another year under the belt…
Posted on | June 15, 2007 |
that’s me at the Sierra Buttes… sometimes it’s nice to get away from it all.
…birthdays are merely symbolic of how another year has gone by and how little we’ve grown. No matter how desperate we are that someday a better self will emerge, with each flicker of the candles on the cake, we know it’s not to be; that for the rest of our sad, wretched pathetic lives, this is who we are to the bitter end. Inevitably irrevocably; happy birthday? No such thing.
-Jerry Seinfeld
I thought I would take the occasion of this, the morning of my 35th birthday to finally update my blog. Birthdays tend to make me reflect on my life and think about where I am, how I got here, and of course, where I might be going in the future. I don’t recommend this. Anytime you think it might be a good idea to, say, make a five year plan for your life, may I suggest simply giving the neighborhood kids $100 to kick you in the teeth. It’s no fun is the point I’m trying to make. And yet the birthdays do bring out that whole “take stock in yourself†kind of thing.
And so, even though I know it’s got disaster, frustration and depression written all over it, I’m doing it anyway. I have been incredibly busy lately with both work and play. A week at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in NYC followed by time in the mountains with my family has brought me back home rested after the longest time I have been out of my studio/office for many years, almost three weeks. And now, over a week later, I can still barely see my desk. It was worth it.
There’s lots on the horizon in the next 6 months or so. From shows with my art in Atlanta in July, New York City in August to producing and starring in a play that opens in September, my plate was already full before I even left on vacation. Since then, I have committed to a huge show in October in High Point, North Carolina wherein I hope to debut a new line of upholstered furniture I have just started designing. It’s going to be a busy summer to say the least. And that’s not even to mention the retail store I’m considering opening here in Los Angeles. All good things to be sure, but how in the hell am I going to find the time to get them all done? And I’m really not sure how I’m going to run all of these enterprises once Wes Anderson calls me to be in his next movie, but I’m sure I’ll figure something out. Wes? You out there? Hello?
And so I suppose the reality of “where I am and where I’m going†is actually not too bad. It’s certainly chock full of stuff to keep me busy and hopefully out of the trouble I tend to get in when bored. Boredom leads to frustration which in turn leads to me getting myself into all sorts of trouble. Luckily for me, most of those records are sealed. But I do at last, feel like I have at least some direction that has been desperately lacking the last year or so and that is a good thing. Happy Birthday? Maybe, Lois. Maybe.
Finally, some of you have inquired as to why I haven’t touched on politics in my blog as of yet as I used to do that frequently on my myspace blog. I have to admit, it’s all so depressing lately that I’m not sure it would include much more than a string of expletives at this point. I don’t understand why any of these folks running for president can’t just answer a question directly. They drop instantly into their “talking points†and it’s just so damn infuriating. Maybe I’ll get into the race myself? As of today, I’m officially of legal age to run so why not?
Comments
16 Responses to “another year under the belt…”

June 15th, 2007 @ 10:01 am
Happy birthday, Aaron! It was so great finding your first two blogs here when checking your site this morning! You write so eloquently, so expressively and so honestly, and your heartfelt messages are moving and deeply appreciated! It is also grand knowing that your schedule is so full; most likely you’ll succeed with each endeavor — growing from the opportunities that go awry as well as from those that go even better than anticipated. Naturally, your acting projects are of special interest, and I envy those who will have the chance to see you star in Burn This. Maybe you can burn some DVDs of your performance for the rest of us. The role you’ll be playing is complex and should display your talent to good effect. Also, we’re looking forward to your other film projects. When you learn how to post photos here, it would be terrific to see some pictures of you in the various roles you take on (and it would be terrific, too, to see some shots of you in your off-stage, off-screen moments). It’s encouraging to know that your political convictions remain strong; it has been so easy to feel alienated the last seven years, and it’s helpful to know that others share some of the same reactions. If I could give you one birthday present, it would be a return to a saner world. Also, I wish you health and strength to cope with current conditions and to soar above the negativity. Keep on posting when you can; know that you brighten the world! Again, happy birthday.
