Felt I had to say…… something…
Vlog Entry
Had some fun with this, just felt I needed to do this before going out to work today, so often do things get left unsaid.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Dulce Tejada
Groove Studio One Magazine likes to recognize individuals and organizations that pioneer new and upcoming Social Media trends and services that help spread messages and create new opportunities.
In today’s fast-paced social media world, how many can say they’ve amassed over 80 million YouTube views, obtained a Facebook followership of more than 30,000 in a mere two weeks, and created a global fan base simply using online videos and blogs, all at the young age of 23?
The remarkable Dulce Tejada, (also known as Dulce Candy to her fans), has mastered all of the above and her success continues to grow.
Dulce is a social media icon that combines her expertise and knowledge of the beauty and fashion world to give advice and tips, including the best ways to “haul” pieces at the various retailers and how to create the perfect look and outfit for any occasion.
For more information on the Dulce Candy fashion phenomenon please visit www.dulcecandy.com or go to her Video site—www.youtube.com/DulceCandy87.
Irene Flores—Illustrator & Mangaka
an Artist with a Flair
Article / Interview By Joseph Timmons GS1
In a small bistro in San Luis Obispo I met with Irene Flores, published and well known anime artist and illustrator. Over lunch we discussed her travels in the art world and how she became one of the few anime artists in the United States to be just as much, if not more popular than artists and illustrators from Japan. Irene has always been interested in art, as a child she enjoyed being given opportunities to explore her interests freely, and having a father who was also an established artist was very helpful and her whole family supported her dreams. From an early age, Irene enjoyed reading comics and graphic novels, growing up in a family that was very close to its Asian roots , she quickly moved from American style comics to anime and then on to animated movies from Japan and Asian countries. Irene would examine the story telling aspects of illustration and found appreciation for the craft and its natural ability to be transformative, to change and grow with the story line or plot. She relies on the emphasis of good story-telling to give her illustrations life.
During Irene’s journey in art, she has grown to treat her illustrations as if they were alive, the characters grow and mature, experience personal development and become real, not just to Irene, but to her fans and followers. Irene shared that at the many Comic Conventions and Cosplay events she has been at, both as a patron and as a celebrity; it is the fine line between fantasy and reality that excites her about her artwork. Irene enjoys being an artist, but also keeps a certain amount of anonymity. Irene stated that as well as being a published artist and illustrator, she continues to live a normal life; she has a day job and tries to keep her celebrity status “Low-Key”. Irene has been a bit disappointed in the transfer of Japanese anime and animated movies that are voiced over or edited for American audiences, stating that the process takes the life out of the story and mutes the true voices of the characters, “Some things just cannot translate” she said as she was sipping her smoothie and enjoying the sunlight streaming through the window. Irene likes living in California and often works at the local library and art schools services to teach illustrative skills and share her gift.
Her works include a series of books that teach anime style illustration, her work with Impact Comics, Tokyo-Pop, Marvel and is working on a project for Yen Press. Her most impressive work however is her Anime series Mark of the Succubus, A story where an unmotivated high school student named Aiden meets Maeve, a succubus-in-training sent from the demon homeland to learn about humans. This series was voted as one of the top titles in Tokyo-Pop’s publication and is available on Amazon.com and other online distributors.
Technorati Tags: Irene,Flores,Illustrator,Mangaka,Artist,Flair,Article,Interview,Joseph,Timmons,bistro,Luis,Obispo,Over,artists,States,Japan,opportunities,From,comics,novels,Asian,American,movies,aspects,illustration,emphasis,illustrations,life,development,followers,Comic,Conventions,Cosplay,events,patron,artwork,status,Japanese,audiences,mutes,Some,smoothie,California,library,skills,gift,series,Impact,Tokyo,Marvel,Anime,Mark,Succubus,student,Aiden,Maeve,demon,homeland,humans,publication,Amazon,distributors,Website
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Akomplice – Taking Urban Fashion to New Levels
The concept of Urban Street Wear is not new, since the 60’s the image or graphic message found its way from the highway billboards to the chests of America’s youth. We have seen everything from “Have a nice Day” to “Go $#@% Yourself” and there are many independent artists, designers and major labels that saturate the market with their vision of that is hot and what is not. The center of the mass market image campaign of most “designers” is how to maximize the money making potential and just print, print, print, until the newness of the fad design has passed, only to hope it becomes retro and returns for more money making potential. Personally, I find that the T-Shirt fad is passed on from one cheap shirt printers to another, or at least I did until I met with Akomplice.
