Tea with McNair

   Recapture Your Creative Spirit ~ NOW! 

                                                             { We Never Close }

• 1kj

The story of a project, the books, the film, and my friend in the middle

(Buckle up, kids, and hold on.)

Backstory: It began with "Someguy" in San Francisco, June 2002. The 1000 Journals Project started with him leaving blank journals around San Francisco in cafes, restrooms, bus stops, park benches, and gave (and sent) them to friends and strangers. There we no rules, just add to it, add more, pass it along or keep it and keep adding.
    At first, he did not know how many he might distribute. It began with a few, then a few more and soon he knew it had to be 1000 journals. Each book was numbered and had a variety of cover art he added. Most of the covers eventually got altered, changed, and changed again.
    Meanwhile, Andrea Kreuzhage, a Los Angeles-based film maker, heard about 1000 Journals and contacted "Someguy."  In September, 2003, Journal #526 came back to Someguy, filled.  Andrea decide to make a film about what had become of the other 999...and the people who had them, used to have them, kept them (but forgot they had one), sent it back to Someguy to scan the pages and post them on the website. (The  1000 Journals website was also where people who wanted to participate could log on and request one of the journals be sent to them, as available.
 

    I had heard little bits in the wind about the project. I never really pursued it, probably because I have had my own sketchbook with me everyday since I was about twelve years old, 1964.  (At left, a few of my sketchbooks on a shelf in my studio.) I also have a huge, old, wooden crate filled with old sketchbooks as my living room coffee table. (It used to be a U.S. Navy ammunition crate. Now it stores explosive ideas. And more than a few duds.)
    Then, in 2007, Chronicle Books published a book (yellow cover, below) about the 1000 Journals Project. (One of my favorite moments in the film, there are many, but this one was both ridiculous and painful watching as "Somegiuy" sat around a table at Chronicle Books with too many "chiefs" trying to select a book cover with the right "sensibility." NEVER say that word around me, please.)

 

    This was classic "creativity-by-committee" it was decidedly not a "creative thinking" session. Maybe some of the good folks at Chronicle Books will read my brainstorming book and learn how to have more fun while making creative decisions. maybe they will publish my book. We return you now to reality.

    My friend Susan (the ever-effulgent, SARK) gave me a copy of Chronicle's book-about-the-books. It was actually the copy that "Someguy" (the San Francisco artist who started this all) had sent to her with the inscription, "Thanks for keeping creativity alive."
    In March of this year I received an email from my friend Heidi, back East, mentioning that a documentary film she appears in would be showing in San Francisco in April and May. As I started sniffing around, Heidi connected me with Andrea (the film's director.)
     Last Saturday afternoon (26 April '8) at the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF) I was fortunate to be in the audience for the first screening at SFIFF. This was only the fifth public showing of the film. Here is the email I sent to my friend Heidi after seeing the film. (I've omitted a few of the more personal bits.)

Heidi, First, and foremost, I honor you for the power, clarity, and courage with which you shared your Journal story in Andrea's remarkable film. You are a major part of this exquisite work. No one has more (or as much) time on camera. Plus it connects with other stories (as so much of the film weaves a tale of connections and relationships AROUND THE WORLD.)
    I did not know any of what you shared in the film that had happened as a result of your being a part of the 1000 Journals project. I was VERY moved as I watched and listened to your story unfold and break the hearts of most, if not all, who were in the full theater yesterday.
    How great to have both Andrea and "SOMEGUY" there for Q&A. Many were curious about you and how you're doing. It was a great lesson (and will be for ALL who will see this film) of the power of art–even when dashed off casually in a small sketchbook that floats through our lives for a moment.
    After emailing and Facebooking each other, it was great to finally meet Andrea (in photo, right, Andre Kreuzhage is the smaller object on the right.) We exchanged business cards and hope to get together with when she returns to SF after screening the film at the Newport Film Fest in So. Cal. She will be here this week for the rest of her screenings at SFIFF. Don't know if there'll be time to "cut her away from the herd" of film society swells for a sip or a bite...but you know I'll try.
    Andrea is a talented film maker and story teller and has crafted a piece that not only tells the story of the project in a way that anyone, having never even heard of 1000 Journals, would get it–right away. But far more than that, it is a film about connections across continents and cultures. It is life-filled as people write (in so many languages) draw, paint, sketch, tape, glue, construct, fold, share, pass-on, mail, or just leave it on a bench, or mountain trail – to be discovered and entered into.
    The mind reals thinking about how many thousands of people have touched, read, peeked, and contributed to the (first) 1000 Journals.
    My friend Susan (SARK) Kennedy gave a copy of the book about the books. It was actually the book that "Someguy" (Brian Singer) sent her to thank her for, as he wrote in the book, Thanks for keeping creativity alive. So, even though he'd already signed it, I asked him to sign it again (see photo). Notice, he's a lefty–of course. He also had a few of the actual 1000 Journals there for folks to contribute to, and many wanted to and did.
    I noticed one book, lying on the table (in the lounge area of the Kabuki Theatres) in front of a woman and I asked, "Aren't you going to contribute?"
    "I'm just a mom." She said pointing to two high school girls hunched over two "journals" opposite us, drawing and giggling.
    "These books are filled with just moms." I said and pushed a small pile of my arts supplies toward her.
    She smiled and jumped in...

