People like to
know about their neighbors, fellow workers, or potential friends. I
don't often talk about that. I would rather listen to what the other
guy (or gal) has to say.
On the other hand, if one feels
like listen to me ramble, than prepare to get an earful. I tend to be
opinionated and have very definite beliefs about things. Take this "global
warming" crap: I know Mother Earth is going through changes and
the weather is turning warmer and weirder, but let's stop and think
for a moment...did ya ever think that perhaps that's normal? I mean
come on, we were once in an ice age and scientists predict we will get
there again. Granted it will take another thousand years or so, but
it will happen. Who was so arrogant that they claim we as a
race of beings have that much influence on Mother Earth? That we are
the sole cause of global warming?
Not only is it normal for Mother
Earth to change and experience global seasons, but yes it is possible
for us to make it worse. Ultimately we will only destroy ourselves...Mother
Earth will keep on spinning!
Ok, that's my two pennies on that
topic.
Now on to me. Although I grew
up in California, I was born back east. And yes, I miss the seasons
there. REAL seasons. California has hot and warm. That's it. I love
the rain, thunderstorms, autumn, and the occasional snow flurry. Southern
California is a desert, nothing more. Some people dig it, I tolerate
it. Although the beaches are cool.
Of course there is no denying
there are tons of resources here. That's one of the biggest reasons
my father dragged us out here. Ya see, living in the sticks as we did
doesn't provide much entertainment other than farming and raising a
family. That's all well and good, but there is more to life. And as
my main page points out, I like to try a lot of new things, keep busy
and be creative. I create worlds out of various artistic mediums. I
am an artist, always have been, always will be. Not much call for artists
in the sticks.
My art covers a lot of territory.
Writing, digital art, crafts, music, and exploring spirituality. Yes,
I said spirituality. There is a deep spiritual passion in art and it
fits perfectly with my spirituality. What is my spirituality?
It's not mainstream. E-mail
me if you have an open mind and want to know more.
Back to art. I have had to learn,
albiet later in life, who I am and where my interests lie. Drumming.
Hand drumming to be more specific. I discovered hand drumming about
ten years ago after originally getting the percussion bug when I was
eleven - a drum kit. It wasn't until the time I picked up my first hand
drum that I realized how much I loved to drum. I was hooked. If you
want to read more about my drumming adventures,
check out my drum website. I play the djembe, doumbek,
bodhran, frame drums, and other percussion instruments.
This is my first and best passion.
Dancing goes hand in hand with
hand drumming. How's that for a segue? LOL I have always liked
dancing, but drumming for bellydancers or similar ethnic dancing
takes my breath away. Watching them move to the rhythm, each beat, each
pop and accent, is one of the most beautiful mediums I have ever experienced.
I feel honored, thankful, and priveleged to drum for these wonderfully
talented people. I have also done drumming in drum circles with people
who simply get up and dance to the rhythm. I have also led drum circles,
taught drumming, and performed professionally with various bands. It
is addicting to say the least.
When you are on stage, and the
audience is clapping, dancing, or cheering you on, and they give a rousing
applause at the end of a song, it is heaven. The energy is absolutely
amazing! Perhaps it's intentional, perhaps not, but you "feed"
off that energy. Actually it's more like you exchange energy back and
forth. I have drummed anywhere from short ten to fifteen minute sessions
to over four hours straight. Believe it or not, I feel more tired when
I do short sessions. I have said this before to my fellow drummers -
"If I die today, right now, in the middle of drumming, on stage,
I will die a happy man."
As I said, art has always been
there. After discovering Photoshop and 3D software I realized I could
create literally anything I wanted. And I did! If you want to see my
artistic endeavors, click here.
Much of my art is fantasy or sci-fi with some mix of this and that.
Fair warning, though, some of the art contains nudity
or dark aspects. If are offended by this, well...what are you doing
here then?
You'll notice I have a Dragon
on the right side of my website. Since as early as I can remember I
have been fascinated with Dragons. Drawing, movies, you name it. Can't
get enough. I have so many Dragon statues and artifacts I don't know
where to put them all! Dragons hold a special, spiritual, and mysterious
connection in my heart. I love anything Dragon and my ears will perk
if I hear the word "dragon" spoken. It may be the whole fantasy
world that appeals to me in general, but Dragons stand out above them
all. Who knows, perhaps I was a Dragon in a past life?
I have expressed myself through
photography as well. I love the digital age! A long way from "air
brushing" effects onto a photo. I have done a lot of photo enhancements
and manipulation and it provides another creative outlet. Check
out my art page to see what I mean.
Writing. Writing is something
newer as well. I didn't sit down and start writing until about fifteen
years ago. It was a novel about, you guessed it, Dragons. Now this simple
story that started off at about thirty pages has turned into a monster!
The whole story encompasses, or will encompass, four books. The stories
take place in a world similar to ours - except for an extra moon, and
of course the Dragons. Or is it another world? Perhaps it is
a very ancient version of Earth? You decide. I will post some sample
chapters here soon. In the
meantime, you can go to my writing page
to check out some other stories.
In all this, and after moving
to San Diego from my original stomping grounds in Orange County, I was
also fortunate to dabble in the "fire arts". I learned how
to spin fire poi, fire staff, and fire swords. The fire swords rock.
I haven't done if for awhile since I have been focusing more on my drumming,
but I am due for a fire fix soon! I have some photos of fire arts on
my art page.
I discovered my heritage about twenty
years ago and began to explore it more on both sides of my family. I
take my Scottish heritage seriously
and have been fortunate to take a trip to Inverness and get to see another
one of my life-long interests - Loch Ness (speaking of Dragons...).
It was indescribably beautiful. I truly felt at home there and the Scots
were wonderful people. I think about it often and long to go back...perhaps
even a bit homesick? I have also studied a lot about the ancient Celts
and how their blood runs through Scotland, Ireland, Wales (which I was
fortunate to visit as well), Breton, and many other countries. There
is an incredible amount of culture and influence to our modern world.
I love the artwork, Celtic knotwork, and the old stories. Do I play
the bagpipes? Unfortunately, no, but I do play the bodhran,
an Irish drum.
I tend to be pretty easy going.
I am kind to others, following not only a "harm none" rule,
but just the simple fact that I want to treat others as I would wish
to be treated. There is no reason to be an asshole. None. If you screw
me over, then we have a problem. I try to be as helpful, loyal, and
respectful as possible. Although I do suffer from "foot-in-mouth"
disease. It's not intentional, just a bad choice of words. Honest.
Don't hate me because I am beautiful.
Ok, I know better, I am one ugly old hippy dude. That's ok. I still
have a great family, great friends, and I have a lot of fun anyway.
I am what I am, as Jerry
Lee Lewis said. Of course unlike Jerry Lee, I didn't marry
my thirteen year old cousin, but his music rocks! I am not a slave to
fashion. I refuse to where an article of clothing because of the name
or status. I wear clothes 'cause I have to. They arrest nudists in this
country.
There is so much more. Opinions
I mean. I love to share those, hehe. But, I only have so much
space on this server and a limited amount of bandwidth, so I will say
goodbye for now. Feel free to drop me a line if you want to chat.
~CJ~