![clip_image002[6]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qN3ZPMUjJ8E/Tkyy75JbrdI/AAAAAAAAAh0/mijEuGYpxd8/s1600-h/clip_image00264.jpg "clip_image002[6]")
Akomplice is a small company founded on the concept that style should not be stupid and fashion is not always about the dollar. I met with a representative of the new flagship store for Akomplice in Santa Barbara, CA and we took a brief tour of the store and discussed what Akomplice is all about. The vision behind Akomplice and their line started with the “In Your face” image and message companionship of art with a strong street flavor and the message of youth and social change, looking forward to a day of equality among all, this was the companies first step to greatness. Akomplice used their dream to bring street fashion design out of the darkness, the artwork on the shirts represent the vision of the artist as a messenger of hope and change, that hard images can be used to inform and educate, bringing about a world view to their patrons.
Akomplice quickly moved into working with musical artists and personalities to create a charitable concept of collector’s designs, artwork, CD’s and gift boxes. One such Gift Box was The Doom Box; the buyer gets a sealed wooden box, enclosed is a limited edition Shirt, gift items and music media, all the items are worth more than the sale price of less than 50.00, but each sales proceeds went to charities and the company has made a mark on the local fashion market with their philanthropy.
![clip_image002[8]](http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wvECLfzzkGE/Tkyy8vJX4xI/AAAAAAAAAh8/k4LuaM4oG28/s1600-h/clip_image00284.jpg "clip_image002[8]")
Akomplice has moved into more than just T-Shirts, they have increased their line to include button down shirts, slacks, shorts and jackets. They have created a full fashion wardrobe with season attentive ideas and great sense of line and look. The recent line is a blend of durable materials used in uniquely creative color matches and simple texture blends. The lines of accessories are utilitarian but do not lack any creativity to use, and are easy to mix and match.
I can easily say that the lines of design for Akomplice are not just for the beach or the college frat party, but are real fashion concept for the people who want great comfort and outstanding value in their wardrobe choices, and want to look and feel special. Akomplice small run approach allows them introduce new designs in season run, rather than create a line of 10 shirt designs for the year, they will produce almost 10 times more, using multiple art designs and illustrative ideas, they can make their flexibility a true advantage and make the patron feel their choice in just as unique as they are.
The interior of the store is sparse, hip and full of art, keeping to murals and hanging renditions of their designs and art from local artisans, it has a upscale feel that you would expect in Los Angeles, New York and other metro locations, but staff is knowledgeable about fashion and look to help their clients find just the right look. We talked about their grand opening party held just a week before our interview and I was told they had a packed, standing room only house. The local “fashionistas” as well as the consumer public truly appreciated Akomplice's whole concept and the flagship location is making a name for themselves.
![clip_image002[10]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zdJCrTJ1TiY/Tkyy9USBNsI/AAAAAAAAAiE/n7mMDF-zooE/s1600-h/clip_image002104.jpg "clip_image002[10]")
“Akomplice's mission is to bring fresh concepts and artful expressions to heads across the globe. Our designs reflect the things that inspire us: nature, philosophy, hip-hop culture, cinema, art, politics, and music. We want our ideas and images to make a positive impact, provoke thought, and communicate about issues that are affecting the world today. Making Akomplice into a profitable business that stays fresh, creative, and fun is one of our biggest goals. To us, true success is making clothing that we love, and that people love”.
From dressing hip-hop icons like Ice T,Big Boi (of Outkast) and Raekwon to having their gear showcased on HBO’s Entourage, Akomplice has made consistent moves to spread the word about their clothing where major retailers across the nation are clamoring to get in on the action. Instead of trying to retail in Wal-Mart or Target, Akomplice Clothing have partnered with retailers like Fuzion and other boutique style locations. The keeping it real ideal, selling out of the big brand locations would feel like “selling out” to Akomplice.
