a toast.

to nearest
to dearest
to the crew
to cahoots
to the ones who've been there
to the ones who'll be there
to dropping everything
to saving anything
to no judgements
to no doubts
to loyalty
to trust
to favors
to lifelongs
to been too long
to nothing's changed
to having history
to having your back
to moving away
to never too far
to growing up
to settling down
to living young
to your second family
to friends
to yourself.

Can't take credit for (all of) this. Saw it in a magazine months ago, took a picture with my phone, and added what I wanted.

I love the idea of having 'a toast.' Not an obnoxious clink your glasses all over the place just to think you're swanky, but the true and sincere expression of honor and goodwill. Society has somehow let the charm of being personal and genuine slip through the cracks. What a shame. So, 'hear hear' to all those that maintain the practice of being personal. Let those that matter to you know.

Cheers.

Absolute Clarity

"Few times in my life...absolute clarity. Silence drowns out noise and I can feel. Everything is suddenly fresh"

I try to find moments like these in my life. They have the ability to pull you back into the present, reality. Clarity, no matter how difficult to obtain, helps a person realize everything is exactly the way it is supposed to be.

The film "A Single Man" is unique to say the least. Obviously written, directed, produced...etc. by a fashion designer; every shot is so well put together it's difficult to find a moment that isn't beautiful. I'm not even sure if I would recommend the film because of dark subject, weird story, not for your typical 'movie' enjoyment; however, it did have something to offer.

In one moment, a perfect sunset is shown from the parking lot of the liquor store (juxtaposition?). A random 'Rico Suave' struggling foreign actor mentions that sometimes the most awful situations provide the most beautiful moments. This moment made me flash back to the day my family laid our father to rest. There was a picture taken of us in the cemetery; the first honest picture we have taken as a family in years (possibly the first of our adult lives). Each of us may be able to argue 'my hair looks stupid' or 'I don't like my smile' but none of that mattered. It was understandably one of the most horribly grueling and overwhelming days of our lives, yet the picture provides absolute clarity of how we all felt. We love each other; we were together; that's all that mattered. Thanks Mom, for being the obsessive picture taker at the most annoying possible times. All your work paid off. Our first family picture that wasn't forced, awkward, or overthought. It was honest.



"It's not often that we are able to connect with a real person. I cherish those moments."

-George, "A Single Man"

Perfect Sense.

Perfect Sense. A term that may be interpreted in many different ways, given the context.

A movie I wasn't terribly excited about seeing at Sundance this year ended up being one of my most influential experiences the 10 days had to offer. It was raw, dirty, quiet, fragile, and had all the honesty one could ask from an artist (possibly too much, Mom). Sure, it's not a film most would come away with much; however, I found so much perspective and simplicity in a story that was as abstract as they come. Am I psychotic? Probably. At least I can find ways to enjoy it every now and then.

Expect the worst and hope for the best. Discover what you value and chase after it; really find what you cherish in your life. In this process of discovery don't be afraid to fight, forgive; love, hate; feel, numb; chase, withdraw; fail, succeed.

Life is much more than flour and fat. Although they allow you to survive, it is more insightful to live adventurously than be dull.

"I can say it but you won't believe me
You say you do, but you don't decieve me
Dead hearts are everywhere..."

Dead Hearts - Stars