(Bad photo, below right, of my quick addition, including my "tag" business card, in one of the 1000 Journals that "Someguy" brought to the screening. My little man's comment: "Someguy sent me this little pile of paper with covers on them...so, I dove in! McNair")

You can see lots of great photos of  SFIFF and folks adding to some of the actual 1000 Journals on the  ADDA DADA site on flickr. Great site on its own rite.

Tuesday, 30 April '8, I was able to spend a four hours with Andrea. She told me she shot 165 hours, all around the world, to make her delight-filled, 88 minute film. It is jam-packed with color, comedy, inspiration, drama, tension, inspiration, a wonderfully delicate original score, and lots of moments of folks connecting through these little books. Did I mention that this film is very inspirational? She has several more screenings, at festivals around the country. (Watch her site–100o Journals Film– for dates of upcoming screenings.) Found a nice on-camera interview with Andrea HERE.   And an interview with "Someguy" at AFI, HERE. (Also, click on the interview with Andrea there and her cinematographer.)
    As for Andrea's movie: See this film.
    Now a new wave of little books has been launched 1001 Journals. There, as with the original site you can register and sign up to have one of the new journals sent to you.
    You can also start your own journal to send around, or keep "closed" among a set group of friends, co-workers. You can also scan pages and download them to the website.
     I believe art was given to us by our Creator to provide a vehicle for us to illuminate, teach, and inspire each other through our individual creative expression. The original 1000 Journals Project and then Andrea's film do all that and so much more.

    What number journal will you be?

McNair

P.S. When you see this film, watch for my friend Heidi (sitting in church in Beaver Falls, PA.)

• Do take at least one friend to the film. They will thank you.

• Take your sketchbook or journal to the screening for others to wrote, draw, or sign.

• If my new friend, Andrea Kreuzhage, the director, is at your screening, introduce yourself. Tell her, McNair sent me. (Have her sign your journal.)

•  When you start your "1001 Journal", I'd love to contribute. Send it to me ( I promise to pass it along) at:

    Tea With McNair
    2601-C Blanding Ave.
        No. 144
    Alameda, CA 94501

•  Be sure to register your journal on the 1001 Journals site. (You will get a number and there is a PDF you can download of simple "instructions" to glue into your journals.

• When the DVD of Andrea's film is released, get two–maybe . . . seven. (She has a dream of selling ONE MILLION DVDs. I'm hoping for a million and ONE.)

• Bay Area (Pleasanton, CA) screening of the film 1000 Journals, Friday evening, 22 August '8. Details HERE. See you there!

[ Below, left, Andrea Kreuzhage: film director and "Someguy": 1000 Journals Project creator. On the right, one of the original Journals. They are all nearly twice as thick as when they were new and blank. Delicious.]

* This just in (5.7.8) :: This post was excerpted for Moleskinerie, the offical weblog (blog) of Moleskin. (The preferred jouranl/sketchbook of Leonardo da Vinci and St. Luke.)  They are one of the great small journal & sketchbook makers in the world. I use one daily as my "brain" (ToDo list, phone and other contact info gathered daily and then transfered to my iPhone.) They are very durable and available in art, stationary, and feed stores everywhere!

• simple little words and lines

               

