Rusty Finds His Pack.

Rusty actually smiling for the camera!

If you've ever watched an episode of "The Dog Whisperer" you will learn that dogs are pack animals. So, it is healthy for dogs to have a circle of dog friends so they can just be themselves.

Rusty has made a few neighborhood connections with some dogs on our walking route. However, his main squeeze is his girl, Daisy who are the pride and joy of my friends Jim and April. When I first brought Rusty to meet them, I worried if I had enough money in my bank account just in case Rusty thought Daisy was a tiny snack. When we first arrived Rusty was overexcited and barking like a mad dog. He took a nip at Daisy. My heart dropped to my throat. The tiny Daisy was having none of it. She barked back at Rusty and in whatever dog language they possess, she quickly put him in his place. They have been fast friends ever since.

On this Labor day weekend, while I had fun with the humans, Rusty not only had Daisy to play with but three new buddies to chill with who tagged along with Henry and Dawn.

Missy

 

Daisy

Mugsy

Maggie

The first few minutes of my arrival was filled with a chorus of barking as they all introduced themselves. After that, Rusty had the time of his life. As you could see from the photo above, Rusty was so happy to have his own set of friends, he seemed to be beaming when I took his picture.

He is now a part of pack that not only includes his girl Daisy but also Mugsy, Missy, and Maggie. It was especially cool to see him horsing around with another male dog - Mugsy who became his new best friend! Rusty clearly has an eye for talent as Mugsy has hidden skills. When an ambulance went by Mugsy stopped, listened and howled a perfect copy of the sound of the siren. I was definitely impressed. Missy who is a sweety was a little afraid of Rusty's exuberant personality but by the end of the night they were running around having fun as well. Maggie preferred to jump from one lap to another. I think Henry and Dawn trained her to be a "plant" to distract us while we played cards to give them an edge. It worked until we caught on to the plot. Maggie and her crooked teeth was so adorable it was hard to say "no" to her.

 I couldn't be happier seeing my guy interacting with other dogs in such a healthy way.

Friends + Barbeque + Pictionary + Cards = Labor Day Laughs!

(L-R) Henry, Jim, April, and Dawn

Friendship, like stock is an investment that could involve risk but if you are lucky can provide you with a  healthy return that can last for a long long time. One of my best investments in recent years has been in the friendship I developed with Jim and April. We met through a mutual friend. We clicked. We've gathered to ring in the New Year together, celebrated birthdays, barbequed on holidays, or simply got together for a competitive night of cards and board games.

It is no surprise that I spent 12 hours yesterday celebrating, barbequing, and LAUGHING with this couple along with April's sister Dawn and brother-in-law Henry who I am happy to count among my new friends.

We laughed so much I didn't want the night to end. We are all addicted to this card game called "gulf" or "golf", not sure how it is spelled but it brings out the competitor in each of us. Jim, it turns out, is a master of the barbeque grill. Last night I think I had some of the best hamburgers and roasted corn on the cob in a very long time. I am not much of a drinker but April pulled out a a chilled bottle of blue vodka called UV Blue. We scattered a few shots throughout the night and the party kept going until we all started to hit a wall around 2 am after a few rounds of Pictionary.








As a new pet parent, an added bonus to hanging out with this crew is they have dogs as well! It is actually April who, as I mentioned in an earlier post, is the one who encouraged me to consider getting a dog in the first place. She gave me just the right advice to help bring Rusty in my life. So hanging out together allows me to have fun without leaving Rusty home alone.

I think I made the most of this holiday weekend 

Lessons of A Nightmare: My Life As An Episode of "The Walking Dead"

I just got out of bed from the most vivid nightmare I have ever had in my life. No joke. I woke to the sound of my alarm clock blaring and I could not move. I had to take a minute and simply be grateful that it wasn't real. After that moment of gratitude, I completely understood why I had that nightmare and what the nightmare was forcing me to face. I had to ask myself a question. Was I going to dismiss this clear message or was I going to use it to move forward?

I did something last night when I got home. A simple thing but It set things in motion. Perhaps my trip to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery had a small influence on the texture of the dream but not the content. What did I do? I will get to that later.

The dream began in the lower level parking garage of a major casino  in what I can only assume was Las Vegas. I understood I was attending some event where everyone I ever knew in my life was there to celebrate. I was getting out of my new used red Ford Escort. As I looked toward the front of my car to see if there was a letter or number on the wall to help me remember where I parked, I saw a man and a woman crouched down. The were hiding and trying to get my attention without making much noise. They looked so completely terrorized, I was completely confused. I thought they just got mugged. I went toward them. They grabbed me to make sure I wasn't seen. 

