Pretty Ugly

This poem is simply BRILLIANT!!!!

The Commitments

A Facebook friend sent me a blog post by JAMES EDWARD MURRAY that truly moved me.

In fact, it moved me so much, I feel compelled to adopt the exact same (3) commitments (verbatim) that James mandated for himself in the new year.

So, for 2019 and beyond, I am OFFICIALLY DECLARING to commit to the following:

1.) I commit to embracing my truth in the face of both adversity and success, understanding that “faking it” leads to the success of few and the downfall of many. 

2.) I commit to seeking happiness from within, acknowledging that happiness stems from gratitude for what we HAVE, rather than desire for what we LACK. 

3.) I commit to being vulnerable and authentic, realizing that it’s impossible to live the life God has created for us when we’re not honest with ourselves and the people we love.

I am immensely thankful to my FB friend for sending me James's blog post. I even sent James a note, telling him how moved I was/am by his words.

I sure hope he receives my message.

'Cause I sure as heck received HIS!

Previously, on Big Brother...

This past August, ambassadors from my college alma mater jetted to Los Angeles to interview me about my work in television.

The interview is featured in their terrific publication, WABASH MAGAZINE.

I gave them a behind-the-scenes tour of the BIG BROTHER production soundstage. No, I couldn't show them the actual Big Brother house, because some of the houseguests were still living in it.

Instead, I took them onto the Live Eviction set, and into the backyard.

They were able to see a competition set being built for that night's competition.

They saw the folks monitoring the house's 94 HD cameras and 113 microphones.

Then I loaded them up on a golf cart and drove them onto Gunsmoke Ave., where I sat on a bench in front of a NYC building facade, and poured my little heart out about my sometimes hella interesting professional life.

Yes, since my college graduation, this ol' dude has worked a job or two.

Some, I liked.

Most, I didn't.

I won't be returning to Big Brother next month.

Instead, at 55, I intend to exploit my acting, writing and voice-over talents.

I am a PHENOMENAL human being.

So, I'll be fine.

Correction: BETTER than fine.

I look forward to what 2019 will bring.

Truth be told, it'll bring me whatever I WORK for!

Wabash College's article about moi can be found right HERE!

Merry Christmas 2018

Well, today is CHRISTMAS DAY!

YIPPEE!

As soon as I awaken for the day, the FIRST thing on my agenda is to reignite the pilot light in my water heater. It went out yesterday! Great! :)

I wish EVERYBODY a GLORIOUS day...

And a MORE GLORIOUS LIFE!

EAT, DRINK and be MERRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

55 Years Blessed

On December 22nd, 1963, a boy child was born in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He was the fifth child of a 31-year-old freckle-faced woman from Chicago.

And the fourth child of a 39-year-old southern fella from Kentucky.

My childhood was pretty enjoyable.

We didn't have much money.

Okay, who am I bullsh*tting?

We didn't have ANY money!

But we had love.

No, we weren't the type of family who'd say out loud that we loved each other. 

But we showed it.

Over the years, I don't recall ever receiving birthday gifts, because my birthday was too dang close to Christmas.

I got cake, though. And to this day, I still love chocolate cake.

A lot!

I am 55 years blessed.

I can't believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Inside, I still feel like I felt some...um...25 years ago.

I really do.

But I'm not 30. I'm 55.

Over the course of these 55 years, I've seen some things.

Done some things.

And have endured things being done to me.

And I'm STILL here!

No, I haven't enjoyed any true, professional fulfillment.

And no, I haven't embraced any true, requited romance.

But you know what?

All that's just fine by me.

'Cause what I HAVE enjoyed and embraced over these 55 years of blessings is...

GRATITUDE!!!!!

To God and to The Universe!

For making me, ME!

Precisely as I am!

Tall!

Thin!

Black!

Kind!

Compassionate!

Friendly.

Forgiving!

Same-gender loving!

Helpful!

Courteous!

Frugal!

Patient!

A man who lives his life treating others the way he wants to be treated.

Period!

Dear God...

Dear Universe...

I thank you for allowing me to see 55 years on this precious planet.

Many folks aren't granted that privilege.

My mother wasn't.

My eldest sister, Deb, wasn't.

But for whatever reason, I was chosen to see 55.

For that, I am immeasurably thankful.

What I know for sure is that...

No matter what JOB I have or HOUSE I live in or CAR I drive or ROMANCE I embrace, I am MORE than ALL those things!

I, Charles Andrew Montgomery, Jr., alias Cam Montgomery Jr., alias Beany, say OUT LOUD to MYSELF...

And...

To God be the GLORY.

AMEN.

King of R&B?

Until sometime last week, I had never heard of a young singer named JACQUEES.

He assaulted my consciousness by confidently proclaiming himself the music industry's current "King of R&B."

Well, a cat can't make a proclamation like that and me not investigate.

Apparently, a young British singer named ELLA MAI released a popular song called Trip. Jacquees must have liked it, because he recorded a remix of the song.

As fate would have it, Jacquees's remix became even more popular than the original song. So popular, in fact, that Ella Mai's record company had it taken down from YouTube.

Well, of course, hardheaded folks keep re-uploading the darn thing. And I'm happy they do, 'cause now I can say I've heard a Jacquees song.

I gotta admit, I like Ella Mai's version of the song, but I think this young boy's remix is even hotter!