               Sometimes less is more than enough

Many writing assignments, especially for magazines (real and virtual) begin with, "Can you give us 800 words on...?" Word count is preeminent in an editor's mind, but the last thing we scribblers think about. I never think about word count till the very end. With one particular editor who was very particular about word count I wrote exactly the number requested, plus ONE word. Neener, neener, neener.
    Today I wrote a piece for an online publication to promote my workshops at a conference next February. They requested 500 to 600 words.  Since it's writers conference (Writing for the Soul) and everyone there is a writer I gave them 609 words – every word GOLD. They'll edit, or not.   
    Mark Twain, the source of many of my favorite wise and witty sayings, once ended a lengthy letter to a friend with a post scriptus saying he would have written a shorter letter, but he didn't have time.
    If you have ever written even a post card home from summer camp you know what old Sam Clemens (Mr. Twain) was wrestling with. Economy of words is an art, crafted over time. Less often is more.
    I was delighted last week when my mailbox, No. 144, had a puffy Little envelope stuffed into it. Therein, a new book, simple little words. My very creative friends Michelle Cox and John  Perrodin have crafted a book full of great short stories around the the theme (and subtitle) what you say can change a life. On page 35 you'll find my story of meeting Walt Disney, and having a great one-on-one conversation with him I was  just thirteen.  (Actually three days before my fourteenth birthday.)
    There are more than three dozen simple stories by and about people from Truett Cathy (founder of Chick-fil-A), best-selling author Karen Kingsbury, and film producer, Ken Whales (Amazing Grace.) It is delight-filled reading that you can open to any page and begin reading that story without starting from the beginning of the book. Lots of great quotes throughout. Bonus: the books website [HERE] has a study guide with great questions and simple exercises for every chapter in the book, FREE!
    And...for the first time in my life, I made it on to the companion bookmark!
    Simplicity and economy also work with visual arts.
    My long-time friend, Steve Bjorkman, has another hit book out. Steve created the cover art and all the page-filling illustrations for Jeff Foxworthy's (Are you Smarter Than a Sixth Grader?) new book for kids, Dirt On My Shirt. Steve and I sat next to each other in Mrs. Phillips' art class in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. We did cartoons for the school papers and yearbooks, at two schools we attended. We have remained friends for four decades. I have a favorite drawing Steve dashed of of me that I am using in my brainstorming book. You've seen his work in EIGHTY picture books, scores of magazines, and innumerable greeting cards by Bjorkman Bros. (Carl is his wing man.)
    Steve is a master of the simple line with powerful effect.
    Whatever you are working on right now, consider keeping it simple. Don't over work. Every great painter and sculptor (and many authors and composers) died with grand, unfinished masterpieces in their studio, loft or bottom draw.
    My uncle Paul was a an artist (printmaking) and Dean of Art Education at California State University, Sacramento. He always said to young art teachers, "The trick is helping students STOP painting. Don't over work it."

Simply, mcnair

• mcnair in person

 

This Sunday, 30 March 2008

My one-man play (one of three), FROM UP HERE, will have two, live performances this Sunday, 30 March '8 at Monte Vista Chapel in Turlock, (in California's verdant central valley.) Turlock is near beautiful downtown Ceres! 

These will be  full, one hour performances in both Sunday morning services at 9:15 and 10:45 am. Admission is absolutely free and Monte Vista Chapel is a lively and casual place.

If you live in Northern California, can skip the "church of your choice" for a week, or are willing to Tivo your favorite Sunday morning political gab fest, come on down. And if you do, please do say, "Hi." (I'll be the guy in the sweaty shirt, standing just outside the front door, and slugging back cold water.)

This is a one hour romp through the Older and Newer Testaments through the first-person accounts of a dozen of history and the Bible's greatest hits: Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham & Isaac, Moses, Nimrod (who?), King David, some guys on camels,  some other guys on crosses, and  a very old guy in Heaven who's considering a visit to the garden planet for "a few minutes, days, weeks...what do they have down there?"

We meet each character in elevated place: a tree,  balcony, tower,  mountain top, or the deck of the largest back-yard-do-it-yourself project in history. You've heard these stories before...you think, but not told by those who were there, in their own words.

From comedy to tragedy, I break open the old theatrical trunkful of tricks for this show. It is all performed in street clothes and matching socks, using only a ladder, cup of water,  scrap of paper, and your imagination.

I imagine you'll love it.

If you are unable to attend,  because you live in  Spain, or some other weak excuse, tell a friend!

McNair

P.S. Happy Birthday! (today, 27 March) to my baby brother, Todd. If you're going through Sheldon, Iowa, TP his house for me. And that address is...

"How many siblings do you have, McNair?"

Well...I am the next-to-the-youngest of two.

• dog lover alert

  (Get it on DVD if you missed it.)

IF YOU ARE DOG LOVER you will want to tune in, tape, or TIVO a favorite little film this weekend, EIGHT BELOW - (23-25 March, Sun -Tues.) on USA cable network. (CAUTION: USA website has plot spoiler.) I did not know anything about this film when I first watched it on the airplane. With this film I recommend ignorance on the part of all viewers.

I first posted on this after seeing EIGHT BELOW as an in-flight movie. On my way home from the airport I rented the DVD and watched it again, twice. This amazing story is based on a true incident. It is, at first, the warm-hearted story of day-to-day life in an arctic  research outpost with a small group of scientists. One has a dog team used to negotiate the challenging terrain and climate of the great frozen continent.

