It’s 7AM on Christmas Eve morning, and I had to stop and take a moment to say hello and Merry Christmas. for a smile check out the christmas videos page on this site!!!!! As many of you are well aware I haven’t written in awhile it’s been very busy so I’ll quickly catch you all up! We had our 20th anniversary as sculptors show in august and since that night we have had only 1 meal at home … we have been honored by dozens of groups and organizations , we are sculpting 5 new major projects including a Lamentation (pieta) for Saint Patrick’s Church in Halifax NS. And we are trying to keep up on a small portion of our mail and messages. Last month over 12,000 emails calls and letters so please be patient with us we are reading and trying to answer as many as possible. Now the news I have held back as most of you know my children’s book series is a labor of love and on November 1st another statue of our dog and the books Star Boomer was unveiled in a park at Saint Patrick’s church in Halifax NS and our cat Cuddles was there to unveil and bless the statue, sadly just a day before we discover that cuddles had terminal cancer she was vibrant and her normal self just gaining weight in the weeks that past she deteriorated quickly this morning she cuddled in bed with us but she is here only by the grace of God and we fear that she may not even make Christmas. She is in no pain and still trying but it is painfully obvious. I will write more in the coming days but it is difficult she has found her way into our heart and I fear the moment to come…. When it happens we will sculpt her for her place in the park next to Boomer and her heart will live for ever in a tribute children’s book I’m writing for the Canadian Navy’s 100th anniversary.
Many of you are asking about our holiday schedule for the first time in 18 years we are in Canada for the holidays and our 6-9 city Christmas new years tour will wait till next year… we will hold only one event on January 9th in Halifax if you want to join us drop us a note at BOOMER_NY@hotmail.com and we’ll send you the details and make sure your on the guest list, you are al welcome! We decided to stay in Canada to be with Cuddles till the end and make every moment as wonderful for her as we could, so although Christmas is being observed our nine trees has down sized our 12 days of 12 Christmas parties off till next year and our holiday spirit a bit lacking…please understand we treasure your cards and letters and life will be back on track soon… To day is a difficult one because I miss Macy’s on 34th and sax I didn’t have breakfast at the palm court today but Cozy’s in Halifax is just a s warm and loving … I’ll miss the party at the duplex but Holly and Michael will make up for all the friends we miss with TLC.. what I’m saying is even though our hearts are heavy the love and joy of Christmas is not the places or even the people, it’s the love and that transcends time and space… so where ever you are today take a moment and maybe a tear to remember all thee love in your life, and no matter how lonely this moment seems, your never alone when you give a smile and love… I promise it’s always returned and on Christmas Eve it’s returned 10 fold, so go out today to church or a mall or a walk down a busy street the magic of Christmas is there as long as you are… Santa Clause is alive and well as long as you smile and wish a stranger a truly Merry Christmas …..
We love you all and from my heart a pray you all find that moment of love that even in the sadness of death brings forth a very merry Christmas
Spirit of America is now available to the public in a limited addition printing that can be ordered thru Vendagnome Press… send me a copy of your purchase email recipt and I’ll send you a limited edition lithograph signed as well as an autographed book plate as my gift to you. these are the perks used at Book signings that I want to extent to my friends online with my thanks .( all profits are donated to the 9-11 youth art project)
JB
Spirit of AmericaSpirit of America (photo book)
Print: $45.00
Photo Book, 47 pages
A personal view of September 11, 2001 and the days that followed
the flu N1 H1 may has well have justas well killed me….Jason sent me this from Barbra Streisand’s return to the Village Vangard last night sounds every bit as over-the-top and perfect as one would expect… this is the first Barbra Concert in years that we missed ….Curses to the N1H1 at least i really feel as sick as I should feel for missing Barbra and Please listen to the warnings swine flu is truley the worst I’ve ever had… the cough is like putting your innards through a blender with each breath, and thats when it feels better !!!!
This week we were surprised to see our sculpture the Awaking of the David on the cover of Wayves Magazine , Wayves is Atlantic Canada’s only Gay magazine and is published monthly off all the press we receive this generated the most wonderful response, this morning we started receiving emails from many in the GLBT community some are friends we lost touch with after our foray into civil right across Atlantic Canada, many are GLBT youth asking if they can learn to sculpt or telling us of their struggles in the arts. it was for this reason we chose to highlight nearly 50 artists for our 20th anniversary show art is not about gay or straight its about expression so however you express yourself is your art and message and we believe that in the arts we can all gay or straight come together with a shared vision . So no we won’t be doing classes or teach for just the GLBT community we will hold a class or two this year for all who are interested in broaden their artistic horizons. Drop us a note with any suggestions and we’ll keep you updated. Again thank you for all of your cards and letters it may take a while but we do read them all.
