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For this year’s TempleCon, I wanted to do something special and something
that I think the crowd would really dig. I thought about some of the
games, stories, and LARPs I have seen and enjoyed and I came to one
unique passion I share with many of the patrons of this particular event:
LOVECRAFT! I have been reading through my anthology of Lovecraft and while
I can strangely say it affected my dreams, those dreams may have affected
my art! (Not a bad affect in my opinion.) So what does all this have to
do with 10-year-old me molding clay? Artistic development. My father still
has the first clay statue I made of “Doug the Dog” in 9th grade. I really
enjoy it and I think it’s time to re-visit that art form again. Starting
small with simple knick-knack items, I am really happy to be pouring over
a table with clay molding tools that were tragically underutilized ’til
now! And not only that, but I’m inspired by Lovecraft and the things I
create reflect that. I’m really pleased with the way things are looking so
far. For me, It’s a great coming home feeling to be sculpting again, and
I can’t wait to see what people think of them!

See you at TempleCon!

~ Doug

When I was asked who I wanted to be when I grew up, I started off with the usual answers: a fireman, a policeman, a super hero, etc. These all meant the same thing to me (and still kinda do) but around the 3rd grade my focus shifted towards two other super heroes. If you asked me, “What do you want to be when you grow up Doug?” I would say either “Walt Disney” or “Jim Henson.”  In honor of what would have been Jim Henson’s 75th Birthday yesterday, I will tell you a little bit about why I idolize him.

Yes, I am a child of the 80′s. Yes, that makes me better then those who are not. Why?  One word: MUPPETS! I was neck deep in the creations of Jim Henson! That’s why! Starting with Sesame Street and moving on to Fraggle Rock and eventually The Muppet Show, and replaying such wonderful movies as “The Great Muppet Caper” and “Follow that Bird” so much so I wore out the VHS tapes! And it didn’t stop there… “The Story Teller” was a family favorite of ours as well as “Dinosaurs” on TGIF; (far more interesting than Urkel, am I right?) I’m just saying, is “did I do that?” a catch phrase that makes you smile to this day, or does “Not the MAMMA! ~WAM~” do the trick? And that’s what I saw: I saw a man who could create and relate. While being as wacky as a cartoon, he was as close as home in his humor and his work. I saw someone who could work with the people he surrounded himself with and make something truly amazing. As a kid, I loved that his shows didn’t talk down to me, they talked to me  (a trait my parents also had implemented.) As I grew older, I thought more about how he did these things, how he made such wonderful fun literally out of thin air. To watch him operate any of his puppets, you saw something magical happen as attention was taken away from the soft spoken man with the beard, and  life burst out of foam and felt. And suddenly, you didn’t notice the man. You only saw the creature, loud and colorful, his creations were as much an outlet for himself as anything.

It’s no small wonder that his influence stayed with me, and his love of storytelling echoed in my own. His love of characters was something we shared, and I have been known to talk for hours about character development on any of our projects. When talking of Rupert, I will always say I “found him,” not created him. This is not just a flight of theatrical whimsy. When I had the mask in my hands, putting it on I immediately started talking like Rupert! It was not a development so much as it was a discovery. I find that I don’t have to “act” as Rupert, I just let Rupert do what he wants to do. At first I thought I might be crazy thinking this way, but then I watched a documentary on Jim Henson and Frank Oz and they both echoed this same feeling. He is quoted as saying, “Some people claim Kermit is my alter-ego. I’m not sure I know what that means. I like to work Kermit because there’s a lot of leeway for ad-libbing, which I don’t have with most other characters but I’m not sure that I’m not Kermit.”

It is Jim’s amazing ability to draw us in, to keep us entertained and to inspire us. But most of all in both Jim and Walt, I saw people doing what they loved and doing it well. Because of them, I find myself very happy with where I am, what I am doing and most of all that I am making people happy. In memory of what would have been his 75th birthday, I wanted to take a moment  to think of him, to thank him and to say that I still want to be like him when I grow up.

Thank You Jim!

~Doug

“Be interested in everything!” ~Jim Henson

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Driving through town was an eerie sight…street lights were void of color, stores were dark, parking lots abandoned. The insecurity and anxiety that washed over me was unsettling at best. The realization that I felt stranded in a world without gas stations and convenience stores began to sink in and I was horribly disappointed in myself. Is this what life has come down to? No! I would return home and light candles while singing Kumbaya…or something to that effect.

Sitting in the dark, balancing half a dozen candles over my head on the headboard so I could read my dingy copy of 1984, I glanced over to my cat who sat idly purring next to me. This damn cat didn’t depend on a wink of electricity. Granted his processed food came from a factory who depended on electricity to produce it, all in all my feline friend could care less or even notice for that matter that I was at risk of setting my hair on fire for the sake of entertaining myself. That’s what it comes down to isn’t it? We are constantly in need of keeping busy or being entertained. Without computers, television, radio or our refrigerators, we easily feel cut off from society. What will it take for our world as a whole to realize how incredibly lacking we are in self-sustainability?

As I sit now, comfortably in the cool wind of the fan drinking my chilled beer, I can’t help but feel anything but ECSTATIC over the return of power to my life.

Reality, check.

Octoberfest

I could drink the stuff all year round – but like anything that only comes but once a year, it tastes that much sweeter knowing it’s only around for a limited time. The annual flavor triggers a sensation of autumn like no other.

Sweaters

Everyone looks good in them. Bulky, long, loud, plain, old – sweaters are about the only garment that don’t require a flattering fit to make a fashion statement. Wrap up in one this fall with a cup of chai or hot apple cider and you’ll fit right into an L.L. Bean catalog.

