So this evening I’m going to introduce numbers 21-31 on my list of influences in my life. The list so far has been a great compilation of people, ideas, and things that make up my world. Of course to reach that 100 mark there is a bit more to go, so here we go.
21) Modern Style: Nothing beats classical architecture with a mod touch.
I went to Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida and it was astonishing to see the world class beauty of early design. I love how architecture much like a beautiful painting or a profound photograph can give you a since of appreciation for the thought and mastery that goes into building it. I could spend my life collecting books that have influenced people, since the idea of design and functionality was introduced. One of my favorites wish list places to visit would be Greece- With its exuberance in classical lines mixed with old world columns- It has really made me grateful that art can exist within the confines of brick and stone.
22) Stage: Life lessons learned in the limelight.
With its beautiful wood floors and curtains that drape it so eloquently, there is nothing that beats a theater stage. Its where the union of person and actor meet to form what sometimes can be considered the most perfect human emotional experience- Acting. I remember stepping out on my first stage of an empty theater and looking out to see hundreds of velvet red seats and a harsh blinding wash of white light. I felt like I belonged and better yet as if I belonged to something greater than myself. In my life my expectations of my talents have always been tested on a stage and whether for good or bad, I could not imagine myself anywhere else.
23) Angels in America: Its The mixture of great American theater and an iconic message that has kept me entranced.
If I could have only one favorite play in my life then it would be hands down Angels in America- In the words written by Tony Kushner, I have found a pure message of hope and need. Every time I revisit the great archetype characters in Joe, Pryor, and Harper- I feel a sense of deep sorrow and true love. It was first a very successful play and then a phenomenal HBO mini-series (cast pitch perfect) that has gone on to win countless awards. The themes of the script are engaging and deeply touching, while at the same time very provocative. I believe every person should be able to see this play in some form, because Its the enduring human spirit that ultimately brings us closer together.
24) Ipod: A dance machine.
Like every person I love music and now that I have my very own Ipod I hope to fill it to the max with music that has shaped me and made me feel better about rough days. I listen to music every single day in one form or another. I’m not a snob. I will listen to and find something to love in any genre no matter what.
25) Tom Hanks: The epitome of what an acting legend should be.
Yes, there is one man that I cant help but be completely in awe of. Its the one and only Tom Hanks- Its his ability to make characters come to life before your very eyes and how when you watch a performance it feels so genuine. his presence on screen is what makes him a legend. I have always found myself admiring actors and applauding their vision for characters, but when it comes to Tom Hanks its more about the style and not the celebrity.
26) Vanilla: A rich and invigorating smell that leaves one yearning for more.
Since was a small boy, there is only one thing I can truly remember making me so happy and that was the smell of Vanilla. I love everything about it from the smell to the taste and how a creamy shake makes your day a lot better. Okay, so it seems a little too deep to think of Vanilla as some kind of euphoric utopia of a mind-boggling rush to the senses, but hey it really is. You know you want a bite.
27) GQ magazine: What every modern man should know.
I can remember reading GQ magazine when I was 11 and understanding that a well educated man could be a sharp dresser with a sense of pride. Okay, so I will never be on the cover or in any page of GQ, but hey its supposed to be a little multi-lateral in this image obsessed society. Its a hip magazine with some nifty tips on being a put together man. I have always wanted to have pride in myself because I grew up knowing nothing and starting this world out filthy poor. So, maybe its more than just a magazine.
28) Care: Something that has some weight for the people who need it.
Care is an idea where nothing matters more than seeing people in trouble helped. I came from poverty and its one thing that I have noticed in this life- is that people stricken with hunger and pain do not believe in a future. I think that as a responsible adult we all have a responsibility to care for others in need. I’m not on a soapbox because I know that this world is tuff and its not perfect, but I refuse to believe that being an active helper is wrong. I want to do great things in this life, but I more importantly want to do great things for others in this life. God. Love. Respect. Care.
29) Texting: Bad habits unite!
Only within the past few months have I even started to text. Now I can’t imagine life before texting. I know its a bit dumb to think of texting as an influence, but life is so fast and crazy..It’s the only way to say “hello” sometimes. I like to text to pass boring classes and there can’t be anything wrong with that. lol.
30) Daydreamer: Stick
Only my family will realize the meaning behind “Stick”, but Its something that I used to cope with the things I didn’t understand about life. It was like a dreaming tool. Something I could use to leave this world behind and just be completely immersed in something new. It was my talking journal. I had the ability to dream up worlds and be things I could never be here on earth. I wish I were a kid again.
31) The Beach: Water falls on the list again.
Only recently have I missed going to the beach and my only real excuse for not going was always that I had no time. Well, someday it’s going to be a large part of my time. I'm not sure what about it makes me so at peace, whether it be the crashing soulful waves or soft warm sand- but I feel so relaxed and all those insecurities in my mind just go away. I cant explain how it really makes me feel- just a happier man. I feel like all my thoughts could spill out of my head and tumble into that deep dark sea and I wouldn't miss any of them.
The total now stands at 31 influences and I feel very happy about this list and its direction. Its almost like dissecting the most basic principles of your history and seeing what adds up to make you, well- you. Some of these make me laugh, because they are so dopey- but what is true is true.
