Well, tomorrow I got to the doctor to see what the latest numbers are. I'm concerned about my throat. Lately, it feels swollen or as though there's something just below the larynx blocking my swallowing. Not painful, just annoying.
I have a motto in life: "Pizza... when it's hot, it's good! And when it's cold... it's still pretty good!" Well, I think I've tasted the exception to that motto. Went over to Costco and got a pizza tonight with everything on it. It tasted... boring. My God, a boring pizza?! Well, guess if you live long enough you're bound to see some weird shit, like boring pizza. Man, that's almost un-American! In fact I've had British food that was more interesting than that pizza. Oh, well.
Got the new TITANIC DVD the other day. Among the deleted scenes is one of Ida and Isadore Strauss on the Boat Deck trying to board a lifeboat, deciding to stay together when 1) the officer loading the boat allows women only, and 2) Ida refuses to leave her husband of 40 years. "Isadore, we've been together 40 years. Where you go, I go." I've always been moved when reading that account, but seeing it acted out in such a compelling scene I started to cry. I had to stay in my cubicle because I didn't want anyone to intrude, and just cried and cried over that scene, and what it means. Love that produces that kind of loyalty is something very hard to find. Will I ever be that lucky? If that had been me and my ex-boyfriend, he wouldv'e left me there in a hot second and saved himself. Does such selfless love and loyalty even exist anymore? One reason the Titanic has always captivated me (I've been an expert on the subject for over 30 years, now) is that I honestly believe I was on that ship, and died in the water with the others. Ever since I was a little kid, I've had very clear flashbacks to that moment. If reincarnation is real (and I say why not?) then I was there. I really remember the COLD, treading water, being pulled and buffeted by the suction of water pouring into (probably) the Number 2 funnel casing. Not being able to resist the pull. Uh, time to change the subject...
The DVD is well-produced, and my friend Ken Marschall is on there doing a historical commentary along with Don Lynch. Ken hasn't spoken to me in years now; I guess he must be mad at me. I hope not, as we were friends for years. I may never know, as he won't return my calls. Ken Marschall, in case you don't know, is the world's foremost Titanic artist. His work has been published for over 30 years in books, magazines, films, etc. James Cameron, on his 2001 expedition to Titanic, once said during a filming dive on the wreck: "I feel like I'm making a movie for one guy: Ken Marschall."
I'm about to put up a new webpage, one which has some of my videos streaming on it. Hopefully, this will direct more work my way.
Aloha!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Friday, November 25, 2005
Turkey Day was Yesterday!
Well, another Thanksgiving has come and gone. It was a fairly nice day for me. I went over to my business partner Ed's house, dropped off the animals (Clancy, Batzinfluff, and Kitten) picked-up the food from the fridge, and headed for Eva's.
It was a clear, bright Autumn day in Cajon Pass as I headed down Hwy. 138 and Old Route 66. There were a couple of trains in the pass that day. I went down to Cajon Creek in Blue Cut, and the water was flowing well. It was falling and rushing over the rocks, it was slightly muddy, and COLD. It was a picture-perfect midday along the creek under the cottonwoods. As I was continuing on my way, I saw a longshot of Mt. Baldy, and the east end of the San Gabriel Mountains. They were rearing-up out of the desert floor just above San Bernardino and Rialto. But the western end of the view was obscured by a sudden wall of haze and smog so thick that it literally looked like a light version of a sandstorm or dustbowl coming at you across the prairie. It's leading edge was clearly evident, though slightly diffuse. The close-enough-to-touch mountain on the clear side became a flat, thin silhouette on the smog side. It was amazing, and as I'm looking at it, I suddenly think, "I grew up breathing in that shit!" It made me realize once again how glad I am to be living up here in the AV rather than down in that smog-bowl. As much as I love my home town of L.A., it has gotten too crowded and chaotic. Too bad, it's a great city.
