TAGGED BY THORNE, OF THE BLOG, THORNE'S WORLD.
I am supposed to list seven things most people do not know about me.
I think I probably covered a lot of this, in my "25 Random Things About Me" post, at this blog, Lisa Allender Writes, back in Feburary of this year(2009).
But I'll do a stream-of-consciousness thing here, and just write whatever pops into my head:
1) I would still love to have a baby brother, or older brother. It may be why I've always had so many male friends become life-long friends. I'm very fortunate in that regard.
2) I had a brief fling with a very famous rock star.(Hint: he was hugely popular in the 1980's, and early 1990's.)
3) I was Non-Theist, or A-theist, for over 17 years, and by a series of things I could not explain(all good!) I found myself as of late 2003/early 2004, on a spiritual quest--which I'm still on. I call myself a Catholic-Christian by culture, and a spiritual seeker.
4) How I define my bisexuality:
In 1989, I said "I love vanilla ice cream, but sometimes, I want strawberry."
By 1992, I defined it as:
"I fall in love with the person, not the gender."
5) I would like to adopt a child, perhaps an older child who is labeled "unadoptable". I never had that burning desire to birth a child, but believe I may have some good to offer a child who has no home/parent.
6)I hate mayonnaise. It's okay mixed into a potato salad(sometimes) but I would NEVER eat it on a sandwich. Yuck!
7)I think actors who perform onstage are never given enough credit. It's exhilirating--and exhausting-- work, making every time you perform, "fresh", and seemingly "new".
Here's the link to Thorne, and "Thorne's World", and the entry that spawned this response from me.
http://thornesworld.com/2009/05/31/black-magick-white-witches-and-true-will/comment-page-1/#comment-2158
I tag:
Jayne Harnett-Hargrove, of the blog, "Harnett-Hargrove".
Marianna, of the blog, "A Momentary Cloudiness of a 'Dirty' Mind".
Betmo, of "Betmo's Corner".
Average American Patriot, of "An Average American Patriot".
Dustin Brookshire, of the blog, "I Was Born Doing Reference Work In Sin".
There are links to all of the above, just to the right of this post, in the column marked "Poets, Bloggers, and Others".
Look for a special post coming up this week, at Lisa Allender Writes, on why I love my Pax Christi(Peace Christ) chapter (reprinted, with a few additions, from my most recent post at my blog,"Practice What You Peace").
Peace, kids.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
IRAN. AN AWARD FOR LISA ALLENDER WRITES, AND MAYBE YOUR BLOG, TOO!
IRAN. AN AWARD FOR LISA ALLENDER WRITES, AND MAYBE YOUR BLOG, TOO!
I have not posted even a bit on Iran, because I wanted to do a bit of research, follow the "revolution", and then decide what I had to say that might be worth the time to write it, and your time to read it. And exactly three weeks after it began, I'm still stumped. Yes, "Twitter" helped legitimize(and publicize!) the revolution(I think the revolution helped legitimize "Twitter", too!).
But I don't have a clear idea of where, exactly, Iran is headed. And yes, I've read what President Obama said, about whether we have this leader, or that, Iran is still not warming to us(United States).
So, what about you? Please post your comments, because I need to hear from you--the people whose opinions I value!
So tell me where you believe Iran is headed, and what we should be doing about it.
Big Announcement:
I received the One Lovely Blog Award from Sarah Sofia Ganborg, who writes several blogs. Check out her Living in Scandinavia blog, as well as the link to her A Healthier Way of Living blog, at:
Thank you, Sarah Sofia Ganborg.
I'll bestow this One Lovely Blog Award to the following bloggers:
Collin Kelley for his blog Modern Confessional. This is one cool blog, with everything from politics, to pop-culture to the "po-biz"(Collin Kelley's term for the business of poetry) represented. Collin Kelley's long-awaited (and bound-to-be-controversial!) novel, "Conquering Venus" will be released this summer(August, 2009) by Vanilla Heart Press.
Go ahead, check it out, you know you want to!
Lydia, for her blog, Writerquake. Political, but lately increasingly fraught with beauty of the day, Lydia's blog will often make you smile. Her photography rocks!!
