People Are Good

I believe in the goodness of people.  Although terrible things happened to me when I was young, there were always good people all around me, giving advice or trying to show me kindness because they knew my situation was not so good.  Even now, when I have needed help with various projects, always there is an angel in the wings, leading the way.  In the last few weeks, I met several very kind people who gave of themselves to help me and my film.  I am an eternally grateful.

On Writing- Rejection

I can remember when I was writing some of the first drafts of the screenplay about my life, I would get notes from the producer, Todd Black, and he would give me feedback.  After reading some of the pages, Todd said, "This is some of the most uninspired writing I've ever read."  Some might think it's harsh, but what Todd's words did was force me to dig deeper within myself to tell a truth that would be more inspiring to him.  Truth in writing is what makes it really good.  I had to accept the constructive critcism and push ahead.  If you are writing, accept the not so good comments, too.

If You Are a Writer, Write.

I resisted the idea of owning a tablet. I don't think I would ever read a book on one because I like the feel of real pages and the smell of real paper when I read, but I couldn't think of any other reason to own a tablet unless I wanted to watch a movie while traveling. I do have access to movies through other electronic media, so I couldn't see the point.  Then, on Father's Day, after hinting around that I would like to have the Big Kahuna beach chair like the one we bought my wife for Mother's Day, I was shocked to open my gift, only to find an iPad with all the accessories.  I said, "I feel like I'm dreaming."  I kept repeating it over and over again, while my daughters cheered and jumped around.  I had to admit, I was really happy about it.
This morning, I really wanted to work, but it's Saturday and I wanted to stay in bed as well. It was so early, around 6 a.m. and everyone else was asleep.  I listened to the notes from my meeting with the development executive working on my project and I pulled out my iPad and I started to write.  It was quiet and the peaceful and I was still feeling the warmth of my bed.  Several hours later, I had done nearly all the notes and I was ready to dress, have breakfast and start round two of writing.  I transferred all my work to the big computer and I continued writing away.
I always advise writers that in order to avoid writer's block, you have to stay with your project at all times.  You have to write when the spirit hits you and you have to write even when it doesn't. It's like exercise (not that I do that every day), but you must write with a regularity that becomes second nature to who you are.

On Being a Girl Dad-8

After years of singing all the songs that Barney the purple dinosaur had to offer, listening to the Cheetah Girls soundtrack, downloading the "clean" versions of the latest rappers' songs, it was brilliant to take my girls to the Friday Night Jazz at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).  Of course the girls are subjected to my 70s music, but to sit with them and enjoy hearing the upright bass, the piano, a trumpet and drums made my heart sing.  My girls tapped toes and bobbed along and I was so happy.

This Life of Mine

I've had some really great news in the last few days. I am putting the final post production points on my film, This Life of Mine and I am so pleased with the dubbing that was completed on the film.  It sounds fantastic.  Tomorrow, I am taking the film to get colorized and we will be set to show it to the world.  Everyone needs to see this story.

On Being a Girl Dad-07

I am dyslexic.  It took me years to figure out why I had to be in the remedial reading class.  Back in the day, no one knew what dyslexia is, so when I finally discovered that I had a reason for not being able to read like everyone else, I was overjoyed.  What I learned is that I have to take my time and relax in order to get the words right.  I was so worried that my daughters would inherit the reading disorder and I held my breath until they were able to read with great fluency.  Today, I was thrilled to walk into the family room only to find my daughters engrossed in some leisure reading.  Indigo, 14, is reading a Tennessee Williams play, while Azure, 10, is reading Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express.  Simultaneous, they announce they have only a few pages to go and when they are done, they can't wait to share what happened.  I am thrilled with their enthusiasm for reading.  I am so excited that they can read anything at any time and not have the restraints that I have when I read.  I am so proud they are my girls.

On Being a Girl Dad-6

I couldn't have had a better Father's Day.  I had my favorite breakfast of banana pancakes, veggie sausage, eggs, strawberries with cream and orange juice and I watched my daughters help their mother prepare everything.  My cards were wonderful. My daughter, Azure, thanked me for being patient with her, for coming to her games and for saying, "Do I have to come up to that school and whip some A$$" whenever someone makes her cry.  I laughed when I read that.  What I like is that she appreciates being protected.  Other than wanting my girls to feel loved, I want them to feel safe.  We spent the rest of our day walking along the ocean and hugging one another.  It was the best Father's Day ever.