Coming early next year...The River: A full length motion picture in which yours truly makes an appearance.
A good friend of mine wrote and directed a film this summer in Arkansas and I had the pleasure of being a part of it. It's funny, as much as I love acting and enjoyed that aspect of the production, I found the relational aspects of the project much more satisfying. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love acting. It's the craft I've spent the most energy and time laboring over since I was a kid and I feel acting brings me alive in many ways. This experience showed me, however, that it's the relationships we form and the ways we pour our energy into other people that really bring us to life. I would do anything for the people I worked with on this project and that's the way I hope I approach anything I do in the future.
Anyway, I'm obviously not back into the blogging thing yet, but please look for The River, coming to DVD or a film festival near you early next year.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
New Things...
I realize I probably lost any of the few readers I actually had, and for that I apologize. I always wrote my blog posts while I was bored at work. When I got laid off I had all the time in the world, but was unable to commit to stringing words together for a blog. I am still unemployed, but feel like six months is more than enough time to begin blabbing on about things again.
It's been an eventful month to say the least. Most importantly, my baby sis, who I absolutely adore, is now officially spoken for. She got engaged a few days ago. Though it has been difficult for me to accept the fact that I am no longer the most important man in her life, I couldn't ask for a better replacement. Of course, being quite self centered, I make this whole experience about me. In all honesty, it makes me smile knowing that my sister is so happy. Now mom and dad can stop looking to me for grandkids, too.
So, while searching for jobs and my way in the world, I spent some spare time making a film with a good friend from LA and a couple of friends from years ago. It was an amazing experience and will require a blog post devoted exclusively to it. I am, however, still reflecting on the project and cannot quite put my thoughts together yet. I will simply say that it was one of those rare experiences which requires everything you have to give and changes you as a person in the process. Amputating my left leg was the most difficult to deal with.
If any one is reading...thank you. If not, cyberspace, thanks for lending me some free time.
It's been an eventful month to say the least. Most importantly, my baby sis, who I absolutely adore, is now officially spoken for. She got engaged a few days ago. Though it has been difficult for me to accept the fact that I am no longer the most important man in her life, I couldn't ask for a better replacement. Of course, being quite self centered, I make this whole experience about me. In all honesty, it makes me smile knowing that my sister is so happy. Now mom and dad can stop looking to me for grandkids, too.
So, while searching for jobs and my way in the world, I spent some spare time making a film with a good friend from LA and a couple of friends from years ago. It was an amazing experience and will require a blog post devoted exclusively to it. I am, however, still reflecting on the project and cannot quite put my thoughts together yet. I will simply say that it was one of those rare experiences which requires everything you have to give and changes you as a person in the process. Amputating my left leg was the most difficult to deal with.
If any one is reading...thank you. If not, cyberspace, thanks for lending me some free time.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Missing out...
So, friends, I am sitting in my apartment feeling a bit melancholy. My family is heading on a vacation this weekend, and I'm missing out. My sister, her boyfriend, my parents and two of their friends are heading down south for a week at the lake. Alas, my job and lack of finances are keeping me here in LA. During my high school and college years, the family made an annual trek up to a small channel of lakes in Minnesota. Man, those were the days. It is my hope that in a couple of years the family vacation will include yours truly once again.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
My bad.
So, I was rather touched to know my MIA status was noticed and commented upon. Mad props to those who gave me crap for not blogging. Basically I've been busy and here's a brief re-cap of my life since vacation. I've been working crazy hours because I'm training some people and can no longer blog during my lunch hour (the Man keeps tightening his grip), I'm having a great time hanging out with friends, and am still trying to get the movie project off the ground. More exciting is that I had a revelation of sorts last week while talking to Jackson and will most likely be either going in a different direction in general or pursuing something different at the same time. A blog must be devoted to this, so I will (Yes, I will) do a post about that this week. In the meantime, here's a humorous quip from an email I sent to a friend today to tide you over. Some of you might relate...
At the age of 7, I began my illustrious baseball career by joining the prestigious cap league of Spencer, Iowa. Needless to say,the Lamplighter Motel baseball franchise was ecstatic to have a 2nd grader of my stature recruited to the team...OK, "assigned" is more accurate since teams were determined by neighborhood/geographic divisions. At a whopping 4 feet tall, weighing in at about 40 pounds, I was a force to be reckoned with. My father affectionately referred tome as "2-D" as I was not of sufficient weight to be on the 3 dimensional plane of existence. Oh, and if you think I have a fro now, you should see pictures of the 7 year old version of Craigeroo. At our first practice (during which I sported a pair of brown corduroys that I'm certain invoked severe jealousy among my teammates), my knowledge of baseball was not only showcased, but cemented for the year--nay, a lifetime. We had to pick our numbers for the fashionable Lamplighter Motel cap league shirts and, of course, the big time 4th graders got to pick their numbers first. Most of the 2nd graders were dismayed as all of the "good" numbers would be taken (#1, #2, etc.), and all were afraid they would be stuck with the cursed goose egg...well, all except Craigeroo. I quickly scribbled down my number of choice and handed it to coach Hart. After a quick double take and a knowing smirk, he nodded and put down #63 for star right fielder Craig Luttrell. To this day, the#63 remains close to my heart.