In the distance from us the elevator doors to the parking garage level opened. I couldn't see if anyone got out. I did notice a group of people who had parked in another area making there way to the elevators. I knew I knew them. I started to get up but the couple held me down. Suddenly, behind a huge cement pillar I saw four or more disheveled men pull out guns. They didn't shoot but beat or bit them until everyone was dead or crawling on the cement floor hoping to escape. The lady with me said, "THEY ARE HERE TO KILL US ALL"!! 

I broke free and went to help those who I "knew" were friends of mine. The killers saw me and charged. They did not shoot. I finally could see their faces. They looked like a cross between hardcore prison inmates and zombies from the AMC series "The Walking Dead".  I fought them off trying not to get scratched or bitten. I managed to help some of my friends get to the elevators. We made our way to some random floor. 

The elevator doors opened to utter chaos. Guests of the casino/hotel were all running for their lives. We made our way to the roof somehow to collect ourselves. We all understood that everyone was gonna die. I knew that somewhere in this place was all of my family and friends either in hiding, dead, dying, or turning into zombies but I never actually saw specific people. I just "knew" in the way you can only in a dream.      

Those few of us who made it to the roof decided we had to get to the ground floor somehow by the stairs and the air shafts. Before we left I ran into someone who asked me if I knew who of my friends and family were dead. I pulled out an orange piece of paper and started writing with a piece of charcoal. I could not say their names out loud but as I wrote their names down, I began to cry uncontrollably. We all took a moment of silence for the dead, hoping they actually died and could rest in peace, praying we would not see them as the "Walking Dead".

We gathered what little we had. As we walked to the stairwell, a guy who I didn't recognize consciously but "knew" was a friend said something. "Hey, Kevin. I read your blog and I didn't appreciate what you said about me. You are a jerk. Fuck you. Who do you think you are? You aren't anything special." I said, " Are you kidding me right now?  I have no idea what you are talking about. People are dying and you're talking to me about a comment I made on my fucking blog?" I was compelled to punch him in the face. It felt satisfying.

As I was about to descend the stairwell, I looked back and some women I "knew"  were gathered singing "I am so blessed. I am so blessed. I am so grateful for all that I have..." It was so beautiful to listen to but I had to move forward. They seemed to be resigned to dying at the hands of the zombies trying to burst through the other rooftop entrance. I descended the stairs without them.

However it happened, I found myself cut off from the folks from the rooftop. I ran down the hall of some hotel floor. Zombies were coming out of every room. I made my way into the area where the elevators were. The doors were closing before I could get in. With the zombies getting closer, I used all my strength to pry the doors open and get in before I was bitten by a zombie. Inside the elevator were two other people- strangers I seemed to "know". The elevator wasn't moving. It was however, filling with water. There was at the top of the elevator small ledges where the other two people got into for safety. Somehow, we all understood that the entire hotel casino was being flooded to kill the zombies. I joined them on the ledge. 

As the water rose, one man decided he wanted to die in the elevator instead of at the hands of possible zombies waiting outside the elevator. He peacefully got off the ledge and drowned in the water below us. I started to reach for him but he went under. I began thinking about everyone I loved who were most likely dead or zombies by now. I was not sure if it mattered whether I survived if everyone I loved was gone. I thought about joining the strange man who just drowned. 

A hand grabbed my shoulder I looked at the only other person with me. This person was the first person I felt I recognized. It was a very close friend who in my real waking life was dead. However, in this dream he was alive and not a zombie. He said, "Stop wasting time caring what other people think about you and decide to LIVE". 

In an instant he disappeared, along with the ledge. I plunged into the water filled elevator. I swam to the water's surface and pushed against the escape hatch in the top of the elevator. It was jammed. I was fighting for my life! The elevator's emergency button went off as I struggled to get free. The sound of the emergency button transformed into my alarm clock buzzer and instantly...

 I was awake.

As I lay in bed  I got it. I have always known this about myself. I have always but way too much importance on what everyone's opinion of me is. The fact is my family and friends ARE very supportive. Nevertheless, I have been consumed with appearing like I have it all together even when I don't. I don't want people to see me in a negative light, or worry about my struggling as I am pursuing this "acting thing", or simply judging my life choices.

