It's A Mad, Mad, Mad Holiday Season

It is Christmas time again.

And how nice it is to see the rematch battle of Christmas v. Happy Holidays has been determined by Wal-Mart.

But before the madness of 4 AM big box store specials, the endless muzak of the Jessica Simpson Cali Home for the Holidays CD or even the annual race for an overpriced manger side Jerusalem hotel room takes hold, just take a deep breath and relax.

It will all be over in 25 days.

It Just Happened...

Hello.

I woke up and realized I just got a year older today. How did it sneak up on me so fast?

I count myself very lucky to have so many close friends in my life. This support has been inspiring during these last few months.

The best gift I have recieved are the friendships that live on through the years.

A New Day (Post Election Morning)

Our voices have been raised and the time to lead has arrived.


Step up.


Be a part of the change.


This moment we rise to shine in our communities and the world.


We have a lot of work to do but Americans have proven we are up for the challenges of doing what is great.


Step into your community so that the great work can begin.


No act is too small.

Vote Today | Go Jennifer

Hello.

Just a quick note to remind one to be sure to vote today.

As I recover here at home, I will spend the day resting and probably watching political movies on the tele.

If you have a favorite film, please post it here.


(Photo: Tommy with Governor Granholm at September 2006 event)

Resting at Home

Hello all.

Nurse P here letting you know Tommy is still recovering at home from his accident. Thank God for Comcast On Demand movies and Netflix. It is a nice way for him to pass the time here at home.

Many thanks to those who have reached out to him during this time.

(He even discovered one of his favorite campy films of all time on TV the other day. Look closely in the photo.)

Tigers Away Game Rain Delay

( big yawn )

Hello.

I am still recovering at home. And during this period of rest, it has been nice to be able to have a front row couch seat to see the games.

I appreciate all the notes on my blog and am truly touched by everyone's generosity during this time of healing. You are all amazing.

So during the away game rain delay, everyone can get some rest as we get ready to root, root, root for the home team. (Peanuts and Cracker Jack optional)

Go Tigers!

Short history of the song Take Me Out to the Ball Game from Wikipedia

"The words were written in 1908 by Jack Norworth, who while riding a subway train, was inspired by a sign that said "Baseball Today — Polo Grounds". The words were set to music by Albert Von Tilzer, although neither had ever seen a baseball game. (Norworth and Von Tilzer finally saw their first Major League Baseball games 32 and 20 years later, respectively.) The song was first sung by Norworth's wife Nora Bayes and popularized by various vaudeville acts."

The Homecoming Weekend

I want to thank all who have written, phoned, or emailed over the past two weeks. Your kind words of encouragement and acts of kindness truly have moved me.

For those GPS enquiring minds, I am finally back home and it is very true, "there's no place like home"

I have a long way to go to reach normal.

When trying to reach me, please allow me some space to respond since I am focused on dealing with my pain at this time. I do promise to respond to my email as soon as possible.

But today please know I am thankful for your support.

( good night )

zzzzzzzzzzzzz


Photo Credit: Apple

I cannot sleep.....

What I am missing at home....

Michael sent me a few images of what I am missing at home. Enjoy.

- Tommy

All Things Considered "Mary"

I cannot sleep this morning so I snapped a pic from my new rehab hospital, Mary Free Bed. Over the past week I have been in terrible pain as I try to sleep.

And while I am sure I will fnd much to laugh about down the road, right now, there are few broken pelvis jokes to laugh and chuckle about today - "So I am tossing in my bed tossing and arrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhh! " (One gets the picture.)

But while on my "Breezy" Wheelchair ride to my rehab class, I stumbled on this historical item and thought I would share it here on the blog.

History of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
"Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital originated in 1891 when a small group of Grand Rapids women recognized the need for medical care for patients of limited financial means in our community. They embarked on a fund-raising campaign to secure the use of a free bed in one of the local hospitals. The group solicited financial support from the Grand Rapids community, asking for contributions from everyone named Mary, as well as from those having friends or relatives with the name.

They soon raised enough money to endow a free bed, which subsequently became known as the Mary Free Bed. "

The nurse just popped in to say I should turn out the light. I might as well since I have to retype everything four times due to my inability to write under these circumstances.

Thanks again for all the nice comments and cards. It really keeps my spirit light.

BLOG INTERACTIVE: a "Mary Chain - anything and all things Mary"

1. Mary by Scissors Sisters

Peak-A-Boo Hoo Hoo

Me: Alive and Kicking / My Car: The Jury Is Still Out

I must be brief since I am in terrible pain.

