Thursday, December 22, 2005

Seed's Everyday Guy/Gal of the Week

Seed's Everyday Guy/Gal of the Week

15 Questions
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Week 1 Friday December 23, 2005
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Bringing Out the Celebrity in Each of Us!

Brought to you by (Your Company) in conjunction with Seed Enterprises.
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Preliminary questions. Not the real questions.
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Who are you?
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Lindsay
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Alias?
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the seed

Occupation (s)?

Author, original, entrepreneur, comic, aspiring exception, journalist, comic, screenwriter and dreamer.

I also drive construction workers to work and work for a high-end furniture store. Whatever the hell that is.
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Dream occupation?

I’m living it now. I’m working diligently at trying to create my own world as a:

Author, original, entrepreneur, comic, aspiring exception, journalist, comic, screenwriter and dreamer.
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Co-author of the critically acclaimed book: Seed's Sketchy Relationship Theories - A Guide to the Perils of Dating (How not to become a bar regular).
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Co-author of the soon to be released book: Poutine.
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Nearly completed the riveting novel: Russians Clowns & Drag Queens.
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Regular columnist in 24 Hours Vancouver.

Now the key is to make a living from it. I won't stop till I do.

Status?

Single.

With the exception of the writing, I’m working way too much right now to give enough to a relationship.
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I've loved and lost love on a few occasions.
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If the right one comes along…..
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I guess I’d be open to the possibilities.

Age?

I forgot.

Actually I have nothing to hide, I’m a sweet, saucy, sultry 4o ish. That was fun to type.

Actually in all reality I just turned 2.

Send me an email if you’d like to know how that is possible.

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1. Clowns: Good or bad?

Good of course.

Wait a second, you’re not talking about those freaky horror flick clowns like……

2. If you were trapped in a elevator for 24 hours with 1 other person: Who would you want it to be?

That is a difficult question.

Do I try to sound sophisticated and pick a famous historical figure?

Do I just pick someone who is ridiculously hot?

Shallow or educational?

I’m leaning towards ed…no sha…..

Damn it, I know.

You.

3. If while struck in that elevator you could have any food imaginable: What would it be?

Nothing that causes flatulence. I’m thinking a wicked salad full of fresh crisp vegetables and fruits. Either Pumpkin or Avgholemeno soup. Jamaican Jerk Chicken from the street vendors of Negril Jamaica. Chase it all down with some ice cold Red Stripes. For desert a tray of Lemon & Butter Tarts.

4. Underwear?

Periodically. Like it sexy hot.

5. The Future: On a personal level: Bright or dim?

Extremely powerfully bright.
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Like mentioned above, I just turned 2. The pegs are starting to fit into the holes now. I’m pursuing my dreams with calculated reckless abandon. The dreams just sort of dropped in on me. Fortunately I was wearing the right head gear.

6. The Future: On a global level: Bright or dim?

I’d like to say bright, but, I think I’d be lying. Part of the problem with becoming a writer is you gain this sudden awareness and start to look at things from different angles. The problem with this new found awareness is that the world kind of sucks right now. You’d have to be stunned not to realize that.

However, having said that, I truly believe there is more good than bad in this world (maybe I’m the stunned one), and if “the good” puts on their rally caps and raises its voice, maybe we can make a difference. (By “the good” I don’t mean the radical moral majority, they’ve screwed up things for too long now).
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7. Where's Paradise?

“Some rich man came and raped the land.
Nobody caught ‘em.
Put up a bunch of ugly boxes.
And, Jesus people bought them.
They called it paradise the place to be.
They watched the hazy sun sinking in the sea.

You can leave it all behind.
Sail to the Lahaina
Just like the missionaries did.
So many years ago.
They even brought a neon sign:

“Jesus is Coming.”

Brought the white man’s burden down.
Brought the white man’s rein.

Who will provide the grand design?
What is yours and what is mine?
Cause’ there is no more new frontier.
We have got to make it here.

We satisfy our endless needs and.
Justify our bloody deeds.
In the name of destiny.
And in the name of God.

And you can see them there.
On Sunday morning.
They stand up and sing about.
What it’s like up there.

They call it paradise.
I don’t know why.
You call someplace paradise.

Kiss it goodbye.”

-the eagles/the last resort.
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I sort of have to agree with the sentiment of this song.
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C’mon, we have a global population nearing 7 billion people. We justify all of our actions in the name of…..
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I’m not even sure what we are doing it in the name of any more. We have seemed to have lost sight of what’s really important on this planet. Us. Our families. Our friends and the creatures that can’t control their own destinies. Such as; animals, plants, insects, etc.

Hell, this song is from the 70’s when their was only 3 billion people on the planet. They seemed to be sending the message out that we were messing things up a bit. Maybe they were just HIGH. Who knows.

I guess my answer is as follows, Negril Jamaica, Sitges Spain, Florence Italy, New York City, Vancouver, British Columbia, wherever my dear friends are, my bedroom, your bedroom if there is a wicked connection and of course my home.

Actually any place that I find comfort.

8. If you could change 1 thing about "our" world: What would it be?

Slow it down. Call a time-out. Give the world a chance by putting the brakes on our rampant consumerism.

9. Worst job ever? Best job ever?

Worst: a landscaping job where I carried fridges and stoves up flights of stairs into a new apartment complex.

Best: I’m creating it right now.

10. Passion. What turns your crank?

My crank?
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Hmmmmm - life.

Making some sort of sense of it and as corny as this sounds making a positive contribution.

11. Cats or dogs?

I have a cat, but, I do like both. I maybe lean slightly in favor of the feline though.

12. Anything to promote: Website, friend, band, bar, vibrator......?

You’re on my website so have a look around. Lots of fun stuff. Maybe even some eye candy. Other than that my friends......

I’ll update this answer over time.

13. When did you first realize you were staight, gay or bisexual?

Wow, that is a personal question.

If someone doesn’t answer it does it mean they are hiding something?

I think not.

I think if we define ourselves for the world to see we are limiting reality. Painting oneself with broad strokes. I like to think of myself as an individual.

Maybe I should run for political office.

The answer: I haven’t realized anything yet.

14. How would you like to die?

Do I have to?

In your arms.

Wait, that would be selfish.

Can I change my answer?

Thanks.

My new answer: In your arms.

15. At what age?

At a healthy fit virile 147.
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Hey if you'd like to be Seed's Everyday Guy/Gal of the Day. Just submit a recent photo along with the answers to the 15 Questions along with the Intro Questions to askseed@hotmail.com and we will consider you.

You gorgeous devil.

Stay-tuned for exciting news. Who knows maybe even some prizes.

Tell your friends, family and pets.
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In an ongoing attempt to make a living from my passion, if you happen to be looking for a fresh writing voice, a creative photographer and a relentless marketer, send me an email and we can discuss the possibilities. You may send it to the email addy above.
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I'm also in the market for a publishing partner and a literary agent.
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Let's take the world by storm. A literary storm!

