Cherish Each Memory

I've been thinking a lot about my mom, this holiday season. It's still unthinkable--in my heart and mind--to realize she's been gone over two years, now. And each passing holiday, I understand the sadness on peoples' faces, because my face expresses that sorrow, as well.

 So it's hard to understand how my feelings can go from sorrow to happiness, from dark to light, but I think it's because I'll always associate important occasions with mom being happy. So, in my memories, she will always be full of life, cooking and smiling. And so, if only for a moment, we're gathered again around a table and moms laughter rings out--over everyone else's--because she's that happy to be surrounded by family and friends.

And now, it's bittersweet, the regret that I feel because I did not share moms joy about the holidays. I dreaded the extra cooking, hectic last minute preparations, but mom truly loved the holidays and her eyes would glow with happiness. And now, I wish I could do that cooking and work with her. I wish I could hear her ask how I'm doing, or have her ask me to help her make a meal. How I miss the sound of our big family gatherings, from  years ago, but time, life changed the memories that were so important.

So be sure to show your family and friends love and appreciation. Cherish each memory as if your taking a mental picture, because these snapshots will last a lifetime. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone.

My Interview With Exlus Bennett Of Outlaw East Entertainment

It's not often, in such a busy world, that we can find the time to reach out and help others. So it's my privilege to interview, such a person, who has given generously of his time, in helping others. My  blog, today, is a question/answer session with Exlus Bennett, who agreed to talk about how he started, Outlaw East Entertainment, www.OutlawEastEntertainment.com  which formed out of an evolutionary process. One that will benefit all who seek out www.OutlawEastEntertainment.com.

• What made you decide to start Outlaw East Entertainment?

I started Outlaw East Entertainment, with Edwin Jones, out of an evolutionary process.  Allow me to back track.  In the late 90’s, I owned and operated an art studio.  Our product was graphic arts for various publications.  We did newspapers, magazines, and foremost comic books.  We called ourselves an art studio rather than publishers was because we cared more about the art; the freedom of expression in artistic form by any and all individuals.  My staff and I believed in that so strongly, that when the local kids would hang out to see what we were working on, we started listening to their ideas, their input and their opinions.  We eventually started to hear the kids own characters and stories.  So we encouraged them to write it out.  I guess, at that time, every teacher in the local school was wondering what was going on with these kids. But, the kids came back with good stories and characters.  Sure it was rough and needed some polishing, but they were engaged in something positive!  So I made the decision to put my money where my mouth was and develop, draw out and publish their stories.  I was involved helping the kids with story development, character, content (to a point) and every title featured the creator’s name on the cover;  A confirmation of ownership and development.  Fast forward to 2007, when I was approached to obtain rights from one of my personally created characters for filming.  I was skeptical so I offered a “low end” character.  Then I was asked to write the screenplay for the character and at that point Edwin approached me and wondered why we couldn’t do it ourselves.  After some deliberation, some support from my loved ones I told Edwin, let’s do it.  But we wanted to approach it differently…within the norm, but let’s get real stories behind us again, like when we were in the art studio.  The name Outlaw didn’t signify that we wanted to be ‘badasses’, we use ‘Outlaw’ to state we operate outside of the normal conventional ways.

• Was it a lifelong dream? To start your company? To help others?

When we started O.E.E. we decided on a few perimeters for the company; 1) Everyone gets an opportunity. 2) A good story is a good story. 3) No one pays to participate 4) We keep the studio East of the Rocky Mountains.  The craziness that is Hollywood, can stay in Hollywood.  And finally 5) We don’t get in the way of anyone actually finding their own version of success, whether it means working with us or leaving us for greater things.  Those are the 5 principles we use.

• What do you think are the benefits of reaching out to help others?

I believe the benefit of reaching out to others goes far beyond finding an original story or an inventive way to do something.  It creates a community.  Thanks to the internet, the community is global.  A united community solves problems be it; low employment or high anxieties.  While we are not dumb enough to think we don’t need money, we are not terribly jaded by it either.  If our studio could generate one to two $20 million dollar film per year (low balling it) , we could employ 400 persons at $50k a year salary.  That changes things dramatically.  Once we go beyond that, well the sky’s the limit.