As I was leaving work last friday, I was involved in a head-on collision.

So I am down for the count.

I am posting a few pics of my Honda Element.

Still Cool - The Full Editorial

In the October 2006 On The Town Artistic Expression column, my full editorial was honestly scarificed to the limited space avialable. (It happens when the subject runs high on my word count.)

So in the interest of not being silent on this issue, I will reprint my updated editorial here for those who wondered how I really feel about Dick DeVos'ill advised plan to cut the Cool Cities program in Michigan.

These are my words and thus my opinion as an columnist who has spent the last two years covering this program. The interview with the Governor can be found on Page 22 of On The Town.

Still Cool
by Tommy Allen

Just a little over two years ago I was granted the opportunity to sit down with Governor Granholm as she unveiled her Cool Cities project. This visionary project recognizes that a community that embraces and values the youthful creative spirit can be translated into real dollars for a community. Two years later, the project is working.

On the eve of her re-election bid, her opponent, Dick DeVos has said in a Detroit Free Press article that the Cool Cities project would be cut if he were elected. (6/8/2006)

In the eyes of one who has written about this program and the positive impact it is making on Grand Rapids, this would be a terrible shortsighted mistake. For one to sacrifice this program to partisan grandstanding is dead wrong.

This tactic is nothing new for those in the arts as we are forever sacrificed as not being valued come election season. Programs, arts education and even cultural grants, all become causalities during an election year.

When those in the arts raise their voice, they are told to sit down or have the opinions discounted as not being grounded in reality.

So as I spoken with many voices within this community, many on the street express concern that the arts and the creative cool we bring to this region is in real danger.

But losing the much-desired under 40 demographic is not the only “brain drain” casualty. It has been reported that for the emerging medical mile to be a success, it will need a strong creative environment to attract the medically “creative” professionals to Grand Rapids.

For those who think that this program should be measured in dollars and not human capital, I point them to the On The Town August 2006 piece where we reported that in 2006-2007 over 10 new development projects totally $178,000,000 in investment would commence around the Division Avenue Cool Cities project.

Grand Rapids has come a long way over the 25 years I have been in this town. To single out Cool Cities as a frivolous program is just a misguided out of touch statement by a politician equally out of touch and looking to capitalize shamelessly by preying upon the arts.

The artist (and those who love art), understand the arts are tremendous force in this community. The Cool Cities program has brought many exciting changes and deeply enriched the fabric of our community.

Political Humor

Recently while on YouTube.com ....my favorite waste of time.... I stumbled on a few videos that made me laugh so hard.

I think we have lost the ability to laugh at ourselves during poltical years. (This is not true for those who watch the Daily Show or Corbert Report.)

So click the link below and have a great laugh.

Happy Anniversary Susan

September 2006 marked the 25 year friendship with my close friend Susan.

Over the years we have continued to stay in touch even though many miles have been between us.

I am always amazed at the fact that each time we get together it feels as if no time has passed. On my last night in LA we both stayed up raher late while our SO's went to bed.

On this last night together we had a bottle of wine, played Tom Waits music and just let our conversations wander to our early days and to the future.

In the years to come, I hope to see her more as I have realized how close we have become over the years.

When I arrived home I had a nice note that reflected the last words we had with each before I departed for home. Susan wrote, "in spending time with you guys, several of our friendships here in L.A. seem downright deficient. We wish we had you physically in our lives on a daily basis. We certainly would never run out of things to laugh about."

Happy 25th Anniversary Susan! Hallmark really should make a card for people like you.

Photo: Susan is standing behind Kelly (seated).

Poolside

Over the weekend I found time to relax by the pool at the Parker. While the drinks may have been a bit out of my daily league ($25. for two drinks + tip), the ability to kick back and just read the afternoon away was right up my alley.

Currently I am reading Dry by Augusten Burroughs and am finding it not as funny as Running With Scissors. But it is still a good read.

I did find it a bit odd that I would have a drink in hand while reading a book about a gay man in rehab for of all things...alcoholism.

But at 30 bucks a round I have a better chance of being a candidate for financial couseling than AA. I do find as I get older the desire to be sober is stronger than ever before. Not from the standpoint that any abuse is happening but rather I want to be fully alive, fully aware of my life as it is happening.

I am getting older. But maybe not wiser.

This is such a strange period of my life but for now the sun is warm, the water cool and the magic of literature is dancing in my head. So since I am on vacation, I will let my mind wander to simpler pleasures.

