... not even a write-track. Sorry.

EDIT:
But for something better to do... fancy some folk-tales? Check some out HERE.

So, do you wonder about the life you lead? I do. I wonder about it constantly. It's not normal. Never has been. Yet, I still wonder how and why I still exist despite what I do and how I live it.

If you are wondering if I have gone totally mad... I have... been that way for years. If I were to total up all that I do... it would have to add up to... "complete insanity." Just fucking bonkers. (In reality, at this point, for the good of civilization, I should be chained up and committed.) This is why normal folk give me a wide berth when I walk into a room (apart from the fact that I look like Rasputin warmed over from the dead.) This is why even my friends scratch their heads when I embark on some crazed project (apart from the fact that I have started fire-storms that threaten their comfort zones.) This is why I sit here bobbing in the quagmire of my lunacy pushing myself to the brink... just to be able to say... "it can be done." (This, despite the fact that I myself am never sure that it actually can.) Still, I don't hurt anyone (intentionally) when I do what I do (sure, I make them uncomfortable.) I guess that counts for something, huh? (Good God, I need some human contact!)

Happy Halloween! Have a good and safe one while I cross the line into the land of no return.

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

That's where we are, aren't we? I can't be quite sure anymore. I'm feeling a little blitzed at the moment. Not from the consumption of mind altering substances... just from the constant time I've spent in front of the computer.

Halloween is coming up. Not something that I am particularly looking forward to. For some reason a few years ago, someone decided that our neighborhood was primed for candy hand-outs and decided to bus them in by the droves. Since then I've gotten candy for the neighborhood kids that I distribute early in the afternoon then leave no later than 5 PM for the nearest bar. I hold out there with a drink or 2 in hand until it's safe to return. Yeah, I'm a bit of a meanie that way.

I think 3 more days of the write will complete the project. It's taken longer than usual simply because I couldn't leave well enough alone and had to add 2 more reversals to the plot. Doing so has necessitated very intense reworks as the script has progressed. Anyway, expect extremely short posts until I'm done. Hope the week starts off great for you.

EDIT: Time Wasters
1. Apparently no cg was involved in the making of this ad... just lots and lots of paint!
2. Make Halloween an educational experience. On this site you can read all about the biology of "B" movie monsters.

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

... and it's time to fall back. My computer reminded me today so, this means walking around the house adjusting clocks and replacing batteries in the smoke alarms.

I spent the latter half of the afternoon checking out internet videos both on Goggle and YouTube. It was actually quite entertaining to see what was out there. I was reminded that both Hari Raya (the end of Ramadan) and Deepavalli (the Hindu festival of lights) celebrations were taking place back in Malaysia. I flashed back to all the food that was involved at these celebrations... going out to visit the "open house" of friends celebrating ... and the sweet inertia that sets in after all that eating. It did make me wonder what has changed after all these many years of being away.

Anyway, here is video of one of my favorite celebrations that usually takes place around January or February every year. It is the Hindu celebration of Thaipusam. This is when people who have made vows to the Lord Murugan fulfill them. It's wonderfully colorful... but certainly NOT for the squeamish.

This may come off as a cop-out... it's not really. I will warn you that it's a long and involved read but it's something that I've posted before for Picture Daze. Be that as it may... here is the original post. (But, hey... there are lots of pictures to look at,) And... sorry, the offer at the end of that post is not valid this time around.

If you are so inclined... you may post your comments here... if nothing else... just to say you are up.

If you want to know what Da Count is all about... click the flashing sign. Now go visit each other and start off your weekend with a smile.

Labels: da count

Franken-HNT... a brief history.
Last year, around this time... and with contributions of body parts from many regular HNTers... this was posted for the very first time. With the generous help of my friend Fingers B on soundtrack and playing the doctor in the pics... we presented this silliness. I think it was deserving of a re-run... so, here. If any of the old crew are still around... recognize anything?


Powered by Castpost

CLICK PLAY FOR SOUNDTRACK THAT GOES WITH THE PICTURES. It runs for all of 3 minutes.
Click on pics for bigger view.

FRANK
I was created on a whim by my creator, Dr. Frankenwiener, who had lost his sanity one Sunday afternoon in October.