• What do you see happening for Outlaw East Entertainment in the next 5 years? Ten years?

I see Outlaw East Entertainment growing and evolving like it should and not being held back by typical constraints.  We’ve all heard nightmarish stories about what may or may not go on in Hollywood. Why do we have to follow suit?  Some extraordinary things have happened from independent artists.  We believe we can allow more into the industry, after all there are over nine (9,000) thousand television stations around and even now there are more content on the internet with the new format of televised show online.  That creates a need for new and abundant material.  I think O.E.E. will still be pertinent long after I’m gone.

• And finally, what words of advice would you give anyone wanting to go into the entertainment field?

My advise for anyone trying to get in the entertainment field is follow what you are comfortable with.  If you want to go the conventional route to your destiny, do it with conviction.  However if the conventional road is not for you, get tough, roll up your sleeve and blaze a whole new trail.  Whether you succeed of fail, the accolades you get from the effort while be just as satisfying.

                 *End Of Questions*

I really enjoyed interviewing Exlus Bennett and learning the story of www.OutlawEastEntertainment.com . And I realized something--as I read the answers Exlus gave me--that I have become rather jaded in my opinions--where the internet is concerned.

Somewhere, along the line, I have closed my eyes, not seeing clearly, those who have offered kindness, that became instrumental in helping others make their dreams come true. So I plan, thanks to Exlus helping me see things more clearly, to periodically post--of those on the net--whose kindness helped others see their dreams to fruition.

What Film Means To Me--My interview with Producer, Director Jason C. Bair

As many of you know, if you've read my posts on movies, there's nothing more important to me than movies. They are an escape from the real world, that can make you laugh, cry, get angry, or feel you can be anyone you want to be, during your time at that movie.

And, in my opinion, a great producer's movie can make your heart beat faster and make you associate, fall in love with these characters. So much so, that you can even understand why someone stole, killed, or became the person that they did.

And with movies being cranked out so fast, now days, sometimes a producers heart and soul have to be left out of the equation.  But I've had the honor, recently, of interviewing a producer who has put his heart, soul and love into his movie. That producer, is my friend, Producer, Director, Jason C. Bair, whose film www.decisionsthefilm.com is currently in the crowd funding campaign stage at: http://indiegogo.com/projects/228502?key=3f7b94 

I hope you enjoy my interview with Jason C. Bair and what made him decide to go into film making. I've also decided, instead of summarizing, to put Jason's exact answers to each of my questions. I felt, in this way, you would get the full impact of his heart felt answers. Enjoy.

• Jason, what drew you to the film industry? 

 When I was younger, watching films, MTV, anything having to do with entertainment, I knew (at an early age) that this is what I wanted to do, which (in some way shape or form) was to be involved within this industry. 

I had such a love for music and film, however my path to get to where I'm at today, was one that was very different (I'm sure) then the average individual. I partied a lot! LOL. I lived my life as a kid, teenager, young adult, etc. and I regret nothing. All my experiences molded me into the individual I am today. I wasn't the type of kid that went to acting classes, vocal classes, etc. What I mean is that I didn't get started at an early age within this industry, like most kids do. Granted, when I attended College I received a B.A. in Communications with a focus in screenwriting; and most of my classes were related to film, television, radio, and music. However I attribute my LIFE experiences with people , places, and the things I've witnessed, to much of my success because it helped me to network and "grind" my way to receive everything I've ever had.

I hustled in NYC and landed jobs at TVT records and Murder Inc. Records; I later landed a senior writers position on the CBS NY Broadcasted television show, La Nueva Estrella Awards; not to mention the endless contacts and relationships I've established along the way. Throughout that time I was writing my first screenplay entitled Decisions.

As I got older I realized I wanted more security in my life and, in this industry it's very hard to accomplish that, so I made the decision to stop chasing job after job in the entertainment industry... I decided to get a "regular 9 to 5" and focus solely on my passion and my dream which is completing my script Decisions (which I did) and to continue to work hard to bring my vision to fruition on the big screen.... AND WHERE'RE ALMOST THERE!

