I have a good friend named Sean Favero. He is an artist. I suggest you check out his blog and his website to see all of the cool projects he’s got going on.
And if you like cool t-shirts, you need to check out this link… He invites guest artists to design t-shirts that are pretty sweet. If you like them I suggest that you get one to help support him and his featured artist.
Anyway, just thought I would pass on something I think is pretty sweet. Hope you enjoy
I decided that my new album will represent the pinnacle of my artistic expression to this point in my life.
Since starting to write lyrics and music for the album, I have realized a few things. I decided that for it to really be as good as I want it to be I have to have a clearly defined concept. I need to know what I’m saying and craft my expression carefully.
I’ve realized recently that art is all about making decisions. I used to think that decisions limited my artistic expression. I have since realized that making choices provides clarity and freedom. Once you know what is beneath the surface of the stone, it is so much easier to release it.
My original concept was light and dark. I love the idea of the contrast between the two. I still may try to include a little of this in my album (maybe as the theme of one of the songs) but this will not be the overarching concept.
Instead, I have decided to write about life.
There is a book that I recently read. The point of the book was how beautiful life (and human life specifically) can be. There was a phrase that I think I got from the book. It is ‘choosing life in all its glory.’
That is what I want to write about. Life. I think life is beautiful. I am so glad I am alive, and I want to share the joy and the pain of life. Without one we would never understand the other.
This album will be a portrait of life the only way I have seen it–through my own eyes.
I recently went to New York City to help my sister move apartments. While not my first time there, it definitely had some of my most memorable New York City moments. Carrying mattresses, desks, and other random household items through the financial district (by Wall Street and Broadway) was definitely one of them. The others however all had to do with the historic sites I was able to visit.
First things first, I visited my sister at work. She’s an Associate Producer with National Geographic. Here we are in her office:
Me and My Sis at her Work (National Geographic TV)
The first historic place I visited was the World Trade Center plaza. The big empty space behind me is where the twin towers used to stand. It’s crazy to think that only two buildings took up that entire space, and that they fell…
Where the Twin Towers used to stand
The following morning my sister and I went to Liberty Island. While on the way, I came across this monument titled “The Sphere.” I cried.
The Sphere Monument in NYC Battery Park
It was originally a monument to World Peace at the World Trade Center plaza. The remains of this monument were salvaged and placed in Battery Park. Below is the plaque that describes the monument. There was also a flame in front of the monument that isn’t pictured.
The Sphere Monument Description in New York City Battery Park
When we arrived to buy tickets to Liberty Island, there was no one in line. It was 8 am on a Friday morning–the perfect time to buy tickets to and visit the Statue of Liberty. We were early enough to avoid the huge line, but not too early to stand in line with the early birds (who were all already waiting inside to get on the ferry). We got on the first ferry out to the island. I took a lot of pictures.
My Sister and me in front of the Statue of Liberty
As we got closer to the Statue of Liberty, my sis took a picture of me and Lady Liberty.
Me and the Statue of Liberty
She is such a beautiful statue. I seriously took about 100 pictures of her. Here are some of my favorites…
Lady Liberty
The Statue of Liberty
My Favorite Picture of The Statue of Liberty
After climbing up into the Statue of Liberty and all around the base and taking a bazillion photos, we hopped back onto the ferry and headed back to NYC. I can see why the idea of The Statue of Liberty had such an amazing effect on the people coming to America. Below is one of the quotes I saw in the museum of someone who had recently arrived in New York early last century.
Quote Inside the Statue Of Liberty Museum
Overall this trip was a lot of fun. I was really glad to be able to see my sister and also many of the historic sites in New York City. As a final picture, this was one I took somewhere on 6th Avenue (I think). I put the camera on a mailbox and had it take the picture of us. My sister kept telling me the camera would get stolen, but I had faith in the good people of New York City that they wouldn’t take it. Plus I figured I could run as fast as any of them.
Lately I’ve decided that if I’m going to continue blogging I need to change it up a little. I’m going to focus on music. I’ll still write about my life and other stuff that’s going on, but it will be less frequent.
I’ve announced a new album, and I’ve begun writing a lot of new music. I think I’m going to blog about the songs I’m writing and show you bits and pieces of them as I bring them along. I will also put up videos and even have downloads at times.