What happens next would be unbelievable, were it not true. Several of my most ardent dog loving friends told me they could not see this film when they first heard about it, but my review encouraged them to tough it out and they were glad they did.

This past week I was coaching a new enterprise (which you will all know about soon, and want to be a part of.) As the team gathered, in Southern California, for a two day brainstorming session we were constantly engaged by three grand dogs: a gentle, blue-eyed Husky; an eager black Lab; and a 110 lb., enthusiastically affectionate, and engaging Akita. I was in heaven: doing the work I love, with brilliant people, lots of hearty food and snacks, and a bountiful brood of bounding of dogs.

So, this Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, curl up with your pet (dog, cat, human...) and watch EIGHT BELOW...then come back here, to Tea World, and post a comment. You will find pictures of the remarkable canine cast on my original post - HERE.

McNair

After you watch the movie, Google the title for the background and use the link in my last paragraph above to read about the production and real dogs used in the film.

• what oscar got right

Can't see them all, here is a big recommendation from me, via this year's dreary Oscar-cast. As I watched this year's Academy Awards I realized how few of the contenders I had seen.

So few of them appealed to me when first released. I might grab their DVDs, someday. One I do have and will be loaning around to numerous friends is La Vie en Rose, the French bio-pic of singer Edith Piaf. Snatching the Oscar from the presumptive winner, Julie Christie, was French actress, now star, who became Piaf, Marion Cotillard.

Not since George C. Scott was Patton has an actor some completely inhabited the role of a real person has an actor presented us with as complete and stunning a performance. The life of Ms. Piaf ("the little sparrow") is, in parts, thrilling, grueling, and a soaring achievement. From homelessness, poverty and childhood sickness she bounced from street urchin, to street corner singer,  cabaret artist, music hall headliner, and then star of the grand stages of the world. Just as her rough life jumped from fame to failed relationships, sickness and addiction to celebrity and admiration, so too this Olivier Dahan directed film jumps back and forth in time. The non-linear storytelling style suits the story. They are not pulling any punches with Piaf's battles with arthritis, morphine addiction, and long affair with Algerian-born boxing champion, Marcel Cerdan. Piaf died of cancer at age 47, but her many addictions and maladies made her look 70 at the end of her life, and in the film as well. (See the side-by-side photos, below, of the real actress, Cotillard, and the actress as Piaf at the height of her career, before her dramatic slide toward death.)

The heart, soul, and core of this film is the performance of its star, Marion Cotillard- who was just thirty when she filmed La Mome (the French title of La Vie en Rose, meaning, the little lady.) She is Piaf and Piaf is this film. Having scooped up the French  César Award, British Academy Award, and the Golden Globe, she now adds Oscar to her mantle.

Not surprisingly, La Vie en Rose also garnered the Oscar for best achievement in Make-up. The DVD edition includes interviews with Marion Cotillard and director, Olivier Dahan, as well as clips of Motillard getting into make-up. In the film she portrays Piaf from teenage to death (when she looked seventy, but actual died at age 47.)

This is a truly astounding performance. A stunning film. Do not miss this one. (See, "P.S." below.)

One Oscar was also awarded to to Sweeney Todd for production design. It deserved that and more. Regular visitors to "TEA blog" know it was one of my favorite films of recent years. Great message, amazing music,  and Tim Burton and Johnny Depp at their best. Read my post on "The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" HERE.  (Also linked to my full review.)

McNair

P.S. Viewing tip: I chose to watch La Vie en Rose on the sharp, wide screen of my MacBook so I could read the too small English subtitles easily. That, and I wanted a front row seat for Piaf. If you don't like to "read" your movies, this film is much more about action, acting, and that VOICE. (All the singing is actually the real Piaf.) If you own decent headphones (or good speakers for your computer), go with the more intimate computer viewing. And, if you have a giant, wall-filling plasma-vision behemoth--go for it. But invite me over!

Marion Cotillard is Edith Piaf

• lessons from the moose

                No. 1 : Alternative tools

Break a pencil and we dig through the stuff drawer searching for that little plastic pencil sharpener like we used to have–in seventh grade. 

These last few days (a full week as of Thursday, 2/21) I have been laptop-less. No email (a gush of cool air blows in from the East. Ahhhhhh!) How did we live most of the way through the 20th Century without email? As my always-clever brother, Todd, reminded me, "Remember libraries?" He asked. "And books, card catalog's, and the Reader's Guide to Periodicals?"

"Vaguely." I said. "I think I was sick that day."