At the age of 7, I began my illustrious baseball career by joining the prestigious cap league of Spencer, Iowa. Needless to say,the Lamplighter Motel baseball franchise was ecstatic to have a 2nd grader of my stature recruited to the team...OK, "assigned" is more accurate since teams were determined by neighborhood/geographic divisions. At a whopping 4 feet tall, weighing in at about 40 pounds, I was a force to be reckoned with. My father affectionately referred tome as "2-D" as I was not of sufficient weight to be on the 3 dimensional plane of existence. Oh, and if you think I have a fro now, you should see pictures of the 7 year old version of Craigeroo. At our first practice (during which I sported a pair of brown corduroys that I'm certain invoked severe jealousy among my teammates), my knowledge of baseball was not only showcased, but cemented for the year--nay, a lifetime. We had to pick our numbers for the fashionable Lamplighter Motel cap league shirts and, of course, the big time 4th graders got to pick their numbers first. Most of the 2nd graders were dismayed as all of the "good" numbers would be taken (#1, #2, etc.), and all were afraid they would be stuck with the cursed goose egg...well, all except Craigeroo. I quickly scribbled down my number of choice and handed it to coach Hart. After a quick double take and a knowing smirk, he nodded and put down #63 for star right fielder Craig Luttrell. To this day, the#63 remains close to my heart.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Back In L.A., Itchin' to Blog
Yes, I am back. I had an excellent trip to Iowa, finished Harry Potter, and am ready to write another blog...almost. After I have collected my thoughts and settled back in, I will post a worthy post.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Homeward Bound...
Everyday's an endless stream
of cigarettes and magazines
And each town looks the same to me
The movies and the factories
And every stranger's face I see
Reminds me that I long to be
Homeward Bound
I wish I was
Homeward Bound
Home, where my thoughts escaping
Home, where my music's playing
Home, where my love lies waiting silently for me...
-Paul Simon
Indeed, I am heading home this weekend and am very much looking forward to a vacation. Going home is an interesting experience for me--much different than it used to be. Throughout college and even grad school I missed the "good ol' days" in Marshalltown. Those of you who know me well (all three of you reading this) know that I am prone to melancholy reflection, but perhaps not the extent to which it used to affect me. In high school I missed being a little kid. In college I missed high school. In grad school I missed college. Even though I knew that none of these previous time periods were the utopias I pictured in my mind, I idealized them nonetheless. For instance, much of my freshman year in college was wasted pining over my high school days, even though said high school days were filled with anxiety, unfulfilled romantic longings, and one awkward pubescent incident after another. I mean, come on! How great could high school really have been??? This "grass was always greener" mentality prevented me from fully appreciating my present situations. I was convinced I longed to be back home.
I finally turned the corner three years ago. I had been studying in Scotland for 9 months and had become rather homesick. I couldn't wait to get back home. As I was at a strange, transitional place in my life and didn't really know what to do with myself, I decided to stay in Marshalltown for the year. Why not? It was home. It was the place where I had acquired my fondest memories...but the utopia was no more. I soon realized that the attempt to relive the glory days was sad at best. I was a guy in his late twenties, living with his parents, and working a job that paid very little. It was the closest thing to a wasted year I've ever had and, God willing, ever will have. Needless to say, I was finally ready to get the hell out of there. And I did.
Having been away for a couple of years, I am now able to appreciate my old stomping grounds again. I look forward to visiting, but am ready to leave by the end of the week. I love spending time with my family, playing with Murphy (mom and dad's awesome dog), and the open landscape. I look forward to driving through the countryside and visiting with old friends (the few that still remain in town). Ultimately, however, Los Angeles is now my home. Although I am still prone to spells of reminiscence, I am investing my effort and energy in the present so that this time of my life will be, retrospectively, another one of those "grass was always greener" eras.
of cigarettes and magazines
And each town looks the same to me
The movies and the factories
And every stranger's face I see
Reminds me that I long to be
Homeward Bound
I wish I was
Homeward Bound
Home, where my thoughts escaping
Home, where my music's playing
Home, where my love lies waiting silently for me...
-Paul Simon
Indeed, I am heading home this weekend and am very much looking forward to a vacation. Going home is an interesting experience for me--much different than it used to be. Throughout college and even grad school I missed the "good ol' days" in Marshalltown. Those of you who know me well (all three of you reading this) know that I am prone to melancholy reflection, but perhaps not the extent to which it used to affect me. In high school I missed being a little kid. In college I missed high school. In grad school I missed college. Even though I knew that none of these previous time periods were the utopias I pictured in my mind, I idealized them nonetheless. For instance, much of my freshman year in college was wasted pining over my high school days, even though said high school days were filled with anxiety, unfulfilled romantic longings, and one awkward pubescent incident after another. I mean, come on! How great could high school really have been??? This "grass was always greener" mentality prevented me from fully appreciating my present situations. I was convinced I longed to be back home.
