Did you know the historical Roman Colosseum was named “Flavian Amphitheatre ”[ Latin : Amphitheatrum Flavium Italian :” Anfiteatro Flavio”] after three emperors during the Flavian dynasty ?
In short, the Flavian dynasty ruled Rome Empire from AD 69 – 96 by Roman Emperor Vespasian and after his death, by his two sons, Titus and Domitian.
The Flavian Amphitheatre was built in order to distract Roman citizens from the financial burden imposed by the former psycho, Emperor Nero. In fact, Roman never really recovered from Nero’s footprint. The clever Vespasian outsmarted his revel’s more then once, and the Grand Flavian Amphitheatre wasn’t any different. He financially built the Amphitheatre with the Jewish War spoils and by using the wealth of his Senators. Under the careful eye of Vespasian, the Senators were sponsors. In other words, it was in the Senates best interest to offer their wealth to the people of Rome. As a sponsor, the Senators received cutbacks in taxes, plus other benefits. Such as, they’re families were spared from hardship. In turn, the Senators promoted their favourite Gladiators, whom the Roman people loved and honoured. It was a great way to get the peoples support to the Senate.
On the outside Emperor Vespasian seemed like a good emperor, however, he was just another good politician. In fact, he secretly stole his wife’s grandfather’s wealth by having him killed. He also renewed old taxes and created new ones, increasing taxes to each provinces, while keeping a watchful eye upon the treasury officials. Eventually his greed got the best of him, with his own people killing him on the streets. Politicians have followed his lead for centuries, even today, where there’s new taxes imposed on a yearly basis. When an economy is failing, imposing new taxes tricks everyone to believe the economy is growing, when its not.
Even though millions of slaves and Gladiators were killed during their fight-for-their-life performances, the sporting event was organized with Teams of Gladiators, similar to sport teams of today. Only difference, our teams aren’t butchered.
Thanks to the Romans, they incorporated an ingenious ticketing system; we use the same system today. Of course, in any sporting arena there must be food and drinks available. Interesting, their finger food consist of pork ribs and chicken wings, both dipped in tomato or a salty fish sauce. Again, much like today, except the fish sauce. However, the drinks were not beer (such a shame – lol ) simply because it was classified as a barbarian drink, such as the Germanic Tribes, who the Romans constantly fought with. The Roman drink was, of course, red wine 🍷. Unlike how we drink wine straight from the bottle to the glass, the Romans watered it down. As well, a generous portion of water was always available to prevent drunken riots and fights.
An unfortunate fact : women were only allowed to participate in the nose-bleed section of the Colosseum. Even the Emperor’s wife wasn’t allowed near her husband’s side. Thank goodness for modern times. Never did understand the division of men and women.
Believe it or not, the Flavian Amphitheatre had self flushing toilets ; not exactly like ours today, but a clever use of their engineered aqueducts. Aqueducts simply were buried conduits of stone, brick, or concrete, supplying water to the Colosseum with public baths, latrines and drinking fountains.
Public toilets were indeed public, seating all together in a row, without walls, taking a dump while talking to your neighbour. Oh my god — thank goodness for our modern bathrooms.
The Flavian Amphitheatre was another political ploy, allowing Roman citizens to feel like they’re rubbing shoulders with the elite, with the best part, tickets were free. The Roman Games would make our holiday events look like nothing, in comparison. Games would last as little as 100 days and as long as 1000 days.
Great times for the Romans, not so much for their slaves, animals and Gladiators. They spared no expense to have all kinds of exotic animals, such as tigers, lions, leopards, hippo’s, ostrich’s, bears and elephants. Unfortunately, over a million people and three times that, in animals were brutally slain.
With that being said, the Flavian Amphitheatre was an architectural wonder accommodating over 40,000 spectators. It was 170 ft high (52 m) with an overall perimeter of 1730 ft (527 m) covered in marble, travertine slab stone ( a strong light limestone material) , volcanic rock, Roman invented cement and bronze statues throughout its perimeter.
It’s quite amazing the Flavian Amphitheatre is still standing today, considering all the vandalism throughout history, including natural earthquakes. With its dark history, the Flavian Amphitheatre is a great ancient structure any tourist must see, when visiting Italy 🇮🇹.
PS — Did you know, Vespasian son, Titus reign had the most destructive natural disasters? Yes, it’s true — In 79 Mount Vesuvius volcano erupted upon Pompeii and Herculaneum. On top of that, a year later, Rome was on fire and had to deal with the Black Plague, at the same time. Go figure! Today, we have to deal with tsunamis, earthquakes and COVID.
Today Patricia and I pay remembrance to the passing of our Little girl Jenni. Nov 5th 1980 was and still is one of the most horrific days of our lives. We were living in Calgary; me a young architectural draftsman for UMA ( Underwood & McLellan Associates ) during the day, and Patricia working nights as a bartender for an established high-end restaurant. We couldn’t afford daycare or a babysitter in those days, so we “make do” with the little income we had.
Living in the “Bowness” community just a few minutes from Bowness Park in the neighbourhood and former town in west Calgary, Alberta.
We rented a two bedroom basement duplex a few blocks away from Bow River. Just South of us the city of Calgary was in the process of building the Canada Olympic Park (COP), formerly known as Paskapoo Ski Hill. Canada Olympic Park was one of the venues for the 1988 Winter Olympics, being the primary venue for ski jumping, bobsleigh, and luge.
And — that was the reason WE were in Calgary in 1980. UMA Engineering Firm had one of the contracts to begin designing the Canada Olympic Park, including Site Plans as far away as Kananaskis Country. I was called in from Edmonton UMA firm to begin the 8 year process of planning and development of this huge project. At the time, I was just a Junior architectural draftsman, hand-drawing architectural plans, per instructions from the highly trained Architects and Engineers.
So — the three of us moved to Calgary to further my career as an architectural draftsman. Our first months in Calgary was a happy one. Patricia, Jenni and I would explore Calgary sites, such as the Zoo and the Heritage Park Historical Village where Hollywood western movies were made, such as the classic “ The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford“ starring Brad Pitt ( Jesse James) and Casey Affleck ( Robert Ford).
I remember carrying Jenni around in a kangaroo front pouch so she would be able to see the sites of the Heritage Park Historical Village. Less then a year old, Jenni eye expressions would dictate to us she enjoyed our weekend outings. One weekend we even had the opportunity to visit the town of Banff.