• Do you have any favorite films or producers you use as role models? -

This is a great question. There are many people within this industry whom I respect, as well as enjoy there work; but the one individual that comes to my mind is Christopher Nolan. If I had an idol in the film industry, I would have to say it's Christopher Nolan. I truly believe he's a genius. From Memento, to the Batman Trilogy, to Inception, etc. Everything he touches he turns into Gold. He challenges your mind... puts together intellectual entertaining films. He surrounds himself with talented people such as himself and I truly believe he brings the best work out of any individual (Actor or Crew) who works on his projects. Hands down Christopher Nolan. 

• If you could do it over, would you still pick the film industry or another field?

Without any doubt in my mind, Yes I would  still pick the film/entertainment industry. It's my passion. I'm about to tell you a true story.

The first day we went "live" and filmed the first episode of La Nueva Estrella, I woke up at 5 a.m... got to work at 7 a.m.... worked straight until 1 a.m. the next day... and the first thing I said, to myself was, "damn? the day's already over?".. LOL! Not, "OMG I'm so tired" or "I can't wait to get some sleep"... I wanted to stay and continue working.

My point is, this industry is my passion. When you're passionate about something, nothing else matters. I love this and I hope one day I can become successful and do this full-time. 

• What advice would you share with new or struggling producers, directors and screenwriters in the world--of film--that is so hard to break into?

Another great question. Honestly, I would simply say, don't ever give up or get discouraged. This is a cut throat NASTY industry. You need to have crocodile skin to survive; you'll get turned down, people will tear you apart... but what do you do when you fall? You get up. If you can't take rejection or criticism, you're in the wrong field. I've had my script critiqued and ripped apart by reputable production company's such as HBO; I've received great comments on my project by companies such as Cheetah Visions and Miramax films, but, at the end, they all declined on producing my film. I've cried many nights over this. However, the next day I picked myself up, continued to learn... continued to push myself... continued to blueprint my plan for success.. and I WILL never stop until I accomplish my goal. You need this type of attitude to survive in this field.

Also, continue to educate yourself, not only on your craft, but the business behind our business. Learn any, and everything little thing, their is to know about the film industry; your craft, how films are made, etc. It helps to be educated in every aspect of this industry, from my own experiences.  

• Finally,what is the most important thing you hope to achieve now, and in your lifetime as far as film making goes?

What I hope to achieve? What I hope to achieve is sitting in a seat at a film festival or movie premiere and seeing my film, Decisions, on the big screen. I also hope I can make a little money off this (I can't lie). LOL.

But seriously, I think at that moment, I'll say to myself... I did it. That's something nobody can take away from me; I made my movie.

I don't want to think about success, or another film project, or the possibility about launching a great career from the success of this film; their are so many avenues that could occur, but the most important thing to me is to create my vision for the world to see. If I do that, I'll truly feel a sense of accomplishment. 

                                              

                                                  *End Of Questions*

I truly enjoyed my interview with Producer Jason C. Bair. He reminds us, with his heart felt answers, just how important movies and creativity are, and how that important factor, can bring great movies our way. Let's please support Jason as he goes on this journey. Please tell family, friends, fellow moviegoers about Jason's film at: www.decisionsthefilm.com and please help support his crowd funding campaign at:  http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/228502?key=3f7b94

Movies--The Great Stress Reliever

Before I start my blog post today, I want to dedicate this post to my uncle "Memo", William Guzman Ramirez. He passed away, August 25, 2012. May he rest in peace with my mom.

With this in mind-- during my time of sadness-- I want to talk about things that have brought me peace. Books and TV have always been important--for stress--but I think movies have always been the great stress reliever-- for me.

But, today--I will not talk about the actual movies I've seen, but instead I want to help promote some of my friends who are making that magic--the movies that have been so important to me. My friends--below-- are the producers of upcoming indie or short films. It is great producers, like my friends, who have brought me such happiness, in the form of movies, and to them and producers of many films--since my love of movies began-- I want to say a BIG thank you!