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Seed’s first major television appearance

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Book promotion is an incredibly arduous task full of excitement, frustration and false hope. Complete with deep, deep lows and tremendous highs. Little victories - when they come, are quickly cherished, only to be followed with the feeling of a long-fall off a high cliff.

When one pursues a career (passion) in the literary world life changes in a heartbeat. There is no more time off. Writing and creativity is almost a curse. Every activity becomes a possible story. Everyone you meet potentially becomes a colorful character in a future twisted tale. And every turn represents a potential plot twist. Relaxation becomes a thing of the past.

With writing and the creative arts, self-doubt sometimes creeps in which can be debilitating, leaving the pen idle. Ink flow ceases and key strokes grind to a halt. However, you must press forward. New becomes a necessity. As they say publish or perish. Unfortunately, the nature of the beast doesn’t guarantee prosperity with publication.

A five star review, quickly turns into: “I’m not good enough.”

Demons of insecurity both humble and terrorize.

Then for a whisper of time everything clicks. Television comes calling. On November 18th Seed experienced one of those little victories. He was a guest on Citytv’s Breakfast Television hosted by Simi Sara and Dave Gerry. The preceding weeks were filled with excitement and anticipation.

“What will I wear?”

The call from the producer came: “How do you see the segment going?” She queried.

“I think we can approach it from this angle: We can talk about my book and how having a positive attitude and drive can help you overcome the most traumatic events imaginable.”

“No.”

“No. How do you see it going?”

“Well - since your book is both edgy and filled with twisted humor - how about something showing that edge? I don’t know, how about the top reasons to dump your significant other before the holidays.”

After a moment of pondering, I came back with: “Sure, I can do that.”

Before the phone could hit the headset I started to think, what the hell have I just agreed to? I realized they wanted me to do a comedy routine, ala David Lettermen.

Excitement, fear, anxiety and more fear, quickly followed by, hmmmmm - fear, I realized that there was no turning back, I was going to be on a major local TV program with hosts who are polished television veterans.

What a tremendous opportunity. Talk about leaving the comfort zone and stepping out onto the plank. As much as fear was the main equation in this chapter of life, I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to shine or fall on my face in a fashion similar to………. I guess me falling on my face. Better wear some face protection.

Quickly I rushed out to do some research (beers) and I quickly put together a list of the Top 10 Reasons to Dump. Actually in a fashion similar to This Is Spinal Tap, seeing that my knobs go to 11, I came up with the Top 11 Reasons to Dump.

Ok that is actually a lie as I have a reason 2 (b) and 2, not 2 (a), but, just simply 2.

Why?

No reason.

I also in an effort to cover all bases came up with 4 additional reasons. All side-splittingly funny. Really - at least I thought so. I figured my reasons were bordering on comedic brilliance.

Of course my ego is not large enough to believe the last line. I do however, feel there is a touch of comedy in the reasons and that they were certainly going to provide the viewing public with a dose of laughter to kick-start their day.

Pleased with my efforts, I sent my list to the producer.

Next a pleasant phone conversation concluding with, “Have fun tomorrow.”

I was stoked. This was going to be a blast. Sure I’ll be nervous as hell, but hell, I’m going to be on TV, not only talking about my book, but, doing some shtick as well. What could be better.

Clip - clip an email came simply stating: One more thing I wanted to say but forgot while I had you on the phone. I'd like to drop the few that are rude or have sexual references (imagine little Timmy eating Cheerios as our audience). so we might avoid reasons # 2, 2b, 3 and 4. Sorry I should have mentioned it.

The comedy from the bit was eliminated. What to do? What to do? What to do? Beetlejuice (cubed).

Not to be discouraged after several painstaking moments of deep analytical thought I came up with - SCREW IT. I’m not going to do anything. I had decided that I was going to go on and for lack of a better term - WING IT. I figured that way at least I would keep my segment fresh and real.

No rehearsed crap. Maybe some crap, but, at least it was going to be fresh.

On the morning of the show, I got up at 5 am. In reality I had been up all night pretend sleeping. Complete with pretend dreams. One of the dreams was about squirrels. What the hell is that supposed to mean.

I arrived at the studio at 6:30 am. Quickly one of the producers whisked me into the Green Room. Whisk may actually be too strong of term, we actually casually sauntered.

The Green Room was stocked with juice, coffee and various pastries. Yummy!

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This is where I found out the Guest Lineup for the days show.
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  • Ian Mulgrew - Author: “Bud Inc.” A book about ganja and its ramifications on Canadian Culture
  • Me
  • Mayor Larry Campbell on his last day off office.

Pretty stellar if I don’t say so myself. I was eager to hear what “Me” was going to say.

The Green Room was fun. Once again a very strong descriptive word (fun). I had a captive audience to share the story of “Me” with. I must be good at telling the story, or maybe the story is interesting, because, the audience appeared to be riveted. Maybe they were faking, but, still riveted.

I watched the marijuana man and his segment. He is very polished. Not a rookie to the game. Maybe he was polished because he was very, very, very, very relaxed. That and his publisher was paying for his promotional tour.

Then it came my turn to take the stage. For me very intimidating. What thoughts were going through my mind you ask. White space. That was it. Simi Sara looked nice. Another award winning description.

The interview was a blur. Something about the most controversial chapters of the book. Which I couldn’t say any of the chapters titles, because they’d likely offend or they contain the f-bomb.

As for the list……..Simi asked for the top 4 reasons. Which I quickly stated that I couldn’t say them on television. By order of the producer.

Simi asked for the top reason. I calmly injected to avoid the Inlaws. Next some more white space and then I think I told everyone to dump there significant other before the holidays and then get back together in January. At least that is what I think I said.

The highlight of the whole experience was that after the dust settled and it was my time to leave the stage, Simi expressed to me that she has read some of my stuff and that I have a unique talent and to keep plugging away.

The thing is she didn’t have to say that, but, she did. That instantly made me feel good. To be discounted at a later time as self-doubt rears its ugly head.

In summary, the interview was a success. The crew at Citytv was fantastic, all the way from Valerie the associate producer, to the producers on set, the camera people, make-up artist Meghan and of course Simi & Dave.

Dave actually tried to calm my nerves a bit by coming into the Green Room and saying he loved my shirt. Wasn't sure how it would play on TV though. I think I kind of sucked. However, several people who saw it said they enjoyed it and I did a great job.

I have a copy, maybe one day I will have the courage to watch it.

This is the original email sent to the producer. As you can see the banned ones are damn funny. At least to me.

Top reasons to dump before the holidays


10. Fashion issues. You’ve dated several times and she’s only worn stir-up pants and turtle necks.
9. Your significant other introduces you to their spouse.
8. You realize the ring is going to cost 3 months salary.
7. Your boyfriends Christmas tree doesn’t stand upright.
6. You see a smoking hot dress you want to wear on New Years Eve and you realize the only way you will be able to afford it is if you cut out one gift from your Christmas list.
5. On your third date you find out the reason that she only wears turtle necks is because she has an Adam’s Apple.
4. Every time you ask him to pick up a Yule log - he heads straight to the bathroom.
3, He’s a little too excited about sitting on Santa’s lap.
2(b). You want to have sex with elves guilt free this holiday season.
2. You find her tinsel on someone else’s tree.

