Lakota Films, LLC

The Raven - and other stories NOT by Edgar Allen Poe

2010-07-22T02:13:00.000-07:00

Ravens are the new rooster! Forget about alarm clocks. These magical birds can raise the dead. And, they have - each morning since arriving at the Grand Canyon. They caw and squawk beside my tent like lovers in a heated, passionate argument about something ridiculous, I'm sure.

Raven magic gives courage to visit the darker places of one's consciousness and shed light and change. Native American practices teach us NOT to try and figure it out - therefore, I won’t.

Aside from ravens there have been multiple sightings of horses, elk, mule deer, prairie dogs, Asses, ostriches and several birds of various colors and sizes. Mountain lions are lurking somewhere but the saying goes something like this, “You’ll never see a mountain lion - and if you do, it’ll be too late!” They also say not to hike alone but until I meet someone willing to trek with me, I’m not willing to sit back on my haunches and allow splendid vistas, landscapes, waterways, and whatever other explorations can be experienced, pass me by.

The last awesome hike I did was the Narrows in Zion National Park, UT. However, it turns out I made one small mistake. The hike is normally 16 miles traversing in and out of water, up and down rocks - the first 3 miles running along a dirt road before actually hitting the river. I somehow managed to get immediately into a river (which fortunately dumped me into the right place), adding extra mileage and time to my hike – on private property nonetheless. There were no other people but there were others to speak of - cows - and lots of them.

A couple of days prior to the Narrows I combined two hikes to round out the day - Angels Landing and Emerald Pools. I think I wrote about this earlier – how the heat of the sun drained me but it was still quite spectacular. It wasn’t nearly as narrow as written about in pamphlets and online but I suppose it would be scary if you were afraid of heights.

Onward…

Since completing the Narrows I took a short hike in the morning before work staying at Bryce Canyon, UT – clockwise around Queens Landing and Navajo Loop. It was strenuous only on the way up, once again in the sun and heat, and way overcrowded - well beyond my liking. Therefore, on my day off in Bryce I decided to venture off to Cedar Breaks for two short hikes totaling 9 miles, making for a lovely day. One hike was along the rim - the other, to admire wildflowers. After which, a splendid dip in Navajo Lake.

Round up…

Moab (Arches National Park) – met lots of wonderful people, enjoyed plenty of laughter, one incredible hike with no one around, rock scrambling, rollerblading, and yummy yummy foods.

Virgin (Zion National Park) – more wonderful people, the Wild West, OSCARS (Hungry? Don’t blame Oscars!), body surfing on the river (a few bruises), and an animal refuge.

Bryce Canyon – whoa Nelly! This was the least interesting of places although the hoodoos are impressive and this is more like the Wild Wild West. Everyone raves about Bryce and while I do understand why – it is way overpriced and way overcrowded. That said, I met some of the most awesome people while camping. Andreas and Peter – essentially, Gonzo (Fear and Loathing)! They picked me up along with some cyclists crossing the country (Joe, Jocelyn, and Daylin) to enjoy a glorious sunset all together. Check out Joe’s bloghttp://joesbikeride.blogspot.com/. There were also Joe and James – camping neighbors who allowed me to borrow their rubber cobra to play a joke on Bridget and Kate (I didn’t think Abe would be frightened). The jokes didn’t produce the results I was seeking but I wasn’t entirely disappointed. Morning coffee and nighttime stories were also shared with this duo while they remained neighbors. Of course, I cannot neglect to mention Mulee Pete! He’s a quick draw McGraw-type demonstrating the ways in which some of Hollywood’s finest gunslingers reached for their guns! He also taught me how to crack a whip.

The Grand Canyon is immense and the name quite fitting. It is monsoon season and it has rained everyday since our arrival. I LOVE IT! My tent did procure a few leaks – nothing major and I have fixed them since (I hope) – it’s been raining since I’ve been typing this and I have yet to see if the latest adjustments held mother nature at bay. I am optimistic. Thanks for helping me pull the fly taught, Abe.

Last night was Kate and Abe’s 9th wedding anniversary. I ordered a beautiful moon for the two of them. If they told me a week ago – I would have produced a full moon but they only informed me yesterday morning. On such short notice, what’s a gal to do? ☺ Bridget downloaded a sick song. ☺ The lovebirds and Bridge called it a night while I tended the fire until it died down and out. A little night reading – and out go the lights.