June 15th, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
Happy Birthday! I’ll turn 35 this year too; it does seem like a Birthday with a capital “B”. Good luck with your projects.
June 17th, 2007 @ 11:20 am
*gasp* Well, now you’ve done it. Now, the whole world is going to know just how old you are. So much for keeping it a secret. Tsk, tsk…
I think that the people running for president slip into their “talking points” is because they’re trying to prove that they know more words than Ol’ Georgie-boy does. (Which, let’s face it, isn’t all that difficult.)
As for you running for president. You’d have my vote… along with the votes from your adoring fans. But, do you really want to deal with all the crap associated with that job? Personally, I think you’d have to be just a little bit of a masochist to even seriously consider it.
I think this comment has gotten long enough, don’t you? I hope your birthday went well. (Even though it sounds like you managed to depress yourself a bit.)
Bye, for now.
June 18th, 2007 @ 3:07 pm
president, huh? i could live with that.
June 18th, 2007 @ 3:30 pm
happy birthday Aaron! I always wondered how old you were, I thought you were 20 something, looking good but you don’t sound very upbeat about life in your latest blog, don’t over work yourself though, there’s more out there- looking forward to next time! Later!
June 19th, 2007 @ 3:10 am
Happy Birthday Aaron! The 30’s are the BEST time of your life, enjoy all that you’re putting forth in the world. It’s wonderful to hear that you have a lot going on.
NYC in August, welcome to the heat and humidity of the northeast!! I’ll look for the play in Sept in the city-I’ll have to come and see it. I’m a fan of yours; TV, art-we have the USA map, and I love seeing you on reruns of FreeStyle- 4:30 is a great time slot to be on! I wish you were still hosting, but you seem busy enough with everything else.
Continued unlimited abundance and success. Happy B-day and best wishes!
June 24th, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Aaron,
What a shame. I return from Italy and find this new host on one of my favorite shows. Then to find out he has taken over the show. Well all I have to say is THAT SUCKS!!!! I am going to miss you and the show. The new guy is just too unbearably annoying.
Good Luck with all your adventures….
Happy Birthday…..you sure are old
June 26th, 2007 @ 5:06 am
Hi Aaron:
I came across your blog as I was wondering, like many others, why I no longer saw you on FreeStyle. Then I discovered alot more about your own designs and art. Nice to read about those projects. I miss seeing you on that show but well, on that network,nothing lasts forever and sometimes you just got to move on to other things. So while I will miss seeing new episodes of that show with you on it, I am sure you will use the skills you showed there in the other aspects of your work. Good to read about what you are doing and now that I know about your blog i will check it out every now and then as it is interesting reading. Now I will check out your artwork. Ok good luck with all you have going on.
Mike in columbus ohio
June 28th, 2007 @ 7:39 am
Aaron,
Happy belated birthday! I’ll be 35 this year too. ugh! I’m very excited to see that you are still out there doing your thing. I miss seeing new episodes of Freestyle but I’ve got it on TiVo so I can watch you anytime. The new guy is just…well… he’s not you!
It’s great that your art is really getting some well deserved recognition. I know it takes a lot of heart and soul to put yourself out there like that.
I have a friend who owns a large furniture store and will be attending the “Furniture Fest” I like to call it, in High Point. I’ll tell him to look for your furniture. I know I’d love to own a piece for my home.
Thanks for the honesty in your blog. I’ve been doing some soul searching lately as well and just can’t figure out why I don’t grow and change faster than I do. I keep saying it’s time to grow up but then I get distracted! ha! But truly I think this mid 30’s thing is just a great time to stop and look at your life and say… you know I think I’m going to make the second half of my life count for more than the first half did. I’ve heard it said to decide the person you want to be and then start doing the things that person would do. Before you know it you will become the person you wanted to be. Easier said than done but I’m giving it a shot… again.
