Thursday, December 31, 2015

All About New Year's Eve


Here it is New Year's Eve already.  I mean, there's literally less than 24 hours left in the year 2015.

What have I accomplished?

Truth be told, I have completed a few writing assignments and submitted them to various writing competitions.  None of my scripts succeeded to the finish line, though.

I was bumped up to Principal performer on not one, but two national commercials.

I was able to close out the year with a particular debt looking less and less ominous.

I was able to attend my very first 50th birthday celebration for a sibling.  Three others had passed without my presence.

No, romance didn't embrace me this year.  But I'm open to it whenever it decides to sneak up on me and wrap its loving arms around me.  I love a great hug.

I feel good to be ALIVE and WELL.

Celebrating my 52nd birthday only (9) days ago was a BLESSING.

I'm looking forward to what the New Year brings.

I'll exercise more.

I'll write more.

I'll travel more.

I'll enjoy time with loved ones more.

I'll give more gratitude for simply being.

I pray for everyone and everything.

Happy New Year's Eve!!!!!

Amen.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

The Way I Used To Be



My dear friend, Mike, from my NYC days, posted an old pic of me today.  I believe I was somewhere around 32 years BLESSED or so.

I've gotta admit, I like the way I looked back then.

Now, I'd like to be a bit more muscular.

But hey, until I start exercising toward that kind of body, I'll be precisely what I am this moment.

Yeah, when it comes down to my appearance, I truly like the way I used to be.

And as for the way I look today?

I still feel A-okay!

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Twas The Day After Christmas


Well, well, here it is the day after Christmas and I'm at home chillin'!

Last night, I actually went out for Christmas dinner at Saddle Ranch Chop House on Sunset Blvd.  My reservation was for 7:45 PM.  After valeting the car, I walked inside the joint and it was JAM-PACKED!!!!!!!!!!  Honestly, every generation known to man was represented!  I saw babies, children, young adults, folks in their 30s, 40s, 50s and even 60+!!!!!

After dinner, my friend, Donald, and I headed out to hit a few bars.  Yep, bars were open on Christmas night.  We stopped at three of 'em and drank at two!  I'll say this much about myself: whenever I know I'll have a couple drinks, I drink TONS of water while I'm at the establishment.  In fact, I pace myself by having water with each drink.

I have aged out of partying at one of my former favorite spots, The Abbey.  Well, I've aged out of partying there at night, but early afternoons/evenings are fine.  You know, "mature" folks need to be in bed by 10 PM!  Ha!!  I was there late last night, so I got a good view of young people doing what young people do.  Hell, what I used to do as a young person!  God bless 'em.  God bless 'em!  :)

Tomorrow, it's back at my volunteer gig with the elderly.  It'll be great to see them and find out how they're enjoying this holiday season.  Being in their presence isn't a "job" or a burden.  It's a PRIVILEGE!!!!!

A privilege I'm soooooooooo THANKFUL to have been given!!!!

Friday, December 25, 2015

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The Day After

 

YESTERDAY marked 52 YEARS I've been BLESSED to exist on this GLORIOUS planet!!

At this point, I'm not DYING anything!

And I'm not DENYING anything!

I'm SIMPLY...

IMMEASURABLY...

THANKFUL to BE HERE!!!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

52 And THANKFUL!!!!!



As I sit here in my bedroom at 2:15 AM on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2015, I am THANKFUL, THANKFUL, THANKFUL for seeing ANOTHER day!!!

I'm HERE!  I'm HERE!!!


Many folks have not been BLESSED to see 52 years on this planet.

But I HAVE been!

So, that means I still have unfinished business on this planet.

Dear God...

Dear Universe...

THANK YOU for giving me another sunset, and hopefully, another sunrise.

THANK YOU for my beloved, deceased PARENTS.

THANK YOU for my beloved, deceased SISTER.

THANK YOU for my beloved, LIVING SIBLINGS.

THANK YOU!

And, oh, THANK YOU for allowing WHITNEY HOUSTON to sing, "Happy Birthday" to me!

THANK YOU!!  THANK YOU!!!  THANK YOU!!

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Brick House


When I was in college back in the '80s, I thought my fraternity house was enormous!  It comfortably housed more than 70 of us.  And I LOVED it!!

Almost 10 years ago, that house was demolished.


In 2006, the new house, designed by my Pledge Brother, Jim Riddle, was built right next door.


Now, here it is 2015 and fraternity houses are BIGGER and BOLDER than ever!  Just take a peek at the newly renovated Beta Theta Pi house at The University of Oklahoma.

All I've got to say about their house is...

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

p.s.  Oh, I also wonder each member pays per month to live there!  I betcha it isn't the $350.00 I had to pay!!!!!!!!
  

Oklahoma House Tour from Beta Theta Pi on Vimeo.

Monday, December 14, 2015

I Love Christmas...Cards!


