"The Boys". Go see.

I'm breaking a long silence here to mention a film that just opened in three cities. And if you know me (and if you're somehow reading this, I bet you do), please take my recommendation.

The film is called "The Boys". It's a documentary on Richard and Robert Sherman. Now, odds are you have no idea who those people are, but I'd bet good cash you know many of the songs they wrote. "It's A Small World". "The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers". "Tall Paul". "You're Sixteen [you're beautiful, and you're mine]". "I Wanna Be Like You" (from The Jungle Book). All the songs from "Mary Poppins", "Bedknobs And Broomsticks", "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", "Charlotte's Web", and oodles of others.

And it's a film that shines a light on unsung giants of pop culture, provides a great portrait of painful family dynamics, and (vitally) pulls at the heartstrings with lots of great great music.

Now, there's been no publicity for this film, I only discovered it by mistake; I walked by the theater in NYC where it was playing, and decided I had to see it. And if you're in SF, LA, or NY, I encourage you to do the same. It's totally worth it, if only to remind yourself of how great the music truly is, and how vitally important it it to have these moments of genius that break through the treacle of American entertainment... And how one can create for all audiences without pandering. It's full of sounds and images that I've known all my life, but elicit emotions from me even today.

Much respect to Disney for putting this out. And thanks to the filmmakers and the Sherman Brothers. 'Nuff said.

(Film website here.)

Merry Rump-Mas!

In the traditional fashion for this festive season, I hereby present your recommended dosage of holiday cheer: GIANT GLOWING INFLATABLE SANTA BOOTY!




Have a wonderful holiday season, and don't say I never gave you nuthin'.


-PAR

Recapping.

And then (and yes I know I'm suddenly re-establishing contact after a long silent stretch), I was a bit older.

And what remained was a weekend's worth of memories made up of blurred recollections and amazing food and digital photos and falling over giggling and many many many many MANY drinks and old friends catching up and some newer friends suddenly being missed and yet more fantastic cuisine and getting distracted and wandering off and unrequited love and stupid jokes and stolen kisses and immense affection and loose ends and missing polaroids and a few long-time collaborators notable in thier absence and early mornings and late nights and intersecting social circles and intending to go somewhere and ending up somewhere entirely different by mistake and disorientation and selective equilibrium and unanticipated tenderness and music and fun and not a lot of sleep and holding one another tightly and missed connections and happy coincidences and no matter what details we'd tweak if we could, general awesomeness.

It was a great time. I look forward to reconstructing it someday, and in the meantime, moving full speed ahead.

Thanks to one and all.


-PAR

We now pause for a brief message.

Quiet.

Things have been kinda crazy since I got back from California, but I guess I just haven't felt much like talking. At least, not in this forum.

More when I begin feeling a little more conversational again.


-PAR

Off to the opposite coast.

And with that, I run off to California. Back soon, getting settled, housewarming, and all that other stuff commences.

But 'til then... Ten days of beach and lovely weather and family and recreation. Awesome.

More soon (when I return if not before).


-PAR

Counting minutes and waiting and planning and worrying and dreaming.

Five days 'til flying to California. Five days of organizing and getting things squared and not having time to spend with wonderful girl and working and shuffling things around from bag to bag so I have proper articles of clothing and other things needed for ten days of goofing off by the ocean. Started making lists of things as I think of them in order to forget as little as possible. Dealing with details of new apartment that will be sitting ready when I return, making sure things like electricity and some manner of sleeping arrangement are in place.

It's a stretch of inertia and powerlessness and desperation and heatwave and just-put-my-head-down-and-power-through-it-dammit that I know leads somewhere better, but is really frustrating in the meantime. Having just enough time to worry and overthink while not being able to set everything straight or participate in all the awesome things that're happening all around.

But it's only a few days. I keep reminding myself. And even in this, there's a few scattered seconds that remind me that it's all worth it. A quick quiet drink with the girl and stealing a moment away from everyone else. Ending up on a block I don't recognize and getting to explore another tiny piece of this crazy city. Even having a quick stretch at work when everything falls into place and I can get into a groove for a few minutes.

A few more of those, and I escape to the West Coast. And when I come back, a bunch of new adventures await.


-PAR

Currently:

Exhausted. Run a bit ragged. Wistful for the ocean. Waiting for a moment to pause and think. In the final stretch to get finances and housing squared. Planning trip west. Up far too late. Trying to turn down the sound and images spinning in my brain. Wondering at the incredible city I live in. Wishing I had more time to devote to family. Imagining how music can fit together, and wondering if I have the means to execute it. Stressed. Stupidly busy. Somehow still moving forward. Excited. Determined. Hopeful. Totally smitten.

More soon.


-PAR