Virtual Turkey Day

 

(Kenny Williams and Roderick Sanford perform on the plaza at ZACH theatre)

For some people, with Co-Vid in the background, you aren't really focused on Thanksgiving or any other holiday, but for those that are be safe. Think about how you want to schedule the day. In most families it all starts the night before. I remember when I was younger helping out in the kitchen, chopping okra with the mandolin, careful not to cut my fingers. Peeling potatoes or eggs for the potato salad. When I got older I began preparing certain dishes. Everyone in the family had their signature dish. Eventually I mastered the potato salad that my sister said was something everyone could eat. Just the right amount of everything. Whenever I would go to NOLA she wouldn't let me leave without making some potato salad.

It seem

(Judy Arnold belting out on the plaza at ZACH theatre)

s despite the CDC asking people to stay home, people want to be with their families and will risk their health to get there. Politicians often say that they don't want to say something to cause a panic, but there are a lot of people who are afraid. The future has an uncertainty. It's always been that way, but this virus makes it all the more realistic.

I purchased two cornish hens. I am not planning to have anyone over, but we'll see what happens. I bought what I needed to make gumbo. I couldn't find the gumbo base so I had to get the mix. I am hoping the shrimp will go on sale Wednesday and I will get a pound or two of fresh shrimp, but if not I have some frozen shrimp already peeled. I use the heads on the fresh shrimp to make my roux for the gumbo. Thanksgiving in 2007 was when I first made gumbo. My mother would always make the gumbo, but I never really made it while she was alive. I had to think back and my sister and nephew came to visit and we got into the kitchen and peeled shrimp and put our heads together to make it the way mother used to make it.

I was looking at a photograph and it seems the last time I was in NOLA was in 2015. I thought it had been longer. Time has a way of getting away from you.

(Patrons on the plaza, social distancing with their own groups, Notice those dark clouds rolling in)

This week I have to start doing a job search in order for me to continue to collect benefits. It seems strange, but I will do whatever is necessary. I just hope things come together and the government helps people out to start off the new year. There may be companies hiring, but how long will that last? Jobs can only hire so many people. I'll see what happens. I am trying to come up with a plan to see if there is something I can do online.

(Roderick Sanford, Judy Arnold and Kenny Williams at the entrance of ZACH's Topfer Theatre, The Motown Groove)

I watched a movie that I had not seen in a very long time. It was a studio copy of the film Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. It starred Michael Rooker who most people may remember from The Walking Dead and The Bone Collector. I believe I originally saw the film at the Prytania, but I can't be sure. I don't even know how I ended up with the studio copy. I don't recall meeting any of the producers or actors. 

(Note: A studio copy is what they send out to be screened when a film or movie is first released. During award season they send them out to SAG members to vote.) At the time the film had a profound effect on me. Human behavior has always been something of interest. The mind of a person that wants to harm other people or animals. Sometimes it stems from childhood traumas, but sometimes it is something in the brain that still amazes doctors.

I need to take my vehicle in for an inspection so I can get my new tag for next year. I took the earliest appointment available. I hope everything goes smoothly.

11-22-20 I went to my first gathering today at ZACH. It was an outdoor concert called Motown Grooves. The day before I decided to drive over just to see what things looked like. Despite Covid, there is still a lot of construction going on and streets were blocked off so I am glad I went so I knew how to plan my driving time. Normally it only takes me about 15 minutes to get to ZACH. I wanted to see what parking would be like and the set up in the area. 

ZACH has done a few of these concerts and they seem to be doing well. This one was brought back because of its popularity. I was skeptical about going at first, but as it got closer I knew ZACH would take every precaution in keeping people safe. Before Covid ZACH went above and beyond to accommodate and protect patrons and staff. Making sure those with disabilities could enjoy performances. Having a variety of price points to fit certain budgets, and making people feel welcomed.

A cold front was supposed to come through and there was the mention of rain. So I packed my backpack and I was prepared for whatever came. I had my large bandana which created several layers, but when I arrived the volunteers said I had to wear a mask. I followed the protocol since there weren't a lot of people around me and I didn't have to wear the mask while seated. The show started a little past 2:30 PM my time, but it wasn't too warm with the sun out and I got a chance to mingle with some people I had not seen since before the layoffs started. Most of the box office staff was able to work from home and I would go in to man the phones.