So if you get to Palm Springs, a sleep over at the Parker is just what the doctor ordered.

LA Wonder

In every city it seems that I have a small tradition to perform surrounding local cuisine that I MUST do while in town. In New York it is a nice slice of deli pizza, in London a small little pub called the French House and in Glen Arbor it is the Lakers Shakes stand for a cheap malted milk.

When in LA it is clearly a stop for an In-N-Out Burger. One bite and you will know what I mean. I think the real secret is the layering of the ingredients.

So if in LA, one must stop by and partake in the goodness.

Enjoy!

On The Road Again...

After being up for nearly 23 hours on Friday, we hit the road out of LA today for Michael's show.

So along the way of life sometimes you meet some very old friends. Well, not actually our friends but a friend of a friend. (Bronty knew Mother Earth.)

Greetings from Palm Springs!

Spotted: Birthday Bad Habits

Not to worry, he is not a smoker. (He is just playing at the Pickwick with some friends on his big day.)

Happy Birthday Michael!

Just Outside My Home Office Window....

No words are needed today.

Music Video = Art

This is a very nice video with great visuals to match the lyrics.

Lucky Mutt Ketchup

Today is the 40th birthday party for my good friend Susan. Over the years she has hinted that all she wanted for her birthday was a batch of my homemade ketchup.

After harvesting the tomatoes from garden, I made three different versions of the tasty condiment to give her as a gift.

Lucky Mutt Ketchup was created in honor of my dog Madison who used to love to be in the yard while I gardened.

The three kethcup varieties I created include:

Red Ball Ready - a basic roasted tomato.
Post-40 Rescue - a very spicy chipotle flavored.
Smokey Spaniard - a spanish smoked variety.

I hope she will enjoy them as much as I did creating them.

Cheers!

Artist In Residence Show

This week was the opening for the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center's Artist In Residence show by Michael Pfleghaar. This is one of the largest exhibition of his work and should not be missed since may of these works represent the very best of his latest works.

Click here for directions to the Arts Center.
Click here to view Michael Pfleghaar's website and additional photos from the show.
























(Photos - from top - Partial View of Exhibit; Michael and Pflehaar.com designer Gwen of Plenty Creative; Charlie McGrath of Structure Interactive shows off his original Pleghaar T-shirt design; Meg of Forest Hills Arts Center, Michael, and arts agent Brenda of Art Endeavors.)

Last Days of Summer

I understand that the official last day of summer happens later in September, but in Michigan Labor Day is viewed by most as the end of the sunny season.

Pictured below are a few pleasures of these last days.

Enjoy. Savor. Exhale.

Or if sticking around in town.....

...go see Little Miss Sunshine.

With the 2006 summer film schedule clogged with so much vein blocking, steroid juiced celluloid junk, this film is just what is needed to restore one's faith in the power of American cinema.

This small film is big on laughs. So much so that even after the film, I found myself just busting out in laughter as images from the film popped into my head.

While this may not be a sweeping visual film on the level of Lawrence of Arabia, it is a film that spans the landscape of the human heart.

And like my friend Melissa said in an email, "At one point I (and everyone else in the theater) was laughing so hard – stomach pain hard. I guess anything that makes that happen is worth spending $8 on."

SEE THIS FILM!

Trailer: Little Miss Sunshine

Weekend Getaway Destination: La Becasse

As we head into the last weekend of summer, please consider a trip to La Becasse in Glen Arbor, Michigan.

This French restaurant located on a charming winding road on the south-east portion of Big Glen Lake is owned by my friends Chef Guillaume Hazael-Massieux and wife Brooke. Chef Guillaume of Paris was raised in the French West Indies and spent a few years in Western Michigan before purchasing this 18 year old gem of the north.

The food is wonderful and the French countryside atmosphere is very charming. I had the Duck Breast with a vanilla reduction and Michael had the Pork Chop grilled to perfection and served with a genrous portion of whipped potatoes.



After dinner, Guillaume and Brooke invited us to sit in their garden space right outside the restaurant kitchen's window. It was a great space to watch the staff prepare the food. It was also a great place to enjoy a bottle of jim Clendenon's Au Bon Climat's Pinot Noir. It was a perfect ending to a beautiful night of food, friends and clear night filled with endless stars overhead.













Chef Guillaume is a big fan of farmers markets and visits many of the local farms to secure the freshest ingredients to stock in his kitchen.

