Just Stuff

I had a great week. I got a lot of things done and have plans for the weekend. Its Halloween, so nothing can be that bad.

Going to my parents house to hand out candy, one of my favorite things to do. I want to watch a scary movie tonight too. I can’t belive tomorrow I will have been married for 2 weeks and that it will be November first.

Tomorrow I’m going to order some cds, look for some new reading glasses and help my wife find a desk. She needs a good desk, the one she has is old. I also want to look for new tree decor. The stuff we have on ”my” tree is all white and silver. I want an “us” tree, so I thought about updating stuff and make it ours. Just an idea. We will have to talk it over and see what she thinks.

Today I had a great talk with HR about job stuff and benefits. I have 30 days to drop mine after the wedding. I’m not sure what I will do yet. I may just keep them and leave it alone. I hate paperwork.  

This is just like one large twitter message.

Have a great Halloween.

Dreams (short)

I believe that some people don’t have dreams.  I think having goals and dream is what makes life worth living. I know people who don’t have much for goals and dreams. I think that’s ok, sometimes they come later.

I think to have dreams and to have goals you have to have passion. You have to have a bit of drive and patience. I have very little patience. I do however have a great drive. I also have strong passion. I have passion about music, people, life, film, dreams, goals and being yourself.

I think its sad when people don’t have dreams. I think its also sad when people don’t have goals. Even worse then the two is when people who don’t have dreams, goals or passion put your dreams and goals down. They say things like “you can’t do that”, “why would you ever want to do that”, “that’s stupid”, etc.

I believe I have thick skin, but sometimes people go for the throat. I feel even more sorry for those types of people. What they don’t know or don’t understand is that being that way creates drive. Its nice to check yourself, check your goals and dreams. Once that’s done you can move forward. At some point maybe let them know they were wrong. Show them how far you have come and plan to go. In a way “HA! in your face”

I’m too nice of a guy to be that way. You would really have to smash my goals for me to react that way. Anyway, if you have dreams hold them close, if you have goal chart your progress. Don’t let others put your ideas and ideals down. Move forward without them. You need to be around people who support what dreams, goals and ideas you have. As one of my college teachers told me. “Goals have to be attainable and measureable”

Just The Beginning

I show my Power Point on Wednesday. I want to bring social media to the forefront where I work. Over about three weeks I have put together a Power Point and done research. I have showed it to about a have dozen people around the office. Some of them are managers, who had positive feedback. Other people are coworkers in my department. Most of the people I showed it to wanted to know more. I’m glad people felt it would be worth the companies time. I would love to say I’m an expert, but I’m not. I am to most of the people I work with. I would like to make a career change into social media. Like many things, its hard to sell anything you don’t believe in. I believe in social media.

There are many things I have a good handle on. I have done over a dozen videos for bands and artists. I have also done photos for several artists as well. I like to write and put information together. I like to bring people together and hear their thoughts, ideas, hopes and dreams. I have a large amount of passion and drive. I also think social media is a great way to link my two loves together (music and people) Either way, once Wednesday is here I will feel a lot better. After work I’m going out to celebrate. I hope to have good news to celebrate about, but project finished I think is enough. I have faith that things happen for a reason. Time will tell.

Married, so what. Its a good thing.

To start with I’m glad I don’t date anymore. The dating world has so many things I just don’t have time for. I don’t mind meeting new people at all. Its nice to know someone finds you good looking or fun. I don’t have time for the false expectations, tall tails, etc.  Many people like others because of who they are (status, cars, money, etc.) and others because they like to be nice. Being nice and telling the truth is two different things. I would rather be with who is honest. With all that being said, here is what I found yesterday.