Melissa Fondakowski, for her blog, Poet With A Day Job. She covers literature, with an emphasis on poetry, and her tales of animals she loves and cares for, and the people in her "day job" will have you simultaneously laughing and crying. Also, some politics, and thoughts on staying sober....Oh, and delightful recipes and pictures of the fabulous meals she describes!Her photography is not to be missed!
Selma, for her blog, Selma in the City. In Sydney, Australia there lives a funny, upbeat woman whose use of metaphor continues to surprise me. Be sure to check out her "prompts" from various sites, as Selma delivers heartbreaking stories(both bits from her own life, and others) told in an unsentimental, and breathtakingly fresh way. I'm going to coin a phrase here when I say you'll delight in her "Selma-isms".
Jayne Harnett-Hargrove, for her blog called Harnett Hargrove. A visual artist, her signature pieces contain quotes(either from long-ago-famous folks, or from the artist herself). So, take a look at her gorgeous illustrations, and her art(which includes hand-made books, hand-loomed fabric, hand-made paper, etc.). You'll connect with her warmth, and her edg-y sense of life.
Kate Evans, for her blog, Writing and Being. I had the pleasure of meeting Kate Evans last year(October, 2008) at our Atlanta Queer Literature Fest. She is a lively soul, brimming with possibility, and promise. So is her blog. Ms. Evans' follow-up to "For The May Queen" is "Complementary Colors", which is due out this summer(August, 2009). A clue for you, for this book: "fluid sexuality." This novel is from Vanilla Heart Press.
Be sure to read the pieces Kate Evans has published at her blog, from her own mother-- a widely-published author in her own right--who is suffering from a debilitating disease. While it might appear at first mention that such "letters" from her Mom would be depressing, they are in fact a testament to her mother's spirit, which is strong and decent and kind, even when facing a despicable illness like Alzheimer's.
Peace, kids.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
ANNIVERSARY OF STONEWALL READING, TODAY AT DOWNTOWN ATLANTA LIBRARY!!
ANNIVERSARY OF STONEWALL READING, TODAY AT DOWNTOWN ATLANTA LIBRARY!!
I am honored to get to read alongside other LGBTQ writers, poets, activists, at a memorial reading for the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, in 1969, in New York City.
As LGBTQ, we are still fighting for civil and legal rights(are you listening, California??) but taking time to remember those who got us where we are today, is a worthwhile thing, a thing we must do, not only to honor those who scarificed, but to move forward--in strength, confidence, and yes--even in joy!
For all the great details on this event, hit the following link to Collin Kelley's blog,
Modern Confessional:
http://collinkelley.blogspot.com/2009/06/stonewall-reading-tomorrow.html
Remember, the reading is today, Saturday, June 27th. It begins at 10:00 A.M., and runs until 4:00 P.M.
I'm scheduled during the noon hour, but I'm getting there early to catch some of the early readers, and plan to be there awhile. It should be a swell afternoon of reading and remembering.
Peace, kids.
I am honored to get to read alongside other LGBTQ writers, poets, activists, at a memorial reading for the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, in 1969, in New York City.
As LGBTQ, we are still fighting for civil and legal rights(are you listening, California??) but taking time to remember those who got us where we are today, is a worthwhile thing, a thing we must do, not only to honor those who scarificed, but to move forward--in strength, confidence, and yes--even in joy!
For all the great details on this event, hit the following link to Collin Kelley's blog,
Modern Confessional:
http://collinkelley.blogspot.com/2009/06/stonewall-reading-tomorrow.html
Remember, the reading is today, Saturday, June 27th. It begins at 10:00 A.M., and runs until 4:00 P.M.
I'm scheduled during the noon hour, but I'm getting there early to catch some of the early readers, and plan to be there awhile. It should be a swell afternoon of reading and remembering.
Peace, kids.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Farrah Fawcett/Michael Jackson.
Farrah Fawcett/Michael Jackson.
