There are folks who are among the best in their chosen field. People who are open to new experiences find the exhilaration that begins when they empty themselves and soak in the wonder of a master of their craft. I have been blessed in this life to listen to the creativity that flows from an inspired soul several times. People at the pinnacle of their fields shine like lighthouses for anyone who suspends ego and lets those who are inspired share their wisdom.
Two guys who radiate and shine their light are Stephen Kalinich and Chris Allen. Stevie is a person whose poetry flows from him like a mountain spring. Chris Allen is a film maker who sees stories...real people stories that HAVE to be told.
I first encountered both of these guys in a visit to Connecticut in 2002. The occasion was a Beach Boys/Brian Wilson fan convention put on by Susan Lang. David Marks and his lovely wife were also there. We traveled over to David's place the day after the convention, and I spent the day with Susan, Jon Stebbins, David and his wife, and Stevie who was writing with David.
Being around these folks was a very nice diversion from my Montana life. In Montana, I was in therapy sessions daily, working with EBD youth. These boys could really test staff patience, and I had my share of being twisted by the tail most days.
When I spent time with with Stevie, I was touched by his earnest and sincere approach to getting to know new people he met. He had a kindness that radiated outward to me and other people that came from a deep self-acceptance of himself. Stevie radiated strength and compassion in an intensity matched very few people I have seen.
For Stevie, poetry and art are as essential to him as water is to a trout. Stevie has little if any of the self-doubt that people who write as a form self - expression have. His reason for what might be seen by some folks as networking avails him new opportunities unlike most poets. For diverse artists, the door opens wider if poetry is the base of understanding of our approach to be here with you. Stephen is a wordsmith. This is a rare and precious gift.
Stephen is a person who is capable of finding the most essential qualities in every person he meets. He has the gift of moving past small talk into learning what inspires people. He is not a judgemental person. If he senses that a person he meets is unwilling to talk about certain subjects, he will share examples from his own life to draw the person out.
Stephen is a loyal friend. This part of him surfaces in his poetry. If he decides a person is benevolent, he will share examples of kindness he has received. His insights about people are trustworthy. His life experiences tell his story.
Chris Allen has the ability to meet people where they are comfortable and to use film to illustrate their life's mission. He has had the chance to tell his viewers about some of the most unique personalities in the arts community.
When I worked with Chris on an article I wrote entitled Light the Lamp, based on my reaction to Brian Wilson's Smile concerts, his input turned that article into a longer reflection on Brian Wilson as a musician and composer. Chris helped change a good article into one that people found insightful.
The artistic urge has to be scratched. If you have the good fortune to meet people like Chris and Stephen, take time to get to know them. You will be a better person for the efforts you make.
Two guys who radiate and shine their light are Stephen Kalinich and Chris Allen. Stevie is a person whose poetry flows from him like a mountain spring. Chris Allen is a film maker who sees stories...real people stories that HAVE to be told.
I first encountered both of these guys in a visit to Connecticut in 2002. The occasion was a Beach Boys/Brian Wilson fan convention put on by Susan Lang. David Marks and his lovely wife were also there. We traveled over to David's place the day after the convention, and I spent the day with Susan, Jon Stebbins, David and his wife, and Stevie who was writing with David.
Being around these folks was a very nice diversion from my Montana life. In Montana, I was in therapy sessions daily, working with EBD youth. These boys could really test staff patience, and I had my share of being twisted by the tail most days.
When I spent time with with Stevie, I was touched by his earnest and sincere approach to getting to know new people he met. He had a kindness that radiated outward to me and other people that came from a deep self-acceptance of himself. Stevie radiated strength and compassion in an intensity matched very few people I have seen.
For Stevie, poetry and art are as essential to him as water is to a trout. Stevie has little if any of the self-doubt that people who write as a form self - expression have. His reason for what might be seen by some folks as networking avails him new opportunities unlike most poets. For diverse artists, the door opens wider if poetry is the base of understanding of our approach to be here with you. Stephen is a wordsmith. This is a rare and precious gift.
Stephen is a person who is capable of finding the most essential qualities in every person he meets. He has the gift of moving past small talk into learning what inspires people. He is not a judgemental person. If he senses that a person he meets is unwilling to talk about certain subjects, he will share examples from his own life to draw the person out.
Stephen is a loyal friend. This part of him surfaces in his poetry. If he decides a person is benevolent, he will share examples of kindness he has received. His insights about people are trustworthy. His life experiences tell his story.
Chris Allen has the ability to meet people where they are comfortable and to use film to illustrate their life's mission. He has had the chance to tell his viewers about some of the most unique personalities in the arts community.
When I worked with Chris on an article I wrote entitled Light the Lamp, based on my reaction to Brian Wilson's Smile concerts, his input turned that article into a longer reflection on Brian Wilson as a musician and composer. Chris helped change a good article into one that people found insightful.
The artistic urge has to be scratched. If you have the good fortune to meet people like Chris and Stephen, take time to get to know them. You will be a better person for the efforts you make.
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