1. To avoid the Inlaws.


Other possibilities:

  • We live in Vancouver, yet, you’ve seen 2 snow angels climb out of his bedroom window.
  • Rudolph the pool boy has been hanging around a bit too much and you don’t have a pool.
  • Your significant other has moved away without giving you a forwarding address.
  • Your boyfriend is British and is a little too excited about stuffing the ’bird.’

5 gifts that may be a sign your relationship is over.

  1. Luggage.
  2. A Membership to a Singles Club.
  3. Condoms.
  4. A restraining order.
  5. A toaster.


Book & Contact Information

  • To purchase a copy of Seed’s Sketchy Relationship Theories visit: www.seedenterprises.com where you will find links to booksellers.
  • Go to Duthie books at 2239 West 4th, if it is not in stock they will be happy to order it in for you.
  • Simply ask your favorite book store to order in a copy for you.

Columns/Writing

  • I appear in 24 Hours Vancouver on a regular basis. Page 5.
  • I write a weekly column for Been-dumped.com in London England. http://www.been-dumped.com/relationship_author.php
  • I write Ask Seed a relationship and life forum. Come have all of your relationship and life questions answered with brutal honesty and perhaps a touch of humor.
  • To see questions and answers and to ask your own, visit: www.seedenterprises.com and follow the links or on the Been-dumped website.
  • My second book: “Poutine” is complete and ready to go to the publisher.

Miscellaneous

  • T-shirts, shorts, hats, panties, artwork, bags…… are available by visiting the Boutique on the website. Funky stuff. http://www.cafepress.com/seedsboutique
  • You will also find a list of books that are soon to be released.

Monday, September 26, 2005

Seed's Sketchy Relationship Theories - CHAPTER 1


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Seed’s Sketchy Relationship Theories

A Guide To the Perils of Dating
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(How Not To Become A Bar Regular)
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penned by: the seed and german seed.
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copyright October 2004 - all rights reserved.
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What The First Readers Are Saying:
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“It is like all of these thoughts fell out of my head and right onto the pages.”

- the seed.

“This is one of the greatest literary works of the century. I believe it will save a lot of troubled relationships. I know if I had only received this wealth of information sooner, I would still be alive on the inside.”

- Bill (a broken bar regular in Chicago)

“It is a funny thing, sometimes when you take a bunch of words and throw them together in the right order, they seem to form sentences.”

- the seed.

“I read this book cover to cover several times and each and every time I was actually riveted by the sheer passion and intensity. Every time I would rush home and give Harry a little something, something to show how I really feel about him. I knew Seed was gifted when I read his early work and actually I believe I am responsible for a great deal of the success he is receiving now. I made him who he is today.”

- Mrs. Grant (Seed’s grade 5 English teacher)

“Who’s Harry?”

- Tom (Mrs. Grant’s husband)
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“I love pork. I could eat it every meal of the day. Wait, I do eat it every meal of the day. Thank God, that I like it so much.”

- German Seed

“I have read War and Peace. This is nothing like it.”

- Carl (some guy who read War and Peace)

“Fuuuuucckk!!!”

- Mary (Head of Mothers Against the Use of Profanity in America)

“Just because I am your mother, doesn’t give you the right to know my name.”

- Seed’s Mother

“I really enjoyed the way he numbered the pages: 1, 2, 3, 4… I found it to be quite convenient and logical.”

- Mr. Carlyle (Seed’s grade 7 math teacher)

“Hey!!! You cut me off jerk.”

- Dick (an angry motorist)
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“Thank You Seed. You basically made me who I am today. I think my star will be shining brightly, thanks to you.”

-Johnny

“Did you call me an Attention -----?”

- Chastity

“Well it took me a while but I finally was given the time to read it and it is GOOD! An entertaining read with realistic, useful information. My favorite line is: They have their own bars… why can’t they have their own book? You have a winner here and now is time to unleash it on the world whether they can handle it or not.”

- W

“It is a great honor to be accepting this award. I had some stiff competition from such words as fuck, a, and, attention, girl, boy, woman and period, along with thousands of other words that were in the running. As for the words on and in … you came close! At this time I would also like to thank………………..”

- The word “This” (accepting an achievement award)

“I have had a fantastic time reading this book. Some parts were totally hilarious, others made me think, which I feel is the point of the book in the first place. I love the raw energy and passion that Seed exudes in his writing. It is nice to see someone has the balls to tell it how it is. At least from his perspective. I think this Seed fellow is onto something big. I look forward to future works from him.”

- Greg (some guy in Germany, one of the first people to read the book)
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“Hello!!!”

- the seed. (answering the telephone)

“Yes, we accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Cash, Money Orders and Certified Cheques. So how many Bobble Heads would you like?”

- Velvet (a clerk at Seed’s Succulent Boutique - a true Hollywood 10)

“Ohh My!!!! Ohh My!!!! Not only does German Seed know how to touch the G spot, but he knows where the H, I, J and K spots are as well. Can I just say he is some sort of Sexual Dynamo!!! And by the way the book is kicking.”

- Angela (past lover of German Seed)

“I really like the paper.”

- Pepe (a blind panhandler)

“I am not lying Marge. I am just writing fiction with my mouth.”

- Homer Simpson

“What a fucking laugh I got from your book. I cannot wait to read more!!!! Awesome job buddy. Finally at 40-something years old, you have found your calling. Great job. I am proud of you!!!”

- Rick Gillis

“I must commend Seed. He has tackled a very tough subject matter and spared the fluff that most books on relationships inflict upon us. He has shared big parts of his life to give the reader an understanding of where a lot of his knowledge comes from. It is very refreshing to see that he never held back on his opinions. He seems to say what everyone else seems to be afraid of saying and he talks from the heart. The book is laced with deep thoughts and yet it is filled with original comedy to keep it light and fresh to read. If you read it with an open heart and an open mind, Seed provides a very powerful positive message. I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to sort out their personal relationships or for those who simply want a good laugh. It is rare but Seed provides us with both. I wish him great success.”

- David (typesetter for a large printing company)
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“As the great philosopher of our time, Yogi Berra, once said: If you don't know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else. Deep, very deep. Judging by your book cover and birth certificate, you seem to know where you are going! Love the birth certificate.”

- YT

“Do you realize what you have here? What you have is worth several million dollars and I would like to be part of bringing that to fruition.”

- Wade (discussing the possibilities of representing Seed)

“Welcome to The Burger Barn. Can I take your order?”

- the seed.
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Our First Interview/Reviews:
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Dr. Laurie Betito, CJAD Radio in Montreal, a psychologist and sex therapist and host of the radio show "Passion.”

