The Subway Diaries

Very excited to announce that a friend, Heidi Kole, has recently published a book titled "The Subway Diaries" about her experience busking in the New York subways. It is a wonderful book that is selling quite well. I was fortunate to receive credit as the grammarian/stylist for the book, which is available at stores and online and as an e-book. Check it out.

Moving Away

You are gone
friend.
Your house remains
in sad
condition,
your dream unfulfilled.

The attic windows
weep
their master's absence.
Gutters spill
their tears to
small sorrow ponds,
reflecting the forlorn
structure without a soul.

Still, there is life,
your reflection
seen briefly
when the memory sun
tears through
the mourning clouds.

c 2009

Reflecting on Sherlock Holmes

Recently saw the Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes movie and was impressed with both the art direction and acting, but felt the film should not have been framed around Conan Doyle's creation. How enjoyable it would have been to see parallels to the world of Sherlock without expecting the subtleties and credibility of the written works. I for one tire of Professor Moriarty being pulled into play by so many writers and film makers; and it is especially disheartening to witness the character of Irene Adler interpreted as a femme fatale, particularly with a love interest in Holmes. Holmes simply isn't a ladies man.
After seeing the film I reflected on the production of "The Final Adventure" that I designed for Wayside Theatre in October. It was a solid production with John Alcott giving a strong performance as Holmes. Above is an image of the white model of the set designed for the production.
One very positive result of the new Holmes movie is the prominence of so many wonderful Holmes pastiches and movies. Many films featuring Basil Rathbone or Raymond Massey--just to mention a few--have been remastered and re-released. It is a perfect time for collectors to supplement their libraries.
Happy viewing and reading.