Everything was going well until one evening Jenni seemed more agitated then what we considered normal. As any frightened parent, I phoned our local doctor. Concerned, he made a home visit ( which is totally unheard of these days). He noticed a rash on her body, which seem unusual but not overly strange for babies of her age. He said,” If it persists, take her to the Foothills Hospital and we’ll do a complete check up.
The next evening Jenni became even more agitated with a spiking fever. Her eyes were red and the rash became more announced. It was then I phoned Patricia ( who was working nights) and explained I’m going to take her to emergency at the Foothills. Getting to the hospital, Patricia met me. As any worried parents, we wanted answers. They admitted Jenni ; after trial & error, and many specialized doctors, everyone was totally baffled to why Jenni’s temperature increased to an unsafe level. Every day and night, Patricia and I took turns being there for Jenni. The nurses would cool her down by using cool baths and a constant fan by her bed. No matter what they did Jenni’s temperature became critical. The both of us were complete distraught to the point of exhaustion. It didn’t matter, we would never leave Jenni alone. We held and hugged her as much as possible to show her, everything would be ok, and that, we were there for her.
That evening, it was my shift to be with Jenni. I gave Jenni a cool-down bath and held her some more. She began to show signs of improvement. Jenni was hungry ! That indeed is a good sign, I thought. So I was able to feed her. I remember she smiled at me with contentment.
The nurse came in, urging me, that maybe it’s a good time to go get some rest. Nodding in agreement, I decided she was right. Before putting Jenni back to bed for the night, I kissed her on the cheek. She really looked content, however I noticed her little fingers looked bluish then normal. Concerned I went to the front desk where an Intern was stationed. Explaining what I saw seemed unusual, he just looked at me with his arrogant stance and said,” Are you a doctor ?”
I said,” No. But maybe we can call our doctor ?”
This redhead seemed determined to piss me off, flatly refusing to call my physician. The nurse came over and encouraged me to go home and get some sleep. Shrugging my shoulders, I nodded, but was discouraged over the response of this intern. I knew he thought me as this young kid in my twenties who didn’t know what I was talking about. Giving up the argument, I went home.
The minute I got home, I received a emergency call from one of the nurses, that I had better get back to the hospital as soon as possible. She told me Jenni experienced a cardiac arrest and unfortunately the doctor on-call could not revive her.
Completely in rage, I rushed back to the Foothills hospital in dismay. By the time I arrived, Patricia was holding Jenni in her arms, crying intensely.
Our little Jenni didn’t survive. We were in complete sorrow. Weeks later, we learned Jenni died of severe complications from an unknown disease called Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.
1. The time we had with Jenni will be cherished the rest of our lives.
2. Physicians should pay attention to the parents. We may not have the training, but we may have some valuable information that could assist the doctors on call. In Jenni’s case, the bluish fingers could of lead the emergency doctors to act. But due to the arrogance of one intern, Jenni died.
3. If the Kawasaki syndrome is caught in time, death is preventable. Apparently survival rate is 90 percent.
4. Kawasaki disease had puzzled doctors for over 150 years, until recent years. “Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, who first described what is now known as Kawasaki Disease (KD), and recent reports of a multisystem inflammatory disease in children associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (MIS-C), makes a review on KD and MIS-C timely. Kawasaki Disease is a systemic vasculitis with predilection for coronary arteries occurring mostly in early childhood. The main features are high fever, extensive skin rash, cheilitis with red, cracking, bleeding lips and strawberry tongue, conjunctivitis, erythema and induration of hands and feet, subsiding with periungual peeling, cervical lymphadenopathy, and coronary artery dilation/aneurysms.
Due to the COVID virus, Kawasaki disease was brought front and centre, because both coincide with each other. “Atypical Kawasaki disease, Kawasaki-like disease, Kawasaki-COVID-19, paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2, macrophage activation syndrome, myocarditis, toxic shock syndrome.” Read more
5. Kawasaki disease is said to be more prominent in children of Asian descent. However, we are not even close to Asian. Just recently, due to the COVID virus more Caucasian children have the Kawasaki disease symptoms. The earliest record symptom was, believe it or not, from London, when, in the year of our lord 1870, a seven year old boy died of this unknown disease. Interesting, Kawasaki disease is prone to attack younger children five years old and younger. It’s strange the symptoms started with a seven year old Caucasian boy. This proves this syndrome isn’t clearly understood, as of yet.
6. The loss of a child is extremely traumatizing to all parents involved. Life goes on, however you never forget such a loss.
7. Time never makes a difference in relationship to the loss.
8. The graphic digital drawing above is what I would like to perceive Jenni’s soul exploring the Cosmic Universes like the fictional, Jedi Rey Skywalker of the Star Wars saga. If Jenni had a chance in life, what would have she achieved?
Today, we have two wonderful daughters, Tianndra and Trisha. They never met Jenni but I believe if they did, would have loved her the same as we do.
In Conclusion, Patricia and I will keep thinking and remembering Jenni’s birth to the day we lost her. As a parent, you’ll always have that worry of your children, hoping they will succeed past you. We worry, we love and we hope.
“May The Force Be With Her Soul Exploring The Afterlife”
Rest In Peace Jenni – We miss and love YOU forever.
The event I’m about to tell you is real. No smoking mirrors, just the truth.
It’s my belief Death is NOT the final word. There’s life after life, we like to refer to as the Spiritual world. Unfortunately we have a hard time convincing ourselves of that, unless we had the experience of being brought back to life after a tragic accident. It’s like anything else in life, if you haven’t experienced it your brain can’t conceive it’s true.
We are hardwired for scientific facts. If we can’t explain it, see or hear it, it doesn’t exist.
Your brain can do inconceivable things in our physical world. The only thing we can relate with our spiritual world is dreaming. Dreams seem to take us on a wild ride, trying to relate our consciousness experiences from the day or week before, and sometimes, even recurring dreams from a year ago.
But one thing is clear to us all —
Without our brain, the body ceases to function. To most of us that means certain death. However, death isn’t final. It may be to our physical body, but there’s still the question, “ Do we have a soul ?”
Our Soul and Beyond
Beyond our physical world, human beings have used religion, to explain the spiritual world. Ironically, it’s our physical brain trying to process what we see and hear. To me, there’s more to the spiritual world then using religious undertones. For example, Japanese people don’t separate the dead from the living. To the Japanese, it’s a transition into another spiritual dimension. As said by a monk, “…death is like shoji on a sliding door “. ( a Shoji is a thin piece of paper on the door). In other words, the once living transitions to the other side.
