Wednesday
Rough Mix
Top of the props
The self-shout-out
Confidence
Quiescent unlike cycles of
Itch followed by scratch
(followed by itch, by the way)
"Breasts floating around like
two little hand-sized helium balloons"
Perception is influence
Focus follows formula
The self-shout-out
Confidence
Quiescent unlike cycles of
Itch followed by scratch
(followed by itch, by the way)
"Breasts floating around like
two little hand-sized helium balloons"
Perception is influence
Focus follows formula
I've Always Been This Awkward - Four
Four
I just picked up my new glasses. Well, same frames but new lenses. The first prescription change in about ten years. I didn't see any other frames that were nearly as perfect as the ones I already have so I kept them even though they're six years old. Plus I didn't have to buy new frames. The B went with me to look at frames and it was interesting to see how synced her tastes are with mine. She likes a narrower selection than even me. Weird, huh? So new contacts (+.25 each eye) last week and new glasses today (+ 1 L + .5 R). And while my brain adjusted to the new prescription my world was quite a little bit hallucinatory. But what do I know about hallucinatory, anyhow? Lots!
What? Oh, did I shock you with the mention of hallucinatory? Am I too revealing with my life information? So I do my lovin' in a quiet, efficient ninja-style. Big deal, that's not weird. Maybe it's counter-intuitive for some of you, but it's not strange, right? It's context. If I'm going to scribble stories context is useful, rounds the characters out some. I know, someone could say, "What if your mother read this stuff? What would your mother think?" My mother, huh?
Well, guess who I got email from just yesterday? My mom. And she referenced my posting about my new book, "An Historical Record" (a book of poems and pictures from my life soon for sale to everybody). The latest of a million self- and commissioned books I've made. I guess it's cool that my mother interacts with my art, though, since 1) It's there and now I know somebody reads it, and 2) I'm old...I have little shame anymore. I'm not thirteen anymore. Someday maybe the B will peek into Middlespace too (and be bored out of her gourd, man).
Sex! Drugs! Art! So what? I'm no priest (which would be really weird).
And you know what my mom said? I'll cut and paste it right here so I don't mess anything up. She wrote:
Hello? What's up now, haters? I know, you're all whining, "But that's your mom, what's she supposed to say?" Nothing. That's what she could say. Not a damn thing. She's not just being nice. Nor is it like I'm scraping for encouragement in my 40s, either. I'm pretty sure I've made it clear that this kid doesn't really care what people think (except for YOU!). I'm like Roast Beef, "It's not like I need to know if you care." [Note: Just look it up] I'm fine with my work (well not really). She also mentioned that she still has the original Kingdom of Leisure cassette which is so funny given that that was like a long, long time ago. That's like "Welcome to..." era. I can't even keep up with that stuff though. That was like the first of a million self- and commissioned recordings I've made.
So my mom. The woman for whom I am the fruit of her loins, as Lily would say. Mother. [Note: Belated Happy Mother's Day, by the way - sorry] Where do I start with regard to my mother?
I didn't grow up with her. Nor did I grow up with my father. I grew up with my paternal grandmother in Los Angeles and Claremont in California for the most part. I lived with my grandmother until I moved out at 17 for school. She died in 1993. That's fifteen years now. I was living here in the east then. I didn't even know my mother until I was like fifteen or sixteen or something. Just the tonic for the most awkward of a boy's years, meeting your mother for the first time as a teenager. But I've always been this awkward, do it didn't really matter.
What did I know about my mother growing up? Mostly all I heard was how beautiful and intelligent she was. Which is a cool thing for the offspring to continually hear. Come to find out she's has like a 170 IQ. I guess the proverbial apple fell from the tree and rolled down the hill a little since my IQ is but a measly 150 or so. But, I digress (and IQ drop at the same time)....
The worst part of growing up without parents in the household was the questions from the other kids, like, "Where are your parents?" "What does your dad do?" "How come your mom never picks you up?" What's a kid with a robust imagination and a big-ass IQ to do but lie. The most common answer to the first question--the one that ended the questioning most efficiently, ninja-style--was, "They died in a car crash when I was a baby." I've always been efficient. Let's see, oh and my dad was an "import/exporter" long before that was a gag on Seinfeld. And for a time I believe my mother was an "international lawyer" or something I couldn't really explain. Let's just say that I got good at diverting conversations with cognitive jujitsu. Weird charisma wasn't something I was born with, it was something I developed to keep things moving. My way.
My grandmother was alternatively a hotel maid and a crossing guard. That's why I never leave a hotel room trashed (and I tip) and I always yield, even as an adult, to crossing guards.
Don't worry, mom. That's all I have to say. Thanks for the compliments and, yes, I'll edit later.