Upon arriving at Eva's, I could see that about 70% -or so of the units in her complex were boarded-up. We had a nice Thanksgiving. All her stuff was packed, so we ate off styrofoam plates and watched DVD's and drank Sauvignon Blanc and smoked some weed, and just hung out. Eva really has lost some weight. For a change, her hair was undone from it's usual million cornrows, and was in two French braids on either side. Looked good. We all gettin' gray. Old hippies. The food was excellent, although my garlic bread was a bit chewy after nuking, but still with good flavor. I used margarine, granulated garlic, real fresh garlic minced, pepper, and an Italian-mix feta cheese. Slide that baby in the toaster oven for a few minutes, and OH MY GOD it's addictive!
At one point Kaelon came over. Abicuss! Damn, my nigga's getting ta be a man! He fuckin' 6' 3" and 235 pounds. He played his latest album tracks from the disk he's creating now. Some phat and wicked shit innat bitch! Oh, sorry. He a hip-hop rapper, so I kinda got funky wi' it fo' a sec, y'know? He's such a sweet young man, too. He has a girlfriend whom I only just met last night, but they been togetha for a while, now. She's very sweet and polite, and complements him well. She teaches 8th Grade English.
He just got a new pre-owned car two days ago. His other car is finally dying. He got it from a dealership, and it's nice. I think it's a 2004 Hyundai. It's small, with a black leather interior, and classy.
It sure was nice being around Eva for a while. I sure hope we can get some kind of home big enough for all of us.
We watched some other stuff on TV last night. Eva loves the mystery and true crime and cold cases shows, but we surfed around looking at different stuff. We watched a really bad Alec Baldwin thriller about an ex-co alcoholic in the bayous and it was so bad I don't even want to say any more. Then we watched South Park The Movie Bigger Longer Uncut, and I thought it was pretty funny. Then we watched some other stuff, all the while talking. But we both love to watch movies together, so that's what we did. In fact when some people say "This is 'our' song," we say that about a movie, and wouldn't ya know, they ran it last night. 'Our' movie is Close Encounters of The Third Kind. It was what she used to lure me into her clutches... er, uh, ...house, with a copy on VHS. We became lovers that day, back in 1980. So when we were watching it, Kaelon perked-up and commented on he remembers as a toddler me and Eva always watching that movie all those years ago. This time I told Eva about a girlfriend named Terri I had known during the early '80's who looked just like Melinda Dillon in Close Encounters. Eva and I never had any trouble discussing past or current lovers or sex buddies, or having them for that matter. Anyhow, it was good to see my boy again. Unfortunately, Thaeddy was at work and couldn't make it last night, but she may be with her mom today, though.
Had a lovely drive through a miles-clear desert night with a quarter moon casting a faint light. The lights of Palmdale and Lancaster were spread out along the horizon, and from 30 miles away were quite pretty. So was the area around Llano. In fact, what was a big open stretch of desert 25 years ago is a rural neighborhood today. Soon the Antelope Valley will look like the San Fernando Valley does today. But for now, here in the AV it still seems like it did to me in the early '60's in the San Fernando Valley. Farm-y and ranch-y but growing.
Ah, well. Happy Holiday Season!
It was a clear, bright Autumn day in Cajon Pass as I headed down Hwy. 138 and Old Route 66. There were a couple of trains in the pass that day. I went down to Cajon Creek in Blue Cut, and the water was flowing well. It was falling and rushing over the rocks, it was slightly muddy, and COLD. It was a picture-perfect midday along the creek under the cottonwoods. As I was continuing on my way, I saw a longshot of Mt. Baldy, and the east end of the San Gabriel Mountains. They were rearing-up out of the desert floor just above San Bernardino and Rialto. But the western end of the view was obscured by a sudden wall of haze and smog so thick that it literally looked like a light version of a sandstorm or dustbowl coming at you across the prairie. It's leading edge was clearly evident, though slightly diffuse. The close-enough-to-touch mountain on the clear side became a flat, thin silhouette on the smog side. It was amazing, and as I'm looking at it, I suddenly think, "I grew up breathing in that shit!" It made me realize once again how glad I am to be living up here in the AV rather than down in that smog-bowl. As much as I love my home town of L.A., it has gotten too crowded and chaotic. Too bad, it's a great city.
