Life

Some times we have to take off a few days. Some times it's unexpected. Some times it's planned. Either way... Once in a while we have to put our career on hold. Of course at these times, as auditions come in, and we have to pass on them... It can be really difficult. However, we have to trust there are more to come, and the time we take away will only go towards our future or general happiness.

On Saturday, on my way to volunteer at the Zoo, I happened to catch a little bit of a talk radio show. Unexpectedly, I heard the radio host and TV personality he was interviewing discussing work ethic... How work has been painted negative in today's America. How we've become a nation of "make yourself happy," from our grandparents' nation of "make yourself useful." I would have stayed in my truck listening longer if I didn't have a commitment to get up the hill and modify of my designs and start on some new projects for more of the Zoo's critters.

Not a whole lot makes me happier than feeling useful... Building feeders and toys for captive wild animals is certainly one way I can do that. Calling people from Camp Obama is another. Making videos that inspire people or help them enjoy their day makes me happy when I know they're being seen. I get in trouble when I spend time writing scripts that don't get read, taking photos that aren't appreciated, or doing anything that doesn't seem to make a difference to anyone or anything... It's probably why I appreciate posted comments so much... If I'm just writing this blog or shooting stupid short films for myself, I'd rather do something else.

It was great to hear the interview, or that section of their conversation. Like many people I some times battle with demons. We live in a world where most of us are lucky not to have to hunt for our food,  work in the fields from morning to night, or make candle sticks all day long... But, strangely, that luxury some times comes with a cost. We're not all wired to be playboy's and people of leisure.

I hope in my next dark period, I'll remember the phrase... It was one my grandmother also uttered,  and uttered many times to a young Tom Kiesche while she was alive...

"Make yourself useful."

-- Quiche Ya Later ~ Tom Kiesche

Right now a Lithuanian Johnny Cash is singing next door at a  street fair with a bunch of Lithuanian Catholics cheering for him... Wish I could find a lesson in that other than, I really need a new place to live, or learn to speak their language.

Comments

[susan]

It IS hard to always be confident that more is on it's way (just turned down an audition, myself because I need a day to myself - but of course am scared that will be the end of me!)... perhaps that is the lesson to be learned from your Lithuanian Johnny Cash & Friends: life will always surprise us (eventually).

[Tom Kiesche]

Yes, maybe that is the Johnny Cash lesson. Don't yet know.

Thank you Susan.