So, I have gone a full seven days without email or laptop on which I typically spend a third to a half of my work day writing, job hunting, researching the net, working on two of my four new book projects, and (did I mention) job hunting. Fortunately I thought to print out a hard copy (actually a flimsy copy, it's on paper) before sending my MacBook off to Apple Memorial Hospital (Memphis, TN). So, for the past seven days I've been scribbling my edits into the current draft and writing new "chapters" where the draft just has a title and a few lines of ideas. (All with fountain pen, of course.)

One can only imaging where this will end up...or up end. 

For now, we will all find out together.

I have always done most of the early editing of my books on paper. But actual writing, composing, creating for several pages in my favorite Rhodia, Quadrille (graph) has been great fun. Change forces other creative juices to flow.

My first two books and much of my third were written first in "long hand", fountain pen, some roller ball (never ballpoint) on lined or graph paper pads. I like the organic, intimate scratch-out-a-line, draw an arrow (primitive "cut and paste") to relocate a paragraph.

But this week, necessity being the Mother of Invention, I am enjoying the all scribbling, all-the-time days I am having.

Over the years, I have learned a lot about life and business from my old friend, Bullwinkle J. Moose*:

"Hey, Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit our of my hat." Dear Bullwinkle, never did find that rabbit. Never-the-less, he kept trying and in so doing he made some wonderful and amazing discoveries in that hat of his. And he never stopped trying. 

What's the last discovery you made, in your hat–or anywhere–just because you kept trying?  Do you keep trying, go around the other way, plow through? Or do you enl;ist the classic:  try-fail-give-up method?

Funnily enough, while my Mac is on sick leave, I also needed to created, scan, and email some illustrations (see cartoon, right) to a magazine editor friend who is publishing an article I wrote for his April  issue. It's a preview by way of excerpts from my forthcoming Brainstorming book.

I pulled out my pencil, little plastic sharpener (see photo above), a few favorite India ink felt pens, and got to work.

TRY THIS: Grab an old "tool" you haven't enlisted in your creating in a while and play around for a few days. Throw a few crayons, a lead pencil, glue stick, into your bag. Or, open that draw and grab something you haven't used in  a while and make something that wasn't in the world an hour ago.

I'm going to get a refill on my coffee while there's still some latte foam left in my glass mug. And, there are a couple eight year olds breathing down my neck here in the Crosstown Cafe who wan to play Global Annihilation: Giant Elf's Revenge II on the free-to-all computers.

By the way,  after drawing eight cartoons for  my friend's magazine (he won't need them all) I kept drawing and finished a few I will be sending off to other mags I've contributed to over the years.

Keep drawing, doodling, scribbling, and rummaging through the "Stuff" drawer or tool box for old friends you haven't played with in a while.

Let me know (in the comments section), send my a snap, a scan, a jpeg of what you create.

McNair

*My favorite, all time cartoon character, bar none.

• online volunteer virses

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        Join  Me, or Don't 

At least 5 times-a-day, everyday of the week, I get emails that evite me to join / connect/ link / accept / hold hands and generally hop into the ever-expanding on line hot tub of  networking sites. Some days I receive...too many of this well-intentioned hands across the web.

I have half a mind (it takes less than that to set up a MySpace page) to say, "No!" to any and all further  "envites."  Is there a contest for the person with the most connections, friends or buddies? What are the prizes for the person with the most unsolicited "scramp" on their e-wall?  (Spam + crap = scramp.)

.

.

Thus I have developed a brand new online community and suggested it to my good friend, Mike Atkinson, who is an internet guru. Mike publishes about 87 different email newsletters (humor, politics, etc.) and creates websites and web tools for corporations. He published my new web connecting concept on his site UneekNet. Have a look – HERE. (Look for: The ultimate social network!)

Happy connecting! See you online, maybe.

McNair

P.S. One of my New Year's resolutions: no more online quizes!

• creating for christmas

   

        { or the Holy Day of your choice }

Giving and getting,
Making and buying,
Playing and breaking,
Returning and trying
On
And on it goes,
Holiday celebrations and woes.

.

The question I have for this season
Is not what's the use or the reason?
Was there a gift that you gave or you ate it,
That you didn't buy but created?

.

A present you fashioned by hand,
A card that you colored so grand,
Was it something you knitted,
Or to memory committed
Then to your friends you recited or sang?

.

Please tell us your story (and briefly)
Of something this season that chiefly
Was created by you–
With nails, screws, or glue–
Or a batch of Feliz Gaucamole.

.

So, in the "Comments" below
Leave a story ere you go
Of a creative experience this season:
'Twas magical or clever,
Even brilliant, whatever,
Every reader you'll be certainly pleasin'.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

{I'll post my story next year.
That's just a few days, have no fear.
I think there'll be surprises
At how simple mine was
And it was challenging, cheap, and brought cheer.}

Happy 8!

