As I type this I can hardly believe that this entry marks one hundred entries on this blog. Although the meter on the side says this is entry 98, the site admin panel says this is #100 and so I am going to recognize this as #100. That being said I intend to use this entry to talk about fulfilling my dream to of seeing the Phantom Of The Opera in London.
I could spend time talking about the flight to London, the fun of landing at Heathrow, getting used to people driving on the wrong side of the road and of course there is the whole accent thing...whats up with that LOL. Instead, I am going to focus exclusively on the performance itself. And so, without further adieu, lets begin.
I arrived at Her Majesty's Theatre and I was awestruck. The sheer magnificence of this theatre is enough to take your breath away and leave you completely amazed at just how amazing it must be to actually stand on the stage and be a part of the performance. It was simply amazing and the location in the Haymarket was simply magic.
Making my way down front, I took my seats in the orchestra section. I was just off to the right, a few rows back from the orchestra pit and I had a simply amazing view of the entire surroundings. I was so close I really felt as though I could actually reach out and touch the performers. I look around at the balcony behind me and the sheer size of the theatre. Seating close to 1700 people, it is a full house tonight.
I sit there and wait for the curtain to climb. I know the opening act almost by heart and I wait patiently for the auction to start, in particular my rabid fascination with the monkey playing the symballs. Suddenly, as if gravity has disappeared, the curtain climbs and a foggy dusty environment awaits. The moment I have been waiting for begins and the show starts.
I am amazed at just how close I really am to the point I can see the eye colour of the performers, I can see the beads of sweat that break on their foreheads from the hot stage lights beating down on them. Indeed, I am in heaven and its only just begun.
As the auction closes the set comes to life and suddenly this massive chandelier begins to rise and I watch it coming up over my head...it feels so close and yet it is so far away!
Tonights Phantom is the regular performer, Ramin Karimloo and Christine is to be played by Robyn North. By their credits, they should be great and indeed they are as Christine appears on stage. Her performance is magnetic and her voice is simply amazing. Although I will have a hard time finding anyone better than Sarah Brightman, Robyn makes my skin crawl with her powerful voice. Ramin plays a very majestic Phantom. The brooding tortured musical genius that is the Phantom is well portrayed by the youngish Karimloo. His makeup is also well done as we see only peeks of the face we all know hides behind the mask.
The signature songs are performed magically. Christine's "Think Of Me" is well done, "Music Of The Night" is rapturing and "The Phantom Of The Opera" is sinfully well delivered. Indeed, the players are on the top of their game this evening and they seem determined to make sure everyone leaves feeling as though they got their money's worth.
Some of my favourite moments were when Karimloo delivers his tortured and menacing statement, after finding Raoul and Christine have made plans to be together, indeed he looks solemn, as though the life has been sucked from his very being, he sulks around as we watch the flame of hatred and rage begin to flicker and finally burn bright as he declares, "You will curse the day you did not do, all that the Phantom asks of you"
I would be remiss if I did not speak of the shock and horror I felt as I watched a massive Chandelier come crashing down from above me, giving me the impression it was going to graze my head as it came crashing down on the stage...gasps could be heard from the audience, including yours truly as it came flying down at a well choreographed speed that would make even the most hardened theatre goer feel shocked.
My other favourite scene is the opening of act 2. Indeed, "Masquerade" has to be one of my favourite cast moments. All the costumes, the sheer magnificence and decadence of the costumes...the chorus of voices and what a fun song to listen to. Indeed, it was simply amazing.
As the curtain starts to fall, I am feeling as though I am in a dream. I have just witnessed live, a production which has amazed me since I first saw and heard it. Karimloo comes out last and gives us a bow, just after Robyn appears to give us her bow. Karimloo extends an hand to the Orchestra pit as the conductor stands and receives his share of the applause. It is a standing ovation and there are 3 curtain calls before they finally pack it in.
As I walk out the doors of my dream, my fantasy fulfilled, I am humbled by what I have seen and heard tonight. The remainder of my stay here is a blur as I recall over and over again in my mind, the various scenes. Indeed I am the luckiest person alive and I have my parents to thank for it. Thanks Mom and Dad!
I am attaching a video from Youtube which show Karimloo and North performing "Music Of The Night", their signature song. Please take a moment to watch as they will give you a small taste of what I had a chance to enjoy fully.
Music Of The Night:
As always...Think of me, think of me fondly....
LiveSTRONG!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
One Night Stand's
I was going to post about my trip to London and the Phantom experience BUT this is post #99 and I can not think of a more fitting post for my 100th Blog entry, than to talk about a dream come true. That being said, you are now stuck with my blog about an experience I had with a girl. Be forewarned, this is an adult entry and contains topics of sexuality and graphic adult imagery reader discretion is advised.
