LuckNo one can be successful without a touch of luck. You could have the mind of Einstein, the talent of Olivier and the wisdom of Thoreau ... but without Lady Luck riding shotgun, you may as well pre-heat the gas oven, because that's where you're gonna stick your head at the end of the day. (Note: don't forget to kill the pilot light ... suicide by char-broil is not nearly as romantic as it sounds.)
That may sound depressing, but the fact is that most of us, at sometime or another, run into a string of good luck. It has probably happened to you more often than I (and that's why I hate you!), but we all are fortunate from time to time. I know it's hard to believe that, especially on an early Monday morning, but luck comes a-calling every so often for all of us. You've just got to try and remain confident that it'll come soon. And be able to recognize it when it arrives ... especially if it's trying to knock down your door.
Unfortunately, some folks out there have trouble recognizing a good thing when it's standing right in front of them. Perhaps they've been burned by "false luck" or they're so selfish they think they have to make their own luck and can't accept that luck could come in the form of another person. Sometimes it's hard to embrace the good because we're so used to having our arms filled with the bad. I am constantly saddened to see people turn their back on what could be, if they accepted it, a life changing stroke of good luck.
In addition to luck, one must also have talent to succeed. If you have both luck and talent, well then kid, you've got it made! Shakespeare said it best, "There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." Another, more recognizable quote is, "You've got to be at the right place at the right time."
And isn't that what we're all looking for? The right place? And if so, will you recognize it when you're finally there?
Flaky Freakin' Actors!
Just started rehearsals for my latest gig and I've been reminded about how much I really do hate actors. Now, I know what you're thinking, how can you hate actors when you are one? It's like a carpenter who hates carpenters, right? Or an accountant who hates accountants? Well, not really. Carpenters don't have to deal with the numerous flakes, fakes and mentally deficient folks that an actor deals with day to day. Accountants might, but that's their problem.
Now let me clarify, once again, that this doesn't apply to all actors. Many of the people who I cherish and hold dear are indeed actors. Actors, as a whole, aren't evil or anything. Well, not to the best of my knowledge. They're just frequently selfish. There are many great people out there who act ... I love them ... and then there are the "actors." It's an important difference ... people who act vs. actors. The folks I'm working with now are all great, personable and interesting people. Several of them I've already developed an admiration and appreciation for. Problem is, with only a few exceptions, you can bet that in six months time they won't give me the time of day on the street.
Here's an example of one of the things I hate about actors: You'll spend weeks and weeks working with these people. You'll talk to them more than you do to your own family. You'll develop close, deep, personal relationships with them. You'll open yourself emotionally and, on some occasions, physically with them ... more so than you would with other people you deal with day-to-day. In a matter of weeks, perhaps months, you'll form a bond with them that, at least on the surface, appears to be extremely deep. These people will honestly become precious to you.
And then the run of the show ends. Two weeks later, these people who you've loved and shared so much with won't be able to pick you out of a police line-up. Relationships you've developed just come to a sudden and abrupt end. They've moved on to their next gig and are establishing relationships with a whole new group of people. You've been cast aside and you can't help but wonder if these people have real genuine emotions. Are they capable of developing real, genuine friendships? And there's not even a "break-up" period, where you can be angry at them and start to emotionally detach yourself.
They've just simply forgotten that you exist.
More Random Responses
And now, more responses to your comments and emails:
"Hey, when is the next meeting of F.O.D.A.?" -- Chase Garland, NYC
That's a good question, Chase. Unfortunately we've been missing the D.A., so it's just been F.O. lately. Of course, I'm very fond of F.O., so I won't complain too much.
"I hear you've been yelling at Jesus a lot lately. Is that true?" -- Rev. Balki, Queens, New York
Well, Reverend, the answer is yes. I've returned to play Pontius Pilate for the 90th Anniversary of The Passion Play at the Park Performance Center in Union City, NJ. I first did the show three years ago and was honored to be asked to return this year. So, yes, I have been yelling at Jesus, so-to-speak lately. Check out the website soon for information on performance dates and times.
"What exactly is Weasel Erotica?" -- Mse. Rittenrotten, Long Island
You'll find out in August. But, between you and me, it's pretty much what you think it is.
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