Everyone seems to be getting along and their spirits were high. There are people I miss seeing and the conversations we used to have, but we'll catch up when we can.

Judy Arnold, with her powerhouse of a voice performed along with the great voices of Roderick Sanford and Kenny Williams. I remember them all being in the show The Gospel at Colonous. I had seen them around before that, but I didn't really get to know them until they performed in Gospel which had been done at ZACH many years prior.

Before the performance began they sound system was playing some music and one of the songs was the O'Jays, Money, money, money and all I could think of was Roderick singing the song in David Steakley's version of A Christmas Carol. This had become a tradition at ZACH and I would see this show every year Christmas night. I wonder if ZACH could sell the show and stream it?

The dark clouds had started to move in and Kenny and Judy sang a gospel song and it all just seemed to pass right over ZACH. Miracles do happen.

Roderick acted as the Emcee of the show and they all got their solo moments to showcase their great voices. The trio has known each other for many years. They all sang in church and have worked together on many occaisions at ZACH.

It was a very pleasant afternoon. It was definitely something that I didn't know I needed. After the show I caught up with another employee who I hadn't seen since March. We had a good conversation and then I headed home. I could see it had been raining, but it never made its way to ZACH.

Poetry

Kicking and Screaming

(c) Dlonzo 2020

There is a poison

seeping through 

the veins of society.

If you fill the air

with lies,

no one will believe 

the truth.

Although no one likes 

to lose,

there comes a time

when you have to accept

defeat.

A demi god

can take over the weak

they want to drink 

the kool-aid.

They will take the leap,

off of that bridge.

They only know,

how to follow.

They can't think,

not for themselves.

When once a winner,

becomes a loser,

one has to be dragged,

kicking and screaming.

It's fake, it's rigged,

it's not over, the fight continues.

I sent out texts to just about everyone in my phone. There are some people that don't texts and some that I plan on calling. I prefer the face to face or hearing the voice, but for some texting is the easier way. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. I had a few text conversations and that can really pass the time away. The holidays make you reflect on what you have, what you miss and the great times. There are lots of great memories of all of the holidays. I am truly thankful for all that I have. It's not something I take for granted.

(Next up: Back Inside my bubble)

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

www.psychedmaster.org

Thanks for stopping by; keep and open mind and do stop by again.

Let's Continue to Ramble!!!

Well, the mail in ballots are still being counted, but it looks as if we may have a new president. It's never a good time when this happens, but this year in particular. You have a president that has never believed in a Democracy. Of course certain words to make you believe this comes out of his mouth, but people lie. Most people have told some sort of lie to get what they want. Politics, and the law are the worst, but we have to deal with it.

When Trump first took office I was dissappointed. I did think there might be some things the US could benefit from with him in office since he was a businessman. It turns out he wasn't really that good at that, but he played the system. I had to ask myself, how do I benefit from this person in office? Those who didn't vote for Biden have to ask themselves the same question.

It was such a good thing to see people in line to casts their vote no matter who they were selecting. We all had something in common at that moment. We needed to see a change. I had spoken to two women who were behind me in line, but who we were voting for never came up.

Growing up, politics, religion, and money were subjects I was told to stay clear of. In school we would discuss politics, relgion and money, but never in regards to us as individuals. These were topics of discussion in different classes.

Most of us learned about politics in school when we ran for some sort of office. People make promises even though they know they can't keep them all. In one of my classes we had to survey a neighborhood to see who they were going to vote for. It was the late 70's and New Orleans had a black man running for mayor. My high school was located in the uptown area of the city near St. Charles Avenue. I remember knocking on doors asking whomever answered the door who they would be voting for in that election.

I had gotten pretty good at picking winners so when I was old enough to vote I never registered. I'm not exactly sure why, but I didn't. I had registered for the selective service, but I was never asked about voting. Perhaps because I wasn't driving...

Still, I would be able to pick who the winner would be, but one year, David Duke was running for the governor of Lousiana and I saw how he played dirty politics and managed to get black people to vote for him. That was a very scary thought. Luckily he lost, but that was my wake up call and I had been voting in ever election whether big or small ever since.

When I arrived in Austin, I started doing research and eventually found myself working the voting polls and after a few years I was counting mail in ballots. I've been more hands on with politics here in Austin than I ever was in New Orleans.

