Washington Wilfire Relief -How Can I Help?

Several people who read my most recent post, "Life is a Bird," have been waiting with baited breath for the follow-up article, wherein I promised to offer information on how individuals can help with relief for victims/volunteers/firefighters in the battle against the Washington Wildfires.

Let me just state that, the need is great. You might think it a small donation to buy a multi-pack of toothpaste and toothbrushes at Costco, or to donate some old worn-out jeans that you can't even fit into anymore. Maybe your kid has a few too many stuffed animals, cluttering up their room, or you might have some non-perishable food items sitting on your porch that the Boy Scouts of America never did come back to retrieve (after going to all that trouble to hand out the donation bags).

Allow me this indulgence while I shout:

NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL!

Firefighters and other volunteers have been waging a "hot war," in the truest sense of that term, for weeks! People have been on their feet for ages, now, without much rest. Families have been displaced from their homes -some of which will never seen their homes again!

Due to the extraordinarily dry, hot summer months (which began back in March) combined with blazing hot temperatures for weeks on end, through June, July and August, high winds, and (in some cases -astonishingly enough) arson, the battle has gone in the favor of the flames.

We can each do our part, by spreading the word, donating our money, time, or at least, urging others to do so. The need right now is keen -it will remain that way until the fires have been completely and totally extinguished! There are several donation centers listed below, as reported by the Seattle Times and reprinted via the link below.
http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/northwest/how-to-help-with-wildfire-relief-efforts-in-washington/

If you live in the Spokane area, like I do, United Parcel Services is organizing a drop-off donation point in the Costco parking lot, in Spokane Valley. The 28-foot UPS truck will be collecting donations in the UPS parking lot September 2nd, and in the Costco parking lot September 3rd and 4th. Feel free to drop off your donations at your convenience and, take a moment to follow the link above, to see what other relief is being offered.

If you are in a position to do so -maybe through your church, or other organization, feel free to organize your own efforts on behalf of these brave volunteers and hapless victims. If nothing else, perhaps you could offer a prayer or two on behalf of those out there on the front lines.

Thanks for caring!

Life is a Bird

Life is a bird, flying just out of reach

Little lessons in life leave their marks where we can see them and be reminded that, none of us is perfect, none of us has all the answers and, none of us have all the pieces for the BIG puzzle -in other words, we need each other.

Teamwork always seemed, to me, like a quaint Corporate phrase that was bandied about in pep rallies and supposed "incentive" meetings that, usually only meant there would be no raise in wages, nor any bonuses handed out. But, as a husband, a father, an entrepreneur, an employee and, well, as a person, I'm finally beginning to learn the true value of "team" work.

I found out, recently, that I really cannot do it ALL by myself -and what a stunning revelation that was, let me tell you! All things are connected, in so many different ways, it's mind-boggling to ponder.

We help someone who is broken down by the side of the road because, who knows, next time, it could be us, sitting, watching the cars go by, wondering if anybody will ever stop. We help our kids learn their lessons the easy way, benefitting from our own experiences -because we don't want them to learn it the hard way, like we did. We help our neighbors with small tasks, here and there, attempting to live amicably with one another and help to keep the peace.

There are times, however, when conflagrations get out of control. The "Little Stuff," that we're told to "let go," tends to pile up, and then it overwhelms us. "Little Stuff," like losing our job when the economy is already on the ropes, bills pile up, taxes come due, late fees escalate our debt ratio and-suddenly, we're out of control. Or strong words are spoken, at home, at school, at work, any place, really... at church. Feelings get hurt, but no one notices until, like a teapot, the pressure becomes too much. Something's gotta give.

On the subject of "giving," -there's one nice thing about human nature, that you can almost always count on -where the need is greater, the giving becomes more generous. For instance, where I live, in Eastern Washington state, there is a spate of wild fires raging, incredibly, out of control. There are, however, literally, thousands of individuals volunteering their time and resources to help those whose personal property (oftentimes, their very homes) has been destroyed. But it's not easy.

This is where we come in. Several donation drives are underway right now, whereby we can meet some of the needs of the victims, the firefighters, and the other volunteers, with food, clothing, sundry items and many other things. Stay tuned for more information on where, when and how to donate.

