my love.
Dana - The Vagabond
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Spring is coming !
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
Only 20 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
Loretta Lynn
****************
"I gave a party and nobody came."
I do not understand why some people really wish to remain stale and dry. So you're physically, mentally and emotionally challenged are you? So what? What's the big deal? What's wrong with searching for the light switch in the dark? Why wait until dawn when everyone else is already "up and at 'em"?
The number of visits to this journal has decreased to an embarrassing level. I'm told that everyone is off twittering and facebooking. I suppose I should be also. After all one has to keep up with the times. Well, I've always been slow at doing things. I'm the tortoise in that famous race. My lack of alacrity has served me well sometimes. It has kept me off bandwagons that got flat tires. It has prevented me from becoming a card carrying member of the Club of Fools. It has held me back from doing shows that folded after two performances. The only thing it hasn't done for me was to barricade me from love affairs that broke my heart. So what? "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" as Lord Tennyson wrote.
In spite of my apparent lack of enthusiasm about the latest fad or gadget, I believe in taking chances. Life is risky business. It's an iffy thing if there ever was one. So is love. You can't put it in a bottle and seal it any more than you con the air you breathe.
My life is strewn with stumbling blocks of obligations, left over bricks from someone's backyard barbecue. I find it difficult to take care of everything, walking to the market for food, cleaning my apartment, doing my taxes, paying my bills, all the detritus that piles up when you grow older and slow down. But I live in a world of ideas. I don't want to live in any other world. Even though my mind works faster than my fingers, Vagabond Journeys is my reality, not chat rooms. Does that make me an anachronism? I suppose so. Aren't old folks supposed to be anachronistic, fossils of a forgotten age, museum pieces, items on an antique shop shelf?
Spring is coming, cleaning time. I have a birthday, a re-birthday, coming up. There's Easter, the regeneration of life; Passover, escape from the old into the new; buds pushing their way out of the ends of branches; birds pecking their way out of their shells; somewhere a child will take his first step. Where will it lead him?
I refuse to get stale and dry, but where do I go now? What's my destiny? What's yours? What is the desperate, immortal craving of humanity and how will it be filled? There are no easy answers. I write to ponder these mysteries. But if I am not getting out into the New World maybe it's time to do something else.
Let me not forget to express my appreciation and gratitude to the few of you who still read my entries and comment. To you goes my love.
Dana - The Vagabond
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Spring is coming !
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
Only 20 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
Monday, March 8, 2010
Open The Book
Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little.
Buddha
***************
This morning I woke at 7:30. In my retirement I'm known to awaken anywhere between 5:30 and 11:30 depending on how much time I spent arguing with my computer the night before. Whenever I get up early I'm always pleased to feel that I have that much more of a day to do things. And what I do is write, paint, read and learn things. In my senior years I've become a scholar, something I had no interest in being when I approached college.
I think we should all be born educated. Youth is too much fun to waste it studying to pass tests. That's one of nature's big jokes. Another one is why seniors can't remember things. I can reel off about 25 to 30 names in the next 2 minutes, of composers, authors, painters, actors and friends. Why is it the only name I can't remember is the one I'm trying to think of? Let's face it, Mother Nature is a humorist. If she weren't she would never have made the koala, the giraffe, the penguin and the wart hog.
A few days ago I wrote about how sad it is that there is so much to learn no one person could ever know it all, but that it is also a joy to know there is always something more to learn.
Sometimes I think about how nice it would be to live in a cottage by the sea, to sit on my back porch with a cold beer, listen to the waves and watch the seagulls do their thing. But that's not my way. I have to be content with an occasional glimpse of the river, the song of a single bird in the tree outside, with no company but a mug of Maxwell House.
I love to learn new things and relearn some old ones. For one thing the combination of a curious intellect and 7 decades of life experience gives one a healthy perspective on the world. It is easier now to tell the difference between what is serious and what is not, and that most importantly includes myself. I spent too many years taking myself too seriously. Now I can laugh. As long as I avoid the things I regret, I can have a jolly time and laugh at myself for getting annoyed because I've run out of donuts or bananas.
