Stepping back the pace a little today.
While most people like to Power-Up for Monday, I think today I will power down a few gears and try and focus my energies on one thing and not Cosmic multi task which is what I am so used to doing, so much so that it seems normal to me. Until I start to see the people in my daily life begin to flinch when I speak to them, or they start to lag behind and are too tired or fatigued to have the desire to keep the pace with me, saying that they will catch me on the next lap just as soon as they catch their breath.
My “day-Job” requires such a 24/7 Power-Up pace, however, the lesson I am learning as I am now walking beside the Divine Miss U… a.k.a. The Universe. She is no longer a storm that is calling to me from off shore, but instead she is a trusted friend and confidant who is reminding me today that even the man in the circus who does the “Plate Spinning Act” with 100 plates in the air at a time… does not spin plates 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
There needs to be time for you, for the Universe to have a chat while you sit idle at the stop light on the road of life laughing about simpler things, things that do not need to save the world, save the planet or even save time. Just spend a day laughing at the nonsensical things, journey into new parts of your city, get lost in your thoughts, or close the door put on some music and “Dance Like the Whole World is Watching”!
Yes… the world will be there tomorrow, the hustle and bustle the dreams and the hopes all ready for your fresher outlook and your clear clean eyes to gaze at it. You say out-Loud , “Wow! I have never seen that before!” and your friend the Universe says:
“Don’t be silly, that has always been there just like it is now. I should know, I put it there. You just needed to downshift and see it at a slower pace instead of whizzing around like some NASCAR car driver of life with everything blurred except what is in front of you!”
A downshift to a Power-Up will always lead you to a victory…however if you were to run your life at a continuous break neck speed you will never arrive at the finish-line because you will have never seen the life lessons that she intends you to see.
So slow down and Go Gently and Power-Up to tomorrow.
And that's why my Monday blog got posted on Tuesday -- and it, like me, is the better for it!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
THE POWER OF "U"
There is an intense storm off shore.
You know it because you can see the clouds appear in the early evening sky, backlit by electric energy, and then instantly disappear into blackness.
Moments later a deep rumbling greets you, borne on the salt-swept wavetops of the surf. You are captivated by the storm’s size. Its sheer bulk encompasses your horizon.
It calls to you like a siren of the sea, it touches every pore of your being, and the ache to be engulfed in her turbulence is unlike anything you have ever felt or imagined possible in your lifetime.
The storm moves in to shore. Fear, anxiety, the fight or flight response is activated in you.
You chose Fight.
Standing your ground squaring your shoulders holding the line it hits. Not with gentle rain but with a BLAST a wall of water SLAMS into your body with such an intensity it is like a hit from 100 linebackers plowing into you.
Somehow you stand your ground. Your soul is drenched, cleansed. Your spirit rejuvenated, your body empowered.
Open your eyes to quiet... the beach is gone, the storm has dissipated, your clothes are dry, nothing is as it was except, wait…
Nothing is as it was because something has joined you the storm brought you to the X on your treasure map, to the point of being you, with every hope sent out with every dream wished and every desire fanned. You have called her and now she stands beside you.
Say hello to the Universe, she is right next to you…
FEEL THE POWER OF “U”
You know it because you can see the clouds appear in the early evening sky, backlit by electric energy, and then instantly disappear into blackness.
Moments later a deep rumbling greets you, borne on the salt-swept wavetops of the surf. You are captivated by the storm’s size. Its sheer bulk encompasses your horizon.
It calls to you like a siren of the sea, it touches every pore of your being, and the ache to be engulfed in her turbulence is unlike anything you have ever felt or imagined possible in your lifetime.
The storm moves in to shore. Fear, anxiety, the fight or flight response is activated in you.
You chose Fight.
Standing your ground squaring your shoulders holding the line it hits. Not with gentle rain but with a BLAST a wall of water SLAMS into your body with such an intensity it is like a hit from 100 linebackers plowing into you.
Somehow you stand your ground. Your soul is drenched, cleansed. Your spirit rejuvenated, your body empowered.