"I had the pleasure of interviewing Seed and Euro Seed on my radio program and I found these two gentlemen to be absolutely refreshing. They have a no nonsense, down to earth approach to life and relationships. I think we all need to be confronted at some point, just to shake things up a bit and make us behave differently and hopefully in a healthier manner. That's what their book does."

Danielle, A reviewer, November 30, 2004, 4 Stars

Original and Hilarious

Seed's Sketchy Relationship Theories is a unique and amusing look at the perils of dating. Seed's blunt, sarcastic style is original and, at times, controversial but provides a new hilarious perspective on dating, relationships and many other things. The Gravy section, alone, will leave you laughing for days! Good job Seed (and German Seed)!
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DEDICATION:
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This book is dedicated to both my late Grandparents who raised me despite some trying conditions. It is also dedicated to my late Great Aunt Priscilla, who without your love and kindness I may have not found the stength to complete this project. You are dearly missed.
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It is also dedicated to all of my friends both new and old who have stood by me all of these years. You have all helped to make the trials and tribulations of life a wicked ride and I look forward to many more years with you on this journey.
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CHAPTER 1
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Opening Rant

“Promise Yourself:
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all of your friends feel that there is something special in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and let your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements of the future
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble!”

-Christian D. Larson
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The World is a fucked up place.

At the time that I started writing this (early 2003) the globe was spinning out of control and not necessarily in a positive spiral. We currently have a global population of over six billion people….. Wait, six billion and one thousand more….. Wait, six billion and two thousand more….. I can’t count fast enough. Just think, in the beginning, which is really not all that long ago, we started with two.

Hell, the USA is less than 200 years old and it has a population of over 290 million.

Never has there been a time in the short history of modern mankind where there has been so much uncertainty. We’ve just had maybe one madman threatening world peace and who knows it may actually be several madmen who are in charge of our current destiny.

We’ve had a man who most would call less than the brightest bulb in the pack, just lead the Western world and our only true superpower into war (perhaps World War 3), even though the majority of people are not certain if this was the right thing to do.

Every day that passes, every bombing or ambush in Iraq and every soldier that gets killed in a country that was supposed to be liberated and not occupied, only emphasizes this point. However it appears to be this man’s agenda and what he needed to do to save his administration. Let us all hope and if you are a spiritual person pray that he is doing the right thing.
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In a way the world is like NCAA College Football. The USA is sort of like Nebraska and during the regular season they get to play Gopher State and Helen Keller University, with the end result being annihilation. This is all in preparation for one of their only meaningful games of the year: the big moneymaking bowl game at the end of the season.

Now just think about it for a moment – the USA is looking out at the world and comes to the conclusion that, on one hand, Iraq was ran by a maniacal dictator who oppresses and tortures his own citizens. On the other, China is in a similar situation, with the atrocities against its own people being perhaps even greater than that of Iraq. However, if the USA was to challenge China there is a chance they just might lose that game so instead they attack Iraq, which in terms of its military strength does resemble the football prowess of Butthead State and the outcome is quite predictable. The USA quickly annihilates them, sending a message to every other challenger. Let’s just hope their actions and policies don’t lead to a bowl game (vs. North Korea?).

At the present time the world media is controlled by a few people resulting in a situation where you have to ask: Can we really trust the information that we are being fed?

If you turn on the news, it is just one tragedy after another, most of the stories create a scenario where leaving your own home seems like a risky venture. Just think about it. On any particular day you can read about Hurricanes, Snipers, Al Qaeda, Aids, SARS, the West Nile Virus, Ebola, Mad Cow Disease, the Avian Flu and major cities in the Eastern US and Canada being shut down by the blackout of 2003 along with countless other things that are threatening humankind as we know it.

Technology is rapidly going out of control. No one can keep up with the daily advances that are taking place. It was not that long ago when the party line was still in use in rural communities. These advances are causing the gap between the rich and poor to become even greater with the middle class quickly becoming eroded.
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Never has there been a time when huge companies are failing overnight with the ramifications to the stock markets being so extreme. Big-time managers, however, though their companies are broke, still keep their villas and “earn” enormous bonuses. The investors are left holding the bag.

Our weather appears to be changing dramatically. We have global warming caused supposedly by the greenhouse effect. There is El Nino, La Nina and whatever other supposed phenomena affecting the Earth’s climate. One must ask if this is naturally caused or controlled by man. Or, is man simply too fucking stupid to see that acre after acre of rainforest is not worth obliterating in order to raise cattle for fast food chains.

Have you noticed that the “flood of the century” seems to come every few years? Hurricanes, typhoons and tornados are commonplace. Droughts, mild winters no big surprise. Have you ever stopped to think why this is so? Interesting things to ponder…

If one is to believe the Mayan calendar, this is all starting to happen for a reason and on December 21, 2012 things will become clear.

There are different theories on what may happen on this day. Standard thought is that the world is starting to go through a transformation of sorts – or one big correction as we start to go into the next cycle in the history and evolution of mankind. The dramatic events that are taking place now are sort of a weeding out of evil. When this above-mentioned date comes along, those of us who adjust or transform (basically get it), will have a chance to move forward into a better, more evolved earth. We are not promoting this belief but just saying that it is definitely food for thought.

On the one hand, you can have a world filled with war, hatred, fear, tragedy, racism and crime. No wonder relationships are struggling and the divorce rate is so high. We are living in a world of “me” time. Everyone seems to have stopped thinking of others and just looks at what is best for themselves.
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page 4
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Fuck, how many different types of rage have been diagnosed over the last few years – the world needs really to slow down. Life is moving too fast. Everything is not that important. We need to get back to a day where we say “Hi” to our neighbors instead of fearing them. We are all in the same ball game together.

On the other hand, it's not all bad: I'm happy, in fact, I'm individually optimistic, yet, globally pessimistic.

Can we change the course of things to come?

I don't know.

We've messed it up pretty bad.

Just think about it for a moment. The family unit is in a state of crisis; the institution of marriage may be failing.

I suggest in the future for those of you walking down the aisle could you please uncross your fingers and take your tongue out of your cheek. You're only screwing up your kids and, in turn, our world.

If everyone actually meant, "till death do us part," the divorce rate may only be 20 - 25 per cent resulting in:
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  • At least a 50 per cent reduction in unwanted children, in turn resulting in:
  • A smaller global population, in turn resulting in:
  • Less consumption, in turn resulting in: HOPE!
Wait a second, if that was the equation. I might not exist.

We have certainly left one messed up world for the next generation to try to fix. It's too bad that most of them come from broken homes. How are they going to fix the world, when they can't even fix themselves?

How do we implement these changes?

First off, we can turn off the news and start looking at things positively. As hard as it may be, we can all try to be aware of our emotions and no matter how hard it is, only be positive about things. We are all in a way being controlled or at least influenced by the media. So, shut off the TV for a minute and think. A shuttle tragedy, though a horrific event, does not warrant a lot of discussion by the average person, unless you have family members involved or you work at NASA. It can only create more despair, fear and negativity in the average man. A 100-car pileup on the Interstate does not need to be discussed, though tragic it is not positive, it does not warrant much time unless you are directly affected or on the safety committees that help to design highways. We know this sounds cold and our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, but the world is challenging enough just caring and looking out for those who are in our lives. If we are also being filled with the pain of people we don’t know and have nothing to do with, how are we ever going to find peace and happiness?