Peak Bagging Junkie & Utah Rocks

2010-07-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a challenge to keep up on the blogging due to EXTREME fun! :) Oh, and work too. But, seriously - it is a challenge due to exploring places.

I suppose I should backtrack a little bit...

Spent a week camping in the Rockies. The best sleep I've had this entire trip! Nothing like waking and lighting my whisperlite stove to make the morning brew while all is silent and still. The first cup is an eye opening experience, inspirational and delicious, as the sun rises above snowy peaks and the moon lingers lazily. I am home. Evenings are equally inviting. Some nights a fire, some nights not, all while listening to the sounds of settling down or stirring. Closing with a chapter or two or three of whatever the current book may be by headlamp while tucked inside my sleeping bag cozy as an Eskimo. Zzzzzzzzzz.

Two awesome hikes in Colorado:

The first was 13 miles, 6 ponds, 2 or 3 waterfalls and 10,900 feet of elevation. The second was only 9 miles but with an elevation gain of 2800 feet over 4.4 miles and 360 degrees of panoramic views at 12,332 feet. Coming from Vermont I was expecting altitude sickness BUT it never happened, thank goodness. Had it once in my life and NEVER want to repeat the experience. I can live without the thundering heartbeats pounding out of my chest from every step taken or from every quarter turn made while rolling over in my sleeping bag. You can keep the headaches and nausea and the general ill feeling from everything swelling – including your brain (in this case, mine). It's wise to trek back down to where your body feels right again but stubbornness and fatigue reigned over me – this one time I speak of. Now it comes as no surprise - I was unable to bag a fourteener as planned, wished for, fill in the blank. Not possible without proper gear - ice axe, crampons, ropes, etc. I was informed by the rangers that some of the peaks and trails I desired to climb had regular avalanches and no one, thus far, had been able to make it end-to-end - so, save it for a rainy day - rather, another day and another time whenever time presents a new opportunity. :( I know - it breaks your heart, doesn’t it? :)

Berklee School of Music friend & family – reunited & introduced:

Jacques Aramand! It’s difficult to say his first name without saying his sir name. I had a wonderful visit with my friend Jacques Aramand and his beautiful wife, Lisa, whom I met once 10 years ago for all of 10 minutes. That is how long it's been since we last saw one another. AND, I met for the very first time (although, it feels as if I’ve known her ALL of her life) the lovely, Isabella. I watched Isabella growing up through Lisa's photographs. Lisa is a brilliant photographer. Check out her work – Dog Daze Photo. You know the saying, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?” Well, it doesn’t! Isabella is natural both in front of as well as behind the camera. Also, Jacques (without sir name) is an awesome bass player and both he and Isabella rocked it out – he on the bass and she on the guitar – Led Zeppelin-style. I kid you not, her fingers moved fast. Oh! Did I mention Isabella is eight?

Movin’ on down the line:

Utah bound – singing out loud to tunes on the XM - dancin’ and boppin’ and groovin’ and stompin’ and a little toe tappin’ too. Much of which was caught on videotape (Eeks!). The landscape changed as dramatically as a heartbroken Romeo. Did I say eek? I meant to say, geek! ☺ But it was AWESOME!!!

Moab madness:

LOVE MUFFIN – I miss you! They make the best breakfast burritos and while we (Bridget and I) managed to have breakfast the morning we arrived, they closed the same day – for the next month. Drats!

HOT! HOT! HOT!!! We opted to stay in cabins in Moab in order to maintain regulated body temperature and our sanity - although I never wavered from my morning coffee ritual and cooking outdoors on the whisperlite at night.

Cindy took myself, Bridget and Alex (one of our boss') to look at petroglyphs and pictographs throughout parts of Moab. You can view some of the pics. Alex and I scrambled up rocks to take closeup pictures. Thanks for lending a hand when needed.

Arches National Park has phenomenal, picturesque sunsets! I took a drive and a sunset hike. The desert does bring out ones desire to journey on a vision quest. Driving back to Moab – sunroof open, windows down, Pink Floyd cranking - Whoa! There’s a deer standing next to the car door suddenly.