I always want and expect to accomplish more than I do everyday. I will be busy writing, painting or reading and become a little depressed when I see darkness and old night creeping through my window. But once again Mother Nature, in her infinite solitaire game, provides me with another day. The sun is up, the bird is awake, the river is still rolling and I have a book to open.
In the mail today I got a brochure from a book club, and one of the books advertised is: "The Overflowing Brain, Information Overload and the Limits of Working Memory" by Torkel Kingsberg. I'm not going to buy the book even at their gracious special offer. I don't want to be told about limits to my working memory just because I can't remember someone's name when I want to. Besides I need the money for donuts and bananas. But I am amused at one of the critical remarks about it from the Sacramento Book Review which says "...the increasing demands on the brain might be just what we need." I'll drink to that. Why stop thinking and learning just because you seem to have passed the Marathon running age? A younger man might say "Why do you bother leaning new things? What are you going to do with all that knowledge?" My answer would be "I'm going to know it. That's what. What do you do with half the stuff you learned in college?"
I rise up in thanks for the little bit I learned today that I didn't know yesterday.
Why do I learn things Mr. Buddha? Because I enjoy it. And as much as possible, and contrary to the nihilism of some confused teachers and preachers, life was meant by the Creator to be enjoyed.
DB - The Vagabond
********************
"These are the last days!"
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
Only 20 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
Buddha
***************
This morning I woke at 7:30. In my retirement I'm known to awaken anywhere between 5:30 and 11:30 depending on how much time I spent arguing with my computer the night before. Whenever I get up early I'm always pleased to feel that I have that much more of a day to do things. And what I do is write, paint, read and learn things. In my senior years I've become a scholar, something I had no interest in being when I approached college.
I think we should all be born educated. Youth is too much fun to waste it studying to pass tests. That's one of nature's big jokes. Another one is why seniors can't remember things. I can reel off about 25 to 30 names in the next 2 minutes, of composers, authors, painters, actors and friends. Why is it the only name I can't remember is the one I'm trying to think of? Let's face it, Mother Nature is a humorist. If she weren't she would never have made the koala, the giraffe, the penguin and the wart hog.
A few days ago I wrote about how sad it is that there is so much to learn no one person could ever know it all, but that it is also a joy to know there is always something more to learn.
Sometimes I think about how nice it would be to live in a cottage by the sea, to sit on my back porch with a cold beer, listen to the waves and watch the seagulls do their thing. But that's not my way. I have to be content with an occasional glimpse of the river, the song of a single bird in the tree outside, with no company but a mug of Maxwell House.
I love to learn new things and relearn some old ones. For one thing the combination of a curious intellect and 7 decades of life experience gives one a healthy perspective on the world. It is easier now to tell the difference between what is serious and what is not, and that most importantly includes myself. I spent too many years taking myself too seriously. Now I can laugh. As long as I avoid the things I regret, I can have a jolly time and laugh at myself for getting annoyed because I've run out of donuts or bananas.
I always want and expect to accomplish more than I do everyday. I will be busy writing, painting or reading and become a little depressed when I see darkness and old night creeping through my window. But once again Mother Nature, in her infinite solitaire game, provides me with another day. The sun is up, the bird is awake, the river is still rolling and I have a book to open.
In the mail today I got a brochure from a book club, and one of the books advertised is: "The Overflowing Brain, Information Overload and the Limits of Working Memory" by Torkel Kingsberg. I'm not going to buy the book even at their gracious special offer. I don't want to be told about limits to my working memory just because I can't remember someone's name when I want to. Besides I need the money for donuts and bananas. But I am amused at one of the critical remarks about it from the Sacramento Book Review which says "...the increasing demands on the brain might be just what we need." I'll drink to that. Why stop thinking and learning just because you seem to have passed the Marathon running age? A younger man might say "Why do you bother leaning new things? What are you going to do with all that knowledge?" My answer would be "I'm going to know it. That's what. What do you do with half the stuff you learned in college?"
I rise up in thanks for the little bit I learned today that I didn't know yesterday.
Why do I learn things Mr. Buddha? Because I enjoy it. And as much as possible, and contrary to the nihilism of some confused teachers and preachers, life was meant by the Creator to be enjoyed.
DB - The Vagabond
********************
"These are the last days!"