I went to the casino with my good friend and best man, Mark. He likes to play blackjack and hold’em. I like roulette and craps. There were so many people around the one roulette table I just follow Mark for a while. We sat down in the non smoking section of the table games. The dealer was a very nice lady in her late 40’s or early 50’s. I was in one of the talk to everyone and tell them my life story moods. The pit boss, Amy came over as no one was playing in the section to talk with us. I talked with Amy for about an hour while Mark played cards. She looked in her mid to late 20’s, but was just over 30. We talked about work, family and our lovers.  She and her husband were celebrating their 2nd year anniversary. I just got married last Saturday.

Had I not been married I would have asked her for her number or email. I had a great time talking and laughing with her. After about an hour she left for a short break. We left soon after to play other games. A bit later we came back to the same table. She came over and said “you left me, I said I would be back”. I sat and we talked more. More people were in the section now, so we didn’t talk long. Mark and I again left to do other games. The thing I learned is this.

Being married makes things easier. I can be anyone I want. I can be me. Your married, I’m married, so now we can just talk. I don’t have to feel pressure and neither does the other person. I can talk about whatever I want. They can talk about whatever they want. For example yesterday, once I knew Amy was married the conversation got fun. I didn’t have to worry about, did she think I was good looking, fun, worth her time, etc. I didn’t have to worry about if she thought I was hitting on her or if I may ask for her number. The pressure and expectations were gone. We could be two people who could talk. She knew I was married and that she couldn’t change that. I also knew she was married and I didn’t want to change that. Not to say she was into me at all. That I don’t know or care. That’s not the point. The point is that you can talk with someone of the opposite sex without pressure. It felt great and I had a great time. I look forward to the next time I’m there, talking with her again.

Just something I had never thought of before. I wanted to share this idea. I’m sure others have felt this after they were married. It felt good.

I will close with this. Happy anniversary Amy and Joe-10/25/08. He is a very lucky man, she is lovely.

Wedding Day 10/18/08

Well after months (13) of planning, October 18th came very fast. I have told my friends to give yourself at least a year. I remember we started planning on the drive back from Chicago. We had many ideas and things we wanted to do. A month after we had most planning done. The hard part was putting the money togeher and make the ideas real.

We decided to get married in fall, because its cool and the colors are great. Before we had even met we wanted a Halloween wedding. My parents hired a palm reader and another girl who can read cards. It was a hit. People were lined up to check it out. We also had a huge cardboard stand up of zombies in a graveyard. You could stand behind it and get your picture taken. Our head table was covered with black rose peddles, and skeleton hand glasses. My glass was orange and my wife’s was red (our colors) the rest of the wedding party were clear. We had two large wire pumpkins with candles at each end of the stage. Our head table was on the stage in the middle of the room. We looked out to a dance floor about 80 feet by 80 feet. It was large. The guest book table had a smiling ghost (it reminded me of the marshmallow man from Ghost Busters) it also had three small wire pumpkins with candles. All the guest tables had candles and either fall leaves (fake) or skeletons.

Josh Boyer did our photos before the wedding. You can see the pictures here, http://jandbphotography.ifp3.com Sign in (Moore) and the Password is 101808

Art of Dying, Pink Elephant Tattoo Art Show

The “Art of Dying” art show went off with a bunch of zombies. The art show that took place at Pink Elephant Tattoo shop in Des Moines, IA was full of different artists. On a Friday night into October I don’t think the weather could have been better.

The show started about 7pm and the place was packed with artists, fans, customers and zombies. The theme of the art show was zombies, death and darker art. Many of the artists themselves came in costume and covered in blood. There was a witches cauldron was filled with 7-UP, several bottles of alcohol and dry ice. It had a great feel for an October art show in a tattoo shop. They turned off many of the lights inside the studio. The most noticeable lighting was lit under skulls of different animal skulls on the walls.