Come on people.

We all have at one time or another mourned the loss of a celebrity, athlete or a politician. We don’t need to worship these people. We need to worship those around us that matter to us.

Period.

Celebrities, athletes and politicians have their own loved ones. Sure we can appreciate what they have added to our lives in the form of entertainment or policy changes, but that is it.

What we are saying here is, maybe more so than at any other time in history, it may be in our best interest to start looking at ourselves and the people in our lives who matter, and to try to encourage, nurture, love and, most important, be positive around them. We know that if you appear to be happy all the time and not consumed with some sort of despair in these trying times, people may start looking at you like you are crazy.

page 5

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Well the choice is yours. Would you not rather be happy and fucking crazy, than immersed in all of the troubles of this big fucked up world. If you believe the message of the Mayans, those who remain positive, remove negative thoughts and love others have a chance of evolving. Whereas those who are negative and filled with despair – well, your world as you know it may be coming to an end. In fact, if you are this way your world has probably been over for a while anyway.

Unfortunately for me during the writing of this book I became a case study in how important it is to care and nurture those whom you love. The people who are really important to you in your life. In a one-month period of time, the following events occurred in my own personal life.

  1. My relationship, which I deeply cherished, suddenly and unexpectedly came to an end for no understandable reason.
  2. A friend of mine, 28 years old, came to me to tell me that he has cancer and does not have much time to live.
  3. Another friend told me one Friday afternoon that his life sucked. I tried to encourage him, he went home and hung himself.
  4. My closest Aunt called to tell me she was changing her will and, oh by the way, that she might be sick and dying. Less than one month later she died.
  5. And, finally, after that you’d think it would be enough, an uncle of mine died unexpectedly.

At that moment I realized I was kind of fucked up, as I could not even drum up an emotion when hearing about the loss of my uncle. Unless numbness is considered an emotion.

To top it all off, I started thinking about the loss of my parents, which happened when I was in my early 20’s. I watched both them take their last breaths a year apart. I thought I had dealt with those emotions, however, they came rushing back. I am not revealing this for sympathy or to have anyone feel sorry for me, I am just revealing this because it illustrates how important it is, not to spend too much time or emotions on the other tragedies of the world, that honestly, do not directly impact our lives. It is hard enough to process things in one’s own life and at the same time to be concerned with tornados in Oklahoma. OK, if you live in Oklahoma or one of the neighboring states, then fine, worry about it. If you live in Alaska, then you probably have other, more pressing issues (we hope).

Another thing I learned during this time is that most of the people in this world are so fucking self-absorbed that they forget to be kind to strangers. Due to their trivial shit (John was supposed to pick me up at 6 and he was 5 minutes late), which they think is actually important, they treat strangers rudely without knowing, or caring, what is happening in that person’s world.

The message here is this and I don’t care where the fuck you are – at the counter at McDonald’s, your Mechanic’s or even your Doctor’s office, just because your illegitimate son neglected one of his chores don’t take it out on a stranger. These people are human as well and are just trying to get through their day-to-day challenges and who knows – maybe they just lost a loved one in a tragedy. The last thing they need is to take crap from you. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but believe me, if we all listen to this advice it would definitely be a kinder world.

page 6

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You may all be thinking by now that this Seed guy is a jaded cynical bastard. Well, he is not. He is basically just another guy who is mostly happy, loves those important to him and would do anything for them without conditions. He likes to try to be brutally honest: Take that for what it is worth. Hell, I am not asking you all to agree with me. It is just one man’s opinion and takes on the current state of affairs in the world.

Hey, this book is supposed to be a light-hearted look at relationships. However, I believed it was necessary to comment on the way things presently are, to give you an understanding on why relationships are taking such a beating in this current version of the world. With all of the uncertainty and fear that is present how can it be any other way. It has become “me” time and it doesn’t have to be. Everyone needs to slow down a bit, take a big deep breath and stop letting the outside world affect them so much. If you can do this you may actually have a chance of making it through this mess. That is not to say that people in general are not good hearted and caring. Unfortunately, the fact is, a lot of people are actually egotistical, shallow, conniving and fucked in the brain. The point is: I am just asking people to stop acting like sheep and live their own lives.

Is that too much to ask?

Well is it?

Now having said all of this I am sure you are confused as to what this book is about. Well, it couldn’t all be light, there had to be a reason that relationships are in a confusing, beat up mess. I think the above rant gives you some insight into our view of what has happened to our world, and why, just like our world, relationships have spun out of control. They are evolving as well, once again not necessarily in a positive way….

So to help you wind your way through all of this mess and understand what is happening, here it is: Seed’s Sketchy Relationship Theories. So, let us lighten up a bit and start looking at things from a different perspective.

All we ask of you is:

  • Turn off the news.
  • Laugh, smile and cry from time to time.
  • Have a blast.
  • Treat others with kindness.
  • Make your "moments" memorable.
  • Don't have kids just for the sake of it - kids aren't puppies.
  • Avoid confrontations: life is too short.
  • And, most important, remember to hug each other.

We may not be able to fix the mess, however, we can have a blast during the ride.

page 7

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Next up: CHAPTER 2

What Is........?


Check back at the start of November for the second chapter of Seed's Sketchy Relationship Theories. We promise to post a new chapter every month or so, allowing you to consume our words free of charge.

Better yet, if you like what we have to say, or are at least somewhat amused, angered, aroused or for that matter drunk, why don’t you just purchase a copy. We are pretty sure you will be satiated and spent by the end of your reading experience. You may swear from time-to-time. You may strongly disagree with our theories, however, we are sure that you may occasionally find yourself laughing your ass off and nodding your head with reluctant approval.

To purchase your copy visit: http://www.seedenterprises.com/ , where you will find the links to your favorite bookseller. Or, you can simply go to your favorite bookstore and tell the guy/girl behind the counter that you would like to purchase a copy of Seed’s Sketchy Relationship Theories - A Guide to the Perils of Dating, quoting ISBN 1420 8003 02 and they will kindly order a copy in for you.

By visiting the above mentioned website you will also find an array of reviews.

In conclusion, we’ve enjoyed writing our first book and have several other offerings on the way. We guarantee you will not find another book like Seed’s Sketchy Relationship Theories - A Guide to the Perils of Dating anywhere. We did not hold back on our opinions and feel we had the guts to “tell-it-like-it-is” from our perspectives. Whether it is right or wrong or somewhere in-between. Which, in our Politically Correct World may be a big NO -NO.

So, don’t wait just to read for free. If you do it will take you roughly 2 years to complete the book as it contains 47 Chapters, and, damn it, if you could afford a computer, you certainly must be able to afford a book.