As I approach 60 years of age, I am starting to feel uncomfortable I guess. I don't want to say depressed, but I am not completely happy because I have gained weight. I have yet to get on the scale, but I can see the mid section is larger than it has ever been. I want to start with my diet and then get back into a steady routine of exercise. I do realize not having anywhere to go is one factor. I have to push myself to start exercising, but if I don't do it first thing in the morning I just let it go. I can still motivate myself to stay busy, but I need to do more.

I had been reading The Room Where it Happened by John Bolton. It's an okay read, I just wanted to see what types of games foreign leaders were playing with Trump and Putin and Kim Jong Un were certainly pulling some strings, but Trump had an agenda as well. It seems most Republicans were totally against many things that Obama had implemented. They felt a lot of trade deals were not in the best interest of the US.

The people working for Trump were terrified of what he might say in a tweet, but there was no way to reel him in. He would agree to something and then change his mind several times. Even when he would tweet sometimes he would say he didn't. If you are interested in politics and how Trump ran the whitehouse it might be of interest. It is kind of hard to follow as it isn't totally in chronological order. It goes back and forth to events that had happened and there are jabs at many former presidents. I have to note that Obama is under more attacks than any other president.

Trump didn't like him before he became president and once he took office he has been on a mission to get rid of any signs of Obama. You can't rewrite history just because you don't like something. It can only be buried under the rug for so long.

Well Jo Biden is now going to be President number 46, but we still have to wait and see what type of chaos number 45 does within the time frame that he has left to be in office. Some people aren't good at being defeated. He has been trashing the system for over a year and yet he still wants to be president? Isn't there something wrong with that picture?

Sunday evenings I have a routine which includes watching 60 minutes while I have my dinner. I don't like all of the reporters that conduct the interviews, but the topics are of interest.  I also rely on them to give me accurate information to the best of their ability. So, I watch the show and just deal with the editing around questions that seem forced or a comment that shouldn't be made by the reporter. It seems there is a vaccine that is ready and has been set aside to be shipped out. So, that must mean it is waiting to be approved. Not sure who the vaccine was tested on, but they are planning to give it to the people on the front lines. The issue is that not everyone will want to get the vaccine. I know as I get older, my body and my immune system will probably change and I will have to do the best I can to take care of myself.

11-9-20 - This morning I decided to step on the scale for the first time in years. I knew I had gained weight it's visible, but I was not sure how much. It turns out I am at 160 lbs. I have never been this weight before. Now I have to see what I can do to bring it down. I can't let it get inside of my head. I know that there is a lot contributing to this weight gain so I just have to take things one day at a time.

Poetry

Separated by State

(c) 2020

Welcome to the separated states of America.

Most of us are questioning what is going on;

How long?

What if?

The country is being run like a prison.

The Warden has taken the people off of lockdown.

There is rioting on the cell blocks;

Shanking is a free for all.

There is no air and the inmates

can't breathe.

It's up to the people to protect themselves.

Educate each other.

The gates are open, but

the window of opportunity

is closing.

Counting down the days to make a change.

Put on your mask to save you from the gas,

Put on your mask to save your life,

Put on your mask so they do not see you.

(Next up: More on Virtual Holidays and inside my bubble)

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

www.psychedmaster.org

Thanks for stopping by; keep and open mind and do stop by again.

Virtual Holidays

 

We are all having to make adjustments, but virtual holidays? I know for some it will be difficult. I haven't seen my family in over 7 years so I'm sure I'll get through this. I have only seen one friend since the pandemic and I'm not really comfortable with having people at the house and being around people for longer than an hour does concern me.

Life in general is a risk, but never could we have thought that being around people we like would be a matter of life or death. There are many families that wouldn't be able to do a virtual holiday as they may not have the internet. The best one can do is talk on the phone or face time if you have a smart phone. There is also something called Duo which I have not used.

I was thinking of inviting a cousin over for dinner this year, but I don't know how that will work out. The dining table is large enough that we can social distance while we eat. We would have to wear masks on the drive to my home.

Halloween will be the first test of a virtual holiday as if people didn't already try this for the 4th of July or Labor day. Of course now we are in a dire situation that we must get this virus under control again. You would think with all the technology something like this wouldn't have happened. With so much information roaming the social media sites and the internet did someone over look a person talking about a virus? People are so quite to share crap and when something is important no one does anything.

