MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST, PART II

3) Loving Frank. (This book came to me via Nanette.) Frank Lloyd Wright is one of my favorite architects and was a masster artist in his own right. The book explores his life with the perspective of a long-range relationship he had with a woman outside his marriage. Though Frank Lloyd Wright was an eccentric, and certainly an egoist, there is no doubt that the brilliance of his vision made up for many of his personal failings. This book is a must-read for fans of his architecture, as well as anyone who finds pathos in the way humans must entwine their lives in order to survive. Emotional and heart wrenching, this book had Nanette glued to the edge of her seat on many a long winters evening.

And, one more...this time, not a book:

4) I recently reconnected with Cal Tjader, the great jazz player whose music had inspired me in college. His famous Concert by the Sea album was recorded at the Monterey Jazz Festival and helped instill in me a passion for the Monterey coast. I associate jazz with Carmel. Tjader’s music is to me like the sea, the coast and the music all blending into one glorious celebration.



If any of you are still out there looking for that perfect gift for someone, maybe one of these will offer inspiration. Let us not forget, however, that the best gifts of Christmas are not to be found in boxes and bags under the tree on Christmas morning. It is found in the smile of a stanger on the street; in the warmth of a glowing hearth-fire; in the peace that surpasses all understanding...but most of all, in the love of friends and family.

A GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST, PART I

I was recently asked what my perfect holiday gift-picks would be for my nearest and dearest. I thought I might share them with you as well. Yes, they are almost entirely books - I'm just that kind of guy.


1) Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. A wonderful and inspiring story of life in the middle ages, as well as a brilliant treatise on the value of the decorative arts. Follett did extensive research of medieval cathedrals and the construction techniques that went into developing the great structures that have endured to this day. I have always been a fan of medieval architecture and enjoyed his descriptions of building techniques and everyday life in a medieval village. His book became a bestseller, but I resisted reading it for some time due to its length. I am still working my way through, and though I am not quite finished I have reached the point where I have decided it is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys art or believes that life is more than just work and struggle. This is truly the story of aspiration and the will to create.

2) The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. Jeanette lived a life, in some ways, similar to my own. Though her family was dysfunctional, and poverty was a daily reality, she had in her heart a dream to be something different than she was. The book tells of her family struggles, and her many quirky memories of her eccentric father. Being the son of an eccentric father myself, as evidenced by several of the scenes in my movie, I can identify with Ms. Walls and her desire to escape the embarrassment of her family. I think creativity is borne of such trials, and that being honest about your family background is somehow very liberating. This book reminds each of us to count our blessings in the midst of trials as there is always a silver lining with every cloud.

CHRISTMAS AND THE KING

There is no cause more worthy than the children of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. This incredible organization is treating cancer and other devastating illnesses in children, offering hope and in many cases, a cure for what would otherwise be devastation and despair.

On my recent visit to Graceland, to unveil my newest tribute to The King – Graceland Christmas – we were joined by Marlo and Tony Thomas. Stars in their own right, each of them, they are also the children of the founder of St. Jude’s, Danny Thomas. Martina McBride was also there – I confess even I was a little star-struck. We were there for the Christmas Lighting Celebration at the beloved home of Elvis Presley, which was bedecked and bedazzled with lights for the holidays. It was a joyous and festive occasion and together with five children from St. Jude’s, we all counted down and flipped the switch to light up Graceland! It was a delightful setting for sharing my newest homage to The King.

A New Day at the Cinderella Castle will now hang in a hallway of St. Jude’s – complete with its rainbow and Tinker Bell, it is my hope that it will add a bit of brightness to their mission of sharing light and hope in a world of darkness.

THANK YOU

I just want to take a moment to acknowledge the kind remarks and encouragement so many of you have taken the time to post regarding my first-ever movie. I am deeply moved and honored by the stories that you have shared. As I have already mentioned, it was our dream – Michael’s and mine – to create something that would not only entertain, but bring hope and joy into people’s lives during the holiday season. To create a classic film that celebrated all that was special about the holidays. Thank you for telling me how this movie has affected you, how it has reminded you of incidents in your own life. You, my collectors and friends, are why this film was made.

I’d also like to take the time to respond to Meg, who posted a question a few weeks back: “… I am wondering what you would recommend to aspiring artists. Is there a certain college you would recommend, or another approach? Any other advice?” To you, and to others who have asked similar questions, I would say…watch the movie! This is a perfect snapshot of my life as a young man, struggling to find purpose and meaning and inspiration for my art.