Technorati Tags: Akomplice,Urban,Fashion,Levels,concept,Street,Wear,message,highway,billboards,chests,America,youth,Yourself,artists,designers,vision,money,Shirt,printers,dollar,Santa,Barbara,companionship,artwork,shirts,artist,messenger,patrons,personalities,collector,gift,Doom,buyer,edition,items,music,media,worth,sale,sales,charities,philanthropy,slacks,jackets,wardrobe,texture,beach,college,advantage,patron,murals,renditions,artisans,Angeles,York,locations,clients,room,consumer,location,mission,concepts,globe,philosophy,cinema,politics,impact,goals,From,icons,Outkast,Raekwon,gear,Entourage,retailers,nation,action,Instead,Mart,Target,Fuzion
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Agua Fresca–Mark Bittman
Agua Fresca Simple, Easy and Refreshing
NY Time Video
Mark Bittman makes a light, refreshing and very minimal summer drink.
Related article: http://bit.ly/3DVHqk
Friday, July 08, 2011
Win an Alphas T-Shirt from SyFy and Groove Studio One
Alphas: A New SyFy Channel Action Series
Premiers on Monday July 11th, at 10/9c
About The Show
Alphas is an action-packed thriller from writers Zak Penn (The Avengers, X-Men: The Last Stand) and Michael Karnow. In the series, five ordinary people are brought together to form one extraordinary team of Alphas -- people with the unique power to stretch the capabilities of the human mind giving them superhuman physical and mental abilities.
Alphas on SyFy
Operating within the Defense Criminal Investigation Service of the U.S. Department of Defense and led by preeminent neurologist and psychiatrist Dr. Lee Rosen (Emmy Award-winner and Academy Award-nominee David Strathairn), an expert in Alpha phenomena, the team investigates cases that point to others with Alpha abilities. As they work against the clock to solve this new brand of crime, they must prevent their own personality differences and disparate backgrounds from interfering with their ultimate mission to catch the enemy.
In addition to Academy Award nominee David Strathairn (Temple Grandin, Good Night, and Good Luck), the ensemble cast stars Malik Yoba (New York Undercover, Why Did I Get Married?), Warren Christie (October Road), Laura Mennell (Watchmen), Ryan Cartwright (Mad Men, Bones) and Azita Ghanizada (Castle).
Learn more about Alphas:
http://www.alphapowers.com/about/ and http://www.syfy.com/alphasseries
Win an Alphas T-Shirt from SyFy and Groove Studio One:
To Enter or Contest:
1. Send us a Comment: Let us know what Super Human Ability you would like to Have, have fun with the question.
2. Re-blog / Share This Post – The More People that Re-Blog / Share it, the better chance you have to win!
3. Follow Groove Studio One
On Tumblr- http://www.groovestudio1.tumblr.com
On BlogSpot- http://www.groovestudio1.blogspot.com
And Facebook-
That’s it, you’re in the game!
Good Luck !
Technorati Tags: Alphas,Shirt,SyFy,Groove,Studio,Channel,Action,Series,Premiers,About,thriller,writers,Penn,Avengers,Last,Stand,Michael,team,capabilities,abilities,Defense,Criminal,Investigation,Service,Department,psychiatrist,Rosen,Emmy,Award,winner,Academy,nominee,David,Strathairn,Alpha,phenomena,clock,crime,differences,backgrounds,mission,enemy,addition,Temple,Grandin,Luck,Malik,Yoba,York,Undercover,Warren,Christie,October,Road,Laura,Mennell,Watchmen,Ryan,Bones,Azita,Ghanizada,Castle,Learn,Enter,Contest,Super,Human,Post,People,Blog,Tumbler
Sunday, May 29, 2011
My Thoughts on Memorial Day: Editor Opinion
Monday, May 30th is Memorial Day, a day when the citizens of this country take time to remember the fallen soldiers and the men and women how paid the “final Price” for our liberties and freedoms, we also take time to pay tribute the ones who survived and came home to make their way in the world.
I am a patriotic American, I believe in the founding fathers vision of a free society where we would all live in harmony and work together towards a perfect union of brotherhood. I believe that this is possible, but only through the work of everyone towards a common goal and a common good. I state this because I want to make it clear that I feel that this Memorial Day we need to expand our feelings about who deserves the praise and how we should show it.
In this country, there has been a common belief that “We’re Number One” or “Our Way is The Only Way”, but, don’t you think that everyone everywhere would feel this way about their country as well? I would propose that everyone would feel that their way of life, their social and political structure, their religious beliefs are just as important, just as pure, just as worth dying for.