Took a drive to La Salle for a hike. Something was off. I couldn’t hike a mile. Not sure what or why. I decided to drive the La Salle loop and Route 128 along the Colorado River instead. A storm of strong winds whipped up and I looked out to see a ducky (a small boat) flipping downriver with no one in it. I pulled over and tried to open the car door but found I couldn’t [open the door]. The wind was THAT strong! When I could get out I was almost knocked down. All of the rafters WERE fine - lots of guides out there paddling for safety. Arrived back at the cabin to find a large tree DOWN in our parking space and next to our cabin. Had I NOT been out and about, the car would have been crushed. Poor tree. ☹ There were several others down in places too.

My favorite place to cool off in the desert was North Creek. I found it by chance and the locals were surprised I learned of it. It’s a short hike to a few swimming holes. I trekked on until I came to one with no one around – swam for a while, climbed the rocks, sat on one in particular in the middle of the river. I tried to find this place a few days earlier but was unsuccessful. There are several river crossings to get there and it’s easy to miss the first important turn.

Virgin:

Virgin, Utah! HOTTER than HOT! And, I know nothing about the virgins here but blessed be the virgins. Zion National Park known and named by the Mormons. Look it up! Opted for cabins again.

Went on a strenuous hike to Angels Landing and then looped around the different Emerald Pools. The SUN is what made it strenuous. I started at noon (I know, I should’ve started in the AM) and was exposed to the heat and rays most of the way. It was worth it although I didn’t find it scary as described – steep, strenuous, cliffs and drop offs, not for those wary of heights, the last ½ mile scramble has chains due to the narrow steep climb.

Last night I found another local swimming hole. Loads of fun! Kate and Abe and I trudged through the river. I think I must have LOVED slides as a kid because I repeatedly body surfed down the river, got out, ran back up and did it again - over and over and over and over about ten times. It was a BLAST! I did hit a rock twice – one downriver, one while swimming upriver. Minor. Today, I picked up a tube and I have every intention of abusing it! ☺ Did I mention my fear of water? Gotta kick it!

I MAY do the Narrows on Sunday. It’s 16 miles of hiking in the river but you MUST have a permit and arrange for a shuttle to the trailhead. This is proving to be a bit challenging due to time restraints and fees.

Mammoth Cave to Rocky Mountain NP

2010-06-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

Mammoth Cave, KY - Camped for two nights. Went roller blading. Abe compared me to an airplane when making my turns. I do not know how to stop but I have mastered a "California stop" which translates into slowing down - looking both ways - and proceeding with some caution and/or expecting others to stop. When temps reached 105 we packed it into a motel. B & I enjoyed margaritas and Mexican food. Later, a dip in the pool. It was empty for a few minutes until three awesome kids joined us - Genesis, Journey and Anthony. They climbed and clamored over us jockeying for position to jump off of our shoulders. Within moments there must have been 20 other kids leaping into the pool. Well, it only took a few seconds to imagine how much urine was building up in the pool so, we opted out.

Later we met a three-pack of hungry cats. One in particular - B referred to as Little Bit and I referred to as Little Little - was emaciated. We fed these cats while there and donated food to the motel before leaving. The manager and cleaning lady feed them daily. Hopefully they survive and find some quality of life. Turns out there were about a dozen cats there. Very sad.

Hit the road for Colorado. Took some crazy driving videos. Lots of singing to tunes and dancing in our seats UNTIL... Kansas! BORING! The same old, same old for endless hours. UNTIL... Colorado! Stayed overnight in Denver with B's friends. Awesome people(s) and simply a good time. Next morning, Boulder for a quick trip to Dot's Diner. I had to revisit for their biscuits. Once it was a hole in the wall at a gas station. Now, it seems to be a small chain operation.

Glacier Basin - camping for 8 or 9 nights and the best sleeping I've had this entire trip thus far.

Lots of elk!!! A total of 25 black bears in the park lands and an even lower number of mountain lions. Sadly, grizzlies and wolves are non-existent these days. They were once predators but due to their disappearance, elk have bred to overpopulation and are wreaking havoc. Additionally, they no longer migrate in winter and eat willows all year long stripping the area of this food for beavers and other wildlife. The NPS has installed several elk fences to prevent them from eating the willows allowing openings near the ground for beavers, coyotes and other small animals to retain access. Their hopes, elk will migrate again. Also, they are using birth control - collaring elk to reduce the numbers. They cannot reintroduce wolves and grizzlies to these parts due to the surrounding cities of Denver and Boulder, etc. because of the obvious - the park is not as large as Yellowstone and bears and wolves know no boundaries. Hence, a two-way danger.

