I'm Just Saying, NO!

My blog rarely makes mention of politics.  Almost NEVER, actually.  And the reason is because politics bore me.  And oftentimes make me fantasize about doing bodily harm to its participants.  I don't like harboring those kinds of fantasies.  I'd rather my fantasies leave me with a strong desire to wash myself after thinking about them.  Not with a strong desire to inflict physical damage to another human being.  So, no politics for me and my blog.  I just wouldn't feel right afterward.

We Live & We Learn

A couple nights ago, during one of my usual, late-night strolls to Universal Studios, I ran into a fella I originally met seven-nine years ago.  Back then he was one of the "young & beautiful" people in Hollywood.  Always surrounded by a posse of other young & beautiful people.  The belle of the ball, so-to-speak.  Fast-forward to today and his life has come full circle.  To the outside world looking in, his life is probably a letdown.  To him, though, it's a revelation!  You see, back when he was living the "high" life (figuratively & literally) he was drinking & drugging to excess.  In fact, seven years ago, he was driving drunk and flipped his car upside down into a ditch off the freeway.  He had a passenger riding with him who was already knocked out before the accident.  When the dust settled, both were still alive, but the passenger later sued him and won a $6000 judgment.  The guy I know, through the grace of God, walked away from the accident with his life.  Of course his driving privileges were taken away from him.  And shortly thereafter, all the "beautiful people" he thought were his friends walked out of his life, too.  They laughed at him behind his back.  His spirit was broken into a million, little pieces.  --- When I saw him the other night, we discussed what he's learned about all the craziness he once invited into his life.  And, from what he told me, he's learned a lot.  He's learned that he's MORE THAN a beautiful face & body. And more than being seen at the "best" parties and knowing the "best" people.  He's learned that very few people truly have his best interests at heart.  Well, I wish the best for him.  As I wish the best for everybody.  I gave him a huge hug and told him that now that he seems to love himself, he'll no longer tolerate the kind of "friends" he once had.  And he'll no longer participate in self-destructive behavior.  If we live long enough, we certainly learn what works for us and what doesn't.  The key is making the necessary adjustments so that what works for us is what we experience most.  And, truth be told, the choice is solely OURS for the making!!!

All I Have In This World...

In order to make sure I devote my time toward procuring work that truly interests me, I've told myself that I won't get onto Facebook or check unimportant e-mail accounts until I've accomplished my goal.  If I want to see positive change in my present, day-to-day life, I MUST stick to my word.  After all, truth be told, my word is all I've got.  I can tell sticking to it won't be easy.  But what I know for sure is that it'll be worth it.

When I'm Back On My Feet Again

Over this past, Fourth of July Weekend, I oftentimes found myself thinking about how I would attack this week, determined to get myself gainful employment doing something I love!  Saturday night, as I sat in the comfy home of a beautiful young lady named, Amanda, I thought about it.  Sunday, as I stood in The Abbey amongst a horde of folks, I thought about it.  Monday, when I sat in a restaurant with a friend and his friends, I thought about it.  Every time I make a move these days, I think about the day I will be able to live as freely as I used to.  When I had a regular paycheck.  When I had no need for a roommate.  When I had no need for a car.  When I could walk into a travel agency and purchase a plane ticket without worry.  A part of me doesn't feel as powerful and confident as I usually am; because I don't have the finances to live as I want.  I have run, kicking & screaming, from a 9-to-5 job for dang near 15 years.  That's not the life for me and I know it.  I'm supposed to be working 15-hour days, doing what I love:  talking.  As myself!!  And, then, it won't be work.  It'll just be me being me.  Today I did indeed take a huge foot forward toward booking work as a host/moderator.  So, yes, I truly believe I'll again see the sun.  Might take time, might take time, but I'll see it.  When I'm Back On My Feet Again!!!!!!!!!

Sweet Land Of Liberty

This Fourth Of July weekend has been a good time.  I spent Saturday at a terrific barbeque, hosted by a friend of a friend.  The hostess was a knockout!  And her pitbull, Otis, was awesome, too!!!  --- Last night, I went to my fave haunt, THE ABBEY.  The place was packed!  Okay---jam-packed!  I could see the younger crowd, having the time of their lives.  Reminded me of when I was there age, walking into a bar & thinking I owned the world!  I still wish black, gay guys were kinder to each other.  But, as they mature, perhaps they'll feel what I feel.  Anyway, one guy I know was there with another dude who wound up getting into a fight outside the establishment.  I am soooo thankful it was outside the place, but I wish it hadn't happened at all.  Despite the fact that those fighting truly only represent themselves, I know--to "others"--that they represent all black & latino guys.  I'm not sure why some people can't manage avoid physical confrontations at all cost, but I am sure that that kind of behavior is NOT wanted at THE ABBEY.  Not by the bar's owners, employees NOR customers!! --- It is 6:27 PM and I am in for the night.  I'll step outside to water some plants and possibly go to the grocery store for yogurt or something, but not goin' out to party.  No, sirree, Bob! --- To this entire nation, though, I say, HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

This Time I'll Be Stronger

The wise man knows that an idle mind is the devil's workshop!  Thus...I've GOTTA get my mind occupied.  'Cause, truth be told, the devil and I have been hangin' out waaaaaaaaay too much lately!  Waaaaay too much!

Reach Out And Touch

Every day I see more and more that people are hurting.  Financially.  Emotionally.  Professionally.  Just sorrow everywhere I turn.  And I have to ask myself...why?  With all the resources on this planet, why are people going without?  Without self-esteem.  Without food.  Without shelter.  Simply without.  I suspect the reason is that helping our fellow man isn't as important to most as acquiring material possessions.  If I were currently living my professional dream, I wonder what I'd think of all the despair I see around me.  Could I be so tuned in to the hurt and pain I see because I'm feeling some myself?  Perhaps.  But, either way, I see what I see and want to do what I can to ease some of the misery people believe they're enduring.  I hope & pray the volunteer work I do at the assisted-living residence affects some of the residents and staff in a positive way.  Surely my work there isn't in vain.  I hope & pray that, although professional success hasn't embraced me yet, that it's on the way.  Surely my journey toward it isn't in vain.  I hope that all the young & "older" brothers and sisters I know who are striving to earn a living as actors/writers/directors, etc., aren't striving in vain.  No adult wants to move back in with his/her parents because they can't make it out here on their own.  Positive self-esteem is NOT born that way.  --- Whatever the future brings, I fully intend to keep living and loving as freely and openly and compassionately as I currently do.  And, whether I have two dollars in my pocket or two million, I intend to continue extending a helping hand to those I deem worthy of receiving one.  Yes, I have to make that judgement call.  I am a SURVIVOR.  For that, I am thankful.  It's high time I transition into being a THRIVER!  'Cause living my BEST life is lonnnnnng overdue!!!!