Open your eyes to quiet... the beach is gone, the storm has dissipated, your clothes are dry, nothing is as it was except, wait…
Nothing is as it was because something has joined you the storm brought you to the X on your treasure map, to the point of being you, with every hope sent out with every dream wished and every desire fanned. You have called her and now she stands beside you.
Say hello to the Universe, she is right next to you…
FEEL THE POWER OF “U”
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
OZ Is Within Me!
Wow, I just read yesterday's blog. It is no wonder I have been having a feeling of déjà vu on steroids.
For the past week, I mean not just a feeling like this moment I have lived before but ALL OF LAST WEEK, EVERY SECOND, EVERY MINUTE, EVERY DAY… I felt, no, I KNEW, what was going to happen next.
I absolutely without question knew. It got to a point where I was telling the Universe what she forgot!
I would be sitting with my friend Sean having a beer playing pool and I said “I am going to be beaten next game by a one armed, one-eyed Lesbian!” And sure enough the only person ever brave enough to break into a ritual game of pool played by Sean and myself was honest and truly a one sighted eye Lesbian who beat me with one arm tied behind her back! No Lie…. I wish I could make this up!
Anyway a week of déjà vu, ends to be about 6 days, 23hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds too long to have.
This morning I woke up and… I was in the present; I am in the Now, I am right where I needed to be all along. Not a question of doubt, not a care in the world and happily not a clue what is going to happen next.
I AM HOME… my very own home… Oz is in me. I have arrived at my Being Point!
For the past week, I mean not just a feeling like this moment I have lived before but ALL OF LAST WEEK, EVERY SECOND, EVERY MINUTE, EVERY DAY… I felt, no, I KNEW, what was going to happen next.
I absolutely without question knew. It got to a point where I was telling the Universe what she forgot!
I would be sitting with my friend Sean having a beer playing pool and I said “I am going to be beaten next game by a one armed, one-eyed Lesbian!” And sure enough the only person ever brave enough to break into a ritual game of pool played by Sean and myself was honest and truly a one sighted eye Lesbian who beat me with one arm tied behind her back! No Lie…. I wish I could make this up!
Anyway a week of déjà vu, ends to be about 6 days, 23hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds too long to have.
This morning I woke up and… I was in the present; I am in the Now, I am right where I needed to be all along. Not a question of doubt, not a care in the world and happily not a clue what is going to happen next.
I AM HOME… my very own home… Oz is in me. I have arrived at my Being Point!
Monday, October 19, 2009
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME COMING
Home Coming-- who will ever find it the same? How could you find it the same? Why would you want to find it anything but the same? Why isn’t it the same?
Well it happened to me this weekend.
I hitched a ride on a twister (my life) and landed safely back in OZ, my hometown.
Funny how I never knew that the fable was switched around before, but it is not that Dorothy wants to get back to Kansas. What she doesn’t know is how to get back to “her Kansas,” the one she had left 30 ago. What she found in OZ was actually home – she had just been gone so long it was hard to recognize. Everything had aged 30 years; people had passed or moved on; city planners did what they do, and before you know it you felt like a stranger in the one place you counted on knowing all of your life.
For some this would be hard enough to head back after 30 years and see what there is to be seen. Have I ever allowed my life to be so simple and to do one task at a time? Please!
I am the King of “Cosmic Multi Tasking,” so I packed as much stuff into a 48 hour round trip tornado ride as I could, I am to be honored by my High School along with 5 other folks from its 55 year history into the “High School Hall of Fame,” the first ever inaugural group. This means that out of all the senior classes of senior classes at Carlsbad High School, somehow someone thought I should be chosen to personify and represent everything that can happen when one does “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” to his discover his own land of OZ!
WOW! What are you kidding me? I was a nobody, a geek’s geek, and guy who was so riddled with shyness that he had to put on layers of bravado each morning before his tube socks just to get to school. I was the top choice to stand up for Carlsbad High, this was unfathomable. It brought me right back to the time in High School in 1980 before we graduated that I was nominated to be “Most Talented” in the class.???
Again… What??? I didn’t think people could even see me, let alone knew I wanted to be an actor when I grew up. But the Wizard had other plans it seems as I did win Both coveted awards over a 30 year time span. Talk about a Bubble ride!!