Tomorrow is either a day of hiking, rafting or kayaking. Hmmm. Possibly a combination if there's enough time. Off to try to squeeze in a short hike tonight after I finish uploading more pics and drafting this note.

Oh! As far as work on this trip is concerned - the stories are coming in and are very interesting. BUT - I really want to get some rock climbing and hardcore backwoods stories. Need some locals to come out and submit their tales.

Next up - Moab (Arches National Park).

It’s All Relative

2009-11-04T19:39:00.000-08:00

It’s All Relative - A “who’s on first, what’s on second” slice-of-life dramedy about life, death, and love after seventy. Written by Alyssa Polacsek

Please join us on Sunday, November 8th from 4 – 6pm for a fundraising event to help complete post-production & submit to film festivals.

EMAIL to RSVP & get directions to location.

Suggested Donation: $20 - Online Donations
For more information please visit: Lakota Films, LLC (official website)

The Do

2009-10-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

The Do On My Shoulders by thedoband

The bridge is broken / acoustic version by thedoband

As far as indie rock bands go, the do (as in the first and last notes on the musical scale) kick ass! Hauntingly beautiful, disjointed yet connected, visually inspiring and engaging; they make me want to run out and film everything everywhere, edit it together and submit it to film festivals. Granted, this is something I try to do every once in awhile (I've made it my business) but it's worth mentioning regardless, because this duo transcends the urge. From do-to-do and every note and every feeling in between, the do captures and blends both old and new into a fresh sound familiar to Paris and Helsinki. And (because someone asked), Helsinki is in Finland. So, who are the do? Olivia B.Merilahti and Dan Levy. For more information visit them at the do.

Free to Good Home

2009-09-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

(based upon the film but, not a film review)

The headline in the paper or online reads, FREE TO GOOD HOME, referring to a dog, cat or other pet desperately in need of a new home. There are millions of reasons the present owner must find a new home for Spot or Fluffy… “We’re moving into a new apartment that doesn’t allow pets,” “I travel all the time for work and it’s not fair to my pet,” “My child is allergic,” “I’m allergic,” and the reasons pile up. In the end, it is what’s best for Spot that matters most but, that’s not the reason behind this article. This article is about the dangers of posting a “FREE” pet ad.

An ad, placed with the best of intentions reading, FREE TO GOOD HOME, poses many dangers and threats to your pet’s well being. Best-case scenario, Spot ends up in a safe, loving environment, living out a long, insanely happy life. Worst-case scenario, Spot dies at the hands of someone ruthless and malicious. Extreme? Perhaps. Unheard of? Not at all! There are people who seek “free” animals with the intent to do harm, make money, or both. They are called Bunchers, a French term for Butcher. Bunchers have their stories. They know what to say and how to manipulate an owner into feeling as if Spot will be going to the next best home… second to their own. It’s a tale they tell over-and-over to unsuspecting pet owners. Next thing you know Spot is sold to a laboratory to perform who knows what kind of experiments (you’ve seen those horrible photos with prongs sticking out of animals skulls with wires tapping them). Or, Spot is being used as bait to train other, stronger, larger dogs to fight. Spot is beaten to death or tortured by the new owner, tied to a bumper and made to run alongside it until he collapses and is dragged to his death. And if the atrocities mentioned here aren’t disturbing enough, there are hundreds more to be told but I think the point is clear.

Obviously, not all people responding to a free pet ad are dangerous or criminal. But let’s say they get home with Spot and weeks or months later they decide they no longer want Spot… Spot’s not as cute anymore, Spot’s too much work, Spot keeps throwing up on the rug, Spot needs to go to the vet so, Spot end’s up at the pound.

A FREE pet is a disposable pet. Charging as little as $25 can safeguard your pet deterring Buncher’s or other’s not serious about your pet's life. More often than not, if someone is willing to pay something to take Spot home, it’s because they really care about Spot's well-being and they’ll probably take Spot to the vet when sick… instead of the pound. Do NOT GIVE Spot away. For more information contact a local no kill shelter or visit petabuse.com, petfinder.com, petrescue.com.

God's Guarantee

2009-09-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

synopsis
"Forgiving others heals the heart, but forgiving the self heals the soul.”

