Ahh Spring

5 Years on the Right Coast?

Has Spring finally sprung? For reasons not entirely fathomable by me, yes I write this blog as its called, so I shan't claim too much humbleness but I am astounded at the number of comments asking for 'more more more'. And after over two hundred reads of my last posting, okay okay, uncle! I must admit though, I don't post more because, well my life is actually quite dull, I just condense it and write it well. If I write more you'll all see just how dull it is. But you asked. So what's the latest?

Well as of April 1, I've been on the Atlantic/Right coast (versus Left as we referred to SF-land of leftist malcontents such as myself) for 5 years. That's right, cinco, cinq, cinque, пять, tano--some Russian and Swahili in there. Read on below for more thoughts on five years in a tiny NYC apartment versus the 3 bedroom/2 bath SF place (that cost less than my studio) that I left behind . . oh no we can't talk about that--the pain! Do I have a lawyer, where's he judge? Ha ha . .okay I can almost laugh about that but not quite. Give me another five years.

Le Novel-RJ Ends Procrastination

View outside the front door of the condo

I started a novel in 2003 because I was new to New York City, it was damn hot, I didn't know but 2 people, didn't have cable, couldn't find a good book to read and don't frequent the clubs. So what else to do? I made up a story about people I saw on the street and combined it with an odd dream. I worked on it a great deal in 2003 and 2004 then set it aside to write the Grayson Hall book. August 2006= Hall book publication. Then 1 year recovery period or soaking it in. I had done it. And frankly, I have to admit, by 40 I've done a lot of things I dreamed of doing as a young teenager--I've visited Europe, Australia, Mexico, Caribbean, been to all but 3 US States (Vermont, North Dakota and Alaska await me!), moved to New York City (a dream since I was 11 that I kinda forgot in San Francisco), actually published a book, saw on stage Patrick Stewart (Macbeth), Vanessa Redgrave (3 times), Giulia Pagano (see last post), Phil Bosco and Ciarin Hinds (is there a strong UK bend here?). Is Giulia the lone American in my theatrical pantheon? Outstanding are Maggie Smith (Okay met her at a party but still not on stage) and Geraldine McEwan. Note that 3 of 4 actress above played, to critical acclaim, in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie on stage, film and tv. Hmm interesting tidbit. I am legend for those. Well not legend but a fun annoyance maybe?

Post-40 Goals?

Some of you have asked what now? My new goals are-- (1) finish the damn novel, (2) lose 35 lbs and (3) buy my own apartment. Now should I refer to my own book as "damn?" Hmm? I have to say since setting it aside, it feels a chore to work on it and I have to go away from my apartment, my stuff and internet access to get it done. But each time I actually focus on it, I fall inlove with it again and am amazed that I wrote it. Then I return home and two days later I have stomach aches for how juvenile it is and uninteresting, ill conceived tripe! Okay I've read and bought worse things but is that really my benchmark?

But back to the pictures and Le Novel, my latest writing retreat returned me to Niagara on the Lake, Canada. My friends Bobbi and Jay once again lent me their lovely condo. NOTL as we use for short hand is the home of the Shaw Festival. I didn't see any theatre this time out, didn't watch the DVDs at the condo (even though ironically the entire mini-series Masada was on the shelf!) or continue pressing on with the book I've been reading--Bernard Lewis' The Middle East a Brief History of the Last 2000 Years. Might I say, that book is kicking my a**. Sunni/Shi'ite , Persian/Arab/Bedouin...I think I understand the differences and then Lewis throws in something where all the lines are blurred, ugh but I do try. It's just like France, Germany, England but with different names. .wait who rules England? Oh a Germanic family? Didn't it used to be French . .oh yeah, right 1000 years ago. When did the English rule themselves, maybe the Tudors?

View behind the condo

Rather I remain focused on my goal and accomplished a great deal, wrote the conclusion of the story, I had been knocking around the same conclusion for years but rethinking it and then coming back to it again--so that is done. Fact checking, fleshing out of the closing 3 chapters needs to be done but I think I will meet the June deadline without too much heartburn, nerves sure but no stomach acid.

As to the other 2 goals, I think they are the harder two. My weight has been a problem since I was 23 or so, of course I worried about it at 13, how horrible. And buying an apartment in NYC--they want downpayments that would equal a house in a lot of the country. We'll see but I have my eye on the prize(s).

RJ almost causes an International Incident

Crossing into Canada was not as smooth as usual, folks be forewarned. Do not and I repeat, do NOT look down and read a newspaper if your a passenger in the car! Egads that got my Canadian Border agent mad. I could counter she was mostly staring at a computer, not talking to us or asking question, but in the end I did not give her 100% of my attention or in her mind--unquestioned respect so she delayed us, searched our car, found my "Big Sexy Hair" care products (yes it seriously is a brand of haircare products). That was it--No contraband. The Border Agent walked away mad about being a Border agent and I went across the border to a hot stone massage. I tried to keep it in perspective. But this is my warning to all those crossing the border, don't read, listen to an iPod or anything else whilst crossing. You might met up with her!

Answering a few Questions

A few questions routinely come to me after a blog update, so I'll answer 'em right here:

1. What's next? A bit more on this that I didn't cover above. While in France last September, my friend Gail asked that question. Most assumed (including myself) that I moved to New York to write the book. That's done so now what? I replied, "Gail I have no idea. If you'd asked me 19 years ago if I thought I'd be sitting in France with you, well my answer would've been 'no'." If you'd asked me 10 years ago if I would relocate from San Francisco, I would've said "no way". But Here I am 5 years in New York as of April 1, 2008. Returning to SF has been suggested (with potential jobs) more than once but I'm not quite ready to return. I don't expect I'll stay here for the rest of my days but who knows? I surely don't.

2. I love your hair color, did you change it? Hey, my hair has been the same color for years. . okay I color it to cover the gray (70% above my brow, hardly any elsewhere-go figure) But it's the same color folks seriously!

3. What about dating/your lovelife? Oh please, I'm not going to write about here. If you seriously want to know, call, write or better yet visit and see for yourself. Okay, well honestly, there ain't much on that front right now.

What you'll see in future updates?

• RJ inspects funeral homes on Long Island (oh yeah, you wanna hear about it)
• RJ vacations (with children) on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
• RJ commits to weight training (why? cuz my doctor said so)
  

In Conclusion: Will Ferrell and the Landlord

And now cuz I like to conclude with silly stuff--a video that makes me laugh each time I see it. I have to admit I really like Will Ferrell, I think Elf is a fun, sweet movie. Him sitting on Bob Newhart's elfin lap is enough to put me in stitches for 5 mins. Then his sweet turn as the IRS agent who brings his ladylove "flour" in Stranger than Fiction was touching .

Some of his skits are priceless. This is so funny and wrong .. .but I can't help but share. Will Ferrell's landlord Pearl demands the rent!