The New Dawn...

...And here we are again, folks--at the end of one amazing year and at the dawn of a brand new one.
We usually use this time of year for reflection, preparation and--yes--resolution. For the most part we are mindful and hopeful. Mindful of errors and missteps made and hopeful that we have learned from our mistakes and can overcome them. When taking my own personal inventory, I can see vast room for improvement, both personally and professionally. But I can also see the bonds that have been forged, the battles fought (and won), and the lessons learned and utilized.
My fellow audio thespians have encouraged, instructed, uplifted and, yes, chastised me when needed. My family in turn have put up with weird work hours and even weirder sounds coming from 'The Hole' (Something tells me I should re-phrase that). The result of all this action has been a dream come true! From interacting with some of the world's best voice actors every other Monday to having the opportunity to voice some of the wildest characters this side of 'Looney Tunes' and beyond--I humbly say thank God for His favor, mercy and grace.
Even now as I prepare for my second opportunity to write for and announce the Rose Parade (!!), I still can't believe where God has allowed me to go and I eagerly anticipate seeing the next leg of the journey--'cause it ain't over yet!
There are still characters to invent and voice; standards to uphold and new horizons to be reached. I look forward to the future with shades on ('cause it's so bright) and I can't WAIT to see where we all wind up next! Hopefully, it's the place of dreams and we can all enjoy it together.

HAPPY VOICING--and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

The "Heinz" Age

Having recently reached the age of accountability (57), I began to ruminate, nay, meditate on the wonder of the number and it's historical significance.
Every one knows that The Heinz Company are the most famous purveyors of these digits, dating back to 1896 when H.J. got the idea for '57 Varieties' on a New York City train. Colloquially speaking--the name "Heinz 57" is used when describing a dog of multiple mixed breeds. It is this strange endearment to mutts that most closely resembles ME.
I am a true '57'--one look at me will tell you that I am mixed with several different American breeds! Now-that's not a BAD thing, but it is fun when meeting people for the first time!
I have at least 57 "all-time desert island" songs touching every musical genre from traditional gospel to classic rock to Bach to fusion to...well, you get the idea.
My kids thought it would be cool if 57 candles were on my birthday cake (they got up to 47 and ran out). The ensuing conflagration made everybody sing 'Happy Birthday' at 78rpm before the cake was engulfed!(see below)
Now I'm on to another '57'--57 ways to get better! Better to those around me, better to the VO community and better to myself (thanks, Paul Strikwerda). I know I'll never be perfect, but in the walk towards perfection I'm pretty sure I'll pick up at least 57 tips on being a better businessman, a better neighbor (less voicing after midnight), a better voice actor--not to mention a much better Dad, Husband,Grand-Dad,Brother and Uncle.
So--here's to 57!! Thank you, Lord for letting me live it!
Now I KNOW there is a 57th character sneakin' around in my head somewhe---aha!! There he is! Get him, boys!! Throw a net over him a and we'll put him a video game or somethin'...
Happy Voicing!

Finishing School

...so it's 2:17am (I had a loooong nap) and I'm waiting to record yet another strange and fun-filled character...just need a little more info from my client. So, between brainstorming scripts and voicing pink zombies, I have a moment to reflect.
The denizens of 'The Hole' have seen a lot of changes recently--changes in location, equipment and life. We've said 'goodbye' to precious friends and family and we've said 'hello' to exciting and wonderful new opportunities and acquaintances. New friends are always cool 'cause they don't know your foibles yet and old friends are cool 'cause they KNOW you and still love you anyway!
I am especially grateful for renewed purpose--some things never die, they simply wait for your maturity. I'm sure someone out there has a project on hold or a dream not yet realized. I was reminded of my own unfinished 'business' during conversations with friends and family recently. And not just reminded, but spurred into action by an inspiring message by T.D. Jakes about 'the grace to finish'.
Time, the surprises of life and sometimes our own decisions push us into 'I'll do it later'-no matter how noble, necessary, or near-to-the-heart the project is. The only catch to that thinking is we don't know how much 'later' we have left. So-not fatalistically or in panic- but earnestly and with direction, I look forward to 'finishing in phases' as T.D. put it. Reaching up on the shelf in the closet of my mind and heart to dust off that project and re-taking it one small step at a time and celebrating each step as I make it.
Now it's on you. Well, you didn't think I was gonna finish all this unfinished stuff by myself, did ya?!? We'll work towards completions and finishings together and help each other along the way, if need be.
Now, get busy and remember--time is on YOUR side.
Happy Voicing...