A cat bell and a set of dog tags worn around Cara’s neck become daily reminders and punishment for something she did years ago until one day, while bartending on the lower east side of Manhattan, she meets Peter, a bike messenger with a gift for music and poetry. As their unexpected relationship evolves, Cara rediscovers her own artistic talents as a painter, gradually exposing her past onto the canvas, testing fate and faith in self and each other.

overview

A feature-length film project to be shot on super-16mm color stock that aspires to be a timely, passionate story. The screenplay has done well in competition placing in the top 10 at Filmmakers Collective, Filmcontest.com and Empire Screenwriting Contest. It has been enthusiastically received at several staged reading events including AngelCiti Film Festival. God’s Guarantee promises to be beautiful and visually stimulating on screen while retaining a raw, heart-felt aesthetic.

For Immediate Release

2009-08-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

August 31, 2009, Manchester, VT: Alyssa Polacsek, founder of Lakota Films, LLC has returned to Manchester from New York City with her latest film, “It’s All Relative… a hilarious tale of life, death and love after seventy!” This “who’s on first, what’s on second” comedy inspired by family and all the strange things family brings to the table, will film in and around Manchester and at Stratton Mountain September 18th – 21st. Local actors along with several extras from the community are participating in the film. Stratton Mountain, Northshire Bookstore, Bagel Works, Zoey’s Double Hex, Green Mountain Coffee and many other businesses, individuals and volunteers, have made local contributions.

This project is in full compliance with the Screen Actors Guild guidelines, and will be entered in upcoming film festivals. Pre- and post-production events will be held throughout the area, and anyone with interest in these events should call or email.

Lakota Films was founded in an effort to combine Alyssa’s environmental and humanitarian interests with the arts and provide a home for her own work as well as the work of other independent artists. It is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization and contributions in behalf of Lakota Films are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

The Adeventures of Faust (story in progress)

2007-07-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

The Adventures of Faust

By Alyssa Polacsek

Once upon a time in a land not so far away, down by the pond filled with thousands of lily pads and more flies than one frog could ever consume without running the risk of turning into a piggy, there lived a frog who stood out amongst the backwash of green and springtime forest. His name was Faust. Faust was not a typical frog even by his looks alone. Faust was blazing orange and neon yellow with spindly legs that could keep him hopping hour-upon-hour extending farther and longer than the other frogs ever dreamed possible. Faust was what his mother oftentimes referred to as being “a hyperactive child.”

If he wasn’t playing leap frog or racing the others around the pond, Faust, in all of his glory with boundless energy could be found entertaining his friends with tales of kings and sorcerer’s, acting out all of the players as well as narrator. Faust would rally his listener’s to play their part with “gasps” and “awes” and “cheers” and “jeers” as needed, and they did so with joy. He would spin his tales until his last listener was beckoned home for dinner and he was left to amuse himself with an extraordinary ending after which he would hop home to see what his own mother had cooked for dinner.

Every once in awhile however, Faust’s mother would come tugging on his ear after calling his name repeatedly, ringing the dinner bell unnoticed by this boy’s “selective hearing.” On those occasions Faust would cry out in character “Let me go free!” and “This behavior is unjustified and will not go unpunished by the gods.” The crowd was spooked into believing Faust’s mother was the Evil Queen of Doom delivering him a horrible fate. Sometimes his mother played along and scared the crowd into believing she was wicked. And when she did not play along, they believed her to be wicked anyway, for Faust could be heard crying out in the distance as his mother huffed in her struggle to get him home.

Faust’s mother was not really wicked. For any mother that would play along in her son’s games surely cannot be all that bad. Faust knew this to be true and he loved his mother more than anything else in this world. She was his best friend and she worked hard to feed him, clothe him, bathe him, and tend to his skinned knees and chaffed scales when he had played too hard. Each night she tucked Faust in bed and spun a tale more magnificent than Faust had ever told.

Faust closed his eyes to sleep and began to drift to the lilt in his mother’s voice …at times a soothing, cunning whisper welcoming the journey and dream.

Faust found himself in a canoe struggling to paddle against the current in an urgent attempt to deliver a message to the Green Cat of Bangladesh. This is a task more difficult in nature due to the constant change in direction of the river, flowing sideways, upstream, downstream, and at times revolving much like a Ferris wheel. Up and down, around and around again and again. Back-and-forth, forth and back over and over until he found himself overturned and gasping for breath on the shore of Whimsy Manor… home of the Green Cat of Bangladesh.