Recently I was encouraged to spread my wings a little and consider having a sexual encounter with a girl. It was not that I was opposed to having sex with a girl...hell I am hardly ever opposed to having sex period. It was the whole issue of it not meaning anything and the feeling of it being a disposable encounter. I was just not sure. Also consider that I am happy with Caleb and we have a great sexual and personal relationship and the notion of messing with that bothered me. Clearly if this was something I wanted to pursue, it would have to be with his consent.
I ended up talking to Caleb about it and in the end the decision was made that he would support my curiosity around straight sex but only if he could be involved at the same time. I could not believe what I was hearing...my boyfriend wanted to participate in a threesome with a chick. Stunned, and somewhat shaken I asked him if he was sure and he said he was. He wanted to be there to not only have a new experience (he has never tried a threesome) but he also wanted to be there to help me with whatever was going to happen. Frankly, I did not care, I was going to have my drop dead hot hung boyfriend and a girl with me AT THE SAME TIME! I swore I was going to have a coronary.
At any rate, I contacted a girl who is a good friend of mine and who on several occasions has attempted to get in my pants. She has always had a little something for me though I have never really felt the same for her. Nonetheless I contacted her and we met for coffee. I told her what I wanted to do and told her what the expectations were and that there would likely never be anything serious come out of it. I wanted her to know that I was not asking her to be some cheap hooker for two horny boys. She completely understood and was actually more interested in getting the forbidden fruit (no pun intended).
After telling Caleb about all this, plans were made and we got the ball rolling.
6 PM of the day came and sure enough, Michelle arrived ready to party. It did not take long for us to get to the rec room and from there she took total control of the situation. For the next couple of hours we were a tangle of boy on boy, boy on girl, girl on two boys, and it felt as though I was caught up in some very dirty version of naked twister. We did things that I really never thought three people could do and there was nothing left to the imagination because if you could imagine it in your head, we just out and out went for it with no holds barred.
Perhaps the most shocking moment was when she told Caleb and I that she wanted us to perform for her. She said she had never seen two boys do anything in real life before and she thought we should put on a bit of a show for her. Needless to say we complied and to be honest I found the whole idea of being watched well we did various things to each other not only intriguing but rather arousing.
In the end, after everyone was spent and certain that they could simply not do anything more, it ended. Michelle was satisfied, I was satisfied and exhausted and Caleb was satisfied.
Since that night, Michelle has asked for the opportunity to do something like that again and I am just not sure I want to. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed myself, straight sex has its advantages and its complications (The female Vagina really needs an operators manual!!!!) but there was just something about it that did not give me that feeling of completeness that I get when Caleb and I have sex. There was something missing, especially in the end...I think I felt more relieved than anything else. With Caleb, I end up in his arms or he in mine and we cuddle and just hold each other close in our complete and open nakedness, absolutely at one with each other, feeling his heart beat, his breathing slow, all that intimate stuff that matters. All of that was absent and maybe for good reason.
I know many of you will think I am now nothing more than a dollar store tramp but please don't judge me. I am young, inexperienced, and finding my place in the bigger picture. If nothing else came of this, I now know just how deeply I love Caleb and that is something that no price could ever be had.
Will we mess around with Michelle again? maybe...maybe not...I am not sure yet, but for now I can claim to have had sex both ways and for the time being, I think I prefer the beef over the chicken!
LiveSTRONG!
Recently I was encouraged to spread my wings a little and consider having a sexual encounter with a girl. It was not that I was opposed to having sex with a girl...hell I am hardly ever opposed to having sex period. It was the whole issue of it not meaning anything and the feeling of it being a disposable encounter. I was just not sure. Also consider that I am happy with Caleb and we have a great sexual and personal relationship and the notion of messing with that bothered me. Clearly if this was something I wanted to pursue, it would have to be with his consent.
I ended up talking to Caleb about it and in the end the decision was made that he would support my curiosity around straight sex but only if he could be involved at the same time. I could not believe what I was hearing...my boyfriend wanted to participate in a threesome with a chick. Stunned, and somewhat shaken I asked him if he was sure and he said he was. He wanted to be there to not only have a new experience (he has never tried a threesome) but he also wanted to be there to help me with whatever was going to happen. Frankly, I did not care, I was going to have my drop dead hot hung boyfriend and a girl with me AT THE SAME TIME! I swore I was going to have a coronary.
At any rate, I contacted a girl who is a good friend of mine and who on several occasions has attempted to get in my pants. She has always had a little something for me though I have never really felt the same for her. Nonetheless I contacted her and we met for coffee. I told her what I wanted to do and told her what the expectations were and that there would likely never be anything serious come out of it. I wanted her to know that I was not asking her to be some cheap hooker for two horny boys. She completely understood and was actually more interested in getting the forbidden fruit (no pun intended).