Upon arriving at Eva's, I could see that about 70% -or so of the units in her complex were boarded-up. We had a nice Thanksgiving. All her stuff was packed, so we ate off styrofoam plates and watched DVD's and drank Sauvignon Blanc and smoked some weed, and just hung out. Eva really has lost some weight. For a change, her hair was undone from it's usual million cornrows, and was in two French braids on either side. Looked good. We all gettin' gray. Old hippies. The food was excellent, although my garlic bread was a bit chewy after nuking, but still with good flavor. I used margarine, granulated garlic, real fresh garlic minced, pepper, and an Italian-mix feta cheese. Slide that baby in the toaster oven for a few minutes, and OH MY GOD it's addictive!
At one point Kaelon came over. Abicuss! Damn, my nigga's getting ta be a man! He fuckin' 6' 3" and 235 pounds. He played his latest album tracks from the disk he's creating now. Some phat and wicked shit innat bitch! Oh, sorry. He a hip-hop rapper, so I kinda got funky wi' it fo' a sec, y'know? He's such a sweet young man, too. He has a girlfriend whom I only just met last night, but they been togetha for a while, now. She's very sweet and polite, and complements him well. She teaches 8th Grade English.
He just got a new pre-owned car two days ago. His other car is finally dying. He got it from a dealership, and it's nice. I think it's a 2004 Hyundai. It's small, with a black leather interior, and classy.
It sure was nice being around Eva for a while. I sure hope we can get some kind of home big enough for all of us.
We watched some other stuff on TV last night. Eva loves the mystery and true crime and cold cases shows, but we surfed around looking at different stuff. We watched a really bad Alec Baldwin thriller about an ex-co alcoholic in the bayous and it was so bad I don't even want to say any more. Then we watched South Park The Movie Bigger Longer Uncut, and I thought it was pretty funny. Then we watched some other stuff, all the while talking. But we both love to watch movies together, so that's what we did. In fact when some people say "This is 'our' song," we say that about a movie, and wouldn't ya know, they ran it last night. 'Our' movie is Close Encounters of The Third Kind. It was what she used to lure me into her clutches... er, uh, ...house, with a copy on VHS. We became lovers that day, back in 1980. So when we were watching it, Kaelon perked-up and commented on he remembers as a toddler me and Eva always watching that movie all those years ago. This time I told Eva about a girlfriend named Terri I had known during the early '80's who looked just like Melinda Dillon in Close Encounters. Eva and I never had any trouble discussing past or current lovers or sex buddies, or having them for that matter. Anyhow, it was good to see my boy again. Unfortunately, Thaeddy was at work and couldn't make it last night, but she may be with her mom today, though.
Had a lovely drive through a miles-clear desert night with a quarter moon casting a faint light. The lights of Palmdale and Lancaster were spread out along the horizon, and from 30 miles away were quite pretty. So was the area around Llano. In fact, what was a big open stretch of desert 25 years ago is a rural neighborhood today. Soon the Antelope Valley will look like the San Fernando Valley does today. But for now, here in the AV it still seems like it did to me in the early '60's in the San Fernando Valley. Farm-y and ranch-y but growing.
Ah, well. Happy Holiday Season!
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Turkey Day's a Day Away!
Well, the fall leaves are bright gold in Lancaster this year, the days are crisp, the sky deep China blue, and Thanksgiving is day after tomorrow.
I plan to go to Eva's house for the day, and either A): Bring something over, or B:) take her out to eat. She's in the process of packing to move, and her place is pretty barren. Also, most of the units in her place have been boarded-up, due to the gang activity. Most of the old tenants are gone, and Eva's one of the few remaining, until she can move to a place in San Bernardino. I'm debating whether to make something or just take her out because of money and resources. It might be cheaper to make something, and I make the best Thanksgiving spread you've ever tasted. But it'll be a hassle and take up time in Ed's kitchen. Eating out would be more expensive, but would be easier, and maybe nicer too. If I had the facilities, I'd make something, but as it is, we'll see. Eva, for those who don't know, is my "girlfriend/female twin/soul mate" whom I've loved for 25 years, now.