My friend, Producer, Director Jason C. Bair has a wonderful film about decisions, and just what decisions would one make in life. They're currently raising capital to begin producing their movie at: www.decisionsthefilm.com. Or to donate visit www.Indiegogo.com.

My  friend Producer, Screenwriter Jeremy Wechter  is also in the pre-production/fund raising stage for his micro-budget horror movie, "Evil Alive". You can find out more about this great movie at: https://www.facebook.com/EvilAliveMovie 

And last, today, I want to give a shout out to my friends Producer, Directors David August and Tanner L. Richards. Their short film: Extreme Golf  http://youtu.be/pBTS_95O14o will be in the Flappers Funny Film Festival on October 7, at 9:00 p.m. in Los Angeles, CA. More info can be found at:http://davaug.com/xgolffest  Congratulations, you guys!

So let's give support to those that make great movies. That wonderful form of entertainment that's such a special and important part of our lives.

Modern Conveniences--To Have Or Not To Have

Sometimes, I don't realize how clueless I am about modern technology, until I get that deer stuck in the headlights look, when I first hear about something new. So, with so many new things happening--technology wise--, I got that look again, awhile back, after hearing about cloud/cloud computing, and the first thing that pops into my head is--rain or an overcast sky, or maybe a fluffy cloud in the shape of a bunny-- but, after a little search I learn it's a delivery of computing and storage capacity to a heterogeneous community of end recipients http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing . This, of course, left me even more clueless, but maybe I'd have a stronger urge to learn more about this if I was working in a big office or company where people would have to travel a lot and keep in touch via computer.

But whether I understand modern technology, or not I must admit I'd love to have some of that modern technology, like the new Droid phone and who wouldn't get caught up with all the bells and whistles that come with that, including the cool looking commercials. www.verizonwireless.com/droid.shtml

So with all these modern conveniences, I have to ask myself, why do I still resist things, especially if they can make one's life so much easier?  It's possible, that like Danny Clover in that Lethal Weapon movie where he says," I'm getting too old for this "shit", that maybe I feel I'm getting too old to learn too, as some things can seem so complicated. Especially, when a new gadget comes with a booklet that has 300 or more pages in it, it can be off putting. And if you get the jargon that only Einstein could translate,or if there's not enough direction, if they're skimpy with the instructions, I am truly doomed.

So, do I want to do away with modern technology? Go back to a simpler time? No, for sure, no.  There are so many things that are better for us today, than 20, 30, 50, 100 or heaven forbid, hundreds of years ago. I--for sure-- want cars, conveniences and modern medicine. And I definitely wouldn't want a tooth pulled out, or experience childbirth, again, without the aid of painkillers,but sometimes, if not for a moment, I wish I could go back to an earlier time, when maybe things were learned in a shorter time, or self-explanatory. One can only hope,I guess.

Cartoons, Now and Then

When I was little, I felt lucky to have cartoons like Bugs Bunny, www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugs_Bunny  on TV. The talking animals, the inevitable lines of humor, brought a lot of laughter to this small town girls' life. And, if I was lucky Foghorn Leghorn, www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LCsiWL6gn0 with his Frazier like humor would be on TV too. I still see some of those old cartoons, on Cartoon Network, www.cartoonnetwork.com/, but the cartoons have come a long way, since then.

Time and modern technology have brought so much more to our kids viewing experience. Life like 3D cartoons, with all the colors of the rainbow, and dialogue that both kids and adults can find humorous. But  honestly, it's hard to make a fair comparison between cartoons of the past and present, because,when I was young, all we had were the few cartoons and outdoor playtime. Now, there's nonstop activities to choose from and cartoons options, are endless, with everything from Star Wars, www.cartoonnetwork.com (search-Star Wars) and Chowder-(search-Chowder) to cartoons geared more towards teens and adults, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_cartoons .