I don't know about him being the "King of R&B," though. R. Kelly still holds that spot as far as I'm concerned. But, if this remix is indicative of Jacquees's music, I might have to give him a listen.

Ella Mai's version of TRIP is here!

And THIS is Jacquees puttin' his stank on it!

Hmm.

King of R&B, huh?

We'll see where this thing goes.

If it's meant to be, it'll be, it'll be. Baby, just let it be. :)

Music, Sweet Music To My Ears

Her name is MALINDA KATHLEEN REESE.

And she has the voice of an ANGEL!

Below is what happened when she stepped into a Pantheon-style church in Montefrio, Spain with a 6-second reverb all to herself!

Simply SENSATIONAL!!

Follow Malinda on YouTube and Instagram.

MAZELEE FAMILY

YouTube is loaded with families who post vlogs about their day-to-day lives. I suspect most of them fake pranks and family disagreements to gain subscribers. The more subscribers, the more advertising they can feature on their channels, which means more money in their bank accounts!

But I've stumbled upon a family I think is pretty dang authentic.

Alena Maze and Joseph Lee. They call their YouTube channel: MAZELEE. Just a simple combination of both their surnames.

They're married. With kids.

LOTS of kids!

When Joe (of Korean descent) married Alena (of African descent), she already had four children (all girls) from two, previous relationships.

Her oldest daughter comes from her relationship with a black man.

Her next three daughters come from her relationship with the same white man.

And her youngest two are with Joe. Like I said before, a Korean man.

Honestly, they're running a mini-United Nations in that robust household.

Watching their channel is pretty entertaining to me. Even when they're just cooking a meal, I'm entertained by the hustle and bustle in their kitchen.

Joe is an aspiring filmmaker, and you can tell he's got some chops by the cinematic beauty of their vlogs. He films them like they're little movies.

Alena is a smartie. She earned a Master in Science degree in Mathematics from Georgetown University, and is working on her Ph.D. in Survey Methodology and Statistics.

I applaud Alena and Joe for teaching the youngest children to speak, write and read Korean. And I truly enjoy the open dialogue they have with their children. All the kids speak so well.

I tell ya, their vlog really illustrates the joys and challenges of a packed house. Heck, I remember it well, coming from a family with seven children my dang self.

Wait a minute! Did I just say, seven?

Well, yep, you guessed it. Alena is now pregnant with her SEVENTH!

Geez!

Alena Maze and Joe Lee appear to be AWESOME PARENTS...

...an ADORABLE COUPLE...

...and hella FERTILE!

Haaaa!

I wish them the very BEST!!!!!

For now, I'll keep watching their YouTube channel!

I Love A Rainy Night

Last night, southern California was blessed with RAIN!

YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't begin to describe how much I love walking in rain.

Sleeping while it's raining.

Listening to rain.

I went out to catch a private screening of Jennifer Lopez's new film, Second Act. Afterwards, I stuffed my face at Wood Ranch, then happily strolled home in the rain.

I had an umbrella, so I wasn't worried about a thing!

I walked from Burbank, through Toluca Lake, then made my merry way to my place in West Toluca Lake/NoHo.

I said, hello, to every pedestrian I passed along my trek. It was nice to see I'm not the only person who enjoys rain walks.

Heck, I hope it rains again tomorrow night, so I can take another late night stroll!

The Sound Of Music

This weekend found me in the company of a couple of musical hotshots!

Friday night, I stopped by my favorite watering hole, El Tejano. While imbibing my beloved frozen margaritas, two of my drinking buddies spotted a young lady across the room, whom they recognized as a popular songwriter/recording artist.

JULIA MICHAELS is her name. She has written songs that were recorded by Justin Bieber, Fifth Harmony, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Gwen Stefani, and many others.

Admittedly, I only vaguely remembered her name because of her debut single as a recording artist, Issues, but after being given the full 411 on her, I walked over to her and her posse, introduced myself, offered a made-up story about my "daughter" being one of her biggest fans, then proceeded to pose for a photo with her as she recorded a video (addressed to my "daughter," of course). Haaaa!!!

My drinking mates were blown away that I just walked up to her and started talking, but heck, I've never met a stranger, so I can do that! Besides, she was very warm and inviting!

I wish her much, much, much continued success! She's TALENTED AF!

Okay, so last night, I attended a mini-concert, showcasing the musical styling of JARED GRIMBLE.

I met Jared a few years ago when he worked at the residence for the elderly where I volunteer. Back then, I thought he was a delightful, young fella. It's good to see he still is. And hella talented to boot.

He performed at a well-known spot here in L.A., Molly Malone's, that's known for showcasing up-and-coming artists. Guest artists who have appeared there include Michelle Shocked, Flogging Molly, Joan Osborne, Jeff Healey, Lucinda Williams and Lenny Kravitz to name just a few. So, my boy, Jared is well on his way!

His song list included a few covers and a few original works. I truly enjoyed his voice, energy and backing musicians. The man came to WIN!

In my next go-'round on this planet, I sure hope I come back as an incredible vocalist, piano and sax player! That would make my entire existence!!!!!

Until then, I'm gonna keep on LIVIN' and LOVIN'!!!

And drinkin' FROZEN MARGARITAS! :) :) :) :) :)