Religious followers call it our soul, but I to refer it to the entity of who we are, as a person. You most likely heard this before, “I think therefore I am.” Father of Modern Philosopher Rene Descartes (during the 17th century) is responsible for this quote. Our consciousness can also be related to our soul. The soul can be used in context to an “energy source” leaving our bodies when we die in this physical world.
In the religious world, it’s believe we have either good or evil souls. As a matter of fact, each religion warns us we better listen to God or you’ll surely be punished. To me, religion is just another form of control.
Without relating to the religious theories , my mind believes we make a conscious decision to be good or bad. It’s our choice in this physical world we live in.
With that said, let me tell you the true events, preceiving the notion, there’s Life after Life —
Life After Life
In the 1970’s I was in my late teens, living in Vernon, British Columbia. A time where you’re still trying to find yourself. During this adolescence period, my girlfriend, Patricia (now wife) and I had a trio of friends. There’s Scott and his girlfriend, Lori, along with Alfred, nickname Alf. Alf and Scott became inseparable friends, having similar interests. They both enjoyed tinkering with early model sports cars and had deep conversations dealing with math and science. Of course they loved Star Trek.
All of us would hang out together, be it a campfire bush party, the local clubs or spending at one another’s place. Our last time together as a group, was the last summer before heading to College. If I remember correctly, Scott was going to become an engineer. Alf was thinking about going to UBC, while I started to prepare for my second year at Okanagan College, taking the Fine Arts Program.
For me, this summer was a time of turmoil, as I fought a different path my father wanted me on. To make a long story short, he kicked me out of his house, ending up staying with Patricia’s family until the end of the summer.
One day Alf came over to see Us. He asked me if I would be interested in seeing a fortuneteller with him. Alf was sort of crazy like that. Out-of-the-blue ideas just came to his head, and without hesitation, he acted on them. Didn’t really see any harm in it, so I thought it would be fun to see what kind of future was in store for me.
We drove over to the BX area of Vernon, where Alf instructed me to pull into this trailer park. Looking at this rundown trailer, I question his sanity, saying,” You sure you want to do this?”
Alf laughed it off, he waved me on, saying,” Come on! Are you scared ?”
Of course I said no, but had my doubts about this fortune-telling venture. Paying out $40 for the two of us, was a big deal to me back then. Siding with scepticism, we walked up the rotting stairs of the trailer. Knocking on the screen door, we were met with this older man who seem to haven’t shaved in days. He introduced us to his wife with curlers in her hair, puffing on the short end of a cigarette butt. Now I was siding with caution, thinking these two were going to murder us. Without hesitation, the old man took me to one room, while Elf went to another (with his wife) to have our fortunes told.
The old man motioned me to sit down at this small table with two rickety old chairs, Immediately, my fortune teller pulled out a deck of Tarot Cards to begin reading my fortune. Laying out the cards one at a time, he carefully studied each one. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, he spoke in a calm voice, telling me my future is all over the place. Apparently my life will encounter 3 or 4 different careers. My last career would become so successful I would end up with a lot of money. Inside my head I screamed, “ What a bunch of crap ! You want me to believe what everyone wishes for ? Sure, sure, a lot of money…eh ?” I just smirked and left.
Heading back to my car, I impatiently waited for Elf to show up. Eventually, Elf came running out of the trailer with an expression of fear. He yelled at me, slamming the car door, “ Go ! Go! Go! “
As fast as lightening, my little Austin Mini smoked out of that trailer park, like we were being chased by Zombies. Zipping down the curved road, it wasn’t hard to notice, Elf was about to have a cardiac arrest. Without a word, I slammed on the breaks, swerving to the side of the road.
Elf gets out, agitated has hell, pacing back and forth like a madman. You could see the deep fear in his eyes.
Deeply concerned,I said,” What the hell Elf ?! What the @$#+@ wrong ? What happened in there ?!”
Still pacing back and forth, he stopped. Grabbing my shoulders, totally freaking out, he said,” Bari. Oh my god Bari… You’re NOT going to believe what she said to me!
He then screamed at the top of his lungs, “ @&$#@ !”
“Elf ! What the hell ! Get a hold of yourself. It can’t be that bad…can it? “ I said.
He grabbed me again, “ Oh god Bari…it’s bad…it’s really bad!”
“What the hell did she tell you ?”
Eye to eye, Elf proceeded to tell me, his fortune didn’t have a future, what-so-ever ! In fact, he wouldn’t even see the end of this summer.
I said,” You mean to tell me she told you, you were going to die ?”
Alf shook his head.
Shaking my head in disbelief, I assured him, his fortune was a bunch of crock, just like mine was. We were simply taken by a couple of con-artist, is all.
It was hard to see Elf like this. He was indeed distraught. Reassuring him, I made it clear, he had a long long life ahead of him. He most likely will end up as a professor at some university, one day. Told him to think about it for a minute. I mean really. Me ? Ending up rich ?
Give me a break, that will never happen!
He stopped and looked intently at me. After a few minutes of silence, he took a deep breath and smiled, shaking his head in agreement, “ You’re right !” He started to was laugh with a nervous hysterical tone.
The summer was coming to an end. Elf fell in love with a girl ( an exchange student from Venezuela). Have no idea how he met her. Just one day he introduced me to her. He also spent hours working on that foreign sports car with Scott. Believe it was a Triumph Spitfire.
It wouldn’t be long now, our small group would be going their different ways. In lieu of this, we decided to have a small party at Scott and Elf’s rental house by the Rec centre. Patricia and I showed up late that evening, eight..ish or so ? Noticed Elf was in his room with his girlfriend at his side.
Once again, he seemed completely distraught. Knocking on his open door, I asked if everything was ok ? He was rude and told me to go away. Flabbergasted, I wasn’t going away without an explanation. It wasn’t like Elf to distant himself from me. His actions weren’t logical. If there was one thing I knew about Elf, he was certain to use logical in everything he did.
His girlfriend was trying to comfort him, telling me to just leave.
Standing my ground, waiting for an answer, Elf finally said,” Haven’t slept very well this past week. Last night and before that, I saw a little girl come up to my bedside. She told me not to worry, everything will be alright. Then she would just disappeared…” He paused in grief and raising his voice, continued,” The nights before that I saw hand prints on the wall. Do you see what I’m telling you ? Do you ! “
“Yes,”I said,” I believe I do.
I’ve heard of supernatural stories before but never really believed in them. Maybe because it was from people who weren’t rational or trustworthy. But Elf, that was another thing all together. He reminded me as Mr. Spock on Star Trek. That’s how logical he was.
My only response to his supernatural visions ; it was just a bad dream. As soon as I mentioned it, his actions turned hostile, as if he was trying to blame me for his illogical patterns. Shrugging my shoulders, not sure what to say or do, I left, hurt from his response.