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
Only 20 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
No Pushing
The beaten path is safest, but the traffic's terrible.
Jeff Taylor
***************
A good March Monday to you.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Now everyone knows that New Yorkers are a rude, unpleasant and dangerous group of thugs. Don't mess with New Yorkers because they'll knock you down as soon as look at you and probably pick your pocket in the process. So let me set the scene for you.
1. The Staten Island Ferry
2. The number 1 train
3. South Ferry Station
4. The stairway
The SI Ferry is a large and sturdy vehicle that sails between Staten Island and the southern tip of Manhattan Island. It has only those 2 stops. The trip takes about 5 minutes. There is only one entrance to the ferry and only one exit. The ferry has several decks, usually about 4. At capacity it can carry 3,500 people.
The IRT number 1 train is a local train that runs from up in the Bronx down the west side of Manhattan to the South Ferry Station where it loops around and heads back uptown. It has 10 cars each one carrying about 50 people at capacity. It's estimated the train could carry at least 500 people.
The South Ferry Station is called that because it's the only connection to the SI Ferry. In recent years the South Ferry Station has been redesigned and renovated to improve it and it is now an easy place to access, but my story takes place before that happened.
In the 80's, before the renovation, there was one small staircase that led from the train to the street level. At the top of the stairs was an enclosed area where the ticket booth was and doors on each side which opened out. Half way down the stairs, to the subway level, it narrowed and split into two directions.
The station platform was small and, as the train looped around and prepared to go back uptown, only the first 5 cars would be on the platform level. Anyone traveling in the last 5 cars had to walk forward to get off the train.
Southern Manhattan is filled to overflowing with huge office buildings, skyscrapers. Thousands of people work in those buildings.
To reiterate, you have a ferry with 3,500 people on it. You have a subway train with another 500 people at least, half of whom have to walk forward from 1 to 5 cars just to get off the train, You have a narrow stairway from the platform to an enclosed area with two doors out to the street.
Now, picture this. Every business day, at 8:30 in the morning, the height of rush hour, the number 1 train and the Staten Island Ferry both arrived at the same moment. About 500 people from the train are going up that staircase as at least another 500 people from the ferry are going down and all of them from both directions are in a hurry.
I would stand by the ticket widow every morning and watch in amazement. There was never any shoving, pulling, pushing, yelling, cursing, screaming or violence of any kind. It was a complete aggravation for everyone involved but they all got through it, past each other and on their ways with an absolute minimum of fuss. Every morning.
Considering all of the stealing of parking spaces, road rage and not-in-my-backyard mentality in this county, watching that I was proud to be a New Yorker.
When all was clear,I went downstairs, walked to the very front so I wouldn't interfere with the next mob of passengers getting off and waited for the 8:45. The ferry was off in Staten Island collecting its next load and almost no one got on the train when it was empty, so I had a nice leisurely ride back uptown.
DB
*******************
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have all Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
20 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
Jeff Taylor
***************
A good March Monday to you.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Now everyone knows that New Yorkers are a rude, unpleasant and dangerous group of thugs. Don't mess with New Yorkers because they'll knock you down as soon as look at you and probably pick your pocket in the process. So let me set the scene for you.
1. The Staten Island Ferry
2. The number 1 train
3. South Ferry Station
4. The stairway
The SI Ferry is a large and sturdy vehicle that sails between Staten Island and the southern tip of Manhattan Island. It has only those 2 stops. The trip takes about 5 minutes. There is only one entrance to the ferry and only one exit. The ferry has several decks, usually about 4. At capacity it can carry 3,500 people.
The IRT number 1 train is a local train that runs from up in the Bronx down the west side of Manhattan to the South Ferry Station where it loops around and heads back uptown. It has 10 cars each one carrying about 50 people at capacity. It's estimated the train could carry at least 500 people.
The South Ferry Station is called that because it's the only connection to the SI Ferry. In recent years the South Ferry Station has been redesigned and renovated to improve it and it is now an easy place to access, but my story takes place before that happened.
In the 80's, before the renovation, there was one small staircase that led from the train to the street level. At the top of the stairs was an enclosed area where the ticket booth was and doors on each side which opened out. Half way down the stairs, to the subway level, it narrowed and split into two directions.
