Bandages

Old friends are to your general well being, as a bandage is to a scraped knee - they may help a little, but really, they just make you feel better so you can live life. 

Last night flew over the bridge after work, into the city. I hit the Big Midget Shop where I tossed back a number of beers and an even larger number of darts. One of the partners that runs the shop was the Gaffer I Best Boy'd for for the last three years of my freelance career; we're not really very good friends, but strangely have a very strong relationship. Although we never see each other to go catch  a movie, or go to BBQs, we worked very closely on set and grew to trust one another.

Conversely, his shop is also the main competition to my own shop, but the bay area's film industry is small enough that we've all figured out that it's easier to work together than against one another.

By coincidence, the technician that trained me on my first big movie was at the shop as well.

It turned into five hours of beer, darts, loud music, old stories, Doritos, and a warehouse full of laughs. 

This weekend, slap on a bandage, and find your happy.

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Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Atlas Hands

Ending Note: I don't recommend the film industry to anyone, but wouldn't trade those years for a thing.

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Oh, it's been a bit since I've posted anything, but soon dear friends, soon.

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Cowboy And Indian - Save Your Soul

Ending Note: The NFL season makes me cranky.

A Decade Past

Ten years ago, nearly 3,000 people died because of malice. The country is still fighting that today, and I've my own opinions on how that'll turn out, but this isn't the time for that. Most of those folks that perished that day were just people, normal Americans, going to work; moms, dads, young professionals - just headed to another day. As innocent as most of us can be, they were innocent.

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Rock Falls - Tonight Tonight

Ending Note: Do something good this week.

Live Things and Letting Things Lie

Yesterday, headed over to Red's for a lobster dinner with some of our friends. Never cooked lobster before, so this was a nice learning experience. 

Me: "Let's name this one Charles."

The long weekend has been catching up with good friends, a lot of Netflix streaming, and satisfying lethargy. I attempted a go at doing some laundry, but a lack of quarters put a halt to things before they could even begin.

Red and me started in on a discussion before the others arrived, but wisely switched into more enjoyable conversation instead.

Me: "You know you're not supposed to be doing that."

Red: "I know. But can we not talk about that now? Can we talk about it another time?"

Me: "Yes."

It's alright to be lazy, at least, for a small amount of time; we could all do for more attention to respites. Life isn't Degrassi Junior High, or the latest Mandy Moore romantic comedy - we don't need the big talks or the screaming matches to communicate with one another.

90% of communication is what you choose to hear.

The words, the person speaking, that's a small percentage of things - most of the time, whoever you're talking with, already knows your words, and already knows where you're going with it. Going on a tirade is simply verbal masturbation. 

Look at it this way:

You like your friends, and being that they're your friends, you probably respect them and enjoy their company. If you're anything like me, you don't respect or enjoy the company of idiots. So, in poor philosophical analysis, you respect your friends, and they're not idiots. Ergo, whatever you have to say to them, they probably already know. You can add that 10%, but why bother?

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Radiohead - Motion Picture Soundtrack

Ending Note: Charles was damn tasty.

The Anatomy of Principles

Principles are tricky things. The entire basis of a principle blends unwavering resolve with fluid judgement of variables. Those that do it right, are never at an impasse; think of a strict principle that you believe you would always stand by.

"I would never buy an SUV."

You're stranded in a small village where the only two working vehicles are SUV's, that you cannot borrow, but must purchase for use. If you do not cross the desert by nightfall, a man will die.

Take the same statement, but apply it to your life as it lies at this very moment. More than likely, you're a young professional, with a perfectly running vehicle, in a city with public transportation, and mild climate. More than likely, yes, you would never, and have no reason to every purchase an SUV.

Variables. Situation. Adaptivity to the given circumstances. You cannot ever hold true to a principle absolutely, but you can hold true to your principles.

To be a person of faith, or a dear friend, or a leader, or a confidant, you must hold to your principles wholly, without lax or doubt. Your morale constitution must be stout, and courage despite doom or ill will, unquestionable. These are strict guidelines, but guidelines nonetheless. 

What allows for these excursions from your set principles then; to be truthful to your beliefs, yet allow for your beliefs to bend without breaking. 

Principles are not all equal.

"I don't eat non-organic foods."

"I do not kill babies."

Two, very, different levels of principles. Would you eat a farm-raised salmon to save an infant's life? Would you take a life to enjoy an organic meal? 

The greatest measurement of one's resolve is what principle sits atop all the others in their life. For some it's money. For others, love. Loyalty. Public regard. Survival. Happiness.

Principles may be the most important part of being an individual, but careful you don't choose them and make bars instead of paths.

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Horse Feathers - Mother's Sick

Ending Note: Draw up your own Principles Pyramid. You may just learn something about yourself.

My Day and My Circles

I've a backlog of things to post, pictures to upload, and even a video staring a forklift - how cool is that?! Playing catch-up, though, so all that wonderful media will have to wait.

A long overdue thanks to all my friends that made it out for my birthday nearly two weeks ago now. Red ambushed me with a surprise gathering of all my circles, which was quite odd and wonderful all at once.

Two of my traits that I hold to be very strong characteristics are my aversion to attention, and my favor towards one on one relationships. I've never thought either of these two to be good or bad, but simply a part of my makeup.

Birthdays just aren't my thing - never have been. Too many conversations about myself, too many eyes when a present comes out, too much attention for my comfort. Not to say I'm a convert, but the night was well enjoyed, and I'm thankful for all that made it out for a drink. Red especially.

When I say that I meet with friends, it usually means only one person, two at most. I don't exactly try to keep my Venn Diagrams from crossing over too much, but it's just what I'm comfortable with. I've always felt that I bring more to the table when it's me and another - one on one; less static, more sincerity. Seeing my friends mix it up, talking and interacting, was a bit surreal and dreamlike, as I always have them in separate sections of my brain. Was good though, to see them all laughing together and smiling at stories. Makes sense though. If they vibe with me, why not with one another?

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2Pac - Can't C Me

Ending Note: Venn Diagram simile provided by Logan Lo

Roots and Webs

The person above is a filmmaker. I've known her for a number of years now, and at times, we understand each other clearer than we do our own selves. Of this project, and her passion for film, there is no understating her love for what she does.

Believe that when you watch the video, you're taking part in something greater than yourself, because she has the capability to take this project and run further than you probably ever will with anything in you entire life.

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Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Mondo Bongo
Ending Note: The Kickstarter program is a wonderful thing.