All the best to you. I’ll be looking for more of you out there..
Michelle
June 29th, 2007 @ 11:25 pm
Happy New Year to you Aaron!
I’m an old broad… and I’m a fan & I’m sorry to see you’ve left Freestyle but I’m sure you’ll find wonderful opportunities in it’s wake. I think most of us really find ourselves or come into our own in our 30’s. Frankly its when most of us actually find we’ve become adults.
In honor of your birthday I make a wish. ( I make this wish often & for many reasons, such as the toaster toasting, the wind whistling, the sun rising…) My wish is that you find peace & plenty in your heart, in your life, in your community, in our country, in the world. Now it’s a big wish & it takes a lot of us visualizing & believing for that wish to come true - but it can - no it will - if we believe.
I will be moving soon to begin another life in Chico, just shy of the fabulous Buttes. It’s beautiful country. Take time out in your busy life - pen it in to your schedule - to recharge & refresh in the beauty that is in our lives when we care to look. I will look for you on the telly & on the mountain tops.
Peace
August 2nd, 2007 @ 9:54 am
O.K. I have a lil time to kill so I’m reading in here again!
I guess I had missed this page,your 35 years old -yes! so your just a couple of years younger,and I see you were just as depressed on your Birthday hmm… must be all the crap that going around. My Bday was on June-22. Please do post when,where etc.. about your play,I might try to go.
by the way-
I’m a huge Josh Groban Fan I love his music as much as you love Bob D.I will try to go to his Anaheim concert in Aug-25-07 a bunch of us are going to stay at the Ayres hotel. still have to decide if I’m going,I have alot of my own that I’m going though so we’ll see.. even though I already have tickets ( Center Floor-Fourth row sec 102 seatting 1 and 2)you should come to his concert,his music is very uplifting!with all the crap going on it might B good 4 U! I bet you can still get tickets.I speak all the languages that Josh G. can sing in and I also speak Portuguese.I was Born in Portugal raised in N.Y. and now live in Arizona.I do hope to move to southern California in the future,it’s been my dream since I was a little girl.Anyway I have to say the show is not the same without you,I am watching the reruns they have here in Az. you are on at 4:30 so I get my LIL fix he!he! I promise that I do try to watch your ideas and NOT just stare at your gorgeous face!HA!HA!HA! I will give you this late Bday gift of advise- Just hang in there and be positive! If you think too long on the negative then that’s what you will attract! Tomorrow is always around the corner with hope waiting! its also good advise for me!
I don’t know why but it’s always easier giving advise than to take it! or having good advise for ourselves!hmmm… Have a GREAT YEAR!
(( LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH! ))
-Mariza
P.S. I would love to see more pics of you here!
BYE!
August 13th, 2007 @ 6:48 pm
Horny Goat Weed…
Great post!…
September 2nd, 2007 @ 9:57 am
Glamour Photography Agency…
hey good stuff…
September 7th, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
I rarely watch HGTV anymore, but happened upon your show (a re-run, I suppose — now that I know the scoop.) I was so taken with the idea of the show, but even more by you as host, that I got on line to find out more about you. Well, well, well … you ARE the over-achiever, hunh? Good for you! You’re only young once (and you ARE still young) so keep dreaming your dreams and living them. I’m sure the Coen Brothers will call you. You seem to have that special warp they recognize. Meantime, explore your talents and be grateful. This ol’ gray-hair will be pullin’ for you. BTW, I couldn’t agree with your political stance more and you’ve restored my faith in the younger generation. I keep telling myself (tho’ not very convincingly) we’ve been through worse. It’s hard to believe how little attention people pay to what’s happened to their (and their children’s …) future. We are generally a fat and happy nation … and becoming more ignorant and less logical and analytical by the day. Alas …
September 26th, 2007 @ 7:46 pm
Studio Modeling…
hey cool stuff…
October 3rd, 2007 @ 10:46 am
Studio Photography…
hey great stuff…