Jason Haskins's Blog, page 51
December 4, 2014
Good tidings...and Cheer
It's officially December. The holiday season is upon us and that means only one thing:
photo courtesy of Wikipedia
That's right! It's time for that Ben Affleck classic Surviving Christmas. What happens when a man without a family returns to his childhood home and buys a family for Christmas? Hilarity ensues, that's what! With appearances by James Gandolfini, Christina Applegate, and Catherine O'Hara, how can one go wrong in viewing this movie?
Okay, it's not the greatest Christmas movie of all time. I contend that the first 50 minutes of this movie are perfection. A downhill slide continues for the next 40 minutes, but I still search it out every year.
Now that I've got that piece of business out of the way, time for some updates.
November was National Writing month. At least for the people at NaNoWriMo it was. The goal being that you write every day for the month of November in the ultimate goal of completing a 50,000 word novel. Or the makings of a novel. For the first time (in 3 attempts), I completed this task. I crossed the threshold just in the nick of time and now have 2/3 of a completed novel. 50,003 words.
With this first draft started, I will now set it aside for a bit. Time to return to the follow up to The Dragon Princess. It's been collecting dust for the past month so it's time to jump into it full throttle once again.
This December, I do hope to finally finish my screenplay Kings Without Castles. As I've noted in previous blogs, the movie is Christmas themed. I like to listen to music while I write. Christmas music, as much as I like it, is hard to tolerate in July. I am in the last act of the screenplay so finishing this year is a priority.
In the past month, I even secured a paying gig. The pay is very little, but it is providing me valuable experience with writing web content for various companies. Plus, it keeps me busy and out of trouble.
My play The Latitude of Life will be receiving a reading at the end of January with Boise's own HomeGrown Theatre. More details to come as they arrive.
Hmm... Yep, that's it on the writing front. If you are reading this for the first time, I am still writing articles for Bronco Nation News. For my latest article and more, just hop on over to my profile. Since my birthday was a few weeks ago, I'd like to thank everyone for the birthday wishes. I'm a thankful to be surrounded by such amazing, supportive, and caring people in my life.
Now get to decking those halls and drinking your alcohol infused eggnog. As some added entertainment, go check out what was playing on television six years ago.
Happy Festivus!
photo courtesy of WikipediaThat's right! It's time for that Ben Affleck classic Surviving Christmas. What happens when a man without a family returns to his childhood home and buys a family for Christmas? Hilarity ensues, that's what! With appearances by James Gandolfini, Christina Applegate, and Catherine O'Hara, how can one go wrong in viewing this movie?
Okay, it's not the greatest Christmas movie of all time. I contend that the first 50 minutes of this movie are perfection. A downhill slide continues for the next 40 minutes, but I still search it out every year.
Now that I've got that piece of business out of the way, time for some updates.
November was National Writing month. At least for the people at NaNoWriMo it was. The goal being that you write every day for the month of November in the ultimate goal of completing a 50,000 word novel. Or the makings of a novel. For the first time (in 3 attempts), I completed this task. I crossed the threshold just in the nick of time and now have 2/3 of a completed novel. 50,003 words.
With this first draft started, I will now set it aside for a bit. Time to return to the follow up to The Dragon Princess. It's been collecting dust for the past month so it's time to jump into it full throttle once again.
This December, I do hope to finally finish my screenplay Kings Without Castles. As I've noted in previous blogs, the movie is Christmas themed. I like to listen to music while I write. Christmas music, as much as I like it, is hard to tolerate in July. I am in the last act of the screenplay so finishing this year is a priority.
In the past month, I even secured a paying gig. The pay is very little, but it is providing me valuable experience with writing web content for various companies. Plus, it keeps me busy and out of trouble.
My play The Latitude of Life will be receiving a reading at the end of January with Boise's own HomeGrown Theatre. More details to come as they arrive.
Hmm... Yep, that's it on the writing front. If you are reading this for the first time, I am still writing articles for Bronco Nation News. For my latest article and more, just hop on over to my profile. Since my birthday was a few weeks ago, I'd like to thank everyone for the birthday wishes. I'm a thankful to be surrounded by such amazing, supportive, and caring people in my life.
Now get to decking those halls and drinking your alcohol infused eggnog. As some added entertainment, go check out what was playing on television six years ago.
Happy Festivus!
November 25, 2014
An Unsolicted Two Cents
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Thug (n): A violent person, especially a criminal.
That word was tossed around last night like common speak. Directed at African Americans that were protesting the decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson. Yes, there was looting and violence. To label an entire race as thugs is senseless.
Besides, I don't hear people using the word 'thug' when describing criminals of Caucasian descent. In fact, the only time in recent memory I've heard it to describe white people is by announcers from the WWE. "They are acting like a couple of thugs out there". Yes, he was describing Caucasian wrestlers.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
A media that frenzies a nation by showing the negative. What about the 90% of protestors that did so peacefully? Show us that.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Officers of the law are out defending our freedoms every day. An officer of the law has a right to defend himself or herself. That I can get behind. Especially when a suspect won't comply with demands or their life maybe threatened. To what extent, though?
Officer Wilson, you shot an unarmed young man 12 times. 12 times! You can't tell me that race didn't play a part in that. Yes, Mr. Michael Brown allegedly stole from a store. He stole cigarillos that probably had a retain value of $10. Is the value of life you put on the youth of America?
An unarmed 18-year old boy. Yes, he fought with you. Yes, you may have feared for your life. He did not fire at you. He did not assault your car with a barrage of bullets. You fired your gun. 12 times. 12 times.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
I am a white male of the middle class. I have privileges that I'm probably not even aware of, both psychologically and physically. And right now, my heart is filled with rage against the people that don't regard what has happened in Ferguson as racism.
African Americans have 400 years of history in this country to fight against. People let stereotypes dictate their perception of people of different races. We all do it. I will not sit here and say I'm perfect.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Not all cases similar to this are racially motivated. Too many are. All that Michael Brown's family (and supporters) wanted was a trial to receive the tiniest bit of vindication for their murdered son.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Mr. Michael Brown's life was taken away far too early. Because of not the action's of a cop, but because of the actions of racism. Would Darren Wilson have done this if a white male of 18-years old attacked him. My guess is no. He would have reached for the mace...
Don't judge a book by its cover.
I am not defending criminal acts. I am not defending the looting that took place in Ferguson. That is your own community you are destroying. It makes no sense to loot from store that Michael Brown was accused of stealing from. These are the people that only play into the stereotypes.
Yes. People are angry. Of all races. That anger can be channeled into peaceful protests. For the most part, it did. No need to throw rocks at reporters. Of course, the reporters could have focused more on the peaceful protests, not the burning down of a Little Caesars Pizza.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
I am speaking about humanity. I am speaking the about right for African Americans to live a life without hate and fear directed towards them just because the color of their skin. The right to walk down the street without people constantly eyeballing them. To treat thy neighbor with kindness, no matter race, color, creed, or handicap.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
I don't have the answers. I am one man that believes in the power of words. I am one man that believes racism can be eliminated. I am one man that does not believe in shoot first, ask questions later.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
A young life was lost. A man's life was ruined. All because of stereotypes and racism. In crime and in life.
Time for a change. Progress can only be progress when minds are opened. Continue wearing blinders to issues of racism and this downfall will continue. I know I have opened my blinders. Will you?
Thug (n): A violent person, especially a criminal.
That word was tossed around last night like common speak. Directed at African Americans that were protesting the decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson. Yes, there was looting and violence. To label an entire race as thugs is senseless.