Makes me think of what I have to give thanks for. Let's see... well, although I'm sleeping in the car, I do get to sleep behind a closed gate with an electric blanket getting AC from the house. Lots of homeless folks don't even have a car, or if they do they have to camp wherever they can. I still seem healthy, and Clancy, Batsinfluff, and Kitten are still with me. My client Bruce has recommended me to his ad agency as a director/producer, and I got some money the other day from the Limo spot. And I'll get to see Eva Thursday. So, things ain't that bad.
However, I hope that by this time next year money won't be the problem it's been. Maybe I'll have that dome house by Calico, who knows. If I do, that house will be Holiday Central!
So, Happy Thanksgiving to everybody out there!
Pony
I plan to go to Eva's house for the day, and either A): Bring something over, or B:) take her out to eat. She's in the process of packing to move, and her place is pretty barren. Also, most of the units in her place have been boarded-up, due to the gang activity. Most of the old tenants are gone, and Eva's one of the few remaining, until she can move to a place in San Bernardino. I'm debating whether to make something or just take her out because of money and resources. It might be cheaper to make something, and I make the best Thanksgiving spread you've ever tasted. But it'll be a hassle and take up time in Ed's kitchen. Eating out would be more expensive, but would be easier, and maybe nicer too. If I had the facilities, I'd make something, but as it is, we'll see. Eva, for those who don't know, is my "girlfriend/female twin/soul mate" whom I've loved for 25 years, now.
Makes me think of what I have to give thanks for. Let's see... well, although I'm sleeping in the car, I do get to sleep behind a closed gate with an electric blanket getting AC from the house. Lots of homeless folks don't even have a car, or if they do they have to camp wherever they can. I still seem healthy, and Clancy, Batsinfluff, and Kitten are still with me. My client Bruce has recommended me to his ad agency as a director/producer, and I got some money the other day from the Limo spot. And I'll get to see Eva Thursday. So, things ain't that bad.
However, I hope that by this time next year money won't be the problem it's been. Maybe I'll have that dome house by Calico, who knows. If I do, that house will be Holiday Central!
So, Happy Thanksgiving to everybody out there!
Pony
Friday, November 18, 2005
Another day, another blood test...
Well, it's been a couple of days since I wrote in, so thought I'd catch up.
Yesterday I went over to the hospital for a doctor's appointment. When they did the intake, they of course took my weight and blood pressure. I came in at 166#, a bit heavy for my norm, but not a problem at 6 feet tall. When they wrapped the BP cuff around my arm, I mentioned that it would be around 115/75.
It was 116/74 !
The nurse goes, "You've got young people's blood pressure. That's the best reading we've had all day!" She couldn't believe it when I said I'm 47, and my father was dead of a heart attack when he was my age, well actually younger. I have to admit, I AM proud of my low BP. It's one of the few things in my anatomy that seems to be working better than expected, taking my HIV into account.
I'll probably be able to get the motor home I'm looking at in another few days. It's an old Dodge from the late '70's, runs, but the inside needs a bit of work. Still, it's liveable, and WAY better than sleeping in the car. And only $400, so hey! Thank God gas prices are dropping. Calico may have me come up on the 27th for a whip show. Hope it happens.
Think I'll go to Popeye's tonight. Red beans and rice!
Pony
Yesterday I went over to the hospital for a doctor's appointment. When they did the intake, they of course took my weight and blood pressure. I came in at 166#, a bit heavy for my norm, but not a problem at 6 feet tall. When they wrapped the BP cuff around my arm, I mentioned that it would be around 115/75.
It was 116/74 !
The nurse goes, "You've got young people's blood pressure. That's the best reading we've had all day!" She couldn't believe it when I said I'm 47, and my father was dead of a heart attack when he was my age, well actually younger. I have to admit, I AM proud of my low BP. It's one of the few things in my anatomy that seems to be working better than expected, taking my HIV into account.