Faust dragged himself out of the water. His canoe washed up on shore in bits and pieces beside him, scarcely recognizable. He rolled over thankful to be alive, and looked up at the sky dripping pink raindrops tasting of cotton candy. He stuck out his tongue and caught them there, laughing as they tickled his tongue and belly from the inside. With every laugh, bubbles floated out of his mouth, each filled with little rainbow colored fishes... hundreds of miniature fish bowls floating in the air above. Once high in the sky the bubbles would “pop” and the fish sang out “Geronimo!” as they somersaulted into the river with the grace and ease of an Olympian diver. Faust watched in amazement, cheering them on when he suddenly remembered the message he needed to deliver.

“Quick now! No time to waste!” Those were the words he remembered. But, what was the rest of the message? It was something important. He would be in big trouble if he didn’t remember what it was and deliver it straight away. “Oh, dear me!” Faust cried. “I best be on my way and hope upon hope something jogs my memory.”

Faust jumped up and his legs went wiggly beneath him. He jumped again and down he went once more.

“Crawl!”

“What?” Faust said. “Who said that?”

“I did! Down here.”

Faust looked down and waving a million or so little legs was a millipede. “The raindrops make your body limp, your thoughts silly, your mood giddy. Crawling helps rid it from your system.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

“Have you ever been to Whimsy Manor?”

“Why, no! I haven’t.”

“Welcome! Here in Whimsy, Bangladesh there is magic in every leaf, every grain of sand, every breath of fresh air; there is laughter and joy, belly rubs and tickled toes, moistened sunshine, dry showers, and wind blown hair. Nothing is as it appears. And everything is what it seems.”

“That’s confusing!”

“Not nearly as much as you think. And it’s thought about much less than that.”

Faust shook his head for he thought he was suddenly seeing double, and the millipede, which already had more than enough legs, now had double… if not triple!

“Crawl! Crawl! Faust crawled down to the water and back to the millipede who was fortunately ONE again!

“See?” said the millipede. “My name is Millicent! What’s yours?”

“Faust. I have an urgent message to deliver to the Green Cat of Bangladesh.”

“Urgent?”

“Yes!”

“Well, we better get a move on it now, hadn’t we?”

“Why, yes!” cried Faust. “But, I cannot remember what it was!”

“Ahhh! You drank the rain, did you not?

“Yes. I did! What’ll happen to me?”

“The rain protects the Green Cat of Bangladesh from trespassers, monsters, and humans. But, fear not! If you are not one of the aforementioned the message will come back to you as we move closer to the manor.”

“You will take me there?”

“Of course, I will! Follow me!”

Millicent scrambled over rock and leaf, up hills and down ravine’s as Faust crawled, slowly gaining strength in his legs. They came upon a rope bridge when Millicent stopped.

“This is as far as I go! The bridge will only allow those to pass who have reason to cross. Each rung is capable of asking a question or posing a riddle. If you answer successfully, you can step forward. If you answer wrong, or not at all, the rung will snap sending you tumbling into Smelters Hole, turning you into lava. There are twenty-two rungs… twenty-two questions… twenty-two chances to deliver your message to the Green Cat of Bangladesh. Good luck!” And with that, Millicent scurried away into the underbrush.

Faust was worried. What if he didn’t know an answer? He may never see his mother again.

“Step here!” Faust turned his head sharply. A voice rang out from the first rung.

“Step here!” Faust pulled himself to his feet and stepped on the first rung.”

“OUCH!” It cried out!

“Sorry.” Faust sighed.

“I was only kidding!” said the rung.

“Oh!” Faust stood for a moment waiting for the rung to ask a question or say something. It said nothing. So, Faust stepped forward to the next rung. He waited. It too remained silent. Faust began leaping rung-to-rung with ease thinking, “This is great! I haven’t been asked one question. I’ll be with the Green Cat of Bangladesh in no time. The sooner there, the sooner I can go home!” Suddenly, “STOP!” And Faust froze in his tracks. He looked back and realized he made it to the middle of the bridge. All of the rungs behind him were gone. There was NO going back! And, forward remained to be seen.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Faust.” Silence again. Faust stepped forward. The rung behind him fell away. The rung he now stood on said, “Do you have any tea?”

“Why no. I have not any tea. I am sorry.”

He quickly stepped forward as the fell away.

“No need to say sorry to him.”