One of the artists I got to speak with came all the way from Louisiana to be at the show. Butch Von Dreaux and his manager had an assortment of t-shirts, buttons, rubber band bracelets and plenty of art. Much of Butch’s art reminded me of the classic films, characters, creatures and founders of horror. Some of this paintings were in frames and on the wall where they set up shop. In front of Butch was what looked like a medical tray filled with his business cards and free buttons of his work. “Buckskull” is what brings his art to life.  Something that made Butch different from the other artists, was his “Buckskull” belt buckle and light switch cover. Who would have thought and what great ideas. I had a great time talking with Butch about his artwork and the trip to Iowa. You can check out Butch Von Dreaux’s art at, http://www.myspace.com/selfmadeforlife

I also had the great pleasure to talk with Erin who owns and operates “Satanimals”. Someone I have wanted to talk face to face with for some time. Her artwork and creations bring new meaning and direction.  Taking her skills and imagination she creates dolls, pillows, bags  and cat toys.  Erin was also kind enough to talk with me about what inspires her and why makes these horrific creations. With the many monsters and dolls that has made, there will only be one. Erin never makes the same doll twice. There are some that are a small series. Others and many when sold most live on as a one of a kind. To promote her company she also had some “Satanimals” shirts made. They look like true members of metal created them. If I had never heard of the dolls and animals, I would ask “how do they sound”, but no “Satanimals” is no band. Its so much more. I do think they are great and I hope to wear one proudly. I do believe in supporting the arts and local members of our community who have a passion all their own. It was great talking with you, thank you for taking the time. You can also check out Erin’s art,  http://www.myspace.com/satanimals

Gregg, another artist I spoke with had everything I wanted the show to be. Gregg like many other artists had makeup done to portray the dead or dying. Gregg’s right eye was hanging out of his head. The makeup was done very well and would have made the weak of heart cringe. That was until you looked at the art he sold. It was a cross of science, death and beauty. From small fames with extended butterfly’s and beetles, to bones and skulls.  Some of the beetles were large enough there where was front and center. Others had a half dozen small beetles, some even in patterns.  The raining tower that stood out from all the rest was the baby pig in a jar. Looking at the table from a new feet, it was like a city. Different shapes and sizes of glass and plastic boxes that preserved life. I almost didn’t have words. It was great talking with Gregg about his art. I wish I would have had some cash. I saw several pieces I wanted to have. I hope to get the chance to purchase them sometime soon. It is October after all.

Another artist I spoke with was a former co-owner of Pink Elephant Tattoo, Cool-aid. With many fans and friends at the show I was surprised to see them talking with Cool-aid. He was dressed up as a zombie exterminator. With a mustache that covered his mouth and fell off during my interview (almost lost it laughing) his aviators that Mavrick himself would have wanted. Apart from doing art, Cool-aid also does tattoos. He has done many tattoos and each one seems to be better than the last. He can very easily make things come to life.

His artwork has a very “in your face” style. You may say it could be offensive to some, but I thought it spoke in truth. Most of his art was focused on women. Who can blame him, they inspire me too. Most if not all of the women in his art resembled zombies, death and lust. He had drawings, paintings and a book for sale. The book was done with another artist, I’m sorry to say I don’t remember his name. Each one of pieces spoke out. Many had layers of texture and depth. Some of them made me think. Others turned me on. I have to be truthful. The one that stood out the most to me, other than its obvious size was hung in the middle of all his art. It was a head shot of a women, she almost looked sad. Her eyes spoke to me. I don’t know if the concept behind the piece was discussed to the model or not. She did however portray what feelings I would have, being in her shoes. Starting of the left side of her neck and face she was rotting away. Maggots crawled out of her neck and some of her peach skin was turning green. It was so emotional to look at, I had a hard time walking away. Even though it was just a picture it was like she was speaking to me. I’m not sure what she was saying or what I was feeling, but I didn’t want to leave. It was like I wanted to die by her side. She looked so at peace. I guess when we die we should hope for that.

There were many other artists that I spoke with, so thanks to you all as well. Thank you for doing what you do in the way you do it. Thank you for being true to yourself and your art.  I’m glad I was able to go and see some of the great artwork out of Des Moines. Rock Iowa did some video while we were there. In fact I interviewed several artists on camera. I hope it turns out well. I can’t wait to see the finished product.

