Take me home, country roads

If anyone needs me this week, I'll be here.

So I'm leaving tonight for McKinney, then it's on to Colorado in the morning. It's been a while since I've been there in the summer. I'm gonna say ... yeah ... much better than in the winter.

For the sake of travel and art - and the reconciliation of the two - I purchased an 80-200mm zoom lens for my camera today. I've always wanted to play with one, but I've only had a few chances to do so.

"Zoom," however, isn't really my style - so I'm just giving it a try. The Wal-Mart people are cool - they said I can return it if I don't want it. So we'll see. I might love it. I might not.

So I went to a monster truck rally last night. Though entertaining, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I had always seen commercials on TV, but for the really big rallies. This one was small ... at the Heart of Texas Speedway, where I saw the dirt track racing in May.

There was this dude that rode around on an 4-wheeler - check it - with a jet engine on the back. That sucka shot flames for about 15 or 20 feet.

Sooooo... I guess I'm out for the week. I'll take some scrumtralescent photos for you. Aiight peace.

'Mystic River' is flawless.

A Week of Excitement

I'm tired. But in a good way.

Blake came down on Tuesday evening, so we got to hang out for a couple of days. We went running in the park, we ate Bush's chicken, and we watched a plethora of SNL videos.

Then we went to College Station on Wednesday ... Blake had to take a CLEP test for chemistry - which he totally passed. We ate some barbecue at Rudy's and set out for Waco.

Time out. On the way home, I finished "Dracula," which I'd been reading for the past two weeks. I must say, it was phenomenal ... filled with suspense, horror, love - whatever. Great book. A classic. Read it if you get the chance.

On Wednesday night, I went to church, then Blake and I ate at Chili's Too with Julie. Crazy times.

Thursday. I made Blake stay here a few extra hours and go with my youth group to work at this apartment complex. I think Blake enjoyed himself. It's a backyard Bible club kinda thing, and the kids are hilarious.

Thursday afternoon/evening. Blake left for McKinney. Finding myself alone, once again, in my apartment, I made a bowl of soup and watched "Almost Famous," which I'd never seen. I thought it was great ... and I definitely related to the kid who wanted to be a rock journalist. That's just freakin' sweet.

At 9 p.m., Kuhzyle arrived at my door. We goofed around for a bit, then went to sleep pretty early. 11:30 or Midnight. Big day coming.

The day had come for our long-awaited excursion to Schlitterbahn, America's top-rated waterpark. I should, however, say "waterparks," because there are like three totally different sections. It's like the Disney World of waterparks.

What's so amazing about Schlitterbahn? Nothing, really. It's a pretty standard waterpark, except for the size. What makes it so great is the enviornment. There are trees all over the place, and the original section of the park is built on a steep hillside. I think Kyle and I decided that the old sections of Schlitterbahn were more fun, though lacking in hi-tech thrill rides.

They had certain "tube chute" rides that took about 1/2 hour to finish - which is awesome. Then they shoot you out on the river, and you float down it for a while. They had racer slides, and Kyle totally beat me - he got a better start.

The newer section of the park was home to the "Master Blaster," voted "America's best waterpark attraction" by Travel Magazine. We tried to do it in the morning, but the line looked long. So we came back late at night - right before the park closed. This was a good move, because the line was incredibly short. But check this out - it still had an hour wait. It was probably the slowest-moving que I've ever waited in.

It was worth the wait. The "Master Blaster" uses all these jets to propel you uphill ... so it's pretty dang cool.

Anyway, we left the park, satisfied, and stopped by Rudy's for [more] barbecue. Drove back to Waco, dropped dead on arrival. Kyle left a few minutes ago, and that's that.

Catch you later.

I've posted a few new photos today at thephotohat.blogspot.com ... Go check 'em out.

The Notebook

I saw "The Notebook" tonight. I had intended to see it Sunday afternoon, but I couldn't bring myself to walk into that movie alone. So I saw King Arthur and walked away empty.

But I saw "The Notebook" tonight, like I said. I was impressed by the sensitivity, the mood and the very intentional dialogue. The colors were subtle, and I dug that, too. And the second shot of the movie blew me away. Stunning. I very much enjoyed my $5.

But it didn't change my life or anything. I didn't cry. Julie didn't cry. And I have to say, I was slightly disappointed by the ending. A few of the final lines were unnecessary ... that broke the pattern of subtlety for me ... it toyed with "corny," then it ended on kind of a downer shot.

Those are my only criticisms. I limited them to one paragraph. I'm a closet romantic, so I have to admit my affinity with well-done chick flicks. I've seen a lot of great movies recently, but I certainly enjoyed the crap out of this one.