Gorgeous, talented, hard-fighting Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with anal cancer approximately 24 hours ago-- on June 25th, 2009. Her performances in "Extremities"(first on Broadway, and then in the film) and "The Burning Bed"(a TV-movie), where she played, respectively, a rape victim, and then a battered housewife, are amazing in their fierceness, and vulnerability. Much like the woman herself.
Farrah Fawcett, sex-symbol, and more importantly, strong woman, caring mother, excellent actress, activist for cancer-victims and their fight. She's a real angel, now.
It's difficult for me to like Michael Jackson. While there is no doubt he is "The King of Pop", his admission to encouraging very young children/prepubescent/adolescent children sleep with him makes me feel less than kind towards this obvious pedophile. Technically, he would be called a "pederast", since his penchant appeared to be for very young boys.
I considered posting the link where you can see the actual court documents detailing exactly what one child swore Jackson did to him, but have decided that since Jackson just passed, that would be in poor taste. If you want that information, just know it's there, and can easily be Googled.
I hope Jackson's "own"(the children's mother, Debbie Rowe, admitted they are NOT biologically his, many years ago) children receive the love and care they deserve. Jackson's other child--and the one purported to be his biological one-- Prince Michael II, must be kept with his siblings. I hope a member of Jackson family will come forward to care for these children.
I have a feeling the autopsy will show that his obvious anorexia(It's common for someone to adopt obsessive-compulsive behaviors, like eating-disorders, when they feel they have some other obsession(perhaps his pedophilia?) over which they feel powerless. It's an attempt to bring "order" to a chaotic mind), which was just one of the ways his body-dysmorphic-disorder manifested itself. The skin-lightening and numerous plastic surgeries on his face, are more evidence of his BDD.
I believe the "cardiac arrest" was probably brought on by either intentional abuse of prescription drugs, or an accidental over-use combined with his body being underweight, and low on potassium.
Like many people, I will be listening to The Jackson Five's "ABC", and Michael's "Thriller" today. That music recalls a gentler time, a more innocent time....a time when the name "Michael Jackson" meant only fun songs, great music to dance to, and a handsome kid who made us all feel good.
RIP, Michael.
Peace, kids.
Gorgeous, talented, hard-fighting Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with anal cancer approximately 24 hours ago-- on June 25th, 2009. Her performances in "Extremities"(first on Broadway, and then in the film) and "The Burning Bed"(a TV-movie), where she played, respectively, a rape victim, and then a battered housewife, are amazing in their fierceness, and vulnerability. Much like the woman herself.
Farrah Fawcett, sex-symbol, and more importantly, strong woman, caring mother, excellent actress, activist for cancer-victims and their fight. She's a real angel, now.
It's difficult for me to like Michael Jackson. While there is no doubt he is "The King of Pop", his admission to encouraging very young children/prepubescent/adolescent children sleep with him makes me feel less than kind towards this obvious pedophile. Technically, he would be called a "pederast", since his penchant appeared to be for very young boys.
I considered posting the link where you can see the actual court documents detailing exactly what one child swore Jackson did to him, but have decided that since Jackson just passed, that would be in poor taste. If you want that information, just know it's there, and can easily be Googled.
I hope Jackson's "own"(the children's mother, Debbie Rowe, admitted they are NOT biologically his, many years ago) children receive the love and care they deserve. Jackson's other child--and the one purported to be his biological one-- Prince Michael II, must be kept with his siblings. I hope a member of Jackson family will come forward to care for these children.
I have a feeling the autopsy will show that his obvious anorexia(It's common for someone to adopt obsessive-compulsive behaviors, like eating-disorders, when they feel they have some other obsession(perhaps his pedophilia?) over which they feel powerless. It's an attempt to bring "order" to a chaotic mind), which was just one of the ways his body-dysmorphic-disorder manifested itself. The skin-lightening and numerous plastic surgeries on his face, are more evidence of his BDD.
I believe the "cardiac arrest" was probably brought on by either intentional abuse of prescription drugs, or an accidental over-use combined with his body being underweight, and low on potassium.
Like many people, I will be listening to The Jackson Five's "ABC", and Michael's "Thriller" today. That music recalls a gentler time, a more innocent time....a time when the name "Michael Jackson" meant only fun songs, great music to dance to, and a handsome kid who made us all feel good.