After telling Caleb about all this, plans were made and we got the ball rolling.
6 PM of the day came and sure enough, Michelle arrived ready to party. It did not take long for us to get to the rec room and from there she took total control of the situation. For the next couple of hours we were a tangle of boy on boy, boy on girl, girl on two boys, and it felt as though I was caught up in some very dirty version of naked twister. We did things that I really never thought three people could do and there was nothing left to the imagination because if you could imagine it in your head, we just out and out went for it with no holds barred.
Perhaps the most shocking moment was when she told Caleb and I that she wanted us to perform for her. She said she had never seen two boys do anything in real life before and she thought we should put on a bit of a show for her. Needless to say we complied and to be honest I found the whole idea of being watched well we did various things to each other not only intriguing but rather arousing.
In the end, after everyone was spent and certain that they could simply not do anything more, it ended. Michelle was satisfied, I was satisfied and exhausted and Caleb was satisfied.
Since that night, Michelle has asked for the opportunity to do something like that again and I am just not sure I want to. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed myself, straight sex has its advantages and its complications (The female Vagina really needs an operators manual!!!!) but there was just something about it that did not give me that feeling of completeness that I get when Caleb and I have sex. There was something missing, especially in the end...I think I felt more relieved than anything else. With Caleb, I end up in his arms or he in mine and we cuddle and just hold each other close in our complete and open nakedness, absolutely at one with each other, feeling his heart beat, his breathing slow, all that intimate stuff that matters. All of that was absent and maybe for good reason.
I know many of you will think I am now nothing more than a dollar store tramp but please don't judge me. I am young, inexperienced, and finding my place in the bigger picture. If nothing else came of this, I now know just how deeply I love Caleb and that is something that no price could ever be had.
Will we mess around with Michelle again? maybe...maybe not...I am not sure yet, but for now I can claim to have had sex both ways and for the time being, I think I prefer the beef over the chicken!
LiveSTRONG!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Thank You Cancer
I never thought I would see the day come where I might actually be grateful that I got Cancer. I know that must sound ludicrous to say and it sure feels ludicrous to type and yet as the time passes and I gain a new appreciation and understanding of what I really have in front of me I begin to think that having Cancer and living to tell has actually been a positive for me.
Its funny just how much I think we all take for granted and how we step out into the world every morning with our coloured glasses on, safe in the little bubble that we all keep ourselves in. Perhaps we head to work and pass a homeless shelter for teens and we dont stop to think about how good we have it. Maybe its when your on your way to lunch and your going down the street and you pass the homless and hungry person whom you view as a vagrant on the street corner hoping for charity and mercy and you walk on, not bothering to look back and pretending he was never there. Maybe its something as simple as the ad you saw on TV for the CIBC run for the cure as you sip your beer and wait for the hockey game to come back on, maybe you mute the TV during the commercials so you dont have to listen to the pleas for support. Lastly, it could be one of those gut wrenching animal abuse infomercials run by your local SPCA/Humane Society...we all know those ones and how quickly we change the channel for fear we might feel something or see something that just might pierce that little bubble we keep ourselves in.
Dont get me wrong here, I am not trying to be all self righteous. I am certainly no martyr for the cause. As I type this I am dreaming of my flight to London and my seats in the theatre well I take in the Phantom Of The Opera in the lap of luxury well someone else somewhere else will starve and beg for food. I will wrap myself in my veil of ignorance and watch the show and attempt to not feel guilty for it. The difference is though that I no longer take the little things for granted. I talk to the homeless, I visit the shelters, I volunteer at the Slavation Army food program, I do my best to raise awareness but most importantly, I dont tune out when I see or hear something that may be hard to see or hear. Ignorance is no excuse for not taking action.
If you have never had to deal with such things than you may never understand what I am truly saying. I guess it all comes down to being self aware and thanks to Cancer, I am more self aware than I ever have been.
Just remember, looking away does not make it go away....
LiveSTRONG
Its funny just how much I think we all take for granted and how we step out into the world every morning with our coloured glasses on, safe in the little bubble that we all keep ourselves in. Perhaps we head to work and pass a homeless shelter for teens and we dont stop to think about how good we have it. Maybe its when your on your way to lunch and your going down the street and you pass the homless and hungry person whom you view as a vagrant on the street corner hoping for charity and mercy and you walk on, not bothering to look back and pretending he was never there. Maybe its something as simple as the ad you saw on TV for the CIBC run for the cure as you sip your beer and wait for the hockey game to come back on, maybe you mute the TV during the commercials so you dont have to listen to the pleas for support. Lastly, it could be one of those gut wrenching animal abuse infomercials run by your local SPCA/Humane Society...we all know those ones and how quickly we change the channel for fear we might feel something or see something that just might pierce that little bubble we keep ourselves in.