Coming back to my Kansas, I hardly recognized the place.
The school had tripled in size and as a matter of fact a new gym now stood Dwarfing the old one and this was the reason for the Dedication for the Hall of Fame except they were inducting non-athletes , Math Science, Creative Arts, Business, Education—All the misfits from their respected classes now were asked to stand up on a stage with a rainbow hanging over it and be lorded as their favorite sons and daughters. (Come to think of it, it was a boys club all men and not one woman made the hall of Fames first induction, hmm odd that I did not pick up on that until just now. not a Dorothy in the bunch. Seems a little strange.)
We were the Cowardly Lions in our time.
The Scarecrows.
And the invisible Tin Men.
Now we were standing on a stage before the entire school hearing our credits read off and for the first time ever in being in this space I was not worried if people were going to see me or here me or even like me it was a given. I was the man of the hour (one of six at least) and with it came the respect and humility I had always wanted as a kid.
I then stopped the show… yeah I told you I was packing a lot in this weekend. I had an agenda and I was going to get through this. I took the microphone and said to the class of 2010,2011,2012 and 2013 and all the teachers and Alumni present:
The first step in your Journey is the most important and without that step we would not be before you today trying to inspire you to reach your dreams.
The first step comes from someone believeing in you and I would like to recognize and start a scholarship program in this woman’s name. To the First woman “grown-up” ever to believe in me “us” the plaque reads.
To Monica Hall, our (Drama-Mama) the first grown up ever to believe in us! Thanks Teach- for your straightforward, inexhaustible style of believing in your “kids”. 30 years of the wonderful realities you created because you did something as simple as believe, the sum of all the belief you have given us could power Entire Nations.
Doug Jack
on behalf of the Carlsbad Theater Alumni
More in part two of this tale of back to Kansas, but I need a moment to cry tears for that boy who wanted so much to be the man I am today and stay in this bubble of Joy for a while be back soon!
Well it happened to me this weekend.
I hitched a ride on a twister (my life) and landed safely back in OZ, my hometown.
Funny how I never knew that the fable was switched around before, but it is not that Dorothy wants to get back to Kansas. What she doesn’t know is how to get back to “her Kansas,” the one she had left 30 ago. What she found in OZ was actually home – she had just been gone so long it was hard to recognize. Everything had aged 30 years; people had passed or moved on; city planners did what they do, and before you know it you felt like a stranger in the one place you counted on knowing all of your life.
For some this would be hard enough to head back after 30 years and see what there is to be seen. Have I ever allowed my life to be so simple and to do one task at a time? Please!
I am the King of “Cosmic Multi Tasking,” so I packed as much stuff into a 48 hour round trip tornado ride as I could, I am to be honored by my High School along with 5 other folks from its 55 year history into the “High School Hall of Fame,” the first ever inaugural group. This means that out of all the senior classes of senior classes at Carlsbad High School, somehow someone thought I should be chosen to personify and represent everything that can happen when one does “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” to his discover his own land of OZ!
WOW! What are you kidding me? I was a nobody, a geek’s geek, and guy who was so riddled with shyness that he had to put on layers of bravado each morning before his tube socks just to get to school. I was the top choice to stand up for Carlsbad High, this was unfathomable. It brought me right back to the time in High School in 1980 before we graduated that I was nominated to be “Most Talented” in the class.???
Again… What??? I didn’t think people could even see me, let alone knew I wanted to be an actor when I grew up. But the Wizard had other plans it seems as I did win Both coveted awards over a 30 year time span. Talk about a Bubble ride!!
Coming back to my Kansas, I hardly recognized the place.
The school had tripled in size and as a matter of fact a new gym now stood Dwarfing the old one and this was the reason for the Dedication for the Hall of Fame except they were inducting non-athletes , Math Science, Creative Arts, Business, Education—All the misfits from their respected classes now were asked to stand up on a stage with a rainbow hanging over it and be lorded as their favorite sons and daughters. (Come to think of it, it was a boys club all men and not one woman made the hall of Fames first induction, hmm odd that I did not pick up on that until just now. not a Dorothy in the bunch. Seems a little strange.)