I think tonight helped me to define a dissonance that exists between my natural desire for a happy ending and my respect for stories that go against the norm. Take "Romeo and Juliet" - it's a great love story, but it has an unhappy ending. Everyone hates the ending ... but I have a huge respect for that.

So the question of the day: Does a happy ending always mean a lack of artistic integrity? Or does a sense of finality and closure, whether happy or unhappy, justify a cliche ending? I dunno. Exploring thoughts. 'Tis all.

Mediums A-Plenty

So this evil concept has elbowed its way into my life.

Upon careful inspection of my life yesterday, I discovered that I have a strong urge to dabble in - not just one - but every conceivable artistic medium.

Yesterday I toyed with the idea of purchasing a nice camera and Final Cut Pro software ... Two weeks ago I was coming up with ideas for paintings ... Every other week I get on a songwriting binge ... I had some possible story ideas yesterday for books or films ... I swore I'd write children's books this summer ... Right now I'm going to leave and take photographs of red things ...

I shall become a creative juggernaut.

Again ... too many ambitions.

Amelie

It took me three attempts, but I finally finished "Amelie." The first two times I watched it, I got tired and fell asleep.

BUT, I did eventually get through it all, and it's amazing. Final answer. The color is phenomenal, the spirit is enchanting, dang.... Aiight.

King Arthur

On the other hand, I saw "King Arthur" yesterday afternoon. I'm gonna have to say ... it's forgettable. It's well done - definitely ... but there's not too much to differentiate it from all the other epic war movies you've ever seen. I was slightly dissapointed.

Welp. Later.

Isn't it crazy?

I got in at 3:30 a.m. this morning from Lookout Mountain, GA. I know, I know ... I told you "Stone Mountain" in the last post.

Well, we arrived in Shreveport, LA and switched charter bus drivers - at that point, I learned that our destination was different than I had first assumed. Guess I heard wrong.

I've totally been to Lookout Mountain before, with my family, when I was about 8 years old. We stayed in our trailer in Chatanooga, on the Tennessee side, and we took the trolley to the top of the mountain. It's beautiful.

I was certainly reminded of my love for the Appalacians, and I got even more excited about "relocating" there someday.

The Camp thing

So we went to Lookout Mountain for a reason - church camp. I'll be real honest with you ... I don't like church camp. I always thought it silly. I wasn't looking forward to going this week.

But It's strange how things work out. I've never experienced a unified group like this one. The kids from FBC Waco, though small in number, show an incredible love for one another. And that became all the more apparent this week. It's pretty cool ... and I'm glad I can be even a small part of it.

And the days go by...

I beg of you, please read "Choo Choo's Story"

In a few minutes, I'm going with Julie to Wal-Mart, where we will be taking pictures in the "portrait center" - ya know, where they do baby pictures and whatnot.

And tonight, I'm going to Stone Mountain, GA with the FBC youth ... lovely country ... quite excited.

I still can't stop reading "Dracula." I am intrigued more and more each time I pick it up. This book is phenomenal... it's amazing how perverted the character of "Dracula" has become over the years. It's disrespectful, dang it.

I saw "Monster" last night. I've been thinking about it all morning... it was incredibly disturbing - because it was so real. And the bigger truth of the film has haunted me since last night... It's not just a story about a serial killer, but a story about the human need to be loved and cared for, the need for self-worth and companionship. It's a brilliant picture of the desperate measures of one woman to preserve the last glimmer of hope in her life. I was deeply touched and disturbed, all at the same time. Not for the weak of heart. It's hard-hitting, but this is the kind of story that needs to be told.

You kids take care of yourselves and one another ... show someone that you care for them.

I'm out ... Talk to you this weekend. Peace.

Time well-spent

Many years ago, this man wrote an amazing novel called "Dracula," which I am currently enjoying. This is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. Get it at Barnes & Noble for $7.50 - it's worth the time, money and energy you'll put into it ... and then some.

DC's in the house

I'm proud to announce to you that the best of my Washington DC PHOTOs are posted, at ThePhotoHat.blogspot.com.

An Incredible Journey: Coming home to Texas

This is where I spent the night last night.

The Terminal

I had to catch the last Metro train to Reagan National Airport at midnight. So I said goodbye to Britt and slipped into the shadows of the DC underworld, ne'er to return.

My flight started boarding at 5:50 a.m., so I just hung out at the airport all night. I made myself at home, though. I found a cushioned office chair behind a kiosk, as well as an electrical outlet to charge up my cellphone - I was set.

One package of Chex Mix, 30 minutes of sleep, a few chapters of "Dracula" and three phone conversations later, I was on board Delta flight 4205 for Dallas.

The plane, beautifully empty at that time of morning, arrived in Dallas at 8:00 a.m. After all the normal airport stuff, I made it to my car in the Remote South parking lot, only to find the battery dead. It seems that someome left the dome light on ...