 So what chance did I have, that modern technology would not effect me, as well? www.andertoons.com/cartoons/technology Because, sadly, cartoons like--Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, and Foghorn Leghorn, of old--just don't compare to the cartoons of today.  I still watch them, but flat, dimensional cartoons, and bland colors just don't compare to today's modern, visually exciting cartoons, http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=694589

In conclusion, I think it's good that cartoons have come a long way. My daughter too, has a love of cartoons, and spends a lot of time on www.lego.com (on the Ninjago Forum) bonding with kids and creating endless story ideas. So, modern technology and cartoons can connect. They still bring us laughter, but in a more visual, realistic way. So, even though childhood laughter is far behind me, I can laugh again--adult like--, with my daughter as we watch some of televisions newest cartoons. And it's in this way I become a kid again. One who once more loves animation, and the humor that cartoons can bring to our lives.

From Dusk To Dawn

When I was young, my mom and I began a new tradition. We started going to see horror movies--at a now defunct drive in--behind my then, childhood home. They called this night, of horror movies, "From Dusk To Dawn". It began, right at twilight, and ended at 4:00 a.m., in the morning. We'd be sitting there, cringing, but loving every minute of it. And to this day, I still love horror movies. Not so much the gore, but the ones with suspense, that make you hold your breath, and then jump right along with the actors, as they head towards something you know is going to get them. Or maybe, they're spared, just to get it in the end,as something grabs them from behind a wall, in the closet,or in the inevitable spooky forest.

Of course, those days are long gone now. Movie drive ins are rare as hens teeth and my mom is no longer here to enjoy those movies, but I've started a new tradition with my own daughter. Not the Dusk to Dawn--horror watching tradition-- as she's only ten, but a tradition we call, "Movie Night." We have these every time hubby goes out of town, or works late. So, it really helped my budget and "Movie Night", when Walmart started coming out with their 4, 5, or 6 movies on one DVD. These movie packs range anywhere from my favorite, $5.00, to $7.50, and higher.

So now, with these affordable DVDs out, there's no reason not to have more, "Movie Nights." I can sit back, on our "Movie Nights" and watch those suspenseful, horror movies. Of course, earlier horror movies, may not have the graphics of today, and can look sort of fake, but if they are suspenseful, and have a good storyline, it is still worth the $5.00, I paid.  And if the DVD is not good, say all the movies are bad, no problem. I give them to the goodwill or a friend that wants them, and they are used again. Even if all the movies on the DVD weren't good, where else can one get six movies, to watch, for only $5.00?

I really wish that the drive in was still there, so that my daughter and I could watch the"From Dusk to Dawn" movies, someday, but I'm very happy that we have "Movie night". Sometimes, our, "Movie Night", begins with Ninjago and Sci-Fi, but not long after that, she's off to watch things with unicorns, and fantastical worlds,and I'm off to watch a horror movie. So, after a quick preview of my DVDs, tonight's horror movie will come from the: "Deadly Games" DVD collection. And, as the movie progresses, I will jump, as the dark shadows close in, and I'll know the horror has truly begun.

For Genna

She had a cute little under bite, and sometimes I swear she'd smile, when given a dog treat. And I found it endearing when she acted shy--placing her paws on top of her head--as if to say, I'm so ashamed. She could be stubborn though-- for a little terrier-- and it was easy to envision the indifferent flick of a cat's tail, when she ignored a whistle and simply walked away. Yet, she was a constant companion, who followed us around the yard, chasing my daughter on whatever adventure she was on. So, it was with great sorrow, that I learned my dog, Genna, passed on today.

So today's blog is dedicated to my pet Genna, and a big thank you, to her. This is also an acknowledgement to other great dogs out there, for each dog, in whatever way they're there for us, show: unconditional love, loyalty, and an eager need to please, and give companionship that lasts until their dying breath.

I tried to decide what other kind of dogs to talk about, but I had such a hard time deciding, as there are so many great dogs out there. So I narrowed it down to just four types of dogs, that have helped us, in some way, throughout history. First, I think I'll mention the dog that would have helped my mom so much--if we could have afforded it-- as she lost her independence, two years before her death, due to blindness.

This, first dog--so helpful to man-- is a Seeing Eye, or Guide Dog. http://www.seeingeye.org/ .  So often, since moms death, I've observed the guide dogs and have seen their kindness, calmness, and have been comforted by their unending concern for the visually impaired person they're helping. And I know, such a gentle dog would have been so much comfort to my mom.