We were the Cowardly Lions in our time.
The Scarecrows.
And the invisible Tin Men.
Now we were standing on a stage before the entire school hearing our credits read off and for the first time ever in being in this space I was not worried if people were going to see me or here me or even like me it was a given. I was the man of the hour (one of six at least) and with it came the respect and humility I had always wanted as a kid.
I then stopped the show… yeah I told you I was packing a lot in this weekend. I had an agenda and I was going to get through this. I took the microphone and said to the class of 2010,2011,2012 and 2013 and all the teachers and Alumni present:
The first step in your Journey is the most important and without that step we would not be before you today trying to inspire you to reach your dreams.
The first step comes from someone believeing in you and I would like to recognize and start a scholarship program in this woman’s name. To the First woman “grown-up” ever to believe in me “us” the plaque reads.
To Monica Hall, our (Drama-Mama) the first grown up ever to believe in us! Thanks Teach- for your straightforward, inexhaustible style of believing in your “kids”. 30 years of the wonderful realities you created because you did something as simple as believe, the sum of all the belief you have given us could power Entire Nations.
Doug Jack
on behalf of the Carlsbad Theater Alumni
More in part two of this tale of back to Kansas, but I need a moment to cry tears for that boy who wanted so much to be the man I am today and stay in this bubble of Joy for a while be back soon!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Dancin' Fool!
First we were in the control room and we danced while this little-big show went off like a perfect song, nothing went wrong, the 2000 volunteers did the most amazing job and we danced for them while they danced on the field! It was nothing short of amazing!
Then Beyonce came out and sang for an hour and a half, and we danced on the field with our cast and then she danced for us on the stage, I have never been so close to a performance with such energy and power, Beyonce aka. Sasha FIERCE (her stage name) was truly FIERCE, and we danced and danced…AMAZING!
Then to the cast and crew party where, YES you guessed it, this 47 year old man Dancedwith every member of the my team until we were so tired and happy because itwas an amazing show and we all worked so hard to get here and to know it was so good it made our ears and hearts open and we danced… ABBA.. Beyonce.. Rihanna and
countless other songs and I kept on dancing.
Then to my apartment in the middle of town where, no I did not dance, but fell asleep dead for five hours and then got a taxi back to the arena to say goodbye and go to the airport where I m now. In the taxi at the arena as the taxi driver waited for me to say goodbye and turn my keys to my apartment in, he shared with me his lunch that his wife had made for him.. This has never happened in my life where a taxi driver shared with me his joy and his home-made lunch! It was very touching indeed and quite tasty! AMAZING!
Finally we are now at the airport, I do not know why I am speaking in the royal “WE” but I am, maybe because I feel an entire country with me as I wait for my boss Marco Balich to join me.
I now begin the 1st of four flights that will take me back to the USA, 2 flights today to Italy, where I will spend the night and then two more flights to Los Angeles, where I will rent a car and drive to my HOME in Palm Springs (after the evenings traffic finishes).
Where finally I will stop dancing and be back in the USA and begin to get my book out to all of you who are reading this, and hopefully you will dance in the Wonderful memories I have had in these 47 years.
Wow it is such an amazing honor to have this life to live in such a crazy Wonderful way, I may not need all four airplanes to get me home… I MAY JUST DANCE!!
Thank you Ukraine and thank you to all the Volunteers and my cast and crew whom have given me such a chance to be a little-Disney-Dancer who could!
AMAZING!
Thank you!
Then Beyonce came out and sang for an hour and a half, and we danced on the field with our cast and then she danced for us on the stage, I have never been so close to a performance with such energy and power, Beyonce aka. Sasha FIERCE (her stage name) was truly FIERCE, and we danced and danced…AMAZING!
Then to the cast and crew party where, YES you guessed it, this 47 year old man Dancedwith every member of the my team until we were so tired and happy because itwas an amazing show and we all worked so hard to get here and to know it was so good it made our ears and hearts open and we danced… ABBA.. Beyonce.. Rihanna and
countless other songs and I kept on dancing.
