New Year... New Beginnings!

And so we find ourselves with another Christmas and New Year vastly approaching us.

To most this means gifts and broken resolutions. For me though, this is a year of new beginnings. The upcoming project that will change my future is set to begin. The unveiling is still a bit away as final details are worked out but soon you will all see. The whole project has rejuvenated me and brought back my passion to conquer all the obstacles in front of me. It will mark a return to enjoying what I do instead of working for a paycheck.

But as you often see on Disney signs, pardon our dust while we we create a better experience for you (or close enough). And boy do we have some magic cooking.

A new year also makes me reflect on the past year and the things I can do better. Be a better person. Be a better friend. Be more generous. Help others more. And of course the one mentioned above that we all struggle with.... Make resolutions and keep them. A resolution is like a contract. Usually this contract is with yourself. But your word is your word. And your word is often all you have to stand on. So why break that word to yourself? If you can't trust yourself who can you trust? Some food for thought.

And when I looked at this blog I saw it was just under a year since I took up writing last. That's a failure. Failures makes us better, as we learn from them. So I need to learn to come here and let it all out.... For better or worse or whatever lies in the middle. I will write more. I've had some great adventures and they deserve to be shared.

Finally, lets make a pact. You, the reader, me, the writer, and hopefully all our friends, family and the rest of the world... Assuming the world doesn't end (which btw the is misinterpreted) then lets make this year the best one yet.

The best one for you. Do the things you have wanted, put fear to the side. For your friends and family, be nicer and kinder to them. Let them know how much you love them. To the world. Help others that need it. Pass on a smile. Make the world a better place.

Here is to you.
Here is to me.
Here's to the new year!
May it be the best one yet!

-Chosen 1

The Click That Changed It All

A long time ago.... In a galaxy far, far away.... In a universe known as MySpace one click changed my life forever. And now as Paul Harvey would say, " for the rest of the story."

On a day much like any other something truly great was about to happen, but I had no idea just what an impact it would make. While searching through MySpace I came across a fiery redhead who immediately drew me in. To do this day I am not sure what about her did, but it was like coming across an old friend. Immediately, I was drawn to her writing. She was going through what would be called a rough break up, but was really more than that. I was going through my own rough patch, which was no where near what my soon to be friend, Amanda, was going through.

But she was not down or discouraged. She wrote about it freely. It was another turn in the adventure that was her life. I had to friend this person because if she could get through what she was going through, then surely I could get through my measly problems. I clicked add and sent her a message. One that I found out much later touched her heart. She was excited to have inspired someone. After all, if we  never touch anyone with our writing, then why do we do so?

Amanda and I talked liked old friends immediately. Still at this point I could have no idea the impact one such person would make in my life. This former model and actresses and I talked here and there through out the next few years. I have fond memories of catching her on FB chat and getting to chat with her.

But like so many times in life it is not until tragedy struck until I think we both realized how good of friends we really were. During a trip Amanda's U-HAUL trailer was stolen with practically everything she owned inside. I was devastated for her and she of course was upset. I immediately pledged whatever support I could give.

A few years later we met in person but we were already old friends. From exploring the Queen Mary, to St. Patrick's Day at Rileys, to Malibu, to Palm Springs to see Frank Sinatra, Jr, to the Annie Awards when I have needed a friend Amanda has always been there for me. A better person to share my troubles with I could not think of. She is always there with support and a kind words to cheer me up. In other words she is a true friend.

I can't help but think a much more articulated author like Amanda could have done this story more justice with her writing, but I hope I have shown her just how much her friendship means to me.