----------------------------------------
I just picked up my new glasses. Well, same frames but new lenses. The first prescription change in about ten years. I didn't see any other frames that were nearly as perfect as the ones I already have so I kept them even though they're six years old. Plus I didn't have to buy new frames. The B went with me to look at frames and it was interesting to see how synced her tastes are with mine. She likes a narrower selection than even me. Weird, huh? So new contacts (+.25 each eye) last week and new glasses today (+ 1 L + .5 R). And while my brain adjusted to the new prescription my world was quite a little bit hallucinatory. But what do I know about hallucinatory, anyhow? Lots!
What? Oh, did I shock you with the mention of hallucinatory? Am I too revealing with my life information? So I do my lovin' in a quiet, efficient ninja-style. Big deal, that's not weird. Maybe it's counter-intuitive for some of you, but it's not strange, right? It's context. If I'm going to scribble stories context is useful, rounds the characters out some. I know, someone could say, "What if your mother read this stuff? What would your mother think?" My mother, huh?Well, guess who I got email from just yesterday? My mom. And she referenced my posting about my new book, "An Historical Record" (a book of poems and pictures from my life soon for sale to everybody). The latest of a million self- and commissioned books I've made. I guess it's cool that my mother interacts with my art, though, since 1) It's there and now I know somebody reads it, and 2) I'm old...I have little shame anymore. I'm not thirteen anymore. Someday maybe the B will peek into Middlespace too (and be bored out of her gourd, man).
Sex! Drugs! Art! So what? I'm no priest (which would be really weird).
And you know what my mom said? I'll cut and paste it right here so I don't mess anything up. She wrote:
"...you're such an intelligent human being & a great photographer. "
Hello? What's up now, haters? I know, you're all whining, "But that's your mom, what's she supposed to say?" Nothing. That's what she could say. Not a damn thing. She's not just being nice. Nor is it like I'm scraping for encouragement in my 40s, either. I'm pretty sure I've made it clear that this kid doesn't really care what people think (except for YOU!). I'm like Roast Beef, "It's not like I need to know if you care." [Note: Just look it up] I'm fine with my work (well not really). She also mentioned that she still has the original Kingdom of Leisure cassette which is so funny given that that was like a long, long time ago. That's like "Welcome to..." era. I can't even keep up with that stuff though. That was like the first of a million self- and commissioned recordings I've made.
So my mom. The woman for whom I am the fruit of her loins, as Lily would say. Mother. [Note: Belated Happy Mother's Day, by the way - sorry] Where do I start with regard to my mother?
I didn't grow up with her. Nor did I grow up with my father. I grew up with my paternal grandmother in Los Angeles and Claremont in California for the most part. I lived with my grandmother until I moved out at 17 for school. She died in 1993. That's fifteen years now. I was living here in the east then. I didn't even know my mother until I was like fifteen or sixteen or something. Just the tonic for the most awkward of a boy's years, meeting your mother for the first time as a teenager. But I've always been this awkward, do it didn't really matter.
What did I know about my mother growing up? Mostly all I heard was how beautiful and intelligent she was. Which is a cool thing for the offspring to continually hear. Come to find out she's has like a 170 IQ. I guess the proverbial apple fell from the tree and rolled down the hill a little since my IQ is but a measly 150 or so. But, I digress (and IQ drop at the same time)....
The worst part of growing up without parents in the household was the questions from the other kids, like, "Where are your parents?" "What does your dad do?" "How come your mom never picks you up?" What's a kid with a robust imagination and a big-ass IQ to do but lie. The most common answer to the first question--the one that ended the questioning most efficiently, ninja-style--was, "They died in a car crash when I was a baby." I've always been efficient. Let's see, oh and my dad was an "import/exporter" long before that was a gag on Seinfeld. And for a time I believe my mother was an "international lawyer" or something I couldn't really explain. Let's just say that I got good at diverting conversations with cognitive jujitsu. Weird charisma wasn't something I was born with, it was something I developed to keep things moving. My way.
My grandmother was alternatively a hotel maid and a crossing guard. That's why I never leave a hotel room trashed (and I tip) and I always yield, even as an adult, to crossing guards.
Don't worry, mom. That's all I have to say. Thanks for the compliments and, yes, I'll edit later.
----------------------------------------
I've Always Been This Awkward
Tuesday
My Decision
I've just been rummaging through back posts going back to 2002 for a book I'm working on.
I've decided to do things differently.
That's my decision.
I've decided to do things differently.
That's my decision.
Guest Post: Gary/Michael for Inspiration
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As you may know, one of my major creative projects this year is producing a 23-minute 35mm film called Inspiration. I wrote the script based on a story I had published several years ago. Some of you may remember it – about a young girl named Claire who tries to discover her absent father by painting his portrait, and learns about herself in the process.
I’m working with a talented team of Emerson College students to produce the film. We have a great director, recently started casting, will begin location scouting this week, and are set to shoot in late October… and hit the festival circuit in early 2009. It’s been fun, nerve-wracking, exciting, energizing, and crazy-making so far… and it’s all good. The ultimate goal for myself is to get some play at the festivals and land an agent for my feature scripts. I’m using my creative professional name Michael Gray Beckett for the project… so much easier to spell and pronounce – with a bit of flair!