Then to my apartment in the middle of town where, no I did not dance, but fell asleep dead for five hours and then got a taxi back to the arena to say goodbye and go to the airport where I m now. In the taxi at the arena as the taxi driver waited for me to say goodbye and turn my keys to my apartment in, he shared with me his lunch that his wife had made for him.. This has never happened in my life where a taxi driver shared with me his joy and his home-made lunch! It was very touching indeed and quite tasty! AMAZING!
Finally we are now at the airport, I do not know why I am speaking in the royal “WE” but I am, maybe because I feel an entire country with me as I wait for my boss Marco Balich to join me.
I now begin the 1st of four flights that will take me back to the USA, 2 flights today to Italy, where I will spend the night and then two more flights to Los Angeles, where I will rent a car and drive to my HOME in Palm Springs (after the evenings traffic finishes).
Where finally I will stop dancing and be back in the USA and begin to get my book out to all of you who are reading this, and hopefully you will dance in the Wonderful memories I have had in these 47 years.
Wow it is such an amazing honor to have this life to live in such a crazy Wonderful way, I may not need all four airplanes to get me home… I MAY JUST DANCE!!
Thank you Ukraine and thank you to all the Volunteers and my cast and crew whom have given me such a chance to be a little-Disney-Dancer who could!
AMAZING!
Thank you!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Julia's Song
Twenty-two years ago I began this trek around the world, and since then I have been one of the luckiest men on the planet, creating shows that by count the entire world has seen many times over.
But last night here in Eastern Europe, in the town of Donetesk, a place famous for its coal mining and an one very awesome Championship Football club called Shaktar, with a brand new “Diamond Stadium” opening it’s doors to the world tomorrow night. A couple of thousand enthusiastic volunteers performing onstage and backstage in a show that I had a small part in writing and directing, when one lone voice stepped out of the crowd of the many and speaks…no wait, not speaks…but Sings (in the form of a thank you letter).
Not only in Donestk but for all of the countless masses of volunteers I (we) have had the amazing honor of being allowed to help realize the one dream of the many thousands who have ever been brave enough to step out of the crowd and volunteer. Taking your one voice and molding it into a chorus of many that the world will not only hear but they will feel deep inside of their hearts.
Not only is this letter the sweetest music to my ears but to those of the hard-working international team who will never forget the talent and tenacity of you; the dedicated local cast and crew that is doing more then they thought possible by are moving mountains (not only of coal) but, just plain mountains to do this for a people we have never known until a few months ago but now will never forget as long as we live. Just because we are crazy enough to care to make the Impossible-Possible! This is the greatest quest any persons can be on, one of the Belief in Magic!
This is the very reason that got me hooked twenty-two years ago into dedicating my life’s work to being what it is. Friends, this is the real Front Side of Wonderful.
From one volunteer’s pen, now to you, I share the fuel in our spirit, the dream in our hearts and the Goal to the end any game…
Dear all,
My words may seem to you foolish and childishly naïve, but nevertheless I hope they will evoke smiles on your faces.
Kindly be aware that there are people who admire what you are doing and are happy to assist you (even in the smallest and insignificant way) in this show’s organization.
This is not an empty and groundless flattery, the matter is that at this point I feel that I am not a spectator, but a direct participant in the show, that is, finally, I am where I always wanted to be!
As you are an integral part of events taking place in my life, I have the greatest desire to share my feelings with you. I try to remember every moment, successful or not very much. Because this will be a grand event not only for a big city, but for a “small person” also, who had a possibility to break the monotonous existence with a maximum of surprises.
Your smiles leave none indifferent, your enthusiasm is much admired. I am happy to meet you and there are no limits for gratitude and this happiness.
P.S. I’m sure that every participant has gained abundant experience and lasting impressions!
Thank you very much for these days!
Kind regards,
Volunteer- Julia Berdnik
The Opening of the Don Bass Arena, Donestk, Ukraine. August 29th 2009
Julia, thank you for taking the time; first to volunteer with all of your heart and soul and the patience and strength you add to this amazing cast and secondly to pay us such an accolade with your heartfelt words, so please know this to be true, it is only because of people like you that makes it possible for people like us…to do what we love. Thank You!