DOCTOR
Ya bad a, ya bad a ya bad …

FRANK
Being an idiot genius he wasn’t well versed in the art of conversation. I made my needs known and he set about creating a remedy for me.

FRANK
I was shown an array of body parts for the creation of my future bride. They were all so beautiful that it was impossible to decide.

DOCTOR
Oooohhh… watch this? What about this? What about this? Woo Woo woop!

SPLAT!

DOCTOR
Woops! Can’t use that one.

FRANK
He worked long and hard. Soon he had the best of the best assembled.

DOCTOR
Oooohh… this is going to be good, you’ll see.

FRANK
However due to a technical glitch the creation filled with life jumped off the table and scurried away.

HEAD 1
Oh, nice rack!

HEAD 2
I’ll say… but where is the head?

DOCTOR
Come back, liebshn! You are not cooked yet! You need eine kopf!

FRANK
I was in despair. We only had a body and no head. How could I be expected to conduct a conversation with a headless body?

DOCTOR
No to worry… big guy... I know where to get ein good kopf for your girlie friend. I’ll just get the head that was once attached to these legs.

FRANK
He soon attached it.

DOCTOR
Here have some vodka… it will help with the healing.

FRANK
And so we were created. We moved out to a condo in San Francisco and would often visit our creator with our friend… scary squirrel man

BRIDE
HOW DEEE!

THE END

(run end credit music)

Labels: hnt

... I just may participate in HNT later today. It could happen.

In the meantime... enjoy the write-track.

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

... before regular programing resumes here. In case you're wondering... the write is going pretty well. However, there are some other paying gigs that have cropped up so, I have to split my time. No big deal. Just par for the course.

There is no other news to report. I am hoping to resume being human again soon.

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

... the write-track. I may update this post later though.

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

Check out this 5 minute clip. If you want to see the whole thing (45 minutes) click HERE.

OK... I'm a little pissed off tonight... but there is still loads to be thankful for.

This week I count patience. Patience in others. Patience in myself. Patience in allowing situations to unfold instead of forcing them.

Now, patience may not always bring the results that we may desire. It may not even pay the dividends that we think we deserve. But what patience brings to us is the knowledge that nothing is as important as we like to think it is. That our urgency for something to happen RIGHT THIS INSTANT is really not that essential in the big scheme of things.

That there will be a tomorrow... and new opportunities to realize our wants and needs. That as long as there is life we have the chance to make a difference.

To find out what Da Count is about... click the flashing logo above.

* The write-track will come later in the day.

EDIT: 9:40 AM
Yesterday, I was stuck at a point in the script. Not that I didn't know where it was going but I was at a stump as to how to get there. So, I was scheduled to go for a meeting in the evening. At 3 PM I packed up the laptop and decided to turn up at the meeting venue 4 hours early. Sitting there in the patio of the restaurant I cranked out 6 pages. The change of scenery helped. The downside of that was I woke this morning all gunked up from allergies because I was surrounded by foilage for 5 hours. As a result I had to miss the funeral of a friend's mother this morning.

Applications for Rogue 2007 are pouring in. You can check to see what shows have already applied HERE. Seriously though... it would be a great venue to organize a Blog Meet of sorts. We are equidistant from 3 national parks... and besides you'll have a chance to check out some great shows (at very affordable prices) including the premiere of mine. Give it some consideration, will ya?

EDIT (again): You really have to check out these PICS.

And now... the much anticipated write-track.

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

Labels: da count

... and sang me these songs. (Look below in the "write-track section... you get 2 ditties today!) I guess it's better than a bugle call to start the work day. I just realized that I passed my 500th post... 10 posts ago.

EDIT: 4:25 AM
Since I was up and waiting for the java to kick in I decided to take a little excursion to the local donut joint. As I drove there I was reminded how much I like this time of the day. The streets are empty. The dark sky punctuated by the sound of a distant train. There is a certain solace about this time of the morning I really do enjoy. In a previous lifetime it was the time of choice to indulge and be indulged by my mistress. Perhaps it's time for a revival of that.

And it's time for the singalong... OK... everybody now... 1 and a 2 and a...