Dont get me wrong here, I am not trying to be all self righteous. I am certainly no martyr for the cause. As I type this I am dreaming of my flight to London and my seats in the theatre well I take in the Phantom Of The Opera in the lap of luxury well someone else somewhere else will starve and beg for food. I will wrap myself in my veil of ignorance and watch the show and attempt to not feel guilty for it. The difference is though that I no longer take the little things for granted. I talk to the homeless, I visit the shelters, I volunteer at the Slavation Army food program, I do my best to raise awareness but most importantly, I dont tune out when I see or hear something that may be hard to see or hear. Ignorance is no excuse for not taking action.
If you have never had to deal with such things than you may never understand what I am truly saying. I guess it all comes down to being self aware and thanks to Cancer, I am more self aware than I ever have been.
Just remember, looking away does not make it go away....
LiveSTRONG
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Finding The Phantom...Again
I know it has been a long time and I know that I should know better than to leave people wondering what has happened to me. I need to get back to this blog. It is very important to me and yet its funny how the little things that we do tend to get in the way of the things that are perhaps just as important...like this blog. I know I had said this before but I am not going to let this happen again. I am going to post at least every 3 days so DONT disappear and un-bookmark me. I am back and there is so much to share with you all that I think I have enough material to last me a while LOL.
Okay so a very big and exciting development for me. My birthday is coming and my parents have decided to do something big for me...I mean hey, you only turn 20 once in your life LOL. As you may or may not know, I am heavily addicted to the Phantom Of The Opera. I have seen all the movie versions, I have listened to the soundtrack, I have really become a cult creature to this tortured musical genius that is the Phantom. My parents, knowing how I feel about this musical, have arranged to fly me to London England on Friday to see the show at Her Majesty's Theatre!!! Can you believe it? I am going to fly almost 7 hours to see the most important musical production I have ever known. My skin is crawling just thinking about how cool it is going to be. Topping it all off, they are letting me travel alone! We have family overseas in London and I will stay with them but I cant believe they are letting me do this, I cant believe they are doing it period! I can only imagine the curtain going up, the auction starting and then suddenly the theatre comes alive to its old glory...god I can just feel the whole experience already. I can hardly wait!
The only thing that I am going to regret is that I wont have Caleb with me to share it but I understand that and so does he. It would have been nice but I am not a selfish person at all and I totally understand that this is an experience that was meant for me and I would never say anything to the contrary.
I am flying out Friday so I will be posting one more time before I leave...my next post is going to be a little more...well, obscene I guess is the best way to put it. I had an amazing experience on the weekend and somehow it would just feel wrong not to share it with those of you on here who so faithfully visit.
Again, I am sorry for the long delay between posts, I am back, ready to go and I wont let this happen to you again.
As always, thanks for reading and sharing in the trivial events that make up my life, your participation makes my world a fuller place!
LiveSTRONG!
Okay so a very big and exciting development for me. My birthday is coming and my parents have decided to do something big for me...I mean hey, you only turn 20 once in your life LOL. As you may or may not know, I am heavily addicted to the Phantom Of The Opera. I have seen all the movie versions, I have listened to the soundtrack, I have really become a cult creature to this tortured musical genius that is the Phantom. My parents, knowing how I feel about this musical, have arranged to fly me to London England on Friday to see the show at Her Majesty's Theatre!!! Can you believe it? I am going to fly almost 7 hours to see the most important musical production I have ever known. My skin is crawling just thinking about how cool it is going to be. Topping it all off, they are letting me travel alone! We have family overseas in London and I will stay with them but I cant believe they are letting me do this, I cant believe they are doing it period! I can only imagine the curtain going up, the auction starting and then suddenly the theatre comes alive to its old glory...god I can just feel the whole experience already. I can hardly wait!
The only thing that I am going to regret is that I wont have Caleb with me to share it but I understand that and so does he. It would have been nice but I am not a selfish person at all and I totally understand that this is an experience that was meant for me and I would never say anything to the contrary.
I am flying out Friday so I will be posting one more time before I leave...my next post is going to be a little more...well, obscene I guess is the best way to put it. I had an amazing experience on the weekend and somehow it would just feel wrong not to share it with those of you on here who so faithfully visit.
Again, I am sorry for the long delay between posts, I am back, ready to go and I wont let this happen to you again.
As always, thanks for reading and sharing in the trivial events that make up my life, your participation makes my world a fuller place!
LiveSTRONG!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Let Me Introduce You To My Book
I was thinking, I just posted chapter one and really I should have posted the background on the novel first. I wont waste any time, below you will find the back cover of the book, the plot synopsis if you will. I hope you enjoy the ride as this whole thing unfolds...I am currently working on chapter 2 and I am very excited to be taking you on this trip with me.