If you would permit me, I boldly wish to edit one small part of our letter. You are not and never will be just one “small person” your help will never be insignificant or forgotten. You are a person who was built for Wonder and able to feel a Maximum of Surprises. This is no small feat at all Julia… this is the Goal that wins any game! You and every volunteer here in Donestk are indeed the True Champions!
Thank you to you for being…you.
We Humbly share this victory with you, from me and for all the team here,
Doug Jack
Director of the Opening Ceremonies of the Don Bass Arena, Donestk, Ukraine. August 29th 2009
But last night here in Eastern Europe, in the town of Donetesk, a place famous for its coal mining and an one very awesome Championship Football club called Shaktar, with a brand new “Diamond Stadium” opening it’s doors to the world tomorrow night. A couple of thousand enthusiastic volunteers performing onstage and backstage in a show that I had a small part in writing and directing, when one lone voice stepped out of the crowd of the many and speaks…no wait, not speaks…but Sings (in the form of a thank you letter).
Not only in Donestk but for all of the countless masses of volunteers I (we) have had the amazing honor of being allowed to help realize the one dream of the many thousands who have ever been brave enough to step out of the crowd and volunteer. Taking your one voice and molding it into a chorus of many that the world will not only hear but they will feel deep inside of their hearts.
Not only is this letter the sweetest music to my ears but to those of the hard-working international team who will never forget the talent and tenacity of you; the dedicated local cast and crew that is doing more then they thought possible by are moving mountains (not only of coal) but, just plain mountains to do this for a people we have never known until a few months ago but now will never forget as long as we live. Just because we are crazy enough to care to make the Impossible-Possible! This is the greatest quest any persons can be on, one of the Belief in Magic!
This is the very reason that got me hooked twenty-two years ago into dedicating my life’s work to being what it is. Friends, this is the real Front Side of Wonderful.
From one volunteer’s pen, now to you, I share the fuel in our spirit, the dream in our hearts and the Goal to the end any game…
Dear all,
My words may seem to you foolish and childishly naïve, but nevertheless I hope they will evoke smiles on your faces.
Kindly be aware that there are people who admire what you are doing and are happy to assist you (even in the smallest and insignificant way) in this show’s organization.
This is not an empty and groundless flattery, the matter is that at this point I feel that I am not a spectator, but a direct participant in the show, that is, finally, I am where I always wanted to be!
As you are an integral part of events taking place in my life, I have the greatest desire to share my feelings with you. I try to remember every moment, successful or not very much. Because this will be a grand event not only for a big city, but for a “small person” also, who had a possibility to break the monotonous existence with a maximum of surprises.
Your smiles leave none indifferent, your enthusiasm is much admired. I am happy to meet you and there are no limits for gratitude and this happiness.
P.S. I’m sure that every participant has gained abundant experience and lasting impressions!
Thank you very much for these days!
Kind regards,
Volunteer- Julia Berdnik
The Opening of the Don Bass Arena, Donestk, Ukraine. August 29th 2009
Julia, thank you for taking the time; first to volunteer with all of your heart and soul and the patience and strength you add to this amazing cast and secondly to pay us such an accolade with your heartfelt words, so please know this to be true, it is only because of people like you that makes it possible for people like us…to do what we love. Thank You!
If you would permit me, I boldly wish to edit one small part of our letter. You are not and never will be just one “small person” your help will never be insignificant or forgotten. You are a person who was built for Wonder and able to feel a Maximum of Surprises. This is no small feat at all Julia… this is the Goal that wins any game! You and every volunteer here in Donestk are indeed the True Champions!
Thank you to you for being…you.
We Humbly share this victory with you, from me and for all the team here,
Doug Jack
Director of the Opening Ceremonies of the Don Bass Arena, Donestk, Ukraine. August 29th 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Jackson 5th Generation
Last night in a beer garden in Donestk, here in the Ukraine, I became a Great Grandfather at 47… Who would have Thunk?
Please let me explain. I just did the math, and this is not an impossible feat for a 47-year-old male to be great granddads if I was, say...
A Father by 15 years old, then add 16 years to be a grandfather at 31, then you add 16 more years to be 47 and a great grandfather!
