December 30, 2004
A Decent and Worthy Man Has Passed Without My KnowingKendall MacFarland
CLARKSVILLE - Kendall (Ken) MacFarland, 53, artist, of Clarksville, passed on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 at St. Peter's Hospital. Mr. MacFarland was born in Tucson, Ariz. and resided in Clarksville for the past 12 years. He was a known antique art restorator, and school monitor at the Bethlehem Central High School. He was a man of quiet strength. He found happiness in giving to others, had a deep respect for animals and was devoted to his family. His unique sense of humor and outlook on life brought smiles to all who knew him. He was a talented artist who could see the light out of darkness in all aspects of life. He was the son of Kendall MacFarland and the late Zora MacFarland and survived by beloved wife, Debra; daughter, Dawn Elizabeth; and son, Lucas; sisters, Patti Woodcock, Sherri Kosky (Michael) and Stephanie (Michael) Grohall; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar on Friday, September 10, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Center for Donation and Transplant, 218 Great Oaks Blvd., Albany, NY 12203 and the family implores you to become a registered organ donor.
posted by Adam at 02:49 |
December 20, 2004
PhotographsPhotographs are our way of knowing that we're being seen; that we're being heard. While scanning a batch for my gallery on this site, I came across a couple of me in a kayak from the forth of July. Seeing them (one of which is my photograph on the right, by sheer coincidence), I was struck by the idea that while I was out kayaking, someone on the docks took the time to think that maybe I'd want a picture of me kayaking and that same someone took the time to make it happen. Sitting in the basement, my mother and I started in on the third disc of the "Everwood" Season One DVD set. She was struck by many of the same scenes, same lines as I was. I instant messaged Darren's sister to find out his condition after an oral surgery. These little acts of sharing experiences and showing our appreciation for others is a wondrous means of contentment and connection in these dark times. The human race is a community, one whose members what nothing more than to be heard and to be appreciated. For now, I sit and wait; smile my bemused smile and dream.
posted by Adam at 23:03 |
December 16, 2004
Letter to a SongwriterIt's 2:13 am on Thursday. I'm in the middle of my EE homework and I had an epiphany when your song came up on iTunes.
You know what that was great? The first time I heard it we connected in a way more intimate than perhaps anything day to day could account for. For that for 2:33 you and I shared an idea so completely and totally that it was damn near telepathy. The idea in your head was exactly the same as I. I was struck again by the line "I live a life free of danger, man is it ever a drag" That's the key to the human condition right now. We aren't tested by anything. You touched on the key to everything. In creating a safety net our species has sealed its members off from each other - we're in Eden again, and we can't figure out why it makes us so anxious. I get it now; it's because the human story didn't really begin until God cast us. In my present struggle, you found inspiration - and I have discovered that I have as well. I wouldn't repeat the last two months for pretty much anything, but it's filled out parts of my being in ways I could have scarely imagined. I want to thank you for actually speaking to me with those lyrics, almost certainly as clearly as anyone has in the sum of my interactions. Cheers.
posted by Adam at 02:21 |
December 09, 2004
From the annals of math classToday was a revelation for RIT. As I sit here in math class, I've just come back from a class that allowed me to pinpoint the academic dissatisfaction I've had with R.I.T.; like a trade school, I've skills towards a specific career. Until today's "Evolving English" class, however, I'd yet to experience a true class discussion here - or be introduced to material that could challenge the way I look at the world. In "The Delta Factor" chapter of Walker Percy's The Message in the Bottle, I found glimmers of a reason behind the unhappiness of myself and those around me. As the external obstacles disappear, we are forced to address the internal issues which have always been lingering. It is towards facing those that I find before me a new path which offers promise. ~4:20
posted by Adam at 18:32 |
December 03, 2004
*burb*As I begin to pick up the pieces of my scattered and fractured life, I look at the world around me and pause. In pausing, I realize that while my situation may not be the greatest it's certainly not the worst.
I didn't get my cellphone back today. But someone found it. I hear from a good high school friend, at art school, that her writing wrist is shot. She doesn't seem super down, but I'd be devestated. It's one thing to put yourself in a position of uncertainty in the future through your choices. It's got to be much worse having that position of uncertainty thrust upon you. My failings and limitations, while a bitter pill to swallow, area atleast my own. What kind of world strips people of their talent and ambitions once they finally have it all figured out?
I have seen the world that awaits it, and have come atleast partially to terms of it. In the face of the bleakness and conformist mediocrity that away, I find at last glimmers of the mystery and romance that I embued in the world as a child; it only needs now to be filtered through a different lens. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a stolen poster to return to a deaf laundry room.
posted by Adam at 02:57 |
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Adam Freelance Film Critic
Albany, NY
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