The fact is, the information from the following chapters may save your life, your marriage and your bank account.
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To view the TABLE OF CONTENTS look around the site. We promise you that you'll find it


THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND SUPPORT


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Saturday, September 10, 2005

Wallowing In My Gaping Character Flaws

I was asked to respond to a post on the Website of Los Angeles based author Roger Jacobs. The post he asked me to comment on is entitled: Wallowing In My Gaping Character Flaws (see below).

Roger Jacobs has recently released: “Long Time Money and Lots of Cocaine”


Description:

On the evening of July 1, 1981, two obscure drug dealers and two innocent women, Joy Audrey Miller and Barbara Richardson, were relegated to an ignominious footnote in the history of Los Angeles crime when they were viciously bludgeoned to death in their Laurel Canyon home, revenge for a drug robbery gone awry.

The case became known alternately as The Four on the Floor Murders and the Wonderland Killings. And at the very vortex of the mystery was an iconic porn star whose own life was unraveling at the seams, John Curtis Holmes.

Here, available for the first time in print, is the verbatim transcript of the February 2, 1982, Preliminary Hearing for John C. Holmes in the Wonderland murders, fully annotated and featuring Rodger Jacobs' original feature article, "Exhausted: The Dark Secrets of Johnny Wadd."

Reviews:

“Rodger does a wonderful job of bringing the case to life - I couldn't put it down!”

“Anyone with an interest in the Wonderland murders and what went on in the Hills that night should read this.”

“I read this book in 1 sitting. It's great that a full book is out on this fascinating case, and that there was info in the book that I didn't know already.”

For more information on how to purchase Rogers book visit: www.8763wonderland.com
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Wallowing In My Gaping Character Flaws
by Rodger Jacobs

We all hear voices, a friend of mine wrote recently, we’re just not supposed to listen to them.

Six months ago, quaking under the twin burdens of physical illness and a work ethic that requires constant waking enslavement to my keyboard, I started listening to the voices in my head. (Before you start thinking that I’ve really flipped my barge understand that I am talking in metaphor, okay? Thank you.)

The voices started telling me that the last two years of my seven year relationship with my putative wife, Jill, had been a complete and utter disaster. In many respects that was true but this is not the place for recriminations. We both screwed up the relationship on a maddening multitude of levels. We were a burning bridge waiting for someone to hand us a can of gasoline.

“We could not have continued on the way we were,” Jill wrote to me last night, “and unfortunately neither one of us could fully communicate it, or constructively deal with it. Maybe now we can.”

As severely as I hurt her, Jill continued, what I did to her woke her “out of a really bad place.”
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The what in “what I did to her” was the conversion of a weekend tryst with another woman into a six-month shack-up. As if that wasn’t enough, I then began blindly flailing at Jill in an exercise that I am somewhat renowned for: burning bridges.

I realized early on what a mistake I made with the other woman — again, no recriminations — but it was too easy to just soldier on what with everything else that went down in my life over the last six months: the publication and promotion of Long Time Money and Lots of Cocaine, the Lori Scheirer debacle, magazine assignments, and sometimes demanding work on a feature documentary about Johnny Bragg and Johnnie Ray.

I even created a fictional alter ego, Trace, to help guide me through what is sometimes described as a mid-life crisis. The Trace stories were workshopped through the Craigs List Writers Forum, which was where I met the woman who was suddenly encamped — at my invitation — in my home … if you want to call a suite in the Glendale Extended Stays a home. Hell, it’s bigger than most studio apartments so don’t give me shit about that, alright?

“When I decide to push you away,” Dr. Gregory House says in an episode of the Fox TV drama “House”, “I hope there’s a small person standing behind you so you fall down and hurt your hand.”

“House” is Jill’s favorite television show. She had been urging me to watch it in the months before our split but I wasn’t interested. Until now. Now I’m hooked. In fact, I just bought the First Season DVD.

“I was taking a walk one day,” Jill told me not too long ago, “and I started thinking ‘Why do I like this character (Greg House) so much? He’s brilliant at his occupation but as a doctor he has no bedside manner, he’s antisocial, he’s a narcissist, he pops pills, he can’t tolerate stupidity, he can be cruel, people hate him, and he’s self-destructive, but he has a good side. And he’s in love with a woman who loves him, too, but can’t tolerate being around him.’”

Yep. I know this guy. All too well.

As I write this there’s a ladybug crawling on my keyboard. Do you suppose that has any symbolic value?
Shit.

It just flew out the window.

There’s symbolism for you.
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Living Autopsy:
Wallowing In My Gaping Character Flaws
by Lindsay Wincherauk

I actually find myself open to my voices. I encourage them to sing out to me.

I feel they serve a higher purpose in my life. Give direction. Occasionally they lead me astray, down a dark path of despair. Those are the voices I try to shut out, as for the others, they provide a calming influence and I feel it would be unwise to shut them out, provided adverse consequences doesn’t supervene.

As for “Wallowing………,” a seven year assumed marriage could not possibly be all bad, there had to be times when the oppressive heat from the burning bridge was only a flicker at best. No one with a sane mind would attempt to endure continual relationship strife. (I do understand only the last two years had been a living hell).

With the insertion of “Jill” into the equation, the odds of two people not traveling down the path of relationship self-destruction increase tenfold. Lucid intervals surely would have intervened, freeing both of you from your retreating bliss.
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What I don’t understand is now that your relationship has splintered apart: why do you feel the necessity to communicate your need to discover what went wrong? After all, it is easy to fire-off a malapropos statement in the heat of the moment that you will undoubtedly regret, only creating a bigger wedge between the two of you.

Would it not be best if you cut the chord and counted your loses, learned from the deceit, forgave yourself and retreated to a place of coping? That way you could stop punishing one another.

As for your offending actions: they were pre-meditated, that makes them the worst kind of infidelity.

Let us make something perfectly clear: nobody cheats by accident. It is never a mistake. Can you imagine? "Honey, I was walking down the street and I tripped and next thing you know I was having sex. It was an accident."

Tripping is an accident, cheating is ... CHEATING. It is that cut and dried.

You’ve even eliminated the oft-used excuse of alcohol or other substances as accomplices in your indiscretion. At least you never spoke of them. The fact is you mapped out the course, got on the phone, or, on-line and took the leap shows that your love-bond with Jill was only a reflection in your rear-view mirror at best. In fact long before you consummated your tryst you had violated her trust and ventured down a highway with no off-ramps to the tumultuous past.

I truly believe if it was “meant-to-be” or a “true love” you would have not allowed your character to weaken, that temptation would have not been part of the equation. The fact that your character did weaken and temptation prevailed, shows to me that despite of your love for Jill - now is not the time. Not only not the time when it comes to Jill, but, anyone in general. You must get your house in order before you subject anyone else to your life struggles and come to terms with your mid-life crisis.

In a sense: Save Yourself First.