RIP, Michael.
Peace, kids.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
OUTRAGED BY OUTRAGE? HELL YES!
OUTRAGED BY "OUTRAGE"? HELL YES!
Outrage is the film produced to shine a bright light on--and to out-- the many closeted(read: mostly Republican) politicians who consistently vote against civil and legal rights for all(including the LGBTQ community who has always "protected" these same politicians!).
I went to the matinee showing of the film, "Outrage" at Midtown Art today in Atlanta. I thought I'd be moved, maybe even angered, by what I was about to see.....Angry doesn't even come close.
I'm actually pretty furious about all the completely clueless folks who deny their own LGBTQ-ness, and then insist on cramming their hypocritical "family"(who said family means only a man, woman, and 2.5 kids, anyway?!) values down our throats.
The words that stand out most in my mind were the words printed on the screen, attributed to an ex-"girlfriend" of now-Florida-Governor Charlie Christ. "[I have nothing to say], but call me in ten years, and I'll have a story to tell you."
The film sums up the tremendous denial among individuals, and even perhaps--the entire Republican Party, who in my opinion, has a great deal in common with Iran's "We have no gay people" President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Talk about denial.
After the film, we(eternal friends Collin Kelley, C. Cleo Creech, and I) headed to Mellow Mushroom and found ourselves discussing our own times in coming-out.To parents. To other loved ones. To friends. In my case, I was out as a Bisexual Woman, in the late 1970's. But I did not "come out" to my parents until 1997, though each of them(I spoke with them separately)told me then, that they "already knew".
I told Collin it felt like all day today had been one about "identity, and what that means."
To wit, each of us had had relationships where someone claimed to be gay, or straight, or bi, and then--viola'--suddenly, they're not. Or still were, but decided to go "closet", or felt they had to hide, or whatever.
Civil and Legal rights for all, is a threat to no one.Unless of course, you're someone who feels threatened by someone else's sexuality, because you've never come to terms with your own! Come on, kids, get comfortable in your own skin, and stop denying other people the right to marry, which guarantees them the same rights as everyone else:the right to visit a sick or dying partner, the right to shared property, to inheritance, to custody of children, to all the peace-of-mind that LGBTQ people deserve just as much as everyone else. We pay our taxes, we live for our families and friends and community as everyone else does.We all deserve to marry a partner we love, who loves us. Period.
For those who are still in hiding, come on out. It won't mean the end of the world. In fact, your life may feel as though it has a fresh beginning. As former Governor of New Jersey, James E. McGreevey sweetly put it in "Outrage", "I felt like 40 years was lifted off of me."
Peace, kids.
Outrage is the film produced to shine a bright light on--and to out-- the many closeted(read: mostly Republican) politicians who consistently vote against civil and legal rights for all(including the LGBTQ community who has always "protected" these same politicians!).
I went to the matinee showing of the film, "Outrage" at Midtown Art today in Atlanta. I thought I'd be moved, maybe even angered, by what I was about to see.....Angry doesn't even come close.
I'm actually pretty furious about all the completely clueless folks who deny their own LGBTQ-ness, and then insist on cramming their hypocritical "family"(who said family means only a man, woman, and 2.5 kids, anyway?!) values down our throats.
The words that stand out most in my mind were the words printed on the screen, attributed to an ex-"girlfriend" of now-Florida-Governor Charlie Christ. "[I have nothing to say], but call me in ten years, and I'll have a story to tell you."
The film sums up the tremendous denial among individuals, and even perhaps--the entire Republican Party, who in my opinion, has a great deal in common with Iran's "We have no gay people" President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Talk about denial.
After the film, we(eternal friends Collin Kelley, C. Cleo Creech, and I) headed to Mellow Mushroom and found ourselves discussing our own times in coming-out.To parents. To other loved ones. To friends. In my case, I was out as a Bisexual Woman, in the late 1970's. But I did not "come out" to my parents until 1997, though each of them(I spoke with them separately)told me then, that they "already knew".