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE & HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

... because I have to get back to it. I did respond to the comments from the last post though. Later.

EDIT: Looks like haloscan is down this morning.
EDIT: OK...now it's back up.

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

... in today's Write-Track song. I had actually forgotten this feeling of imprisonment that occurs in the process of creation. The Nike slogan "Just Do It" keeps flashing in my head as I write. Yeah, my mistress does have some Dom tendencies.

Here is the issue. Sure, I can stop the write and go out. But doing so will not alleviated my focus on the work. It only intensifies it to the point that my friends whom I would hang out with have likened my distracted disposition to socializing with a higher functioning zombie. My mind just keeps clicking away and I get restless to return home.

This is where it's all akin to being in a dysfunctional relationship. That whole need to be needed thing... at least within the context of my work. I know the "fun" is just around the corner. The frenzy that makes a giggling, half naked, somewhat crazed savant out of me. So, what am I waiting for? The right wave. The one I know will carry me through to the end. I can sense it's rumble behind me. I'm expecting it's approach sometime tonight. If it hits as hard as I think (hope) it does... don't expect posts from me for a few days. Chances are good that I'll be MIA for a bit. If there are any... they may not make sense anyway.

So, now I'm resolved to getting this over and done with soon. How soon? I don't know... but the sooner the better. I need to get out and become human again!

See ya on the shore!

EDIT: In the meantime, check out THIS new search engine. But I'm guessing you just want to see BOOBIES while you wait.

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

... so, sue me! Slacker writer? Hey, I needed a break! And I took one! Did I go out and carouse with all strange manner of women? No. Did I go out to some "out there" party where nazi debutantes from hell were holding court? (BTW... did that while I was in college... it wasn't fun then.) No. I stayed home. Yes, indeed I did.

Did some cooking. Did some shopping. Drank some wine. Stewed over the play. There... satisfied? Of course, you're not! Because I should be slogging on this piece... and right you are for thinking so. Well, I did in my head. And I think I'm ready to go at it again! Satisfied?? I'm so happy for you.

Saturday night I watched "Ben Hur". How many have seen that recently. Great movie... but in today's context... that whole thing between Ben Hur and Masala would be totally gay. Really, watch it and tell me it ain't so.

Here is what I've been thinking about this weekend. "TRADITION." What makes it? How many times do people have to repeat the same behavior for it to become one? If the world and perceptions and practices change... are there any "real" traditions that still actually exist? Why do we need them? Just asking.

The WRITE-TRACK today was chosen to get me going again... hope it does for you too. Let me know if you "samba-ed" around while listening to this one. Cheers!

Coffee company will be appreciated in the morning.

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

Voice and cello featuring Bobby McFerrin & Yoyo Ma. Pretty damn transcendent. Enjoy!
The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

... when you are hot and heavy into a write and you have to stop. I did that to myself today on purpose. I've arrived at a section of the play that has too many choices within the direction of the action. It's too pivotal a place to get careless with. So, I stopped just so it can stew in my noggin for a bit.

Stepping back is one of the toughest things in this process... though often necessary. On my part I have to allow the restlessness to subside. That is different from frenzy... that, I allow... that, I relish. However, restlessness tends to produce the "that will be OK for now while I move to something else" syndrome. That can really kill the piece. It's better to wait for an opening than to attempt skirting around it. Skirting around will only cause the momentum to fade. Besides, the urgency remains on the wait.

By now most of you must be bored (or just irritated) by this write journaling. I don't blame you really. Since I began I've noticed the stats counter on visits have dropped by about 20... and I really don't care. I'm having too much fun. LOL!

OK... a little diversion. There is a wanna-be lounge singer encased in this body. The write-track selection for the day is one I've always wanted to do. I love this song. And remember... you're the best and most beautiful audience I've ever had. And I mean that sincerely. Cheers!

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

I first became aware of her presence in my early 20's when I wrote my first play. We flirted off and on for about 10 years before she agreed upon an exclusive and special arrangement with me. It has been a while since we've been together but of late, much to my delight, we have reunited once more. As always the experience has and continues to be nothing but pure excitement. Everytime we do meet... it always feels like the first... fresh, urgent and very sexy.