I am sure this has not happened a lot around the globe, but it has happened. My family tree, however, grows in a slightly different direction.
In my chosen profession of Stadium Theater, which is the art form of Choreographing and Direction of thousands of people for the Opening, Closing, or Halftime shows in stadiums around the world.
The words mass choreography and human animation are part of our legacy to the world.
This art form began as a family affair back in 1990 in Singapore, when I was the youngest of three. There was Ronnie-Jim, Judy, and me cutting our teeth on a smallish show with 6000 Singaporeans and just 3 of us trying to MSU (Make Stuff Up) and getting them in line!
(Check out the whole story behind MSU, and MUCH more, in my FIRST BOOK:THE BACK SIDE OF WONDERFUL available now!)
In 1991 we went to Grand Britannia we to do a Show in Sheffield, England, and added two kids to our tree: Wanda and Francesca, two English roses as different as night and day but, best friends forever.
Leaving them after just a summer the original three musketeers traveled down to Barcelona and our 1st Olympic odyssey together in 1992.
4 years later 1996 we added our kids Collin, Jason, Kristen, Maria, and Cynthia to the tree.
By the time 2002 comes around, I am the sole surviving member of the original three, but still with our kids from Atlanta as we complete a successful Salt Lake Olympics.
Right after the Salt Lake Games I am called back to England to do the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, where I re-meet one of our first children Wanda and she as “Mother” and I as “Grandfather” head up the teams there for Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Here is where I meet my “core team since 2002”. Grandson Bryn, and Granddaughter twins Rocky and Gina who have “Mad Skills for sure”! By Bryn’s association we add Auntie Claire and Uncle Nikos to the group in 2004 in the Athens Olympics, we are quiet a troupe now with Granddad Doug at the Helm.
Well last night in a beer garden in Eastern Europe, I realized as I sit there with Auntie Claire and her Husband Paul, and granddaughter Gina we have another Generation sitting at the table of a young upstart and stadium choreographer a local beauty and amazing lady who is not only our interpreter but out friend and was hired into the family by Gina’s twin sister Rocky (who is absent from the table and off ice skating).
But my great granddaughter Jenny joins the choreographic clan as we sit there in the late summer evening in Donestk with wool blankets wrapped around our waists (the restaurant provides them) as summer is holding on but the nights are getting nippy indeed. Jenny the youngest is forced to hear stories of all of our associations and about her Grand-ma Wanda (whom she has never met) and her other great grand parents Judy and Ronnie-Jim whom nobody but me at the table has met yet they all know about and love as if they we raised by them because I keep them alive daily in my life.
And 5 generations laugh and interject and say, “Oh remember when…” “Did we really do it like that?” “ Paper and pencil…!” “Ah those were the good old days!”
And I turn to Jenny my great granddaughter and welcome her to the clan, we all raise or glasses and drink to the youngest member and know that we have chosen wisely and the pride mixed with laughter and the sweet smell of hops waft up into the air and I think…
“You’ve done pretty well for yourself, Great Granddad!”
Family Tree
1990- Parents- Judy (1999)- Doug and Ronnie-Jim (1994)
1991- Children- Wanda and Francesca (UK)
1992- Auntie- Anna (SPAIN)
1996- Children- Collin, Jason, Kristen, Maria, Cynthia & Mark (USA)
2000- Cousins- Sandra, Debbie, Christina, Ross, Darrin, Sara & Alissia (AUS- Australia.)
2002- Uncles and Aunts- Paul, Bonnie, Cati, Danny (2006) & Steve, (USA)
2002- Grandchildren- Bryn & “the twins” Gina & Rocky (UK)
2004- Auntie Claire (UK), Uncle Nikos (GRE- Greece)
2006- Cousins Laura, Isabella & Peter
2007- Cousins Renata & Marcus (BRA- Brazil)
2009- Great Grandchild Jenny (UA- Ukraine)
19 years, 7 Countries, and countless 2nd cousins, whom I will add in when I have a second to sit down and give them the recognition they do deserve
Please let me explain. I just did the math, and this is not an impossible feat for a 47-year-old male to be great granddads if I was, say...