I told Collin it felt like all day today had been one about "identity, and what that means."
To wit, each of us had had relationships where someone claimed to be gay, or straight, or bi, and then--viola'--suddenly, they're not. Or still were, but decided to go "closet", or felt they had to hide, or whatever.
Civil and Legal rights for all, is a threat to no one.Unless of course, you're someone who feels threatened by someone else's sexuality, because you've never come to terms with your own! Come on, kids, get comfortable in your own skin, and stop denying other people the right to marry, which guarantees them the same rights as everyone else:the right to visit a sick or dying partner, the right to shared property, to inheritance, to custody of children, to all the peace-of-mind that LGBTQ people deserve just as much as everyone else. We pay our taxes, we live for our families and friends and community as everyone else does.We all deserve to marry a partner we love, who loves us. Period.
For those who are still in hiding, come on out. It won't mean the end of the world. In fact, your life may feel as though it has a fresh beginning. As former Governor of New Jersey, James E. McGreevey sweetly put it in "Outrage", "I felt like 40 years was lifted off of me."
Peace, kids.
Monday, June 08, 2009
NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY!!!
NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY!!!
On Saturday, Hansoo & I drove up, with sweet, but lonesome Louie (our nearly 12-year-old Golden Retriever) in the SUV, and our hopes on hold. We were headed to Big Canoe, Georgia, to meet with folks from Big Canoe Animal Rescue. And specifically, to meet Afton, a beautiful German Shepherd for whom this wonderful rescue group found, and gave a chance.
The meeting between Louie and Afton was good, but it wasn't exactly love-at-first-sight for the dogs(However, Hansoo & I were infatuated with Afton, immediately!).
Afton appeared quite unsure, and Hansoo noticed she looked like she wanted to get back into the foster family's car, rather than get out and roam around a wooded area with strangers. And given her back-story, one can certainly see why:
she was found abandoned(!) with five puppies, with no food or water(!). Apparently, her owners left their home, and her with it. She was scared, hungry, weak, and terribly thin. The kind folks--including Dick & Sandy(her foster parents) and Carol(a Big Canoe organizer/home-reviewer for this fine rescue group)had managed in only a week, to get her spayed, and put 5 pounds of weight on her (still-protruding) bones. She's still terribly thin, but with puppy food to help her gain weight easily, she'll be great!
Three of her puppies have been adopted already, and the other two, Shiloh and Riley, may be seen at the official site for Big Canoe Animal Rescue:
As we were leaving this gorgeous community(there are about 8,000 acres, with several thousand homes, all integrated naturally)
we inquired about an Art Show --the first one ever held there--that we'd seen signs for. We had a chance to stop in, and while Hansoo entertained Louie, I saw some gorgeous pieces. It's a relaxing setting--a home surrounded by woods, filled with all kinds of art for sale...
"Hand-carved furniture, inspired by aviation" it says on the card,
by artist (and former career-Navy pilot!) Clay Hartman. I was able to speak with Clay, as well as the marvelous Eric Strauss, a sculptor specializing in metal(his iron piece featuring dogwoods, was delicate, and dangerous looking!) and came away quite impressed with both gentlemen.
Whew!
It doesn't get any better than a hidden "Eden" of three lakes, mountain views and lush foilage(think "Pan's Labyrinth" --without the scariness), and doggie-adoption, and great pieces of art.And did I mention the hand- blown glass, including an artist who does Murano bowls? WOW.
(My secret dream, as per my "25 Random Things"(listed in "Older Potsts") at this blog, is to one day blow glass.)
The next day--Sunday--Carol and her pal Linda came out for a review of our home, to be certain we(Hansoo, Louie and I) were a good "match" for Afton. The ladies seemed impressed with our home, but I do not mean the size of it, or the fact that we live in a great neighborhood, or near parks for playing, or trails for walking. I believe they used the most important criteria for deciding if we should be able to adopt Afton:
that we have the patience; the reward-based, positive reinforcement-minded training; that we have room in our lives in terms of time and energy, and most of all, that we have love to offer her. I joked that we are "adopting a companion animal for our companion animal." And in a sense, that's true. I chose to adopt a German Shepherd not only because I am comfortable with that breed(scroll down to the entry on my Mom--Demetra, to see why!), but because Louie seems to have a penchant for "Herding" and "Working" breeds of dogs. He seems to enjoy their particularly high energy level, and excitement, as well as their herding instincts.