Halloween

Hands down, my favorite holiday. It’s never too early to start planning the best costume of the party, and you’re never too old to get creative! Take advantage of being ahead of the game and plan a party this year.

Foliage

A breath taking visual of the season. Crunchy leaves. ’Nuff said.

The Fall TV Lineup

Get ready for the return of good bad TV – NBC’s lineup will be back with ‘The Office’, ‘Parks and Rec’ and ’Community’ as well as the much anticipated ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’. Charlie Sheen will be missing from this season of ‘Two and a Half Men’ as well as Steve Carell from ‘The Office’ – think these shows can last without their long time leading men?

A Good Night Sleep

Ain’t nothing like  a cool early autumn evening to snooze to…take out those AC’s and noisy fans and finally get some sleep with quiet, fresh and natural air. The fall makes for some perfect sleeping weather.

Is it September yet?

“Not before I’ve had my coffee…”

People endlessly make jokes about their demeanor before they’ve had it. The thing is, it’s not much of a joke. Many, myself included, require coffee to function properly throughout the day. While some might see this as a weakness, I embrace it. I don’t care that I’m a miserable human being if I don’t get those sips of caffeine to start my day. My morning coffee is one of the most enjoyable parts of life for me. I love coffee. I’m a fiend. I drink it black because cream and sugar dilute the intensity. I look forward to the aroma, the taste and that sweet buzz that gets me going. Forget chocolate and oysters — coffee is like a seductive aphrodisiac that leaves me wanting more.

For those who consider Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks to be their source of coffee on the way to work or throughout the day; I beg you to reconsider. You haven’t had good coffee. You’ve been brainwashed to think you have. This week, perhaps go a bit out of your way to check out a local coffee shop or cafe in your area. Try an iced coffee or cappuccino that isn’t burnt and requires you to load it with cream and sugar. You’ll be drinking good quality – don’t you deserve that!?

Here are my Top 5 favorite cafes/coffee shops in Massachusetts (in no particular order):

1. The Coffee Shack – Marshfield

My hometown go-to for coffee, The Coffee Shack is a laid-back hidden gem of the South Shore. Fishermen, professionals, teenagers and beach-goers alike frequent the shop for their gourmet coffees and donuts. If you’re a purist, their house iced coffee is delicious and complex enough to drink black with chocolatey notes throughout. If you’re in for a treat, pick from their impressive list of gourmet coffees from pumpkin to berries and nuts. The homemade donuts are to die for with unique flavors such as the peanut butter filled or Bavarian cream, baked every day right on site – these donuts can’t be beat! The lovely ladies who work The Coffee Shack know their regulars and keep a conversation flowing with each other and the customers, giving this place a real hometown feel.

2. Haymarket Cafe – Northampton

Located in trendy downtown Northampton, Haymarket is an edgy cafe with lots of reasons to head there. Espresso and brewed coffee are just the tip of the iceberg at this cafe with an extensive food menu consisting of savory breakfast dishes to a varied lunch and dinner menu. Not hungry? Try one of Haymarket’s fantastic smoothies, my favorite being the Spanking (raspberry, banana, frozen yogurt, mango, cider). Ultimately, I head here for their deliciously full body brewed coffee and inspiring atmosphere.

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3. Redeye Roasters – Hingham

Currently only serving Saturday’s at the Hingham Farmer’s Market, Redeye Roasters was started by Bob Weeks of Hingham who has a distinct passion for coffee and a refreshing philosophy on it’s origins. He carefully selects his own beans and roasts them right in his own home.  Bob has traveled to South and Central America to see firsthand where the coffee originates and all the hard labor that goes into growing the product. Redeye Roasters is truly an organic approach to coffee and it’s source.  Hingham is anxiously awaiting the opening of Redeye Roasters’ cafe come late September. Look forward to espresso, teas, pastries, atmosphere and magic. Until then, check out Redeye Roasters at the Hingham Farmers Market on Saturday’s from 10-2.

4. The Gulu Gulu Cafe – Salem

The Gulu Gulu Cafe in Salem is the perfect location to sip coffee, read a book or visit with friends. With ample seating and tables indoors and out, you’ll never want to leave this place. You could literally come at open and leave at closing – starting the morning with delicious espresso drinks or brewed coffee and ending the day with intoxicating martinis or crafted beers. The interior is a comfortable wide open space with local art adorning the walls, tall ceilings and large windows, giving the cafe an even greater downtown Salem feel. Wait until you see this place on a rainy day – you’ll get that romantic city vibe in no time. The cafe also hosts a wide variety of events such as their Halloween bash that reaches capacity every year and open mic every Wednesday night. Bohemian cafe by day, trendy hot spot by night, Gulu Gulu Cafe is one of my favorite hang out spots of all time.

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5. Diesel Cafe - Somerville

Not only does Diesel Cafe in Somerville serve a kick ass espresso, it’s got the most fun decor of a cafe I’ve seen. Street signs and color fill out this cafe like no other. If you’re done working or reading that book, call down some friends and shoot some pool or have some photo booth fun. Hungry? Diesel has a fresh menu with sandwiches and salads along with a mouth-watering selection of pastries. I recommend hands down the Little Piston (fresh mozzarella, pesto, tomato and onion on a baguette). Also, if you’re a hummus fan, don’t  leave without trying the hummus plate! One of my favorite aspects of Diesel is getting my cup of coffee in a porcelain cup when I’m not getting coffee to go. Waste not, want not! Diesel was just awarded the Green Business of the Year Award by the Somerville Chamber of Commerce. The friendly and dare I say fashionable staff along with great coffee and green methods make this cafe undoubtedly a favorite of mine.

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