May 27, 2012

Expectations Exceeded With “What To Expect When You’re Expecting”


When I walked into the theater to watch “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” I was not expecting much.  I mean I thought it was going to be a predictable comedy to pass my time, maybe some laughs.  With seeing the overwhelming female to male ratio in the seats, I thought  it was definitely going to be an extra, extra big time chick flick.

It wasn’t any one of those things.  It was one of the funniest movies I have seen this year to date.

Well written with beautifully executed acting by a seasoned cast who brought heart, soul and multi-layered nuances to their characters. All of these combined made this movie come alive.  The writing is wonderful with great points of comedy but also with a script that resonates with both men and women with its honesty about pregnancy, parenthood and babies.

I have been watching some of the blockbuster movies and those have been fun, but this movie is definitely worth seeing amidst all the explosions and special effects.  There is a brilliance and truth to this movie.  I was hooked immediately into it.

Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Ben Falcone, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison,  Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro,  Joe Manganiello, Rob Huebel, Thomas Lennon, and Amir Talei make up the stellar cast.

Jennifer Lopez and Rodrigo Santoro in What to Expect When You Are Expecting

There is something about how the picture cuts through all the sugar coated bull shit that sometimes is used to portray life and yet still leads us out of all the pain of it with the ability to find joy and hope.

Go see the movie.

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May 24, 2012

All In One Night – A New Idol And the Final Revenge


Phillip Phillips

So last night I felt really good about the American Idol win of Phillip Phillips.  I actually believed that he and and Jessica Sanchez are equally strong singers in their own genres.  However, I think his win speaks to more of the win of someone who is closer to what I feel is a music artist is that is closer to songwriting and music process.  It was a different choice for Idol. Coupled with his good looks , I guess it was a winning combination.

Jessica Sanchez

Sanchez absolutely blew the house down with her duet with Jennifer Holiday with that moving musical power song “And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going.”   It was magical to put Holiday’s seasoned legendary voice with newbie prodigy Sanchez. Breathtaking.

Phillips  with his unique voice won audiences with his quiet soulful renditions that speak to his own style.

Then who not be moved as this winner,  broke down and went to his family after being crowned this year’s American Idol.

Yes, it was great Idol season with some of the best talent we have seen over the years and some of the best TV moments.

Gabriel Mann (Nolan) and Emily Van Camp ( Emily) from Revenge

Now,  the season finale of Revenge happened the same night where no happy endings where to be had, but just surprise nail biting cliff hangers.  I love this wonderful guilty pleasure of mine.  The finale brought more layers to the story and even more depth to the characters.  Revenge is does not follow the sudsy soaps formula we have seen in the past but has integrated  high level drama, mystery and thriller like epic story-lines.

It is a favorite of mine. Kudos to the acting talents of  the two main characters  Emily Van Camp ( Emily Thorne) and Madeleine Stowe ( Victoria Grayson) who have garnered the market on the top female dominant characters on TV. Also, Gabriel Mann as  Emily’s co-hort in all things revenge, Nolan Ross, is a scene stealer with some of his character’s antics.

You would think the revenge plot line of a young woman returning to right the wrongful accusations laid against her father and his murder against the guilty bunch of wealthy, powerful people responsible would  lose steam.  Not with this show!  It has only has started to gain real momentum. Every juicy episode is an eye opening  roller coaster ride.  I cannot wait for next season.

Catch up online or on reruns during the summer if you have not seen it.   I promise you will become a fan.

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May 22, 2012

Until The Last Breath is Breathed


I wrote a poem called until  ”Until The Last Breath is Breathed”  I just put it into a video slide show. Hope you enjoy.

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May 17, 2012

The Music of Jeb Havens and Bobby Jo Valentine


Last night while attending the Tom Goss concert here in San Francisco, I was deeply moved by the two local artists who performed with him.  One I knew already and I love  his music. His name is  Jeb Havens.  The other was Bobby Jo Valentine.  Both are gay men. Both are wonderful music artists.

I have to thank Tom for showcasing local talent during his national tours.  It offers us the chance to enjoy the privilege to listen to and watch true artists perform their work.  There is something great about the discovery and the access to such rich talent.

Jeb Havens performing at The Lost Church in San Francisco, CA on May 16, 2012 Photo by J.P. Leddy

Jeb Havens performs  at different places in San Francisco but has a regular gig every third Saturday at Martuni’s , a popular piano bar, on Market and Valencia.  The show is called Homophonic and is a showcase for queer songwriters.  The music is live and provides those attending with the some of the best talent there is currently.

One of the songs that I really like that Jeff  performed last night is called Close Love.  He wants to make it into a dance song.  There is humor, angst and such feeling layered into the song.  Reminds me of many of my friends and my own personal journey mixed with the spirit of this city.