(Do nothing, Say nothing)

The housewives of something and keeping up with other people are more important things. I get that you don't want to wear a mask, because it irritates you or you can't breathe or you don't look good, but it could save your life or the people around you. I don't spend a lot of time online. I watch the local news, world news and sometimes I catch the BBC World news on PBS. Although I don't have cable I do get other stations that I use as an escape when I don't feel like watching a movie in my collection. Watching the same stories of idiotic people who don't believe in anything is just frustrating. I get it. If you don't know anyone who is going through something you just don't believe what you are seeing is real. It's the world we have created. So much of reality shows are based upon drama created by alcohol that people think everything they see on TV is not real. Until it happens in their home or family they just turn the other cheek.

We can blame the beginning of the virus on the Government, but now we have to switch the blame because most of us know what is going on. We know people who have come down with the virus. This is not a joke. CoVid 19 is real. Reality television has made a lot of people oblivious to what is happening in the world. After all, we have a reality star running the country.

We also have the internet that spits out conspiracy theories via tweets, posts and memes. It's all so confusing for some people to figure out what is real and what is fake.

Earlier in the week I saw a documentary called Driving While Black. I didn't know that was the title until later. It was on PBS and what caught my eye as I was channel surfing was that it was talking about New Orleans. It was talking about the interstate and what it did for black people in the ways of travel. It had good results and bad results. On the good side it made it easier for people of color to travel without having to go down those back roads and deal with racists. On the bad side it displaced more people of color than whites in the city. I was too young to really know what was going on. I didn't know if people didn't get the proper value of their property. I remember when I-610 was built my aunt was affected by it. She didn't have to get out of her house, but it was modified from a double to a single, but it was really a cool house when they finished. It was always fun to be their with my cousins. So much changes when people don't use their voice.

Today I begin 60 2 60, in sixty days I will be turning 60 years old. I can't believe it. I want to workout more and get my body in better shape, but as we age it's easier to write about than to do. Now that I've over come the back issue, I don't want to injure it again. I know which exercises work best for me, but if I don't get up early I don't always follow through with exercise. That will have to change. I will have to give myself more than enough time to exercise and to run errands since I like to get out of the house early.

This morning I allowed myself to leave the house after 11 A.M. I just needed to get out and feel the sun on my skin. It was getting hot already which is another good reason to get out of the house early.

Thanks for stopping by; Keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

(Next up: More on Virtual Holidays and inside my bubble)

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

www.psychedmaster.org

What is in your bubble?

We are all living in some sort of bubble and always have been. It starts early on in life when the bubble consists of our families. Some of us have large families and others have small families. It makes all the difference in the world as to how you navigate the world when you get older.

We are conditioned to follow the path our elders set out for us, but then we come in contact with teachers and peers and they can have an influence on some of us.

Some people are born to be leaders and others to be followers. I've never considered myself a follower which is why I never wanted to be a part of a fraternity or join the military. I just don't like people telling me what to do. I also have a tendency of looking for the easiest way to do something and not everyone in charge can deal with that.

Most of us feel safe within our bubble. We usually have all the things that make us happy or give us some delight. You have your books, movies, spouse of significant other.

Our bubbles can change over time with people entering and exiting, sometimes without any warning. My bubble has gotten smaller as it is only me. All decisions are what is best for me at the moment. Who do I want in my life? Of course with this blog there are people that peek into my life and I have no idea who they are. I hope that when they peek in they can relate to some of the things and it makes an impact. When I was in my late 20's I realized my purpose in life was to help other people. I've worked with abused kids, people on the streets, drug addicts and those just needing someone to listen to them.

The blog allows me to release things and to clear space for more things to enter into my mind. I've been an ear for many people and hopefully we all come out as better people.

My bubble now is planning my future. It changes more frequently now then it did before. Each day is a new experience. I'm faced with thinking about things I've never thought about in regards to myself.

There are many things to keep me occupied during this pandemic. I may start a project and if it becomes something that takes more time I might stop and move on to something else. There are times when I will work on more than one project. Sometimes they are in the same area, such as greeting cards or mini works of art. They can be started or completed in a few hours. Birthday cards are more of an individual project as the card is made for a specific person. I can change that a little with the wording if I keep the same design. 