The station platform was small and, as the train looped around and prepared to go back uptown, only the first 5 cars would be on the platform level. Anyone traveling in the last 5 cars had to walk forward to get off the train.
Southern Manhattan is filled to overflowing with huge office buildings, skyscrapers. Thousands of people work in those buildings.
To reiterate, you have a ferry with 3,500 people on it. You have a subway train with another 500 people at least, half of whom have to walk forward from 1 to 5 cars just to get off the train, You have a narrow stairway from the platform to an enclosed area with two doors out to the street.
Now, picture this. Every business day, at 8:30 in the morning, the height of rush hour, the number 1 train and the Staten Island Ferry both arrived at the same moment. About 500 people from the train are going up that staircase as at least another 500 people from the ferry are going down and all of them from both directions are in a hurry.
I would stand by the ticket widow every morning and watch in amazement. There was never any shoving, pulling, pushing, yelling, cursing, screaming or violence of any kind. It was a complete aggravation for everyone involved but they all got through it, past each other and on their ways with an absolute minimum of fuss. Every morning.
Considering all of the stealing of parking spaces, road rage and not-in-my-backyard mentality in this county, watching that I was proud to be a New Yorker.
When all was clear,I went downstairs, walked to the very front so I wouldn't interfere with the next mob of passengers getting off and waited for the 8:45. The ferry was off in Staten Island collecting its next load and almost no one got on the train when it was empty, so I had a nice leisurely ride back uptown.
DB
*******************
WINTER QUESTION
(This is not a contest.)
Given the resources and opportunity, what one thing do you want to do in 2010 that you've never done before.
You have all Winter to answer. Answers will be posted on the first day of Spring.
20 responses so far.
DB - The Vagabond
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Wake Up The Dog
Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up interest wrinkles the soul.
Douglas MacArthur
********************
One of the troublesome facts of life is that there is more to know than any one person can possibly learn. But, depending on your point of view, it can also be one of the most joyful.
There are things that have interested me my whole life, and they still do. But there are other things that used to fascinate me and grab my attention like a cat jumping in my lap. Many of those things don't interest me any more. I don't want to know who won the World Series, who got an Oscar or when it's St. Patrick's Day. I couldn't care less.
But I'm glad that those former fascinations which have faded into the abyss of my younger years have been replaced by interests that I find even more important and enriching. I've always been interested in art and music, but these days I am experiencing them more perceptively and listening with more clarity and appreciation.
Subjects like history, philosophy, mathematics and religion bored me so much that I wanted to go out and make trouble. Now my floor is covered in books and magazines on those very topics. What happened? It wasn't just growing older and wiser(?). Something took me by the hand and led me gently into a garden of strange flowers and trees. I sat on a bench in this imaginary garden and was made to ponder my own lack of knowledge about things.
I had been a performing artist all my life and there is nothing endemically ignorant about that, (even though there are plenty of dolts in the profession). So what was different?
Something lived inside me like a faithful dog I was paying no attention to. All the knowledge I had gained was because I had to. To be properly prepared to perform in the theatre an actor should know as much as possible about the circumstances of the play and the production, taking care to know exactly what is being discussed. The research that a conscientious actor does reveals a great many new things, new knowledge and experiences, a broader view of the world. Otherwise the actor becomes entrapped in an ever shrinking circle of his own enthralling ego.
So I considered myself a fairly well educated fellow, knowledgeable about human behavior in all it's heroic and diabolical nature and adept at portraying that behavior. But there was something definitely missing.
I found it when I retired, or actually even before I retired which may have been one of the reasons I did. Quite by accident, I thought, I began to open books about subjects I knew almost nothing about and was fascinated. Existentialism, Set Theory, Judaic and Islamic studies, English novels, serial music, 20th Century European history, the obelisks of Heliopolis, the list goes on. The point is something rang the alarm bell and woke up the faithful dog sleeping at my feet.
Now I want to know it all. I never will, of course, but as much as I can I will learn things because I am interested in everything and incurably curious. It is discovering a new trail through the forest, meeting new friends, a love message in a bottle washed up on the beach, entering a room in your house you never knew was there, finding a silver nugget among the pebbles, following a great thinker's journey to a surprising conclusion, writing words that shine with beauty, hearing silent songs.
