Ten thirty. The day before Halloween. It's that time where jack-o-lanterns rule the evening streets and haunted houses come alive to let you know that everyone needs a little "spooky" in their lives... If you live where I live, the weather is cooperating with us. It's perfect outside. As I type this note to you, I will say it again... It really is perfect outside.
Tricks, treats, pumpkins, witches and a killer broomstick, the moon (oh, my moon), good candy, shite candy, hay rides, spooky music, mangled tree limbs, caramel apples, laughing skeletons, scary movies, wicked costumes, silly masks, screeching owls, corn stalks, screaming cats, more candy, crows and ravens, cobwebs, grave markers bent by the wind, you get the picture, I hope. Oh, and more candy.
Three things to watch...
1) Find "Dark Night of the Scarecrow" and watch it with an open "made-for-TV" mind. Please. Do that for me. My VHS copy is wearing thin... It's probably not as good as I remember, but it is something that reminds me of Halloween in Benbrook, TX. I remember watching it in the living room with my parents and I remember being oddly fascinated with life after death. I also internalized this idea: One stem of one flower can mean everything to someone who believes in something more...
2) Search for "Fat Albert's Halloween Special." Chill out with Fat Albert, Russell, Bill, Dumb Donald, Weird Harold, Mushmouth, Rudy and Bucky. Watch this gem with a friend and sip on a soft drink. Don't laugh. This special is hard to find... It doesn't carry the weight of the more touching Christmas Special, but it's something different and it provides a different spin on Halloween. Well, maybe not, but it's worth a look. Remember: Soft drinks.
3) Relive your elementary school cafetorium (I feel like I've referenced that word here before) action with "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad." First up, we get a fun take on "The Wind in the Willows," but for these purposes, I'll only reference the "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" part. However, give Mr. Toad your time. In 1949, Walt did it right and escorted the Washington Irving classic into my personal Animation Hall of Fame. Narrated by Bing Crosby, this short feature came to life and influenced my sense of imagination with bold hints of uncertainty and wonderment. My "what if" attitude towards just about everything was spawned at an early age and I'm forever grateful to Mr. Disney for making me a believer. The message is clear, people. Important Note: For maximum effect, this should only be viewed with the lights off.
So, tomorrow, as you enjoy your Halloween festivities, think about your earliest Halloween memories and don't forget to make a silly face in the mirror before you leave to show off your ridiculous costume. I chose "The Hamburglar."
Save one Junior Mint for me. And maybe a Twix. We'll share.
Lastly, don't forget to fall back.
- Ichabod
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Any minute now, seventeen words.
Just had to sign in and write this out for you... Repeat it to the next person you see.
"To fear love is to fear life; and those who fear life are already three parts dead."
A dude whose first name was "Bertrand" said this once upon a time ago. A long time ago, actually.
I'm feeling you, B. I truly feel you.
Besos!
- dude who dreams
"To fear love is to fear life; and those who fear life are already three parts dead."
A dude whose first name was "Bertrand" said this once upon a time ago. A long time ago, actually.
I'm feeling you, B. I truly feel you.
Besos!
- dude who dreams
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Trains, townies and yellow brick roads.
This weather... It's been raining as of late and the temperature outside has been right on target for a welcoming harvest season. In short, I dig it. This is my favorite time of year. There is so much to say about this season. And I'll get into that another time. Now, I have some things I need to tend to...
Like most of you, I've been carrying quite the load over recent weeks and months. Challenges, tests, problems that are problems, problems that aren't really problems (but mask themselves as such)... I've met them all head on and I'm working on finishing this year out with a certain bsm* bang or, at least, a bottle rocket-like pop that would make my sister proud.
These things take time.
My plan of attack was blueprinted out during the summer months and my ammunition came in various incarnations and disguises. (not exactly sure where I'm going w/ this) The weapons I chose were my stand-by tools of choice. My pencil, my hands, my sleeve. My battle armor, polished, but wearing the tarnish well. My secret weapons, my goggles, beautifully tattered from the last campaign. (this is starting to sound weird) My boots, my 10/92 Setters, lovingly at my side ready for the gravel road. (ok, this is silly) But I am serious about 99.7% of what was just typed out... And because of a few things I have encountered this year, I feel like there has to be some kind of preparation. (be ready) And because this is my favorite time of year, I have taken measures of ensuring that yours truly will end 2009 in good, if not proper, form. Like most things in my life, it all begins with a song. And, in this case, it began with a comet of a song. Get ready.
Soon.
