Wander, Wander

An amazing thing happened the other day. It's August 17, 2026 and the future is happening now. (Oh, boy. What a cliche. But I couldn't help it! Hopefully the rest of this post gets better).

We have a trip upcoming to one of my former hometowns. My wife's never been. It's a beautiful place with lots of great things to see, verdant and green, hills and valleys. A place one could call home. Fortunately we're going in the summer when the temperature soars to the mid 70's (fahrenheit, for those celsius dwellers). Outdoors is the tide of the time with seagoing vessels, hiking boots and overcoats because we're from the Southland. We're looking forward to it.

Related, but not directly, our niece is getting married in October. Should be beautiful, as all weddings eventually are. Before you know it, they'll be off to Europe for their honeymoon. What a dream. Can you imagine? Europe?

That very same niece called us up last weekend. She and her brand new out of the box husband have a whole trip planned. Their parents are joining them for a piece of it and wouldn't it be nice if we did too? Can you imagine? Europe?

My gut reaction was not a chance in the world am I hijacking their honeymoon. Until she explained the schedule. Seems we'd only be with them on the holidays. Two days. That's all. It was beginning to sound a lot like Christmas.

So, we went to the interweb and scoped out deals for two yenta wanna bees to Rome. That's right, Rome. And, boy were we lucky. Despite the twelve hour flight, the Eternal City was at our fingertips. Hotels, day trips, the Vatican, the Coliseum, Palatine Hill, the senate...I guess I could go on and on. I got pretty excited. I've never been.

Then I remembered a vow, no a promise, no not a promise, a policy statement we voiced about not leaving the country until the orange monster in the White House was out of the White House and, hopefully, firmly in an orange jumpsuit. It was a protest of sorts. Even though we're both citizens of this great country, we could not stand the immorality and hypocracy of current (remember, it's August 17, 2026) immigration policy. Kind of thumbing our nose at it.

Then I realized we weren't. We were only punishing ourselves. Yes, we hate the immigration policy (among almost all other policies at present), but why stay when leaving could say so much more? I don't mean moving, but taking our tourist dollars to Italy? I know what you're thinking, right wing Prime Minister. But, she's in trouble politically and it's Italy for God's sake.

So, whether we're making a stand or not I can't wait to stand in the Piazza Navona. We will do whatever we can to change things at home, but come this winter we'll take a little break on foriegn shores. Wish us luck.

I am working on my thirteenth novel. I'm about three quarters done. I hope to finish before our first trip, but we'll see. When it's finished I'll share some details here.

Audtions have been slow. While I'm tempted to think it's just me, my friends in the industry are experiencing the same thing. Even my manager/agent friends say it too. Things are slow this summer. California's incentive program is starting to bring work back to LA but it takes time. Like everytthing. I guess God knows what He's doing so I should keep my head down and shoulder to the grindstone. (Sheesh. It's cliche day!)

That's all from my corner. Resist when you must (fifty.fifty.one). Until next time, be blessed.