Rather than putting up a flag and firing up the BBQ and sucking back a beer “for old glory”, lets open our thoughts and hearts to all of those who gave up their lives for all of us. Let us think of the Soldiers, Police, Fire Fighters, Volunteers and Journalists... EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE how gave their lives in the pursuit of Freedom, it should not matter what country, which war or what time period. I would also like to add that we remember the Civilians, Aid Workers, Men, Women and Children who died.
When I discussed this, I was asked by an associate “So, should we honor the Terrorists from 9-11?”, I would say that we should not honor the act of terror or honor terrorists, but in their minds and hearts, they believed themselves to be “Freedom Fighters”, if you find that you cannot, for one day expand your remembrance to forgive those who would hate us for only a day, them lend your hearts to their Mothers, Fathers, Children, the ones left behind to bear the burden and shame of their fallen family member’s actions, and remember their victims, who did not have a chance to fight back.
In the recent months, people around the world are rising up against oppressive regimes and trying to make their lives better, some we agree with, others we may not atone. There have been Natural Disasters like we have not seen in ages. People everywhere on the brink of destruction, not trusting anyone from anywhere, but if you just take a moment to forget which side of the pond we are on, and just think of the people, in themselves genetically the same all over the world, all of the “Fallen Heroes” deserve a salute.
Our nation was built on the Christian principles of Freedom and Forgiveness, I see on Auto Bumpers the stickers “WWJD” or “He Lived so we would be forgiven” well, what would Jesus do? The Lord and Savior would be the first to reach his hand out and share his love, why can’t we all?
This Memorial Day, Remember why we are a Free People, and Who Gave us that Freedom, God Bless America and Everyone Else.
Technorati Tags: Thoughts,Memorial,Editor,Opinion,citizens,women,Price,liberties,freedoms,tribute,American,vision,harmony,goal,belief,Number,life,worth,Rather,beer,glory,Soldiers,Police,Fire,Fighters,Volunteers,Journalists,EVERYWHERE,pursuit,Freedom,Civilians,Workers,Children,Terrorists,terror,remembrance,Mothers,Fathers,member,victims,regimes,Natural,Disasters,People,brink,destruction,moment,pond,Fallen,Heroes,nation,Christian,Auto,Bumpers,stickers,WWJD,Jesus,Lord,Savior,Remember,Free,Gave,America,Else,ones
Review of In Search Of Beethoven & In Search Of Mozart
Article first published as DVD Review: In Search Of Beethoven and In Search Of Mozart on Blogcritics.
This Special Collector's Edition-Three Disk Box Set of the Microcinema Exclusive educational documentary series titled In Search Of Beethoven & In Search Of Mozart is as much brilliant as the composers whose lives are touched upon. Directed by Phil Grabsky, these two documentaries take you not only into the lives of both Beethoven and Mozart, but into their worlds, what inspired them, created them and gave them reason and cause to create the music that has spanned time and is still as unique and powerful as when it was created.
Filmed in locations in and around the European cities, homes and haunts of the composers, In Search Of Beethoven & In Search Of Mozart, the films take you into the very footsteps of the masters, it is obvious that there was extensive research into the lives of both Beethoven and Mozart. There are commentaries by noted Historians, Conductors and World Renown Performers, whom have made the works of Beethoven and Mozart the focus of their careers. The viewer gets a glimpse into the private journals of both Beethoven and Mozart, and find out the until now known reasons for why they lived as they did and why they were not only well known and famous in their lives, but also the tortured geniuses that would invoke, in their music, images of love, hope and the divine.
Beethoven and Mozart, both musical contemporaries, living at the same time in very similar places, went on to lead very different lives, you learn of Beethoven’s desire to live an aristocratic life, how Mozart, at the age of five, wrote his first piano piece, at an age when most children are unable to play piano! In Search Of Beethoven & In Search Of Mozart show you the Highs and the Lows of the composer’s great lives in the era of invention and revolution.