Away we go......
Embedded deeply in the dark and mysterious underworld of Socio-political activity beats the black heart of the government that most citizens will never know. For Austin McNichol the world was about who got the better of whom, who could outwit the other the fastest and in his opinion there was no one better at the grand game of misdirection then him. Working for an organization that thrived on the deepest secrets of government and political circles, Austin worked the system better than anyone, at least until the day the email came. Following the directions of the email, Austin meets a man whom he has only ever known as “The Phoenix”. “The Phoenix”” hands him a CD and tells him that the contents would either change the world for the better or end the world as we know it now. He is told that he must protect it at all costs. From that moment on, everything Austin had known, the currency of deceit he dealt in, and the tools he routinely executed against others, were now being turned against him. One chance meeting would lead him down a road that would see him fight for his very life. Running would get him nowhere, he had to stand and fight. He had to protect this precious CD from those who ran in the dark shadows.
LiveSTRONG!
Away we go......
Embedded deeply in the dark and mysterious underworld of Socio-political activity beats the black heart of the government that most citizens will never know. For Austin McNichol the world was about who got the better of whom, who could outwit the other the fastest and in his opinion there was no one better at the grand game of misdirection then him. Working for an organization that thrived on the deepest secrets of government and political circles, Austin worked the system better than anyone, at least until the day the email came. Following the directions of the email, Austin meets a man whom he has only ever known as “The Phoenix”. “The Phoenix”” hands him a CD and tells him that the contents would either change the world for the better or end the world as we know it now. He is told that he must protect it at all costs. From that moment on, everything Austin had known, the currency of deceit he dealt in, and the tools he routinely executed against others, were now being turned against him. One chance meeting would lead him down a road that would see him fight for his very life. Running would get him nowhere, he had to stand and fight. He had to protect this precious CD from those who ran in the dark shadows.
LiveSTRONG!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
***Dark Shadows Of The Heart -- Chapter 1***
Half asleep and still reeling from the nights dreams, the soothing crooning of Frank Sinatra wafted through the morning haze, gently awakening Austin from his nights slumber. With bleary eyes, Austin turns over, staring at the flashing illuminated 7:30 on the bedside clock. It was time to get out of bed and get the day started.
Reaching across, he concluded Sintara's rendition of "My Way" prematurely. Silence filled the room as he stared at the ceiling imagining the expressions of various peoples faces in the Italian plaster. Smiling, laughing, crying, screaming. It was a game he would play, testing his own imaginative powers like a child laying down in an open field staring up at the passing clouds, imagining images in the white fluffy configurations.
With a slight grunt he rolled out of bed and got to his feet. Making his way to the bathroom, the velvety feel of the carpet soothed his weariness. The ultimate wake up call was only steps away.
Making his way into the bathroom, Austin switched on the light and took a quick glance in the mirror. He was in good shape, and worked very hard to keep himself looking as good as he did. Dark wavy brown hair, chiseled cheek bones, two days of growth stippled his face. His shoulders were powerful, broad, and seemed to be capable of carrying the worries of the world. His chest was defined and broad which made his abs look more imposing still. Indeed, Austin was a picture of good diet and exercise, a specimen worthy of an appearance in any men’s magazine.
Reaching into the shower, he turned on the cold tap and moderated it slightly with hot water. He was a firm believer in taking cool showers. It invigorated him, made him feel alive and ready to face the day. Stepping in, he closed the glass door and let the cool rush of water roll off his neck and down his powerful back.
The coolness of the shower had an almost aphrodisiac effect sending him plummeting into the deep crevices and corners of his innermost mind. Images rolled through his minds eye like a cracked and tattered old black and white film.
He quickly snapped out of it and reached for his favourite soap. The shower and bathroom were quickly filled with the warm and woody scent of musk and cedar. The aroma filled his nostrils sending him spiraling deeper still into memories that gripped him tight enough he swore they would leave marks on his skin. It was the smell of home, the feel of being in his fathers arms, the scent of his dads cologne, and the soft and subtle aroma of a good scotch. He longed to live these memories beyond the theatre of his mind.
Rinsing off, Austin quickly stepped out of the shower and wrapped himself in a plump bath sheet and headed back to his room to prepare for his day.
Walking over to his full length mirror, he let the towel unwrap itself and fall to the floor in a wet pile on the carpet. He was not a narcissist but he could not help but admire his form, the tightness of his arms and legs, the smooth almost silky appearance of his chest and abs. Flexing his muscular frame to its full potential, he was a vision of strength and power. Hardened muscles bulged as he flexed each arm. Satisfied, he made his way to his oversized walk in closet.