Some observations and thoughts over the last several days, weeks, maybe months... My super-short list, if you will:
-- Any meal with shrimp in it is usually good.
-- When there is an opportunity for kids to watch the President of the United States on TV during school, take advantage of it. Make arrangements for the kids. Make it a learning exercise, good or bad. Who cares what the topic is about? It just might be about the importance of tree houses and how a simple tree house can solve most of our social and economic problems. Kids should be exposed to our Commander-In-Chief because it does hold hands with academics and recess and sour milk at lunch. Let them learn something new. Sacrifice textbook time for some tube time. Don't project your fears about your own political beliefs and agendas onto your kids. Protect them, we must, but don't steal the remote.
-- I have successfully purchased a stoic wolf pumpkin that I may name soon. He's that mean.
-- The band, KISS, is still relevant.
-- Believeme.Loveme.2009. // Last of the BMLM09 OMS short sleeve t-shirt designs. Available in Onesie (3-6 mo), XS, M (2 left), L & XXL. Faded yellow w/ grey print. Small OMS* logo on left sleeve. Onesie comes in powder blue w/ red print. Toddler 2 yr, S & XL's are no longer available. $14. Long sleeve 2010 version TBA. New designs are being drawn up as we speak.
-- I'm not sure how [scrubs] v.2 is going to work, but I'm not as concerned as I should be.
-- September 17th, 18th, 19th. Portland, OR. I referenced a field trip a few posts ago. This will be explored... Buckle up.
-- Ran a 5K recently where I raised some scratch for an important cause... Interesting and bold messages all around. "Jogging For Jugs." "Racing To Save 2nd Base." Solid. I appreciate the humor and I respect the sentiment. Seriously, it was a powerful event that stood for so much and for so many... I was truly touched by the whole experience. I ran for my Aunt Sally. She was 39. And she was a beautiful soul. She loved Sinatra...
-- Based on certain observations, I'm not sure anyone truly cares about Major League Baseball. I can name 3 people and there names are Paul and Paul and Jeff. This is just my opinion. Or a sign that I may need to expand my network.
-- Scarecrows should never wear a smile on their face... Ever.
-- U2 on 10/12. The 10th time. This should really get its own post on its own day, but it's on my mind now. I'll try to be brief. Because I have seen them so many times, I'd like to consider myself a vanguard kind of critic. They have given me so much over the years and I have stuck by them (even through the weird, ill advised Pop Mart phase). I owe it to them to be the best critic possible and I have been asking them for several years to let go of the idea of the idea of preparing 30 songs for each tour and giving us the usual 20 or 22. What I mean is that of those 30, at least 22 of them have been in the rotation for the last 12 to 15 years. I don't focus so much on the hammy metropolis shout outs, but I do dissect the set list... It has become somewhat predictable and safe, but they did tear through some of their stuff with a new resurgence and attitude. They clearly know what they're doing and they have mastered the art of playing it up for the crowds... I love certain aspects of every U2 show I have had the honor of seeing, but I'm not the typical listener or voyeur. I loved that they broke out "MLK" and "The Unforgettable Fire." I love the "Stand By Me" and "Amazing Grace" snippets and I always get goosebumps inside and out when I hear "Ultraviolet." And hearing it live for the first time since the early 90's was awesome. It's those kinds of throwback songs that make a set. Not hearing "Vertigo" or "Elevation" or "Mysterious Ways" for the 3,487th time. The new stuff sounded road worn and felt right in the mix. Overall, it was a solid set and I loved the show. I felt special just being there... The closer was odd, but it has been a staple closer for them all tour long, so it means something to them... There's no perfect closer for them anymore... Only a true U2 fan will understand that last sentence. They were all "on," however, and it was nice to see them smiling...
-- Listen to your instincts and pay attention.
-- For Halloween… The Hamburglar, Papa Smurf, Tin Man or Mr. Belding?
-- Never underestimate the power of a "thank you" note.
-- Reading from the newspaper is more enlightening than reading from the internet.
-- Seven words. "Waiting For My Real Life To Begin." Alone & intimate on 10/18. Standing ovation for Mr. Hay. I'm still clapping...
-- Did they finally lay Michael Jackson to rest? This is not an illegitimate question.
-- I recently asked someone if they could recommend a menu item for an upcoming pot luck event. This person told me that they only attend such events and participating is off the table. This response came from a person who LOVES to eat. I thought it was odd. I also thought it was lazy. (Important Note: Yes, I have willingly put myself in a place where the phrase 'pot luck' is common. 100% rowdy... I love it.)