I am in the process of framing and redoing some art work that I had in my portfolio from the 1980's. The drawings measure 17 x 22. On my first job I had these 17 x 22 desk pads and I decided to make use of them. I created all sorts of drawings mostly in pencil, but there were a few done in markers and pen and ink. The drawings that don't take up a full page I am copying them into a large book that they will fit on the page that is smaller than 17 x 22. The drawings that I can frame I will do that. There are drawings that have more than one drawing on the sheet that I can create smaller drawings. The drawings that I don't use I will roll up and put into a tube to store.

I rely on my art to get me through these times that can be difficult for some. You are faced with many decisions that need to be made. If you have to take care of a family you need to know that you are safe when you leave and return to the house.

The majority of people are asking what happens next? How will I survive? What are the best choices for you?

9-13-20, I set my alarm for 6 A.M., I got out of the bed by 6:09 A.M., I read my prayers, took a shower and got ready to start the day. I wanted to vote and get it over with. Today is the first day of early voting in Austin. The location I have been using for several years now is located in the South Park Meadows shopping center. I figured I would enter from the entrance closest to I-35 and if the line was long I would take the first parking spot I saw and get in line. When I turned in, I could see people were inline and it was in front of Hobby Lobby. I parked and got in line, it was about 7:25 A.M. I was only a few feet from the door and then line seemed to be moving at a good pace. I saw that they were using two suites so that made me feel even better. I spoked to one of the ladies behind me about this and that and then we talked about the line. I am not sure if she saw something on her phone or what, but she seemed to know the line might be going around the building. I didn't understand what she meant as I saw people going in, but as I got to the end to turn I saw that the line was in was crossing the line of people going in to vote. I can only guess that this happened because people were in line before someone was there to organize people. Maybe it was just bad organization skills. Who knows. At each turn there seemed to be another surprise. I was concerned with people cutting the line. There were people dropping off people; going to park and then returning to the line.

The line went around the building, by the parking lot where employees and trailers park. There were also residents or business owners who have to pick up their mail from the boxes located in the back. The line then went around and back to the entrance.

I was trying to count the number of people in line and dividing them by the number of booths I counted when I passed by. There were probably about two or three hundred people ahead of me. There were about 6 machines and I figure each person may take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete the process if there were no issues. I thought perhaps I'd be in line for about 2 hours. I took some pictures with my phone at different spots.

The temperature was comfortable and I was glad that I went out today instead of waiting. There were some people who thought the line was too long, but they weren't that many people leaving. There were some people that were told if they had mail in ballots they needed to go home and get them. It didn't make sense to me. As long as you don't mail it in, I would think the vote you make today would be the only one that counts. One of the ladies behind me went home, but I didn't see her return. I had been in line for about an hour and a half when I got to the door. It was only a few minutes I had to wait before I went inside and stood to wait for the person in front of me to finish the information process and then it was my turn. There were no problems at all. My information came up and I took my time to vote. I missed one election, but some of the court positions there wasn't anyone running against them. I guess they just want to see how many people really want that person in office. I completed the voting process and submitted my ballot and I was out of the door after picking up my I Voted sticker. It took about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Feeling good about everything. There didn't appear to be any problems. Lots of people taking pictures with their phones as was I. It was something to see. I've never stood in a line that long for anything. Not even a New York night club. I wanted to tell the people as I was leaving not to get discouraged, but I didn't say anything. Most of the people anticipated this after what they had seen in other cities.

Money, Politics, Race and Religion

(c) 2020 by Dlonzo 

Say something, do nothing,

Do nothing, say something,

A conundrum?

How much money do you have?

What do you believe in?

How do you identify yourself?

Where do you stand?

Power to the people.

Black Power, White power,

Black Lives Matter,

All lives matter,

All lives are precious.

Some people can leave

and never look back.

Others are stuck in cement

that blocks the track.

Decisions seem right

at that moment.

Who can see the future?

That would be too easy.

Forget nots,

regret nots.

How much money do you have?

What side of the fence are you on?

Right wing, left wing,

if only one could just fly away.

Fly away, fly away, fly away, all.

See the colors of the rainbow,

the colors of the skin, the colors, so many colors.

Red, white and blue.

Green, yellow, and black.

Wave your flag and be proud.

Red, green, yellow, blue,

orange and purple.

