Monday, June 21, 2004

Quiet on the set...

My question in my last posting was what makes us feel alive, that which makes you wake up to give thanks for the coming day, and here is my reply to my own query...I have sat, thinking long and hard on the topic, listened to friends of their thoughts of it, and then had ten days of my life bring it all into clarity. It is kind of funny how things work out that way; funny-god-damn-amusing, funny-ha-ha, and, even more so, funny-like-a-clown. Here you go, and may you enjoy...

Somebody, please, if you can, grab the handle and give my carousel another spin...so that way, my ride may never have to end. The last week has been one of those kinds that can keep a person's spirits lifted for an entire year. It started with a surprise visit from my Mom - she flew in Edmonton to the East Coast of Canada to see me - which was amazing in itself. Then later on that week, I had the best hour and a half of television pleasure ever, when I caught an interview on Tony Hawk, then after that an excerpt on Newfoundland and Ireland, and then caught the Beastie Boys live in Scotland. Whew, I was so happy that week, and then my Mom totally treated me by taking care of fiscal shite, and then filled my fridge with groceries. I spent an afternoon with her, my friend Steve, Nelly, and an old family friend under a beautiful sunny Halifax sky, while we drank beers and listened to stories of old and new lore. I was sad to see my Mom go, but she will be back in the fall for my birthday, and is even thinking of moving here...whew, if that was not enough for a week, I spent the day yesterday as an extra on a movie set, watching as the magic of moving pictures took place, and picturing how my future screen-play may turn out. Life, in all its ups, twists and turns, only gets better as the sun drops lower in the sky; then even more fun as the night takes the days place.

I wake every morning - okay sometimes in the late afternoon - and for the first few moments, I will lie there and think; of my friends, my family, my coming day, but most importantly, I give thanks for the chance to be able to even open my eyes again. For the opportunity to see my friends, my family, and to have the ability to understand my thoughts. So many out there can take those things for granted because it is so easy to forget about something when it is always around you. But, to see my Mom smile at me again, to hang out with her and laugh, was exactly what the doctor ordered. To relax on a beach with a close friend, laughing and burning shite, is what makes my nights pass into the journals and memories of good times. Don't forget who you are, and where you are going, but most importantly, do not forget where you came from.

If I can ask only one thing of you, it would be this: somewhere, where ever you are when you read this, all I ask is that you sit for a second and listen to your breathing. Feel it enter your body and pay attention as it leaves it again...understand that without it, we have nothing; no more, no less. So, when life is getting you down, and your friends are nowhere to be found or seen, realize that all you have to do is breathe. Simple, hey? Until we met again, people, until we meet again.

"The world I love the tears I drop to be part of the wave can't stop...
Ever wonder if its all for you?"
- Red Hot Chilli Peppers