Story-A-Day #428: Pathways

PATHWAYS

It's not like it used to be.  These pathways used to be wider, and much easier to navigate.  Now they are overgrown, crowded with limbs, and leaves, and other obstructions that have grown up over time.

When I was younger, these pathways were my paradise.  They meandered through the forest behind my parents home and directed me to new adventures, new secrets waiting to be discovered.  I would wander these pathways and expect the unknown on an almost daily basis.

Sometimes I would discover a pond, and plumb its depths for hidden treasures: maybe a painted turtle, or a slime encrusted plastic boat left behind by some other wayward wanderer.  Other times I would stumble across an old fort or cabin and pretend that it was mine; a secret hideout where I would defend myself with a wooden sword from an onslaught of deadly foes.

I had many great times exploring those forgotten trails, seeking out new adventures both on, and off the path.  But that was a long time ago, decades.

Today, I stare up the steep incline and know that most of what I once marvelled at would be gone, reclaimed by the nature from whence it first sprouted.  I know that those ponds would be long since dried up; the forts and cabins, long since collapsed upon themselves.

I start up the trail regardless, knowing that those shining moments from my past would have long since faded, but that there might be new discoveries to be found.  Surely the new generations of kids could not be so glued to their televisions and gaming systems that they had not built their own hidden refuges?  Surely nature had not continued to grow and develop in weird and marvelous ways?

The strangest thing about life is that it is full of pathways.  Some of them become worn and familiar as we wander their ways throughout life.  Others become regrets, the path left unexplored that could have resulted in so much more, or less, than what we know about life today.

The great thing about pathways is that they are yours to be either taken, or ignored.  Sometimes you choose the right pathways, and sometimes you take the long way to get to where you need to go.

These may have been the pathways of my youth, but sometimes it is good to return to the well of nostalgia to see if there might not be more to learn, more to be told, more to be discovered.  Sometimes it is just nice to know that childhood is what it was, and remains what it always will be: a past lived to its fullest.

Story-A-Day #427: Rainbow's End

RAINBOW'S END

Sometimes you just have to go for it.  That's what her parents had always told her.  They wanted her to be an achiever, a go-getter; someone who would not take no for an answer.  For the most part, it had worked as well.  She was not afraid to take risks, and would always push hard to achieve her goals.

That constant strive for excellence had brought her to a few unique realizations about her decision-making process.  Sometimes, you had to look at the bigger picture.  Sometimes, you had to look beyond the normal to try to figure out how to achieve your goals and dreams.

It was a warm Wednesday afternoon in September, and she was out in her backyard watering the garden.  As she wafted the gentle mist from the hose back and forth across the flowers, plants, and wooden slat fence, she noticed a rainbow slowly ebbing in and out of sight.  It was like a dream: there, then gone, then back again, with each passing sweep of the hose.

It dawned on her then, that a rainbow is a rainbow, so maybe she should start digging.

Sometimes you just have to go for it.

She noted the spot where the proverbial end of the rainbow would be and ran off to grab a shovel.  When she returned, she placed the tip into the moist grass, and used the flat base of her sandal to help wiggle the shovel into the soft earth.  She levered the first scoop up and dumped it nearby, then quickly angled in for another.

She had dumped out a few loads before something unexpected happened.  She hit something solid.  She got down on her hands and knees and slowly unearthed the treasure.  Once it was clear of the earth, she found a smile spreading across her face, a warm and glowing smile that was not unlike the morning sun peeking up over the horizon.

It was no pot of gold.  But it was actually better; a small tin coffee tin, the brand still distinguishable under the grime of dirt and time.

She brought the container into the house and sat down at the dining room table where she popped the lid.  The container contained a small treasure trove of notes and nick knacks from a past resident of the house.  Diary entries and small porcelain figures filled the tin, and they were in remarkably good condition.  It was no pot of gold, but it was a fascinating representation of days, and people, long since past...

Sometimes you just have to go for it.

Sometimes you have to seek out the rainbow's end.

Story-A-Day #426: Where the Silver Ferns Grow

WHERE THE SILVER FERNS GROW

I'd always believed it was a myth, a place that existed in the darkest, most fanciful corners of legend.  I figured it was no different than El Dorado, Atlantis, or Shangri-La...  As it turns out, I was wrong.

I grew up hearing the legends of the great lost treasure that was hidden in the depths of the wilds where the silver ferns grow.  Hell, it was right here in my backyard according to those legends of my childhood, so how could I not have heard of it?

When I was younger, I grew to figure that it was probably something like Oak Island, a huge lost treasure that remained forever lost in time, and disclaimed by the doubters and scientists.

It was cool to think that there could be some weird treasure out there, some weird treasure located in a long-lost Mayan temple in the depths of Northern Ontario.  It seemed unlikely that a Mayan temple could exist in Northern Ontario, impossible really, so it was not entirely impossible to write the whole thing off as a big fabrication; like our very own Klondike, only without the actual gold to sustain the rush.