Faust stepped quickly again as the last rung fell away too. Each rung spoke faster than the last and with each step Faust demonstrated precision and speed. Five rungs left to go when a voice asked, “Who lives in the hole under the rug of the great oak tree?” Faust stood still. There was his best friend, Max the magical monkey who ate mud pies under the Maples and Mistletoe. He, as astounding as it may seem, lived under an Oak tree. Could it be him? Before Faust had adequate time to think he felt the rung give way when he blurted out, “MAX.” He stepped quickly. He was safe!

“Who was the pretty girl who made rivers run chocolate? The rung quivered. Faust panicked and screamed, “Ruth the raccoon who rummages for radiators to rap music and rum covered donuts and chocolates, chocolates, chocolates.” Safe again!

“He wore a sock on his wing and a hat on his foot and a glove on his head to stay warm.” Faust laughed, “That could only be Davis the darling devoted duck who remembers doddles are doodles and doodles are doddles and doddles =mc2.

“He rounded third for a homerun with hotcakes and sausages.” Faust claimed, “That’s Connor the cougar with claws made of copper and enough Clementine’s for all of the players.

“He is sleek and fast in the cold of winter but not nearly as big as a cow.” “My hunch is Logan the Lynx who leaps and does laps from the lake to the Appalachians with long languid strides for a taste of a lemon flavored lollipop. Faust stepped forward… off of the bridge when suddenly a whooshing sound came up behind him. ALL of the rungs that had fallen now swirled in the air singing “Hallelujah” in harmony as they returned to their original positions on the bridge.

Faust then felt something rubbing against his leg. He looked down to see a little black kitten wearing a green fedora with a feather. Faust scooped him up in his arms and said, “You’re just a kitten.” “Meow,” said the kitten. Faust scratched behind the kitten’s ears and touched his nose to his own nose when a black panther leapt over the manor wall landing at Faust’s feet. In one swipe the panther took the kitten by its scruff and tossed him towards a bowl of milk at the main entrance. The panther growled, moving slowly, lowering his face to meet Faust’s. Faust’s legs trembled. The panther too wore a green fedora and Faust realized this was the Green Cat of Bangladesh.

“You have a message for me!” snarled the great cat.

Faust had forgotten all about the message. In his attempt to cross the bridge it completely slipped his mind. He had been focused on NOT FALLING into Smelters Hole that he forgot all about the message.

“Well! Out with it!”

“My mother said my father is to come home NOW!”

“She did, did she?” said the Green Cat of Bangladesh.

“Yes! She said he is to come home now to tuck Faust in bed and kiss him goodnight. That’s me. I’m Faust!”

“I don’t know if I can do that Faust! I am the Green Cat of Bangladesh and I need your father to stay and help take care of Whimsy Manor.”

Faust was then surrounded by thousands of Kittens wearing green fedoras making horrible hissing sounds. They were loud and unnerving, rattling him to his core. He rolled over, stretched, yawned, reached up and turned off his alarm clock. His mother was kissing his cheeks, “Good morning my little darling! Time for breakfast.” Faust didn’t feel like getting out of bed yet. He was warm under the covers and was having a fantastical dream. He wanted to go back again.

“But mom!”

“Come on! Outta’ bed sleepy head.”

“Awe mom! Do I have to?”

“Yes Faust. You do.”

Faust moped and tossed his spindly legs over the edge of the bed. His legs felt strong. He washed his face and smoothed his scales and went downstairs for breakfast. There was a green fedora with a feather hanging by the front door on the coat rack. Faust leapt with joy! “Daddy’s home! Mom! Daddy’s home!” Faust raced into the kitchen and there was his dad sipping a cup of Lily water with his mom.

“Of course he is silly! Where did you think he was?”

“The Green Cat of Bangladesh said she was going to keep him there… to help take care of Whimsy Manor.”

“Such an imagination.” She said.

“Whimsy Manor?” his dad croaked. “Come here kid! Give your dad a hug good morning.”

Faust gave his father a hug.

“We have something special for you Faust.”

“What is it?”

Faust’s parents led him to the pond. There, tied to a tree was a canoe.

“Merry Christmas Faust” they both cried.

“How’d you get it back?”

“Get it back? What do you mean? Did you go snooping for your presents this year?” said Faust’s mom.

“No. It broke to pieces on the river.”

“What river?” said his father?

“The one to Whimsy.”

“Oh Faust! You were dreaming sweetheart. There is no river in these parts… just a pond. There’s no Green Cat of Bangladesh… just your family, friends and neighbors. And none of us would let anything bad happen to you. And, there’s no Whimsy!”