Few days latter, he came over to Patricia’s place to talk to her not realizing I was there. He was pleading for her not to go out with me at all. Completely dumbfounded I was going to go outside to tell him off, but Patricia stopped me.
After that, I didn’t want to see Elf again.
A week later, we heard that Scott and Elf were in a car accident, driving their Spitfire too fast around a corner. The convertible flipped over into the field, throwing the two aimlessly into chaos. Scott wasn’t harmed, but Elf unfortunately hit the only bolder in that field killing him instantly.
We were all stunned by what happened ; me especially.
For crying-out-loud, that fortuneteller was correct. Alf didn’t have a future after all. During the funeral I talked to Alf’s parents. Didn’t have the heart to tell them what I knew. They were from a strong Catholic background, so I thought it wouldn’t be appropriate during their time of grief. I gave my condolences and left.
Never did understand the resentment Alf had towards me at the end of his life. As for me, I’m still poor. My fortune wasn’t completely correct, however I have had three different careers in my lifetime. Still buying lottery tickets to see if the last part of the fortune will pan out. Won’t be holding my breathe.
Alf’s supernatural visions did make me think if there truly is life after death. My wife and I have been married for 42 years now, so I’m still not sure why Alf was so content in the beginning, trying to cause havoc in our relationship.
This incident proves to me there must be something after we leave our physical bodies here on earth. It’s my understanding, for those who experienced death and came back, noticed time and space travels quickly, to and from one space to another. Some souls are lost due to their tragic deaths, while others find peace, reaching for the light, to begin their journey into the unknown cosmos, where time and space are not defined. It’s also believed, some souls are reincarnated back on earth, to begin a new life. It could be all of our souls take on different journeys that suit us. Maybe that’s why some of us never see our lost loved ones again.
We know now there’s more then one universe, there are multi-universes. Time and Space are not finite. So it’s plausible to say, our souls will choose it’s own journey. That’s the reason we don’t see all the souls after their physical death. We only hear of the ones who are lost and need to find their way. I believe there’s Life and Life. Death is NOT the final word. It’s imperative I believe in this, because when death is looming at my bedside, I will see my daughter Jenni again.
By Bari Demers
Thank you for reading…
[Sometimes in life you’re at Crossroads; not sure where you’ll take your life or where life will take you. There’s at least one drastic event in our life, changing everything.] BMD
Writers Life – it’s not glorious and the most part not rewarding to everyone. However, it’s part of me. Writing and art drives my inner soul – it’s me.
The above photo says it all :
10 THINGS People Say to Creative Writers ( But shouldn’t)
1. So you’re still writing your little book/poem/etc.?
2. Must be nice not having a real job.
3. Writing doesn’t sound too difficult.
4. I always thought I’d write a book after I retire, once I have some time to kill.
5. Wait a second, creative writing degrees are a real thing ?
6. Have you been published yet ?
7. Can I be a character in one of your stories?
8. So I have this great idea I think you should be using in your book…
9. Aren’t writers just professional liars ? They tell stories for a living, after all.
10. You’re writing a book ? Tell me everything.
Here’s more :
11. So what do you do in real life ?
12. How many books have you published so far ?
13. How come you’re not famous, like Stephen King ?
14. Oh, com’n ! Everyone knows how to write a story.
I believe all writers can relate. I’ve heard it all. A writers life has little support unless it becomes a blockbuster movie or a Best Seller. When I first decided to publish a book, I was pretty naive of the whole process. On top of that I wanted to write a cookbook.
What was I thinking?!
Getting sucked into self-publishing by dishing out $5000 to a self-publisher, I was still optimistic. Had these grandeur thoughts of becoming a Best Seller, selling millions of copies across Canada and United States.
The reality is more prevalent ; “Canadian Recipes of the Great White North” sold just enough to get my money back. On a positive note, it reached the UK, Australia, Germany and Japan. In Canada it sold locally and I also received requests from United States.
I found out quickly, self-publishing is thrown into the mix of hundreds of millions of other cookbooks. Not only is it expensive, your book selling on-line or a conventional bookstore takes a whopping 40 – 45 percent of your earnings. On top of that ( this may happen to you) the publishing company is constantly up for sell to larger publishers. On an average, self-publishers either sell or go bankrupt, due to competition. To add insult to injury, if the publisher is sold ( which happened to me) to an American publisher, the USA will make you pay taxes on any book you sell. Sure – you can get it back, however the process is daunting. You must fill out a five page report w/ all your personal information and then send it to a box office number. No way ! A Box Office Number ? That just doesn’t seem legit to me.
SO – You see, it’s not worth the hassle. I’m sure they do that on purpose. If it was a lot of money I would go to a lawyer, that way you’re protecting yourself.
The above “10 Things People say to Creative Writers” is so true, it’s scary – lol.
When I say cookbook, they go…”Oh…it’s just another cookbook. You’re NOT a writer.”
Meanwhile I write tons of science-fiction to reality short-stories that could possibly be made into a book. But now I’m pessimistic to the whole publishing routine. It’s clear, the only way to get your manuscript out is to send it in for submission. Submissions sound promising doesn’t it ? Sorry, it’s not that simple. First and foremost you have to find a publisher willing to take your manuscript. Second, it most probably lay on a pile of emails or deleted, due to the first couple of sentences they may read. The reality is, you may never get your manuscript to publishing.
What I’ve learned :
Write because you want to tell your story. Never write thinking you’re the next J.K.Rowling.
Write for yourself, maybe others will appreciate your work.
I write not to impress others.
I write because it’s my inner soul, it’s what I feel inside. It’s part of who I am.
Writing is a burning passion others may not understand. Only writers understand.
Try NOT to become disillusioned or depressed. Just realize the ‘Arts’ is extremely competitive and the most part unrewarding.
Only write if it comforts you. YOU find it personally rewarding.
Don’t expect to become the next best seller. There’s a ton of politics involved in that scenario.
Write from your heart. Never mind what others may think. It’s your story. Tell it as it is.
Read and read more…
I believe I’ve covered everything. You may want to add on to this list. I would love to hear your story.
Anyway – I thought this post of “10 Things People say to Creative Writers” is a prefect example.
Do you know, if Stephen King didn’t get notice for his book “The Shining” by a movie producer, he wouldn’t have become as famous as he is. However, his horror genre was a big hit to cult followers.
Getting your written work or art recognized is like winning a lottery, or its politically driven by artsy-class people and publishers. IF by chance your book is recognized by a movie producer or director, then it’s easy-street for you.
