 With 3rd Coast Skaters Pastor Jeremy Hendrix |
The end of December draweth nigh as today I sit in Arizona awaiting my flight to the Twins Cities, Minnesota. Your favorite men in yellow have gone their separate ways for the winter in a comedy hibernation of sorts, and still the Tortuga machine keeps plugging along in monster-truck, do-or-die fashion. I had been very busy whilst I was in Louisiana. But then, when am I not anymore?
In an effort to renew my Nice Guy Membership Card, I have driven from Hammond, Louisiana to the Phoenix, Arizona area twice. Ronn & Heather asked if I would drive Heather's vehicle and utility trailer cross country to AZ. How could I not? She is eight months pregnant and he gave me baby-blue puppy dog eyes. How could I say no? Besides, I would pave the way with mine own vehicle and the Tortuga utility trailer, Gammera, so I would have a practice run. Done and done - it all flew by without a hitch, and boy are my arms tired. (There's supposed to be a joke in there somewhere, but I couldn't really find it either, so never mind.)
On one of my flights, I sat next to Third Coast Skaters own Pastor Jeremy Hendrix. He runs a nonprofit Christian youth outreach center that gives kids around the Houston, Texas area an opportunity to get into something other than drugs and drinking. Or, as they put it: "Seeking to create a Christian community of skaters through accountability, discipleship, and a lot of skateboarding."
He was a nice guy, and I wound up talking to him for most of the flight. To his credit, he didn't try preaching to me too much, though he did poke at me a little on the subject. And, what pastor worth his salt wouldn't? I mean, they'd take away his preacher card if he didn't say something to an airplane-captive audience, wouldn't they? Suffice to say that we had a good time talking relative shop to one another, and we managed to pass the otherwise boring flight time rather quickly.
 Jay & Marrus Relax on Turkey Day |
As far as my time in Louisiana goes, one of the more interesting things that I did was to play a PA for the Sheryl Crow music video, Love is Free. My buddy Jay - whom I've mentioned before in conjunction with his artistic lady, Marrus - got me this gig, and I am most grateful to him for it. Filmed on location in the Bayou countryside of Slidell - about 25 minutes from New Orleans - it was a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. I actually got to toil two days on the project, the first being the most stressful.
First of all, in case you don't already know - I mean, you might; you Tortugaholics are a pretty intelligent, albeit awfully rowdy bunch - PA stands for Production Assistant. This sounds a lot more important than it truly is. Actually, a PA is more of a glorified grunt. A gopher, if you will - as in go for this and go for that. Still sound glamorous? What if I told you that I had to deliver the director's dirty underwear to a wash & fold center and make sure they had the laundry load done by end of workday that day? Truth be told, it was more funny than gross. The soiled linens were in a closed bag, so I never saw them.
The worst part about that first day turned out to be the best thing for me. I had to pick up a 16-person passenger van and drive it around New Orleans doing errands. Now, because I drive a Nissan Titan, driving that big a vehicle around town did not frighten me in the least. Okay, a little, but I got over it fairly quickly. However, the fact that I did not know where anything in New Orleans was did scare me quite a bit. I got over that, too, and with only a couple wrong turns here and there I learned how to get around NOLA that day. Via the help of our favorite online friend Mapquest, I've learned more about driving my silly little butt around the Crescent City than I ever had in the previous seven years being there.
 Sheryl Crow on the Water |
 Magic Mike does his Thang |
 Shhh! Illegal Footage from the Sheryl Crow Video! (Click for Video) |
That was the first day. The second day was all about the video shoot. It was a lot more hectic, but also a lot more fun. It began with me picking up Sheryl's stylists, manager, and a bigwig from her record label. Though Sheryl and her hair and makeup people did not ride in my van, they did walk right by me. I even got a smile from Ms. Crow. Pretty lady, and very nice and down to earth from what I hear. She smiles at everyone. Points for her. I smiled back and tried not to gawk too much. Half a point for me.
The rest of the day involved being plugged in to wherever they might need me. I got to see different aspects of how they shoot a music video, including how much behind the scenes work needs to get done for each shot. My buddy Magic Mike was on the shoot as well, but as talent. It was nice to see and cut up with him for a bit. He looked good on camera, too. Speaking of my favorite New Orleans magician, this brings me to the next portion of my December 2007 Journal.
 Who Says Sissy Tortugas don't get the Girlz? |
What can I say about Mike that his website doesn't say better?
Mike has been working on a screenplay for his cable television pilot Below Sea Level for quite some time now. Formally entitled Crescent City Hustle, this story follows the antics of Mike - called Magic Mitch for the show - and his friends shortly afterHurricane Katrina hit the Big Easy.
He had originally shot the pilot himself and put a version up on YouTube. This time he would use a local independent production company to film in the hopes of attracting local investors to bankroll the first season's 12 to 15 episodes. He wants to take the whole thing to HBO, Showtime, and the like in the hopes that they will find the series entertaining enough to purchase more episodes.
 Jef gets Makeup for the Camera |
 Magic Mike Directs his Tortuga Stars |
 Random Gay Guys |
 Tortuga Rear View on the Set |
 Jef Buys a New Orleans Gift for Wife Sharon |
 ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo |
Finally, I make my way to Arizona and my Christmas Holidays. I'm leaving today for Minneapolis, but I've enjoyed the short time I've been here. I spent some time with my good friend Melissa Kweiser, hanging out and even taking the opportunity to see the Phoenix Zoo's Christmas light extravaganza known as ZooLights. This is the second time I've seen this event, and I have been thoroughly thrilled each time.
 Melissa Kweiser Enjoys the Christmas Lights |
 A different kind of Web Mastering |
 Xmas Flamingo |
Anywho, that's it for this month, Tortugaholics. Soon I will be on a plane again, flying 600 miles an hour towards my birthday and a very white Christmas. Next month will take me through New Year's - still haven't decided where yet - and January in Thailand. Now those should be some interesting photos. You have a fantastic Holiday season of friends & family love & fun. Don't forget to drink of cup of cheer - whether alcoholic or non, it matters not so long as it warms yours and the hearts of those around you. Tortuga Love your way and Happy Holidays, my Tortuga Family!