I finally turned the corner three years ago. I had been studying in Scotland for 9 months and had become rather homesick. I couldn't wait to get back home. As I was at a strange, transitional place in my life and didn't really know what to do with myself, I decided to stay in Marshalltown for the year. Why not? It was home. It was the place where I had acquired my fondest memories...but the utopia was no more. I soon realized that the attempt to relive the glory days was sad at best. I was a guy in his late twenties, living with his parents, and working a job that paid very little. It was the closest thing to a wasted year I've ever had and, God willing, ever will have. Needless to say, I was finally ready to get the hell out of there. And I did.
Having been away for a couple of years, I am now able to appreciate my old stomping grounds again. I look forward to visiting, but am ready to leave by the end of the week. I love spending time with my family, playing with Murphy (mom and dad's awesome dog), and the open landscape. I look forward to driving through the countryside and visiting with old friends (the few that still remain in town). Ultimately, however, Los Angeles is now my home. Although I am still prone to spells of reminiscence, I am investing my effort and energy in the present so that this time of my life will be, retrospectively, another one of those "grass was always greener" eras.
Monday, July 16, 2007
On Turning 30...
Yes, friends, today is the first day in nine years that my birthday means anything (well, maybe 25 since my car insurance went down). As I have a tendency towards melancholy reflection, I have tried not to ponder the ramifications of this day too much, but I do suppose some thoughts are expected/necessary. These are the random thoughts that are spinning in my head:
When my father was my age, I was a two year old and he'd been married for at least seven years. I know I am part of a different generation, one which procrastinates settling down, but I can't help feeling like I am lagging behind in the family department... especially since I have yet to have a relationship last more than a few months... and it doesn't look like this will be changing any time soon (sorry mom and dad, better look to your daughter for some grand kids).
I don't feel like I'm 30. Maybe it's always this way-- at 25 I didn't feel 25, at 20 I didn't feel 20, at 50 I won't feel 50, etc. I feel more mature than I did at 20, less apt to act rashly or run my mouth off without thinking, but I definitely don't feel like a full fledged adult at this point. I am finally starting to desire many aspects of adulthood however, though this might be by default or resignation. I wonder if you wake up when you're 40 and go "Oh, now I'm an adult. Cool."
I thought I'd be in a different place at 30. I guess I always assumed I'd be locked into a career, whether it be acting or whatever, and I also assumed I'd be married (this is the 25 and younger Craig talking). I am basically neutral on this position because at times I would like the stability, at others I enjoy the freedom.
In the past year I've started having those "I'm not getting any younger" feelings. These are accompanied by a frequent investigation of my hairline and a much more rigorous routine at the gym. I am, however, in better shape at age 30 than I was at 24.
I hope for a productive year. Hitting this milestone has motivated me to take advantage of all life has to offer--I no longer wish away time at any juncture...even when I'm bored at work.
I'm glad I'm in LA. Out here it's normal to be my age and single, unsettled and still searching. If I were any place else, especially back in the Midwest, I think I would be pretty depressed about my lot in life at this point.
I understand more than ever that appreciating the process/journey, while frustrating and difficult (particularly when I don't see the immediate results I desire), is tantamount to happiness and fulfilment.
On Turning 40..
My other damned knee isn't working properly now. I better meet a woman soon because this comb over isn't fooling anybody and my last visible ab is rapidly vanishing.
When my father was my age, I was a two year old and he'd been married for at least seven years. I know I am part of a different generation, one which procrastinates settling down, but I can't help feeling like I am lagging behind in the family department... especially since I have yet to have a relationship last more than a few months... and it doesn't look like this will be changing any time soon (sorry mom and dad, better look to your daughter for some grand kids).
I don't feel like I'm 30. Maybe it's always this way-- at 25 I didn't feel 25, at 20 I didn't feel 20, at 50 I won't feel 50, etc. I feel more mature than I did at 20, less apt to act rashly or run my mouth off without thinking, but I definitely don't feel like a full fledged adult at this point. I am finally starting to desire many aspects of adulthood however, though this might be by default or resignation. I wonder if you wake up when you're 40 and go "Oh, now I'm an adult. Cool."
I thought I'd be in a different place at 30. I guess I always assumed I'd be locked into a career, whether it be acting or whatever, and I also assumed I'd be married (this is the 25 and younger Craig talking). I am basically neutral on this position because at times I would like the stability, at others I enjoy the freedom.
In the past year I've started having those "I'm not getting any younger" feelings. These are accompanied by a frequent investigation of my hairline and a much more rigorous routine at the gym. I am, however, in better shape at age 30 than I was at 24.
I hope for a productive year. Hitting this milestone has motivated me to take advantage of all life has to offer--I no longer wish away time at any juncture...even when I'm bored at work.
I'm glad I'm in LA. Out here it's normal to be my age and single, unsettled and still searching. If I were any place else, especially back in the Midwest, I think I would be pretty depressed about my lot in life at this point.
I understand more than ever that appreciating the process/journey, while frustrating and difficult (particularly when I don't see the immediate results I desire), is tantamount to happiness and fulfilment.
On Turning 40..
My other damned knee isn't working properly now. I better meet a woman soon because this comb over isn't fooling anybody and my last visible ab is rapidly vanishing.
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