I received a lot of email today asking about a rumour item, sadly it’s true I can’t win the lottery but I did get N1H1; me the guy who doesn’t eat pork gets swine flu… I will add it’s the worst virus I’ve ever had and after a weekend ruined in the hospital they let me home to feel like I want to do something but even thinking about something is exhausting. No need to worry I’ll live; I’ll just wish I was dead for a while. On another note I’ll begin the final rewrite for “Brush Strokes” the jack the ripper story and our two shows of the last month were a great success I’m still trying to answer over 28,000 emails generated by the press we received for the shows so please be patient I will answer all in order.
When I feel like eating I’m eating pork out of spite….
Calliope was to be a small celebration of 20 years of our sculpture and it seemed to grow rapidly into a vision of its own. Diane was a blessing of organization that held the variables together, we invited just over 100 people and our door prize ballots held 793 different names and addresses, the food and venue were world class and our quite evening to unveil the pieta of the Mira on our 20th anniversary as artists was celebrated by a capacity crowd of well wishers. Tringa Rexhepi opened the evening with Otis Smith singing a new piece I wrote for the evening, they were a wonderful paring. Otis entertained us with works from my catalogue as well as his own wondrous creations. Filling the theatre with music. The rotunda was the home to over 100 of our works as well as over 50 works by artist who we are inspired by. As we unveiled our newest works on the floor of the rotunda, the magnificent music of Ardyth and Jennifer filled the space above the sculptures with harp music from just this side of heaven.
One of the fathers of Canada’s constitution also one of Canada’s most prominent premiers the legendary John Buchanan and his wife Mavis unveiled the Pieta of the Mira Blessed by Rev. Nancy Whitney and serenades by the beautiful voice of 7 year old Bethany Reid this was the highlight of the evening celebrating 20 years of our work.
Peter Primgaard-Nielsen friend and Butler to Mr. Hope and the wonderful musical group “Smooth Ease” helped us pay tribute to the USO and BOB Hope as we unveiled our Portrait of the legendary Bob Hope. Otis Smith took us on a once in a lifetime journey inside the Acoustic Version of The Washington Symphony. And then into his world and music. The incomparable actress and vocalist Patricia Bredin-McCulloch helped unveil the Face of the Union our Bicentennial portrait of Abraham Lincoln. While Halifax Regional Councilor and frm. Deputy Mayor Sue Uteck and the face of the Gladiator Ryan Mackenzie helped unveil the Gladiator. CTV entertainment personality and 2 time Murrow award winner Liz Rigney help unveil our portrait of Elizabeth Taylor.
CTV local and national news covered our small private celebration as did the American networks and some foreign stations. It was hard to believe our sculptures have entered the lives of so many people all over the world.
Our evening Calliope celebrated our muses, dedicated to the eldest and most distinguished of the nine Muses. She is the Muse of eloquence and epic or heroic poetry. Calliope (”beautiful voice”) is the mother of Orpheus and Linus with Apollo. She was the arbitress in the argument over Adonis between Persephone and Aphrodite. Her emblems are a stylus and wax tablets. She represents our quest for the perfect written work the ultimate sculptural image and the definitive musical score a never ending quest to be better than we were or thought we could be, a quest for our CALLIOPE….
If you have any pictures of the evening we’d love to see them; drop us a note at BOOMER_NY@hotmail.com
just a quick note to say we are still alive and working very hard , i’ll post an update in a few days… just get home from a wonderful evening , i’m looking forward to unveiling our statue of Bob Hope! got word tonight Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of the late President John F. Kennedy, is in critical condition in a Massachusetts hospital her family is at her side, she is a wonderful person and our prayers are with her it was her mother Rose who help launch our career…and we send our best to Rosie and Kelli and family regardless of what happens in life we will always love you both and we hope that any bumps in the road can be navigated your friends and fans will always know that U R our family. having had our family structure shift and change over the years we can tell you that love never ends and the family may grow and change the kids will find their own lives but the family will some how always live on… we love you J&B
Today I am recovering from a procedure on my legs I didn’t tell anyone but a few growths left men in fear that the C was back now as I heal I hope this is all behind me… Today I have had the end to a very difficult week my problems seemed small …a week ago I lost a woman who was an acquaintance that had a profound impact on my life her sweetness as marked the heroine in most of my plays as has her trademark hair and then I came home from the hospital to a phone message that left me stunned… my friend was gone, I seldom cry but he was a true friend ,honest and pure others saw him as many things but I was lucky enough to know the man and the child; we would talk occasionally over the last couple of decades yet it was always as though no time had passed. when he was in need I he knew I was there… yet when I was in need he would stand as a true friend, maybe the only friend who never betrayed me and always was true… today I’m alone and I admit filled with a tear, I will always treasure the pictures together and the memories will never fade …my friend may today you finally find peace….I love you more….
