The Move

Sun burns in odd places
A strained back from couch hoping for a month
Chlorine coated hair follicles from final swims
Orlando, you’ve left your mark on me today.
A sweet reminder of the last two years thrown over my body
an anointing from the city that changed me
a swelling of feelings and memories lands on my shoulder
stays perched for a moment
then flies away
in search of the next outsider fortunate enough to come and experience them
Orlando, you’ve left your mark on me forever.
I’ll see you later.

Filed under: Life , Good times, Joy, Memories, Moving, Orlando, Seeya Later

Cut out a slab and throw it on the scale

I’m going to see what I’m really made of in the next two months. I’m doing what this guy, this chick, this guy, and this guy do, only with 1/5 of the resources and 1/64 of the head knowledge. It’s our thesis project at school, and it’s for all chips on the table. This won’t define me, but it will mold me. It’s my opportunity to bank or blow.

I’m learning how a film career and a personal life are supposed to intertwine. We’re told at school that a successful career in the film industry requires dedication, commitment, and sacrifice. We have to be sold out and willing to give up anything. Be ready to make a move at the drop of a hat.

I truly want to be good at what I do. I want to be the best. I want fruition and realization. I want savvy and triumph. I want to be competant in my field, and I want to be successful.

I think those are all appropriate things to desire. But when you have a “me first” mentality, you lose perspective and become ignorant. I don’t think human life is at it’s most prosperous when it’s lived for personal gain.

I will work hard for my future and go the extra mile for the team of people I work with. But film will not be my life. I am a Christ follower, a son, a brother, a friend, and a lover first. Film, photography, and graphic design are all personal passions that double as career options. Art will always find it’s way down the water ways of my life, splashing against every sandy bank along the path, leaving it’s erosive impression. But my heart belongs to people and relationships. My heart belongs to love and it’s different shapes and battles. My heart belongs to a God, to a certain girl, to my family, to my brothers.

I think they can live together, but it won’t be easy. I’m preparing to walk the tightrope. I’m preparing to make the mistakes, and to make them over and over again. I’m preparing to walk with purpose and live with integrity. I hope my life speaks of love through the actions I make and the visuals I create. Things can get cloudy fast. I hope I remember it’s not all so black and white.

Filed under: Life, Movies , Balance, Career, Conrad Hall, Ellen Kuras, Family, Film, Future, God, Happiness, Haskell Wexler, How to live, Job, Joy, Life, Love, Meat, Roger Deakins

Break your chains

Stop.

Whether you are down because of your circumstances or are worried about tomorrow,

Stop.

You were born in America. That means you are free. You have a freedom that the majority of the world doesn’t have. You have the free will to do good and live a life of joy without consequences. Don’t tie yourself down.

Since you have the freedom, use it for good. It all comes back around again.

Filed under: Life , America, Freedom, Joy, Stop, Worry

Some days you just can’t get rid of a bomb.

Tomorrow H&H is shooting its first full production, Bloodshed Union has signed it’s first band, Brandon will be back with footage from his New Orleans for our video production endeavor and I’m surrounded by people whom I love, and who love me.

I pray I don’t lose my head in these times of success and joy, but at the same time I’m very happy…more than happy actually, full-out joy, doing what I love and pursuing things with passion, and fulfilling a purpose. And I know that it all could be over tomorrow, but it won’t take away the fact that I’ve been part of something that is bigger than myself. And I contest you can not find true happiness and joy until you are doing something larger than the small existence you and I live.

“Do you know that the harder thing to do and the right thing to do are usually the same thing? Nothing that has meaning is easy. “Easy” doesn’t enter into grown-up life.”
-Robert Spritzel (Michael Caine),
“The Weatherman”

Filed under: Whatever , Adam West, Batman, Bloodshed Union, Bombs, Brandon, Charles, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, Joy, Michael Caine, Music, New Orleans, Prayer, Quotes, Robert Spritzel, The Weatherman, Video