November 24, 2005
-
A Living Dog is Better than a Dead Lion
I know, I know. You’re probably wondering what in the sam Hell I’m doing blogging at a quarter ‘till 1100 on Turkey Day while that the folks. Where’s the respect, no?Words have the power of influence. Used correctly, they can paint a picture so vivid and poignant that you actually suspend belief and imagine yourself in another world. That’s power. How much stronger are words when they are brought to life via storytelling…visual storytelling? So I’m a douche for thinking that I could do so, yet it’s the only thing that puts the bounce in the step, the colors in the rainbow, the passion in romance.
I have a plan. If—and that’s a big if mind you—if I get the/a job in Nashville, I can stay there for a couple of months and in the interim be doing the research and necessary paperwork to get into film school. Kinda wanted to prove that I didn’t need school…it seems but a necessary evil, a cross to bear.
An observation of late: I have discovered that I am writing more via my blog, especially since having moved to Macaroni Grill. For some reason, in the short term I don’t seem to care that it’s public; the players that I write about are oblivious to what I write. Those who do know about either don’t care of have come to the conclusion that I just don’t give a damn and hence enjoy my blog for the minimal and mild entertainment value that it holds. Eric had a good idea methinks about using my blog to vent. Recently, I discovered that I can now type 60 WPM; I always have a lot to say and my blog doesn’t bitch back at me no matter how much I ramble on; and perhaps the simple fact that blogging requires computers and is therefore easily accessible, maintainable, etc. etc. has encouraged me to continue the trend.
I mentioned all that to say this: a thought has occurred to me of late. Since I seem to like to write on my blog, it has gotten me to sit my fat lazy back orfice in front of my computer and actually—God forbid—write. (Much kudos should come from Timon on this point. So, my thought has been that once I get the Arête done, and since I’m not in school, I can spend additional time writing scripts and books when I sit down to work on my blog. This is my most productive idea yet; the only thing that would make this idea perfect is if I actually got the job in Nashville (or something of that pay scale here) i.e. I’d be able to not only support myself but also dig out of the hole that I’ve dug for myself (go figure!). In spare moments, I’d write, and if nothing else when the equipment, personnel and money were in place, I’d have material to work with without the hassle of the flummery of royalty dances.
After thoroughly getting lost in that stream of consciousness, the new attack plan is thus: get dough rolling in, research and get my ass in film school by fall, and take the spare time in the interim to create and write. So you see Dan, I’ve been keeping what you said near and dear to my heart—it just had to go through a period of gestation.
Comments (5)
Productivity, and a creative outlet are priceless…and dont worry about something as common as money. When you need it, it will be there as long as you stay true to your current creative bent.
…and for the record, I enjoy your blog. Its a bit smarmier than Howton’s at times, but I have grown to appreciate your struggles, as I have been through similar scenarios, and can reflect upon them with the gratitude of having gone through them.
…and remember: “Everything precious has been refined by fire.”
thanks for the happy birthday wish
i don’t remember stories about the tea room. hmm…
and, since i don’t really work there anymore, it’s hard to write stories about it. i guess i could make something up.
Ponderance 1) Why is it so funny that I joked about dating you!? Arrg. It was a JOKE. But now I’m wondering if you’re 50-years-old or hideous or a pervert or a fanatic communist or . . . . hmm. . . Anyway.
Peace out.
Ponderance 2) Why is a dead dog better than a living lion? No, wait, switch that . . .
Reply 1) The man in the poem is my dad.
Reply 2) Nothing is wrong with straight hair, I was just having a pet-peeve rant about it.
Reply 3) The term “mum” stems from my British infatuation. I grew up reading British authors, became obsessed with Beatles, and fervently believe all British guys are hot whether ugly or gay. I also had a tiff with my mother because I refused to call her “mom” at one point, so it morphed into “mum” (which also stands for “most unusual mother”). Got it?
Love and pickles – Kait
Response to the previous comment reposted here so that Howton doesn’t start some wild rumors
Replies:
It is funny that you joked about dating me because it’s still absurd to me that I would meet someone on Xanga in the town of my residence and actually date them. Conversely, I don’t know how else I’d meet people.
I’m 20 years old…there are various ways to confirm this if you’re not satisfied. I won’t suggest them so you can’t say that I’m masquerading or am in coohoots with people. But trust me, there are ways to find out.
I am not a communist!!!
“Hideous” is variable, so I’d have to know what your definition of the word is to comment on that one.
“Pervert” is a blanket statement, so I’m not for sure how to reply to that one either. Philosophically, I guess we all are even if we only have one overtly sexual thought, no?
“A living dog is better than a dead lion” comes from Ecclesiastes 9:4. The idea being that it better to be an animal that (at the time of Solomon’s words) was associated with degradation (think of terms such as “bitch”) and be alive then to be an animal that, while is regarded as a supreme and royal beast, is nevertheless dead.
If your Dad was the guy in the poem…something tells me I shouldn’t ask anymore questions although if you’re writing about a true event (particularly your Mom threatening your Dad) and ever need to talk about it, I’m an open ear.
I like your etymology of the word “mum”. It was a toss up between you’re being well read/thespian and ancestry/immigration.
Actually, you know what? Perhaps I should just admit to the charges of being hideous and a pervert. Because I am obviously wanting to direct film and often think visually (even if that is only one dimensionally) I had a mental image of going to the mall and saying “hi” just because it would be a random thing to do. As you peruse my previous posts (particularly if you go back to circa June and the Butterfly post) you’ll know why I would think that would be a good thing to do.
The only way that I can attempt to give you a point of reference on this would be to recommend that you see Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and examine how sporadic Clementine and Joel’s relationship is. CAUTION: overt sexual material wrapped in a beautiful love story.
Hugs and Kisses- Tomas
P.S. I don’t get your signature. Why pair the two? It’s amusingly absurd and upsetting simultaneously.
P.P.S. My signature was designed to illustrate absurdity by being absurd.
P.P.P.S. I had some other thought that was supposed to go here, but this will have to suffice until I remember it.