Pythons, Public Speaking, Papa O, and Politics

The end of summer is here and I'm actually really glad about that. Both Myriam and I are looking forward to the next chapter. I am by NO means a religious person, but I am a spiritual person and I love the words in Ecclesiastes 3. You know--There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity........

Here are my two favorite versions of Turn! Turn! Turn!. Listening to neither will add nothing to your day. Listening to one will cause reflection. Listening to both versions will be life changing and will make your day more meaningful than you ever thought. True story.

Turn!Turn!Turn! The Byrds

Nina Simone Turn! Turn! Turn!


It is no secret that Myriam and I have had quite a year. If you wanna know what we've been up to--check out previous posts, my other blog tinysuperstars.blogspot.com, or Myriam's blog--lesbrain.wordpress.com. FYI--if you choose to read Myriam's blog, bring a dictionary along. She's pretty avant garde if you know what I mean. Anyway--long story short--we've dealt with everything from filmmaking to funerals, and the trials and tribulations continue. We've both been trying to stay present in each moment, but it has been difficult.

My current situation is this:

I'm a middle aged comedian struggling with severe depression while going through menopause.
I'm a young at heart educator struggling with the laziness and sense of entitlement of today's college students.
I'm a bleeding heart liberal struggling with the idea that Mitt Romney might be our next President.
I'm a brilliant person struggling with motivation and follow thru.

All of the above things infuriate me, yet I lack the ability to process and express the sadness and anger. I will try very hard to sprinkle bits of funny throughout this post, but above all--I will remain honest. I do understand that there is a time for everything--I just didn't think the "everything" would come all at once.

I want to progress--to evolve if you will, but I feel I am moving backwards. It's not backwards in a cool Benjamin Button sort of way--it's a backwards like--I guess it's hard to explain. I'm living the not so fun not so inspiring version of Eat, Pray, Love. Yeah--that's it! Muffin top, is there a God, loss!

Ok--that's enough of that. I'll attempt to lighten the mood. Here are some good things, some questions, and some fun observations:

What is pinnacle? Does anyone under the age of 100 know how to play this game? I think I'd like to learn.

I drove two pythons to Santa Maria. I'm writing a story about my new love affair with snakes for the next issue of The Betty White Newsletter. I'll be sure to post it when it's done.

I'm headlining a show on Friday. Should be a good time.

I.LOVE.PINTEREST!! It makes me happy.

Why is it that when we see weird things in a museum--we call it art, but when we see weird things outside of a museum we call it mental illness? Something to think about!

That's about all I have for today. I wanted to pay tribute to a dear friend who I lost over the weekend, and talk about how wonderful my semester is going, and discuss the ins and outs of raising an iguana, but I'll save those tidbits for another day. I will leave you with a photo of my friend, Yalcin, who I met nearly 20 years ago. Papa O has always had a special place in my heart. He taught me more about myself than he will ever know and I consider myself blessed beyond measure to have known him. His death has devastated my soul, but I am so grateful that he has found peace. His spirit will always be welcome in my home.  Here he is with his family--I'm proud to call them all my friends!

Thanks for reading. Comments are awesome--especially ones with little pep talks.

PAPA O with Leila, Kim, Missy, and Suzie

Have a day that you can be proud of!

TJ