love yourself and others
Art. In all of the forms I have been exposed to in my years of life everything seems to hit me in a different and genuine way.
T.V. - Mr. Rogers, Fred Rogers, died this morning after a fight against cancer. His show ran for more than 30 years and affected generations of people. Even if cartoons showed up praising animated violence and a new form of early morning humor, Mr. Rogers stuck to his format for every show that was ever made. Sadly now television will inevtiably become just more of the irradic mess it has become. At least his message lives on, ‘Love yourself and others.’
Music - I’ve always been intrigued by the music of Steven Curtis Chapman. And not just because of the incredibly catchy lyrics and tunes. Almost every song has an underlying motive, a reason for being written. His talent just continually shows its muscle as he releases another, simply phenominal piece of art. "All About Love" released several weeks ago, but I just purchased it last weekend. This happens to be even more so of a pointed album as it is simply a collection of love songs he’s written, many for his wife. I can’t tell you how good this album is. I’ve tried before to herald the grandiose of "Declaration" (his last album) and it didn’t work. I am going to go out on a limb here and say something I feel is appropriate: Steven Curtis Chapman is the most talented artist in the world. He writes all of his songs, lyrically and musically; his concert performances are powerful (Jeremiah and I can vouch for that one); his personality is so pure and genuine, nothing is hidden behind a vague sense of "expression" or "originality." I can not cease to be impressed by SCC.
Movies - This could just be me, but I can’t think of a Tom Hanks film that I left wanting more. From Apollo 13 and Forrest Gump to Road To Perdition I am still in awe. I saw CastAway last weekend as I had mentioned and left with such a profound and definite impact in my mind. I can remember leaving the theaters after seeing Road To Perdition and just having no words to describe what I had inside. Some actors make the big screens, but only the good ones leave the theaters with us.