Thanks to the artists, Pink Elephant for putting it on, and to Rock Iowa for letting me help. It was great to meet Noah as well (he shot with the video camera for Rock Iowa) I hope to be able to do and see something like that again very soon.

I will be back to say it again, but Happy Halloween. I love October and zombies!!

Back to school, maybe not.

First off I just want to say that I’m not a financial expert. I do follow the energy markets, but not the mortgage, financial or banking. I do however have some things to say about them and some ideas to get you thinking.

With my current job, I would love the opportunity for advancement. I have been here for close to a year and a half. I have learned a lot, made some moves and turned some weaknesses into strengths. I have also had some weaknesses stay there. After about six months I knew that I wanted to move up and do other things I was not doing for the company. Some of the things I want to do, nobody is doing for the company. They want to grow and become huge, I want to help.

After talking with a handful of people, everyone said I needed to go back to school. I needed to get my 4 year degree. I do have three years, 2 degrees (Marketing and Management) I also have other things that reflect what I did in school. Some people I talked with said I would not move up without the 4 year degree. I have other thoughts, which I wont share on that. The point is, where is the economy. Why take a $22,00.00 loan to go back to school? Why risk for whatever reason losing my job and have to take a dead end job? Think about some of the 400,000 + people who lost their jobs this year. Some had houses, have kids and have more bills than I do. I feel bad for them all. I feel very good with the fact that I have next to no debt and great credit.

I would love to go back to school and finish to get my 4 year. With everything in the world where it is, I just cant. I don’t have that much guts and I know too much. I know that things could fall apart and *&^&*%*( up my credit and my future. I’m getting married in 10 days. I won’t let my life fall apart before it begins. Not happening.

My other point is that people want to grow and make changes with their own lives. Some for professional reasons and others for personal. What if you were in a job you hated? What if the only way to get out was to go back to school? What if the current economy stays where it is? I don’t know that you would have the option if you didn’t have a great credit score. With banks cutting back on loans for cars, houses and school where does that leave some people? School like wearing blue should be an option. If you want to go to school you should. If you want to advance your life and have to go back to school you should. If banks keep cutting down on loans, maybe you won’t have the chance. You may have to work through it, get 20 some years of experience and maybe get a $2.00 an hour raise.

I could be wrong. I know I don’t have all the answers. I’m not trying to say boo to 4 year or 2 year degrees. I also don’t look down on those who had to work for it, who do work for it. You have my respect. If my soon to be wife and I had a family, that’s who I worry for. If the cost of living keeps going up and credit and bank problems continue I cry for them. I cry for your children. For the families that don’t even exist. I hope the best for everyone. I hope that your dreams become what you want. I hope the economy comes out of this. It has to get better. I have faith in that. Either way, I’m a fighter. I’m not giving up. Not for a second.

Much love and best of luck to everyone in these hard times. You all have my love and respect.

Thank you.

 

Sunday Photo Shoot with Josh Boyer

Just so everyone understands I love the picture here on my wordpress account. It looks like something I would see in a horror film. It’s very Saw. For some of the information I want to share it just does not fit. I don’t want people to be put off from what I’m saying to what they are seeing. So for that reason I got in touch with Josh Boyer out of Des Moines. You can check some of his pictures here http://jandbphotography.ifp3.com/

I don’t know how long Josh has been doing photography. We (my finance and I) found Josh on line. His photography was very much what we were looking for. It had the editorial and high fashion style with a classic hint. j and B Photography, Josh’s company is going to do our wedding on the 18th.

This past Sunday Josh shot some pictures of me for my twitter page, my myspace page and my wordpress account. I needed something to reach out to people and to make them feel. I wanted a very GQ inspired style that brought me and who I am out in front.  I knew Josh would have an understanding of what I wanted and have the abilities to make it happen.