go out to day and call an old friend and let them know how much they mean to you before it’s too late…
Thank you to everyone for writing and calling I really appreciate each of you (Kelly & Karla in the big O state) we love you guys and it meant a lot to hear from you … first let me say a few things once Brian and I worked hard and cell phones ect were a necessity now we work hard but take time to enjoy our lives, that’s why we only carry cell phones when we are working and no one outside of immediate family and Diane at the office have the numbers. The phone is a work tool and a communication device not a life line…. if you want us call or write and leave a message … we check our phone and mail daily and return calls set up appointments and confirm time with friends… just like everyone did last century…It works… make a date with us at a specific time and we are yours, not the phones or texting world just all yours….when you have my attention you have my attention and its not divided by 100 others. yet I now have come to expect your attention as well if your hooked to your phone or texting through our conversation don’t be surprised if it’s our last together… life is to short and 95% of all the calls and texts can wait or were not even important…so why fill your life with wasted time and trivial gossip…. unplug yourselves … don’t check sites everyday use the net as a guilty pleasure a way of keeping in touch and not a lifeline or social network …connect in the real world even if we are lifelong friends the occasion contact to know we are in each others thoughts is enough… to connect with a stranger over coffee is far more important that connecting with a school friend on line nightly yet never seeing each other face to face… we need real contact not cyber so when I don’t post or do so sparingly it is not a sign of doom and gloom but a sign of life and I’ll always pop back t share bits with you … I value my cyber friends but I treasure my real world encounters ……yes the last bit has been a rollercoaster but a good one…so please keep in touch but relax and remember when I meet you on the street that’s our time together and 5 mins there is more important that years on line because I can look in your eyes and feel your heart and you mine… if you see me out and about please come and talk if its a bad moment I’ll say and I promise I’ll set up a better time to meet after all strangers are friend who I’ve yet to sit don and talk with …write and I’ll read but say hello and I’ll treasure our time….
Now for catch up….
A bright spot was in may I was asked to attend a local production of Riverside’s “the sound of Music” 4 hours on a plane 5 hours more in cars and we were finally there Riverside high school production … I was uncertain as to what to expect the last high school invitation I accepted was years ago (I had lectured in the school so I had to attend) this time I was pleasantly awakened. the cast and facility had put together a production filled with heart and passion…this is what theatre is meant to be fun and exciting … messing up a line but remembering on you know you messed up and continuing to the crescendo…these actors their stage crew and all involved created an illusion that engulfed the audience in the story and music. They did a wonderful job and they inspired me when I needed it most John Mackenzie and his talent with words translated to his passion on stage; one day I look forward to him delivering my words on the stage…. I was then back home where a professional theatre group would strengthen my resolve by showing the heart and passion that has waned in so many of this generation… that night I would somehow end up buying a production for later this summer of a new play which has led to an unending stream of work to create a one of a kind night for this wonderful play… and after months of no desire to create I can say the block has ended over the last year the only pieces we wanted to work on were for the three churches in Cape Breton Canada now we are back and working with a vengeance….
A muse has spoken to our hearts and work is flowing as our work finds a new groove…more on this later…
I had to give a presentation of the Washington symphony in the spring and I’ll admit to jitters the whose who crowd heard canned versions of Otis work with me caring the dialogue during the meal and then I had to take to the stage with pieces that only the orchestra and I had ever heard …. scary but it was a hit and I was again green lighted the desire to create the symphony is almost 20 years of my life and the active pursuit of the commission the last decade and now as it nears completion I still can’t believe its really coming together…bringing Otis on board was a wonderful choice as his perspective blends the pieces wonderfully when all is said and done my only regret will be he didn’t get to perform live to feel the magic … the next time the council meets will be that last peak and then its Showtime… I feel like I’ve walked on the moon…..
This week was the Tony’s and got to say Neil did a bang up job… first time we met Neil he was doggie Houser and just reading his performance in PROOF with Anne Heich …almost a decade later he has emerged as one of Americas great talents … while always remaining true to himself… he and David were a wonderful couple on the red carpet and an example to all who saw them …this is what integrity and talent earn the respect of the American public Neil Patrick Harris has become my hero….Anglia Lansbury and Jane Fonda … Dolly Parton and Liza it was gay mans heaven… as we were dressing Diane found a box of memorabilia we kept from the Tony’s …with my lucky bow tie… our first tickets were 30.00 each so many years ago; this year they toped 400.00 each…funny thing Angila Lansbury was nominated then also… at least some things never change! We made a quick trip to nyc and to be honest I hate it I need my city fix not a day here and there…just to relax and not work; so to everyone back home I’ll be there soon….
