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! :) :) :) :) :)

Kwaye

A little while ago, while surfing on YouTube, I stumbled across a young singer.

His name is KWAYE.

At first glance, I thought I was looking at African royalty.

Born in Zimbabwe, he was raised in London and began honing his musical talents there.

A chance encounter with an Uber driver in Los Angeles put his recording career on track. Read about that here!

Below is the song/video that put this artist on my radar!

And, man, I love the song!

Keep The Faith

When I first watched the video posted below, its POWER compelled me to JUMP TO MY FEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

POWERFUL!

I am 54 years blessed and have NEVER felt a sense of professional fulfillment.

Nor romantic bliss.

But, for some CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZY reason...

I STILL BELIEVE experiencing both is within my grasp!

I DO make a DIFFERENCE.

And as long as I keep pushing forward, I CAN achieve what I SEEK!

I CAN!!!!!!!

I wake up every morning and go to bed every night, feeling hopeful that ALL things that happen in my life are for MY good...

Because I STILL have FAITH!!!

I wish the best for EVERY living thing!!

And ALWAYS WILL!

Regardless of AGE, RACE, CREED, COLOR, SEXUAL PREFERENCE, EDUCATION, FINANCES...

ALL people DO make a DIFFERENCE!

DON'T YOU QUIT!

Kibera Slums of Joy?

Zaheer and young girl

My overachieving physician/attorney fraternity brother, Zaheer Shah, and his lovely wife, Christine, spent Thanksgiving overseas. One of their destinations was Africa's largest, urban slum: Kibera. I suspect their visit there has changed their lives in a significant way.

At the very least, I'm sure it made them incredibly thankful for the lifestyle they lead here in America.

What I know for sure, is that after reading what he said about Kibera and its inhabitants, I am even more thankful for my life precisely as it is. Yes, I intend to make some changes to it, but flaws and all, I'm thankful for everything it is. And everything it isn't.

And I'm thankful that Kibera's dwellers still know joy while in the throes of immense poverty.

This is what Zaheer had to say about Kibera:

"Today was the highlight of our trip abroad. We visited the largest slum in sub-Saharan Africa. In twisting, narrow alleys reside anywhere from 500,000 to 1 million of the less fortunate inhabitants of Nairobi in an area known as Kibera, located only 4 miles from Nairobi's vibrant downtown. As we walked into the slum on our way to an orphanage, my wife witnessed for the first time streams of raw, open sewage running alongside the walkway in the alley. Many of the dwellings were made of mud and the rooftops mere sheets of tin. As we moved deeper into the slum, the scent of burning plastic and garbage hung heavy in the air only to be intermittently punctuated by the smells of raw sewage. And the children. Everywhere. Laughing, running, playing. Their eyes bubbling with curiosity and a friendliness towards strangers that you no longer see in children in the West. My initial impulse was to withdraw a bit. To become concerned about my risks of exposure from the apparent lack of sanitation and to worry for my personal safety...But those children. And the way that they so authentically engaged us. I looked over to see my wife holding hands with some of them, even kissing a little girl and I began to feel myself letting go as well. Embracing the moment. And I am so grateful that I did. I lived a day ,today, that was so pungently alive, that I literally stopped in my tracks on at least three occasions to ask myself, "Is this really happening?". I am no photographer, but the images that I share with all of you in this post are a gift. A literal shadow of the gift that God granted me today by allowing me to share a day in the lives of such magnificent human beings. The amazing people that we met at the Stara rescue orphanage and the work that they are doing to feed, educate and assist the most vulnerable of the children of Kibera left me humbled, grateful for my life, and inspired in ways I cannot fully enunciate at this time. I suspect pictures may do what my words currently cannot."

How Dare He!!!!!!

I want this BIG BROTHER UK houseguest TARRED and FEATHERED!

Discovery Ball 2018 - Indianapolis, IN

Ten days ago, I flew back to Indiana to attend a fundraising gala sponsored by The American Cancer Society Indiana.

It was called Indianapolis Discovery Ball.

My brother sits on the board, so he purchased a table-for-ten, and filled it with my siblings, a niece, his

wife, her daughter, and his daughter.

All of us dressed to the nines and had a BLAST!!!

My brother, younger sister and I made sure to get a photograph together, because in our youth, the three of us were practically inseparable. Especially those two!

We ate, drank, laughed, talked, had winning bids on auction items, and even had a chance to reconnect with Mr. Holbrook Hankinson, an Indianapolis business leader who ran the Center For Leadership Development program when I was a teenager.

I heard our table was the first all-black table ever at this event. Hmm. Well, my brother said we'll be back next year; so Indy, get ready!!!!!!!

My family lost our beloved eldest sister, Deb, to breast cancer in 1990. So, standing up to the wicked disease, and speaking up for those affected by it, will ALWAYS be one of our passions!

Until next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The End?

Nobel Laureate, Mo Yan, sums it up as eloquently and as succinctly as anyone could:

"Where there's life, death is inevitable."

Death has truly been on my mind lately.

No, not my death.

Other people's deaths.

Every day I sign onto Facebook, somebody is telling us about the death of someone they love.

I leave a message on every death notice I see. In fact, I leave so many, all I have to do now is type in the word, "May," and my phone cranks out the rest from memory.

"May his/her soul rest in eternal peace."

I notice that death doesn't frighten me these days the way it used to in my youth. Now, I'm at peace with it. I truly am.

I readily accept that death is indeed a part of life.

A necessary part.

Nothing that has ever lived lasts forever.

 Nothing.

And I'm fine with that.

I know it's our selfishness that compels us to want to keep those we love alive and well until...well...forever.

When my mother died in June 1985, all my fantasies about everlasting life died with her.

From that point on, I told myself: "There will never be another human being I can't live without."

Since her death, I don't believe I've ever truly allowed myself to become wholly emotionally attached to someone else.

I've had numerous infatuations. Some so intense I sometimes acted in ways beneath the man I am.

Ultimately, I always eventually accepted that I could live without the subjects of those infatuations, and life went on.

I'm 54 years blessed. God willing, I'll be 55 in less than two months.

I wish the very best for everybody I encounter. And also to those I don't. I want folks to feel happy to be alive. And to share that happy feeling with those who don't possess it.

I don't believe death should be feared.

I believe it should simply be accepted.

For what it is.

Inevitable.

And when my final breath is exhaled, I hope only my physical body dies.

And that happy memories of me live on.

Forever.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2018

THIS black cat wishes one and all a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

And so does the one in the pic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haaaaaaaaaaaaa! :) :) :) :)

The Spectacular Artistry of Daniel Cole

NOBODY is paying him to draw.

He simply does it EVERY day because he LOVES doing it!

Drawing is as NECESSARY to his existence as BREATHING!

This kid had to be BEGGED to make his Instagram public so people could SEE his work.

Just look at his obvious attention to detail.

I feel 100% CONFIDENT that if he continues to create like he's doing, he's gonna earn a PHENOMENAL living from his colossal TALENT.

And from his unwavering DISCIPLINE!

Ladies and gentleman, may I introduce you to the sensational work of...

DANIEL COLE.