McNair

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(Photo of whitler, above, is not me.)

• just take a little off the throat, please

Three Holiday Movies:

       SWEENEY TODD: That Crazy Guy Over the Pie Shop

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My review of the new Tim Burton / Johnny Depp film version of Stephen Sondheim's monstrous Broadway musical - SWEENEY TODD  - is now posted on line at HollywoodJesus.com.

 

~ McNair

A Friendlier Monster

Long after I stopped believing in Santa Clause (as a real person) I still believed in "Nessy" (a.k.a. th Loch Ness Monster in Scotland.) Now there's proof that I was right, all along, in holding on to that belief. The Water Horse is the big screen version of a small children's book from Dick King-Smith, author of Babe. This is no small film. Flawless computer generated imaging brings the monster to life. It is a personal story of a small boy during World War II who's father is off to war and the boy creates his own isolated life. When a cocky artillery battalion arrives to billet themselves  in their large home and grounds,  his world is turned upside down. Oh, and there's a monster in the tool shed, then the  tub of the spare bathroom, and then...well you've seen the trailer.  Thus,  you think you've seen the move. Not even close.

There's a stranger who comes to visit. Tension between mom and the military and hiding the monster and then whether to return him to freedom in the Loch.
The whole story "based on a true tale..." is told to us, and a couple of young travelers, in the corner of a pub. There's a  famous photo hanging on the wall of  "Nessy's" long  neck and head  sticking above the water of Loch Ness,  silhouetted against the moonlit water.

"That picture's a fake."

"That's just the beginning of the story." Says the old man in the corner booth. And the tale, our story, he tells grabs our attention and weaves an adventure that is as thrilling as any theme park ride. (This I know.) It will hold the attention of audience members of any age. (I attended with three adults and a four year old. We got worried when the story became intense enough to scare us three big kids. But my little friend, Jonah, loved it all–especially the most intense moments. (As for your own four year old, your mileage my vary.)

This is a near-perfect family film for the holidays.  Excellent cast with a bit of romance, family tensions, unexpected troubles from outside the family unit, and what to do with your children's flights of imagination. This is one flight I am glad to have taken. Get your boarding pass soon!

And showing in theatre 3...

Midnight Clear

There's an unlikely Christmas story  in the independent film , Midnight Clear (website and trailer link.) Based on a short story by my friend, Jerry Jenkins, this was originally produced as a short film.  Many folks were intrigued by who the characters were, their back stories and  what happens next. Dallas Jenkins' careful, steady directing , and Wes Halula's naturally list and spare screen play, expanded the story to feature-length to pursue these lives and the answers to some of those questions.

Scene: roadside mini-mart/gas station

Time: Late night, Christmas Eve

(Minimal camera movement) We meet five strangers who  cross paths and effect each other's lives inextricably.

Viewing the film at the San Jose International Film Festival early this year (2007) the opening night audience responded very positively. Like too many "indy" films,  the story is dark, but unlike most indies there is no splattering blood of angry, furniture-breaking moments. Through the darkness comes a strong message of hope. As such this story of broken lives, strained relationships, and empty hearts is the simple story of how each of us is connected to each other--even the stranger.

Stephen Bladwin (Usual Suspects, "Doyle" of Bio-Dome, and "Barney" in Flinstones in Viva Rock Vegas) leads a cast of pitch perfect performances by some of Hollywood's most accomplished character actors. Midnight Clear is now available on DVD (through all the customary online and retail sources) and worth more than a look. Buy a couple of copies and pass them around to friends. Watch it as a family, or with a group and talk about how we can be more attentive to those in need who are right next to us, or stuck at the mini-mart with car trouble we might be able to fix.

Watching it again, this week , reminded me that there can be glimmers of Hope in any darkness and especially during Christmas when Hope came to visit.

McNair

There are lots of great movies out right now. Let me know what you see that we shouldn't miss and what we should avoid.

• nailed it!

         ...and now for something completely different:

An artist friend sent a series of photos showing the remarkable work of a true craftsman-artist.  Once again the important point is made that you don't need paint brushes, paints, canvas, or fancy, soft pencils and expensive linen-rag paper in order to create.
    I have been looking at these photos for a few days now and I have yet to grab a hammer and nails. None the less, I am very inspired by this man's skill and artistry. 

( Follow pictures left to right and then down, like reading a comic strip/storyboard. Click on any photo to enlarge–especially fig. 4 to see that it appears as though no paint or colorized nails were used.)

 

 

 

I would be fascinated to hear what old Leonardo (da Vinci) would think of this shimmering new interpretation of his famous, and masterful, self-portrait (reproduced in fig. 10.)