I had a few different styles, colors and ideas that I wanted. Josh also had some great ideas. The best thing about working with Josh is that he listens to what you want to do. He takes the time to understand what you want to see. How you want it put together. He also asks great questions. Why do you want that shot? What is the feeling you want to express? What picture are you talking about? He also likes to create pictures from something that inspires him. With a child like wonder, Josh looks at everything if for the first time. Only in his early 30’s he has an easy understanding. He is able to go past your expectations and stop time. Locking in the moment in time that you can see forever.

One picture that Josh wanted to try was of the late Heath Ledger. It has Heath sitting and looking straight ahead. He also then has to his left and right himself. He is leaning in and almost whispering a secret. Its a cross between happy, sad, honest and has a bit of thought added. Josh and I wanted to put our own spin on the great piece of art. What turned out was something great, with texture, lighting and contrast.

I can’t wait to get them up for everyone to see. I also can’t wait to see what he does with our Halloween theme wedding.

If you are looking for a great photograher with energy, great ideas, patience and understanding, talk with Josh Boyer.

All about passion.

A warm fuzzy feeling. Hope is not gone.

This was an email I got from a girl I work with. I had never heard of anything like this or a company so willing to give. This is an oppertunity to give back to the community and Iowa. Please read the below no matter where you are. You can help and create awarness and rebuild the lives of students.

If you are reading this, thank you. Feel free to tell others about this oppertunity to better this community, our community and Iowa. We can all work together to make a better tomorrow.

Thank you,
Dallas J. Moore
Here’s a chance for us to help the Aplington-Parkerburg School.  The
Henkel Company (manufactures household products including Renuzit,
Purex, Right Guard)  sponsored a contest for a $25,000.   
Aplington-Parkersburg has been named one of the 10 finalists.  The money
 
will be used to help with rebuilding expenses associated with the
tornado that destroyed their high school last May.  In order for them to
 
receive the prize, they need to win a nationwide voting contest.  To
vote, you need to go to www.henkelhelps.com and vote for A-P with your
e-mail address.
 
They are currently in second place which is a $2,500 prize- nice, but we
 
want them to win the $25,000!  Please forward this to as many people as
you can so Aplington-Parkersburg can win the grand prize!
Here is the info on the contest.  It would be great if you can have
   everyone who has an email address to vote everyday.  If you could
   get the word out to parents and anybody else that you know that
   would be great as well. It will be in courier and eclipse but word
   of mouth and text messaging would be even better.
 
 
       
       Congratulations!
 
       Ms. Lynne Mulder nominated Aplington-Parkersburg High School for
       a *$25,000 prize from Henkel Helps Schools *to improve your
       school, and *our judges have selected your school as one of 10
       finalists!* Winners will be chosen by online, public voting.
       
       Henkel is one of the country’s largest marketers of household
       brands, including Dial(r) soaps, Purex(r) laundry detergents,
       Renuzit(r) air fresheners, Loctite(r) adhesives and Right
Guard(r)
       antiperspirants.
       
       Here was the entry for your school:
       
       On May 25, 2008 an F5 tornado destroyed a third of the community
       of Parkersburg, IA. The high school was destroyed. High
       Schoolers will be attending the Middle School in Aplington
       making cramped quarters this school year, but everyone is
       determined to make it work. The construction of a new school
       will begin soon with the goal of being in it by the start of the
       2009-2010 school year. $25000 could be used in so many areas,
       new textbooks are needed, desks, computers, classroom equipment,
       sound equipment for the auditorium, the list goes on and on as
       so much was lost or damaged. The students have stepped up to
       help with cleanup in the community as well as hepling to get the
       other school buildings rearranged to house more students. It
       would be a wonderful reward for them to receive a grant such as
       this. So many of the students lost their own homes yet they want
       to continue helping others. My own children lost their
       granparents to the storm and they would like to make a
       contribution to the school in their honor. The students will
       face many emotional challenges this year in addition to the
       academic challenges of high school. Any contibution lets them
       know people care for them and want them to succeed and show that
       “Falcons Rise Again!”
 
