From the Editor - before I continue with the questions I apologize to readers for not keeping up with the usual blog last week. Due to travel, tight schedules, sleeping-in and other priorities for where words go, I was unable to dive in with my usual vigor. I promise
FreshnessFactorFiveThousand will return to its regularly opinionated schedule shortly. (also, video links play properly on the official blogspot site) - Jason
An Unhurried Sense of Time Is In Itself a Form of Wealth
-Bonnie FriedmanQ&A: Part 5.
SarahGrace1968: I would absolutely DIE if you told me what your favorite movie was and why. What does it mean to you?“May I be Frank” is a documentary about transformation produced and directed by my friends at Café Gratitude. It is currently hitting the film festival circuit and receiving great reviews. I had the pleasure of writing a song for the movie after seeing an early cut and I still cry, laugh, and levitate each time I view it. This film has had a powerful effect on my life and the lives of many in my family. It is easy to see a little Frank in all of us. For the full story, clips and info on where to see it and even how to get involved,
click here, or log on to
www.mayibefrankmovie.com
prihjones: everything cool? Yea. Pretty much. Though I was recently diagnosed with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (and Cobblestone Nasopharynx) – a bummer of an ailment that causes a tired, scratchy and hoarse voice with some hearing loss. So all apologies to those I don’t get to speak with in the coming weeks. The good doctor at the Voice Institute of New York has asked that I refrain from chatting and using the phone for a while as I’ve basically got one glass of voice to use per day – and with the amount of shows ahead, I’ve got to save up, rest up, and drink of that voice sparingly.
Donna (The Clogger): Do you not like to sing some songs because who they are about or what was happening in your life when you wrote them? Song selection is the most difficult part of my afternoon when it comes to putting a show together. I start with a batch of songs that mean something to me in the present moment. Then I consider big melodies that I know people are going to want to sing along to. But I can never assume I’m going to know exactly what the collective audience is hoping for. It’s hit and miss. When I retire a song it is usually because I just grow out of it. I no longer feel like the “look at me” characters in “I’ll do anything” or “Wordplay.” Nor do I remember what I was feeling when I adapted “On Love, In Sadness” from Jenny Keene’s beautiful poem of the same name. I seldom retire a song because of who. If anything, it’s the people who inspire a song that keep that song alive for me.
tarasays: Is there an instrument that you wished you knew how to play? The Hang Drum – while I’m completely in love with this instrument, I’m more impressed with the protective cover that I could wear as a hat.
That’s All Fine.
RosieAndNala: Who exactly is Mr. Curiosity? Mr Curiosity is a name I assigned to my general curiousness. The song is about writer’s block and getting over it by inviting this spirited character to return to my patient mind and body. Even in the darkest and blankest of spaces, there is always plenty to write about.
abartelski: will u write a haiku about me? To Abartelski,
This is a haiku for you.
Love, Jason Mrazsorayabarakbah: whats the weirdest thing u have ever done while u were high? I once wrote a haiku about writing a haiku to someone named abartelski.
CadysCorner: What exactly does the phrase "dynamo of volition" mean? Volition is the ability to make conscious choices. It is an extraordinary gift we are given as conscious minded human beings. By my own volition I raise my hand and ask questions. By my own volition I lean in for a kiss. These are not involuntary acts like the blinking of the eye or the beat of the heart. By my own volition I remain mindful of my life-fulfilling dreams. Therefore, I’ve got the Dynamo of Volition – the freedom of choice.
CarolinaGirl21: What's the habit you're proudest of breaking? Smoking Cigarettes.
From 18 to 28 I foolishly puffed away thinking I was looking cool and feeling great. Having been free of smoke for almost 4 years now I look back and see how my life has transformed in every aspect from my physical and emotional state to how much I now participate and feel accepted by my community. Every smoker I know dreams of quitting and says they will stop SOMEDAY. Why not get it over with right now? Stop suffocating your body with harmful poisons. As far as I know, they’re still not making cigarettes with vitamins, minerals, or anti-aging agents. If you love yourself (and for the sake of those who love you,) just walk away from it. Inspire others with your powerful demonstration of volition.
The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.
If you or someone you know wants to quit,
Click here and order this book. It worked for me and about 20 other people I know.
Seriously.
neillee2008: what do you want to be remembered for? When it's over, I want to say: all my life I was a bride married to amazement. I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
– From “When Death Comes” By Mary Oliverthomeg: My question a la James Lipton: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? I hope God in her flowing robes says,
"Welcome to the Castle Anthrax."
TYRA @ Blogspot: “What is the meaning of life for you?"I am that I am. This sentence has been repeated again and again from the wisest of sages throughout the ages. It encompasses all meaning, yet it is about accepting that there very well could be NO meaning. Quite simply, you are here and that is that for now.
You are that you are. And he is the way he is because he is the way he is. Just as your friends are the way they are because that’s the way they are.
Understanding meaning can be mind-numbing.
Meaning to life (or anything) is whatever story you make up about it. Otherwise, Life just is. And without your made up stories, Life is empty and meaningless. AND – it’s empty and meaningless that it’s empty and meaningless. Even me -
especially me saying that this is empty and meaningless,
is empty and meaningless. But, I digress. I am that I am. That is all. That is the only fact for me at this moment.
Just be you. Be dreamy and respond to whatever makes you happy.
I asked this same question to my step-dad, an outspoken fellow, resigned to his bliss at 73, and he basically said the same thing.
“It’s when you can walk down the street and say, I AM ME, Motherfucker.”