Jeb has real sense of humor but he gets lost in his song and reveals his inner self unabashedly through his voice and lyrics.  His baritone-tenorish  sounding voice pushes up the register and there is where you are really with him.

He is so pure sounding, that listening to this male voice deliver emotionally charged pieces makes the performance believable.   He is on facebook and he has a website:

http://www.jebhavens.com/

index.php?p=1_3_Vids-Pics

Last night when I heard and saw Bobby Jo Valentine performed,  the words “poet singer”  came to mind. His songs  are so beautifully written and profound.  He speaks of love emerging from such dark places and celebrates the one that he has with his partner of two years.  He recently came out as a gay man a few years ago so his songs are poignant and filled with the emotion of that experience.

Bobby Jo Valentine performing at The Lost Church in San Francisco, CA May 16, 2012 Photo by J.P. Leddy

You can check out all his latest news at his website: http://www.bobbyjovalentine.com/

From his Bio on his website:

“Bobby Jo Valentine is an award-winning singer/songwriter currently residing and touring around the coast of CA. His new album, ‘A Place to Belong’ released to favorable reviews and his single “Be Mine” had radio airplay even before the album’s release. His warm, accessible melodies and often-profound lyrics have developed a following around the nation. In August of 2011, a song from the album, “Fly” won Song of the Year at West Coast Songwriter’s Association.
Bobby is comfortable on stage in front of large crowds, having played at locations like Hard Rock Cafe, The Fillmore Poster Room, and Pride festivals, but his favorite performances are the intimate theaters and house concerts that enable him a strong connection to the audience. Bursting with energy at times and filled with uplifting, honest messages about hope and life’s struggles, Bobby continues to gather new listeners with every show. “Armed with just a guitar and ukulele, Bobby aims straight for the heart.” -Bruce Kaplan, Folk Unlimited
Recognitions:
-Winner of several awards, including 2011 Songwriter of the Year by West Coast Songwriter’s Association
-Appearances on Radio Stations like KGO, KSVY, and KRSH
-Appearances on TV shows like ABC’s Morning Shows and NBC’s Outlook Video.
Quotes:
“Witty lyrics and catchy melodies…the nicest guy ever to pick up an acoustic guitar!” –LA Weekly
“5 out of 5 stars. Bobby Jo writes with a sweetness and honesty seldom heard in acoustic pop music.” –Brian Lucey, mastering engineer for The Black Keys
“It’s really lovely.” –Judah Dadone, Freelance Whales“

Both music artists reside here in the bay area.  Check them out. Their music is available on their websites and also on iTunes.

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May 12, 2012

My Mother is Love


My Mother, Joyce I. Martratt and Me ( JP) at my First Holy Communion

Mother’s Day is upon us and I am the only one of my siblings that is thousands of miles away from my mother.   It is already that day on Guam.  I am sure the family will gather and mom will enjoy that,  especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

It is difficult to find ways to honor this amazing woman that I have been given the privilege to be her son.  In all my years I have never met anyone who comes as close to perfect as mom. No One.   It does not mean she does not have flaws.  She does. However, in spite of them, she has been able to live an exemplary life through some difficult challenges with remarkable faith and fortitude.   She is charitable , serves her community and is a leader.

Of course to me she is Mom, Mama, Mother.   I love her cooking .  She was a working mom so when she could actually cook a home meal , it was good.

I love the way she would comfort me by holding me close and sometimes scratching my back.  All the world seemed at peace and all troubles drifted away when she did that.

I remember fighting asthma as a young child and having some hard episodes,  my mom was there during the thick of it.  I held on to her comforting words and her hands as I grasped on to every breath of life.  To this day, she has this uncanny intuition of knowing if something is up with me health-wise. She will call from Guam and ask me if I am sick.  Almost always, I am.

Her legacy to us was her commitment to education.  All of her children spent all or most of their school years in private schools.  Most of us have gone on to higher education. She worked hard to pay the tuition.  She will also spend hours with us assisting with homework after long days at work. Her mantra was that an education was the key to success in the world.  I understand now it was not necessarily to land a good career but to be an enlightened person.

Mom is dedicated to the Roman Catholic Church and is a respected leader in her Parish and community.  What I know of faith and spirituality were learned at her knees.  We have had our differences theologically over the years but internally when it comes to spiritual intuitiveness and internal refection, I am my mother’s son.  Her faith is not born out of theological principles but of a deep spiritual conviction in her heart.  My mom is authentic in this way.  If more people of faith were like her,  I believe less people would be as antagonistic towards organized religion.

My mother works hard, and in her early 70′s is still employed as the Executive Assistant to the Commander of the Air Force Base on Guam.  She has been there for years.  She has been nicknamed, “General Joyce.”  She has been the wife of two veterans, my deceased father and her current husband. She is patriotic to the core.  Having lived as child on Guam during WWII and having been  incarcerated in horrific Japanese concentration camps, she has a healthy appreciation for freedom and democracy.