       
       > From the more than 1,500 entries we received, our judges have
       narrowed the field to the top 10 nominations, and *now it’s up
       to you, your students, staff and the community to help
       Aplington-Parkersburg High School win the $25,000 grand prize
       *for renovations to your school, as nominated by Ms. Mulder*.*
       Two runners up will each receive a check for $2,500.
       
       We will be announcing the Top 10 through news releases to the
       national media, as well as media in your area the week of
       October 6. *Please help us spread the word*, and help your
       school win!
       
       All you have to do is tell your students, staff and your
       community to visit www.henkelhelps.com
       <http://www.henkelhelps.com/>  from October 6th – October 19th
       to *vote for your school*. Each valid e-mail address will be
       allowed one vote per day. *The school with the most votes at the
       end of the voting period will win $25,000 and a visit from
       Henkel representatives* the week of October 27. We will work
       with the grand prize winner to set up an assembly for the check
       presentation. Official rules for the contest are on the Web site
       as well.
 
 
       Don’t forget that anyone, nationwide, with a valid e-mail can
       vote. Get everyone involved – and don’t forget about your local
       media. If you do have contact with the media, please let me
       know, as I can help with follow up and get them any information
       necessary.

Garrison Starr Temple Theater Show

So thanks to The Nadas I had the pleasure of seeing an artist I had never heard of, Garrison Starr. Winning free tickets for Jason Walsmith and Garrison Starr’s show at the Temple Theater in Des Moines, IA.

First off, I love her name. I think to be a musician and or artist a cool name always helps. I also think with some names come a responsibility to fulfill. My first reaction with a name that is not so common I have expectations of that person to be cool, fun, charismatic, real and creative.  Even though I did not meet Garrison, after seeing her show she exceeded all my expectations.

When she first came onto the stage I was not sure what to expect. She had dark tight skinny jeans, a stripe shirt, a black shi hat and an acoustic guitar. My first thought was that her style, music and lyrics could go anywhere. With her dress I thought she would have a band to back her up. I also thought that her music (before I heard even one song) would appeal to a younger crowd, teens and young adults. From what I could see in the movie theater type lighting it was more mid twenties, adults and above. Not a typical crowd for what I thought was about to happen.

After talking with the crowd on a very open, honest and personal level she started her set. What I expected to hear was more sad than anything. I was in for a surprise, Garrison was a bit older than I thought.  Being just into her thirties she had much more life lessons and stories than I thought. He first song was very somber, honest and real. The lyrical content was WOW. The music help carry a story that could, would and I’m sure has reached someone. I’m almost at a lost of words thinking back to Thursday night. Not only was her set well played, her lyrics everything I could have asked for and more, she made me think. I think one of the reasons the crowd responded to her other than the obvious (her immense amount of talent, songwriting, guitar and vocal abilities) was the way she connected with the crowd. Each song had a purpose, a story and an emotion. Garrison was not afraid to share her life and what made her who she is today. I think there is a serious lack of that in the music industry. Many bands say one thing then do another. Some bands say nothing at all. My personal feeling on this is that I want to know who they are. What makes them write and why they write about the things they do.

I’m very glad I had the chance to see her show and hear her music. I hope she comes back to share more stories, music and life lessons. In the many friends I have had over the years some never had anyone to look up to. I have always looked up to bands, artists and musicians for strength and answers. I know some don’t pose a positive energy, but some create more than words can describe. If ever there was a mentor in the music world, I have found one. Garrison Starr is who she is and from what I saw will not change for anyone but her self. That’s the way it should be. I believe that she would be the person to sit and listen to the problems of your life. She also would be able to point you in a direction of change, purpose or life. Again, I never talked or had the pleasure of meeting her, but those are the first gut reactions I got from her.

I hope to see her show again. I hope her all the best in her coming shows, travel and life. Thank you for showing me something I have not seen for a while. Holding true to your passion, your dream and being who you are. Never change.