-- Witnessing "Slideshow" on 10/14. Just perfect. A big "THANKS" to Fran & Andy...
-- One sip at a time. It's not a race. Enjoy it, will you? I'm talking to you.
Clearly, there's more to say... But I feel like I need to relax and enjoy this rainy weather. My trees are always so happy when it rains on them...
Tonight, let it be Rooster. That one's for me.
Goodnight. bsm*
Like most of you, I've been carrying quite the load over recent weeks and months. Challenges, tests, problems that are problems, problems that aren't really problems (but mask themselves as such)... I've met them all head on and I'm working on finishing this year out with a certain bsm* bang or, at least, a bottle rocket-like pop that would make my sister proud.
These things take time.
My plan of attack was blueprinted out during the summer months and my ammunition came in various incarnations and disguises. (not exactly sure where I'm going w/ this) The weapons I chose were my stand-by tools of choice. My pencil, my hands, my sleeve. My battle armor, polished, but wearing the tarnish well. My secret weapons, my goggles, beautifully tattered from the last campaign. (this is starting to sound weird) My boots, my 10/92 Setters, lovingly at my side ready for the gravel road. (ok, this is silly) But I am serious about 99.7% of what was just typed out... And because of a few things I have encountered this year, I feel like there has to be some kind of preparation. (be ready) And because this is my favorite time of year, I have taken measures of ensuring that yours truly will end 2009 in good, if not proper, form. Like most things in my life, it all begins with a song. And, in this case, it began with a comet of a song. Get ready.
Soon.
Some observations and thoughts over the last several days, weeks, maybe months... My super-short list, if you will:
-- Any meal with shrimp in it is usually good.
-- When there is an opportunity for kids to watch the President of the United States on TV during school, take advantage of it. Make arrangements for the kids. Make it a learning exercise, good or bad. Who cares what the topic is about? It just might be about the importance of tree houses and how a simple tree house can solve most of our social and economic problems. Kids should be exposed to our Commander-In-Chief because it does hold hands with academics and recess and sour milk at lunch. Let them learn something new. Sacrifice textbook time for some tube time. Don't project your fears about your own political beliefs and agendas onto your kids. Protect them, we must, but don't steal the remote.
-- I have successfully purchased a stoic wolf pumpkin that I may name soon. He's that mean.
-- The band, KISS, is still relevant.
-- Believeme.Loveme.2009. // Last of the BMLM09 OMS short sleeve t-shirt designs. Available in Onesie (3-6 mo), XS, M (2 left), L & XXL. Faded yellow w/ grey print. Small OMS* logo on left sleeve. Onesie comes in powder blue w/ red print. Toddler 2 yr, S & XL's are no longer available. $14. Long sleeve 2010 version TBA. New designs are being drawn up as we speak.
-- I'm not sure how [scrubs] v.2 is going to work, but I'm not as concerned as I should be.
-- September 17th, 18th, 19th. Portland, OR. I referenced a field trip a few posts ago. This will be explored... Buckle up.
-- Ran a 5K recently where I raised some scratch for an important cause... Interesting and bold messages all around. "Jogging For Jugs." "Racing To Save 2nd Base." Solid. I appreciate the humor and I respect the sentiment. Seriously, it was a powerful event that stood for so much and for so many... I was truly touched by the whole experience. I ran for my Aunt Sally. She was 39. And she was a beautiful soul. She loved Sinatra...
-- Based on certain observations, I'm not sure anyone truly cares about Major League Baseball. I can name 3 people and there names are Paul and Paul and Jeff. This is just my opinion. Or a sign that I may need to expand my network.
-- Scarecrows should never wear a smile on their face... Ever.
-- U2 on 10/12. The 10th time. This should really get its own post on its own day, but it's on my mind now. I'll try to be brief. Because I have seen them so many times, I'd like to consider myself a vanguard kind of critic. They have given me so much over the years and I have stuck by them (even through the weird, ill advised Pop Mart phase). I owe it to them to be the best critic possible and I have been asking them for several years to let go of the idea of the idea of preparing 30 songs for each tour and giving us the usual 20 or 22. What I mean is that of those 30, at least 22 of them have been in the rotation for the last 12 to 15 years. I don't focus so much on the hammy metropolis shout outs, but I do dissect the set list... It has become somewhat predictable and safe, but they did tear through some of their stuff with a new resurgence and attitude. They clearly know what they're doing and they have mastered the art of playing it up for the crowds... I love certain aspects of every U2 show I have had the honor of seeing, but I'm not the typical listener or voyeur. I loved that they broke out "MLK" and "The Unforgettable Fire." I love the "Stand By Me" and "Amazing Grace" snippets and I always get goosebumps inside and out when I hear "Ultraviolet." And hearing it live for the first time since the early 90's was awesome. It's those kinds of throwback songs that make a set. Not hearing "Vertigo" or "Elevation" or "Mysterious Ways" for the 3,487th time. The new stuff sounded road worn and felt right in the mix. Overall, it was a solid set and I loved the show. I felt special just being there... The closer was odd, but it has been a staple closer for them all tour long, so it means something to them... There's no perfect closer for them anymore... Only a true U2 fan will understand that last sentence. They were all "on," however, and it was nice to see them smiling...