To be honest the relationship has had it's share of ups and downs. At times it has been tumultuous... at other times comforting... but always passionate. Friends, family and lovers have had to contend with her. Many have resented her presence yet others have accepted her need and function in my life. She can be demanding (usually is) and always goads me into achieving or at least attempting excellence... and turns vivacious with any possible try at experimentation. She is relentless in never allowing me to slack or compromise... sometimes to the brink of madness.

In times, when I have faced rejection, abandonment, loneliness or betrayal she has always been a stalwart fixture by my side. She is not my Muse... though she embraces any who have enraptured me. I hardly dare call her friend as there is so little I still know about her yet she knows all my needs and desires like the exquisite courtesan she is. She is a gift whose presence in my life I am always humbled by because she will never be mine to own. No one can own the divine.

So my count this week is my Mistress Creativity. Without you I would be denied the bliss I derive in the act of creation.

I'm posting early because she and I have a hot date tonight... but I could sneak off and use some coffee company in the morning while she sleeps.

If you want to know what Da Count is all about... click the flashing logo above.

And you still get one of these! As long as this write is in creation... there'll be one posted here everyday. Today's selection may be a fun one to bounce around and welcome the weekend with. Cheers!
The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

BONUS: Album Covers

Labels: da count

... and there's no turning back now. I was scared... really I was. I hoo and hummed for most of the day. The song for the "write-track" today is actually a pretty apt representation of the whimsical but tortured state I was slowly twirling in. (If you listen to the words... you'll know of what I speak of.)

But at about 3 PM I went for it. The play took the jump and me with it into the dark velvety abyss of no return. I decided the time for foreplay was done and it was the point to get down to the nasty. It was fast, it was furious... it was glorious! Don't worry... there's more to come. I'm counting on the next few days to be like riding atop a runaway train.

From the standpoint of the creative process... this is when the real everyday world becomes a blurry fuzz... a surreal mumbo jumbo of "have to's" and "must do's". This is the part that is both scary and exciting all at the same time... and also the primary reason why normally sane people throw caution and stability to the wind and commit to a lifetime of poverty, cheap wine and no hope of a pension to comfort their later days.

One would think that being provided with the "vision" yesterday (as it were) would have sent me into a write frenzy. What I did not tell you was that this epiphany came in a tight furball of twine that had to be untangled. Nothing neat about it...but it was all there. A lot of "If this happens here then that has to happen there but that can't happen until this occurs however this will not make sense until that is played out first." See the conundrum here? Anyway, after unraveling some of the ball I went for the gusto figuring that the rest of it would unfurl in the process. So far it has.

If I did not have to be somewhere at 6... I would have gone deep into the night. Though I'm glad I stopped when I did. If you're keeping score (as if)... I think I'm just about at the half way mark. As far as I'm concerned... it's still all shite... and will probably remain so until the end. But it's my shite, dammit!

So, this brings me to the fact that I'm being a bad blogger right now... or at least bad at visiting most of you. Count on this trend continuing until this project is done. My apologies up front. I've tried to visit at least those of you who have commented. And with Morty kinda taking over... especially with these posts... I won't be surprised by a marked decrease of visits and/or comments. LOL! He can be a pretty vile creature, huh?

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

A BONUS... and it's educational too!
Male Restroom Etiquette

... but it wasn't. Though what I lacked in quantity today was made up with big fat substance. Really, you should see me now. I'm dancing on my head while juggling flaming axes with one foot and Prince's, Sexy Motherf**ker is blaring full tilt from the speakers. O.K. perhaps that's a bit of an exaggeration... truth be told... the volume on the speakers is only half cocked.

Let's start at the very beginning... a very good place to start. (Go ahead... groan. This is the Sound of frickin Music to me, yo!) I went to the local coffeeshop for a meeting. I of course brought the laptop thinking that I would be able to continue where I left off yesterday. Did some fixing on what I had done... but then the meeting began. At this point I still had no idea what this thing was about or where it was going. All I knew was that I had... something. It could be a diamond... it could be a crusty booger... but I had something!