How Can You Tell Your Dog Is Missing You?

Our dogs are acting a little unusual, these days. It began as subtle changes, you know, like following us around from room to room -so close, in fact, that when you stop, they plow right into your leg and, heaven forbid, you should back up, you're liable to step right on them, or trip over them, trying to avoid doing so.

I realize, we have been quite busy, lately, what with the ASI Convention and our time volunteering for "Your Best Pathway to Health," this month. As a result, we haven't been getting a lot of quality time with our pups, and they've been showing the strain.

Our dogs, Mao and Ming, are about a quarter Labradoodle and mostly, Golden Retriever -they're about a year-and-a-half old. Lately, they've been going well beyond "affectionate." It's been downright possessive! I called three times, for our daughter, Karali, to get in the car. Finally, I heard her trying to answer, "I can't -Mingy won't let me go." So I walked around the corner to see one of our dogs laying on the kitchen floor, hanging on tightly to her, as though she thought she'd never see us again.

But the strangest thing happened, just today. My other daughter, Anali, tugged on my shirt and asked me, "Papa, what is Mao doing?" I glanced over to where she was pointing and saw our other dog, pressing his ear up to the wall where my wife was in the other room, talking about our plans for next weekend.

I wonder if they're going to need counseling when this is all over?

Mark Finley: A Great Leader and an Above Average Guy

Recently, I volunteered to work Security, when "Your Best Pathway to Health," came to the Eastern Washington Fairgrounds, in Spokane, Washington. I was one of more than 1,600 volunteers, who shared their time, talents and investments, to bring FREE healthcare and dental services to under-privileged citizens in the greater Spokane area. My part was trivial, compared to the professionals, many of whom travelled great distances and paid for their own accommodations, and travel expenses, just to be a part of this massive gift. I was proud to be a part of this stunning act of love and outreach.

From my vantage point, as a security guard, I saw many things happening around me, that gave me pause to wonder -not the least of which, was the professionalism displayed on all sides. One man, in particular, stands out in my mind, and I want to introduce him to those who don't already know him from his decades-long work as an evangelist and point man for It Is Written.

Mark Finley, a man of many talents, not the least of which is humility. I have met celebrities in the past and, let's face it, with the wide exposure that Pastor Finley has received, around the world, it qualifies him as such. He is a man who might easily "rest on his laurels," as they say -and it is an impressive list of laurels, at that. But what I witnessed, was a man who gladly rolls up his sleeves to help those around him. I saw a man who treated each person, patrons and volunteers alike, as equals. He proved himself to be, not just a great speaker -but a great listener!

Pastor Mark Finley was never too busy to stop and listen to the smallest voice around him. He took the time to resolve issues, and, in many cases, head off a lot of "would-be" issues, by thinking ahead and proactively seeking solutions. He genuinely cares for people, and it shows in his treatment of them. He is also very passionate about "Pathway's" approach to evangelism. He sees this as an opportunity to reach out to many people who would otherwise, perhaps, never feel the love of Jesus. His enthusiasm was infectious and his professionalism was beyond reproach.

Overall, I was blessed by the opportunity to work side by side with all of my fellow volunteers. I was humbled by the massiveness of the project itself, and totally swept away with the reactions from the people who received this quality care for the price of showing up. I will never forget the experience. One day, I will be proud, as well, to say to my children and grandchildren that I met Pastor Mark Finley, face to face, and was proud to have him there as a fellow volunteer.

"Our Father" a Runaway Film Production

Review of the Runaway Productions film, Our Father (2014), by Kaycee Jay Kendall

"Shedding a little light into a life of lies" -An irony of steel, which grips the intestines of this short film based on true revelations. Basically, a one-act pageant, the diversity of character that splays itself across the screen in this brief docudrama is stunning. It is difficult to watch a film like this and not be moved by it.

Dementia is a fear that grips the heart of the victim and engulfs the lives of those closest to the fire. In this film, Jared (played by Michael Worth) is a full-grown, functioning adult father, coming to grips with his own relationship to his formerly estranged father. His mother is a three-inch screen projection on his phone, who lends more to the dialog by what she doesn't say, than in the brief patter she shares with her son at the outset.

