"Happy New Year!"

posted by Jon at 11:57 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Compliment of the Day"

Hey, keep an eye out for me in a new television commercial. It's for a chain of video stores, and apparently I star in it.

Or so says a U.S. friend of mine, who is quite convinced that it was ME he saw in the commercial. Sad as it is to say, and as much as I appreciate the odd compliment... it wasn't. Unfortunately, I have yet to be hired to promote any national video store chains. But I'm sure that day will come.

In the meantime, as I am certainly no stranger to optimism, perhaps I should add a bit of a sidenote here. If you ARE a casting agent out there looking for the perfect male in his mid-20's to promote your national video store chain, then hey, feel free to give me a ring. I'd be more than happy to send you my resume and headshot.

Until that day, though, I think maybe you'll just have to settle for my twin brother -- the one I never knew I had. Apparently he too is an actor, and from the sounds of it, he's already beaten me to the high-profile acting jobs.

Heh. Sibling rivelry. What can I say. :P

Have a blessed day all. And Mike, thanks for the compliment. :)

You're happily blogging actor friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:51 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Numbers Rise"

At least 63,000 have died and over $13 billion in economic damages were caused by Sunday's massive tsunamis in Southern Asia. Unfortunately, that death toll could rise even further as rescue workers slowly reach more remote areas. An Italian offical also warns that disease among the living could cause that toll to surpass 100,000.

To help with the relief efforts, Amazon is collecting donations for the Red Cross. If you're able to help out, please consider doing so. If monetary aid is not something you are able to provide, then please keep the survivors, the rescue workers, and all who are down there in your prayers.

"Race to Bury Asia's Dead as Toll Hits 63,000"

"Disease could double tsunami death toll to over 100,000"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:29 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Monday: Quote of the Day"

Today's quote of the day comes from the movie, Elf (2003).

[first lines]

Papa Elf: Oh, hello. You're, uh, you're probably here about the story. Elves love to tell stories. I-I'll bet you didn't know that about elves. There's, uh, probably a lot of things you didn't know about elves. Another, another interesting, uh, elfism, uh, there are only three jobs available to an elf. The first is making shoes at night while, you know, while the old cobbler sleeps.

Disgruntled Cobbler Elf: Lazy bum! Couldn't even make a clog!

Papa Elf: You can bake cookies in a tree. As you can imagine, it's, uh, dangerous having an oven in an oak tree during the dry season. But the third job, some call it, uh, "the show" or "the big dance," it's the profession that every elf aspires to. And that is to build toys in Santa's workshop.

Hmm. Well, at least we now know what happened to those poor Keebler Elves. :P

Have a blessed Tuesday all! Until next time,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:57 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Christmas at Jon's Place"

Christmas this year was a good one. Probably even one of my favorites to be honest. As most of you know, I actually chose to remain here in Milwaukee -- by myself -- rather than journey 300 miles up into Minnesota to be with family. It's not that I don't love my family, I just wanted to form a few of my own traditions this year.

I was actually looking forward to the solitude too. Scott had left with his sister, Diana, to spend the holidays with his aunt in Small Town, Wisconsin. That left the quiet apartment to me for the evening. And since my sister (who lives an hour north of Milwaukee) had taken a Christian witness trip out to California right before Christmas, as her gift to me, she left her car to use while she was gone. (Pretty thoughtful gift too I might add!)

So, Christmas Eve I decided to make use of that car, and headed down to the local Blockbuster to rent a Christmas movie. I had my sights set on "The Family Man" starring Nicholas Cage. As it turned out, since I was not yet a "Blockbuster member" I filled out the required information, got my rental card, and found out they have a policy providing a new member's first rental for free. So, not only did I have my sister's car for my use this Christmas, I also got an excellent Christmas Eve free movie rental to go with it!

When I returned home, I made a tasty meat and potatoes dinner, curled up on the couch with the beautiful warm blanket my mother had given as a gift this year, and watched "The Family Man".

...I chose to avoid the Christmas Eve service at my church, knowing full well how packed it would be with one-time church goers visiting only to see their children present the Christmas Story. That, and I knew no one involved. So I stayed home.

Christmas Day, however, I got up, and once again made use of my sister's car to attend the Christmas Day service. Predictably, there were far fewer people in attendance. As usual, though, the service was excellent, including the surprisingly wonderful choirs my church has been blessed with. After the service, I returned home, happily pondering the real meaning of Christmas.

During the rest of the day, I remained in my apartment. I turned on some Christmas music, did a little reorganizing of files, worked on some art, and made some fresh cookies. It made for a wonderful day, filled the apartment with that drool-worthy aroma of fresh-baked warm chocolate chip cookies, and allowed me to just sit back and relax, thankful for all that I have been blessed with in life.

