And Now The End Is Here

Before I write any thing else I want to thank you, the reader. Whether you’ve been with me on my path from March 3^rd of 2007, or if you’ve just joined me today, thank you. It’s been a documented journey of ups and downs, highs and lows. Twenty-one months of thoughts, experiences, rants, rejections, praises, SAG contracts, celebrations, wins, loses, creations, photos, vacations, politics, drama, and everything else in-between. Even some semi-naked Yoga at the Grand Canyon if I’m not mistaken.

The end of November will be the official end of my Backstage Blog affiliation; it wasn’t an easy phone call for my boss to make, or a great phone call to receive. But “que sera sera – whatever will be will be.” Life moves on, and the only thing we can count on is change.

The reason... Who knows. What was I told... "Budget cuts." "Cut backs." Blah blah blah. "Less bloggers."

Being way ahead of my blogging commitment, this will more than likely be my last actual blog regardless of the official end. Truthfully, it feels a lot like breaking up with someone… And since I've been told it’s over, I just kind of want it over, and not drag it out for six more posts.

So, I sit here, behind the keys, wanting make my final blog on Backstage important some how. Wanting to impart more wisdom on new actors. Share one final monumental experience with seasoned veterans. And while I want to do all that, I won’t. I’m simply going to let the curtain fall, get my things, find the stage door, and make my exit.

For those of you that want to keep in touch I currently have a Myspace Page and Facebook page, please feel free to befriend me. I'm the Tom Kiesche NOT living in Denmark... I have an update email list that goes out every once in a while, and if want on I can put you on… And for those that want to keep up on my Short Films or Closet Singers I have two different YouTube pages, and a FunnyOrDie page that I would love if you subscribed to.

It has been a pleasure to have had the opportunity to have my words read by you today and in the past. It has been a honor to have been part of this community for a period of my life...

Honestly, minutes after the phone call I called my accompaniment person up, and scheduled a time to lay a music track down today. I was all pumped to jump in my Closet and record MY WAY, to go out of this blog with a big finish… The song after all is perfect… MY WAY.

“I’ve loved, I’ve laughed I’ve cried...”

“Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention…”

“I did all that, and may I say, not in a shy way. Oh no, not me, I did it MY WAY…”

But minutes later I called my music guy back and canceled. While that might be the way the artist in me would want to go out, the businessperson in me decided not to spend time on that, but focus on what’s next… Perhaps I’ll do it some other time for my YouTube audience. Right now, I have to get my head right for a producer session in an hour and a half… And then get my ass to a SAG meeting for upcoming contract discussions…

After all, it is show business.

Were this a live show, this would be the point where I’d point with an open palm to the orchestra, the technical people in the booth, the director, the other cast members, and then finally you.

Thank you. Thank you all.
I will miss many of you, and this forum.

And now… After twenty-one months of writing “Quiche” this and “Quiche” that, a signature thing I developed over time, as I closed blog after blog. Literally hundreds of them...

The final… At least for now…

Closing…

-- Quiche-Over and Quiche-Out  ~ Tom Kiesche

 

PS. I’m posting this after midnight EST, after I got home from the SAG meeting and two drinks in a dive Karaoke bar, where I sang MY WAY along with a worn out DVD, towards an old television screen, while a bunch of drunks, pool players, and a bartender that was screaming at two white chicks to… “Get the fuck out!,” did their best to ignore me. It was perfect.

For those that don't know the song...

Here are the complete lyrics.

“And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I’ll say it clear,
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.

I’ve lived a life that’s full.
I’ve traveled each and ev’ry highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Regrets, I’ve had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.

I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried.
I’ve had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!

Comments

[Nicole J. Butler]

So long, Tom. Not "goodbye", just "so long"! I've enjoyed reading your informative posts and watching the closet singing.

I saw you at the meeting tonight, but left early, so I didn't get a chance to say "hi".

So I can't say "bye". ;o)

[susan]

Oh no... I'm so sad. Your other blog is on MySpace, yes? I hope to keep reading up on what's going on, and I hope to keep seeing you on my TV ;)

Take care and drop a line whenever you're in town.

Hugs,
susan

[Tom Kiesche]

I don't know what the future holds. I now know more of what it doesn't hold.

Immediately, I have to break the "got to blog about that" cycle. Just last night at the SAG Meeting, and then this morning things hit me.

Who knows, maybe I'll find yet another outlet for my voice. Pleasure kind of meeting you all.

Nicole I wish you had snagged me last night and said hi. Thanks for posting about the meeting. It's really important stuff.

Keep using your voice!

[Teresa Reilly]

Hey Tom! I've loved reading all your stuff, your writing has been such a great resource for me and you've helped me out so much (and not just by answering all my odd questions). Keep in touch, and maybe one of these days we'll hang out in person!

-teresa

[julie]

Aw Tom, tears are falling on my key board as I type this, why, why, why. I will miss reading your blog. My you have success in what ever you do, you do have talent.

[Tom Kiesche]

With my stable of funny friends I never know if they're kidding or serious. But I'll say, thank you, I'm touched that I possibly could have touched you with one of my blogs. I'm looking forward to the future, and currently trying to break the blogging habit...

It's all good. By something ending, I'll develop something else. Or learn something else. It's semi-exciting.

Thank you for the note... Truly.

And for reading me... Keep in touch if you'd like. I'm not going away from anything other than this blog. Facebook. Myspace. Email. The actual real world.

Thank you,

[Justine]

All best to you, Tom. I know you'll continue to do well.