Austin was not obsessive compulsive, though you could certainly make a good argument that he was based on the almost military order in which his shirts and pants were sorted. First by colour and then by function. He had pants for all occasions ranging from formal to lounging around the house. His shirts were just as well organized.
Taking a quick stock of his attire, Austin chose a tan pair of chinos and a short-sleeve button down shirt in a soft almost pastel blue. He had work to do and it was imperative in his mind, that he dress for the occasion.
Walking out of the massive closet that housed his entire wardrobe, Austin made his way into the main part of his room and headed for the hallway. As he strode down the hall he paused only long enough to admire some of the prints that hung on his wall. A lover of nature and all it had to offer, Austin adorned his walls with prints from his two favourite nature artists, Carl Brenders and Robert Bateman. The prints he had chosen were focused on the pure and singular beauty of each subject. His most prized possession being a limited edition signed print by Brenders called, “Spellbound”. The print was a picture of a Lynx showing only its face. For Austin, it was the solemn and powerful imagery of its eyes that had attracted him. This hunting animal up close and personal with a clear and untainted view into the soul of this powerful creature. It was indeed love at first sight and it quicky became his favourite. Continuing down the hall, Austin reached his office.
His office was well appointed. A large mahogany desk sat central to the room well soft wall sconces provided an atmosphere of calm. The walls were painted mossy oak adding an element of earthiness to the room. Austin had selected a high quality Berber carpet for his floor. He liked the smooth and sensuous feel of it under his feet. Making his way to his desk, he tapped the light sensor for the interior lighting and took a seat in his black leather high back executive chair. The chair was custom made for his back and frame alone, and it hugged him perfectly. Reaching across the desk he turned on the computer and plasma monitor. As the system emitted the whirr and hum of life Austin turned on the radio and let the subtle sounds of Bach’s “Air” in C minor fill the room. Austin had taken the gentle sounds of the ocean tide breaking against the rocks and woven it into the musical genius of Bach creating a musical serenade that teased both the auditory and olfactory senses. At once, as if by magic, Austin could smell the briny scent of the ocean and the earthy smell of wet sand. It was sinfully delicious to indulge in such fantasies
“Identify Yourself” chimed the computer
Austin snapped out of his haze and looked at the computer. He had built in a voice recognition system to ward off would be hackers and computer thieves. So smart was the computer that anything other than the mellow tones of Austin’s voice would cause the system to immediately begin an irreversible process of burning the heads of the hard drive, rendering the entire contents useless.
“Austin McNichol” he said
“Standby” prompted the computer as it processed the voice against the pre-recorded version Austin had embedded
“Good Morning Mr. McNichol” said the computer as it completed its boot process
Tapping a button just under the desk, Austin launched the in house security system. A small screen rose slowly from the top of the desk well a small keypad unfolded from the screen. The keypad was of the touch screen variety and required validation before it could be used. Placing his thumb on the keypad reader, the screen blinked and the main menu appeared. From this little console, Austin could control almost every facet of the house, from security, to phones, to lights, to the intercom, anything he wanted. It was all at the press of a button.
As the computer finished booting, Austin accessed the perimeter cameras for the house and watched as he jumped from camera to camera. Each one was located in a strategically selected location to provide maximum security and viewing. No one could move in the house without being spotted and recorded.
All was well with the perimeter and Austin reclined into his chair. Looking up at the computer screen, he said “Computer, access email”
Without missing a beat, the computer accessed the required program and began the process of downloading whatever messages awaited his attention.
Austin preferred voice recognition over manual access because it allowed him to access whatever he needed from most places in the house, or at least wherever there was an access screen from which he could gain control of the computer.
It took only a matter of seconds for the email to arrive but the impact was far quicker, leaning forward in his chair, one piece of mail in particular had caught his attention. Yes, today was going to be unlike any other and the day had only begun.
Reaching across, he concluded Sintara's rendition of "My Way" prematurely. Silence filled the room as he stared at the ceiling imagining the expressions of various peoples faces in the Italian plaster. Smiling, laughing, crying, screaming. It was a game he would play, testing his own imaginative powers like a child laying down in an open field staring up at the passing clouds, imagining images in the white fluffy configurations.
With a slight grunt he rolled out of bed and got to his feet. Making his way to the bathroom, the velvety feel of the carpet soothed his weariness. The ultimate wake up call was only steps away.
Making his way into the bathroom, Austin switched on the light and took a quick glance in the mirror. He was in good shape, and worked very hard to keep himself looking as good as he did. Dark wavy brown hair, chiseled cheek bones, two days of growth stippled his face. His shoulders were powerful, broad, and seemed to be capable of carrying the worries of the world. His chest was defined and broad which made his abs look more imposing still. Indeed, Austin was a picture of good diet and exercise, a specimen worthy of an appearance in any men’s magazine.