I always look forward to this time of year, 'cause I love sending and receiving Christmas cards and Christmas newsletters!!!!!!!  Already, I've received beautiful cards from a few folks!

My beloved friend, Shelley, sent a card that included cute lil' messages about each family member!  I loved it!

My fraternity brother, Scott Cougill, sent a beautiful newsletter with photos and updates on each family member.  Each and every one of his children seems determined to make this world a better place for others.  Parenting job well done, Mr. Cougill!

Another beloved friend/fraternity brother, Father Mike, sent a card and his annual newsletter.  The man travels abroad more than any other human being I know!!  Heck, over the years, I bet he's been through a half dozen passports!!!

I'm gonna go out and buy some cards before this upcoming weekend and get 'em mailed out by Saturday!!!!  I've simply gotta!!!!!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

The Trumpster

Folks are so full of SH*T!

I see MILLIONS of posts about how AWFUL, RACIST and HATEFUL Donald Trump is and why we SHOULDN'T vote for him!

I say, WHY give HIM so much breath and energy???

What I wanna know is...

Sunday, December 6, 2015

The Soul Cafe


Last night, I dusted off my age-old apprehension about attending musical theater and stepped out to see Don B. Welch's THE SOUL CAFE.

Boy, oh boy, am I HAPPY I did!

The SINGING was OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!

Andrea Jones opened her mouth and I swear, HEAVEN rolled out note after note after note!!!

And who knew Todd Anthony has a voice-over voice as smooth as silk and an inner DEMON that the audience wanted to CRUCIFY??!!!

I'm not a violent person by any stretch of the imagination, but I sure wanted to slap Scott St. Patrick Williams' character upside the head.  SEVERAL times!!! B*tch betta have my money!!! Haaa!

THE SOUL CAFE was a HOOT!

And Loretta Devine is SIMPLY DIVINE!!!!!

When the show comes back, I'm GOIN' back to see it!!!!

Saturday, December 5, 2015

The Truth, The Whole Truth And Nothing But The Truth


Everywhere I turn, The Universe tells me practically the EXACT, SAME thing!!!

Sunday, November 29, 2015

If You Live Long Enough


Today was really a special day at my volunteer gig with the elderly.  I mean, I took the time to really talk to several of the residents, asking tons of questions.  And I got to meet some of their family members.  I always enjoy meeting their children, siblings and friends.

One of the residents, Ruth, is moving out tomorrow.  Her beautiful daughter was there today, moving some of Ruth's things.  Her daughter's husband and young daughter were also there.  I like talking to him, too.  Anyway, while helping Ruth's daughter take a box out to her car, I got a chance to learn more about why her mother is being moved.  Apparently, the residence no longer believes it's equipped to care for Ruth the way she needs most.  She has dementia, or Alzheimer's, and she's a wanderer.  Truth be told, I suspect Ruth needs to be on the Alzheimer's floor, but there probably isn't available room.

I wish Ruth well, and told her daughter I'm gonna pay Ruth at least one visit at her new residence.  Maybe she'll recognize me.  Maybe not.  Either way, I'm gonna visit because I know that would make her daughter and son-in-law feel good.  And, dangit, I like making folks feel good.

When I was in my 20s and 30s, hell, even in my early 40s, I didn't really think about growing old.  Or being old.  But now...well, now, aging is as real to me as every breath I take.  It's my goal to embrace the aging process with as much grace and acceptance as possible.  Keeping myself as healthy as possible is at the top of my list of Things To Do.  At present, I'm on a cholesterol-lowering medication, a daily baby aspirin, and on the edge of prediabetes.  So, I've got my work cut out for me.  I want a healthy heart and lean and mean frame.  Simple as that.

Everything must change.

And everybody learns that fact.

If they live long enough.  

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Thanksgiving 2015


Let the record reflect that this ol' boy is THANKFUL for EVERYTHING he has experienced in this life thus far.

And THANKFUL for whatever's up the pike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Still


I know tomorrow is Thanksgiving, but, boy oh boy, let me make this perfectly clear:

TODAY...

And EVERY DAY...

I'm...

Sunday, November 22, 2015

I Was Thinking...


I began the day in Marina Del Rey at a beautiful champagne brunch buffet.  Yes, I was joined by my brunch buddy, Ronnie.  He and I always arrive when the brunch begins and remain 'til it ends.  Just eatin' and drinkin' all the mimosas we can stomach!  Well, I drink mimosas.  He mixes the champagne with juice or something.

Anyway, today was as terrific a brunch as they usually are.  The weather was great and the restaurant was pretty full.  I'm always happy to see businesses be filled with paying customers!