Then after the meeting, while I was having a cig under the only olive tree on Olive Avenue... Kablooey! The characters upped and told me what they wanted and that determined where the play was headed! They came up to me and whispered in my ears like I was a dolt with a bar of gold at my feet that I thought was dung that came out of a geometric cow. It was right there. It was so simple. It was 180 degrees from where I thought it was going to head a year ago. But there it was. So, being violated and violating right back actually served a purpose with yesterday's session.

Do I still think I'm a hack? Yes. Do I still think that this piece of shit will bomb on stage. Fuck Yeah! Do I give a damn? Only to get it completed... if you're going to go out... go out BIG! Because now at least I know where this is going... which I didn't at this time yesterday.

Yeah, I think this write is going to be more of a torrid affair than a sweet romance. We're all in for a ride. You can't even begin to imagine how horny this makes me. So, anyone up for some unbridled sex? OK... fine... if you insist... I'll wear the damn bridle! Geez! (Lord, forgive Morty... he knows not what he does.)

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

... and all into the afternoon. At about 10 AM I took my kid-gloves off (after several cups and hopped up on the bean) and began banging hard... on the computer keyboard in a frenzied state.

What was... was expanded and contracted at least 4 times in the course of this hyped up state. And the entire time it was happening I was always completely convinced that I knew not of what I was doing... and that I'm a hack (and always been) but screw that and get it down. The tone shifted at least as many times. The idea was to say as much with as little dialog as possible. Trouble is I still have no idea what I'm saying with this piece.

Really, the end result will probably bomb on stage. I have totally thrown out any pre-development that I thought I once had. It is just emerging... I really won't know what will emerge until the end. A rancid turd or something that is actually consumable. So, that's where we are right now. I'm convinced it's going to suck big time. No, please don't even try to console me... this is actually the natural state of things in the zone. At least I know I have a third of the piece done. That's some consolation.

Even though the temptation lingers for me to continue deep into the night, I stopped at 5 PM. I'll pick it up tomorrow again.

Oh, and at 11 AM I discovered that I had been reaching for cigarettes without conscious though... so, I put them outside in an area relegated as the Gulag. That way at least if I was going to light up I would have to physically get up and go outside... snapping me totally out of the write zone.

I could use coffee company in the AM.

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

It's not like we hadn't met before but the first night was tenuous. There was a flurry of prep on my part (and a little distraction) in getting the environment just right for this meeting. Was everything comfortable? Did I have the right music to set the mood? The music was easily a distraction... yet putting the tracks together provided some comfort, calm and a little more confidence to face what could be ahead.

Finally, the moment came. There was excitement mixed in with the fear of possible rejection. No matter how many times I do this... that feeling never goes away. Even though I had chosen the time I still felt unprepared. Yet, here it was... the only thing to do was forge ahead.

It was like a slow tango as we circled each other like animals at a first meeting. There was a certain formality to the proceedings... yet a certain comfort of farmiliarity was undoubtedly present in the tet-a-tat. I wasn't going to push it with a big move. Things have changed over a year and both of us had been through a lot. What was (or at least where I thought it would go) a year ago may take a whole new and different direction... and I had to be open for that. It ended pleasantly just after midnight.

But the fundamental question was answered... we do like each other. That's something to build on at least. Now just to determine the right time of the day when we'll be best together and for each other. So, we're going to give it a go this morning. (This could affect my blogging and surfing schedule.)

Yeah, starting this write was like a first date with someone I've admired from afar for a while.

The selection for the WRITE-TRACK for today can be found HERE. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

Labels: da count

I've been pulling up all sorts of things of late. Video clips, music and movies... going in a dozen directions at the same time. Plus obsessing on this and that. When this happens it usually means I'm ready to jump off the cliff of reason and plunge into the fire of creation. So, looks like I'm embarking on "Ms.White..." since I've entered it into the Rogue.

I'm putting myself on edge and hoping it will transfer into the work. Working up a froth, so to speak. To this end I am not going to light up one cigarette while writing. I really need to cut down and/or give up... so, expect Morty to make an appearance or five. This means that my posts here are probably going to be a little off-kilter.