Northern Ontario has a wealth of resources, but the conundrum with this particular one, was that the stories and murmurings always promised wealth that was somewhat ... obscure.  Some tales talked of gold, others of silver and gems.  There were other whisperings as well, secret sighs that spoke of something bigger; and at times, something darker.

When I finally found the place that the silver ferns grow, I realized that all of the stories contained at the very least, a grain of truth.  Unfortunately for you, the only truth I can communicate was that the ferns do in fact grow with a silver hue.

It was almost an accident that I found the place at all, but it was no accident that I forget where it was...

If you had seen the things I saw, you would want no recollection either.  That kind of beauty and terror can only co-exist in the strongest of minds.  Mine is not that type of mind; it is one of curiosity, and dreams, and hope.  It is one that requires mystery in life in order to maintain function.

Story-A-Day #425: Pattern Recognition

PATTERN RECOGNITION

There are undeniable patterns in each of our lives, moments where random becomes concrete.  Throughout each waking moment, there are instances of circumstance that are too randomly perfect that they become hard to ignore.

I am intrigued by the effect that the random has on the routine...

There are moments where you encounter nothing but green (or red) lights while driving along a single stretch of road.  Is that because you are meant to arrive earlier (or later) at your destination, or is it simply chance?

Have you ever had a day where a singular reference seems to arise on a supernatural basis?  Maybe it is a number, or a colour, or a person - whatever the instance is, it is always a little off-putting.

When a specific number comes up periodically throughout your day, you usually won't notice.  That is our nature...  But if you pay special attention, you will start noticing these random moments becoming a little less random.

You find yourself sitting in a cafe one day, talking to a friend about someone neither one of you have seen in ages.  At first, you think nothing of it, because you were simple reminiscing.  But when you encounter that person the next day, you can't help but wonder how weird it is that you were just talking about them.

There are infinite patterns in life, from the routes we take through our daily march, to  the more complex machinations.  We are the result of our choices and movements, but we are also affected by that which we can not control.

We are susceptible to days full of the number three and people named Paul.  We are susceptible to the same movie or song repeating ad nauseum throughout our pilgrimage to tomorrow.

There will always be patterns that are beyond our control, but until those patterns dictate us, it is all just a game.

Be aware.  Look for those patterns, and allow them to expand your current horizons.  The best way to deal with the random, is to make it mundane.

My Role Models, My Parents

MY ROLE MODELS, MY PARENTS

I wear a lot of hats:  I am a writer, a film maker, an educator, a photographer, a journalist, a bartender, and a few other things - most of them either by default, by choice, or by necessity.

With that list alone, I have multiple responsibilities, and sometimes it can be overwhelming.  I tend to work pretty long days, between the morning prep, the day job, and the late nights filled with whatever daily projects I have to tackle on any given day, I don't often get much time for leisure or sleep.

The other day, I had someone ask me how I do it - how I work such long days and still manage to function through the daily routines of life.  I paused for a moment, because I was not always this way, but then I responded with a very simple statement:  I do it because I want to do it.  I love what I do and every aspect of my life fills me with a great sense of accomplishment.

What I didn't tell that person, was that I have two people in my life who have always inspired, guided, motivated, and at times, shoved me towards being the person I am today:  My parents.

This past Sunday, August 26th, my parents celebrated their 40th anniversary.  That alone is inspiring, but for me as their son, watching them interact with the friends and family throughout the day was an incredible experience.

A few of the guests who made the trip to celebrate 40 years.

My parents share the same bonds with their friends that I share with my own.  At their anniversary brunch on the weekend, there was a palpable sense of mutual respect, and at times reverence in the air.  There was a great deal of camaraderie and self-deprecation.  There were also a pile of cheesy jokes...

It was exactly how my own moments with my friends often are, and it reminded me of my roots.

I am the person I am today because of Janet and John, the two people who brought me into this world, and nurtured me in the right direction.  That being said, they are not just inspirations to me; they are inspirations to pretty much everyone who has ever crossed their paths.  I assure you, it is all earned respect.  My parents have always been very kind, generous, and caring people who have reached out to their family, friends, and community.

My parents are the kind of people that I aspire to be.  They radiate a love for life and experience.  They relish the experience of travel; the adventure of literature; and the peace, and comfort, that comes from time spent with those who matter most to them.  On Sunday, they were able to spend the day with the friends and family that they love so much.  It was a beautiful thing.

Mum and Jasmine sharing a moment of relaxation.

You want to know why I do the things I do?  You want to know why I work such long days, and commit so much to every moment?  It is because of two fine people:  My role models, my parents.

I probably wouldn't be a writer today if I hadn't developed an appreciation for stories, reading, and writing before I even started school.  I might be better off, but I might also not be as passionate about what I do as I am today.  It has taken me a long time to get to where I am today, but I would never have made it this far without the support of my parents.