If you cannot make it this weekend, be sure to make a trip North in the fall. Yes, there will be Leaf Peepers by the busload in this part of Michigan, but getting a table in the midst of such autumn beauty should not be a problem and well worth the effort.



La Becasse, intersection of M-616 and 675, at the south-east end of Glen Lake, actually in Burdickville; (231) 334-3944.

Click here for a Google Map of La Becasse





Hunk Chef Guillaume - LOL

Big Harvest

Today was the day I decided to wander into the garden and make a big harvest of the ripe tomatoes. I had no idea how many I would have until I found myself nearly 30 minutes later with every possible container filled with the wonder of summer.

Over the past few weeks I have been harvesting a handful here and there but tonight it was the mother of all harvests.

I must say, this has been the biggest year I have had with my tomatoes.

Enjoy the photo, I am heading to bed...after I make a big bowl of red sauce.

A side note: It feels good to be back on line after a break.

Thanks to all who sent notes, flowers and emails.

It has been a rough few weeks but the thoughtfulness of so many has made these past few weeks a bit sweeter.

Warm thanks,

-Tommy

( blank )

MADISON

September 15, 1992 - August 3, 2006

Vous voir plus tard iChat!

In the coming days, my dear friends Brett and Marianne will be departing to their new home in France with their daughter Raven, the "yet to be titled" unborn child, and two very sweet dogs, Bean and Tofu.

Needless to say, I am bummed.

Years ago, we would laugh in our living room and toast our proclamations that we would be able to hang out at a moments notice because seeking a babysitter would never be an issue for either couple.

Well, I think it is clear how this played out in the coming months.

But now that our circle of friends has turned into Kids R Us marketing dream come true, we have grown accustomed to this new stage of our lives as well. (We love our friend's kids equally but I just wished Ella and Lola would smile a bit more for me. These twins are two tough cookies.)

The parting is a bit sweeter since we will be able to see each other after they depart next week thanks to a piece of software on every new Mac.

iChat will allow us to communicate via videoconference with our ex-pat friends.

So I will not say good bye to my buds, but rather sign off by saying, "Vous voir plus tard iChat " (see you later on iChat!)

The future, ahhhhh, can be a beautiful place to live.

Weekend Discussion Point: Permission Video

Ok, so it is getting too hot to do much in the day except enjoy the lazy days of summer.

If one finds some free time to wander about the internet, might I suggest clicking on the photo to the left and viewing a short piece sent to me via Google Video. (It is on You Tube.com as well)

I have to say the beauty of visual language is sometimes they take us to places we had no idea where we would land.

This piece made me step back and look at this issue in a whole new light.

So click, view, discuss (repeat)

MOVIE LINK: Permission on Google
OR
The Visit The Media That Matters Film Festival for this and other short films.

"Thanks Mary for sharing this clip."

Introducing.... Murphy Maxwell O'Rourke

The other day I got an email from a friend with an attachment I found compeling.

I think the issue of urban sprawl is an important talking point as gas climbs to record heights matching our environments rising temps.

But rather than focus on this issue, today I want to introduce, Murphy Maxwell O'Rourke, a MSU student, who will be looking for work soon after he graduates in May 2007. (Hell, he could do freelance work now if called to do so.)

If one should want to see more of his work, contact him at orourk26@msu.edu.

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW)

Tommy's Flick Pick: An Inconvenient Truth

from the fourth Book of Nightmares by Galway Kinnell

Dear stranger,

extant in memory by the blue Juniata,
these letters
across space, I guess,
will be all we know of one another.

So little of what one is threads itself through the eye
of empty space.

Nevermind.
The self is the least of it.
Let our scars fall in love.



(This just felt like the thing to post today. No words or images from me today)

Greetings from Chicago's Gay Games

Yesterday was the closing ceremonies for the Gay Games in Chicago. The company I work with did the staging and since this event only takes place every four years (and in different countries), I felt I should visit.

While I was having a bit of a bad day due to some not so great news 15 minutes to showtime, I did find that once the event began, my mood ligtened considerably.

I found the experience amazing as we watched 10,000 athletes march onto Wrigley Field and into the stands. The processional took almost a half hour.

The event also included cowboys dancing, comedians, The L Word cast and even Cyndi Lauper stopped by to show her true colors.

So I will shut up now and get in the shower. Enjoy photos from the road.

Cheers!


p.s. I loved that we could hang in the dugout with our pass.


Shopping Alert: The red "Wrestle Me" T-Shirt on Michael is available. See www.pfleghaar.com/sketchblog for details.