One of the movies I usually pull out to watch just to get into the head zone is Bob Fosse's "All That Jazz". Here is a 10 minute clip of the opening. What is totally brilliant about it is that within this first 10 minutes... all the exposition you would ever need about the character and situation is laid out without condescending (and over explaining) to the audience. Plus it's totally theatrical and also provides a level of intrigue (the lady in white).

EDIT: 10:35 PM
Have also put together a "write-track" of what I'll be listening to while I write. I'll post one everyday. HERE is the first one. (Hint: If you right-click and "save target/link as..." you'll be able to download it to your computer.)

SSM and I had fun. Close calls at the tracks but no cigar. Though the consumption included corndog, lemonade, polish dog, tri-tip sandwich, ribs, fresh potato chips and a cinnamon roll to go. Really, I'm surprised neither of us woke with cardiac arrest this morning. We did find the prize winning udders of the year, met Vincent Van Goat and found a duck masqureading as a chicken. Here are some impressions of this year's fair. They all do click to bigger versions. (Just for sport... try guessing which was Vincent Van Goat.)

CLICK HERE FOR ACCOMPANYING SOUNDTRACK TO THIS COUNT.

I have lived in this neighborhood for the past 16 odd years. It is nestled in the Tower District - the cultural part of town... but that's a count for another time.


The actual area I live in was once called Normal Heights. Most of the homes around here were built between the 19-teens and the 1940's... every one of which has a character and personality of it's own. How I lucked upon the house I now own is also for another count.

It is the people in neighborhood though that make the place. We all look out for each other without getting into each other's business. There is always a friendly wave hello or goodbye when we pass each other. If assistance is needed it is given without reluctance. We exchange goodies during the holidays and we have been known to block off the street for communal 4th of July barbecues. It is a pretty and very sought after area to live in.

The film director Sam Peckinpah grew up in the house across the street from mine. (top right in this picture) It is also a very protective neighborhood. Jeffery Dahmer's mother use to live down the street and when he was killed in prison... everyone parked their cars on the curb just to keep the news trucks at bay and away from her house.


This place has been my sanctuary, playground, and home for all these years. It has been kind to me in challenging times and a peaceful joy in others. I really could not have asked to live in a nicer place in my adopted land... and count it in a big way.

BTW... Adam posted a couple of days early.

If you are wondering what Da Count is all about... click the flashing banner above.

Cheers and have a great one!

EDIT: 7:55 AM - Time Wasters

According to THIS SITE... this is what the true love of my life looks like. Yeah. I'm not holding my breath though.

Check out THIS VIDEO of the acappella Latvian group Cosmos, performing Billie Jean.



This one is for Lime.

Labels: da count

Yay! After futzing about with an autorun creator program for 3 hours the finished product looks pretty good. I'm not making the kind of money that I can retire on... but at least it's something. Hopefully it will lead to more clients down the road soon. This means even more breathing room to do other things. I still do have more computer projects in the works but I can space them out in a more reasonable fashion. One of them is working on junglewebs and the other is (finally) getting my playsite up. Oh, and I updated the Performer Info page to reflect the most current number of applicants for next year's Rogue. Boy, am I becoming a geek or what?
__________________

This newly found spare time and (ever so) slight infusion of cash may also mean I can make plans to go to the Big Fresno Fair! It started tonight. I just may have a date to play the ponies with SSM... provided of course he hasn't already been locked up as an insurgent. And if we only have fun (lose money betting) there is always all that fine fair food to stuff our hairy faces with. We could also go check out the livestock and see who the latest diva with the prize winning udders is this year. And lets not forget the produce... afterall, this region is known as the breadbasket of the world. But SSM may already have been whisked to an undisclosed location by the federalis... in which case... any takers for corndogs, cinnamon rolls and lemonade? And do any of you just happen to have a hot tip on race five? I wanna make my money grow.
___________________

Oh yeah... this also means I can catch up on your blogs.
___________________

EDIT: 11:10 AM
I head out to the coffeeshop early this morning to meet my client to deliver the goods and get paid. (Boy, does this sound like a drug deal or what?) I then deposit the check at the bank and head to the local chicken pie shop to get some brunch nosh for Mum and me. It's one of our favorites... baked chicken pie and rice pudding. I come home to find that she has fallen while attempting to hang some clothes up. I get her back on her feet and to her room. I make sure there is food and drink nearby. I don't make a fuss and treat this minor incident as just part of the day. She's fine and resting... just a little shook up. Two conflicting thoughts whizz through my brain. 1. What did she ever do to deserve a horrible son like me... and 2. This is exactly one of the reasons I quit my job just so I can be close at the homestead. I think I'll stay close to home for the rest of the day.

