Happy Trails Tommy; You Will Be Missed

I entered Joseph Arnold Elementary School two months into my 3rd grade year.  My parents had just relocated our family to Southern California from a small town in Colorado.
I walked onto the campus wearing the perfect Colorado outfit; tan corduroy pants, a western button-down, and Kangaroos.
It didn’t take me long to realize that I stood out from all the blond surfers wearing Gottcha T-shirts, board shorts, and Vans; I looked like a ballerina in a hip-hop class: awkward!
Thankfully, one brave boy, Tom Swayer (YES, that was his real name), walked over and asked me if I wanted to sit next to him––thrilled that I had an instant friend, I said yes!
We transitioned from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts; countless family vacations; soccer games; backpacking trips; he taught me how to body-board during the summer vacation between 4th and 5th grade; school dances, our first girlfriends, late night pranks, wild adventures, and countless conversations about sex, God, and everything in-between.
Yesterday, Tom passed away in a terrible motorbike accident; I am in total shock.
Our lives drifted apart after high school, but thanks to the (sometimes) positive benefits of Facebook, I was able to rekindle our friendship online.
I’m devastated that I missed an opportunity to see him a few short months ago, while I was visiting a few of my friends from my old neighborhood in the South Bay.
We always think we have more time; another lesson remembered: today is all we have––and today––I am mourning the loss of my old pal.
R.I.P. Tommy.

20 Year Friendship

Not all friendships are a two-way street.
Similarly, not all bonds last forever.
I’m grateful that this is not the case with my friend Tracie.
Tracie is a fellow choreographer whom I met in my early twenties in New York City.
An instant connection was formed and has blossomed into a deep meaningful relationship.
Motivated by laughter, creativity, respect, support, admiration, inspiration, honesty, and much, much more.
I realized very quickly––especially in the entertainment industry––that very few people will continue to be excited for you as your career develops.  Even more challenging to find, is a friend who champions for you in every endeavor you embark on.
One of the best aspects of our friendship happens when we’re not speaking;
No matter how much time has passed or how long it’s been since the last time we saw one another––with one look we are instantly on the same page.
After nearly twenty years, Tracie has long departed the “friend” category––I consider her family.
My grandma always used to say, “Make new friends, but keep the old.  New ones are silver, the gold ones are gold.”
I completely understand that now.
I feel so fortunate to have a friend who I can work with, laugh with, create with, and yes, cry with––we’ve cried over many lost jobs and boys––and through all of life’s ups and downs we have always been there for each other.
The fact that I still get to work with her, that is #Extra.

Solid Gold

After nearly two decades of friendship I’m so excited that my friend Tracie and I can still choreograph all day and talk all night.
True, we’re not as young as we used to be––and we don’t drink as much as we used to––but we can still inspire, challenge, and laugh with one another.
My grandma always used to say, “Make new friends, but keep the old. New friends are silver and old are gold.”
Her friendship is more valuable to me than all of the gold in the world.

Change of Plans

Letting go of plans;
Requires trust in the unknown.
How can I live a full life if I don’t make room for surprise.
The rainy day off was an ideal opportunity to visit with friends, eat a delicious lunch and catch up with a close friend.
Plus, I was actually more creative afterward and I still accomplished a few goals.
#Balance

Friendship

Catching up with old friends,
We shared New York City in our twenties––our youth;
Bonded for life like family.
Like sipping an expensive bottle of champagne, I savor the evolution of our relationship.
Neither time or distance will discourage our love.

A Sea of Friendship

Occasionally, a friend will disappoint me-
Unintentionally, yet still painful.
Like life, friendships have cycles;
Sometimes we flow together, randomly we drift apart.
Finding comfort in the waves of emotion,
Trusting that true friends will float to the top.

ReconNEcT Working! Week 7

A friend in need of love and encouragement;

I’m sending a simple reminder of how beautiful, creative and talented she is.

It’s important to share your feelings with the people that you care about.

So this weeks letter is being delivered to a close friend that I see on a regular basis.

While I tell her how special she is every time I see her, I hope that receiving a note will brighten her heart.

ReconNEcT Working Week 7

This week I wanted to focus on a life-long friend;

We've shared wonderful adventures throughout our lives-

Laughter, sadness, success and setbacks,

Through it all, she has always remained loyal, loving and supportive!

Nothing makes me happier than to share my gratitude in a surprise letter.

Beckie, this one's for you.

RecoNEcT Working! Week 4

I'm happy to report that my hand has finally stopped cramping!

This week I sent Thank You notes to two of my friends that hosted me while I was working a gig in Las Vegas.

I also sent a surprise note to my old friend and colleague in New York!

She's a writer, so I decided to include a "quote" for inspiration.

I think this project has been more exciting for me than the recipients of the notes... 

Life Lesson Number 2,976???.... I Lost Count!

I believe that people come into our lives for a reason. Honestly, I believe everything happens for a reason...
Occasionally it's tough for me to accept this thought-
Nevertheless, I've learned that every situation in life helps shape who we are as individuals.
I have friends that I've known my entire life, who continue to encourage me to shine.
I have friends that I've known for shorter periods of time that inspire me to grow.
I have friends who come in and out of my life, but we always pick up right where we left off.
And I have friends that were never really friends, but I didn't realize it, until it was too late.
The important thing for me to remember is that all of my friends, even the enemies disguised as friends, have taught me something valuable.