Always keeping tabs of how our Canadian government is looking out for Canadians who have the misfortune of being born into poverty, along with senior citizens.
In the ‘50’s poverty and substance abuse wasn’t necessarily looked after. However (back then) I remember the Catholic Church helping us out. Still remember the Nuns feeding us and teaching me how to read. One Nun in particular, I still remember her name to this very day, Sister Vincent Mary. If it wasn’t for her extra time and support, school would have of been much harder. She would bring me food each morning, so I could have some kind of breakfast, saying,” You can’t learn on an empty stomach dear.”
Sister Vincent Mary was like that mother you never had, nurturing me throughout Grade One and Two.
ON THAT – A QUICK NOTE :
To be clear, I’m NOT religious, but do recognize how the community churches can help those struggling. Most recently, I’ve noticed how some will abuse the system. Totally against that too.
I understand how you may be surprised to learn I’m not religious, considering how the Catholic Church looked after us. After years of studying various religions, it was clear to me how man-made religion is destroying our society, to this very minute. To fight over whose GOD is better then the others, is unconscionable. Unfortunately, mankind is plagued by the misuse of religious beliefs. This is why I considered myself SPIRITUAL and NOT religious. I believe in a GOD, but not how you would think.
Going into Retirement, I’m still afraid of the “Wolf Knocking on our Door”. Poverty isn’t something you want to experience. It’s not only degrading to your human spirit but totally unhealthy to YOU as a person.
I’m hopeful and inspired the “Government of Canada has increased the GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) for the lowest-income seniors by up to $600 annually for single seniors and $840 for couples. This investment of $300 million each year improves the well-being of approximately 680 000 seniors across Canada. It is the highest percentage increase in over 25 years. Read more HERE.
Settling into retirement with a fixed income is pretty scary, where your set-income stays the same, while everything else keeps rising. Eventually food, transportation and housing becomes out-of-reach.
For example, if you totally relied on the retirement figures, this would be your income today as a senior couple :
RETIREMENT COUPLE INCOME: $1890 per month.
This is why RRSP’s are SO important to establish. As well, if your spouse dies, then your income is cut in half.
$1890 is barely enough income to pay mortgage or rent, food and expenses. Eventually, your car becomes a luxury,
Don’t think to rely on a company pension either.
My grandmother was a teacher. During the 1970’s an accountant misused their funds and she lost that side of her income. It’s NOT the fear the company may fold. No…it’s if someone responsible for all that money, fraudulently takes that money 💰 for themselves ; or its invested poorly.
The point is you must be prepared for some kind of nest egg in your senior years. IF NOT, it may lead to a precarious situation, finding yourself in complete poverty.
Thankfully, our Canadian system has programs to help out, as well as community support.
The only thing they haven’t done for seniors, is set up private homes for low-income. I’m NOT talking about rental system, I’m talking about your own “freehold” homes. Maybe a government outreach system can help seniors who already own a home and haven’t been able to pay off the mortgage.
Before, it was the norm for earners to pay off their mortgage before they retire. However, that equation has become increasingly out-of-reach, due to the scale of real estate.
Today, it’s a fact, each senior will most likely have a mortgage to attend to after retirement. I believe the banks should become more aware of that equation, because (believe it or not) a monthly mortgage is cheaper then rent. So, it only makes sense for banks to change their prospective.
The last thing you want to see, is a senior homeless, simply because their spouse died before them and/or they can’t afford their own home any more.
In today’s scenario, you can’t rely on staying with your children. Most likely, they are drowning in debt, due to our increase economy. Adding on an increase expense (their parents) wouldn’t end well.
POVERTY AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
I know what poverty is and how substance abuse can effect ones life. My real mum (mom) was an alcoholic. She would do anything to have that next fix. Even though, my dad had a good trade, my mum would use any extra income on alcohol. Back then, my dad worked up North, sending money home to pay for groceries and the mortgage. Most of that money went into my mom’s addiction. I still can remember her stealing groceries from the supermarket and forging checks, to hide her addiction. There were times, we were in the police station, as my mum was arrested. Believe you me, the cops back then were unforgiving, treating us like dirt. Remember one time, this police captain saying to my uncle Ron (who ended being the one picking me up) , “ Will you get this goddam kid off my desk, can’t stand looking at him.”
I was only 6 years old.
Police have grown since then, with community outposts. However, some still have this “power of authority”, misusing it to their own personal advantage (bully if you will). However, I’ve met some respectful police officers who are only doing their job. Their job can be overwhelming, to say the least. They too have their demons.
Going back to my Mum ; even though her addiction consumed her life, she must of realized how important a home is, because the mortgage was always paid. However, homes back then cost nearly nothing. It only took one income not two.
The point is, poverty is more then you think. It’s NOT only a lack of funds, it’s addiction that can lead to poverty and even death.
Born within an alcoholic mum brought personal challenges to me and my sister. We’ve adapted throughout our whole life to compensate for it.
I’m not saying my mum was a bad person. Far from the truth. She unfortunately had an addiction (disease, if you will) that kept her struggling until her early death. When sober, she would pamper us the best way she knew how. In an alcoholic rage, I would sometimes be locked in a closet, for what seemed like hours. After coming to her senses, she would be crying, holding me,” I didn’t mean it baby. I didn’t mean it. Mommy’s not doing too well. Sorry baby, Mommy’s so sorry. I love you.”
We would hug like there’s no tomorrow.
The next day, Mum would be buy me a toy, to make up for her discretions. It was common for my sister and I to stay in the car for hours, while she was drinking in her favourite salon. Mum driving home drunk was the norm. I’m surprised to this day, we weren’t in an accident.
My dad has his own demons and would physically abuse my mum because of her alcoholism. Remembering a dysfunctional family back then, from them throwing plates at each other to unthinkable events, you would only think would happen in a horror movie. My sister and I would have our regular beatings. Many times I was thrown down a flight of stairs, landing on a concrete basement floor. Don’t know how long I lye there unconscious, but remember picking myself up, bruised and war torn. Point blank ; my father was extremely abusive to all of us and that’s one thing I have never forgiven.
Unless it’s happened to you, it’s very hard to understand.
POVERTY OUTCOME AND OUR FUTURE
Poverty is something our government needs to address with our increasingly economy. I can’t imagine going back into poverty, just because of retirement. As a matter of fact, I won’t. One way or another, I’ll keep my dignity.
Poverty and substance abuse must be addressed in our near future, otherwise the world won’t be able to control the outcome.
Something to think about for whatever government gets into power.