A Father by 15 years old, then add 16 years to be a grandfather at 31, then you add 16 more years to be 47 and a great grandfather!
I am sure this has not happened a lot around the globe, but it has happened. My family tree, however, grows in a slightly different direction.
In my chosen profession of Stadium Theater, which is the art form of Choreographing and Direction of thousands of people for the Opening, Closing, or Halftime shows in stadiums around the world.
The words mass choreography and human animation are part of our legacy to the world.
This art form began as a family affair back in 1990 in Singapore, when I was the youngest of three. There was Ronnie-Jim, Judy, and me cutting our teeth on a smallish show with 6000 Singaporeans and just 3 of us trying to MSU (Make Stuff Up) and getting them in line!
(Check out the whole story behind MSU, and MUCH more, in my FIRST BOOK:THE BACK SIDE OF WONDERFUL available now!)
In 1991 we went to Grand Britannia we to do a Show in Sheffield, England, and added two kids to our tree: Wanda and Francesca, two English roses as different as night and day but, best friends forever.
Leaving them after just a summer the original three musketeers traveled down to Barcelona and our 1st Olympic odyssey together in 1992.
4 years later 1996 we added our kids Collin, Jason, Kristen, Maria, and Cynthia to the tree.
By the time 2002 comes around, I am the sole surviving member of the original three, but still with our kids from Atlanta as we complete a successful Salt Lake Olympics.
Right after the Salt Lake Games I am called back to England to do the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, where I re-meet one of our first children Wanda and she as “Mother” and I as “Grandfather” head up the teams there for Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Here is where I meet my “core team since 2002”. Grandson Bryn, and Granddaughter twins Rocky and Gina who have “Mad Skills for sure”! By Bryn’s association we add Auntie Claire and Uncle Nikos to the group in 2004 in the Athens Olympics, we are quiet a troupe now with Granddad Doug at the Helm.
Well last night in a beer garden in Eastern Europe, I realized as I sit there with Auntie Claire and her Husband Paul, and granddaughter Gina we have another Generation sitting at the table of a young upstart and stadium choreographer a local beauty and amazing lady who is not only our interpreter but out friend and was hired into the family by Gina’s twin sister Rocky (who is absent from the table and off ice skating).
But my great granddaughter Jenny joins the choreographic clan as we sit there in the late summer evening in Donestk with wool blankets wrapped around our waists (the restaurant provides them) as summer is holding on but the nights are getting nippy indeed. Jenny the youngest is forced to hear stories of all of our associations and about her Grand-ma Wanda (whom she has never met) and her other great grand parents Judy and Ronnie-Jim whom nobody but me at the table has met yet they all know about and love as if they we raised by them because I keep them alive daily in my life.
And 5 generations laugh and interject and say, “Oh remember when…” “Did we really do it like that?” “ Paper and pencil…!” “Ah those were the good old days!”
And I turn to Jenny my great granddaughter and welcome her to the clan, we all raise or glasses and drink to the youngest member and know that we have chosen wisely and the pride mixed with laughter and the sweet smell of hops waft up into the air and I think…
“You’ve done pretty well for yourself, Great Granddad!”
Family Tree
1990- Parents- Judy (1999)- Doug and Ronnie-Jim (1994)
1991- Children- Wanda and Francesca (UK)
1992- Auntie- Anna (SPAIN)
1996- Children- Collin, Jason, Kristen, Maria, Cynthia & Mark (USA)
2000- Cousins- Sandra, Debbie, Christina, Ross, Darrin, Sara & Alissia (AUS- Australia.)
2002- Uncles and Aunts- Paul, Bonnie, Cati, Danny (2006) & Steve, (USA)
2002- Grandchildren- Bryn & “the twins” Gina & Rocky (UK)
2004- Auntie Claire (UK), Uncle Nikos (GRE- Greece)
2006- Cousins Laura, Isabella & Peter
2007- Cousins Renata & Marcus (BRA- Brazil)
2009- Great Grandchild Jenny (UA- Ukraine)
19 years, 7 Countries, and countless 2nd cousins, whom I will add in when I have a second to sit down and give them the recognition they do deserve
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