Reaching into the shower, he turned on the cold tap and moderated it slightly with hot water. He was a firm believer in taking cool showers. It invigorated him, made him feel alive and ready to face the day. Stepping in, he closed the glass door and let the cool rush of water roll off his neck and down his powerful back.
The coolness of the shower had an almost aphrodisiac effect sending him plummeting into the deep crevices and corners of his innermost mind. Images rolled through his minds eye like a cracked and tattered old black and white film.
He quickly snapped out of it and reached for his favourite soap. The shower and bathroom were quickly filled with the warm and woody scent of musk and cedar. The aroma filled his nostrils sending him spiraling deeper still into memories that gripped him tight enough he swore they would leave marks on his skin. It was the smell of home, the feel of being in his fathers arms, the scent of his dads cologne, and the soft and subtle aroma of a good scotch. He longed to live these memories beyond the theatre of his mind.
Rinsing off, Austin quickly stepped out of the shower and wrapped himself in a plump bath sheet and headed back to his room to prepare for his day.
Walking over to his full length mirror, he let the towel unwrap itself and fall to the floor in a wet pile on the carpet. He was not a narcissist but he could not help but admire his form, the tightness of his arms and legs, the smooth almost silky appearance of his chest and abs. Flexing his muscular frame to its full potential, he was a vision of strength and power. Hardened muscles bulged as he flexed each arm. Satisfied, he made his way to his oversized walk in closet.
Austin was not obsessive compulsive, though you could certainly make a good argument that he was based on the almost military order in which his shirts and pants were sorted. First by colour and then by function. He had pants for all occasions ranging from formal to lounging around the house. His shirts were just as well organized.
Taking a quick stock of his attire, Austin chose a tan pair of chinos and a short-sleeve button down shirt in a soft almost pastel blue. He had work to do and it was imperative in his mind, that he dress for the occasion.
Walking out of the massive closet that housed his entire wardrobe, Austin made his way into the main part of his room and headed for the hallway. As he strode down the hall he paused only long enough to admire some of the prints that hung on his wall. A lover of nature and all it had to offer, Austin adorned his walls with prints from his two favourite nature artists, Carl Brenders and Robert Bateman. The prints he had chosen were focused on the pure and singular beauty of each subject. His most prized possession being a limited edition signed print by Brenders called, “Spellbound”. The print was a picture of a Lynx showing only its face. For Austin, it was the solemn and powerful imagery of its eyes that had attracted him. This hunting animal up close and personal with a clear and untainted view into the soul of this powerful creature. It was indeed love at first sight and it quicky became his favourite. Continuing down the hall, Austin reached his office.
His office was well appointed. A large mahogany desk sat central to the room well soft wall sconces provided an atmosphere of calm. The walls were painted mossy oak adding an element of earthiness to the room. Austin had selected a high quality Berber carpet for his floor. He liked the smooth and sensuous feel of it under his feet. Making his way to his desk, he tapped the light sensor for the interior lighting and took a seat in his black leather high back executive chair. The chair was custom made for his back and frame alone, and it hugged him perfectly. Reaching across the desk he turned on the computer and plasma monitor. As the system emitted the whirr and hum of life Austin turned on the radio and let the subtle sounds of Bach’s “Air” in C minor fill the room. Austin had taken the gentle sounds of the ocean tide breaking against the rocks and woven it into the musical genius of Bach creating a musical serenade that teased both the auditory and olfactory senses. At once, as if by magic, Austin could smell the briny scent of the ocean and the earthy smell of wet sand. It was sinfully delicious to indulge in such fantasies
“Identify Yourself” chimed the computer
Austin snapped out of his haze and looked at the computer. He had built in a voice recognition system to ward off would be hackers and computer thieves. So smart was the computer that anything other than the mellow tones of Austin’s voice would cause the system to immediately begin an irreversible process of burning the heads of the hard drive, rendering the entire contents useless.
“Austin McNichol” he said
“Standby” prompted the computer as it processed the voice against the pre-recorded version Austin had embedded
“Good Morning Mr. McNichol” said the computer as it completed its boot process
Tapping a button just under the desk, Austin launched the in house security system. A small screen rose slowly from the top of the desk well a small keypad unfolded from the screen. The keypad was of the touch screen variety and required validation before it could be used. Placing his thumb on the keypad reader, the screen blinked and the main menu appeared. From this little console, Austin could control almost every facet of the house, from security, to phones, to lights, to the intercom, anything he wanted. It was all at the press of a button.
As the computer finished booting, Austin accessed the perimeter cameras for the house and watched as he jumped from camera to camera. Each one was located in a strategically selected location to provide maximum security and viewing. No one could move in the house without being spotted and recorded.