Besides, I don't hear people using the word 'thug' when describing criminals of Caucasian descent. In fact, the only time in recent memory I've heard it to describe white people is by announcers from the WWE. "They are acting like a couple of thugs out there". Yes, he was describing Caucasian wrestlers.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
A media that frenzies a nation by showing the negative. What about the 90% of protestors that did so peacefully? Show us that.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Officers of the law are out defending our freedoms every day. An officer of the law has a right to defend himself or herself. That I can get behind. Especially when a suspect won't comply with demands or their life maybe threatened. To what extent, though?
Officer Wilson, you shot an unarmed young man 12 times. 12 times! You can't tell me that race didn't play a part in that. Yes, Mr. Michael Brown allegedly stole from a store. He stole cigarillos that probably had a retain value of $10. Is the value of life you put on the youth of America?
An unarmed 18-year old boy. Yes, he fought with you. Yes, you may have feared for your life. He did not fire at you. He did not assault your car with a barrage of bullets. You fired your gun. 12 times. 12 times.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
I am a white male of the middle class. I have privileges that I'm probably not even aware of, both psychologically and physically. And right now, my heart is filled with rage against the people that don't regard what has happened in Ferguson as racism.
African Americans have 400 years of history in this country to fight against. People let stereotypes dictate their perception of people of different races. We all do it. I will not sit here and say I'm perfect.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Not all cases similar to this are racially motivated. Too many are. All that Michael Brown's family (and supporters) wanted was a trial to receive the tiniest bit of vindication for their murdered son.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Mr. Michael Brown's life was taken away far too early. Because of not the action's of a cop, but because of the actions of racism. Would Darren Wilson have done this if a white male of 18-years old attacked him. My guess is no. He would have reached for the mace...
Don't judge a book by its cover.
I am not defending criminal acts. I am not defending the looting that took place in Ferguson. That is your own community you are destroying. It makes no sense to loot from store that Michael Brown was accused of stealing from. These are the people that only play into the stereotypes.
Yes. People are angry. Of all races. That anger can be channeled into peaceful protests. For the most part, it did. No need to throw rocks at reporters. Of course, the reporters could have focused more on the peaceful protests, not the burning down of a Little Caesars Pizza.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
I am speaking about humanity. I am speaking the about right for African Americans to live a life without hate and fear directed towards them just because the color of their skin. The right to walk down the street without people constantly eyeballing them. To treat thy neighbor with kindness, no matter race, color, creed, or handicap.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
I don't have the answers. I am one man that believes in the power of words. I am one man that believes racism can be eliminated. I am one man that does not believe in shoot first, ask questions later.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
A young life was lost. A man's life was ruined. All because of stereotypes and racism. In crime and in life.
Time for a change. Progress can only be progress when minds are opened. Continue wearing blinders to issues of racism and this downfall will continue. I know I have opened my blinders. Will you?
November 19, 2014
A Wednesday Conversation
*Photo from NFL.comWith another loss on the books, a 13-6 loss to the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders have dropped to 0-10 on the season. The Raiders are hoping to avoid joining the 2008 Detroit Lions as the only NFL team to lose all 16 games in a season. Do the Lions drink champagne if the Raiders win? Do the Raiders ever win a game again? Does the team move to San Antonio? What ever happened to Willie Gault?
I ask all of these pertinent questions and more in my Wednesday conversation with the ghost of Al Davis.
ME: Hi.
Ghost Of Al Davis: Good morning, son. Hell of a day, isn't it?
ME: Uh, sure. Unless you're a fan of the Raiders.
G.O.A.D.: Good thing I'm not a fan, then. Right?
ME: You were an owner of the team for 39 years and part of the organization for 50.
G.O.A.D: Yeah. And I won 3 Super Bowls, an AFL Championship, had numerous playoff appearances, and hired the NFL's first African American head coach. That doesn't mean I'm a fan.
ME: O-K... Let me ask you about this years team. Ten losses to start the year. Any advice for their last six games?
G.O.A.D.: Simple. Just win, baby. (laughs to himself for a good five minutes) Seriously. They are about to join very elite company.
ME: I wouldn't necessarily call it elite.
G.O.A.D.: Oh, it's very elite. You must not know a lot about football... Hey, you looking for a head coaching job? I know a team that's hiring... I kid, but seriously. Elite company. Only one other team in history has done that [gone 0-16]. That, son, is an accomplishment. It's one thing missing from my resume, that's for sure.
ME: Okay, well, while on the subject...Members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins were known to pop open a bottle of champagne when the last undefeated team lost their first game. Do you think members of the '08 Lions will do that?
G.O.A.D.: No.
There is a long period of silence. He has fallen asleep. Light snoring. I reach to wake him up.
G.O.A.D.: Bo Jackson!
ME: Excuse me?
G.O.A.D.: Bo Jackson. You asked me who is better than Barry Sanders.
ME: I didn't.
G.O.A.D.: You calling me a liar?
ME: No... So listen, there is a rumor that Oakland ownership, your son Mark, is exploring a move to San Antonio. Is this a good move for Mark and the franchise?
G.O.A.D.: Of course. You know what, he moves the team there, they suck for a few years, and he moves them back. No love lost. Plus, the San Antonio Raiders has quite a ring to it. Don't you think?
ME: No. Won't fans get tired of this constant moving?
G.O.A.D.: Hell no. They never got tired of Vince Evans, they never got tired of me giving bloated contracts to unproven or aging talent, so yes, they will keep showing up, no matter the product. I'll tell you what, that JaMarcus Russell is going to make a good quarterback one day.
ME: Do the Raiders win a game this year?
G.O.A.D.: Yes. They beat the Buffalo Bills on December 21st. A little pre-Christmas miracle. Derek Carr will finally put it all together.
ME: First pick in next years draft seems to be a lock for the Raiders. Who do they draft?
G.O.A.D.: Jameis Winston, quarterback. That kid has a good head on his shoulders... Or they draft a punter.
ME: The Raiders already have a quarterback.
G.O.A.D.: My philosophy is that you can never have too many.
ME: Final thoughts.
G.O.A.D.: I have to go. I have a lunch date with John Madden.
I reach out to shake the man's hand. He proceeds to sit there for the next 20 minutes, talking to me about Marcus Allen, Jeff George, how he thinks Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw are hilarious, and the importance of having receivers that are really, really, really fast.
He eventually leaves, handing me a signed Jim Plunkett football and the parting words, "Once a Raider, always a Raider."
I pause for a moment, realizing one thing: I never did ask him about Willie Gault.
*Willie Gault is currently pursuing a career as an actor. Despite being 54 years old, Gault claims he can beat DeSean Jackson in a race. I believe him.
November 12, 2014
November Updates
There are some days in which words take over my life.
Today was one of those days.
After getting up before 8 am pretty consistently for the past two months, for some reason today my body said no more. I slept until almost ten.
That threw a wrench in my day. A slight one, anyhow. I decided to skip the running and save it for tomorrow. It's supposed to snow, which doesn't bother me. Snow and I get along, especially in running weather.
When it's all said and done, I will have written/typed nearly 6000 words today. I wander how many sentences I've repeated. I wonder how many sentences I've repeated.
For those of you that don't know,I still hand write the majority of my projects first. Then the typing comes.
