Just One of Those Days

Wednesday was a sweet, sour and delicious day for me … a confusing day.

Sweet because I wrote a song for my wife. Sour because I’m very concerned about my friend who opened up to me. Delicious because my college friends said I look like someone in the Fast and the Furious movie.

SWEET

Being human is a juggling act of emotions. I talked about this last week when I shared the movie UP. What is it with that movie? I was so inspired to put words to the theme music because it reminded me of my wife. The melody played in my head for days and one morning the first words came out in my dream. I spent a few days honing the lyrics, the melody and the harmony. It ain’t perfect but my wife loved it and that’s what’s important. The song’s kinda mushy but If my wife will allow me, I’d like to share it with you someday.

SOUR

Not to get into too much detail but my friend is going through a difficult time. I wish I had a magic wand to erase all of the pain and the anxiety. We’ve stepped into the realm of spiritual topics. We could use your prayers.

DELICIOUS

My old chums sent me a picture of an Asian actor/director from the movie Fast and the Furious (I never watched that episode). They said the guy looks like me. I laughed when I saw the picture but I had to make a double take because he really does look like me
… at least when I still had hair that wafted in the summer tropical breeze like Favio … and before my eyes puffed up like Igor in Young Frankenstein … and way before the wrinkles of my shriveled skin. This is the picture they sent me:

I was flattered because I think that guy’s pretty handsome. So if he’s handsome, can I say I am too? Shock!! Honestly, I never thought I was handsome. At one point I thought I was downright ugly when pimples covered my teenage face. I was so ashamed of my looks that I would always look down. But it was my Dad who started to build my confidence when he said not to worry about my pimples because it “made me very manly.” I never cared how I look anyway. Still don’t. It’s not important.

Imagine going through life not knowing I was actually good looking? The only person who said I was handsome was my grandma when she was combing my 5 year old hair with greasy pomade (one of my earliest memories). I never believed her because grandmas are supposed to say sweet things. Even my Mom never said I was handsome … even my wife never said so. In fact, one time I asked her if I was handsome and she said “not really but you’re charming.” Well, whaddayaknow — I’m the ugly duckling who’s been living a lie — I’ve been a swan in duck’s clothing. Very strange to find out this late in life. Send in the clowns baby! Send in the clowns!

So I don’t know what to call Wednesday. Weird day, perhaps. I have no real message today. I can only think of Forrest Gump.

As always, this is just me. Is this you too? Did we connect?
TGIF people!

“Confusion now hath made its masterpiece.” —William Shakespear

“I’m not confused. I’m just well mixed” —Robert Frost

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Sharon of Connecticut

Thanks to Jennifer of Denver, Colorado

Thanks to Magda of Boston, Massachusetts

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

Thanks to Rachel of Seattle, Washington

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with this.

SUBSCRIBE

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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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