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Because you know better.

Years ago, Ken Kornacki asked me to help him make a movie for a 48-hour film competition. I am a compulsive Irish storyteller and a former industrial sales representative. In other words, standing in a group and becoming a specific version of myself was not that unfamiliar. We did it. We didn't win. That was it for Ken. Life moved on for all of us.

My Apple Genius mentor, Mitch Rasque, asked me to work with him on a film for the next competition. We made a couple of films. In one of them, I was a serial killer. I don't know which version of myself I used for that role. We eventually did two films together. We didn't win. That was it for me. Life moved on for all of us.

Life indeed moved on. However, my perception of the film changed a great deal from my toe in the water exposure to the craft. For instance, I performed in front of a green screen in Ken's film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNftmgUv7_w

If you look closely, you will find me rowing that boat. If I remember I was actually sitting on a bench. In a later scene, you'will see a topless mermaid swimming through a fantasy scene. For her performance, she followed me in front of the same green screen. Later, I was supposedly deep diving into the briny to find my lost love. I took off my helmet and was able to breath underwater.

I relate this to explain that when I watch a film, I am aware that inches from that couple kissing there is a guy with a reflective material redirecting just the right amount of light on the scene in just the right place, there is microphone hanging over their head and a camera looking up their nostrils. Yes, life goes on, but sometimes the past enlightens the present. (Pun intended)

Life on the shores of Lake Maria continues through this winter. The sky has provided us with more rain than snow. What little snow is still on the ground, is, if you believe the weather forecasters, is doomed as temperatures in the fifties loom on the horizon. When the melt occurs, I'm sure we will see the open water of our lake, during a period I'm going to call, The Wet Season. This is when there is actual water in Lake Maria. Enough water, you may remember from last year, to attract waterfowl. If we have a repeat of last years cycle that will morph into The Mud Season followed by The ideal Breeding Grounds for Mosquitos Season. Isn't nature grand? Can't wait.



Devoid of any more witty remarks on life and the other important stuff, I retire to watch an endless amount of internet news about our current political climate. I need something to put me to sleep. All I have to do is instead of counting sheep, I count the lies, distortions and made-up stuff. I particularly enjoy making a list of solutions to problems that don't exist. Like the thousands of immigrants that are pouring into our country without vetting. Or the millions of illegal voters.

Till next week, I remain, The Poppa Jeff.


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