I sat down to watch In Search Of Beethoven & In Search Of Mozart with my wife, both of us enjoy classical music and documentaries, we found ourselves riveted to our seats. The series is not “dry” or monotone, but vibrant and intriguing, the commentators/narrators spoke with enthusiasm and the information about the composers lives showed them as the “stars” of their times and as people whom fell prey to the same issues that we have today dealing with social matters, politics, war and personal issues, it was very dramatic. Shortly after our kids came into the room and they were interested too, my daughter, who is eight years old, was completely still and afterwards watched the third disk, which had extras like deleted scenes, interviews and complete movements by the symphonies and concerto ensembles that performed pieces by the composers in the documentary. I feel my children learned about the lives of Beethoven and Mozart just as much as I did, and it was a great way to expose them to culture and music.
It is difficult to tell you more without exposing too many of the secrets of the documentaries In Search Of Beethoven & In Search Of Mozart, the series will be available for purchase on May 31st, 2011 at your local retailer, online or at the web site for the series http://www.microcinemadvd.com/, I would advise you to mark your calendar and get this series.
Technorati Tags: Review,Search,Beethoven,Mozart,Article,Blogcritics,Special,Collector,Edition,Three,Disk,Microcinema,Exclusive,series,composers,Phil,Grabsky,documentaries,music,locations,European,cities,footsteps,commentaries,Historians,Conductors,World,Renown,Performers,viewer,journals,geniuses,contemporaries,life,piano,Highs,Lows,composer,revolution,wife,commentators,narrators,enthusiasm,information,prey,politics,room,daughter,extras,symphonies,concerto,ensembles,secrets,retailer,calendar,whom
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Food Review -Hawaiian Kettle Style Chips
Article first published as Food Review: Hawaiian Kettle Style Chips on Blog critics.
Summer, a time for family outings, parties and having the friends and family over for many occasions, and all of them include snacks. I have had my share on company rich events and I like to have crunchy snacks around to keep the guests happy until the BBQ is done, and I have found a new treat I would like to share with you.
Hawaiian Kettle Style Chips by Pinnacle Foods have fabulous and uniquely satisfying taste that is sure to please the most ardent snack fan. The chips are not paper thin but thick and crisp, not oily but full of the natural rich potato flavor with just a hint of salt. I tried four of the varieties of chips they make and I would like to tell you about them.
The Original Flavor is naturally sweet and bold in its simplicity, great for eating plain or with your favorite dip, I like onion dip or plain sour cream, but I think any of your choices would be just as great.
The Sweet Maui Onion has a snappy taste, not too strong on the onion, but it has a “caramelized” onion flavor that brings out a natural tone and texture that does not need any dip or sauces to make it taste better.
The Luau BBQ flavored chips are a spicy treat that, unlike other BBQ flavored chips is refreshing and not too heavy on the tongue. It has a delightful zest, a peppery after taste that lingers just long enough for you to reach for another chip.
Finally, The Wasabi Flavored Chips, with a deep tongue curling heat, makes your taste buds “self-cleaning”, have a glass of water or your favorite beverage ready, you will need it. If you like spicy hot foods, this is it, I loved it!
Any of these varieties would be great to eat with your favorite BBQ meal, after game party platter or alone on an afternoon watching the tube, Hawaiian Kettle Style Chips by Pinnacle Foods, look for them next time you’re out shopping for your family.
Joseph Timmons
Food and Wine Critic for Groove Studio One Magazine
Friday, May 27, 2011
29th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival
A Weekend of Wine and Fun for Everyone
This year’s 29th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival was a fabulous event and a fantastic weekend of exploring the fine wines produced by the local vintners and wineries of the Central Coast of California. Paso Robles and the surrounding counties, which is well known for it’s plethora of beautifully scenic locations and for it’s wonderful agriculture is considered the place to grow the best grapes possible. Many of the local wineries have produced some of the best known award winning wines recognized around the world, and this year’s selections is no exception.
I personally tasted over 200 different varieties, Red and White, from outstanding wineries, such as Ortman Family Wines, Still Waters, Vina Robles, Arroyo Robles, Halter Ranch, Justin Wines and so many more. Paso Robles is home to over 275 Wineries, Tasting Rooms and Growers Ranches that make the area the ideal for both the wine industry and the community.
In addition to a vast choice of wines to sample, there were many booths that were hosted by the fine food/epicurean dealers and restaurateurs of Paso Robles - Cheese Makers, Farm Service Providers and Growers. This is an event that not only supports the wine industry, but all of the community businesses and services. Paso Robles is the kind of town that has managed to grow with the times but still retain the charm and elegance of “The Old Days”, a simpler time when you knew your neighbors by their first name and you could sit on the porch and watch the world go by with a smile, in short, an American Town, a place to call home.