Look up to the heavens,

amongst the clouds.

There are answers for some.

They kingdom come, thy will be done.

If you believe and then you are done.

It's over, or just beginning.

The cycle continues and it's all about how much 

money do you have? What are your politics?

How do you identify yourself? What do you believe?

What is your religion?

This is how it is on earth.

How is it in heaven?

(Next up: Virtual Holidays...)

Thanks for stopping by; Keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

www.psychedmaster.org

Playing it by Ear

 

( A drawing that was in progress at the time of this photo.)

Well here we are in October. I had planned to make a post before September ended, but that didn't happen. I'm trying to come up with a plan as to what I want to do. I have a list which includes everything from creating an income to making repairs and getting organized which has been an ongoing project.

I can't stop and evaluate everything before I throw it out. There are some things that I want to hold on to for research; sentimental value, but there's other stuff that needs to go and can go without hesitation. How mmany art books do I need? How many fashion magazines? How many home decor books, etc.?  It sounds easy enough, but it really isn't. I look at all of the art supplies and I have to ask myself will I use an item? When will I use the item? There is no real time line. I like creating art when the mood hits. Somethings, like greeting cards I may start, but until I know exactly who the card will go to I can't finish it. Most of my cards are made for the individual.

I have hundreds of pencils of different brands and varieties. Many bottles and tubes of paints. Crayons, pastels, charcoal and paper, lots and lots of paper.

Books on photography, art, films, writing, screenplays, stageplays. Everything that I could possibly need.

I was moving some furniture last week and I injured my back. I knew that would probably happen, but I had to do it. I probably shouldn't have moved as many large pieces in one day as I did. I thought I was doing it correctly, but when you get older and stretch those muscles, you pay the price. I'm blaming it on the furniture, but it could have been the files in which I had to bend over to move magazines. I'll try to take it easy this week and see how long it takes to get back in shape. 

I am hoping to start exercising again on a regular basis. This is something I have to do. I need to get back on a healthier diet. I do my best, but from time to time I will splurge on a few things. I have to start slow and stay consistent. If I had more things to keep me busy things might be different. When I had somewhere to go I was more active then I am now. It does bother me, but I have to take it easy and think things through.

I was trying to get into that frame of mind of getting some work, but now I have to think about being in a place for more than an hour and the germs that could be floating around. The only way to really be safe is if I figure out a way to work from home.

I was thinking of setting up my photography studio. I have been trying to write, but I'd have to pick up the pace to generate any money from that. I could try to sell my art on Etsy or Ebay. The opportunities are there, I just have to figure out what is best for me. Just have to take things one day at a time. This is not a place I ever thought I would be in at this stage of my life, but neither was anything else I've experienced in the last 20 plus years. So, what's new? We learn and we move on. Navigating life is an adventure sometimes of epic proportions.

I want to start getting the blog format together as I am going to combine all four blogs and that way you can just visit one location, but they will all have the same content. It makes it easier on me. The poetry, the art, the movies and the window into my everyday will all be one.

(Local musician I photographed last year)

I wrote this poem earlier in the year.

Co Vid

by Dlonzo (c) 2020

There is an unfamilarity in the air

along with the smell of hand sanitizer,

bleach and other disenfectants

It doesn't seem fair

To shelter in place

to cover the face

to stay safe

Life can seem unfair

during a time of a crisis

some get help, some don't

some too much, others not enough

Businesses closing doors, shutting down

Out of work, unemployment, furlough

Food lines, school closures

This is not normal

What is normal?

Was there ever normal

a term created 

to feel comfort?

Language, another beast to battle.

Stay inside, if you go outside

wear a mask, cover your face.

Shelter in place,

stay safe.

(Next up: What's in your bubble?)

Thanks for stopping by; Keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

www.psychedmaster.org

Another Phase of Change

 

Today I am officially laid off; yesterday ended my extended furlough. The last few weeks I've been reflecting on the first time I was laid off. I was 21 years old, it was my first job ever. I was working for a large oil company. I had always wanted to have a job where I sat behind a desk and that miracle happened at 19. My title was accounting/purchasing file clerk. I handled files for both departments, as well as confidential files, which gave me a heads up that the lay offs were coming. I used to telefax documents to Qatar, Dubai and other locations overseas where there were drilling platforms. A telefax machine is like a fax machine except you stayed on the line until the other party received the document. From time to time my drafting and art skills would be used. I taught myself as much as I could beyond my daily duties. I learned to use the computers, microfish machines, etc. Eventually I would be doing errands, making bank deposits, whatever was needed.