-- Listen to your instincts and pay attention.
-- For Halloween… The Hamburglar, Papa Smurf, Tin Man or Mr. Belding?
-- Never underestimate the power of a "thank you" note.
-- Reading from the newspaper is more enlightening than reading from the internet.
-- Seven words. "Waiting For My Real Life To Begin." Alone & intimate on 10/18. Standing ovation for Mr. Hay. I'm still clapping...
-- Did they finally lay Michael Jackson to rest? This is not an illegitimate question.
-- I recently asked someone if they could recommend a menu item for an upcoming pot luck event. This person told me that they only attend such events and participating is off the table. This response came from a person who LOVES to eat. I thought it was odd. I also thought it was lazy. (Important Note: Yes, I have willingly put myself in a place where the phrase 'pot luck' is common. 100% rowdy... I love it.)
-- Witnessing "Slideshow" on 10/14. Just perfect. A big "THANKS" to Fran & Andy...
-- One sip at a time. It's not a race. Enjoy it, will you? I'm talking to you.
Clearly, there's more to say... But I feel like I need to relax and enjoy this rainy weather. My trees are always so happy when it rains on them...
Tonight, let it be Rooster. That one's for me.
Goodnight. bsm*
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
I'm singing her song tonight.
Monday.
Begin.
Eight Mondays ago, I participated in something that I'll probably never get over... A lesson was learned... I said 'goodbye' in the most unusual way. It was the kind of moment that you would want back if you knew that the scenario would be different. Honestly, the memory has scarred my heart. I remember wanting one more peaceful look into her eyes... Her heartbeats were awkward and her bravery was confused. Her peace would come sooner than mine. The salt in the tears in my eyes burned my last glance. I wanted her to know it was me. I was the last to tell her it would be okay even though none of what was about to happen was going to be okay. I wanted to be the last one she saw...
We met in 1998. September. She wasn't sure about me. I was unsure about her. Finally, over time and over a Connells song in the wee hours of some random November morning, we accepted each other. Over the years, we bonded in so many different ways. It was a rewarding relationship as it was decided early on that I would end up loving her with so much of my heart. I never saw it coming, but it's likely she knew all along that I would, one day, be jelly in her presence. She was right. Ever have that feeling? I caved early, I suppose. That's just the way it is... She had that kind of effect on people.
It was 9:33am. In a matter of seconds, it was over. The sun was out. The shade in the back was just so. The grass was wet. The air was soft. Softer than usual. A cardinal, a male, stared my way chirping away. Perched on bird bath #2, he looked beautiful. I guessed, but knew, as much... The gloss in my eyes was heavy. I mean, c'mon... We were about to part ways with her. I was scared...
Her name? "Misha." We had no part in what she would be called, but it fit and we're grateful. It is believed that her name stands for "Gift from God." I'd thank him, but we're not on speaking terms. Mixed pride.
I'll never forget her... Her face. Her fuzzy paws. Her whiskers... Oh, the few she had left... She just wasn't the same towards the end. Life was slowly slipping away from her and she fought and she fought and she fought. In that fight, she taught me a lesson. She fought through the cancer like Rocky Balboa did with Apollo Creed. She didn't know how to give up. No surrender. No awareness of the inevitability of death. No fear. Never letting the pain show... Enduring it all. It was remarkable to witness. I'll say this... Misha lived with so much grace and even at the end, she passed with the dignity of a queen.
Early on, it was decided that this angel was born on St. Patrick's Day. 1991. Just because. And on the 24th of August, she gave us her last heartbeat... It was "goodbye, forever."
It was hard. Hell, it's still hard.