Yes. Our Canadian government. The system needs to change into the betterment for human beings. Any government in control of CANADA 🇨🇦 must start to realize, they ARE ACCOUNTABLE to each Canadian citizen. We are NOT pawns to be played with in your political conquest. WE ARE HUMAN BEINGS. The responsibility of a political leader to its Canadian citizens is extremely important.
You know, if Jody Wilson-Raybould decided to run for Prime Minister, I would truly vote for her. To me, she’s someone that stands up for Canadians, adding accountability to our Canadian government. I’m not really one hundred percent liberal or conservative. Maybe we need a new government more accountable for their actions. WE could call it : THE CANADIAN COLLECTIVE with a slogan “ We hold ourselves accountable to ALL Canadians, not just the rich.”
After-all, all we’re looking for, is NOT to worry about that wolf knocking on our door (aka Poverty). WE Canadians will do our part, working hard and paying our taxes. But please give the poor and our senior citizens the respect they deserve.
And YES – I believe Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should apologize to Jody Wilson-Raybould. It’s unconscionable for our Prime Minister to hide under his cover-up attempts. Thank you Jody for taking the “last stand” for ALL CANADIANS. I truly respect and appreciate you holding up the laws of the perspective FIRST NATIONS lands, we now hold dear to us.
Writing is the key to express my inner soul and the demons within. It’s a way to release my dreams along with a vivid, wild imagination. Some are based on truth while I look to the future to answer questions of who we are and where do we come from.
I reach deep within the darkness of my soul to bring to light of what is or what can be. As I write about “Darkness Within”, my heart is troubled by the amount of suicides we hear of everyday. Unfortunately, it’s only the famous who really get recognized, as others will suffer in silence.
Within days two icon personalities have left us. Kate Spade and now Anthony Bourdain. Not long ago we heard of Robin Williams. All were gifted souls with incredible talent. As human beings we must not forget about those struggling in their darkness of despair, putting on a “pretend face” in public, scared to reach out due to being ridiculed as weak or loosing supposed friends.
The Darkness Within
Chronic Depression is a real disease. It grabs you and takes you to this dark place never letting go. You feel embarrassed to speak about it because no one really listens.
Sometimes, all you need are real friends and a hug. Seriously – it’s a personal fight within your soul.
Those who don’t understand it, will never ever understand why.
My heart is deeply sadden.
If only we can talk to each other without feeling ashamed or singled out. We don’t have to fight the darkness within alone. All anyone needs to do is really listen.
May your Soul find Peace Anthony and Kate. A great loss to us all. I wrote Soul Saver because of depression – it was my way to reach out after the death of my daughter Jenni.
WE ARE ALL HUMAN. However, with over 7.4 billion people, we can’t seem to get along. Mother Earth is barely holding on, as diverse cultures breed across its globe.
Mother Earth is constantly being misused by HUMAN BEINGS, polluting the lands, our oceans and the air we breathe. As we coexist with millions of species of wildlife, our arrogant self is damaging our planet faster then ever before. Our over-populated species are crowding every little space, consuming our resources at an alarming rate. WE already know, in order to sustain us, our species must explore the universe, sure to infect another planet, before it’s too late.
WE ARE HUMAN.
We’re like this out-of-control virus, with this incurable sensation to survive, no matter what. However, nature is fighting back. It’s in our genetics, tracing back to our prehistoric ancestors (the caveman) keeping close to our KIND.
Our “kind” can be divided up into five races :
• Caucasoid
• Negroid
• Capoid
• Mongoloid (Oriental/ Amerindian)
• Australoid (Australian Aborigine and Papuan)
It’s then we’re subdivided into each of our origins, such as English, French, and Italian. After this division, we become more divided by each religion and culture. AND – that’s where everything goes to HELL. Nature is fighting back because of our narrow mindedness. We humans cause wars over religion, race, culture and colour, in an attempt to say we’re a better race or have the right religion. In the end, we’ll eliminate ourselves as nature continues on without us. It may take a million years, but Mother Earth will reboot, starting up another evolutionary species.
It’s sad, really.
Here we are ; intelligent HOMO-SAPIENS evolving from our ancestors, but too stupid to realize our own fate, due to arrogance. Our species are resourceful but can never accept or respect each other for who we are.
NO.
Instead we nitpick, clumped together in each of our own cultures, like the caveman we are. Let’s look at ME for example. My culture is said to be a mixture of French and Italian, but my DNA throws in Cree. Because I’m NOT one hundred percent French, Italian or Cree, each culture doesn’t consider me part of their family. As far as their concerned, I’m just a cross-breed, otherwise known as “Heinz 57”. It means, the French, Italians and Cree don’t respect me for who I am. THEY will NOT welcome me into their homes, because technically I’m not part of their culture.
I AM HUMAN.
Even though my father comes from a long line of DEMERS following back to the origins of France, settling in Lower Canada 🇨🇦 (now Quebec) way before the English ever step foot on Canadian soil, the French will never consider me their own.
Even though my mother comes from a long line of VARZES since the Roman Empire, the Italians have never welcomed me into their homes, since my grandfather died.
Even though my French ancestors played house with the first nations (indigenous aboriginal) people, the Cree think of me as an outsider. When we use the term, “Indian”, we’re quickly referred to as being racist, when their race freely refer us, as “White Man”. Believe it or not, both slangs are indeed racist.
Let me explain further.
I’m an artist, be it writing, drawing or graphic design. My Art has taken me along many adventures, including submersing myself into the Northwest Native Art, for the past 40 years. Just recently I asked a member of the First Nations people to help me with this design, as I want to explore the inner meanings of their culture. This is what this person told me, “ I don’t feel comfortable giving advise because the art work you are trying to produce is a form of cultural appropriation. There is more knowledge that goes into a design, that has been passed down from many generations, and has almost went extinct. This is our form of visual language. I appreciate that you enjoy our culture, but there is so much more to learn to respect the artwork.”
Teach me then.
Please teach me the right way to embrace your culture. No response.
Little does she realize I’ve study this art form when I was a teenager. I’m well aware of each cultural background, but like many First Nations People, they each have their own spin on it. It’s their personal art, from their inner soul and spirituality. I may not be one hundred percent Cree, but that’s doesn’t make me an outsider.
Cultural Appropriation.