Second, I want to mention some dogs I saw on  a TV, awhile back. The dogs really touched my heart. They were, Australian Shepherds--or working dogs--who demonstrated great loyalty, patience, and persistence.  www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_dog . I've rarely seen dogs as loyal as these dogs can be. They risk their own lives, to guard and protect the livestock, of their owners.

Next, these wonderful dogs helped during the war: History: The Dogs Of War. www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ccab/war.html . These brave dogs--like the K-9 units of the police--work alongside man, putting their lives on the line, in the call of duty,and as such should be celebrated, and honored for the dedication they give to their jobs.

And this last site-- from it's first paragraph-- showed what was most important about our dogs--before anything else, they are first, and foremost, our friends. In this way, my friend Genna, through her love, showed me how to give unconditional love. This site: What our pets teach us--click link to dogs on left side-- is: www.thepetwiki.com/wiki/What_Pets_Can  shows a history of what dogs have meant to us, and how they've always been by our side, in some way.

But now, it's time to say my final goodbye to Genna. I acknowledge that my life will never be the same. For the loss of Genna, as with my other pets, over the years, is a pain, that's never forgotten. A tiny missing limb, that will never grow back. May Genna know, in some way, how much I loved her. For a little piece of my heart is gone, and will never be replaced.

John Carter--Of Mars

I've been a huge fan of movies since I was a teen--so I guess you could say I'm a connoisseur of movies. I’ve seen all genres of movies, watching even the worst one’s to their tortuous end. And I think, of all the movies I've seen, John Carter Of Mars http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0401729/  is one of my all time favorite movies.

John Carter--Of Mars-- played by actor Taylor Kitsch was a fast paced movie with inner conflict for several of the characters. You had John Carter--whose past was shown in flashback-- showing bits of sorrow that left him unwilling to help others. You also had actress Lynn Collins--playing Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium and her need to save her people. And we had the struggle of actor Willem Dafoe's character--Tars Tarkas, and his fight to remain leader of his green, four armed humanoid race, as well as keeping his headstrong daughter, played by Samantha Morton--as Sola, safe.

I had planned on writing more about this, but I decided to tell the reasons I loved the movie, and let the movie trailer speak of it's merits too, after seeing the movie shredded by movie critics. They found problems with everything from: the characters' wardrobe, to Edward Rice Burroughs' dialogue being all over the place, to them--actors/actresses, etc.-- wanting us to believe that the things in the movie could really happen, as something to find fault with.

This I had a hard time understanding. First off, fiction is after all fiction. Why could this movie, like any other fictional movie, not be seen for it's entertainment value? And why was the fact--their opinions-- that it was not believable, important?  Are not all movies far-fetched? Or TV? The point is, we watch them for their pure entertainment, first and foremost.  And as such, it delivered. It entertained, it took away from our problems and gave us an enjoyable escape, as it were, for awhile. And it had all the important ingredients a movie needs: action, a hero, a love story, and an ending with a twist, giving us all the qualities of good fictional entertainment.

I think any movie, should be seen for the value that it has. That value, is that, for a moment, we live in another world besides our own. Where we can leave our problems behind; be rich, be a spy, or ride horses along the beach with our true love beside us. So not only was this a great movie with awesome 3D effects and action, it also took us to a wonderful world, where we dreamed, left our worldly problems behind, and entered the land of entertainment.

"FREE", A Must Have

I think the greatest thing about the Internet is that it offers endless possibilities and a lot of those things--can oftentimes, be found for free. So today I'm going to put three links to some sites that offered free services--which caught my eye. Because, if your anything like me, the word "FREE", especially in today's economy, is a definite eye-catcher.

As I'm such a fan of movies I'll start with a cool site I found last night. This site, which shows free movies is: http://www.crackle.com/ . I was pleased with the great color, and the nice sized window you could watch the movie in. And the fact that the commercials--by the paid advertisers--were only a few seconds each. And I really liked the fact that you didn't have to sign up for anything, if you didn't want to. I only had to put my birth date, to confirm I was an adult, before watching an R rated movie. Which was cool as Hollow Man was a little intense and I can understand their concern and not wanting minors to see that.

