Not exactly writers block that I am experiencing, but as I was brainstorming a topic for this newsletter, I thought I would call on the creative side of my brain and write on some random thoughts. First Thought: How does an 89-year-old man without family close by celebrate Christmas? After 88 previous celebrations, I change radio stations when I hear, “Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly.” I want to deck the jerk that made the hoses for the Vintage A/C that is installed in my 1962 Pontiac. They leaked, and all of the hoses had to be removed and new ones made. To save the better part of a day’s work, my friend Jonathon had to make two special tools to tighten inaccessible nuts that you could not even see, much less get a wrench on to tighten. Observe the very unique – and probably the world’s only – “split extension socket” and the artfully bent end wrench.
I remember from my childhood Christmas was to be the celebration of the birth of Christ. Now it has evolved into the birth of Amazon,Walmart, and their feeding and growth. It seems that “Black Friday” is now a joyous day to be worshiped by all. I do not mean to be overly cynical, and I very much appreciate the neighbors who invited me to have Christmas dinner with them. That makes the Christmas holiday for me. That one celebration is enough; I do not need a celebration orgy.
FLATHEAD PRODUCTIONS
I am not sure if I am patting myself on the back with my other hand or knocking myself out with a second blow. Some late input indicates that my script for Full Throttle has attracted the interest of a major German studio. I am learning to navigate the strange and somewhat wacky world of the movie business. Since I am the sole owner of a script sanctioned by the Writers Guild of America, I am now legally considered a producer. To fill out my portfolio, I am contracting with Mark Kudlow to do a second script. He assures me that Flathead Productions LLC, in spite of its modest size, will become a force in worldwide productions (OK – maybe he didn’t use those exact words). Please cross your fingers for me.
Since you have read my book, The Bootlegger 40 Ford, you know that the first adventure is about moonshine production and distribution in the 1950s. There is now a lot of folklore surrounding this, and even a TV program and nostalgic festival every year. Mark thinks that he can write a script that will appeal to those aficionados and also to a general audience. The Full Throttle script is being recognized as really good writing, which you would expect from a master craftsman in his field who has 40 years of experience. It took a year of effort to complete this script, and it is a very polished product that is already attracting interest. I am proud to own such a valuable asset. It will be interesting to see what he does with this new scenario. I will backstop him on the technical details, which I insist be correct and not totally fanciful.
You are welcome to come talk deals with me. If they are very confidential, we can go down into the pit annex in my garage where we will be private and sheltered by a rusty car. The pit ladder has reinforced steel steps, so you will be safe. The pit lights are very adequate. Item to Note: wear old clothes.
NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS
- On March 18th, I resolve to turn 90 years old, beyond that, who knows.
- I resolve not to let the old man in, and you should also resolve that.
- I resolve to get the Blue Bird on the road whether it agrees to go there or not.