Without question Jill does love you. In a sense it is her curse. I’m sure she loves your creativity, your passion for life, your unwavering drive and commitment to your craft. And I am certain that you love her as well, despite your insidious indiscretions. The thing is she likely realizes that she can’t save you and the same things that draws her to you are the things that ultimately drive her away.

You are either not ready, scared, or have a history of sabotaging yourself. Whatever the case, what I suggest is if you truly love her, break free, quit subjecting each other to heartache. Evict the cancerous intruders from your inner redoubts, before you connect again.

This may be a monumental undertaking, however, if you want your future love quests to be heavenly instead of a repeat of the past, a definite necessity. If you find the courage to do this, who knows the flames may subside and Jill may come back. That is of course if it was meant to be.

One last thing: If you ever again have the urge to stray. KEEP IT TO YOURSELF. The guilt belongs to only you.

Sorry, one more one last thing: If you find yourself connected again to Jill or anyone else for that matter and you can’t contain yourself: Get A Hooker. That way it will only be sex.

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Lindsay Wincherauk is a co-author of Seed's Sketchy Relationship Theories - A Guide to the Perils of Dating (How not to become a bar regular).

For more information visit: www.seedenterprises.com
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It may provide answers to all of your relationship dilemmas.

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Dumped? Get set for a new life.

Another couple of weeks have passed and another article has been published. Once again in 24 Hours Vancouver.
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Very Exciting.
Enjoy!
Dumped? Get set for new life.

Welcome to Dumpsville. Population - you!

You've been dumped for a new and improved model. However, you have decided, "to remain friends."
What good can come from being friends with someone who doesn't want you?

We have all heard the lies. "It's not you, it's me" or "My life is too complicated right now...."

Here is the skinny, my friends: your ex is trying to cover up their feelings of guilt.


When dumped, you have four choices:

  1. Buy self-help books.
  2. Tell your ex in many ways that you love them and want them in your life.
  3. Write your ex poems expressing your undying love.*
  4. Get away and start healing yourself, have some rebound sex, join a gym, learn a new language or find some other activities to fill your time. Whatever you do, you must purge yourself of your ex.

In fact, unless you have children it is best to avoid all contact. That is if you want to develop into a better and more desirable human being. This is your time: you need to get yourself together. There is a long road of recovery ahead before you will be ready for potential love in the future.

It is imperative not to jump into another relationship. Take this time and learn to like yourself. As scary as it may be, go out by yourself. You'll be amazed at the adventures freedom can offer.

Pursue your dreams. Learn to cook. Staying single is even more imperative if you have gone through life jumping from relationship to relationship. Being a "serial monogamist" isn't a skill.

If you hope that you someday will reconnect with your ex, avoiding contact becomes vital. If you planned to avoid contact for six months, make it a year. If it was true love, this might be your only way to get it back.

Face it: You broke up and it was probably for a reason (or several reasons). In all likelihood, one or both of you need to change. That is, of course, unless you want the same relationship again.

If so, may I suggest repeatedly banging your head against a wall?

I have been a case study on this topic. I was dumped and thought remaining friends was the right decision. Minus the hugs, kisses and passion. Can you imagine the torture? Of course you can, we've all been there.

Remember this, when the hammer falls on your relationship - that is usually it. It doesn't matter if the other person is making a monumental mistake. No matter how much you love someone, you can't force them to love you back.

* Ignore number 3 - it is hard enough for poets to eke out a living, so they don't need the competition from you, Mr. Lonely Pants.

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Lindsay Wincherauk is a co-author of Seed's Sketchy Relationship Theories - A Guide to the Perils of Dating (How not to become a bar regular).

For more info visit: www.seedenterprises.com

Or to purchase a copy visit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1420800302/ref=ase_seedenterpris-20/002-1652378-3982430?v=glance&s=books where you will be able to read a selection of reviews.
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Thank You For Your Support!

Saturday, August 06, 2005

We’ve Been Published Again!

Excitement is upon us again. 24 Hours Vancouver has decided that the Seed’s have something relevant to share with their readers and they published an article on the scary world of relationships in their daily paper.

Taken right from one of the Chapters in Seed’s Sketchy Relationship Theories - 24 Hours has shared with its readership the following toned down story on the ugly festering beast of infidelity entitled:
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No excuses for all that


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Infidelity: an ugly beast that most people must deal with.

Let us make something perfectly clear: nobody cheats by accident. It is never a mistake. Can you imagine? "Honey, I was walking down the street and I tripped and next thing you know I was having sex. It was an accident."

Tripping is an accident, cheating is ... CHEATING. It is that cut and dried.

Scenario 1 plays out sort of like this: you have struck up a bit of relationship with someone at work. Every day is filled with flirting. The two of you anticipate the day when you will finally get to consummate your friendship.
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One problem: She has a boyfriend. Well, it is not really a problem. You must ask yourself two simple questions: do you actually like this person and can you in all honesty imagine having a relationship with her?

If the answer is "Yes", then there is no problem at all. You have to let her know that the flirting must come to a stop.

It is not fair to her boyfriend, or for that matter, to you. As long as she is attached you will no longer partake in this behaviour. You must make this perfectly clear.

Scenario 2:

You or the love of your life has strayed for some reason and have spent some time in someone else's sandbox, toy room or whatever euphemism you choose to use for the infidelity.

Your relationship may be on the rocks. Perhaps you even truly love the person you are with. Yet due to your own dysfunctions, you feel trapped.

There are a few things that may happen. It may be a one-time thing, or something your mate stumbles across by accident.

Maybe they confront you with it because they have some hard evidence.

Or maybe someone you know, a friend, a family member or worse yet, someone who has ulterior motives, knows and informs you of it.

If you are the one doing the cheating, you soulless, spineless ... Please take a step back and realize what pain and suffering you are about to inflict.

Why are you about to do this to someone you love? A simple answer: All because of your own selfishness. If you can't keep it in your pants, then get out of your relationship.

If you are the one being cheated on, the answer is simple, but it may not be something that you want to hear.

There is almost no excuse for the disrespect and if you are to find out, you must initially leave.
That is your only option. If you don't, you will never find the respect that you deserve and maybe you don't even deserve that respect.
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For the complete unedited story visit www.seedenterprises.com

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Poutine Is Born

It is an exciting time for Seed Enterprises. On Tuesday June 7th we found out that our second book “Poutine” is going to be published. If all goes well it will be ready for a fall release.

Poutine is: A irreverent guide to day-to-day life and pop culture. Poutine is chalk full of wicked humor, amazing anecdotes, eye popping imagery. Ouch my eyes!!!, hard-hitting commentary and abstract random musings.

If we had a gun against our heads and were forced to compare Poutine to other books, well, we couldn’t. If however, the gun was loaded, that would change our minds a bit and we would say it is a cross between George Carlin, The Chicken Soup Books or David Rakoff, complete with cheese curds and gravy.