Secondly, I thought I'd add a link on here to something else close to my heart, which is music. I can't think of anything that's lifted me up when I'm blue, gave me energy when I was tired, or just brought back memories faster than music. Fun, engaging, and free music, which is of course the best kind. That free music link is: www.music.aol.com/radioguide/bb .

And lastly, especially with the way the economy is going and people being out of work, I thought I'd add a couple of links to sites that offered free, online printable coupons. Those sites were: www.printable-coupons.blogspot.com/ and www.mysavings.com/ .

I've always appreciated those that have given me advice or shared sites on the Internet. So, I plan to occasionally put free or cool sites on here that I find. Come check back often, as I hope to come across many free goodies. Because I really believe that, "FREE" is a must have, for anyone.

When My Time Comes

Sometimes, I catch Hoarders www.aetv.com/hoarders/ and Hoarders, Buried Alive, www.tlc.discovery.com/videos/hoarding-buried-alive-tv/  on TV and I think how can it be possible to not notice how bad things are and that stuff is piling up? And what could make a person a hoarder--in some way-- to begin with? But then I realized, I do understand, in a way.

Because it was sometime after I watched the show that I realized I was having trouble letting go of my moms "stuff", as well. And I now understood how a hoarder could start hoarding after a death, or divorce as I could not give up a couple of boxes-- of things-- after my moms death in 2010. And I realized I'd been keeping her "stuff", as a way to hold on to things she'd cherished, to in some way keep her memory alive.

But at some point, I had to acknowledge she would never be before me again--in this lifetime--, therefore this "stuff" was just "stuff, excluding, of course, pictures, or family jewlery. And I don't want my daughter to have to make the painful decisions of what to do with all my things. So I've slowly begun to get rid of things that just sit around. Moms "stuff" as well as my graphic design, writing, and art books, and things that haven't been used in awhile. 

I really think that being honest about each thing, and whether I will use it or not, makes each decision easier, when deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. It's then I'm able to get rid of clothes just sitting on the hanger or shoes that haven't been worn in a bit. It actually makes me happy because these things are finding a new home and I know my own daughter won't have to face so many painful decisions of what to do with my "stuff", like I had to do with my own mom, when my time comes. So that makes it all worthwhile in the end.

The Vow--So Much More Than A Movie

I went to see a movie yesterday that made me smile, cry, and really think about love, marriage and words of wisdom, from long ago. That movie was: The Vow, http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/thevow/. I went to the movie with the notion that it might be good, but it was so much more than that. It  was a movie of commitment, belief and not giving up even when things looked hopeless. I will not ruin anything--for those that haven't seen this yet--only to say this movie affirms the concept of love, and that fairytale endings are possible.

It really made me think about my own marriage beliefs. These beliefs started with my moms own comments about marriage, years ago. I always thought (before I married) why did mom always go beyond the call of duty for dad? Why did she go see movies (she didn't like) over and over with dad? Why did she always look at him with such love? So one day I asked her and she said, "Marriage is sacred. It is something you always work at. It's like a garden, you always weed it and make the man feel like the king of the household." This and "Honey gets your more than vinegar," were her secrets to a good marriage.

But regardless of my rolling eyes, I was quick to use her words of wisdom in my own marriages. And even if that was not enough, in that first marriage, seeing the happiness mom and dad had was enough to ensure I carried these same beliefs into my marriage--now. So moms words of wisdom served me well as I've done a lot of weeding and cupcakes and I'm sorry have brought about smiles a lot faster than any anger or show of stubbornness ever could.

So Channing Tatum's character--Leo-- and the love and belief he showed his wife--Rachael McAdams character--Paige--is really touching. It spoke to my own heart, and how special I feel marriage is, never to be taken for granted. I've read some reviews where Channing Tatum's acting is seen as bland, corny and the movie--The Vow-- targets just young men and women.  But I disagree with this. I think this movie targets any age range, any person, that needs to believe in love and that love can overcome anything we face in life.