All was well with the perimeter and Austin reclined into his chair. Looking up at the computer screen, he said “Computer, access email”
Without missing a beat, the computer accessed the required program and began the process of downloading whatever messages awaited his attention.
Austin preferred voice recognition over manual access because it allowed him to access whatever he needed from most places in the house, or at least wherever there was an access screen from which he could gain control of the computer.
It took only a matter of seconds for the email to arrive but the impact was far quicker, leaning forward in his chair, one piece of mail in particular had caught his attention. Yes, today was going to be unlike any other and the day had only begun.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Where's Derry?
Okay so I have been REALLY REALLY bad lately. I have not been on here nearly enough to share with you the comings and goings of my day to day life. That is going to change...right now. I am going back to the daily entry format because this IS important to me and I want to keep this blog alive. Please dont give up on me!
So what has been new? Well, the nice thing is that not a lot has been new. Its actually nice to report that I am living the normal life...well, as normal as you can expect when your dating a guy and living the bi-life. I spend more and more of my weekends in Toronto doing the club scene with Caleb. I am actually becoming quite the club kid and its kind of funny, the transformation I seem to be going through. I feel like a caterpillar that has entered a cocoon and soon I will emerge some new and beautiful butterfly...hmmm, a butterfly, did you know they taste with their feet? Maybe I dont want to be a butterfly after all....let me think on that.
As for Caleb, he is doing well, he is still working, still giving money to my rents to have them hold on to it for him and I think he is honestly looking at maybe going to school and getting himself sorted out. Its funny, in the beginning everyone seemed to think that this guy was going to hurt me, break my heart or make me miserable and yet in him I have found who I really am. I am completely in touch with my inner self and feel more open and outgoing then I have at any other point in my life. I walk with him hand in hand, I kiss him in public and when we hit the gay community in Toronto I get to be more of who I am and I love it. Viva La Vida baby!!
So what else is new in Derry's life? Well, I have finally started to write a book and YES fellow readers, I will post each chapter on the blog for your reading pleasure/displeasure. I have always felt that I had a knack, a talent if you will with the written word and I have finally put finger to keyboard and have started to write my first novel. Chapter 1 is just being proofed and polished as we speak and should be up and online in a few days. What is the title of this page turner you ask? GREAT QUESTION, I have tentatively titled it, Dark Shadows Of The Heart
There is tons I am going to share over the next few entries including some of the more naughty posts I always thought I would avoid but frankly I just dont care anymore. I am who I am, I am what I am, and there is no reason for me not to be who I am and say it out loud. Does that mean I am no longer doing my charity/community work? Um, Hello? its me remember? I am still actively doing things in my community and there is so much to share about that too.
Sooooooo, I have been gone yes, but I am back now and better than ever. The best is yet to come so buckle up because this blog is about to get interesting!
LiveSTRONG!
So what has been new? Well, the nice thing is that not a lot has been new. Its actually nice to report that I am living the normal life...well, as normal as you can expect when your dating a guy and living the bi-life. I spend more and more of my weekends in Toronto doing the club scene with Caleb. I am actually becoming quite the club kid and its kind of funny, the transformation I seem to be going through. I feel like a caterpillar that has entered a cocoon and soon I will emerge some new and beautiful butterfly...hmmm, a butterfly, did you know they taste with their feet? Maybe I dont want to be a butterfly after all....let me think on that.
As for Caleb, he is doing well, he is still working, still giving money to my rents to have them hold on to it for him and I think he is honestly looking at maybe going to school and getting himself sorted out. Its funny, in the beginning everyone seemed to think that this guy was going to hurt me, break my heart or make me miserable and yet in him I have found who I really am. I am completely in touch with my inner self and feel more open and outgoing then I have at any other point in my life. I walk with him hand in hand, I kiss him in public and when we hit the gay community in Toronto I get to be more of who I am and I love it. Viva La Vida baby!!
So what else is new in Derry's life? Well, I have finally started to write a book and YES fellow readers, I will post each chapter on the blog for your reading pleasure/displeasure. I have always felt that I had a knack, a talent if you will with the written word and I have finally put finger to keyboard and have started to write my first novel. Chapter 1 is just being proofed and polished as we speak and should be up and online in a few days. What is the title of this page turner you ask? GREAT QUESTION, I have tentatively titled it, Dark Shadows Of The Heart
There is tons I am going to share over the next few entries including some of the more naughty posts I always thought I would avoid but frankly I just dont care anymore. I am who I am, I am what I am, and there is no reason for me not to be who I am and say it out loud. Does that mean I am no longer doing my charity/community work? Um, Hello? its me remember? I am still actively doing things in my community and there is so much to share about that too.
Sooooooo, I have been gone yes, but I am back now and better than ever. The best is yet to come so buckle up because this blog is about to get interesting!
LiveSTRONG!
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