Onward!

McNair

• to write,or not to write

      

               Making a Habit of Creativity

I write everyday these days. (And surf Mr. Gore's world-wide-web for a job, sort through boxes from my now-empty storage unit, answer emails, contact more friends who might assist with the job search, and . . .)
    Now and then I get an email from a regular reader at Tea With McNair asking if I am okay, alive. MIA? They tell how they enjoy this site and are eager to hear (read more from McMe.
    Then it hit me. I don't blog more because I am writing more on magazine articles (cash flow during the permanent-job search) and I am working on four new books: one for the business community on creativity as a team sport, one for pew people, and two are targeted at younger audiences. So my scribbling genes are being used up, or nearly so, daily.
    Fear not, little squirrels, I am devising a plan to use some of my book words–in little slices–as blog posts, or post its...postets.  Bit I don't want to be serializing one of my new books. If a post is from one of the books I will note it.
    Meanwhile, I find that I don't have a better day than those days that I get to write--creative writing. This includes editing existing verbiage in these projects. Books are mostly rewritten , not written. My experience is if I just write, without giving it to much arduous thought along the way, the scribble moves along more freely.
    With my book that is targeted to pew people, faith folk, I have already had several occasions where I had an idea to write on a particular subject and started in on it. Then, somewhere early on, the writing shift to another subject, different tact for handling the chosen subject, or different characters entered the story to handle the telling. In every instance where this sort of a shift occurred, the piece turned out better than my original idea.
    We don't write alone. Our imagination, our experiences, talent, and our Creator Spirit are all sitting in: suggesting, encouraging, nudging, pointing, clapping along when the words become a song without music.
    Developing this writing-as-habit is one of the better developments in this period of lots of new developments in my life. Even if it's just an hour or two at my new local coffee house (in an actual old Victorian hotel) it restores my soul.
    As I am attempting to put in four to six hours each day on work that builds toward finding my new career spot, having a creative outlet is the opened window of fresh air that blows through and reminds me that I can do more than dash of mounds of emails, leave voice mails, and scour the newspaper and Internet for available positions that fit my carnival of skills, experiences, and abilities.
     Job hunting has become a habit, too. And developing a pattern, a daily routine, of "going to work" (on getting work) is a good habit just about now.
     But I need something to do that felt like I was accomplishing something, creating...anything. I try, too, to sketch something in my sketchbook everyday. This week that has included a sketch of radio talk show host and film critic do a live remote from Fior d'Italia, one of San Francisco's great eateries (Est.  1886.) Here again, I don't put high expectations, if any, on my sketching. Just sketch. I am not trying to make art, and sometimes I do.
   Find a way, even in small bites of five of fifteen minutes each day, to develop a habit of creating. Dig your college marching band trombone, violin, or oil paints, out from under the sleeping bags in the garage.

    Get moving. No expectations other than to do.

    I'll meet you back here sooner, rather than later.

McNair

• beautiful

         

             Two film recommendations

Without saying too much (that gives away plot), I want to commend two little films. The first is growing in popularity, Bella.

    This is the kind of film we don't see much of in the current age of Hollywood blockbusters and studio "tent pole" mega-pics. I try to include a number of  smaller, indie films as a part of my regular diet as an avid film goer. (Though these days I am more a film seer-at-home, on DVD, as the time and cost of movie-going is so bloated. Here in the San Francisco area a movie ticket can be $9.50, plus parking for two to three hours, $6-12, and I smuggle in my own snacks: water and nuts.)

    Back to Bella (Italian for beautiful), it is the first time, in a long time, that I have attended the public screening of a movie, where the audience paid their way, where there was vigorous  and immediate  applause at the close of the film.  I was clapping, through tears, along with probably 90% of those in attendance. The theater, though not huge, was nearly full--about 200 people.

    Bella is a film about family, loyalty, redemption, and stepping in to assist a friend or stranger where there is a need–even if the need is to just be there and listen. When a friend, or stranger is in crisis we have all become either desensitized (I saw that TV show where the guy tried to help and got kill, too), or we have trained ourselves to over think the situation and, while we are running a cost analysis spread sheet in our brain, the opportunity to help has passed us by. "Oh, well...maybe next time." (shrug)

    This would be a great evening out for a family, youth group, college or singles group, group of friends. Go early-enough to plan time after for a conversation and a bite, a sip (coffee, tea, wine...) I am a huge believer in talking about every film I see–even if I just call a friend and say WARNING: The trailer is a lie! But with Bella, there is a rich opportunity to consider a few very important issues of life that we need to run through the filter of our personal value system. Those values usually govern our behavior, even when our feelings in the moment suggest a different course of action.