As responsible owners, we had to make the call. Our hands were tied. Up against a wall, you have to make choices. At times, you have to take yourself out of the equation. Bravely, we had to assess the situation for it was... Her eyes said so much... She needed rest and she needed her peace. She needed something more. She needed solutions that we simply couldn't give her. She loved us and trusted us. To make decisions on her behalf. To put her peace before our own. The trust that we loved her as unselfishly as she loved us. We came to this conclusion a few days before it all went down. The weekend was tough as we made (what we thought were) the right mental arrangements. It was a numbing weekend and it was confusing to know that it was all coming down to this... One decision for her, for us. From us. However, during those last days, we worked through the usual routine that she was on to keep her comfortable. As comfortable as we hoped she was... All the way up until the end. Knowing that everything we were doing would be the last time.........
There was not going to be another "today, we press on" day. We marched through each stage and we did our best. I did my best. I know I did my best. I know she did her best. We embraced each step along the way. The highs, the lows, the in-betweens... Everything. To the end.
What a year.
bsm*
Begin.
Eight Mondays ago, I participated in something that I'll probably never get over... A lesson was learned... I said 'goodbye' in the most unusual way. It was the kind of moment that you would want back if you knew that the scenario would be different. Honestly, the memory has scarred my heart. I remember wanting one more peaceful look into her eyes... Her heartbeats were awkward and her bravery was confused. Her peace would come sooner than mine. The salt in the tears in my eyes burned my last glance. I wanted her to know it was me. I was the last to tell her it would be okay even though none of what was about to happen was going to be okay. I wanted to be the last one she saw...
We met in 1998. September. She wasn't sure about me. I was unsure about her. Finally, over time and over a Connells song in the wee hours of some random November morning, we accepted each other. Over the years, we bonded in so many different ways. It was a rewarding relationship as it was decided early on that I would end up loving her with so much of my heart. I never saw it coming, but it's likely she knew all along that I would, one day, be jelly in her presence. She was right. Ever have that feeling? I caved early, I suppose. That's just the way it is... She had that kind of effect on people.
It was 9:33am. In a matter of seconds, it was over. The sun was out. The shade in the back was just so. The grass was wet. The air was soft. Softer than usual. A cardinal, a male, stared my way chirping away. Perched on bird bath #2, he looked beautiful. I guessed, but knew, as much... The gloss in my eyes was heavy. I mean, c'mon... We were about to part ways with her. I was scared...
Her name? "Misha." We had no part in what she would be called, but it fit and we're grateful. It is believed that her name stands for "Gift from God." I'd thank him, but we're not on speaking terms. Mixed pride.
I'll never forget her... Her face. Her fuzzy paws. Her whiskers... Oh, the few she had left... She just wasn't the same towards the end. Life was slowly slipping away from her and she fought and she fought and she fought. In that fight, she taught me a lesson. She fought through the cancer like Rocky Balboa did with Apollo Creed. She didn't know how to give up. No surrender. No awareness of the inevitability of death. No fear. Never letting the pain show... Enduring it all. It was remarkable to witness. I'll say this... Misha lived with so much grace and even at the end, she passed with the dignity of a queen.
Early on, it was decided that this angel was born on St. Patrick's Day. 1991. Just because. And on the 24th of August, she gave us her last heartbeat... It was "goodbye, forever."
It was hard. Hell, it's still hard.
As responsible owners, we had to make the call. Our hands were tied. Up against a wall, you have to make choices. At times, you have to take yourself out of the equation. Bravely, we had to assess the situation for it was... Her eyes said so much... She needed rest and she needed her peace. She needed something more. She needed solutions that we simply couldn't give her. She loved us and trusted us. To make decisions on her behalf. To put her peace before our own. The trust that we loved her as unselfishly as she loved us. We came to this conclusion a few days before it all went down. The weekend was tough as we made (what we thought were) the right mental arrangements. It was a numbing weekend and it was confusing to know that it was all coming down to this... One decision for her, for us. From us. However, during those last days, we worked through the usual routine that she was on to keep her comfortable. As comfortable as we hoped she was... All the way up until the end. Knowing that everything we were doing would be the last time.........
There was not going to be another "today, we press on" day. We marched through each stage and we did our best. I did my best. I know I did my best. I know she did her best. We embraced each step along the way. The highs, the lows, the in-betweens... Everything. To the end.
What a year.
bsm*
Saturday, October 3, 2009
My radio ballet...
I just want to say... I wanted to say... I'd like to say...
Forget it. I'll try again later.
Don't count me out.
- bsm* (nervous for some reason)
Forget it. I'll try again later.
Don't count me out.
- bsm* (nervous for some reason)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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