In less than four hours, Afton was performing the play-bow to Louie, and romping a bit with him in the backyard, and on the terrace level.
Afton already waits for me to lead her into each new room in the house. Afton has assumed--so far--the "omega"(last one in pack) role in the pack, which is ideal. Hansoo is alpha(leader of pack), with me sharing that role, especially when he's not present.. Louie is "beta"(second) and as the "last" in the heirarchy, Afton can relax and know she'll be taken care of.
We'll be going up to Big Canoe again, later this week. We'll be stopping in at that Art Show, too. It runs through July 19th. Be sure to go see it!
More details on that, here:
Photo Credits:
Top photo, our first look at Afton--this picture is from the ad for Afton,
which ran at Big Canoe Animal Rescue's website.
Bottom photo: Afton and me, early Sunday afternoon, in our house--Afton's new home. Not shown: Hansoo(who shot this photo) and our sweet furry boy, Louie, who were playing off-camera.
No one can save the world, but you can save a piece of the world, one dog at a time.
Peace, kids.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
WW II Anniversaries;Acting;Bravery in acceptance and going forward
The anniversary of "Battle of the Bulge" was only days ago. (Yesterday)Saturday, June 6th was the 65th Anniversary of "D-Day"-- the landing on the beaches of of Normandy. My Grandpa Reed Allender fought in both, and I spoke of this some weeks ago, when we celebrated Memorial Day.
But I think we can celebrate the bravery many individuals display, in their everyday lives. This past Friday, I was fortunate to get to volunteer for Screen Actors' Guild, by working as an official "greeter" to welcome the six dozen or so Executive Directors, and Presidents of all our regional SAG offices. Many were faces you would recognize from various television shows and feature films--character actors and actresses whose names you might not know, but whose deft skills have intrigued you, and made you laugh or cry. Among the many actors I met was one fellow I saw being led by a guide-dog. He did not appear to be visually challenged. This actor, though, is completely blind, having lost his sight gradually, due to a retinal disorder, at age 26. I discovered these details when I decided to approach him at our "mixer" held on Friday night, at the cool Max Lager's in downtown Atlanta. I asked him if once he's cast in a show or film, if he had his lines put on audio, and then listened to them, in order to learn them. He said he does not do that. He's deaf in one ear, besides being blind. And then, he proudly displayed the device he uses to "translate" his lines into braille. He "reads" the words, by feel. So, just like the rest of us, he makes that emotional connection to the character he's playing (in discussing his preparation and research for the roles he's played, it's obvious he's a "method" man)and then memorizes the lines.
He had a few darkly humorous stories, too--he explained he knew it was "time to stop driving" when an officer pulled him over, and when asked for his license, the actor handed him his VISA-credit-card. Apparently, he was stopped because he had been, as the officer said, "all over 3-to-4 lanes."
I listened intently as he described plays he's performed in, including his recounting of portraying the character in "Waiting For Godot" who goes blind at the end of that play....but this actor was still a sighted actor at that time.It would be a long time before he would lose his sight.(All us actors know the famous quote:"Every role becomes a part of you." In this case, the quote was suddenly chilling.)
What do WW II heroes, and an actor losing his sight,and part of his hearing, but continuing to act, have in common? In both cases, there were great odds against success. Most believed the Allies would be defeated, too.
There are many who would wonder how an actor afflicted with blindness, could survive in a business known for superficiality, for labeling people, putting them in categories, and even predicting defeat for those who don't meet stringent, sometimes ridiculous guidelines.
He survived(and indeed, has thrived!) because he does not allow his "conditions" to limit him. When I asked him if he uses the word "challenged" to describe his blindness, instead of "handicap", or "limitation", he said:
"It's just inconvenient--I think of it only as an inconvenience."