Fast forward half an hour. I find an unsuspecting passerby to jump my car, and I head toward Waco. Now here I am. Wasn't that exciting?

Reflections

I was inspired by my trip, in more than one way.

First: politically. Britt and I discussed numerous times the importance of keeping up with current events - something I've neglected to do for fear of dissatisfaction. In my younger days, I would have considered myself "politically astute." But I got bored with politics about a year or two ago, and I just stopped paying close attention.

Resolution - I promised Britt I'd do a better job of keeping up with the world around me. More time spent reading the Times, rather than Rolling Stone. "I just want an educated electorate come November," Brittney said. I'll have to agree, even if it means more work for me. Mmmmm.

I was also inspired artistically. The picture to your right was painted by Albert Pinkham Ryder, one of my favorite American artists. His work is characterized by a continuity of drab, yet powerful color. He focuses more on the movement and color of painting than defined lines and shapes. I'm sold.

Between the five art galleries I visited this week, I was able to see a pretty impressive collection of his work. I also saw work by Jim Dine, Ross Bleckner, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Edgar Degas, Thomas Eakins ... and of course all the other greats. My highest recommendation for this week, other than Ryder, is Thomas Wilber Dewing. The mood and simplicity of his work is stunning.

Anyway ... art. Whatever. I'll check back in with you catts lata.

Livin' it up - DC style

So I arrived here in Washington DC on Saturday, and I followed Britt and her friends around the city for hours. Tons of monuments, walking, etc. One roll of film and 22 hours after I awaken, I collapse on Britt's couch in City Hall.

Tuesday: Two-hour service at the National Cathedral, followed by lunch at a historic resturant. Go home and prepare for an exciting evening.

It rains all Sunday afternoon, so we're out on the mall, drenched. What follows is exciting.

A normal 4th of July, right? No. Britt has connections to get us on a Capitol building balcony to watch the national fireworks show, following a concert on the Capitol steps featuring Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and Clay Aiken.

Does the story get better?

Well, the room next to our balcony is home to a private party for the entertainers. Long story short, five of us sneak in and brush shoulders with some big names. I shook hands with "Cameron" from Ferris Beuller, who's now in "The Producers."

Life is beautiful.

Monday: I take off alone for the big city. I conquered much of the Smithsonian, as well as the National Gallery of Art. Being the nerd I am, I took notes about some of the paintings I saw. (If anyone would like to discuss, talk to me.)

Lunch break. I head to a booth on the mall called "Common Ground Cafe." I'm greeted by a dude with a beard, who tells me about the cafe. It and dozens of other booths on the mall are being run by a utopian-type Christian gypsy clan called "The Twelve Tribes." Check it out. Pretty cool folks - some real, live hippies, in fact. I sat and played their home-made guitars for a while, then it was back to the art museums.

So I end up wandering around the city. Hit up the Ford Theater, taking photos, visit Chinatown ... the works. More tomorrow.

I'll catch up with you catts when I hit Waco again on Wednesday. Peace.

Here goes

Mark my words - my child will own a small duffel bag with the words "my first gun" printed on the side. It'll be his carry-on.

See you catts on the flipside.

Over the mountains we go...

So I'm going to bed early tonight. I have to leave Waco at 3:30 a.m. for DFW Airport. That should be amazing.

A pilrgimage?

I leave Dallas at 7:30 a.m. for the mighty city of Washington DC. I really don't know what awaits me there, other than a couple days of high-security tourism. And - oh yeah - a phat Independence Day celebration, featuring (rumor has it) Clay Aiken.

Britt has arranged for me to meet Texas senator John Cornyn on Tuesday. My plan is to give him two copies of my album ... see, he has two daughters that are roughly college-age. So that's some free high-profile fan base.

Other than that, I plan to shoot three rolls of film and eat a plethora of overpriced meals. And the museums. I will visit every art museum in the city.

Real life

I hung out in McKinney from Sunday - Thursday. The youth at FBC (and elsewhere) did Mission:McKinney, and they needed some chump to sing songs every night. Being the traveller I am, I hauled it up to North Dallas and helped them out.

A bunch of us went over to Meg's one night and attempted to watch the third "Lord of the Rings" movie. But we only got halfway through it. So I have yet to see the entire thing. It'll happen, someday.

Get the juices flowing

At Wal-Mart today, I bought four different kinds of juice. The girl at the checkout counter asked, "Couldn't make up your mind?" "Not really," I told her. "I just like juice."

Also in the Wal-Mart shopping cart for today: 4 travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer, a travel bottle of Scope, two travel-sized tubes of toothpaste, travel body wash, and three packs of Trident gum.

This is what it sounds like...

I found this record at Plaza Thrift in McKinney this past week. It's amazing. Baby, don't stop.