I'll probably be able to get the motor home I'm looking at in another few days. It's an old Dodge from the late '70's, runs, but the inside needs a bit of work. Still, it's liveable, and WAY better than sleeping in the car. And only $400, so hey! Thank God gas prices are dropping. Calico may have me come up on the 27th for a whip show. Hope it happens.
Think I'll go to Popeye's tonight. Red beans and rice!
Pony
Monday, November 14, 2005
Shot a commercial today... a dog & a limo
Well, despite my gloomy attitude over Calico's rejection of me, I went out with Ed (my business partner) and shot a commercial for a limo company up in Rosamond. This may sound crazy, but I had no idea that Rosamond was so pretty. For a desert town, it's got some great light and vistas.
Anyhow, we shot this impromptu commercial and used the owner's greyhound dog in the shots, like with the limo driving down the road and the dog standing up out of the sunroof! The dog, Cody, a rescued dog who used to be a racing greyhound, did NOT like standing up out of that sunroof. My late companion dog, Odus, would have loved this job. He stood up out of my sunroof every mile we went. It was hilarious. For an image of Odus, click on this link...
http://www.geocities.com/zeebya/design2.html
And you'll see him. My late puppy-boi. Died at about age 10, have his cremated remains in a nice tin.
Anyhow, this commercial looks like it'll be fun. When I get my domain name set up, I'll have videos streaming from my site, so you'll be able to see my work.
It sure was a pretty day.
Pony
Anyhow, we shot this impromptu commercial and used the owner's greyhound dog in the shots, like with the limo driving down the road and the dog standing up out of the sunroof! The dog, Cody, a rescued dog who used to be a racing greyhound, did NOT like standing up out of that sunroof. My late companion dog, Odus, would have loved this job. He stood up out of my sunroof every mile we went. It was hilarious. For an image of Odus, click on this link...
http://www.geocities.com/zeebya/design2.html
And you'll see him. My late puppy-boi. Died at about age 10, have his cremated remains in a nice tin.
Anyhow, this commercial looks like it'll be fun. When I get my domain name set up, I'll have videos streaming from my site, so you'll be able to see my work.
It sure was a pretty day.
Pony
Sunday, November 13, 2005
My first blog
Hi, there.
Well, this is my first blog posting.
Today I'm pretty depressed, because a major business opportunity fell through... maybe.
I'm trying, for the last year, now, to get a shop going up at Calico Ghost Town selling souvenir DVD's on the history of Calico, and other ghost town documentaries.
Well, after making me jump through months' worth of hoops, the San Bernardino County Board say's "NO" based on the idea that my business would create unfair competition in town with another shop which has a really bad, old VHS tape for sale on ghost towns that doesn't sell well, is over 20 years old, and was bad when it was released, let alone now it's OLD and bad.
Currently still sleeping in my car with the dog and two cats. Hoping to raise enough money to get the motor home I'm looking at. Winter's coming.
But I'm trying not to be bitter...
Good news is, I now have a business bank account and a DBA under the name of Gravity Arch Media. So, I'm trying for some actual legitimacy, here.
Pony
Well, this is my first blog posting.
Today I'm pretty depressed, because a major business opportunity fell through... maybe.
I'm trying, for the last year, now, to get a shop going up at Calico Ghost Town selling souvenir DVD's on the history of Calico, and other ghost town documentaries.
Well, after making me jump through months' worth of hoops, the San Bernardino County Board say's "NO" based on the idea that my business would create unfair competition in town with another shop which has a really bad, old VHS tape for sale on ghost towns that doesn't sell well, is over 20 years old, and was bad when it was released, let alone now it's OLD and bad.
Currently still sleeping in my car with the dog and two cats. Hoping to raise enough money to get the motor home I'm looking at. Winter's coming.
But I'm trying not to be bitter...
Good news is, I now have a business bank account and a DBA under the name of Gravity Arch Media. So, I'm trying for some actual legitimacy, here.
Pony
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