When Scott returned from visiting with his aunt later in the evening, he invited me to join him for a trip to a local cinema -- his treat. After much deciding, we opted to see the film, "Fat Albert", a remake based off of the popular 1970's animated television series hosted by Bill Cosby. It proved to be an entertaining watch. And although Scott ended up being a bit more critical of it than I was, I was more than happy to just smile and nod.

By the time I turned in for the night, I was content. Christmas isn't about what you get or the days of planning what to give others. It's about life, love, friendship, and thankfulness for the simple things we often take for granted.

It's just a shame that we only devote one day a year toward celebrating these things. It should be a year-round affair. Christ's love and sacrifice in our place should be something we treasure every day. Afterall, it is becasue of that sacrifice that we are even here in the first place.

So, remember to be thankful this coming year. Regardless of what your station may be, there is never a shortage of blessings in your life. Think simple, and remember the words of 1 John 4:19, "We love, becasue He first loved us."

Have a blessed New Year all! Until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:33 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Merry Christmas!"

"For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
- John 3:16

This Christmas season, as you spend time with family, remember the true reason for the season. It's not the exchanging of gifts. It's not Santa Clause, his elves, or his reindeer. It's not the insane consumerism. It's not the snowflakes.... It's the birthday of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made in our place. Where we should be damned to death, we are instead saved to eternal life.

Now that's one heck of a Christmas Present!

May the light of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and yours this holiday season. May He grant you good health, the love of friends and family, and plenty of warmth indoors from the frigid winter winds.

Merry Christmas from,
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:56 PM  I   I  0 comments

"This Week Past"

You'll have to forgive me. Once again I've found myself distracted by other things and my blogging has suffered. As a result, no new posts last week. But, I'm back in the saddle again. Time to resume my musings. :)

More later today though. I have a few errands to run before the stores are likely to close. Until then, have a blessed Christmas Eve Day.

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:32 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Christmas in Wisconsin"

I think I really disappointed my parents recently. I mentioned that I was planning on staying here in Milwaukee this Christmas, rather than going home. While I am breaking with tradition, I just felt like doing something different this year... and to a degree, avoiding the six-hour solitary road trip up to Minnesota. A part of me feels bad about this decision, as I love my family dearly, but the other part is really excited to spend Christmas wrapped up in artistic ventures... by myself... in my own apartment. For some reason that has me all giddy.

I don't know. Maybe this is just my year to play Grinch. I have, afterall, just visited with my entire family (and then some) for Thanksgiving, and I have had visits from my parents many times this year. I am neither homesick to see them, nor do I wish to avoid them. I'm just in the mood for something different.

That, and I really want to take in Christmas at my home church down here. I've never done that before.... And I really really like this congregation. Christmas there might truely be an uplifting experience in and of itself! :P

Here's to a blessed holiday season to all, and to those at home whom I do love very much, have a wonderful Christmas. I may be staying down here 300 miles away, but I'll certainly be thinking of you, and praying that there's snow outside, lots of brightly colored gifts under the tree... and plenty of eggnog for all! :)

Have a blessed new week all, and until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:15 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Bedroom Farce Revisted"

Well, the director has spoken, and I just narrowly missed being cast in the show. Apparently, the deciding factor was merely age, and having been one of the few younger male actors to be get called back, casting a little older worked best with the make-up of the avaliable talent.

But I had a blast getting that far. And I can't even say I was rejected. The director had high praise of my efforts, and even went as far as to complement me on specifics from my auditions. That usually doesn't happen. He even made a point of inviting me back for future auditions, although he didn't really have to. I already have plans to audition there again.

Next show... "The Rainmaker". Auditions are in early January. I'm already there.

Have a blessed Friday all! Until next time,

Your happily blogging actor friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:31 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Back in the Frey"

Today was officially my last day of work at Bluemound Graphics. With the calendar season at a close, and a wonderful term of employment complete, the time has come to once again step back into primary job-seeking mode. Time to step back into the frey. Wish me luck. I may need it. :P

As always, your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:43 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Calendars and Call-Backs"

Well, today was a very long day at work. I spent over eight hours packing and moving boxes full of calendars at a local bindery. Very tiring work. By the end of tomorrow, though, the three of us co-workers will have packed almost 80,000 church calendars onto skids for shipping to New York City. That's in addition to the somewhat less strenuous packing of the other half of the calendars we did at work two weeks ago.

So, overall, there are eleven skids. That's roughly 200,000 calendars -- and lots of 500-count boxes. I'd call that a tiring day. ...And with theatrical call-backs shortly after I got back from work, an afternoon nap would have been highly counterproductive.

But I stayed awake, and was surprised to find myself in relatively full form for the second round of auditions. As a result, the news seems to remain positive. The director kept me around until the end, I read a number of times, tried a few things, and am getting the vibe that he's still considering me for one of the few male roles. That I can certainly appreciate.

Good news? I don't know. I guess I'll just have to wait until tomorrow to find out.

