Out of My mind

Getting it out of my head and into something tangible before I lose it. Warning: Alter egos may appear.

[notthefishblog]

More sides of Oahu: North Shore to Waikiki

[notthefishblog]

People always told me Oahu was like Santa Monica–more touristy, more like L.A., crowded, etc. I avoided it. But after seeing pictures of different hikes, and beaches of Oahu on social media, I knew there had to be remote areas that are less congested. North Shore and the eastern coast drive HWY 83 are retreat. Oahu, I was wrong. Forgive me. Let’s be friends. Mahalo 🤘🏼🌸

[notthefishblog]

About Los Angeles: Los Angeles, a beacon inspiring people to dream and become. Like saints can't operate without a heavenly realm. You need a power source. Yet most who reside in the valleys of Saint Fernando and Saint Gabriel take for granted just what we have access to: a kingdom. Immerse in the kingdom. #dtla #conquer_la #kingdom

[notthefishblog]

Jack London once said “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.”

When it comes to autumn in Los Angeles, that’s what I did. My brother-in-law and I took a trip up to the Eastern Sierra for a day to see some change.

Well worth it: the pet-friendly motel, the easy drive up the 395 hwy, and the small town vibe of Bishop.

Even if we never get another day of fall in L.A., this short lived day at North Lake, Convict Lake, and Aspendell made up for the non-existent season of fall in SoCal.

[notthefishblog]

On Something Missing: Where is fall? Maybe it's stuck in traffic on the 210. Maybe it still on Wilshire. Summer is here. Summer is still here. Pumpkin is here. Pumpkin is here too. How can this be? Is this the antithesis of hell freezing over? An overheated valley covered in steaming spiced latte? Drink until you sweat and are deluded that it's rain on your skin. Where is fall? Has it exited?

[notthefishblog]

About Energy: Fun requires energy. It's been an investment of time, precision and release. Keeping Leto occupied is the priority in our lives right now. Leto's busyness is important because his boredom will lead to destruction of our household and his internal organs. Exercise for him now will keep him healthy for his future and ours. But with as much fatigue and anxiousness comes as much joy and relief. Our house is filled with years of childlike wonder that we've missed growing up. Our bodies are rejuvenated with a new energy and imagination, also a new smell.

[notthefishblog]

On Good News:

Kristal and I were talking about gospel music on the way home from a much needed visit to L.A. tonight.

I realized how much I miss listening to gospel music–moreover, how much I miss singing gospel music at church.

Overall, my soul needs more gospel music. Side note: it’s what Jared Leto listened to after days of playing The Joker.

The word “gospel” literally means “good news.”

I can always use a little more good news in my life.

[notthefishblog]

On Posting:

I was listening to one of my favorite author’s as of late (Shauna Niequist) who was podcasting about how her commitment herself and her readers is that by the end of her book, they will find that she is a better human and a better writer. That’s her job, that with each book she becomes a better human and a better writer.

Personally, this sounds absolutely attainable and encouraging. While I’m not in the process of writing a book, I’m always in the process of writing even when I’m away from my keyboard. So If I make each blog post, each social media post better than my last better than my last, and I can commit to myself and anyone’s eyes following that I am getting improving this life despite the pretension and pressure involved, I know it’s a win.

What will it take? Transparency, insanity, and heart. Also, humor. Oh, and reading more books.

Definitely, more reading.

Dang it.

[notthefishblog]

On “Love.”

That one scene in Wedding Crashers when Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson wager on which scripture will be read during the wedding. 1 Corinthians 13 wins every time. We snicker at the cliche because it’s true.

But for good reason.

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

That’s a part of the typical passage read in the “Love Chapter.”

Those words have been resounding in my head lately, particularly because of all the slander happening social media, the political propos, the never-ending racism, and the self-cannibalizing notion of political correctness (I’m a partaker of this too).

It’s tiring. And to think--that this world will ever heal itself.

But there’s love. No, it’s not all you need. But if you read all of 1 Corinthians 13, it’s humbling and empowering. Replace the word “Love” with your name (in verses 4-8 “Love is patient. Love is kind...), and see how selfless you really are. It’s hard not to compare yourself to the people you know or the most pronounced celebrities.

Admitting where you stand on that “Does my name represent what love is?” survey is a part of not delighting in evil and rejoicing with the truth. It’s the ultimate soul check. The truest mirror.

[notthefishblog]

Happy Anniversary @kristalchammas. I have the best times with you. (at Nashville, Tennessee)

[peteneems]

[notthefishblog]

JUMPx2

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Wondercon Anaheim 2015 Feat. totlpodcast reelguise mrleozombie crazy4comiccon and Robert Kirkman!!!!!

[notthefishblog]

REACTION-

The Walking Dead: Season 5 / Episode 14 - “Spend”

I live in a gated community.

When I see strangers inside, I drive slow and stare at them. Yet welcoming outsiders is in my nature. I was raised in church. My family loves feeding people.

Personally, I’ve been through some crazy crap. So yeah, when someone opens up, I can empathize if I want. But still, a gated community. As much as we’ve talked, As much as I’ve followed, I still have questions. Truthfully, I’m an Alexandrian.

I don’t make life and death decisions regularly. I’m not constantly looking over my shoulder. I trust more than those who’ve lost everything. Life is good. Call me naïve. I’m also comfortable. I’ll never forget Rick’s interview with Deanna: “People are the real threat now,” and they “are always looking for an angle…to play on your weakness.”

Now I see members of this group in positions of power within our community.

How did this happen? Their skills. Their evolution. Their need to survive. All so natural. All so sudden.

I’m kind of freaked out by this.

If Alexandria is weak, it will be taken. Maybe it already has been. That uncomfortable feeling in my stomach agrees.

I like to think of myself as a decent guy in a quiet gated community. I don’t want trouble.

I remember Daryl saying: “The longer they’re out there, the more they become what they really are.”

What exactly has this group become?

[notthefishblog]

Dress. Sing. Dance. Teach. Covina, CA

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Ice House Comedy Club: Pasadena, CA Mercantile Market: Fullerton, CA Golden Spur: Glendora, CA Covina Assembly: Covina, CA March 6-8 2015

[kcesliv-irot]

FOUND IT!!!!

[notthefishblog]

Hello, beautiful 🍩♨️😍