“Come on son! Let’s take her for a cruise, shall we?”

Faust, along with his mom and dad, hopped into the canoe and paddled around the pond. Faust pretended he was a Native American Indian, paddling quietly, ducking under branches along the edge, whispering to his mom and dad to do the same. And, they did!

The End!

kalai - crows feet

2006-09-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Last night I stumbled upon KALAI on myspace and I was enthralled! I could not stop listening and I found myself racing to Virgin Records to pick up a copy of his latest release, Crows Feet. I am listening to it right this moment and I can honestly say, it was a FINE purchase!

I ride along on this journey sensing some worldly vibe in touch with the nomad in me... a familiar story... a surprise ending... a swell... a lull... tugging my strings until I am in tune... or out of tune... strolling along a well-worn path... or veering off course treading lightly on new ground... without fear... and a smile clinging to my face because it simply feels good. This is how his music makes me feel. I can breathe again! What a pure feeling of divine intervention.

http://www.kalai.cc/

Marched to Save Women's Lives

2004-04-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

WOW!!!

It was an amazing experience yesterday! I was one of about 800,000 people that marched to Save Women's Lives in Washington D.C. and I am so glad to have been a part of the demonstration. According to the police, this is the LARGEST demonstration in history to date for ANY subject. If I offend anyone, that is not my intention. I want to keep what is mine (my body) and help others to keep what is theirs. Also, I do not know where any of you stand on the issue, but I know I love YOU for who you are and I can only hope to receive the same in return. No judgemnet passed! I simply am sharing an experience and a powerful one at that! Here were some of my favorite slogans yesterday one of the most disturbing as well.

"Terminate Presidency - Abort Bush"
"My Bush is Pro-Choice"
"I want to control your uterus." (This was a man wearing a mask holding a sign and I ask, who is the terrorist in this group?)

Our crew went down with the Empire State Pride Agenda bus and we were one big happy family! They rock!

My production team and I wore t-shirts that created a little buzz about Icarus Fool and we passed out postcards. Our slogan, Help remove the Scarlet A...based on the true story of a teenager who self-induces a miscarriage even though abortion IS legal. Our website is up however, it needs a lot of changes and they are being worked on. Anyway, you can check it out www.IcarusFool.com but, remember, it's getting a complete makeover.

Remember to vote! There have been over 200 abortion laws changed since Bush has been in office. We are one seat away on the Supreme Court to eliminating Roe vs. Wade if he is elected into office again. I fear Bush! And, I love life!

Peace!

Porcelain Doll - Lyrics Only

2004-01-16T21:06:00.000-08:00

Porcelain doll with a broken smile

Friend of mine

Sits on a shelf staring vacantly

Not empty

She fears oblivion

She fears chaos and rage

She fears someone broke her smile

Someone broke her smile

Prozac withered tears

Stolen breath delivers night

Drowned a cause (Caressed the light)

Singed the hem of her skirt

She screams of anguish

She screams hell pain

She screams someone broke her smile

Someone stole her smile

Vodka martini (extra dry please)

Coats the blues

Panicked pants strain to break free

Releasing the caged bird that sings

She cries her secrets

She cries nursery rhymes

She cries someone broke her smile

Someone broke her smile

Steals a moment from death (Cheats the world)

Grasping at words on a page

Words on a page emerge from her scars

Not porcelain skin

She’s not a porcelain doll

She dreams of chance

She dreams enlightenment

She dreams of prayer

Speak softly her name

The absurdity

Of the idea of a god

Protecting the soul

Of a madman

Of a madwoman

In love

With

An idea.

Shedding (lyrics only)

2000-12-15T10:02:00.000-08:00

Shed light

Shed skin

Shed clothes

For my delight

For survival

For to see

Blind alley

Blind man

Blind spot

In my mirror

In the road

In the night

Washed away

Washed out

Washed clean

From Tide

From time

From the shore

To the sea

To be or not to be

To stand and deliver

Letters from a loved one

Letters from Shakespeare

Letters in a bottle

Cracked open

Cracked sidewalk

Cracked egg

On your face

On which to walk

On the side

Way to go

Way out there

Way out west

You’re dreams come true

You’re so cool

You’re number one

How can you lose

How so

How now brown cow

You’re so much fun

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2000-01-31T10:33:00.000-08:00

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