So, until then, I'm off to bed. We'll see what tomarrow brings.
Have a blessed Thursday all. :)

Your happily blogging, rather tired actor friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:01 PM  I   I  0 comments

"A Day of Infamy Remembered"

Today we remember Pearl Harbor, and those who gave their lives in defense of this country sixty-three years ago. Today, let us also remember those who are fighting to defend this same country over in the Middle East. Pearl Harbor, The World Trade Center, or Iraq... It doesn't matter where the field of attack takes place. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

When we honor one, we honor them all.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:03 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Bedroom Farce"

Well, it's back to the stage for me. Earlier this evening, I auditioned for another stage production in the local Milwaukee area. This one is titled, Bedroom Farce. And it is, quite honestly, just that.

"The marital problems of Trevor and Susannah turn to disaster at the house warming party of Kate and Malcolm, disrupt the already failed anniversary celebration of Delia and Ernest, and shatter the frail peace enjoyed by Jan and Nick. How do married couples live their lives once hormone-driven passion and romance are over? Britain's most prolific playwright takes us on a hilarious tour of four couples and three onstage bedrooms to ponder that question. "The stuff of gleeful recognition," says the London Evening Standard."

The good news? I've been called back to the final round of auditions. In other words, tomorrow night I'm off to call-backs. From there, hopefully one of the four male roles!

We'll see. Keep your fingers crossed. This looks like a fun one!

Your happily blogging actor friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:23 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Actor, in Pictures"

Some of you have asked, while I'm sure others of you will have little interest... But, whichever the case, I've finally found the time to upload a few photos of my acting endeavors. If you are interested, they can now be found in the image gallery.

Enjoy, and have a blessed new week!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:57 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Boy Meets Girl"

Lately, I've been reading a rather interesting book... a romance book.

Yes, you heard me right -- romance. But don't roll your eyes just yet. It's not what you may think. Written by Christian writer, Joshua Harris, Boy Meets Girl answers the next question in a Christian relationship.... "ok, so now what?"

"What comes between "How do you do?" and "I do"? How do you find a lifetime partner in a way that's God-centered, not self-centered?

Boy Meets Girl is an honest, romantic, and refreshingly biblical look at relationships. It's about dating with a purpose. About frienship plus possibility. About romance chaperoned by wisdom. Join the guy who "kissed dating goodbye" ...and say hello to courtship."

Lately, as some of you may know, I've been doing a lot of thinking when it comes to my own Christ-centered romantic interests -- Probably even a bit more than I need to honestly. But, in truth, I think I've come to realize that this is God's intent in the first place. Maybe He designed love to be one of the most baffling of human emotions for a reason. To make us think, and challenge us to seek His example.

So, as part of my on-going personal research into this most baffling of simplistic emotions, I decided to read this book. And while I personally favor Christian courtship myself -- as opposed to the world's ever-present view on dating -- I think I may even have to recommend the read to others as well. Who knows, maybe you're just as baffled on the subject as I am... In which case, we'd have something in common. And that means I'm no longer in this boat by myself! LOL!

Have a blessed day all, and until next time, keep smiling and learning.
It does a body good. :)

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:31 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Year of the Blog"

During 2004 blogs, or weblogs, have become hugely popular, and some have even started to influence mainstream media. As a result, the term 'blog' has now been chosen as the top word of 2004 by Merriam-Webster Dictionary. According to them, it topped the list of most looked-up terms on its site during the last twelve months.

Not bad. 4.8 million blogs and counting. Not bad at all!

Merriam-Webster Online.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:09 PM  I   I  0 comments

"New York Changing"

New York Changing, by New York City photographer Douglas Levere, is a photographic record of the ever-changing landscape of New York City. Guided by Berenice Abbott’s 1930’s project Changing New York, Douglas revisited neighborhoods and former storefronts, documenting the evolution of the metropolis known for constantly reinventing itself.

The paired images at New York Changing produce a remarkable commentary on the evolution of New York City over several decades, and encourage the viewer to consider the rate and meaning of progress. The brownstone becomes a housing project, the neighborhood store becomes a skyscraper. Often, however, the encounter results in a more subtle reflection of the changing tides of our culture.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:27 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Winter Wonderland"

Today marks two firsts this year. One, it's the first day of December. And two, it's the first real snowfall of the coming winter months.

Yes, as of right now, everything on the other side of my bedroom window is covered in white. And, I'll tell ya, it's a beautiful white world out there. Sure, it'll probably have all melted in a day or so. The ground is still too warm for the snow -- but the truth of the matter is isn't far behind... Winter has finally reached Milwaukee!

Have a blessed Wednesday all, and, if you've got snow where you are, take a moment to enjoy it. Yes, it's cold. Yes it's slippery. Yes it can be irritating sometimes. But, you know what, half of the world has never even seen it before.... and you have it all over your yard.

How's that for putting things into perspective!

Have a good one. Until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:57 AM  I   I  0 comments