While at the festival, I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing the hosts of the very popular radio show about wine called “The Cork Dorks”, Adam Montiel and Jeremy West host this fun and freaky show that talk about the wines of the central coast with a humorous note, not to take themselves or the appreciation too seriously has made them the “go to” guys of wine.
“The Cork Dorks” are on Krush 92.5 FM which streams live on the internet. Jeremy an Adam are very well versed on the community and the wineries and had this to say about their radio station, their show and the community: “KRUSH is an interesting type of station as that it blends the Singer / Songwriter style of music with the California Wine Lifestyle, it’s really about getting down to who the winemakers is and what they are about, we get to know them and show them as a person, not just what they sell”, said Adam Montiel. Jeremy West pointed out “There is a multitude of winemakers who just love what they do and want to bring that same love of wine to the community with an industry that is designed to support the community”. Adam then added “We mix music, community and a love of life”. The Cork Dorks takes their irreverent spin on living life to the air and makes the daily drive time fun.
The day was well rounded by a special cooking demonstration with Chef Mark Sullivan of Spruce, a very popular restaurant in San Francisco. This was Chef Sullivan’s 2nd year doing demonstrations and the final product was delicious. Chef Sullivan stated he loves the Town of Paso Robles, its people and its natural charm and wanted to prepare a special dish for this year’s fair patrons, a dish that reflected the natural and wholesome charm of the community. The dish prepared was a Farroto (a grain much like Risotto, but creamy in texture) finished with Morel Mushrooms, braised spring vegetables and finished in a sherry wine stock. The chef then added “I would pair this with a light to medium bodied Red Wine like a Pinot or Merlot, something light but a fair bit of acidity to cut the rich creamy flavor, or a rich white, like a Chardonnay”.
We then went on to talk about his restaurant, Spruce, located at 3640 Sacramento Street in San Francisco, is a modern fine dining restaurant that has a family friendly, health conscious menu, but also has a unique atmosphere with an elegant yet warm and inviting décor, it is the toast of the town.
I will admit, it is sad that the 29th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival was only one weekend long and it has passed, but I look forward to next year’s event with excited anticipation and I await the next year’s selection of fine wine temptations. To you, Paso Robles, I raise my glass and hope to see it filled once more.
Technorati Tags: Annual,Paso,Robles,Wine,Festival,Weekend,event,wineries,Central,Coast,California,counties,plethora,locations,agriculture,Many,selections,exception,varieties,White,Ortman,Wines,Still,Waters,Vina,Arroyo,Halter,Ranch,Justin,Rooms,Growers,Ranches,area,industry,addition,booths,food,dealers,Cheese,Makers,Farm,Service,Providers,elegance,neighbors,porch,American,Town,radio,Cork,Dorks,Adam,Montiel,Jeremy,West,Krush,Singer,Songwriter,music,Lifestyle,person,multitude,life,Chef,Mark,Sullivan,Spruce,restaurant,Francisco,product,dish,patrons,Farroto,grain,Risotto,texture,Morel,Mushrooms,vegetables,sherry,Merlot,Chardonnay,Sacramento,Street,health,menu,atmosphere,décor,anticipation,selection,temptations,winemakers
Sponsored By:
Saturday, April 23, 2011
So far this year: an update
Hello friend, it’s been a while since we had the time to talk and “chew the fat”, how have you been-Well, sit down and relax, I will tell you a story of my life, as it is, and what I have been doing for the past few months. I may sound a bit down, but life has its ups and downs and it is very cathartic to just let it all go. So, if you don’t mind, I will use this moment to do a bit of self-therapy.
This year, so far has been very exciting. I have been working very hard on several projects and things are going very well, so far. My day job, as it were, has been ok, but the hours have been dropped down, the company felt that, rather than lay people off, they just cut hours – having some work is better that not having a job. So I find myself writing more and doing the odd jobs around the house. I am going to be building a studio in my garage, for painting and working on some furniture projects I want to do, as well as organizing all of my stuff. It is amazing how one can collect so much stuff over the course of the years. Some of it is important and cannot be replaced, but I will admit – some is just pure junk I cannot seem to part with. I guess I am the “pack rat” my mother said I was.