The "father," in this case, played by Michael Gross, known to most of his fans, as the wisecracking father in the eighties sit-com, Family Ties, which co-starred Michael J. Fox, finally gets a roll that he can sink his teeth into. It is a role that he plays to the hilt.

Probably, this film would warrant a PG-13 rating, by today's standards, mostly for adult situations and themes. But as a vehicle for changing lives, and changing the way that one views the world around us, "This could change everything," to quote the film.

The dysfunction that drives the plot is, in essence, the secret that is revealed to Jared in the course of a disjointed argument between he and his father. It is obvious, through the interactions of the principle players, as well as through their dialog, as it comes rolling across the screen like so many random tumbleweeds of information, in a storm that blows relentlessly, if unevenly through the film. Bit by bit, the viewer is drawn into the equation and we realize, along with Jared, that the formerly unsolved mysteries that inhibited his relationship with this man throughout his entire youth, were all part and parcel to the secret -hidden so long, but now revealed with undeniable honesty.

Gross and Worth are exceedingly great in their respective roles. They play off of each other's beats as though they truly were flesh and blood related. This carries the believability of the plot safely into the hands of the bit players (Jared's son and wife), whose supporting roles are also exemplary.

Linda Palmer, scripts the action and the dialog well, weaving a web of intrigue through hints and allegations, as well as through full-on flashbacks, so brief and tantalyzing, yet insightful. The pacing is perfect for the length of the film and the tension is abtly abetted through the understated soundtrack by composer Andre Barros. The original score, "Afraid of Me," written by Al Detrolio and performed by Nolan Neal, adds the final allusion to the demons that haunt the father figure.

This film is a fine piece of art as is, but could easily become part of a larger picture. One is left with a yearning to know the characters more intimately. One thing that is certain, for the eighteen minutes, or so, of screen time, not one second is wasted.

Why I Like Van Etten Fine Arts -and why YOU should!

Sheldon Van Etten is a tragically overlooked artist with an incredible talent. I am self-taught, myself, and am pretty well known in certain circles as being a competent illustrator -but Van Etten, WOW!

I remember the first time I saw a Van Etten in person. The sheer attention to detail made it impossible to look away. I felt myself being drawn into the painting on several levels. The nostalgia for things I had never experienced (strange as that may sound, if you see one of his masterpieces, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about), the emotional connection to things that, on first impression, seemed so randomly placed together in the painting and yet, there was something so familiar.

Something tangible, and yet, mythical at the same time. This goes far beyond mere illustration. As an artist, I have a pretty good grasp on concepts like shading, rhythm, movement, perspective and action -but this, this is something more. Sheldon Van Etten can create a deep longing for things you've never seen before, strong feelings for things never felt and powerful memories of things never experienced.

I know, it sounds like I am babbling. But you owe it to yourself to check out his work -if only to see what I am talking about. If you do the Facebook thing, check him out there: https://www.facebook.com/babymuffy7 and if you want to see more, try looking at his website: http://www.vanettenfineart.net/artist-sheldon-van-etten-bio.php -still not satisfied, try this one: https://store1302125.ecwid.com/ .

You don't have to take my word for it, but if you become converted -why not send this message to others who might appreciate it?

Kaycee

Stunning Revelations: Looks Like Kaycee is Off the Hook!

Investigators revealed today that the well-known illustrator and humorist, Kaycee Jay Kendall, is not guilty of violation of local child labor laws. This, despite a promising two-week media assault that seems to have turned up no significant evidence.

"Strangely, the few people who thought it might be true remained silent, while those who were sure the charges were spurious, offered prayers and support." Kendall was quoted as saying, in a press release, today. "It was almost as if people didn't want to believe it," he went on to say.

All charges were dropped. Either that, or they were never formally filed, because this reporter spent an awkward three-and-a-half hours hunting high and low, and found no evidence of any such charges. Standing on our First Amendment rights, however, we have decided not to print any retraction, partly because, finding a "good" story, these days, is pretty hard. So, we're pretty much sticking with it the way it was written the first time.

Asked if he was elated with the news of his innocence, Kendall just replied, "Huh?, I didn't even realize this whole thing was happening." Despite his non-chalance, our pens are poised for the next great implication.