I wrote an article for Bronco Nation News that will appear Thursday or Friday. That was just over 1000 words. I am working on a novel for National Novel Writing Month. No, it's not this one: NaNoWriMo 2009 (starts with chapter 1. Other chapters at bottom of post) I have started a new one. Or an old one. It's an idea from college that I hadn't touched since. The idea of NaNoWriMo is to basically have a 50,000 word novel done by Nov. 30th. I have never completed it and have participated in it twice. Through 12 days, I am sitting at nearly 20,000 words. That's roughly 1,650 words a day. If all goes according to plan, I will have the first draft of a new novel by Nov. 30th.
That's what I'm currently working on. I have also written the first drafts of monologues for a theater competition that are due by November 21st.
The follow up to The Dragon Princess has been temporarily put on hold until December. That is also sitting at about 20,000 words. It's called The Blue Gem and you can read an excerpt in the post previous to this one.
Submitting, submitting, submitting. That's the life for me. Publishers, Agents, Theaters, Journals, you name it, they are getting a copy of something.
I also recently held the first reading for my newest full length play, The Latitude of Life. Positive feedback and I look forward to seeing how it grows.
Picking up little writing jobs here and there so I'm happy with that. Really enjoying working with the people over at Bronco Nation News.
Thanks for listening diary. You're the best.
Today was one of those days.
After getting up before 8 am pretty consistently for the past two months, for some reason today my body said no more. I slept until almost ten.
That threw a wrench in my day. A slight one, anyhow. I decided to skip the running and save it for tomorrow. It's supposed to snow, which doesn't bother me. Snow and I get along, especially in running weather.
When it's all said and done, I will have written/typed nearly 6000 words today. I wander how many sentences I've repeated. I wonder how many sentences I've repeated.
For those of you that don't know,I still hand write the majority of my projects first. Then the typing comes.
I wrote an article for Bronco Nation News that will appear Thursday or Friday. That was just over 1000 words. I am working on a novel for National Novel Writing Month. No, it's not this one: NaNoWriMo 2009 (starts with chapter 1. Other chapters at bottom of post) I have started a new one. Or an old one. It's an idea from college that I hadn't touched since. The idea of NaNoWriMo is to basically have a 50,000 word novel done by Nov. 30th. I have never completed it and have participated in it twice. Through 12 days, I am sitting at nearly 20,000 words. That's roughly 1,650 words a day. If all goes according to plan, I will have the first draft of a new novel by Nov. 30th.
That's what I'm currently working on. I have also written the first drafts of monologues for a theater competition that are due by November 21st.
The follow up to The Dragon Princess has been temporarily put on hold until December. That is also sitting at about 20,000 words. It's called The Blue Gem and you can read an excerpt in the post previous to this one.
Submitting, submitting, submitting. That's the life for me. Publishers, Agents, Theaters, Journals, you name it, they are getting a copy of something.
I also recently held the first reading for my newest full length play, The Latitude of Life. Positive feedback and I look forward to seeing how it grows.
Picking up little writing jobs here and there so I'm happy with that. Really enjoying working with the people over at Bronco Nation News.
Thanks for listening diary. You're the best.
November 5, 2014
The Blue Gem
As promised from the book sale last week, an excerpt from the follow up to The Dragon Princess. This novel is called The Blue Gem and takes place roughly thirty years after the end of The Dragon Princess. This is from the first draft so stuff might change but here's a sneak peek:
The day had started out normal enough. Druid Nikkon was on a return trip from the Druid Council in Stolar. In recent years, the Elf Druid split his time between Stolar and his native land of Crieo. At first, Nikkon spent time counseling the Elves on the rebuilding of their great city after the destruction by the Demons. He would then travel to Stolar and provide Stelart with the tutelage needed to advance his Druid studies. It was here in which he spent the majority of his time after the war. Now, with Stelart's rise to head of the Druids, Nikkon's time was not needed as much in Stolar. Nikkon still provided council to Stelart and the Druid Belark, but he had spent much time in Crieo on the lookout for new Elves he found worthy of the Druid studies. It was on this most recent trip to Stolar that Nikkon had delivered to Stelart such a person. Nikkon himself had spent the last year with this Elf and finally decided it was time to take her to Stelart. After spending an additional few weeks helping to get her acclimated to her surroundings, Nikkon decided it was time to return home.
Nikkon had set up camp about twenty miles outside of his home in Crieo. He had been traveling for a few days and could have easily continued his journey through the night. Since he was in no hurry, Nikkon decided to camp for the night. He wanted to enjoy some time under the stars. The servant Maxwell had left a few days prior and would surely have a nice fire burning for Nikkon upon his arrival. Nikkon always felt at his best when alone with his thoughts under the guidance of nature. The night was especially clear and Nikkon could not count the stars even if he'd tried.
Despite his years, Nikkon awoke with relative ease in the morning. The ground provided a surprising amount of comfort and Nikkon awakened quite refreshed. Nikkon reaches his skinny arms high into the air and let out a long sigh. Wrinkles had distinctly formed on his skin over the years and his hair had turned silver. Nikkon still felt like a young man. Yes, he could feel the weariness in his joints, but to him this was just another mark of an eventful life. He inhaled deeply; the morning air infusing his lungs with new life and his mind with joy.
Nikkon was packing up his few belongings when his Elvin ears perked up. His body immediately froze. Not a muscle moved as he strained to hear all that was near. At first, only the sounds of nature settled in his ear drums. There were birds, singing their songs of the morning. There was the sound of the wind beginning in the distance, indicating an incoming storm. It was at that moment Nikkon heard the sound that piqued his interest. Less than a mile away, Nikkon could hear the pattering of footsteps. By his estimation, the steps belonged to at least three people. Nikkon held his breath and searched his gut. Something was out of place and Nikkon's instinct demanded him to do on thing: run!
Nikkon grabbed his possessions and instantly began to sprint. He had not felt this sense of foreboding since the days of Druid Kayman. The thought of evil rattled him. Nikkon did not look back. His mind tried to calm itself but Nikkon could not block out the overwhelming sense of danger that lurked. He would run for a few miles and stop only to catch a moment of respite. Nikkon would search again for the footsteps only to find they were the same distance away, in not closer. Whoever was following him had surely discovered his camp by now. Knowing this provided them with more incentive to keep pace with Nikkon.
The rains had finally arrived as Nikkon made the final descent of the hill that led to his small home. The rains would provide him with more time to keep the danger away. With his trail disappearing, perhaps his pursuers would give up the chase. Nikkon knew he must work with due haste. He needed to get home and destroy anything in his home that maybe of use to his pursuers. Time was of the essence and Nikkon broke into one final sprint.
The day had started out normal enough. Druid Nikkon was on a return trip from the Druid Council in Stolar. In recent years, the Elf Druid split his time between Stolar and his native land of Crieo. At first, Nikkon spent time counseling the Elves on the rebuilding of their great city after the destruction by the Demons. He would then travel to Stolar and provide Stelart with the tutelage needed to advance his Druid studies. It was here in which he spent the majority of his time after the war. Now, with Stelart's rise to head of the Druids, Nikkon's time was not needed as much in Stolar. Nikkon still provided council to Stelart and the Druid Belark, but he had spent much time in Crieo on the lookout for new Elves he found worthy of the Druid studies. It was on this most recent trip to Stolar that Nikkon had delivered to Stelart such a person. Nikkon himself had spent the last year with this Elf and finally decided it was time to take her to Stelart. After spending an additional few weeks helping to get her acclimated to her surroundings, Nikkon decided it was time to return home.