I have been working on my writing and painting… well more writing than painting actually. I am getting more time to go out and writing on location, like café’s and public places, watching life stride by, and getting some photography work done, it’s not so bad having some time to write or just do something for myself. It gives me a chance to be more introspective, work on the “me-projects” that I don’t always get to complete.
I have been hired by Blog Critics (http://www.blogcritics.org) to write for them, their online news source is very popular and it gives me an opportunity to get my work seen by more people. My blog RantBabble (http://www.rantbabble.wordpress.com) has started getting some popular feedback and is getting more readers – I find that writing for 4 different web sites is allot of work but it is also many different outlets, so what may not work well for one site may be great for the other ones. I am going to the Paso Robles Wine Festival in May to do some review work for my food and wine columns and I may have a chance at getting some connections there to get material for my magazine Groove Studio One.
My Online Style and Entertainment Magazine, Groove Studio One is doing very well, the site http://www.yourgrooveonline is in “beta” and I am working out the bugs that come with web page design, but the blog side http://www.groovestudio1.blogspot.com is getting multiple hits per day, sometimes in the thousands, this gives me a way to get involved with writing about fashion, food, wine and style – one would not know it, looking at me, but I am very interested in the elements of personal style, and I like writing about it. I have been able to meet many interesting people and I was even invited to take my wife with me to be on an episode of Hell’s Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay.
My book “Rants and Ravings of a Modern Day Cave Dweller” was officially published this year on http://www.lulu.com, it is a self-publishing site, but they work like the normal publishers, you have to submit material, go through the process and if they like it, they publish your book and market it for you. I look forward to it doing well, the publisher said it was “unique” and had potential, so we will see what come of it.
I have put together a concept for a Television Show, and I am working with local cable TV and public access television to get it put together. I have not come up with a title yet, but it will be connected with my magazine, I will do live interviews, “news” style coverage of local events. I have asked my longtime friend David Jay to help me on this project, he is a producer and a very popular “on air” personality in local radio. I have so great friends who are willing to help me achieve my goals, get some friends, I know you’ll like it.
I have made the acquaintance of a very famous artist, John Landon who lives here in the Central Coast; he has worldwide appreciation of his work and he said he thought my paintings were good, so I take the compliments where I can, and if he likes my painting, well I guess that means it is worth looking at. I also met another very talented artist, Neal Breton, whom owns San Luis Art Supply in San Luis Obispo; he is both a business owner and an artist, so he never gets to sleep, but there is hope.
The wife and kids are fine, my wife has been working on her stitchery and has a shop on Etsy, where she has been growing in popularity and making sales. My littlest one, Vera, was recently in a musical pageant where she sang in the final act; I don’t know who was more excited, her or myself. I felt so nervous with her on stage, I was hoping that she would not get stage fright, but she was wonderful, I felt so proud. My daughter Rita has won awards at school just before this spring break and she is turning into quite a little actress, she is working on jokes and impersonating TV stars, she wants to be an actress when she grows up, she does a great job at making her mother laugh.
All of my life I have wanted to be something special, not so much as “famous” or “rich” but to be someone remembered, and I have never seemed to find it. I now find that I have been memorable for some time now, I have a great family, I am a writer and an artist, I have great friends and my blogs get readers, like you, who come back from time to time so see what I am up to.
So if you get a chance, stop by my blogs, my Online Magazine and if you see me in person, try not to run me down with your car, I’ll buy you a cup of Java and we can talk a while, I got time.
Technorati Tags: Hello,friend,life,moment,self,therapy,hours,jobs,studio,furniture,Some,location,café,photography,Blog,Critics,news,RantBabble,feedback,readers,outlets,Paso,Robles,Wine,Festival,food,columns,magazine,Groove,Online,Style,Entertainment,wife,episode,Hell,Kitchen,Gordon,Ramsay,Rants,Ravings,Modern,Cave,Dweller,publishers,publisher,concept,Television,coverage,events,David,producer,radio,goals,acquaintance,artist,John,Landon,Central,Coast,paintings,worth,Neal,Breton,Luis,Obispo,owner,Etsy,sales,Vera,pageant,daughter,Rita,writer,person,Java,blogs
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)