One final thought today… my prayers are with Tony and Charlene Marshall sometimes it seems the world turns on good people, Tony and Charlene are my heroes many years ago they gave us a break and helped change our world to them is was just another day… they have been painted them in a bad light with greed and money their god … this is so not true… the gossip columns say a lot but before you judge remember it isn’t always as it seems and I for one stand beside Tony and Charlene… to the new Yorkers so quick to condemn shame you know there’s always more to the story ….
I first wrote this over a year ago after Bea sent me the Sex and the septuagenarian video, today i came home from a wonderful afternoon where every meeting went perfect… I think we even found the perfect Christ model … then we got the message that Bea was gone… i admit it hasn’t sunk in yet I can still here her voice and her laugh, she was a once in a lifetime friend and I’ll tresure every memory …. Her theme songs said it all…
Lady Godiva was a freedom rider,
she didn’t care of the whole world looked.
Joan of Arc, with the lord to guide her,
she was a sister who really cooked.
Isadora was a first Bra burner
Aint’ ya glad she showed up?
And when the country was falling apart
Betsy Ross got it all sewed up
And then there’s Maude
And then there’s Maude
And then there’s that old compromisin, enterprisin’ anything but traqulizin’
Right on Maude!!!
Right On Bea and thank you for being a Friend……………..
Sex and the City is back…
It’s been awhile and the girls have aged in TV Land…
Bea Arthur (Golden Girls/ Maude) Sally Struthers (All in the Family) Charlotte Rea (Facts of Life) Katherine Helmond (Who’s the Boss / Soap) and Abe Vigoda (Barney Miller) give us septuagenarians and city. Take a peak and have a laugh the girls prove you’re never to old for a good…
A few years back, Brian and I left the Booth Theater on a hot date with a septuagenarian a night with Bea Arthur it was a night I’ll never forget! We were promised a night so hot, sweet and creamy so sensual our bodies would tremble so intoxicating we’d need to come back for more… so powerful we’d give up men!
She promised us, experience made a difference. She told me to close my eyes and touch, now remember its Bea I looking at, so it took trust! She was right soft yet firm the crevices and wrinkles didn’t matter it was sensual; with my eyes closed I could tell the difference…softer than I was used to… She said to keep my eyes closed and move in low just above the hole, I was disgusted I can’t handle the smell of yeast. She held still and guided my face in, I was scared …I’ll never forget it; it was so amazing like the finest aged wine the scent was impossible to describe, addictive… she was right she could make me give up men!
She asked me to trust her again and gently run my tongue along the edge of the hole, to feel the texture on my tongue and lips by now it was sticky, but I did it any way . I couldn’t handle it any more, she had done as promised that night a golden girl took my virginity! I was an animal I had to take the first bite …. My first Krispy Kreme Dounut I was hooked …the taste, the aroma there is truly nothing like it… once I tried one they truly were like sex you need more… When I watch the Golden Girls I think of that night, we talked all night about sex and food; good god, I’m getting old…
It seems that time has been flying…. and either my dyslexia is worse or old age is creeping up!!!! Easter in Canada never felt right so We always spend the weekend in Washington this year we stayed in Halifax and couldn’t have planned a more wonderful weekend, Good Friday was spent over dinner with friends old and new, as one struggled with the potential of a spouse dying any day another was learning to cope with the rebuilding of life, a new friend brought back memories of orange juice and Ouzo bringing me to an Easter weekend long ago as a youth in Athens, another taught me I could love an actress and be inspired all over again by Shakespeare. As the weekend progressed we were changed as we felt r renewed excitement that had been missing, a Saturday afternoon with Elizabeth reminded me what I love about the arts … by Sunday I was resurrected… Billy, Otis and Marcel were withy us in spirit if not at the table and well talked about , as one was proud of her husbands legacy another was proud of her brothers Olympic triumph , yet another was proud of a daughter who would kidnapper her to New York for a weekend each knew the real value of life , the memories the love and the moments together are the real treasures of our life as we gathered some missing family half a world away we came together from all over the world to share the real meaning of Easter … a never ending circle of life… On another note I always answer the majority questions that come in, Brian and I have been asked to teach again sculpting methods as we did last summer and we are looking into it … I have been asked to talk about writing and help with so many scripts and songs it would be imposable so begging this week I will set up a part of this site where I will discuss the creation of New York live, showing you how important a knowledge of musical theatre history is if you plan on going to the next level of the art you have to know where you came from… so tune in next week and maybe we can inspire each other, I want to thank John M in Moncton NB Canada for a wonderful Birthday gift that became the reason for this course of the web site…. Keep your card and letters coming I do enjoy them… Our son Bill’s Birthday was this week and we’ll sit down again on Saturday together we are so very lucky to have such a wonderful son… Otis next week and then the celebrations are done till mid summer…. Three scripts are in re writes and the bicentennial Lincoln sculpture is completed; the sculptures for Cape Breton are coming along nicely and all in all it should be a wonderful summer….