After brunch, Ronnie and I made our way over to WeHo.  First stop: The Abbey.  Then, off to Trunks.  By night's end, I wound up driving a young man and his girlfriend to their apartment.  I had noticed them earlier in the evening, and I could tell they were fighting.  Who knew then that a couple hours later, as I was walking toward my car to go home, I'd run into the young man looking rather petrified.  I walked right up to him and said, "What did you do to that pretty young lady you were fighting with earlier?"  Yep, those were the first words out of my mouth even before an introduction.  I know, I'm mighty bold.  But, dangit, I know what I saw earlier, so I was right on the money.  He readily told me he had not noticed where she went and he was frantically looking for her because she didn't know her way around the area.  And because she was drunk.  I told him to get into my car and we'd drive up and down WeHo until we saw her.  His gut instinct obviously told him to trust me.  So, he jumped into my car and we set out on our journey.

As fate would have it, we didn't even drive one full block before we saw her standing on a corner.  He hopped out of the car and encouraged her to get in, then I pulled off.  She thought I was an Uber driver.  During our drive, I was determined to calm her down.  She called a few assholes names, then I switched the topic to HER.  Where was she from?  Her ethnicity?  She gave up the goods without hesitation.  And she didn't sound drunk.  Just heavily tipsy!  Haaa!

Anyway, by the time I dropped them off at their place, both were in good spirits.  In fact, when I pulled up in front of their place, I jumped out of the car and gave 'em a group hug.  They offered money.  I declined.  Then I hugged 'em again!  They told me they'd invite me to their potluck dinners.  And who knows?  If they actually do it, I might actually attend!

Truth be told, I believe I am an angel.  My life's purpose is to aid people in feeling better about themselves and others.  That purpose might not ever afford me a 6000 sq ft house, or money to jet here and there on a moment's notice.  But it DOES allow me to lie my head on my pillow at the end of a long day, feeling GREAT about being ALIVE.  And about being a BLESSING.

That's fine enough...

And RICH enough for me!

Friday, November 20, 2015

Fixer Upper

Chip & Joanna Gaines

Over the past week, while surfing Netflix, I've stumbled upon an HGTV show, Fixer Upper.  I had never heard of it, so I clicked on an episode since I like home repair shows.  Well, I'll be damned!  I fell MADLY in love with the hosts of the show, Joanna and her hubby, Chip Gaines.  I mean, the two of them are hella talented.  He builds and she does the interior design.  Honestly, I couldn't take my eyes off the screen.  I watched the ENTIRE first season in one sitting!  Okay, I took a couple breaks, and actually finished the season in a couple days. But, dang, I found the show riveting!

I truly wish I was as handy as Chip is.  I mean, my apartment would look like a SHOWPLACE if I were!

I'm looking forward to Netflix posting Season 2!  Season 3 will begin on HGTV soon.  But, um, I'll be waiting for all the episodes to come to Netflix.  Hey, I like it that way!!!!

Friday Fun Day


What I BELIEVE, I will ACHIEVE!

Yep!!!!

Monday, November 16, 2015

My Blessings Overfloweth


As each day progresses, I clearly see that BLESSINGS and MELODIES from HEAVEN rain down on me.

And I am ETERNALLY THANKFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Punctuation Rules!


The way the caption below reads, I sure hope Judge Judy and her son are okay. :)

Monday, November 9, 2015

A Friend Is A Friend Is A Friend Is A...


This past weekend, I had a GLORIOUS time, hanging out with one of my true life, "Charlie's Angels."  Yep, my angel, MADELINE, flew into L.A. to hang out with me, and I loved EVERY moment!

My friend, Donald, also hung out with us.  We spent 99.9% of the time, eating, drinking, laughing and talking!  Dang near in that order!  Haaaa!

I've known Madeline for 30 years!  Whew!  That's crazy when I think about it!

I'm just THANKFUL to GOD that I know her!!!!!!

She has texted me that she's back in CT, safely and soundly!

What a WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Madeline, my love, THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND!  :)

Friday, November 6, 2015

Friday Fun


In a little more than an hour, a dear, dear, dear friend arrives from NYC!  I met her when I was a mere 21 years old!  Lawd, that means I've known her for THIRTY years!!!!!!!  Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's my goal this weekend to simply reconnect with the ol' gal and enjoy ourselves!!!!!!!  Not trying to do the tourist thing.  Well, we'll check out the La Brea Tar Pits 'cause she's dying to see them.  But other than that, just chillin'!

So, here's to a GOOD WEEKEND!!!!!!!

And a GREAT FRIEND!  :)

Monday, November 2, 2015

George, Nespresso & I


Back in September I filmed a commercial for Nespresso, starring George Clooney and Danny DeVito.  I was hired as a background performer.  Well, as fate would have it, that's not exactly what The Universe had in store for me.

I wound up being used prominently, so the ad agency bumped me up to a Principal performer!  How 'bout that?  So, this commercial now makes my FIRST national spot.