Nikkon had set up camp about twenty miles outside of his home in Crieo. He had been traveling for a few days and could have easily continued his journey through the night. Since he was in no hurry, Nikkon decided to camp for the night. He wanted to enjoy some time under the stars. The servant Maxwell had left a few days prior and would surely have a nice fire burning for Nikkon upon his arrival. Nikkon always felt at his best when alone with his thoughts under the guidance of nature. The night was especially clear and Nikkon could not count the stars even if he'd tried.
Despite his years, Nikkon awoke with relative ease in the morning. The ground provided a surprising amount of comfort and Nikkon awakened quite refreshed. Nikkon reaches his skinny arms high into the air and let out a long sigh. Wrinkles had distinctly formed on his skin over the years and his hair had turned silver. Nikkon still felt like a young man. Yes, he could feel the weariness in his joints, but to him this was just another mark of an eventful life. He inhaled deeply; the morning air infusing his lungs with new life and his mind with joy.
Nikkon was packing up his few belongings when his Elvin ears perked up. His body immediately froze. Not a muscle moved as he strained to hear all that was near. At first, only the sounds of nature settled in his ear drums. There were birds, singing their songs of the morning. There was the sound of the wind beginning in the distance, indicating an incoming storm. It was at that moment Nikkon heard the sound that piqued his interest. Less than a mile away, Nikkon could hear the pattering of footsteps. By his estimation, the steps belonged to at least three people. Nikkon held his breath and searched his gut. Something was out of place and Nikkon's instinct demanded him to do on thing: run!
Nikkon grabbed his possessions and instantly began to sprint. He had not felt this sense of foreboding since the days of Druid Kayman. The thought of evil rattled him. Nikkon did not look back. His mind tried to calm itself but Nikkon could not block out the overwhelming sense of danger that lurked. He would run for a few miles and stop only to catch a moment of respite. Nikkon would search again for the footsteps only to find they were the same distance away, in not closer. Whoever was following him had surely discovered his camp by now. Knowing this provided them with more incentive to keep pace with Nikkon.
The rains had finally arrived as Nikkon made the final descent of the hill that led to his small home. The rains would provide him with more time to keep the danger away. With his trail disappearing, perhaps his pursuers would give up the chase. Nikkon knew he must work with due haste. He needed to get home and destroy anything in his home that maybe of use to his pursuers. Time was of the essence and Nikkon broke into one final sprint.
Endorse this Ad
This is a monologue I wrote for Voices from the Boise Hole 2. Due to the length of the show, this monologue was ultimately cut. It's a little dated, as it was written in March of 2013, but still relevant. I present it today, in lieu of the events of November 4th. (*Warning. Bit of cursing ahead)
(DANIEL, dressed in a suit and tie, addresses a camera.)
“Hi. I’m Representative Daniel Williams and today I’m proud to announce my intention to run for re-election of the Fourth District—“ Hold please. Something doesn’t feel right. Do I really need to introduce myself? I’ve been here for four years. People know who I am… Right. The youth vote. Why don’t we just put something on the Twitter then? Okay… How much time do we have before the interview with the Statesman reporter? He’s here now? Yeah, let him stay. We’ll knock it out of the park. Let’s move ahead. We’ll come back to that one. Ready?
“Hi. I’m Daniel Williams. Idaho families are hurting. Declining wages and lost jobs are only part of the problem. Soldiers are returning home without the stability in the workforce they once had—“ Shit. You really want me to read this? I know my son is part of that very same military demographic. It’s not the personal stuff I’m worried about. I’ve been promising jobs for four years. Maybe we can try a new angle. The people just haven’t seen results with that and… No, I don’t want to lose focus on the unemployment numbers, but maybe we can try something different with the ad? It’s just that I’ve done what I can to push through the tax plans. The solutions are all ready there, as clear as day. Until we can lower taxes for small business, new jobs will be sparse and we are shit out of luck… You want me to back a plan to get Atlas Shrugged to be a required read for all high school students? Done. I’ll support that with my eyes closed. Hell, maybe we can get the County Commissioners to overturn the smoking ban. I like to be able to smoke on the patio after a meal at Red Feather and I’m sure our Statesman friend does too. Our tobacco sales continue to slip. Ten percent in the last year, that’s how far they fallen… Of course, the religious vote. No smoking around their children.
Let’s try it again. I apologize.
(To himself.)
Relax. Breathe. Good thoughts…
(To camera.)
Roll it. Action. “Hello. I’m Representative Daniel Williams. And today I’m here to state my case for re-election. Times are changing and with it, the issues. What is needed now is someone to provide a clear and steady hand to guide us.” Okay, I can get behind this… “It is time to uphold our second amendment right not only for our state, but for the nation.” Fuckin’ really? We decided to go that route? I thought at the last meeting we decided to wait. It’s just the second amendment argument is a little outdated. We’re not defending ourselves against the British… You’re right. The voters.
Can I get a beer please? I’m always better with at least one. No, I’m not taking the beer with me. One open container ticket and the world won’t back off. People make mistakes. Yes, I have a driver. His name is Gary. He’s outside. If I want to finish off a twelve pack in my free time, I will. Look, it’s just one beer… The reporter can have one, too. It’s not like this is breaking news to him…
Look, I’ve already missed Church for this. I can’t miss dinner. It would be the fifth time this week… Sometimes it’s nice to just get away. Two of the nights I was at the airport bar, getting to know my constituents. One time I was down at the Cottonwood, having dinner by the river. Last night I went and saw Spring Breakers. I tell you, that’s a good movie… I like to think of it as my tax dollars at work. Make sure to log that down…
Let’s go ahead… Skip ahead… Action. “It’s time for a change in our education plans. We need stability and by helping forge ahead with a new set of Luna laws—“ Is this guy fuckin’ serious? Cut more jobs. You’re shitting me. Does that not go against what I just said? Did you know that Idaho was 48th in education in the most recent testing? They were so I certainly understand we need an overhaul but more computers are not the answer. My kids already spend enough time on those damn things. I don’t remember the last time we had an actual conversation. We interact by liking each other’s post on Facebook. I don’t even know what I’m liking!
Fuck it. Roll the fuckin’ camera… “Hi. I’m Daniel Williams, Representative of the Fourth District. I grew up in Idaho. My father was a contractor and my mother was a nurse. I have been here my entire life and you know what. We stink. Not just as a state, but as a nation. Remember when being a politician was an actual job? This here, this used to be about building a better community and helping people to live their lives. Not to dictate how people live their lives by playing God to them. I shouldn’t have to waste my time pushing through a bill to stop TV shows from showing or insinuating sex on shows before ten P.M. Here’s an idea for you: Let the parents be parents. Quit trying to regulate what are kids do or don’t watch. That’s the parents’ job. We are living in a place where kids are coddled to the point they feel entitled to whatever they desire. We used to be a state that stood for something. Now, we are a bunch of lazy fuckers that hope someone can make the rules for us. It’s tired. I’m tired. The entire act is tired. We spend too much time engaging in pointless arguing that nothing gets done. What do we stand for? Nothing. We stand with are backs to the wall and we fight off progress as long as we can. You want your utopia? Read Atlas Shrugged. The rich can live their secret lives. And I like that book. I went to law school and earned my money. I don’t want to pay higher taxes, but there is something fundamentally wrong when my secretary pays the same amount on her taxes as I do and she makes $80,000 less a year than me. Legalize marijuana and tax the hell out of that, but don’t make her pay more. Hell, I’m stoned right now and it feels nice. It’s time for change and until we can find the guts to stand tall and join an ever changing nation, we will continue to fall behind and be a shell of the state we once were.”
(DANIEL takes a moment, staring ahead.)