If a friend needs my help, I can get very disciplined, and efficient in my ability to use my skills to help them. However, I rarely put the same amount of energy into helping myself. I think the Universe is confirming what I have been thinking about a lot over the last few days. I need to channel the same energy and attention I put into supporting others' success into creating a more successful life for myself. I need to decide to "LIVE" and not give a damn if anyone else likes or approves. It is all up to me.                  

So what sparked this nightmare inspired revelation? Aside from a fun night at Hollywood Forever cemetery or a recent purchase and viewing of Season One of a certain AMC series, I added a widget to my blog that links my blog to my Facebook page. With one click I sent out an Invite to ALL my Facebook friends to view and maybe even follow my blog. I suppose I was a little conflicted between wanting friends to follow my blog and the reality that I would be exposing myself so completely. .

Lesson learned? Drop the useless "fear" baggage. Life is about "LIVING" and not becoming some version of the "Walking Dead".

Now that I am up. Time to get on with my "zombie free" day!       

A Relaxing Moonlit Picnic At Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Yes, it's official...Best Saturday in a long time! After an exhilarating morning, I wrapped things up with a relaxing moonlit picnic at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. "Dirty Dancing" was fun to watch with a crowd of a few thousand other people nostalgic for a little Patrick Swayze/Jennifer Grey magic. The crowd was a hoot and a half with folks getting up and dancing, cheering, jeering, or laughing along with those moments that made us all miss Patrick a little more than we already did.

 It was nice to chill  on a Saturday night with close friends on a blanket, sharing a bottle of wine, cupcakes from Sprinkles and good times.

On a separate note, ever notice how when you want to avoid something, it somehow is more difficult to do? I cannot lie. As much as I planned to ignore them, my eyes kept wandering toward the gravestones and massive mausoleums that bordered the pathway to lawn where the screening area was situated. The sheer grandeur of the surroundings demanded my attention. It was both creepy and beautiful at the same time. If you did not know that this was the final resting place of "Classic Hollywood" royalty, you knew whomever lay here had serious money and they took a good chunk of it with them.  I am , however, confident I did not look long enough to bring any stray spirits back home with me. In my rush to get to tonight's event I forgot, this was one of those experiences where a good lawn chair would have come in handy. My arms are both a little numb from leaning from one arm to the next on the soft, moist grass for two hours. Next time I will be prepared. 

 

I definitely plan on going back to Hollywood Forever, perhaps for Dia De Los Muertos. They have a celebration there on Saturday October 27, 2012 from 12:00 p.m to 12:00 a.m. I am sure it will be worth the trip.     

Breakfast At The Alcove Cafe & Bakery

A good friend of mine, Rafael Navar, came into town from Washington, DC  this week to visit family and friends. We caught up with each other this morning for a leisurely breakfast at the Alcove Cafe & Bakery in Los Feliz.

When you work any place, you naturally make friends but for the most part, they are what you call "work friends". As folks move on with other professional pursuits you learn if they are work friends or real world friends. Both are perfectly fine and genuine in sincerity and meaningfulness. One however continues on into other areas of your life while the other is frozen in time and linked to a specific period of your life's story.

I am happy to say, Rafael is a real world friend who I know will be in my life for the long haul. He is one of those cool, bohemian, artsy, without trying, activists who lives life with passion and a gut level commitment to social justice. At the same time, the guy knows how to have fun. When he still lived in Los Angeles, he would throw the occasional party at his place. It was not one of those stiff get togethers that you hoped people showed up to. Not a chance! This was a social event. The whole apartment complex was involved as if it were a true communal celebration- complete with a Dee Jay, and sometimes even a fantastic "chef on the go" making delicious tacos, quesadillas, etc. for party-goers to devour. There was never a dull moment. His friends were a mix of artists, activists, teachers, you name it. I had some of the coolest conversations at his little soirees. My social calendar has not been the same since he headed east. If my old job was "high school" he would be a leader in the cool clique. Being friends with him gives you the feeling your ranking on the "social meter" went up a bit by association. He pulled up to the Alcove for our 9:30 am gathering on his motorcycle. Need I say more?

I love catching up with Rafa because he always has a great story to share. He is so passionate about what he wants to do with his life, not just his career. You can't help but imagine the possibilities in your own life. Usually when we have gotten together, I realize how complacent I have been with living in general. Today, coming off my recent activity, I felt as alive and passionate about life as he was. It was invigorating to be able to share the exciting adventure I have been on with him and feel his genuine excitement for me. Considering we are such different people, in many ways we hold surprisingly similar philosophies about life that makes his friendship both unique and special.

