In Memorium

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 22:05:31 GMT

Because I couldn't go on today without at least making mention of Joe Strummer's passing four years ago today.

To me, Joe Strummer signifies what one voice can do, and how that voice can go beyond the boxed in confines of a label. He, along with his bandmates in The Clash, helped educate a generation about the things happening in their own backyards and around the world. He taught that what happens to someone on the other side of the world should matter to us because it simply should. If we don't stand up and speak against known injustice then we are perpetrating injustice with our silence. We shouldn't look at civil rights or women's rights as specific causes, but instead look at them under the context of human rights because we are all just that - human. When we start categorizing ourselves and each other, we lose sight of our humanity and of our connection to other humans. We should matter to each other because we're all in the same boat. The Clash and Joe Strummer have inspired me through lyric and action to speak up, take a stand, help others, and encourage others through my own example, hopefully. He wasn't a saint, and neither were his bandmates, but they tried. And that alone is enough to raise the stakes for the rest of us to try as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Strummer If you can find a sample of "Redemption Song" that Joe did with Johnny Cash, I suggest you listen to it today. I hope it inspires you, if only to be more patient with the people at the mall during the holiday rush.

Peace.

Happy Birthday, Clive!

Thu, 05 Oct 2006 20:10:57 GMT

It's Clive Barker's birthday today, and I have to think of something to do to celebrate.

Thanks to Clive Barker, I am as sick, wrong, and twisted as I am today. I started reading Stephen King when I was a very young kid since my mom was into him at the time. By the time I hit 9 both my mother and I were sick of Stephen "I write crap and people still buy it" King because he could never finish a story. The man goes about 3/4 of the way into his story before he putters out. ADD? Boredom? Sheer lack of talent and work ethic? Take your pick, but by nine I figured out the guy was a hack. His short stories are good, but that's about as much attention as he cna offer any one work at one time.

The movie Hellraiser came out when I was about 11, and I heard it came from a book. I didn't find the novella it was based on, but I did find the Books of Blood. Instant love. The books were funny, smart, adult, and dealt with subject I don't think Stephen King is capable of processing in his toothy head. Of course, this isn't exactly wholesome reading for an 11 year old kid. To be honest, had I not had better parental guidance in other parts of my life, I'd be a prime candidate for being a criminal sort. Thanks, mom and dad!

But Clive opened my eyes to another world out there, and his writing style inspired me greatly. He made me have to pick up a dictionary, pick up and encyclopedia; find out more about art, music, theatre...he made me grow up. And his books made growing up a fantastic journey. He really inspsired how I write, and helped me find my voice. He was my first real love, and continues to have a special place in my heart.

And he's a super nice guy. What a sweet man! Indulgent with his audience, so kind to his fans, and patient with the most blathering of fangrrls (um, that would be me). I treasure my picture I have of us hugging at a book signing because it was such a happy night. To think I almost didn't go because I had broken up with a guy two nights before! I would have missed meeting my...muse? Mentor? I don't know what he quite is to me, considering our relationship is nothing more than that of author and reader, but he does mean a lot to me.

So happy brithday, Clive, and many happy returns. And get to writing the next Abarat installment. I want to know what happens to Candy. Another art exhibit would be a treat too. One day I want to own one of his paintings. Maybe I'd even invite him over for tea and cake so he can see where I put his art in my house.

Little Doggies Make Boys Happy

In Memorium

Happy Birthday, Clive!