Now that term is offensive to any artist on this planet. Each artist has his/her own way to express their inner demons of expression, since the dawn of mankind. Each tribal member may have its own form of language arts, but it’s not right to say, we don’t have the right to express it in our own form. That’s like telling an artist you’re banned from expression. I truly understand they want to keep their culture and way of life, passing it down from generation to generation. In fact, I totally respect their culture, requiring guidance, to pursue my artwork. BUT…not to allow an artist to express themselves, has gone too far. Ironically, she asks her followers to draw their expression of Spiritual animals, such as a whale, raven or eagle. Isn’t that also a form of cultural appropriation ?
I’m a human beings, like any other human being on this earth. All I’m asking is to stop crying wolf when you’re doing the same to others. Treat me as a human being. Treat me NOT as an outsider, but share me your culture. WE must all be treated like EQUALS, no matter your race, religion or cultural upbringing. Embracing each other as a loving family is when WE may eventually get along. To close-the-door in my face is not only rude but arrogant, no matter who YOU are.
The French and Italians have done the exact same thing. So be it. I’m CANADIAN and extremely proud to be part of this wonderful country. My culture is Canadian, that’s my NEW culture.
It frustrates me to no end, as each culture embraces their own, without inviting outsiders, welcoming them in. I say,”Look forward to the future, embrace each human being as your GOD intended YOU to. It’s called respect.”
It seems in the past weeks I’ve been quiet on WordPress, when in fact I’m busy as ever, writing on a daily basis. Like any other writer, my mind doesn’t stop thinking or imagining new stories.
However, there are times I’ll use other platforms to engage new audiences, like writing about recent world events along with social media interests. I have four science-fiction websites : James Montana Scripts, Genesis, Sci-fi Blog and Futurism. Each one engages SciFi fans, falling deeper into the rabbit hole.
On social media, I use my writing skills on a completely different platform, gearing my love for Las Vegas. It’s an inside look, (using Facebook Pages) showcasing viewers into the mainstream of Las Vegas, with its lifestyle and vacationing opportunities. My site is called Vegas Reviews, ready to share our fun experiences with other Vegas Lovers, writing tips and giving real resort reviews on my website. My experience goes as far back as the 1980’s, with Las Vegas constantly changing on a weekly basis.
It’s a madhouse to keep up, but still can do it.
To complicate things, I’m an artist too, using Instagram as centre stage. Business wise, I keep to LinkedIn and Twitter, just in case a producer wants to get a hold of me, in regards to my screenplays.
Like any other artist, my mind is racing with new ideas ; not enough hours in the day to attend to the whole package.
My style of writing is far stranger then most, with some referring to me as the ‘Vincent Van Gough of writers’, due to my hidden keys of secret messages, lying deep within each storyline. As you read my stories , it’s my hope I’ve lead you onto a quest of finding the secret keys to opening the doors of treasures, like a pirate hunting for gold.
I’m indeed a storyteller, competing within a sea of writers, but hopefully you’ve caught the biggest fish story of them all…my imagination.
So you see, like all artists, we’re all in a barrel of pickles, trying our best to get picked as the juiciest pickle of them all, fighting the rivers current of creative writers, across the globe. It’s a daunting task to even think of making it to the VIP list, like J. K. Rowling or Stephen King. Therefore, I prioritize and concentrate specifically on my dreams and vivid science-fiction imagination, writing up a storm of ideas and fun storylines. IF by chance, my imagination captures your interest, I’m delighted and honoured you’ve taken a few minutes out of your busy day, to read my stories. I truly appreciate it!
With that said, I don’t write to impress the wizards. Instead, I write because it’s what I love to do, pressing your imagination with magical unicorns, zombies, robots and angels from the cosmic universes and the dream world of my imagination.
WE humans are indeed a diverse species with millions of years of evolution, developing in who we are today. It may be our evolutionary timeline was drastically altered by our ancient ancestors, but overall WE have survived.
Interesting, our biological brain, still clouded with its mysterious beginnings, dictates our consciousness to do what we do. It’s the master of our biological body, controlling us everyday living on EARTH.
Only our brain knows our darkest secrets.
It feeds us with intel and safe guards, keeping our ‘Spiritual Being’ free from harm. That IS, only if, we listen to our inner thoughts. Somehow we have the option to reject our basic animalistic warnings, injecting ourselves to bodily harm. Complex our brain is, it too can be subject to all kinds of circuitry malfunction, from a birth defect to severe accidents. If our brain is healthy, firing up all its circuits, its amazing what WE humans can achieve.
Believing who we are can be complicated.
It’s clear our brain and consciousness are constantly fighting, trying to prove our very existence. The creation of man-made religion is clear of that, giving evidence to the battle inside of us all. Each tribe of human beings demanding our ‘religion’ is the right one. It has plagued us throughout our history, resorting mankind to its darkest moments of shame and incogitable terror.
Our consciousness (controlled by our brain) believe we have a soul. The brain tries to calculate why we exist. Who are we? Where do we come from ? Those two basic questions have divided mankind from the very beginning of existence.
To add insult to injury, our brain may think it’s all so powerful, becoming the savage dictators in our historical past and present, tormenting fellow human beings ; subjects to their rule.
On an individual basis, we are constantly fighting ourselves.
For example, I’ll give two different comical dialogues – my BRAIN talking to my ME.
FIRST DIALOGUE OF INNER THOUGHTS:
BRAIN : How do you feel ?
ME ( Consciousness) : Who me?
BRAIN : Yes you ! Who else am I talking to?
ME : Why does it matter ?
BRAIN : I need to know you are OK. Are you happy?
ME : Am I happy. No…I don’t think so. Most writers aren’t…
BRAIN : Why aren’t you happy ? What could make you a happy person?
ME : Finding my soul mate would help. Being financially secure would be another one. It would be nice if someone bought my screenplay BLACK ANGELS for $200,000. Then I could be financially secure.
BRAIN : You’re a dreamer!
ME : I know.
BRAIN : What do you believe would make that prefect soul mate ?
ME : Another female human being who has the same interests as me. Who backs me up, sharing identical views.
BRAIN : You realize I’m laughing inside…right? There’s no such thing as that prefect soul mate. It doesn’t exist. It doesn’t exist because human beings are constantly changing, growing from what they were in the beginning. Stop dreaming and be realistic !
ME : Wait a minute ! That’s what I do. I’m a dreamer and a lover of life. That IS why I write. My interest in ‘Space Exploration’ and defining WHO we are, explores my inner thoughts into words. That IS ME.
BRAIN : Me…me…me. It’s NOT all about YOU. You must of heard these words before,” A King has his reign, and then he dies. It’s inevitable.”
ME : I’m not a King !
BRAIN : No. But you ARE just another human being, trying to make his mark in life before you die, It’s inevitable. “ In this world, nothing is certain, except death and taxes.” Time is always against you.
