I'm Writing Again!

After directing Antwone Fisher: A Play at UCLA, I needed to rest.  Writing and directing a play and rehearsing to get the bet results is difficult, but rewarding.  I needed a little break.  Now, I am refreshed and on to my next writing project.  The words are flowing, the scenes are vivid and interesting.  I love this work.
To keep me in my writing space, I have lots of interesting things to occupy my mind when I am taking breaks.  It's also when I return emails and make phone calls.  The rule is that I can't leave the room!  So far, so great.

Final Week of the play

This if the final week of Antwone Fisher: a play at UCLA.  The shows have been outstanding.  The acting is incredible.  I couldn't be happier.  Today, I learned that Saturday is sold out for both shows and Wednesday only has twelve tickets left.  The great thing about this production is that with a multi-racial class, it shows that the story is a universal story that isn't unique to men or women, boys or girls.  If you are in the Los Angeles area, make a point of seeing the show.  You will be happy you did.

Grateful

I am so grateful for the professionalism that the actors of Antwone Fisher: a play display each night.  The energy was fantastic tonight.  I was so happy to see my neighbors out supporting me yet again. It's an honor to have them.

Opening night of the play

I can't even begin to express how happy I am with the opening night of Antwone Fisher: a play. The actors were outstanding, the set was beautiful, the costumes were impressive.  It went off without a hitch.  All I had to do was sit back and watch.  The weeks of rehearsals were all worth it.  For those of you who come out, you are in for a treat.

Taking Time To Relax

The entire cast and crew for Antwone Fisher: a play has worked so hard over the past few weeks. Now, we are in the home stretch and it was really nice to take today just to relax.  How do I relax?  I spent most of the day out in the garden taking care of the neglected shrubs and lawn as my daughter roller skated and kept me company and my wife joined me every now and again to trim the trees or just talk.  Gardening relaxes me and being with my family brings me so much joy.  Now, I am ready to approach this week with a smile and bring to the UCLA community a wonderful stage production.

Keep a Senior Citizen in Your Life

I received an email from an old friend who told me that someone I used to know is in a convalescent home and suggested that I go for a visit.  Henry is 92 years old.  His mind is sharp and so is his memory, but he didn't recognize me at first and he didn't hear me say my name, but since he wasn't doing anything else, he decided to allow me to visit with him.  We talked for an hour.  I loved hearing the stories of World War 2 and of Henry's philosophy about people and how we should treat one another.  Seniors have so much to share with us.  Take time to sit with someone who has been on the planet longer than you have.  Learn from their lessons.

A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie

Yesterday, I received an email from my literary agent saying that an offer has been made on my latest book, A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie.  They want to translate the book into Chinese and sell it on mainland China.  I am so honored.  I visited Asia for many years during my time in the navy and I loved it there, so to be requested for a translated book makes me feel so very happy.  I look forward to putting the translated book on my shelf, though I do not speak or read Chinese.  What an  honor.

The best part about my book is that it isn't just for boys or young men.  There are lessons for young women as well.  It's the perfect book for anyone who may not know what things impress or deter people during a first impression.  The book teaches the reader how to dress for an interview or any situation from casual to formal so that you never have to feel out of place.  There are recipes for the single person and lessons on finance, forgiveness and personal hygiene.  Anyone can benefit from this book.