Got all that. Good. You can print that, show that on YouTube, I don’t care. There’s a 98% chance I win again even if I do have an opponent. This is Idaho, after all…
(LIGHTS.)
(DANIEL, dressed in a suit and tie, addresses a camera.)
“Hi. I’m Representative Daniel Williams and today I’m proud to announce my intention to run for re-election of the Fourth District—“ Hold please. Something doesn’t feel right. Do I really need to introduce myself? I’ve been here for four years. People know who I am… Right. The youth vote. Why don’t we just put something on the Twitter then? Okay… How much time do we have before the interview with the Statesman reporter? He’s here now? Yeah, let him stay. We’ll knock it out of the park. Let’s move ahead. We’ll come back to that one. Ready?
“Hi. I’m Daniel Williams. Idaho families are hurting. Declining wages and lost jobs are only part of the problem. Soldiers are returning home without the stability in the workforce they once had—“ Shit. You really want me to read this? I know my son is part of that very same military demographic. It’s not the personal stuff I’m worried about. I’ve been promising jobs for four years. Maybe we can try a new angle. The people just haven’t seen results with that and… No, I don’t want to lose focus on the unemployment numbers, but maybe we can try something different with the ad? It’s just that I’ve done what I can to push through the tax plans. The solutions are all ready there, as clear as day. Until we can lower taxes for small business, new jobs will be sparse and we are shit out of luck… You want me to back a plan to get Atlas Shrugged to be a required read for all high school students? Done. I’ll support that with my eyes closed. Hell, maybe we can get the County Commissioners to overturn the smoking ban. I like to be able to smoke on the patio after a meal at Red Feather and I’m sure our Statesman friend does too. Our tobacco sales continue to slip. Ten percent in the last year, that’s how far they fallen… Of course, the religious vote. No smoking around their children.
Let’s try it again. I apologize.
(To himself.)
Relax. Breathe. Good thoughts…
(To camera.)
Roll it. Action. “Hello. I’m Representative Daniel Williams. And today I’m here to state my case for re-election. Times are changing and with it, the issues. What is needed now is someone to provide a clear and steady hand to guide us.” Okay, I can get behind this… “It is time to uphold our second amendment right not only for our state, but for the nation.” Fuckin’ really? We decided to go that route? I thought at the last meeting we decided to wait. It’s just the second amendment argument is a little outdated. We’re not defending ourselves against the British… You’re right. The voters.
Can I get a beer please? I’m always better with at least one. No, I’m not taking the beer with me. One open container ticket and the world won’t back off. People make mistakes. Yes, I have a driver. His name is Gary. He’s outside. If I want to finish off a twelve pack in my free time, I will. Look, it’s just one beer… The reporter can have one, too. It’s not like this is breaking news to him…
Look, I’ve already missed Church for this. I can’t miss dinner. It would be the fifth time this week… Sometimes it’s nice to just get away. Two of the nights I was at the airport bar, getting to know my constituents. One time I was down at the Cottonwood, having dinner by the river. Last night I went and saw Spring Breakers. I tell you, that’s a good movie… I like to think of it as my tax dollars at work. Make sure to log that down…
Let’s go ahead… Skip ahead… Action. “It’s time for a change in our education plans. We need stability and by helping forge ahead with a new set of Luna laws—“ Is this guy fuckin’ serious? Cut more jobs. You’re shitting me. Does that not go against what I just said? Did you know that Idaho was 48th in education in the most recent testing? They were so I certainly understand we need an overhaul but more computers are not the answer. My kids already spend enough time on those damn things. I don’t remember the last time we had an actual conversation. We interact by liking each other’s post on Facebook. I don’t even know what I’m liking!
Fuck it. Roll the fuckin’ camera… “Hi. I’m Daniel Williams, Representative of the Fourth District. I grew up in Idaho. My father was a contractor and my mother was a nurse. I have been here my entire life and you know what. We stink. Not just as a state, but as a nation. Remember when being a politician was an actual job? This here, this used to be about building a better community and helping people to live their lives. Not to dictate how people live their lives by playing God to them. I shouldn’t have to waste my time pushing through a bill to stop TV shows from showing or insinuating sex on shows before ten P.M. Here’s an idea for you: Let the parents be parents. Quit trying to regulate what are kids do or don’t watch. That’s the parents’ job. We are living in a place where kids are coddled to the point they feel entitled to whatever they desire. We used to be a state that stood for something. Now, we are a bunch of lazy fuckers that hope someone can make the rules for us. It’s tired. I’m tired. The entire act is tired. We spend too much time engaging in pointless arguing that nothing gets done. What do we stand for? Nothing. We stand with are backs to the wall and we fight off progress as long as we can. You want your utopia? Read Atlas Shrugged. The rich can live their secret lives. And I like that book. I went to law school and earned my money. I don’t want to pay higher taxes, but there is something fundamentally wrong when my secretary pays the same amount on her taxes as I do and she makes $80,000 less a year than me. Legalize marijuana and tax the hell out of that, but don’t make her pay more. Hell, I’m stoned right now and it feels nice. It’s time for change and until we can find the guts to stand tall and join an ever changing nation, we will continue to fall behind and be a shell of the state we once were.”
(DANIEL takes a moment, staring ahead.)
Got all that. Good. You can print that, show that on YouTube, I don’t care. There’s a 98% chance I win again even if I do have an opponent. This is Idaho, after all…
(LIGHTS.)
October 26, 2014
Ten Things You Didn't Know About...
Lists populate the internet these days. Instead of well thought out, visually constructive articles, we as an internet audience are treated to an inane amount of lists that, in the end, are hardly informative.
It can range from a list describing plot holes in your favorite sci-fi movie all the way to things you didn't know about your favorite sitcom in the 90's.
Now, if one is a big fan of said movie, television show or band, chances are the fan already knows a majority of what is about to be "revealed". On the flip side, someone that doesn't like said example will most likely not be clicking on these "articles". There is no scientific proof to back this up. Just an educated guess.
Someone must be reading these lists because they are growing.
Why not join the club?
TEN THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
1. This war wasn't so civil.
2. Abraham Lincoln was president of the United Stated during the Civil War.
3. Lincoln was a hunter of vampires. There's a documentary to prove it.
4. Before he won our hearts in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Matthew Broderick was a Colonel for the Northern Army in the Civil War. He fought valiantly alongside Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman.
5. Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves. (*Warning: Language)
Lincoln Freed the Slaves Remix from The Van Dykes on Myspace.
6. Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Grant at the Appomattox Court House. They discussed it over some tea and cigars.
7. After Lee left, Grant got blackout drunk on bathtub whiskey. He forgot everything that occurred and tried to attack Lee the next day. After clearing up the confusion, the two hugged it out like men. Then they drank more whiskey.
8. Some people in the south refuse to believe the war is over, as they still fly the Confederate flag on a daily basis. Either that or these states are huge fans of The Dukes of Hazzard.
9. The Civil War is often considered the bloodiest war in the history of the United States. Approximately 620,000 were killed in the Civil War. That's never mentioned in Gone With the Wind.
10. The American Civil War was fought in the United States.
It can range from a list describing plot holes in your favorite sci-fi movie all the way to things you didn't know about your favorite sitcom in the 90's.
Now, if one is a big fan of said movie, television show or band, chances are the fan already knows a majority of what is about to be "revealed". On the flip side, someone that doesn't like said example will most likely not be clicking on these "articles". There is no scientific proof to back this up. Just an educated guess.
Someone must be reading these lists because they are growing.
Why not join the club?