ME : OK then! Thank you Brain for making my life seem so promising.
BRAIN : No problem!
ME : You realize I’m being sarcastic…right?
BRAIN : Of course I do ! After all I control your inner thoughts.
SECOND DIALOGUE OF INNER THOUGHTS:
BRAIN : Hello ?
ME: NOTHING. ZZZZZZZZ….
BRAIN : Hello?! Good Morning! Up and Atom.
ME : What ? What do you want?
BRAIN: It’s time to exercise that brain of yours. Come on …
ME : Yeah …yeah…do I have to ?
BRAIN : You must! I need me in top shape. So…let’s move those muscles. Get-up and begin your workout program. Up Up Up ! Besides, the rest of us had a talk.
ME: What ?! Who? What do you mean? Your such a crazy Brain.
BRAIN : I’ve just had a meeting with your heart, lungs and liver. They want me to be the spokesman. Actually, I’m the Leader of the Pack. Well…just between you and me, I’m much smarter than they will ever be.
ME: It sounds like a conspiracy to me. What did you all talk about?
BRAIN: The heart, lungs and liver say,” You’re doing a great job, but you must keep going. It’s essential to your health.”
ME: OK. But I don’t feel like it.
BRAIN: Too bad. Cry me a River! Let’s get out of bed and out that door.
ME : Ok ! Ok …fine! You’re such a nag sometimes.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion our brain dictates who we are. But is it our consciousness ? Do we have a soul ? Is there more then our physical existence? I choose to believe there is more…a lot more. And I’m NOT talking about man-made religion or the singular GOD in the sky.
Just recently ( May 2017) a young man of only 29 years old passed away due to acute depression. His name was Eskild ; a bright filmmaker from Norway 🇳🇴. The reason I know of him, is simply my interest in filmmaking. We met on YouTube – have a LOOK
Here you will see in the first few seconds of the film, Eskild ( Blonde hair) with his long time friend and film buddy Andyax.
When I heard of Eskild passing away, I was shocked! Such a talented filmmaker with hopes of becoming well established in the film industry. To learn his death is a result of acute depression makes it all too real in today’s society.
Depression is a common occurrence but few talk about it because family and friends become uncomfortable with this subject. There’s this idiotic stigma pointing towards weakness, which is so far from the truth. Depression can be many things. It can be genetic, societies burden of stress, bullying or a chemical imbalance. Whatever the case, anyone with depression feels totally alone due to families and friends reaction.
Depression can be triggered from many things. It could be as simple as breaking up with your partner, doing bad in school, becoming pregnant, a death in the family, or result of an dysfunctional family.
What makes depression worse ?
The reaction of family or friends, telling you it’s only a phase…you’ll snap out of it! You’ll get ill advise, like :
Take on an activity, get involved.
Don’t worry, you’ll pull through it.
Stop being a pussy. Get your act together man!
Stop being such a baby!
Go to work, you’ll feel better.
In reality, they don’t really understand or want to deal with the problem.
Has this happen to you ?
Share with us what others have said to you.
The point is, the person with depression struggles alone, constantly fighting their inner demons. If you haven’t had real depression, you can’t understand what that person is going through. If that person feels completely lost and alone without any means of recovery, they will simply vanish, ending their life by whatever means they choose. Famous actors and singers have ended their lives, when you think they were on top-of-the-world.
Like I said, the only way you’ll understand is by having a deep depression yourself. And I don’t mean a one time depression, because of your finances or a fight with your spouse. I mean a long time depression.
As with Eskild, in day-to-day life, he looked happy and excited about his film making career. But underneath, it’s obvious he was struggling.
What made him decide there was no turning back ?
It could have been as simple as a rejection from a promising girlfriend, who never returned her love for him. It’s extremely hard to speculate what was going on, only it was all too real for him. He most probably felt there wasn’t any escape from his reality. Backed into the corner type-of-feeling.
Suicide is a split second decision.
Even health professionals have a hard time understanding everyone’s unique motive. Sure, they may understand the clinical reasoning but not truly understand the person. Or do they want to. In order to understand depression you must have experienced it yourself.
Have you ever felt there’s no escape?
On the outside you would have never known Eskild was having trouble. Truly he was a cheerful outgoing individual, eager to teach you how to make videos without a budget. Unfortunately there are warning signs, but like said, most reject it. Was it loneliness?
Unknown.
Eskild indeed was a remarkable person. And the thing is I never met him in person. Only known him through social media connections. So you see, that, as they say, is that…
All I really know about Eskild is, he sure knew the filming process, from filming, editing to the right type of equipment you should be using.
As film makers, screenwriters, artist, actors and crew, we all hope our project will one day be in the theatres throughout the world, sharing our amazing story with others. It’s hard to speculate what caused Eskild to feel so sad. If only he knew the world was watching his videos because of his remarkable skill in the film industry.
We all have dreams.
Unfortunately, only the ‘few fortunate’ make it to the top selection of life. Most of us struggle waiting for that lucky break where we’re given an Oscar for our incredible achievements. The world of ‘Fine Arts’ is indeed the most challenging due to the fierce competition.
I had a dream too.
If only I could afford to fly Eskild and Anders up here to British Columbia, Canada 🇨🇦 to begin production on my Scifi horror genre screenplay,’Black Angels’.
BUT – like everyone else I don’t have 20 million dollars to execute my dream into reality. All I can do is promote and wait for that lucky break. While I wait for that lucky break ( like the rest of the world) I like to dream. My dreams are placed into words. Those words envision a story.
“ I envision a story and bring it to life.” BMD
I only hope I can encourage others to follow your path, no matter the obstacles.
Don’t let your dreams die!
Did you know Robert Redford used his stardom to help other struggling independent filmmakers? This is why he started Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Did you know investors, directors and production companies head to Sundance Film Festival seeking new talent ? All you have to do is make a ‘short film’ from 10 – 15 minutes long. The point is, Robert Redford wanted to open the doors to unknown filmmakers.
My heart goes out to Eskild. I only wish I could of assured him, even though there are a lot of road blocks in life, your dreams will never be crushed. Eskild talent as a filmmaker, was without question valuable to the world.
It’s with a heavy heart to say Eskild will deeply be missed. My condolences to his family. I only wished I met him in person and could have helped.
This stigma of depression must stop ! If you’re a friend? Be a real friend and encourage that friend. Give him or her hope for a brighter future. It’s a struggle out there; just don’t let that friend of yours struggle by themselves. Never give them an ultimatum.
Dreams and Reality 