Music is one of my favorite forms of expression, and I feel like I’ve got a lot to express. Hopefully this change will be one you enjoy.
As I have read novels throughout my life, I have realized that many of my favorite authors have a keen understanding of reality and truth. Their stories are woven around the truth as they believe it to be. In many instances I share their beliefs.
The book I am currently reading has bits of what I consider to be truth littered throughout it’s pages. It is the sixth book of Terry Goodkind’s “The Sword of Truth” series, entitled Faith of the Fallen. Following are some of my favorite quotes from the book.
Page 21:
“The only sovereign I can allow to rule me is reason. The first law of reason is this: what exists, exists; what is, is. From this irreducible, bedrock principle, all knowledge is built. This is the foundation from which life is embraced.
“Reason is a choice. Wishes and whims are not facts, nor are they a means to discovering them. Reason is our only way of grasping reality–it’s our basic tool of survival. We are free to evade the effort of thinking, to reject reason, but we are not free to avoid the penalty of the abyss we refuse to see.”
It has always been my belief that truth exists. Things are the way they are. There is only one correct answer.
Whether we accept or find the truth is something else entirely. Just because I do not believe something is true does not mean it is false. Truth is truth. It is independent of desire, faith, understanding, acceptance, or pretense. It is my goal to seek truth where I can find it.
That is why I have always said that true religion and true science are the same. Religion and science are two different methods of uncovering truth. In the end, science will prove the truth of true religion.
Page 460 (expands on the first quote):
“The most important rule there is…the only sovereign you can allow to rule you is reason.
“…It is not only the most important rule, but the simplest. Nonetheless, it is the one most often ignored and violated, and by far the most despised. It must be wielded in spite of the ceaseless, howling protests of the wicked.
“Misery, iniquity, and utter destruction lurk in the shadows outside its full light, where half-truths snare the faithful disciples, the deeply feeling believers, the selfless followers.
“Faith and feelings are the warm marrow of evil. Unlike reason, faith and feelings provide no boundary to limit any delusion, any whim. They are a virulent poison, giving the numbing illusion of moral sanction to every depravity ever hatched.
“Faith and feelings are the darkness to reason’s light.
“Reason is the very substance of truth itself. The glory that is life is wholly embraced through reason, through this rule. In rejecting it, in rejecting reason, one embraces death.”
The only thing I would add to this description is the importance of recognizing that our own reasoning abilities are not perfect. That is why I believe a merging of our own reason, mixed with our faith and feelings, with inspiration from God, is the only way to find with any certainty truth in this life.
Good question. It’s a question that gets asked by both sides about the opposite sex.
It seems to me that in our society we have a hard time making up our minds. We’re always looking for the next best thing, the next exciting thing, the next attractive thing. This also carries over to our romantic relationships. Oftentimes we are too caught up thinking about the next person we’ll meet or see that we fail to fully engage with the ones we see right now. (I am guilty of this also).
I know a girl that can’t tell if a guy is into her. She told me the signs, what he’s doing, why she thinks he might be interested… He flirts with her, he finds random excuses to talk to her, she often catches him looking at her.
She also mentioned the other signs why he may not be into her… He never asks her out; she’s invited him a few times to hangout and he always has an excuse.
She’s having a hard time deciding if he’s into her or not. Should she hope for a relationship with him or just forget about him and move on? It can be a frustrating situation to be in.
Is He Into You?
In my opinion, if a guy is interested, he will pursue. That means he’ll ask her out or find ways to spend time with her. He’ll get her phone number and communicate with her through text or phone calls. If you work with him, he will find reasons to hang out with you outside of work. These are all ways that guys show they are interested. If he doesn’t do these things, it means (in almost every situation) that he is not interested.
If he was interested, he would make it obvious.
But what about the flirting, the looks, the random questions or excuses to talk, etc.?
They are good signs, no doubt, but are not enough. Many guys (and girls) like to flirt. They can be attracted physically, emotionally, or intellectually. Because of these attractions, they may give you attention. But if they are not trying to move the relationship to a deeper level than just flirting, they are probably not interested in doing so. If they were, they would do it.
Now I know there are exceptions out there. We learn about them in the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You.” But that’s what they are: exceptions.
Is He Into You?