I kept thinking about how often I am not pleased with something about myself(usually something fairly superficial, like my hair!).I kept thinking about all the times I haven't auditioned for a show, because I lacked confidence--even when others encouraged me to try-out. I kept thinking how this is a person who inspires me to do more, to do better--not because he's blind, and partially-deaf, but because it does not matter to him, that he's blind, and partially-deaf.
This actor has gone against the odds of winning, braved the stage and screen, and continues to act today(he's probably close to 60 years old now). He confided that he loves writing, too.
So here's to heroes. The ones who fought in WW II, and the heroes who set examples, who break barriers, who feel no boundaries.
Peace, kids.
But I think we can celebrate the bravery many individuals display, in their everyday lives. This past Friday, I was fortunate to get to volunteer for Screen Actors' Guild, by working as an official "greeter" to welcome the six dozen or so Executive Directors, and Presidents of all our regional SAG offices. Many were faces you would recognize from various television shows and feature films--character actors and actresses whose names you might not know, but whose deft skills have intrigued you, and made you laugh or cry. Among the many actors I met was one fellow I saw being led by a guide-dog. He did not appear to be visually challenged. This actor, though, is completely blind, having lost his sight gradually, due to a retinal disorder, at age 26. I discovered these details when I decided to approach him at our "mixer" held on Friday night, at the cool Max Lager's in downtown Atlanta. I asked him if once he's cast in a show or film, if he had his lines put on audio, and then listened to them, in order to learn them. He said he does not do that. He's deaf in one ear, besides being blind. And then, he proudly displayed the device he uses to "translate" his lines into braille. He "reads" the words, by feel. So, just like the rest of us, he makes that emotional connection to the character he's playing (in discussing his preparation and research for the roles he's played, it's obvious he's a "method" man)and then memorizes the lines.
He had a few darkly humorous stories, too--he explained he knew it was "time to stop driving" when an officer pulled him over, and when asked for his license, the actor handed him his VISA-credit-card. Apparently, he was stopped because he had been, as the officer said, "all over 3-to-4 lanes."
I listened intently as he described plays he's performed in, including his recounting of portraying the character in "Waiting For Godot" who goes blind at the end of that play....but this actor was still a sighted actor at that time.It would be a long time before he would lose his sight.(All us actors know the famous quote:"Every role becomes a part of you." In this case, the quote was suddenly chilling.)
What do WW II heroes, and an actor losing his sight,and part of his hearing, but continuing to act, have in common? In both cases, there were great odds against success. Most believed the Allies would be defeated, too.
There are many who would wonder how an actor afflicted with blindness, could survive in a business known for superficiality, for labeling people, putting them in categories, and even predicting defeat for those who don't meet stringent, sometimes ridiculous guidelines.
He survived(and indeed, has thrived!) because he does not allow his "conditions" to limit him. When I asked him if he uses the word "challenged" to describe his blindness, instead of "handicap", or "limitation", he said:
"It's just inconvenient--I think of it only as an inconvenience."
I kept thinking about how often I am not pleased with something about myself(usually something fairly superficial, like my hair!).I kept thinking about all the times I haven't auditioned for a show, because I lacked confidence--even when others encouraged me to try-out. I kept thinking how this is a person who inspires me to do more, to do better--not because he's blind, and partially-deaf, but because it does not matter to him, that he's blind, and partially-deaf.
This actor has gone against the odds of winning, braved the stage and screen, and continues to act today(he's probably close to 60 years old now). He confided that he loves writing, too.
So here's to heroes. The ones who fought in WW II, and the heroes who set examples, who break barriers, who feel no boundaries.
Peace, kids.
URGENT!! HELP !!
URGENT!! HELP!!
Click on the sites below, to help these deserving creatures find a "forever home". Or offer to "foster" one until her/his "forever home" can be found.
Thank you for your attention.
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13878223
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13860512
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13860531
Peace, kids.
Click on the sites below, to help these deserving creatures find a "forever home". Or offer to "foster" one until her/his "forever home" can be found.
Thank you for your attention.
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13878223
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13860512
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13860531
Peace, kids.
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