Window to the Soul

I got a lot of favorable comments from last week’s blog. You can read some of them here.

Have you ever made eye contact with someone across the room and realized you both were staring at each other? I have. Have you ever looked away from someone across the room, only to sneak a second look when you thought the coast was clear and found that that person did the same thing? I have. Have you ever looked away from someone across the room, only to sneak a second look when you thought the coast was clear and found that that person did the same thing and then you stumbled on your face because you weren’t looking where you should have in the first place? I have.

What is it about our distracting, unnerving “window to our soul?” Why do we connect as individuals in such a powerful way through our eyes?  I confess, I see people’s souls all the time when I do my portraits — probably even more than an optometrist. While eye doctors examine the nerves, in my best days, I become sensitive to my subjects’ aura, their personality … their souls. As an artist, I need to do this in order to capture their essence in paper. Most of the time though, I tone it down a bit. Otherwise, the connection will be too intense for me to focus on the initial impression … the vibes, of that person.

I’ve seen deep sadness, innocence, evil, troubled marriages, deep insecurity, many nervousness, uncontrollable laughter, lots of self-consciousness in my “little caricature office.” There have been powerful bosses who could not stare into my eyes for fear that their sins would be revealed.

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Humble Beginnings

Before anything else, I really want to thank many of you who bought Tom the Mouse last week. I hope you enjoyed it. When I shared the book with my grand kids last Friday, we had so much fun. They laughed at the word “Ewww!” and mimicked animal sounds. The 2 boys were so competitive searching for the hidden images that I had a hard time finishing the story. They really loved it and I had to read it over a few times. It’s a good thing it isn’t a thick book. They still haven’t found all the hidden names and pictures. CLICK HERE and help make the book a success! They can’t wait for the next book. Next book? Is this the humble beginning of something big?

Let’s talk about humble beginnings. You know you live in Los Angeles when you have colorful breakfast friends like A.D.. A.D. is a bald Egyptian marketing executive/violinist. Every time I see him I think of Jennifer Lopez. No, he doesn’t look like J.Lo. He just reminds me of his compelling narrative concerning J.Lo’s humble beginning. He met her when he was having dinner with a movie executive in a Mexican restaurant in New York. Jennifer was a part time waitress, dancer, singer and actress who caught their eye. His friend asked Jennifer to audition for an upcoming movie and handed her a $100 bill to buy an appropriate dress. Jennifer cried with joy because she needed to buy a dress for a family gathering. She was so poor she didn’t own a car and took the subway. That encounter led to J.Lo’s big break starring as the lead role in the movie Selena.

Somewhere in A.D.’s yarn, he told me of his brother-in-law who did charity dental work on certain days of the week. Mr. and Mrs. Lopez were an elderly couple who availed of the charity work. The dentist didn’t realize they were the parents of J.Lo. One day he received an invitation to a Pasadena restaurant for a family event by the Lopezes. A.D.came along. They didn’t know it was a celebrity event. They were picked up by a limo and they sat beside a familiar face. “Excuse me sir,” A.D. said, “but you look like Clint Eastwood.” Of course, it turned out to BE Clint and his family. He also met J.Lo’s (then) fiance — Ben Afleck. Later, A.D.’s bro-in-law became J.Lo’s dentist. She had 4 sessions of teeth whitening that cost her $4k a pop. Sadly, diva rumors abound that fame has gotten to J.Lo’s head. Despite her success there is a sadness that has follwed her. I think she’s with husband No.5 … but who’s counting?

Yesterday I heard a sermon from a local pastor whose sister-in-law was a flight stewardess in TWA. Barbara Streisand and her entourage boarded the first class section one day. The stewardess approached Miss Streisand and asked if she cared for anything to drink. Barbara didn’t acknowledge her presence and glanced outside the window. One of her aids rushed to Barbara’s rescue and reprimanded the stewardess: “No one is supposed to talk to Miss Streisand.”  This incident corroborates a similar story about her and other actors from my bro-in-law who once was a standby fireman in charge of fire safety during movie shootings with pyrotechnics. It’s so sad that when many reach a certain level in society, many somehow transform into total jerks.

Where do YOU stand in society? Up there with the people who “made it?” or are you among the “wanna-bes?” Rich or poor,  you can still be a jerk.

Are you of humble beginnings?
Are you of lofty pasts?
Either way, you have a choice
to show compassion
or to be an #ss.

TGIF people!

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”

— James 2:5

Joke of the week

Pet Shop Incident

Shared by Greg of Diamond Bar, CA

Videos of the week

Pasta-Eating Contest
Sent by Tom of Pasadena, CA

This is no ordinary pasta-eating contest. It’s a battle between a man and his dog. It’s not important who won but how the contest was played.

WATCH VIDEO

Coach Lou Holtz’s Inspirational Speech
Sent by Heather of Whittier, CA

Lou said he was born with a silver spoon but it isn’t what you think. Quite an entertainer, this coach. Words of wisdom delivered with conviction and heart.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this photo

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I met Lois at an April Fool’s Tea Party fundraising event over a year ago. We hit it off when she said she once was a consulting technical editor for USC. Lois is a senior who wants to do something with her dormant skills. Since that day, I have referred work to her when my clients needed a proof reader. Every once in a while she would contribute jokes for this TGIF email blast. She would share anecdotes, poetry and even songs.

One day, Lois asked if I was interested in illustrating and helping to publish her children’s book. She said when her kids were growing up, she would make up stories to put them to sleep. In fact, they liked her stories better than books she would read. One particular story was about “Tom the Mouse.” She said she thought it up at the spur of the moment. “Tom the Mouse” was by far their favorite bedtime story because it allowed them to participate in making animal sounds. Lois would repeat that story over and over. Lois’ kids have passed on that legacy to their own kids and grandkids.  With a history of 60+  years, there was no doubt that I wanted to do this story. We met once and threshed out the general concepts and I made the illustrations and added a few ideas. We made it an interactive book where kids will learn to read, make sounds, and search for hidden images. At the end of the book, there is a double-page spread full of graffiti names on a wall. We hope parents and kids will enjoy looking for their own names. This project was more difficult than I expected, but it was fun.

Guess what? The book is out!  “Tom the Mouse” has just been made available on Amazon! Just do a search for three words: “Tom Mouse Lois” and you will find it. If you want to do me a huge favor, BUY THE BOOK! It’s a perfect gift to give to parents with young kids. It’s just over ten bucks. If you have Amazon Prime, 2-day shipping is free. Buy two and shipping is free. How’s that for a shameless commercial plug? Oh, and please give us some feedback and please spread the word. Thank you!

When I see Lois all smiles and excited showing off her book, I know I made the right decision. I know I helped make a dream come true. I know I created a legacy for my friend.

CLICK HERE to buy the book!

“A book is a dream you hold in your hands.”

— Neil Gaiman

TGIF people!

Important Question

Shared by Don of Kelowna. B.C.

Best Friends
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

This is one of the cutest videos ever. More cute than funny. I wish I had a friend like this when I was growing up … these days I have to settle for “The Cat.” (Still resisting her cuteness, though).

WATCH VIDEO

Crazy Success of “Crazy Rich Asians”
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

That movie is raking it in. This is a good analysis of this unlikely Hollywood success story.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C. who shared this photo

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