My mother is love.   Today I honor that love that she has shown unconditionally to me and my siblings.  She deserves so much more than what life has given her.  I am grateful that she is in my life. Today, I miss her physical presence.  I miss our conversations face to face.  I miss her hugs.  I miss and love you, Mom.

Thank you for blessing me with your life and love.  Happy Mother’s Day.

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May 8, 2012

Lucy


Today is her funeral.  I only found out an hour before it was scheduled .  It was like how I found out about her death, a few day after it happened.  There had been no communication from her family to us. I really did not expect any, Lucy had limited her communications during her bout with a voracious brain tumor. However, my heart is heavy and tears have fallen with the passing away of this dear friend who has been like a sister , confidante and amazing example to me.

Lucy and I worked at the Credit Card  division of WAMU which was later bought out by Chase several years ago.  Our office was located in Pleasanton, California.  We sat next to each other during most of that period. We helped managed vendors.

She was brilliant and had a great tenacity to understand data and put it together.  She was clear thinking and was able read people very well. Lucy worked hard and smart. We were kindred spirits at work and often lunched together.  We shared stories of our lives and hopes together.

She was a great mother and loved her children.  She worked for them.  In some ways she reminded me of my own mother in her dedication to her children.

I remember her laughter.  It will spill out to just a loud joyful sound when something tickled her.  She would always laugh and enjoy my latest stories of either my weekends out in the Castro or some other crazy thing.

She was a dutiful daughter to her parents. She always put her needs last.

I cannot believe she is no longer here in body with us.  In the last few months of her life I had no contact with her mostly because she was dealing with such a heavy burden and I can only  imagine the thought of leaving her children was foremost on her her mind.

I weep for their loss.  I weep because I will deeply miss her.

However, I am thankful that I had the privilege of knowing one of the best persons who I have ever met in my life who had given me the privilege of her friendship.

Lucy,  your light will live on with all who knew you and your beautiful children you loved.

Gone Too Soon

by:   JP Leddy

The empty space cannot be filled

Where her smile lit souls

Her laughter now lines memories

Soaked with tears of hearts longing 

For one more day of her voice 

Her eyes sparkling in joy

As we realize our friend

Has gone too soon

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May 7, 2012

I Love the Weekend, We love “LOVE!”


Cafe Flore, San Francisco, CA Photo by JP Leddy May 6, 2012

This past weekend certainly was festive with Cinco De Mayo bringing in all the fun.  It was certainly true for me. I enjoyed being out with friends, drinking, visiting, and well, drinking.  I also had a lot of opportunity to hang out with groups of people that I did not normally hang out with and also  reconnect with others that I had not done so for a long time, since my close friends were  out of town.

It was nice and invigorating in that sense because it caused me to break from the usual routine.   I did get to spend more time with two of my best friends Andy and Chris. That was nice .  I had not had such focused time with each of them in a while.

The weather in San Francisco has been beautiful so it added to the general euphoric feeling of the weekend.

I also had a brunch date on Sunday that turned out quite wonderful at Cafe Flore.  I mean I am not sure where it is going to go but it was such a nice time just sitting outside enjoying eachother’s company, great conversation, coffee and weather. I had not such a nice first date like that in long time.

Then in the evening I enjoyed dinner with someone that I dated last year.  We are now friends .  It was so nice to reconnect and just catch up.   I thoroughly felt comfortable and emotionally connected.

It was also during the day , in one of the discussions with one of the groups of friends, that the history of the Castro came up and the impact of AIDs.  I had mentioned seeing the display of the AIDs Quilt on its recent tour here.  I found it to be one of the most moving and profound moments for me.

One man said that there was kind of a silver lining to all of it.  He said that without AIDs that we as  a gay community  would not be as caring  and giving towards each other.  He implied that we would have remained really hedonistic. He said that AIDs allowed us to come together as a  community and develop beyond a one night stand mentality towards each other.

I do not agree with a blanket statement like that.  No disease, especially a horrific one that is fatal and impacts your life and the lives of others has a silver lining.  I believe that crisis can pull a community together.  It is commendable that communities can help each other like that.  However, I like to think that our community would have still worked together  regardless of AIDs. We are not one dimensional.

Despite the hedonism ( and gays don’t hold the monopoly on this trait), I think that a significant number of our community would love to have a partner rather than random hookups as a permanent life pattern.  I think most would like to date and have some emotional connection.  I also believe that sometimes in one’s life there are different seasons when one is in a different mind frame.

I also believe that our spirit of giving and caring did not have to be jump started by a fatal disease.  We are one of the most caring and giving communities in this world.  I see it on a weekly basis in events and fundraisers.

Yes, we love sex.  But we also love “Love”,  We care, give, and support.  Hopefully, one day soon we can sit at the table of equality.

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