My second kids book has taken a giant step forward this week. I have found an artist and we are building characters and images. The tentative title is "Uncle Xoq." Our bond is built on the foundation that this book's message rises from our shared experience. We have walked different paths to this moment; but if we had a mentor at 17, who encouraged us to find our Q; our voice, our gift, who knows where we would be. We now know it was always inside us, waiting to be discovered, nurtured, and given the space it needed to breathe. Thank you Zoey for helping me realize this.
Events on TV are reminding me of my awkward teen years. In Port Washington, the 2 local Junior High Schools merged into one High School. After going through K-9 with the same kids, our world expanded to include the teens from the other side of town, with their cliques, bullies, athletes, and nerds. I retreated even further into my social shell, but still have fond memories of certain girls who sparked my curiosity from afar. And yes, even a few I had crushes on. Jan, DiDi, Pam, and Sue were cheerleaders, but in a completely different group were the musicians and singers inspired by Judy Collins, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and Laura Niro. My sister played the guitar and sang and was responsible for opening my ear and my eyes to the girls walking to a different drummer.
I admit I am a junky for any show that highlights singing and dancing, and particularly gives "nobodies" a chance to showcase their talent. I am invested in the need for humans to find their "Q". As a Dad, it has been one of the few "directions" I have given my son. I can overlook the overt commercialism on these talent shows, and ignore the judges inflammatory comments, in order to enjoy watching everyday people express themselves through dance and song.
The XFactor is new on American TV this Fall and I know many people DO NOT watch it because of Simon Cowell. I understand; he is a pompous ass. But you are missing out on the talent, innocence, and purity of one particular 14 year old, Drew. Click here to listen to this adorable, talented, young lady who reminds me so much of days gone by; and particularly our hometown girl Heather.
P.S. Leaving a Comment behind before you leave this page adds to the conversation. A few folks have mentioned to me they have tried, but couldn't finish because Blogger asks you to sign in. When you write a Comment, the simplest way to complete the process is to click on "Anonymous" from the drop down menu. If you use "Anonymous," but you still want us to recognize your voice, just type your name inside the Comment. Thanks for visiting
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