TEN THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
1. This war wasn't so civil.
2. Abraham Lincoln was president of the United Stated during the Civil War.
3. Lincoln was a hunter of vampires. There's a documentary to prove it.
4. Before he won our hearts in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Matthew Broderick was a Colonel for the Northern Army in the Civil War. He fought valiantly alongside Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman.
5. Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves. (*Warning: Language)
Lincoln Freed the Slaves Remix from The Van Dykes on Myspace.
6. Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Grant at the Appomattox Court House. They discussed it over some tea and cigars.
7. After Lee left, Grant got blackout drunk on bathtub whiskey. He forgot everything that occurred and tried to attack Lee the next day. After clearing up the confusion, the two hugged it out like men. Then they drank more whiskey.
8. Some people in the south refuse to believe the war is over, as they still fly the Confederate flag on a daily basis. Either that or these states are huge fans of The Dukes of Hazzard.
9. The Civil War is often considered the bloodiest war in the history of the United States. Approximately 620,000 were killed in the Civil War. That's never mentioned in Gone With the Wind.
10. The American Civil War was fought in the United States.
October 20, 2014
The Decline of Hollywood
The Variety headline reads: "Eli Roth Boards 'Cabin Fever' reboot". (Eli Roth Boards "Cabin Fever" Reboot)
Yep, that horror film from 2002 is being rebooted to reach a whole new generation of fans. Or, you know, because it was only made 12 years ago, the same generation that saw it the first time.
This has become the current state of Hollywood. We'll pump out a bunch of Marvel movies, sequels to Michael Bay movies, and reboots of movies that were made within the last fifteen years. That will bring in the money.
Actually, in the case of this years box office, it won't. Despite some successes (Guardian's of the Galaxy, Captain America 2), this years box office is down. That's with more movies being released in 3-D and IMAX and playing in more movie theaters.
Yes, 2013 set a record in box office totals. 2014 had a lot to live up to. It certainly hasn't. In fact, since 2009, 2014 has only made more money than the year 2011. (Box Office Mojo)
If you look at adjusted ticket prices and inflation, Gone with the Wind is still the highest grossing movie of all time. That's just one example.
To what end do the studios continue to pump out these movies? Total Recall and RoboCop are just two recent examples in which a lot of money was poured into these movies and a loss (or very minimal return) occurred on the bottom line.
If a studio is going to reboot a movie, why not make it something that was made over thirty years ago? Maybe a 'B' movie that very many people didn't see the first time around. Sometimes this works. (Gone in 60 Seconds). Sometimes it doesn't (Get Carter). That has always been the crap shoot of Hollywood and making films. Some will see success and some won't, no matter the subject matter of the movie.
With the success of Marvel movies and the reboot of Spiderman (which was very successful the first time, less than fifteen years ago), studios are now trying their hands at all sorts of superhero movies. Fantastic Four and DareDevil both have new movies in the works. These were both movies that failed, in terms of Hollywood, the first time around. Though Fantastic Four made enough money to warrant a sequel, audiences look at these as inferior superhero movies.
Over the last fifteen years, I've seen three different characters play The Hulk. Try and fail. Try again and fail. Give it to Mark Ruffalo in an ensemble movie, it works.
Don't get me wrong. I have enjoyed many of the Marvel movies over the past five years. They are well made, for the most part, are entertaining, and even have substance to them. On the other hand, when doing a reboot, I don't need to see the origin story of Spider-man every time. Will this happen when Robert Downey, Jr. is done with the character of 'Iron Man'? Will Marvel reboot it completely and we'll have to watch his origin story again?
The reboot fascination has now spread to television. With so many good, original shows on television, I don't know why they are starting to lean this way. Sure, it may be MTV that is doing this, but other studios are starting to take notice in order to help secure an 18-30 year old demographic. Recently, Cameron Crowe and John Cusack spoke out against a t.v. reboot of the movie Say Anything (Rolling Stone). And the studio has put that idea on hold. Thankfully.
The system is never going to be perfect. Maybe, just maybe, with the box office in decline, it's time to start digging for original ideas again. There are great writers and directors out there that are going unnoticed because studios are not taking a chance of them. If studios never took a chance, we wouldn't have classics like Star Wars and Jaws. Yes, we have been inudated with sequels of these movies because the originals made so much money. That's part of how the system works. I don't necessarily have a problem with sequels. (Unless it has the word Transformers in the title).
Cabin Fever. A 2002 film starring Rider Strong (Shawn from Boy Meets World). Eli Roth wrote this movie and is now Executive Producer on the reboot. The best part is that the studio is using the original script. Can it even be considered a reboot at this point?
I don't have all the answers. I might not even have a few of them. If a studio spends X amount of money on a reboot of RoboCop, it can very well make three movies for that same amount of money. Three movies with original ideas, a new director, and the same talent we see in the big budget failures? Chances are these movies will make the same, if not more, than the loss that bottom line saw for the reboot.
Take a chance Hollywood. Find those new writers, those new scripts, and those new directors. Sony is taking a chance. (Hollywood Reporter). Time for those other studios to follow suit. If not, the box office could be in for another long year...
Yep, that horror film from 2002 is being rebooted to reach a whole new generation of fans. Or, you know, because it was only made 12 years ago, the same generation that saw it the first time.
This has become the current state of Hollywood. We'll pump out a bunch of Marvel movies, sequels to Michael Bay movies, and reboots of movies that were made within the last fifteen years. That will bring in the money.
Actually, in the case of this years box office, it won't. Despite some successes (Guardian's of the Galaxy, Captain America 2), this years box office is down. That's with more movies being released in 3-D and IMAX and playing in more movie theaters.
Yes, 2013 set a record in box office totals. 2014 had a lot to live up to. It certainly hasn't. In fact, since 2009, 2014 has only made more money than the year 2011. (Box Office Mojo)
If you look at adjusted ticket prices and inflation, Gone with the Wind is still the highest grossing movie of all time. That's just one example.
To what end do the studios continue to pump out these movies? Total Recall and RoboCop are just two recent examples in which a lot of money was poured into these movies and a loss (or very minimal return) occurred on the bottom line.
If a studio is going to reboot a movie, why not make it something that was made over thirty years ago? Maybe a 'B' movie that very many people didn't see the first time around. Sometimes this works. (Gone in 60 Seconds). Sometimes it doesn't (Get Carter). That has always been the crap shoot of Hollywood and making films. Some will see success and some won't, no matter the subject matter of the movie.
With the success of Marvel movies and the reboot of Spiderman (which was very successful the first time, less than fifteen years ago), studios are now trying their hands at all sorts of superhero movies. Fantastic Four and DareDevil both have new movies in the works. These were both movies that failed, in terms of Hollywood, the first time around. Though Fantastic Four made enough money to warrant a sequel, audiences look at these as inferior superhero movies.
Over the last fifteen years, I've seen three different characters play The Hulk. Try and fail. Try again and fail. Give it to Mark Ruffalo in an ensemble movie, it works.
Don't get me wrong. I have enjoyed many of the Marvel movies over the past five years. They are well made, for the most part, are entertaining, and even have substance to them. On the other hand, when doing a reboot, I don't need to see the origin story of Spider-man every time. Will this happen when Robert Downey, Jr. is done with the character of 'Iron Man'? Will Marvel reboot it completely and we'll have to watch his origin story again?
The reboot fascination has now spread to television. With so many good, original shows on television, I don't know why they are starting to lean this way. Sure, it may be MTV that is doing this, but other studios are starting to take notice in order to help secure an 18-30 year old demographic. Recently, Cameron Crowe and John Cusack spoke out against a t.v. reboot of the movie Say Anything (Rolling Stone). And the studio has put that idea on hold. Thankfully.
