Monday, November 20, 2006
Passing
A friend of mine passed away a little over a week ago. We used to work together about 10 years ago, and hadn't seen each other very often since then. I followed his career through gallery notices; he was thisclose to making it big in the art world. He'd already made it big among his friends.
I always thought of him as the naughtiest elf in Santa's workshop. Here's why:
I always thought of him as the naughtiest elf in Santa's workshop. Here's why:
- After we finished working on our first catalog together, he called a meeting with me, the photographer, and the print production manager. He said. "We've done a great job. Free cars for everyone! Go out to the parking lot and pick out something nice for yourself." He then gave us those little tools you use if you've locked your keys in your car.
- He gave me a picture that he tore out of a Dick & Jane book. In the context of the story, the picture and words made perfect sense. Away from the book, however, it was unbelievably raunchy and funny.
- Security had to escort him off the premises during Rodeo Day at work. A security guard thought his "Little Wrangler" plastic water pistols somehow, someway could've been confused with real guns. (if you're blind and/or stupid).
Years ago, he gave me a set of Christmas cards that he designed and silkscreened. I couldn't send them to anyone; they were just too precious to me. This Christmas, in Danny's memory, I'll hang them around my home, saying a "thank you" for getting to know someone who made work fun.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Veteran's Day
A hearty "Thanks" to all those who have served -- especially to my two uncles.
I saw a program recently on the Military Channel about celebrities who served during wartime. I expected the stories of Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart, but one really took me by surprise: Charles Durning. You know who he is -- he usually plays dads or politicians. Wow, what a military experience he had! One of the first on Omaha Beach on D-Day, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and was one of the few survivors of the Malmedy Massacre of American POWs. You'd think he would be bitter about his experience, yet he has it written into his contracts that he will have Memorial Day free to participate in the remembrance services in Washington, D.C. Truly an unsung patriot.
I saw a program recently on the Military Channel about celebrities who served during wartime. I expected the stories of Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart, but one really took me by surprise: Charles Durning. You know who he is -- he usually plays dads or politicians. Wow, what a military experience he had! One of the first on Omaha Beach on D-Day, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and was one of the few survivors of the Malmedy Massacre of American POWs. You'd think he would be bitter about his experience, yet he has it written into his contracts that he will have Memorial Day free to participate in the remembrance services in Washington, D.C. Truly an unsung patriot.
So, where was I?
Phew! Sick cat, thrown-out back, crashed computer: The last couple weeks have been loads of fun. (Picture cleaning up cat vomit while you're hunched over with back pain. Yep, that's my life.)
Anyway, cat's better, I'm better. Carpet cleaners came yesterday; so did the wonderful guys at Help Me Computers. I even bought new pillows to replace the ones the cat peed on.
Don't ask. Please.
Mom had a little health scare, too, but she's doing great now.
Democrats are coming into power, George Allen was defeated in Virginia, Rick Santorum was defeated in PA, Rumsfeld's out. Now if we just could've put Kinky Friedman in the Texas Governor's mansion, life would be bright and shiny and new again.
So... how ya been?
Anyway, cat's better, I'm better. Carpet cleaners came yesterday; so did the wonderful guys at Help Me Computers. I even bought new pillows to replace the ones the cat peed on.
Don't ask. Please.
Mom had a little health scare, too, but she's doing great now.
Democrats are coming into power, George Allen was defeated in Virginia, Rick Santorum was defeated in PA, Rumsfeld's out. Now if we just could've put Kinky Friedman in the Texas Governor's mansion, life would be bright and shiny and new again.
So... how ya been?