• Another course of action is to see The Pixar Story –a new and fascinating documentary. Here is a thurough, behind-the-magic look at the history, developement, and philosphy of the studio that revolutionized animation. Using rare home video footage that takes us back to Disney Animation Studios, Lucas Film, and early days of Pixar we see how the current leadership began their careers, crossed paths, and perculated the ideas that became Pixar. The bulk of this very watchable and well crafted documentary was created by Leslie Iwerks. Her grand father, Ub Iwerks, worked side-by-side with Walt Disney in the earliest days of the creation of film animation. He is one of many Disney Legends that Disney Studios have honor for the landmark contribution.

    Using brand new interviews, shot for this film , with Pixar Execs, John Lasseter and Ed Catmull, as well as Monsters, Inc. director, Pete Docter, as well as many other Pixarians. Also interviewed are several Disney folk, including: Roy Disney (Walt's nephew), Michael Eisner (photo: Eisner, Lasseter, Jobs), Glen Keane, Ron Clements (Aladin, Little Mermaid, and others), Don Hahn (Lion King, Hunchback of Notre Dame), and the legendary duo Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnson (two of Walt's now-famous nine old men). Of course there are interviews with George Lucas and Steve Jobs and many others. 

    Not just "talking heads" (although they are well lit) there are film clips, inside workings of Pixar, and more. If you have ever seen a Pixar film (from Toy Story to Ratatouille) you will be engaged by this story.

    Far more than a brilliantly executed documentary, The Pixar Story is filled with inspiring and insightful moments about pursuing our creative dreams–in spite of the evidence and conventional wisdom (which often isn't.) John Lasseter's on screen comments are particularly good.

     I saw this fun and fascinating film at the opening night of the San Francisco International Film Festival (11.8.7) and there is a showing next Tuesday night  (12.11.7) at the Egyptian Theater  in Hollywood, CA. Meanwhile, check the film's website, HERE, for a trailer and screening schedule. Watch for it on DVD–sooner rather than later.

Please, stop back by here and post a comment when you have seen either of this delicious little films.

~ McNair

P.S. Next on my movies-to-see list: August Rush and then, my most-anticipated movie of the year, Tim Burton's film version of my all-time favorite musical,  Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.  Visit the richly designed and feature-packed website (click film title for link) if you haven't already seen one of the ubiquitous trailers on TV in recent days. Imagine John Depp in Victorian London, singing. This is a Gothic, "R" rated musical. Load the van and bring the whole family!

• world's easiest quiz

   

        .  .  .  What do y'know?

{ Passing requires getting 4 answers correct. Don't use Google, Encarta, or the old family encyclopedia. Great for holiday parties. Divide into teams of two or three people–not married couples, but strangers–to pool their wisdom. Remember what we all learned in elementary school: if it looks too easy, it probably isn't. Answers to follow. }

1. How long did the Hundred Year's War Last?

2. Which country makes Panama hats?

(Like the one being worn by Mr. Connery in the photo)

 

3. From which animal do we get cat gut?

(Don't fiddle around, think.)

 

4. In which month

do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?

 

5. What is a camel's hair paint brush

--like those in the photo--made of?

 

6. The Canary Islands  are named after what animal? (Click map to enlarge. Not that it will help with the answer, but big maps are better than little ones.)

7. What was King George VI's first name? (You remember him, the uncle of the current Queen Elizabeth II.)

8.  What color is a purple finch?

9. Where are Chinese gooseberries from?

10.  What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane?

Remember, you need 4 Correct answers to pass.

Go back and recheck your answers and finish the ones you skipped. Remember FOUR correct answers earns a passing grade.

When you are ready or stumped, you may check your answers below.

ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ

1. How long did the Hundred Year's War Last? 116  Years (Really!)

2. Which Country makes Panama hats? Ecuador

 

3. From which animal do we get cat gut? Sheep and horses

4. In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution? November

5. What is a camel's hair brush made of? Squirrel fur (You can't make this stuff up, folks.)

6. The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal? Dogs

 

7. What was King George VI's first name?   Albert. His full name was Albert Fredrick Arthur George of the House of Windsor. He was the last "Emperor of India" and the last "King of Ireland." He became king (in 1936) when his brother, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to marry an American woman, Wallis Simpson. George VI ("Edward") was followed by his daughter, Elizabeth II in 1952, who is the Queen of England today.

8.  What color is a purple finch?   Crimson








9. Where are Chinese gooseberries from?   New Zealand











10. What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane?  Orange ( Of course. Everybody knows that.)

How'd you do? What do you mean you failed?  (Did not even get four right.) If it will make you feel better, try it on your friends and family.

McNair