The system is never going to be perfect. Maybe, just maybe, with the box office in decline, it's time to start digging for original ideas again. There are great writers and directors out there that are going unnoticed because studios are not taking a chance of them. If studios never took a chance, we wouldn't have classics like Star Wars and Jaws. Yes, we have been inudated with sequels of these movies because the originals made so much money. That's part of how the system works. I don't necessarily have a problem with sequels. (Unless it has the word Transformers in the title).
Cabin Fever. A 2002 film starring Rider Strong (Shawn from Boy Meets World). Eli Roth wrote this movie and is now Executive Producer on the reboot. The best part is that the studio is using the original script. Can it even be considered a reboot at this point?
I don't have all the answers. I might not even have a few of them. If a studio spends X amount of money on a reboot of RoboCop, it can very well make three movies for that same amount of money. Three movies with original ideas, a new director, and the same talent we see in the big budget failures? Chances are these movies will make the same, if not more, than the loss that bottom line saw for the reboot.
Take a chance Hollywood. Find those new writers, those new scripts, and those new directors. Sony is taking a chance. (Hollywood Reporter). Time for those other studios to follow suit. If not, the box office could be in for another long year...
October 15, 2014
On the Precipice of the Stars
The following is a short story I entered into a contest for the literary journal The First Line. The journal and it's subsequent contest gives the writer the first sentence of a story. The writer must create the story from this first sentence. Here is one I submitted over the summer. To see more about The First Line, visit there website: http://www.thefirstline.com/
Fifty miles west of Bloomington lies Hillsboro, a monument to middle class malaise. The trees grow green, yes, and the sky is blue, same as anywhere else. I suppose that doesn't mean very much to people around here. It still means a lot to me, though I wouldn't be too quick to display as much. I mean, it's only a blue sky and it's only green trees. Nothing to write home about, that's for sure.
Today is Sunday. Most folks will be at the church, as far as I can surmise. If anything, they sure as hell aren't coming to the diner. One would figure that on Sundays people would like to congregate here after church for a nice meal. It is a day of rest, after all, so no one should be doing any cooking. Why not stop in for a late lunch or early dinner to help take the burdens off of their shoulders?
Pastor Jones does it. Every Sunday he stops in here at four o'clock right on the dot. He orders the same items every time. Two eggs, over easy, two strips of bacon and home fries are the standard bearer of the holy man's Sunday meal. He washes it down with freshly squeezed orange juice that I poured directly from the carton into the ewer earlier that day. That's all he ever has. Nothing more and nothing less. We don't talk much, but I do know that he's been in Hillsboro for the last twenty years. He goes about his routine and is in and out of the diner in 37 minutes. Every damn Sunday.
Monday's roll around and I"m already wide awake at the crack of dawn. I watch as many of the men head off to make the hour drive to Bloomington. Some work in offices; their briefcases firmly in hand and ties knotted around their neck. Others, like Steve Knight, work construction. His cooler is filled with the standard: A sandwich, a baggie full of chips, an apple or an orange, and a six pack of Miller Genuine Draft. I stay behind and watch all of this unfold like clockwork every single morning, a mug of coffee in my hand and a cigarette dangling from my lips.
I don't mind it here, really I don't. People love small towns or so they say. I've never quite found the appeal and I've been here for over a year now. One street runs through the main part of town. One four-way stoplight directs the minimal traffic we see. The kids, the ones that can drive, like to drive up and down the street on Friday nights. They drive. They say hello. Then they head out into the fields to fill their gullets with barley. The cops look the other way, as to which I agree with. Let the kids have their fun, I say. We all got up to shenanigans when we were younger. They deserve the same.
I do like the nights here. In the city, the sound of sirens, motorcycles, yelling, screaming, and honking attack the eardrums on a nightly basis. No matter where you turn in the city, the skyline is ablaze with twinkling lights amid a hive of activity. Out here, the night provides serenity and that's something I cherish. Stars pepper the night sky and there is something soothing about staring into the cosmos for an eternity. I even bought a telescope for certain nights and tried to get my neighbors to join me. I cherish my moments of solitude, yes, yet everyone has politely declined my invitations thus far. They have their ways and I felt this was a good way to meet them on a basic human level. Yet they declined. My neighbors are always out until dusk in the summer, going through the motions of their daily lives. As soon as darkness falls, many run inside to their video games and their television shows.
I work at the diner a few days a week. I'm pretty set as far as money goes so I'm not too worried about hours. Some days are better than others. The few Seniors from the high school come down for lunch. It's their right, I suppose. Their God given right handed down to them by a generation of malt shop thrill seekers. The Seniors come in here, have a couple of laughs, throw a few fries around, and return to their mediocrity. The kids here, they have two futures. They can stay in town or they can leave this town. Too often they look into the mirror that is their parents and see their futures. A future of shattered dreams that leads to a small town on the outskirts of greatness.
That's how I arrive here. It was not by the same path, mind you, but a similar path nonetheless. Greatness can be achieved by any means, through various channels, and can arrive with a few regrets. I arrived at this point with none of that in mind. My wife was from here and when she got sick, this is where she wanted to be. She wanted to be closer to her family, her childhood friends, and the people she grew up with. I did not fight her on this. We have no kids and our friends from the city were merely acquaintances. If she wanted the mundane and the malaise of her hometown, then that's a wish I could grant. If this tiny brick in the house of life was what she wanted, it was up to me to provide the mortar in which it was built. Peace. It's what we all desire. Peace and greatness.
She left this world about nine months ago. We were once newlyweds building a future. Then a cruel fate leads you to this place. Suddenly you won't be the old couple that gently touches hands. The moments in between are the moments I miss the most. The sunsets, the sunrises, and the memories that will never be wiped away. Hillsboro will remain my home because in the end it's what she truly wanted. This empty seat next to me will always be saved for her.
No regrets. I lead a simple life. This town, this monument, harbors no ill will. They accepted me and went about their lives. They have their Saturday picnics, their family portraits, and their Sunday papers. I like the picnics yet want the black tie affairs. I enjoy the paper but prefer searching the internet while at a cafe. Homes here are built upon acres yet I yearn for a loft on a lot. The horizon stretches for miles into the future and I can only peer into the past. I have the moon and the stars at my disposal yet the one thing I truly desired left me: the universe.
Fifty miles west of Bloomington lies Hillsboro, a monument to middle class malaise. The trees grow green, yes, and the sky is blue, same as anywhere else. I suppose that doesn't mean very much to people around here. It still means a lot to me, though I wouldn't be too quick to display as much. I mean, it's only a blue sky and it's only green trees. Nothing to write home about, that's for sure.
Today is Sunday. Most folks will be at the church, as far as I can surmise. If anything, they sure as hell aren't coming to the diner. One would figure that on Sundays people would like to congregate here after church for a nice meal. It is a day of rest, after all, so no one should be doing any cooking. Why not stop in for a late lunch or early dinner to help take the burdens off of their shoulders?
Pastor Jones does it. Every Sunday he stops in here at four o'clock right on the dot. He orders the same items every time. Two eggs, over easy, two strips of bacon and home fries are the standard bearer of the holy man's Sunday meal. He washes it down with freshly squeezed orange juice that I poured directly from the carton into the ewer earlier that day. That's all he ever has. Nothing more and nothing less. We don't talk much, but I do know that he's been in Hillsboro for the last twenty years. He goes about his routine and is in and out of the diner in 37 minutes. Every damn Sunday.