If you have not yet had the chance to meet my parents, I urge you to seek them out.  Your life will be richer for having done so.  I am who I am today because my parents have provided me with the support and love to grow, ever so slowly, into who I am today.

All of my successes can be attributed to the guidance of two immaculate people who by never giving up on me, who have never accepted failure as an option for their son.  It has been a long journey to get to where I am today, and I am lucky to have had such wonderful people guiding my way.

I love you mum and dad, and thanks again for all that you have given, and continue to give, not just to me, but to everyone who has been lucky enough to make your acquaintance.  You are a true inspiration...

And again, Happy 40th Anniversary!

Story-A-Day #424: Strange Fruits

STRANGE FRUITS

There was a potted jungle on the back deck, one full of aromatic, exotic fruits in varied shades of bloom.  The greens, yellows, oranges, and reds gave off a multitude of scents, from the earthy waft of cherry tomatoes, to a more potent curl of peppers in the humid summer air.

There were other smells too, lingering amidst the more familiar and mundane essences of grass, earth, and late summer fade out.  There were hints of curry, bitter sweet rhubarb, and extra sweet berries; and exotic memories of Italian dinners in the multitude of fresh basil, oregano, thyme and rosemary taht mingled into a perfect airborne pasta sauce seasoning.

He took a step down into the backyard and the scents intensified; so many strange fruits, spices, herbs, and more mingling into a delicious pot pourri of ingredients.

He paused for a moment by a thick, black tub and leaned in towards a tree that bounced gently under the weight of its heavy burden of scotch bonnet peppers.  He took a deep breath, but the intense heat of the peppers was apparently more linked to taste than scent.

He plucked a few peppers off the tree, then snipped some rhubarb stalks from a nearby patch.  Over the next few minutes he added a cornucopia of herbs, spices, fruits, and peppers to his small basket and slowly felt the night's meal coming together.

His favorite part of cooking was always the fusion of flavors and tastes that went into a good meal.  Those flavours were always better when fresh ingredients were used.  He plucked a couple handfuls of tomatoes, green, yellow, and bright, ripe red and slowly made his way back into the house.

These strange fruits would be a beautiful fusion.  Dinner would soon be served.

Festival Bound with "Missing"

The One-Sheet for "Missing"

I am excited to announce that our latest short film "Missing" has been selected as an official entry at the 2012 Film North International Film Festival in Huntsville, Ontario.  This is the third year for the festival, and we were selected out of over 100 submissions as one of 42 films that will be screened over the three festival that will take place September 20 to 22, 2012.

Back in 2010, we were fortunate to be a part of the innagural festival, where "The Lake" won the award for Best International Short.  I had some family and friends there when I presented the movie and Patrick Gilbert joined me later in the day for the awards ceremony and after-party.  It really is an amazing, festival and after the great time and the great hospitality we received at the 2010 festival, I am really looking forward to being back in Huntsville, and a part of Film North's truly unique celebration of cinema.

Film making is a laborious process, one filled with commitment and passion, but it is an awarding one as well.  For me, the true joy of film making is the ability to share my storiies in a unique fashion with a broader audience.  Being in a darkened theatre and seeing our work on a big screen, with an audience full of people, is a truly rewarding experience.  I have yet to see "Missing" with an audience, but I have seen "The Lake" at festivals in North Bay, Sudbury, and Huntsville.  Seeing the reactions of the audience as the story unfolds is an electrifying experience, especially when you are able to see how complete strangers react to our work.  It is one thing to see family and friends react but let's face it, for better or for worse they tend to be a little biased.

 Accepting the Best International Short Award in 2010.

One of the great things about this year's festival, is that there will be an impressive amount of North Bay talent represented.  I will be there to represent "Missing" of course, but there are also a pair of other films in the competition with North Bay connections, both of which Kevin Hoffman worked on:  Jim Calarco's "One Wish", and Lewis Hodgson's "Morning Zomibies" (which Patrick Gilbert also worked on). 

It's going to be a great time for sure, and it is nice knowing that there will be three very different, unique and dinstinct films screening at the festival that will showcase the amazing amount of talent that Northern Ontario, and North Bay in particular have to offer.

I love the festival expereience.  The opportunity that a festival like Film North presents, especially the ability to discuss the process of telling stories on film, is truly unique.

I am a huge lover of cinema, and as much as it has always been a dream of mine to be a bigger part of the industry, it is a great feeling knowing that festival juries approve enough of my work to present my projects to a wider audience.  It is also cool having my own quiet little corner on IMDB (the Internet Movie Database) where I have credits as an Actor, Producer, Director, and most importantly, a Writer.

I look forward to the day where I have the resources and finances to do this full time, and to be a fixture on the global film festival circuit, but for now, I am thrilled that my work will once again be presented to an audience of unknowns.  And with any luck, a few friends, family, and supporters.  I hope to see you all there.

The festival runs from September 20 to 22, 2012.  No official screening dates are available at the moment, but when they are, I will let you know...

Thanks again for all the support!