The last 3 weeks has been non-stop work in front of the computer. A steep but rewarding learning curve. However, it has also involved too little physical activity, "easy food", and too many cigarettes. So, I'm changing things up before it gets to become an addictive routine. Get out a little more and start cooking again. I did (get out) last night but it was to the local watering-hole... and that doesn't count. Time to get healthy again.
_______________

There was a conversation that took place last night that made me consider this irony: heading up an organization that celebrates the freedom of expression... and having to choose one's words carefully (in the official and media circles) in order to advance its agenda.
_______________

There could be more later.

Go HERE to see who has applied to Rogue 2007 so far.

p.s. I'll post in the AM... and I'll be up for coffee company.

Once again, thank you for your kind concern. I'm fine. This is what happened...

I was up at 6. Jumped on the computer and was working (this time on a paying gig)... but the graphics were just not doing what I wanted. Morty emerged just as I decided to take a break and post... and that last post was the result. (Yeah, his humor can be a little abrasive and dark.) Of course, (my bad) I didn't put in the disclaimer at the end until the third commenter posted. Hope I'm forgiven. And... no, I'm not applying for a government job.
_________________

EDIT: Midnight.

Had a meeting with the Rogue Hard Core (yes, that's what it's called) and tutored them on how to access info, etc... that I have spent the last 10 days setting up. In effect I turned over administrative control totally over. After which Jag and I went out for a drink... and we actually only had one each!

When I returned I attempted something I have not done in a long time... watch TV! ::gasp:: Wait! Save falling out of your chairs for what happened next. You ready? I actually fell asleep in the middle of watching something! (Permission to fall out of chair now granted.) It's a luxury I have not experienced in a while.

Of course it was short lived! I awoke just a bit ago (totally refreshed after 2 hours sleep) with a queer urgent anxiety to get something accomplished. Had those "gotta do" dreams (which is what woke me up). Don't you just hat those? Perhaps sliding into the mundane may be tougher than I thought it would be.

I suppose I just could write an award winning play or something... but that would keep me up the rest of the night. I think, I'll just surf instead. I could waste some time HERE or maybe THIS will inspire some normal nocturnal rest.

:: eyes beginning to well with tears ::

i'm sorry.

:: whimpering like a puppy about to be hit ::

i'm sorry.

:: backing out of room in fear ::

i'm sorry.

:: banging head up against a cement wall ::

i'm sorry.

:: slamming hand in car door over and over again ::

i'm sorry.

:: shaking the trunk of a coconut palm and waiting for the nuts to fall ::

i'm sorry.

:: about to dive into a pool of hammerheads ::

i'm sorry.

:: about to slap the ass of the biggest, meanest dude named "killer" who is bent over tying his shoelace ::

i'm sorry.

:: filling out an application for a government job ::

i'm sorry.

:: holding a razor blade and... ::

um... er... can't think of anything much to write about at the moment. perhaps later, ok?

(BTW, I'm fine. Forgive my sick & wrong humor... the "government job" thing should have given you a clue. Too subtle, I guess, eh?)

The sun, though making it's presence known, still remains shy below the horizon. The crisp air creeps low through the open door as the dogs noisily crunch on their food in the backyard. The steam rising from my cup tickles my nose with the aroma of a rich roast as I sip from it visualizing accomplishing the plans for the day.

The big task set out two weeks ago and now accomplished has brought the intended rewards of convenience. Now I look to tackling others that were put by the wayside. Tasks that are divided into "have to's" and "want to's"... of almost equal value that at least will provide a sense of accomplishment in the immediate time ahead.

Perhaps there could also be a sprinkling in between of time shared cavorting, entertaining, or just being in the presence of pleasant company. That would surely be a bonus and provide a spark of added richness to my day. The day is still young... there are still adventures ahead.

Now to refresh my cup and begin.