If you are really frustrated and need to know for sure one way or the other, I suggest confronting the guy and asking him. Say something like this: “Hey I’ve noticed you’re sending me a lot of mixed signals; I can’t tell if you’re interested in pursuing a relationship or just flirting for fun. Which is it?”
Then the guy can let you know. This could potentially make the situation awkward, but won’t if you don’t let it. If he’s interested in pursuing a relationship, then great; good thing you asked. If he’s not, well, at least you know, and now you can move on.
A friend just mentioned to me that he heard this song and it reminded him of me. So of course I checked it out. I was surprised to find a song that gave me the chills it was so good. Please listen to this song. It is amazing.
P.S. I have no idea what this video is about… I haven’t watched it, only listened.
<<Update: this video was removed for terms of use violation… I have tried to find another video with the song but haven’t been able to yet…>>
This evening I decided to take a walk through the city. I think it’s supposed to rain again tomorrow so I figured this would be my best opportunity. I brought my camera with me and decided it would be fun to document my walk.
Here I am at the beginning of my walk, still in the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown. I’m about to get on the elevator.
Here I am about to enter the elevator
From right outside the hotel I had a beautiful view of the Chicago River, Michigan Avenue Bridge, and these two historic buildings. The one on the left is the Wrigley Building. The one on the right is the Tribune Tower.
The Wrigley Building (on the left) and the Chicago Tribune Tower (on the right)
When I reached the side of the bridge, I noticed some stairs that went down. As I descended I found my first spot for a self-portrait. You’ll notice I found lots of these spots…
My First Chicago Self Portrait
Right around the corner from here (directly under the bridge) I found my second spot for a self-portrait. Keep in mind that I’m here in this city by myself. I wanted to be in pictures to remind me of where I was (plus pictures are much more exciting with people in them).
Under the Michigan Avenue Bridge
After I crossed under the bridge and tried a few more self-portraits, I went back up top and crossed over the bridge. On my way I took a blurry picture of the Chicago River and the buildings on each side of it (it was really pretty but the picture didn’t turn out). Then there was a guy playing a drum and singing. Another guy was taking a picture, so I took a picture of him taking a picture (not shown here). Then I walked down Michigan Avenue, also known as “The Magnificent Mile” at this point because of all the shopping etc. Here is a picture of me and the Magnificent Mile
Me on the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue)
You may have noticed by now that I haven’t been smiling. It’s funny how you don’t often think of smiling when you’re taking a picture of yourself. I didn’t really notice till after that all of the pictures were so serious. I actually had a great time and lots of fun.
While looking for more cool spots for self-portraits, I ran into Mike. He was from somewhere near the slums and wanted to share some Positive Poetry with me. It was pretty cool. After I asked if I could take a picture with him. I liked his glasses.
Me and Mike after he shared his Positive Poetry
After wandering for another 15 minutes or so, I eventually found myself at a bus stop. Here I am waiting…
Here I am waiting for the bus
While there I noticed the advertisement at the bus stop echoed the sentiments I was feeling for my friends and family.
Join me out here
After waiting for the bus (which never showed up), I decided to continue my walk. I found myself in a beautiful garden with a bunch of yellow lights. It was really cool. The lights were very dim and created a surreal ambience. It was very calming, so of course I decided to take a picture…
Me in the Garden of Light
When in such as a place as the Garden of Light, you can’t help but begin to think of the mysteries of the universe… I got so caught up in one those mysteries that I had to take a moment to contemplate. So I parked myself on this bench and began to consider: why are these the only lights that are out?
Me contemplating the lights
At this point, I’m getting tired of my walk through town. I’ve taken a bunch of pictures, and am satisfied with what I’ve seen. Chicago is a beautiful city, and I have enjoyed visiting her each time I’ve had the opportunity. Luckily, my path took me in a big circle and I was nearing my hotel. As I was about to arrive, I found a final self-portrait location. It was another Garden of Lights, though this time it was hanging After waiting for tons of people to clear out (so I could get a good shot), I finally took my favorite photo of the evening.
My final Chicago self-portrait under the Hanging Garden of Lights
After this I was home free and only about 100 feet from my final destination… my hotel. I hope you have enjoyed My Photographic Walk Through Chicago. I know I did As a final goodbye, I leave you with a bonus photo. Enjoy!