Anyways, we would like to solicit your help. Though the publisher will likely come up with a cover design for us, we would like to tap our creativity even more and try to design our own. Below are 5 covers that we have come up with thus far and would appreciate your input. Send your picks to theseedvan@hotmail.com . Thank you for your input!
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Garden Center
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Lone Leaf
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Funky Circles
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Venice Street Scene
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Ducky
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All of the images on the covers are Seed Originals.
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If you haven’t already picked up your copy of our first book Seed’s Sketchy Relationship Theories - A Guide to the Perils of Dating (How not to become a bar regular), now would be the perfect time. Just click on www.seedenterprises.com and follow the links.
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Thank You!

Sunday, May 29, 2005

A Seedism & Seed Visual


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“the first rule to living an exceptional life is

to accept what you’re not.”

-the seed

Reality Cheque

Frustration and desperation were unfortunately starting to set in. Was failure soon to follow with its army of naysayers, well wishers when your life mirrors theirs, however, when you begin to step out and pursue greatness they seem to turn away from you or even worse, slam a hook into you and start to reel you back into a place where they can understand.

“I could have written a book if I didn’t have to work all day.” -
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Being consumed with the pursuit of new found passion can make 16 hour days appear to be the norm. They’re not, but still it is necessary in the early stages of the pursuit. It can be increasingly addictive, the pursuit that is, true greatness will only come if you can bash down the doors of insecurity and self doubt. A monumental task. Could it be insurmountable? Of course it could. If you are coward.

Questions start to creep in, they circle as if you are weak and it will only be a matter of time before you bow down and become their broken prey. What if your work, your passion, is not worthy of providing you with the necessary benefits of a sustainable existence? You find this thought slamming into you full force from the left.

Before you can process this query ‘bang’ from the right comes: What if the jury comes back and the verdict is negative? Fuck! I am down. I’m hurting. Stop. Please stop. Doubt is starting to win. It senses victory. Do you stop? Do you discount their voices? Or do you accept the conclusion of their deliberations and change course and retreat back to mediocrity? The problem is, that if it is truly your passion that you have discovered, it is not an option. You can’t retreat. Your only option is to discount those who are pestiferous. You must eliminate them from the equation.

However, reality has begun to set in, reality sometimes has a habit of masking itself as failure. The early verdict has come in, and though it is not a competition, this verdict indicates that your passion is an overwhelming success. You knew that already, finding away to accept it is the challenge. Your passion actually seems to be defying all boundaries. You even find yourself learning more about your penned words, from the opinions of others. This is humbling. If it is such a success, why are you living a life that is so impecunious? If it was not for the generosity of a few, you would have become meek and would likely be living in a box. You can’t allow that to be your sentence.

You’ve prepared a list of all of the places that you have approached over the last several months in an attempt to bridge the ever pressing financial responsibilities. The list depresses. One page - two pages - how can it be three pages in length? How can no one be interested? The list is an attempt to encourage a loosening of the purse strings of a potential source of funds. You realize during this exercise people are lame. Surely they can see the drive and determination that is written all over your face.

You have now waited over 45 minutes for your meeting. Time is running short. You have a meeting in 25 minutes with one of the establishments on the list and you have no option but to leave. The drive to this meeting would normally take 15 - 20 minutes, it has now taken 25 and you still have a ways to go. Your pride has already been swallowed, this really is not part of the plan. Yet it has to be, if you want to continue the pursuit of your dream. Living in a box is not a feasible option.

“Fuuucccck!” you scream as you slam your hand into the steering wheel.

These actions don’t remove any of the stress. You feel your blood begin to boil. You are rushing to a meeting that simply makes you ill at the thought of the work involved and due to situations out of your control you may miss the opportunity to perform this undesirable work. Ironic. Like the lack of interest in your list, this must be a sign. You must keep pushing forward.
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You leave the meeting. They seem to want you. Actually it is basically a cattle call, the work is menial, hire 50 slam them against the wall and see how many stick. The answer is usually 1. There is something beautiful about realizing this. This will only be a pit stop. If you proceed you can leave at any time, when your passion becomes more relevant. Sadness fills your heart as you realize others are not as fortunate as you. This is their reality. Hopefully their satisfaction is derived from elsewhere. What kind of life is it if you manage to survive 10 years of mind numbing work you will reach the highest level of pay. Twenty-two dollars an hour. Then you simply die. Unfortunately for most on this course, emotional death comes much earlier.

Once again your back at the office with your list. Forty more minutes of weaving in and out of traffic. Every second of this trek is taking you away from your real goal. This is not productive time. Your told that they can’t see you now, come back in 45 minutes. Another hurdle. For the first time you recognize how precious your time is. You rush home. More road construction - this is taking way too long. You are only home for a few moments, somehow you manage to send off 3 resumes in that time. This kind of pisses you off since you are being forced to jump over hurdles to prove you deserve funding.

Integrity fully intact you present your never ending efforts. If your efforts are declined, so be it. Of course they will not turn you down. Articulately you explain your situation, reveal the pursuits of the day. You do this with a calm confidence. Your request will not break their bank and will allow you to continue on the journey with a little of the pressure alleviated.

Declined you head to your bank, royalty cheque in hand from your first quarter as an author. Strangely you are not worried, it is just another obstacle that will make the eventual success a more interesting story. Funny, the rejection was because you were unable to prove that your cash flow was limited.

You get out of the car exactly one block away from the bank. The drive to the bank, well, more construction says it all. This day sucks.

After a couple of steps you notice a business card on the ground, it has fallen from your folder. You pick it up and as you do, out of the corner of your eye you catch something being tossed by the wind beneath the car. You think nothing of it and carry on. Half a block later you open your folder and to your dismay the cheque isn’t there, so you head on back to the car. Flipping thru every page you can’t find the cheque.

Under the seats - the glove box - everywhere. Damn-it!

Did you leave it at last meeting? You remember taking it out as part of your presentation.

Fuuuck! I am going to have to go back to the scene of the rejection. Another 20 or 30 more wasted minutes. I am meant to be promoting my efforts - my passion. ----
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You get down into a push up position and look under the car. Could the wind have deposited the cheque under the car? Is that what you saw? Two cars later and the results aren’t positive, you resign yourself to the fact that you will have to go back. Almost defeated, you decide that you still have to go to the bank.

Halfway there you cross the street which consists of 4 lanes. About 200 paces later you are at the banks door. You sense something brush against you leg.

You look down and flip - flip - flip - tumble - flip, like a leaf being thrown around helplessly by the breeze.
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Only it is not a leaf, you bend over to pick up the wind blown object. To your dismay and astonishment, it’s the cheque, your first Royalty Cheque, one corner was damp, it had apparently taken the time on its journey to take a brief dip in a puddle, but much like your journey of the day, complete with struggles and challenges, it stayed true to its pursuits and found a way to the final destination.

Clarity engulfs you, the few who have kept you fed and sheltered are the real jury. Their verdict is in and you can’t quit. You have a greater mission. It won’t be easy - nothing significant ever is. Your Royalty Cheque wasn’t a Royalty Cheque after-all - instead it symbolized something far greater - it had become a “Reality Cheque.”

It is now time for the journey to continue.

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