I wasn't aware that I would get paid for not working. The idea of unemployment made me estatic. Luckily my parents were very understanding and supportive so I was able to save some money by them reducing my rent.

As I was trying to figure out what I was going to do, there were some opportunities that presented themselves. Before I was laid off, my supervisor had taken a polaroid of me at some company function. She had asked if I ever thought about modeling. Of course the thought never crossed my mind. Acting was still in the back of my mind, but that is another story.

My oldest brother was working for an insurance company and one of the clients was Paramount Pictures. Since my brother knew I liked movies he asked if I wanted to take his place on a few assignments. Soon it became a regular thing for a few months.

In the 80's there were movies that catered to black audiences and some movie theaters didn't want many blacks in the theater. When a theater received a movie there was a contract that the movie would stay in house for (X) amount of weeks. The only way a movie could be removed was if they could show it wasn't making money. So, when a black person purchased a ticket for a certain movie, the theater was counting it towards a different movie. My job was to count the tickets to make sure it matched the count that was sold. The perk was that I got to see any movie that Paramount was releasing. Over time I got to know management really well at a few theaters and I could bring along a few people and see any movie. I got to visit a lot of theaters I normally wouldn't go to for the reasons that I was always told blacks were not welcomed. It's hard to say with everything that is going on if people just tolerated me or if they really liked me or what? I would like to think it was the latter. I would like to believe that if someone didn't like me it wasn't because of the color of my skin. It was because they didn't like something else about me. That's the way I judge people. It had nothing to do with the color of their skin. It had to do with the attitude, the commonality, and sometimes I made a mistake. I believed in first impressions and sometimes people need to make a second impression. I have learned a lot over the years because I have experienced a lot. I know that experiences from our childhood, dicate how we are in our adult lives. Any type of traumatic experience can transfer over to everyday life without one knowing it. Depending on how your parents explained things to you, it put in motion how you would go through life.

I've heard many black people say the white man will keep you down. That was never my experience. I had more issues with black people then I did with white people. I didn't talk or act black enough. Being smart and experiencing life didn't always make me well liked; sometimes I would dumb it down. I learned from many people in my family that you do what you have to do to survive. I wasn't going to let anyone change my view on how I navigated the world. Of course I question things all the time. There was a point I questioned my blackness. What does it mean to be black and how do you get through it when your family is mixed? Are you supposed to hate them?

The other opportunity that presented itself was a chance to model. One of my cousins was working for a beautician and she was doing a hair and fashion show and I some how got involved. I came up with this idea to start my own modeling troupe. The lady who ran the beauty salon encouraged me to do it and that's what I did. I contacted everyone I knew who I thought might be interested. I had even recruited a few models from the hair/fashion show. There were so many supportive people in my life at that time. Family and friends. We started out modeling our own clothes and then I was asked to do a show for the boys at Milne Boys Home. Some of the boys actually modeled with one of the other modeling organizations.

It was a chance to get some exposure so we agreed to volunteer our services as everyone else was doing. I had 20 models for my first show. The opening sequence was some of my designs incorporated with the models own clothes and a boutique had allowed us to use the blouses for a few of the girls. The opening sequence was just amazing. I was so proud of what we had done. Of course because of our height we weren't going to make careers out of this, but it was a chance to meet people and to use it as a stepping stone to something else. We were all so young back then. Although I didn't know it at the time, we were on to something as one of the department stores decided to start petite models. As long as everyone was the same height on the runway things didn't look off balance.

Eventually I was getting tired of staying home after about 6 months and in January of 1983 I began work for an office supply company where I would be for 18 years. I continued to model and my photography was really taking off because the models needed pictures. I was modeling solo almost every weekend for a while. Then I started to branch out and decided to have models of industry height. I then became an agency and Dlonzo Models was formed. I sent out head shots and sent them on auditions and soon got into commercials and back into movies.

