I’d like to introduce you to my friend Kevin…no, not Sweetums from a couple of days ago…this is a different Kevin, although just as loving and sweet.
Despite not knowing each other for more than a handful of years, Kevin has welcomed me into his life, opening his heart to me in a beautiful sign of trust. Playmate, jokester, nerd-boy, gentle crusader; Kevin’s gifts know no bounds.
It is well worth trying to get to know this gentle soul who offers so much love and understanding to an oft hardened world.
P.S. If Kevin is reading this, he just raised an eyebrow and smiled.
(Part Nine of my 12 Days of Gratitude…because the rest of the news sucks)
This is my friend and soul mate Nicholas, a man who is more of a character than the puppets he brings to life.
From the moment of our first meeting, Nicholas and I have been kindred spirits, finishing each other’s sentences, flubbing each other’s jokes. When Nicholas embraces you into his heart, you know that you are loved and that you will never have to face any challenge alone.
Make the effort to meet the many faces of Nicholas and experience the true definition of kindness.
P.S. You can also learn more about Nicholas’ strange afflictions on his web site: Lemon Productions Inc.
(Part Eight of my 12 Days of Gratitude…because the rest of the news sucks)
I’d like you to meet my friend Derek (the tall one), although the word “friend” seems too small, while buddy, pal and fellow-reprobate don’t quite fit either.
Although Derek and I have no blood ties, he is easily a brother to me, a constant companion for the last 20 years or so; a man who enjoys a good laugh, a quick pint (or several) and a jovial nod and wink.
If you ever get the chance, come say hello to Derek and see how quickly he invites you to the perpetual party that is his life.
(Part Seven of my 12 Days of Gratitude…because the rest of the news sucks)
I’d like to introduce you to my friend Ned, perhaps the greatest man that I have never met…well, not in person or on the phone at any rate.
A great wit in a world stuck in the Witless Protection Program, Ned is a loving father, husband and friend who not only writes heartfelt humour but also gives of his time to protect his community as a volunteer firefighter. And yet, for as much as Ned gives, you are never left in doubt that he has time and energy for you.
I look forward to the day Ned and I finally meet in person…and likely discover we hate each other’s guts.
P.S. You can follow Ned’s insane perspectives on life on his blog: Humor at the Speed of Life (also the name of his book, available on Amazon)
(Part Six of my 12 Days of Gratitude…because the rest of the news sucks)
If you want to see the face of love, then you merely have to see my friend Lisa (the one who doesn’t need Rogaine).
A high-energy spitfire who gives of her time and her heart without a second thought, Lisa somehow manages to care for everyone she knows while still having a blast herself. And for her compact size, she has a laugh that fills a room and your soul.
To watch the glimmer in her eyes and feel the warmth of her smile is to know you are in the presence of a great spirit.
(Part Five of my 12 Days of Gratitude…because the rest of the news sucks)
This is my friend Sweetums…I mean Kevin…a man whose body had to be so large simply to contain his great heart.
Actor, comedian, puppeteer, voice of God, Kevin has more talent than any one individual should, but it is his smile and laugh that set him most apart from everyone else. When Kevin is amused, all of Kevin is amused, and his laugh is a sonic hug that embraces you and makes you feel special.
If you have never been hugged by Kevin, you are seriously missing some love in your life. It is totally worth the risk of asphyxia.
This is my spirit guide and friend Piper, the bracing rush of fresh air that makes the world turn with her vivacity.
No one’s pushover, Piper eagerly embraces everything and everyone the world has to offer and gives a thousand-fold what she receives. You cannot help but smile in the presence of this beauty who warms your cheeks with laughter, your heart with joy and your soul with love.
She is a whirlwind that will make everything else in your life seem dull.
This is my friend Nick, an amazingly creative, nerdy soul who can’t stop giving of himself.
Although Nick may not say much until he gets to know you well (or until he sees a TARDIS), he is eminently worth engaging. And once you do find your way into his heart, he is an eternal refuge for weary souls and buoys your worst days.
Those who know Nick hold that gift dear. The rest of you should open yourself to this special man.
P.S. I firmly believe Nick will hate that I did this.
(Part Two of my 12 Days of Gratitude…because the rest of the news sucks)
Bluntly, In the Heart of the Sea was such a disappointing movie that I can’t even come up with a metaphor about a man driven mad by a desire for revenge against a ghostly leviathan. And that statement is made all the sadder by director Ron Howard’s attempt to do just that with almost every character in the movie.
For the under-informed, In the Heart of the Sea is the story of the writing of the novel Moby Dick by Herman Melville. It is also the story of the story that led to the writing of the novel Moby Dick. In short, the film occurs in two timelines that unto themselves cannot disguise the fact that neither plot line is satisfying.
Adding to this sense of disappointment is the fact that my friends and I saw the movie in 3-D IMAX, neither of which was needed to tell this narrative, which is surprising given the majestic concept of a whale attacking ships in the open ocean.
Even the actors couldn’t manage enough dimensions to be considered flat, let alone 3-D. Somehow, stalwarts like Brendan Gleeson, Ben Winshaw and Thor…I mean Chris Hemsworth…failed to bring life to this bilge water. Hell, even the great white sperm whale was unable to add excitement to this movie.
If you want the experience I think Ron Howard was targeting, watch Apollo 13 and every time Tom Hanks appears on screen, imagine him in a cape with a Viking helmet. You’ll have a much more enjoyable experience.
As one of my friends suggested, it was as though Howard was going through a checklist of clichés.
Man vs. inner demons √
Man vs. the elements √
Man vs. society/class system √
Man vs. nature/whale √
Man vs. himself/his past √
Unfortunately, Howard missed the most important one:
Man vs. coherent story with a point to make X
Having read the novel Moby Dick and watched two film versions—Gregory Peck is a God—this version actually did damage to the franchise. It somehow took an exciting tale and examination of the destructive demons that possess us all, and turned it into a melodramatic soulless mess.
The only real positive that I can offer this film was that for all the time spent watching nothing happen, I never reached the bum-squirming phase where I positively itched to flee the theatre.
This was a Hollywood gimme, and yet somewhow they managed to blow it.
Mother, Nehiyaw, Metis, & Itisahwâkan - career communicator. This is my collection of opinions, stories, and the occasional rise to, or fall from, challenge. In other words, it's my party, I can fun if I want to. Artwork by aaronpaquette.net
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