I can sum it all up with the lyrics from the beautiful song For Good from the amazing musical Wicked-
"Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

The Funny Thing About Friends...

They're always there for you when you need them...

But remember... you have to be there when they need you too!

(Just a little reminder to myself.)

So I'm going to man up, be the "bigger" person and go help a friend in need!

A Friendly Reminder...

My grandma is always reminding me how important it is to take care of your friends.
There will be moments in your friendships where you will be faced with tough decisions. Do you remain silent while watching a person you love self-destruct or do you express your concern in the most honest and sincere way possible?
Either way, you risk losing a friend.
Tonight was a friendly reminder that love and concern is always appreciated. Not every friend in my life would have been so open, unguarded and responsive to hearing my fears... Which was a wake up call to me. A true friend will always be open to accepting help- in whatever form it comes, they're usually the first to offer it as well.

Overwhelmed With Love On My Birthday!

I love a celebration.

It doesn't really matter what the occasion, I am always ready to party like a rock star.

So you can imagine how I feel today-

Today is my 33rd Birthday.

I never thought I'd be so excited about getting another year older once I turned thirty.

But recently it occurred to me:

Birthdays are like a smelly cheese or a delicious bottle of wine...

With age comes a rich flavor, bold confidence and refined restraint.

Plus, you're worth more!

This year, my birthday month (Yes, birthday month) started off on a high note!

The month began with a pre-birthday visit from two of my closest friends from New York City.

While they were here, we went to a Dodgers game, hung out at the beach and ate at every amazing restaurant under the sun!

Also during their stay, I found out that The Real Housewives of New York Season 4 Parody made the Boston Herald as the number 1 video to watch! Above the boys from the Jackass movies!

Then, I was asked to choreograph a video for The Cartoon Network featuring Lil P-Nut and Haunted by Heroes. Which was a total blast. Aside from the fact that we were shooting a throw back version of Steven Tyler and Run-D.M.C.'s "Walk This Way" circa 1986...

I was thrilled that I was able to bring my New York friends to the sound stage and share with them a slice of my life while they were in Los Angeles.

But today was the icing on my birthday cake-

I woke up this morning to an overwhelming chain of birthday wishes on Facebook.

Honestly, I couldn't believe how moved I was to wake up and see so many beautiful messages for my birthday from all of my friends old and new!

It's like my Grandma Shaffer always reminds me;

"Make new friends,

But keep the old,

New ones are silver.

Old ones are gold."

Today I feel like the most blessed man alive. I have the career I've always dreamed of.

A family who gives me unconditional love and support...

and there is no greater gift in the world, than the friendships I've made throughout my life.

To all of my friends, old and new- thank you for sharing your love and energy with me!

Random Thought...

I often think about people who have had a deep impact on my life and are no longer in it.
It's strange how some people enter your life and become a part of it forever, and others stop by for a little while and then continue on a separate path...
I wonder if those people that are no longer a part of my life ever look back with fond memories like I do?
Do they think about reaching out, but don't?
I know I do... so it seems very likely that maybe they do too?
I think I'm going to reach out to an old friend that I never talk to anymore. Just to say hello, and let them know I still think about them and our fun adventures and wish them well!

Fun With Friends

Beaver Creek, CO
With very special friends-
Pre-dinner cocktails,
A sleigh ride around the snowy countryside.
Dropped off in font of the lodge for a delicious dinner-
Back to the cabin for some rest and relaxation-
Tomorrow a lazy day around the fireplace.
I'm so blessed with amazing friends,

Over It.

People who act like they care.
People who DEMAND respect, but offer none.
People who want you to "do it" their way, but make it your own.
People who forget they live in a glass house.
People who call themselves a friend, and offer no friendship.
People who take advantage- EVERY opportunity they get...
...and then act like you're the asshole for calling them out on it.
People who forget that we're ALL on the same "level" regardless of titles, money or
background- we're ALL human beings that deserve EQUALITY.

It's My Birthday and I'll Smile If I Want To!

Thank God for the creation of Facebook!

Nothing makes you feel better when turning thirty-two, than to click on your Facebook page and see all of the amazing love you get from your friends!

I was overwhelmed with the kind words and well-wishes!

It's no surprise to anyone in their thirties and beyond, how fast the time goes!

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel today, turning another year older...

But I can honestly say that I have a smile from ear to ear, thanks to all of the amazing people I have in my life!

I was reminded today, thanks to Facebook and all of my friends that; "Wherever you are, it is your friends who make your world." -William James

I love that quote! The use of the word "wherever" resonates loud and clear.

No matter your age, occupation, successes, failures, adventures or anything else life throws at us...

Our friendships see us through until the end!

Old Friends

Old friends sitting at a bar in Pittsburgh.
Chatting about the good times we've shared.
Gossiping too much about people we don't really care for...
Why?
Because sometimes at the end of a long day,
it's nice to just blow off steam and B. S.
I'm so lucky to have a career that was born of my passion-
I'm even more fortunate to have amazing friendships that have blossomed...
Life long friends,
Our paths continue to cross.
It's a small world!
It's an even smaller business!
I love it!
...sometimes.