I didn't tell anyone I worked with that I was modeling until several years later. I found out it sort of made my boss reluctant to move me up, but we had a sit down and that all changed. I was doing customer service, inside sales and purchasing of office products. Years before I was laid off I would be the wholesale buyer. In 2001 I was laid off again after 18 years and I decided I would go ahead and retire. Of course I couldn't get any government benefits, but I was able to pull it off. I was eventually able to do the things I loved while taking care of my mother who was bedridden. My father had passed away the year before and although it was a big change, I was able to survive. I was able to pay everything off and there was nothing to worry about except take care of my mother. I learned so much about Medicare and Medicaid and Home health care and keeping my mother at home where she would be comfortable. A lot of what I did is virtually impossible for most of my friends who are now going through similar situations. The benefits just aren't there.

I realize that most people don't like certain people because they see themselves in that person. They are not ready to face that reality. They lash out not really knowing what is going on. All they know is that they are angry because someone is doing something they have always wanted to do. I didn't particularly like artists, but in 2001 I declared myself one. I had to accept that fact. As a child every apptitude test pointed me in that direction and I tried to fight it. I love creating things and have been fortunate enough to dable in many aspects, but writing, and photography are my main focus.

(Next up: My journey to Austin)

Thanks for stopping by; Keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

www.psychedmaster.org

Things change

It's been quite some time. I am posting this from my phone as the laptop has somehow contracted a virus. (I'm actually guessing because I don't know what happened.) I was working on a story that someone had sent me. I stepped away from the laptop to do some other things and when I tried to get back to work, I couldn't. 

I have always been able to figure out the problem, but I was having no luck. I made several attempts over several days, but I was getting nothing.

When I contacted Toshiba, which is now another company, the guy told me it looks like I deleted files. He would be able to help, but I would lose everything and the laptop would go back to it's original format.

He recommended two businesses to call and that is what I did.

I have been waiting to take the laptop in. I like going early in the morning to take care of things. These days everything relies on my body and whether I have had enough sleep.

Hopefully I can get it repaired and resume writing. 

I also need to have my vehicle checked out. I was heading home the other day and I was at the traffic light and it killed. I turned everything off, and started it up and made it home. I was going to try to do what I can in the way of maintenance, but it's been incredibly hot.

I'm just being patient and trying to go with the flow as much as I can.

Thanks for stopping by. Do come back again and keep an open mind.

Magazine Files from Cereal Boxes

It's been quite some time since I've made a post it seems.

 How to make magazine files using cereal boxes. You can find all sorts of things to do on Youtube. I look for stuff and I may modify it to suit my needs or make the process easier.

I've chosen to take the cereal box and measure how low to cut the front depending on the size of the magazine and how much you would like to expose. If it's a large cereal box, you can measure the height of the magazine and cut to size. Once I decide which magazine will go into the file, I measure the sides. I draw lines from the top down to where I would like the height of the front to be for viewing the magazine spine.

 Using a box cutter or Xacto knife, I cut from the top down on each side of what will be the front. 3" to 6" depending on the size of thecereal box is a good height for the magazines. Fold back inside of the file to create added support to make the file sturdy. You can fold the sides inward at an angle or cut them with the box cutter or Xacto knife from back to front. If the back is too high, use the same technique as you did for the front. Cut on each side until you have reached the desired height and fold inward for added support.

Take two sheets of 12 x 12 scrapbook paper of your choosing. Keeping the same design makes for a more professional store bought look. Wrap the sheets around the box to measure. If the box is large you will want to make sure you cut the paper in large strips so you will have the access to fill in the gaps. I prefer to glue the box as well as the paper. Don't put to much because you don't want it to be wet and cause the paper to buckle. I prefer Elmer's Glue-All Multi Purpose Glue. Smooth out the paper so you have an exact fit. Now if you are using the large cereal box, you can use the scrap piece of paper first or you can lay it over after you have put the other two sheets in place. Depending on the ceral box and the color of paper you are using, you may choose to just leave it. It's your file, you can do whatever you feel like doing. I prefer to glue one section at a time. This way you can see if you need to make modifications.

Use clothes pins or clamps to keep paper in position. Smooth paper from bottom to top or from front to back or vice versa depending on which part you are working on. By doing a section at a time you can place the file on its side and put a heavy weight inside to make sure the glue is bonding. You can finish the project in a few hours or if you have a craft room you can take longer making sure it is absolutely perfect.

If you try this project let me know how it comes out.