There are no wrinkles in my soul.
DB
*************
May Spring come quickly to your heart.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Weekend Puzzle - The Answer
12 pear were hanging high
12 men came passing by
Each took a pear and left 11 hanging there.
How is this possible?
-------------------------
Each is the name of a man, Sir Phillip Each of the Cornwall Eaches. He took the pear.
The Blogspot Tigers win the day.
First prize of a genuine aluminum pear tree goes to Just Plain Bill (Bill that also comes with a book: "The Care and Feeding of Partridges")
Second prize of the partridge itself goes to Val.
Good job folks.
-------------------------
The weekend isn't over yet so here's a Sunday Puzzle. This is a tasty one.
XW VCHFRYCH LKL WHF XRHJCFZLXCQ.
NZFRL QZBRQ
Good luck
DB
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Douglas MacArthur
********************
One of the troublesome facts of life is that there is more to know than any one person can possibly learn. But, depending on your point of view, it can also be one of the most joyful.
There are things that have interested me my whole life, and they still do. But there are other things that used to fascinate me and grab my attention like a cat jumping in my lap. Many of those things don't interest me any more. I don't want to know who won the World Series, who got an Oscar or when it's St. Patrick's Day. I couldn't care less.
But I'm glad that those former fascinations which have faded into the abyss of my younger years have been replaced by interests that I find even more important and enriching. I've always been interested in art and music, but these days I am experiencing them more perceptively and listening with more clarity and appreciation.
Subjects like history, philosophy, mathematics and religion bored me so much that I wanted to go out and make trouble. Now my floor is covered in books and magazines on those very topics. What happened? It wasn't just growing older and wiser(?). Something took me by the hand and led me gently into a garden of strange flowers and trees. I sat on a bench in this imaginary garden and was made to ponder my own lack of knowledge about things.
I had been a performing artist all my life and there is nothing endemically ignorant about that, (even though there are plenty of dolts in the profession). So what was different?
Something lived inside me like a faithful dog I was paying no attention to. All the knowledge I had gained was because I had to. To be properly prepared to perform in the theatre an actor should know as much as possible about the circumstances of the play and the production, taking care to know exactly what is being discussed. The research that a conscientious actor does reveals a great many new things, new knowledge and experiences, a broader view of the world. Otherwise the actor becomes entrapped in an ever shrinking circle of his own enthralling ego.
So I considered myself a fairly well educated fellow, knowledgeable about human behavior in all it's heroic and diabolical nature and adept at portraying that behavior. But there was something definitely missing.
I found it when I retired, or actually even before I retired which may have been one of the reasons I did. Quite by accident, I thought, I began to open books about subjects I knew almost nothing about and was fascinated. Existentialism, Set Theory, Judaic and Islamic studies, English novels, serial music, 20th Century European history, the obelisks of Heliopolis, the list goes on. The point is something rang the alarm bell and woke up the faithful dog sleeping at my feet.
Now I want to know it all. I never will, of course, but as much as I can I will learn things because I am interested in everything and incurably curious. It is discovering a new trail through the forest, meeting new friends, a love message in a bottle washed up on the beach, entering a room in your house you never knew was there, finding a silver nugget among the pebbles, following a great thinker's journey to a surprising conclusion, writing words that shine with beauty, hearing silent songs.
There are no wrinkles in my soul.
DB
*************
May Spring come quickly to your heart.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Weekend Puzzle - The Answer
12 pear were hanging high
12 men came passing by
Each took a pear and left 11 hanging there.
How is this possible?
-------------------------
Each is the name of a man, Sir Phillip Each of the Cornwall Eaches. He took the pear.
The Blogspot Tigers win the day.
First prize of a genuine aluminum pear tree goes to Just Plain Bill (Bill that also comes with a book: "The Care and Feeding of Partridges")
Second prize of the partridge itself goes to Val.
Good job folks.
-------------------------
The weekend isn't over yet so here's a Sunday Puzzle. This is a tasty one.
XW VCHFRYCH LKL WHF XRHJCFZLXCQ.
NZFRL QZBRQ
Good luck
DB
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)