Dear God, Dear Universe, Dear Heavens & Earth, please, please, please allow this commercial to run until ALL inhabitants of this land are guided by COMPASSION.  'Cause then, I'd be able to put some moolah away and visit every single living soul I've ever loved on this planet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, a man's gotta keep a positive attitude about this kind of thing!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to CAM Jr's national commercial debut...

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Happy Halloween 2015


Ahhh, this is BY FAR my MOST FAVORITE Halloween costume of the day!

Friday, October 30, 2015

Bridge To Nowhere

SAM SARPONG

This past Monday, model/actor/host SAM SARPONG ended his life by jumping off Pasadena's Colorado Street Bridge (aka  "Suicide Bridge").

Only God and Sam know precisely what compelled him to jump, but I suspect depression reigned supreme.

To the outside world, the man looked like he was going places.  But what does the outside world really know?  Nothing.  Who does it really know?  No one.  Sam must've been feeling really low that day.  News reports state that he was engaged in a seven-hour standoff with police and rescue workers before he jumped.  Wow!

My curiosity was such that last night I actually hopped into the car and drove to the bridge to see it for myself.  I parked on a residential street, then walked over the bridge.  I could clearly see how easily a person could jump.  But then again, if someone is bound and determined to do something, he can.

Actor/author Brooklyn Mclinn made a video the other night, sobbing profusely, as he discussed his friendship with Sam.  And his deep sorrow that Sam didn't reach out to him, or to anyone, for solace.  Brooklyn's words and raw emotion were palpable.  I truly wish Sam had spoken to Brooklyn first.

Millions of people are hurting in this world.  Hurting so deeply that they are on the verge of losing all hope.  Interestingly enough, hope is the one thing that undoubtedly keeps me afloat when the world makes every effort to sink me.

The video below introduces SAM SARPONG to those who aren't familiar with him.

I wish the best for everyone and everything.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Even A Good Man Is Tempted


This past Sunday, in Lafayette, LA, my fave Texan, DENZEL WELLS, made his stage debut in Jeremy Cormier's Even A Good Man Is Tempted.

After we solved a contractual issue, the young fella had a BLAST!

He portrayed the lawyer son of legendary R&B songstress, Shirley Murdock.  And from what she says on her Twitter, she adored him!


Denzel's super supportive mother had a dang good time, too!  I'm sure seeing her son up on that stage was a true treat for her!!!!


God bless, DENZEL, SHIRLEY and JEREMY for getting the show up!  Now, Jeremy can concentrate on his next move!!!!!!  I wish him, the cast and crew the very best!
  

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Pretty Little Things


I mean, really, WHERE do they find these women they cast on "urban" reality shows?

Yeah, I know they've all been "enhanced," but GOODNESS GRACIOUS!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Because I'm Happy


I see some incredibly passionate comments on social media made for and against LAMAR ODOM.

I've read a million times that The Kardashians and/or Kobe Bryant and/or Lamar's upbringing are partly (or wholly, according to some) to blame for his current predicament.

All I know is that I wish him well.

And that...

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Pledge Brother Love


I tell ya, one of my favorite fraternity Pledge Brothers is the one & only, JOSEPH BRIAN BEVELHIMER.

His gorgeous wife, TRACY, just posted the pic above to her Facebook, and all I've got to say about it is, DAMN, TRACY!

And LUCKY JOE!!!!!!!!  :)

Oh, JOE is the go-to man for all your INSURANCE needs!  ;)

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

"America's First Family"


I do truly believe KRIS JENNER is a freakin' GENIUS!!!!

If they don't already, HARVARD should teach a business class around her business moxie!!!!

She's a MAGICIAN!  She can spin DUST into GOLD!

Over and over and over AGAIN!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Gun Control


Oh, how I wish I could take credit for having written this, but I'll tell you this much: whoever did, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Question!


I just watched Tyra Banks cry about her infertility.  I remember Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Gwen Stefani, Beyonce and many others discussing their issues, too.

What I wanna know is, how come POOR women don't have trouble getting pregnant?

Monday, September 28, 2015

Big Brother 17 Finale


Well, last Wednesday was a wrap for BB 17!  As always, it was great seeing all the contestants party and be treated like celebrities for a night!

I got a chance to meet some of the cast I hadn't yet met...

Clay Honeycutt

Since I spent most of my times with "The Twins."

Liz (left) and Julia Nolan

Only GOD knows what next season will bring, so, if I'm not doing something that makes me HAPPY (and WEALTHY), I hope to be asked back for Big Brother 18!

Friday, September 18, 2015

Chit Chat With Denzel Washington


I am so thankful for video recordings, 'cause even if you're not able to attend a function, some kind soul records it so you don't miss a thing!

That Denzel Washington is somethin' else!  What a career!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Absolutely Everything!

After talking to my beloved friend, Smeralda Abel, today, what I know for sure is...