So I think this movie would be good for young couples, those with a few years under their marriage belts, and even teens hoping for that love everlasting--though not for young kids due to nudity, sexual content. I know my mom loved my dad--with all her heart--until the day she died.  And it is this kind of love--a love everlasting-- that this movie brings to light. It is this fairytale that we all hope to find in our lifetime.

Reasons To Be Thankful

I was going to write about something else today, but decided to write about things that have made me thankful in my life. Since I think this can be a broad topic--as there is a lot to be thankful for--I will narrow it down--quite a bit.

I will start with my dogs, as they brought about these thoughts. Yesterday, it was time to take them for their rabies shots. They shivered up a storm on the way there, but never moved, never made a sound. When we got there, even though their eyes were opened wider than mine, at a scary movie, they looked at me with undying faith. Even as they were getting their shots they looked at me with love and trust. This made me feel thankful for having such wonderful dogs.

And I'm thankful for: the love of my family, the wonderful friends that I have, the fact that I was able to take my schooling online, and the joy I see in my daughter about the simplest things in life. It is through her joy, that I have so many times looked at life, and what we have around us, in a different way.

And maybe crazily enough, I feel thankful for the Internet. When I first got the Internet I was inundated with possibilities and stayed online for hours playing games, chatting and looking up things and finding out information.

But I learned, after the newness wore off, that the Internet is so much more.  It's not something to take for granted, and it's something to be thankful for too. Because I have encountered--online--so many people that have given freely of their knowledge and reached out to help others, some gaining monetary things, but so many offering help and advice for free. 

So it is my hope that the following links can be as useful to others as they were to me. These links are for free job offerings: http://www.pandahi.com/ , http://www.zaarly.com/ , and http://www.mediabistro.com/ .

I also found some sites with helpful Photoshop video tutorials. As I love graphic design--these really stood out. They were: http://www.pxleyes.com/ , and http://www.tutvid.com/ .

I also found two sites that I really appreciated for their creativity and thought that they would be good to have. One was:-- creative videos for all occasions, http://www.lodocinema.com/ , and the other free instructional art classes, http://www.5pencilmethod.com/ .

Of course, with Utube and endless sites offering free videos, the possibilities are endless, to learning  everything from screenplays to helping my daughter with her math.

So in conclusion, I think there are many things to be thankful for in life. Each thing, no matter how insignificant it may seem, brings us a reason to be thankful.  It might not make everyone feel the same way, but if it makes us feel thankful in our hearts, that's what matters.

Phishing Alert-Scams of 2011

I found myself the recipient, after checking my email this morning, of yet another scam. This time, supposedly from the BBB of Virginia. Which, of course, was untrue.This email scammer used something they call phishing to send out alarming, but false emails, using a company name and logo. So just for my own knowledge, about the current email scams concerning the BBB I did a search and found this link www.bbb.org/blog/2011/11/alert-phishing-scam-uses-bbb-name-and-logo .

I guess one's bound to get these emails, if you receive hundreds of emails, like I do, but it's pretty bad when you look at most emails-- suspiciously-- when your not sure of the sender or the subject line looks fishy. So I throw out all emails not clearly denoted, in subject line, and hopefully I've not thrown out an email from a friend who decided today to just put re: in the subject line. But with today's emails scams extreme caution is a necessary evil.

Since I know scammers, scam in many areas, including emails, I decided to see just what kind of scams people had come up with in 2011. Unfortunately, there were links to several scams. Some of these scams included: emails, Craigslist, online scams, tax scams, ACN scams, ATM scams and Norton Internet Security scams, just to name a few. If you'd like to find out more about this I've included a couple of links about some scams of 2011. They are: www.scambusters.org/top10scams2.html  and http://www.wptv.com/ (scams of 2011-search).

I hope this can be of use and helpful to you. And hopefully you can give a shout out, as I plan to, to friends, family, and associates and I'm sure they'll be appreciative, if they see this, especially if they were unaware of some of the scams playing out, not only in 2011, but continue to be a part of our everyday lives, now as well.