Monday's roll around and I"m already wide awake at the crack of dawn. I watch as many of the men head off to make the hour drive to Bloomington. Some work in offices; their briefcases firmly in hand and ties knotted around their neck. Others, like Steve Knight, work construction. His cooler is filled with the standard: A sandwich, a baggie full of chips, an apple or an orange, and a six pack of Miller Genuine Draft. I stay behind and watch all of this unfold like clockwork every single morning, a mug of coffee in my hand and a cigarette dangling from my lips.
I don't mind it here, really I don't. People love small towns or so they say. I've never quite found the appeal and I've been here for over a year now. One street runs through the main part of town. One four-way stoplight directs the minimal traffic we see. The kids, the ones that can drive, like to drive up and down the street on Friday nights. They drive. They say hello. Then they head out into the fields to fill their gullets with barley. The cops look the other way, as to which I agree with. Let the kids have their fun, I say. We all got up to shenanigans when we were younger. They deserve the same.
I do like the nights here. In the city, the sound of sirens, motorcycles, yelling, screaming, and honking attack the eardrums on a nightly basis. No matter where you turn in the city, the skyline is ablaze with twinkling lights amid a hive of activity. Out here, the night provides serenity and that's something I cherish. Stars pepper the night sky and there is something soothing about staring into the cosmos for an eternity. I even bought a telescope for certain nights and tried to get my neighbors to join me. I cherish my moments of solitude, yes, yet everyone has politely declined my invitations thus far. They have their ways and I felt this was a good way to meet them on a basic human level. Yet they declined. My neighbors are always out until dusk in the summer, going through the motions of their daily lives. As soon as darkness falls, many run inside to their video games and their television shows.
I work at the diner a few days a week. I'm pretty set as far as money goes so I'm not too worried about hours. Some days are better than others. The few Seniors from the high school come down for lunch. It's their right, I suppose. Their God given right handed down to them by a generation of malt shop thrill seekers. The Seniors come in here, have a couple of laughs, throw a few fries around, and return to their mediocrity. The kids here, they have two futures. They can stay in town or they can leave this town. Too often they look into the mirror that is their parents and see their futures. A future of shattered dreams that leads to a small town on the outskirts of greatness.
That's how I arrive here. It was not by the same path, mind you, but a similar path nonetheless. Greatness can be achieved by any means, through various channels, and can arrive with a few regrets. I arrived at this point with none of that in mind. My wife was from here and when she got sick, this is where she wanted to be. She wanted to be closer to her family, her childhood friends, and the people she grew up with. I did not fight her on this. We have no kids and our friends from the city were merely acquaintances. If she wanted the mundane and the malaise of her hometown, then that's a wish I could grant. If this tiny brick in the house of life was what she wanted, it was up to me to provide the mortar in which it was built. Peace. It's what we all desire. Peace and greatness.
She left this world about nine months ago. We were once newlyweds building a future. Then a cruel fate leads you to this place. Suddenly you won't be the old couple that gently touches hands. The moments in between are the moments I miss the most. The sunsets, the sunrises, and the memories that will never be wiped away. Hillsboro will remain my home because in the end it's what she truly wanted. This empty seat next to me will always be saved for her.
No regrets. I lead a simple life. This town, this monument, harbors no ill will. They accepted me and went about their lives. They have their Saturday picnics, their family portraits, and their Sunday papers. I like the picnics yet want the black tie affairs. I enjoy the paper but prefer searching the internet while at a cafe. Homes here are built upon acres yet I yearn for a loft on a lot. The horizon stretches for miles into the future and I can only peer into the past. I have the moon and the stars at my disposal yet the one thing I truly desired left me: the universe.
October 14, 2014
On the Verge
A little over four months ago, I quit my quite stable job that I had held for the past seven years. I quit because I wanted to focus my complete attention on being a writer.
No job. No income. No insurance. As a man of thirty-five, it was quite a leap to jump into the chasm without a parachute.
It was the best decision I've ever made.
Now, before reading much further, understand this: I am by no means stepped foot in the realm of "successful writer with means to pay the bills from writing". I have certainly had successes in regards to this endeavor. I have self-published an e-book (The Dragon Princess) and have started writing articles for bronconationnews.com. Steps in the right direction of achieving my dreams in which writing is my sole means of income.
Now, here we are, four months after the fact and a new job search is underway. I've reached a point that after four months of only writing that I do not want to return to another job that does not belong close to my heart. A very common belief that is held true to many from the world of theater, film, and art.
To do what it takes to survive and live, though, is another story. One must take jobs to make money in order to live. The basic human instinct of survival requires a bit of this.
Don't get me wrong, myself and others know what we are getting ourselves into when we choose to follow our hearts and chase the dreams of writing, acting, directing, photography, and the various other creative outlets that this world needs. So many fall by the wayside because of this, whether that means giving it up or only dabbling in it as a hobby from time to time.
Writing, to me, is not a hobby. It is a profession that I will continue to chase stability in. It can be hard to come by. Sometimes the hard work, the long hours, the late nights, and faith in yourself isn't enough. Sometimes, it can just take a little luck. That's the one thing I might be missing so far. A little luck to swing the pendulum my way. It's not a lot to ask for.
I am happy (for the most part). More relaxed and more focused than I have been over the past ten years. I have had this opportunity to spend my time focusing on writing and writing alone. I am very close but still on the verge.
As it is, a man still needs to live. I am by no means penniless, but I would like some extra money to enjoy a glass of whiskey from time to time.
So you better watch out world of the employed. Here I come. And I won't be taking no for answer.
"Don't underestimate me because I'm quiet. I know more than I say, think more than I speak, and observe more than you know."
No job. No income. No insurance. As a man of thirty-five, it was quite a leap to jump into the chasm without a parachute.
It was the best decision I've ever made.
Now, before reading much further, understand this: I am by no means stepped foot in the realm of "successful writer with means to pay the bills from writing". I have certainly had successes in regards to this endeavor. I have self-published an e-book (The Dragon Princess) and have started writing articles for bronconationnews.com. Steps in the right direction of achieving my dreams in which writing is my sole means of income.
Now, here we are, four months after the fact and a new job search is underway. I've reached a point that after four months of only writing that I do not want to return to another job that does not belong close to my heart. A very common belief that is held true to many from the world of theater, film, and art.
To do what it takes to survive and live, though, is another story. One must take jobs to make money in order to live. The basic human instinct of survival requires a bit of this.
Don't get me wrong, myself and others know what we are getting ourselves into when we choose to follow our hearts and chase the dreams of writing, acting, directing, photography, and the various other creative outlets that this world needs. So many fall by the wayside because of this, whether that means giving it up or only dabbling in it as a hobby from time to time.
Writing, to me, is not a hobby. It is a profession that I will continue to chase stability in. It can be hard to come by. Sometimes the hard work, the long hours, the late nights, and faith in yourself isn't enough. Sometimes, it can just take a little luck. That's the one thing I might be missing so far. A little luck to swing the pendulum my way. It's not a lot to ask for.
I am happy (for the most part). More relaxed and more focused than I have been over the past ten years. I have had this opportunity to spend my time focusing on writing and writing alone. I am very close but still on the verge.
As it is, a man still needs to live. I am by no means penniless, but I would like some extra money to enjoy a glass of whiskey from time to time.
So you better watch out world of the employed. Here I come. And I won't be taking no for answer.
"Don't underestimate me because I'm quiet. I know more than I say, think more than I speak, and observe more than you know."
