My friend Nils.

A dear friend made his transition a week ago. Dear friend to many, actor, musician, husband, father, cool cat Nils Anderson is feeling no pain after a five year battle with cancer. I found out as I turned on my phone while taxiing to my gate at NYC's JFK airport last Saturday. He left a multitude of us with hearts aching for one more hug but full of his unique presence and the understated but sincere joy that he offered us all. His presence is still felt substantially through his daughter Amy and his son Eric and his wife Leslie. I will also personally remember him each time I develop an onstage character (and/or affix a fake moustache), see an upright bass, or hear a cool scat solo.


I remember closing night of a production of The Secret Garden in Vista, CA. Eric was hanging with us backstage as Nils and I got out of costume. Nils always had a secret with every character he played... something that informed his character work, but that he kept to himself until closing. He asked Eric and I if we wanted to know his secret as he had assessed the role of crusty Ben the Gardener. He removed his shoe, and taped to the sole of his sock were pennies and pebbles which gave him a very convincing limp onstage. I was enthralled, but the laugh that came out of E told me just how much the trade passed from father to son. It was a great glimpse into that family. I too am grateful for a father who is willing to pass on his stories to his kids. Not everyone is so lucky.


The day after Nils passed, Eric was in NYC fulfilling the culmination of a lot of dream-filled work... work that Nilsie lived to hear about. The Freakers Ball (an evening of the musings of Shel Silverstein) became so much more than just a groovy evening. It was a celebration of the heart of Nils carried on through E. For me it became more like "The Freakers Bawl." I was a mess and I was so honored to be present. Nilsie was in the room.


Today, a few friends were walking through Central Park. A little jazz combo was playing. One of us said, "I love an upright bass." It was a few hours later when we realized that we all thought of Nils at that same moment. As it should be.

Rest well, Nilsie. We miss you, but you're still with us in so many wonderful ways. Heaven is a much cooler place right now.

A west coast escape...

I picked a great week to be out of NYC since the temps shot into the triple digits. The weather was temperate and mild on the west coast. I first flew to Portland, OR and met up with my bro and his family. We drove out to the coast where we surprised Grandma and joined more family. It was a great visit. There was TOO MUCH FOOD and it was all great!


It was the Fourth of July. The photos above (L to R): The front door of the Warwick beach house near Waldport, my brother Jordan playing tag with his son Jack (taken through the traditional window art), some random folks standing behind us as we watched the LaDeDa Parade in Yachats, a taster tray from Rogue Brewers on the Bay, the family watching as my bro and I set off fireworks in the driveway, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and the family in the midst of taking the family photo.


Here's more (from L to R): Me at Heceta Head Lighthouse, Grandma, still at Heceta Head, Mom and my bro's family at the entrance to the Enchanted Forest, me and my lemon teeth at the Chowder Bowl, nephew Jack and "Abraham Lincoln", and Jack getting a shooting gallery lesson.


Then I headed down to Southern California to visit friends and to get some R & R time on the North San Diego coastline. The photos (from L to R): the meditation gardens at the Self Realization Fellowship in Encinitas, a couple shots of me at Swami's Beach below the gardens, Stone World Bistro & Gardens, Randy's Donuts which was just down the street from the car rental place.

It was a great visit. I got to see so much of my family and eat a LOT. (Did I mention that?) And in Cali, I got to see a lot of friends and chill out a bit. I look forward to a return. In the meantime, things are picking up here in NYC. I've landed a few commissions in addition to the weekly piece on Broadway.com. AND I just had a couple of exciting meetings that will be leading to some fantastic developments. (I'll post when things are more firm.) I'm drawing a lot and enjoying it very much.

And this weekend I'll be in Milwaukee, witnessing the final presentation of the 2010 Ten Chimneys Fellowship. It should be stunning! Can't wait!

Well, that's a lot, but I've been storing up. Take care, all! Peace and love.