As you can imagine, raising $20,000 in production funds is crucial, so I’m asking for your help. We have teamed up with a website called IndieGoGo that promotes and raises funds for independent films. We have a challenge to raise $5000 by July 24. The site has a live widget that shows what we’ve raised to date. We have some big supporters in the pipeline, so we’re about halfway to the goal despite what the widget says.
The clock is running… if we don’t hit the $5000 target by the deadline, all the money is returned... and we lose a major block of funds. So taking a cue from the Obama campaign, which raised millions in small donations, we’re doing an email blast to all our contacts and humbly asking for whatever support you can provide. For $50, your name will be listed in the credits, and higher tiers of support offer more goodies. But whatever you can donate will be greatly appreciated. So give up a few Frappucinos and help some talented college kids make a 35mm film. And feel free to share this email!
To make a donation, go to [clicky]. Click on the Contribute Now button. It’ll ask for a quick email and password to sign up… then you can click a donation amount or enter an amount for your credit card or PayPal account. All contributions are tax-deductible.
To learn more about the project and download the production packet and script, go to [clicky]. And keep tabs on the latest developments on our blog at [clicky].
So far, the team has raised over $3500 apart from the IndieGoGo site. We were one of the first projects this year to be awarded a Kodak grant of 5,000 ft of film stock… and have purchased all 18,000 ft we need. We’re sending out the Panavision equipment grant this week, with some prayers and good vibes. We also have enlisted a business sponsor who is revamping the IS Films website and providing a generous cash donation. And the summer will be filled with more exciting fundraisers. (So much for my trademark tan this year!)
To those of you with whom we've fallen out of touch… apologies on my end. As you know, life and distance makes keeping in contact tough; you do pleasantly pop up in my thoughts on long bike rides. Consider this a great excuse and invitation to reconnect… Let me know what is happening with you! Connections, art, and Inspiration are more important than ever in these troubled times.
Much thanks for your support and your presence, and enjoy the holiday.
Gary / Michael
From Ty: Do it! Do it now!
As you may know, one of my major creative projects this year is producing a 23-minute 35mm film called Inspiration. I wrote the script based on a story I had published several years ago. Some of you may remember it – about a young girl named Claire who tries to discover her absent father by painting his portrait, and learns about herself in the process.
I’m working with a talented team of Emerson College students to produce the film. We have a great director, recently started casting, will begin location scouting this week, and are set to shoot in late October… and hit the festival circuit in early 2009. It’s been fun, nerve-wracking, exciting, energizing, and crazy-making so far… and it’s all good. The ultimate goal for myself is to get some play at the festivals and land an agent for my feature scripts. I’m using my creative professional name Michael Gray Beckett for the project… so much easier to spell and pronounce – with a bit of flair!
As you can imagine, raising $20,000 in production funds is crucial, so I’m asking for your help. We have teamed up with a website called IndieGoGo that promotes and raises funds for independent films. We have a challenge to raise $5000 by July 24. The site has a live widget that shows what we’ve raised to date. We have some big supporters in the pipeline, so we’re about halfway to the goal despite what the widget says.
The clock is running… if we don’t hit the $5000 target by the deadline, all the money is returned... and we lose a major block of funds. So taking a cue from the Obama campaign, which raised millions in small donations, we’re doing an email blast to all our contacts and humbly asking for whatever support you can provide. For $50, your name will be listed in the credits, and higher tiers of support offer more goodies. But whatever you can donate will be greatly appreciated. So give up a few Frappucinos and help some talented college kids make a 35mm film. And feel free to share this email!
To make a donation, go to [clicky]. Click on the Contribute Now button. It’ll ask for a quick email and password to sign up… then you can click a donation amount or enter an amount for your credit card or PayPal account. All contributions are tax-deductible.
To learn more about the project and download the production packet and script, go to [clicky]. And keep tabs on the latest developments on our blog at [clicky].
So far, the team has raised over $3500 apart from the IndieGoGo site. We were one of the first projects this year to be awarded a Kodak grant of 5,000 ft of film stock… and have purchased all 18,000 ft we need. We’re sending out the Panavision equipment grant this week, with some prayers and good vibes. We also have enlisted a business sponsor who is revamping the IS Films website and providing a generous cash donation. And the summer will be filled with more exciting fundraisers. (So much for my trademark tan this year!)
To those of you with whom we've fallen out of touch… apologies on my end. As you know, life and distance makes keeping in contact tough; you do pleasantly pop up in my thoughts on long bike rides. Consider this a great excuse and invitation to reconnect… Let me know what is happening with you! Connections, art, and Inspiration are more important than ever in these troubled times.
Much thanks for your support and your presence, and enjoy the holiday.
Gary / Michael
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From Ty: Do it! Do it now!
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