On his end, I am so proud of what he is doing. When we met at my old 9 to 5, he was clearly what one would describe as a young up and coming political activist in the labor movement.  Who knew in such a short time he would rise to the level of National Political Director of the Communication Workers of America. Living with passion makes things happen in amazing and often surprising ways. He wants to make a real difference in the lives of working families. If anyone can, HE CAN!


Tonight, I am getting together with some more of my old "work friends" who made the transition into real world friends at Hollywood Forever for the "Dirty Dancing" screening. If it is half as much fun as breakfast at the Alcove, then this will have been one of my more enjoyable Saturdays in some time.

Life is great, when you let it be!

Dirty Dancing at Hollywood Forever

Saturday night looks to be a fascinating adventure. I am getting together with a few friends from my old 9 to 5 for a public viewing of "Dirty Dancing", presented by Cinespia at Hollywood Forever. For those of you who may not know, Hollywood Forever is a cemetery like no other in the world.  Many famous Hollywood legends have this spot as their final resting place. Rudolph Valentino, Cecil B. DeMille, and many others of the golden age of Hollywood can be found there, so to speak.

Strangely enough, the cemetery also host a variety of cultural events which helps them to keep this landmark in operation. I went there some time ago to watch a play performed on the grounds on the Day of the Dead. I only vaguely remember the experience but I do recall purchasing a paper mache skull to commemorate the Day of the Dead celebration. It's not like we are partying between gravestones or anything. They have designated areas for events. However, no matter how you slice it it is a cemetery.

My friend Briel, who is the social butterfly of my former work comrades is always coming up with fun ideas for us to get together and keep connected even when many have moved on to other professional pursuits.
She is great!  Aside from being an amazingly talented amateur photographer, she knows the LA social scene better than anyone I have met here. I probably would have never thought of this but I say what the heck! As the environment reminds us all you only live once!:)

I will be interested to see if any old childhood superstitions rise up in me.  I get a little creeped out cemeteries. The thought of looking at an actual gravestone freaks me out a bit. We shall see. I heard once that if you read the name off a gravestone of someone you don't know, their spirit might come visit you. I know, logically it makes no sense but I avoid looking just in case.

Regardless, I am going to spend time with friends I don't get to see often. All the rest of the goings on Saturday night is just "gravy."   







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Bedtime Reading: "Thoughts Are Things" by Ernest Holmes & Willis Kinnear

In a recent trip to my favorite hang out, the Iliad Bookshop,  I stumbled across a wonderfully inspirational book called "Thoughts are Things" by Ernest Holmes and Willis Kinnear. It has become a calming yet motivating way to drift to sleep as it addresses the issue of the power of one's thoughts in shaping one's life experience.

When I find my mind racing through the problems of the day or stewing over comments others made that got under my skin, this book and a number of Ernest Holmes' other writings have helped me to refocus and stop the runaway train of negative thinking in its tracks. It is a useful tool for me to break lifetime patterns I developed of focusing on the negative even when I struggled to appear positive.

I have decided to create a little ritual for myself of randomly opening to a page or two each night before bed. It quiets the chatter and has worked wonders for my insomnia. These days I am sleeping like a baby.

Below is a page long selection which I have been randomly attracting quite a few times lately. Clearly the Universe is trying to tell me something.:)

"Success"

There is an old familiar saying that "Nothing succeeds like success." To this rather obvious idea perhaps we should add the not-so-obvious one that "We always succeed." What is meant by "success"? It may be defined as the fulfillment, accomplishment, or achievement of those ideas which preeminently occupy one's thinking.

There is one individual who has been a success all his life- he has found joy, happiness, wealth, health, and is still enjoying them at a ripe old age. Another also has been a success- he has never had a dime, his health has been poor, his family life was a flop, and everything is still going on in a dreary way. Each man has been successful in experiencing those things which he expected to happen to him! 

Perhaps it might be wise to take a look at the state of our own affairs. Are they all that we could wish them to be? Or, on the other hand, are they just what we expect them to be? There is a vast difference.

Inasmuch as we are always a success, we should be more careful in what we are successful at. Are we successful in experiencing what we want, or what we don't want? This brings us to the question: What do we think about most of the time- the "wants" or the "don't wants"? Here lies the big secret of why some people appear successful in experiencing the good things in life while others appear not to have been around when they were passed out. The good things of life are always being passed around. But apparently the only way to have your share of them is to continually mentally accept them and not reject them. You can't have what you refuse to accept. 

 I read this page many times while in my dressing room waiting to go on the set for "2 Broke Girls". It put me in the mental space I needed. It just spoke to me. Perhaps it may speak to you as well..