I forgot to give a title.

Someone asked not too long ago what it was that I am searching for in this life. I am searching for what we are all searching for; peace, connectivity, love. Have I found it? Occasionally. Have I found it more than any other? No. If there is anything ‘special’ I have been given in this life, it is the accumulation of my ancestry, for which I can take no credit for, the opportunity to distinguish between being a victim or being enlightened, a glimpse into the ‘why’ of my existence and gifts to communicate. Why do I communicate what I continue to study and learn? To share in the hope that what I experience will resonate and provide all of us with the same opportunity.

We are all teachers and students. We are all searching. I do not claim that what I share is ‘better’ than anyone else’s lessons in life, nor do I claim to have answers. I have only questions and the ongoing challenge of staying present in my life. Have I accomplished this ‘more’ than others? No. All things are relative. Fear, pain, loss are all relative and as such are as real and potentially devastating in their own context no matter to whom they happen or what they are. What happens to each of us, no matter how traumatic have within their ocurrance the opportunity to further our enlightenment and our experience of love. This is what I understand and what I try to accomplish.

Imagine my thoughts written by another who came into the public eye not as an adored character in a t.v. show and not as a celebrity whose travails in life were therefore so visible.  Would there be any inkling and resonance of truth in what I share if you didn’t have the preconception of knowing or believing ‘who’ I was? Perhaps this is an unrealistic expectation,  celebrity by it’s very nature cuts both ways.

We celebrate another human being in his or her shared humanity with us while we elevate them to the fantastical myth that they can overcome our fear of helplessness/death that is our universal condition. We need to do this because of our own fear of helplessness and our need to create or recognize  ‘immortality,’ or godliness in another human being so that we can experience it in ourselves. “We create our Gods in order to eat them.” I have made this comment many times and it is often and unfortunately misinterpreted. However, this is one way in which we as humans try to experience the ‘god’ in all of us. It isn’t the only way. We seek love. We seek peace and one-ness. We seek that defining moment of the ‘now’ in acts of danger, engaging our own fear in trying to attain what is perceived as unattainable.

We also have the curse of ego/vanity which has us experience the lose/lose proposition that our own fear/pain is either worse than anyone else’s, or not as great. We respond to the journey’s of others that have experienced great loss and its inherent challenge with a combination of morbid curiosity and abbhorrance, comparing our lives to theirs,  and an outpouring of compassion and wonderment that those others can carry on at all. We elevate and celebrate them as a reminder that we, as humans can prevail in the face of our mortality.

Yet, we all have the same struggle with the same issue. What causes us to experience our helplessness can be as varied as being caught in a traffic jam to losing someone we love. However, it’s the same experience of helplessness, though different in degree, and it is the same button that gets pushed in all of us. Who’s to say that a person having a panic attack is any more or less petrified than someone who has lost the use of their body? At that moment, its all relative. The lesson is the same though the degree may be different. The experience of fear, not judged, is equal to the opportunity.

Is a part of me afraid to die? Absolutely. Has a part of me glimpsed the communion with peace and one-ness in the act of dying, of letting go of my fear? Yes. Do I long to become so present in my life that I will in some part experience my dying as the Tibetan Masters purportedly do; with a greater witness and a sense of journeying into a greater whole? Yes. Is that what I practice and seek to practice? Yes. Does that differ from any other human being’s journey? No. Do I know any more than any other about this experience? No. Appearances are as deceiving as our minds. I am just like  you. My search is imperfect though my intention pure.

So, while it may seem impossible to separate yourself from your childhood perception/fantasy of ‘Starsky,’ please believe that you can witness that very phenomenon when it is at work in you, witness the feelings both good and bad that come up, and make the distinction between those feelings and who you are right now. Read what I share, when I have something to share not in terms of someone with an answer, but rather of someone with a rag and a dirty window that they’re trying to clean for a better view.

I was encouraged to create a blog by Ms Meserve as a way to connect and share my thoughts, something of me.It cannot be a matter of frequency. I’m sorry. We each find different ways and different times to share the experience of our existence. I’ve done it as an actor and as a director. Now I’ve written a book and shall most likely continue in that vein. I am not a particularly good correspondent nor am I by nature chatty. I am moved to write when I am moved to write. No more, no less. Please try not to connect my frequency of writing this blog with whatever value may be found in what I share that I see through my window.

On the book front:  We are at present printing an 11X14 ‘Manuscript Edition’ which will be used for marketing and possibly for sale. The 9×6  ‘for sale’ version will be out in Febuary, followed by a ‘coffee table’ version and then a graphic novel. It is a long process which requires a lot of patience, however we are doing everything we can to make sure that we do as good a job as possible. I think that those of you that are waiting to read ‘Chrystallia…’ will be pleased.

Lastly, I want to share my gratification that this blog has created what seems to be a valuable dialogue amongst its participants.

pmg

categories On Blogging and Shared Thoughts | | datetime September 29, 2010 9:28 am

184 Comments

  • By Christine, September 29, 2010 @ 9:59 am

    Hi Paul, How lovely to have you back. I had almost thought you had decided not to blog anymore. Question is are you ok? I hope so. If you don’t mind me saying you seem a little what’s the word? disappointed? or maybe down? Either way if I am wrong I apologize, I will re-read and come back soon. So glad to hear from you again.
    With love as always,
    Christine xx

  • By hilly, September 29, 2010 @ 11:59 am

    Hmmm Funny Christine should say that, you do sound a little ‘subdued’.

    I was struck by this paragraph:
    Imagine my thoughts written by another who came into the public eye not as an adored character in a t.v. show and not as a celebrity whose travails in life were therefore so visible. Would there be any inkling and resonance of truth in what I share if you didn’t have the preconception of knowing or believing ‘who’ I was? Perhaps this is an unrealistic expectation, celebrity by it’s very nature cuts both ways.

    I’m typing as I think here (dangerous I know!)

    I am a perpetual student…it seems that you are too. Seeking not just to find – but to explain. Explain life’s vicissitudes to one’s self and if in passing to others – then all the better. Posing questions that we don’t even know exist until we have found what seems to be an answer but turns out to just spark a new set of questions. I still don’t know if I’m an atheist or an agnostic; I can give a string of ‘definitions’ of what I believe…what I know? But I often think of this conundrum: If we don’t accept that ‘god’ created the world (7 days, 700 million years, whatever) then we are asked to accept the Big Bang. But wait…what caused the BB? gaseous reactions. But wait…where did the gas come from? chemicals/the ex/implosion of other galaxies. but wait where do the other galaxies come from…and round and round we go. Thinking and studying and reasoning….and moving forward.

    Which came first?…chicken omelette.

    Your thoughts – your tentative answers to the questions that life throws at you – come across as clearly to me whether they come from ‘the guy who played Starsky’ or the architect’s son from Boston (or wherever it was). What is there is a wisdom that few seem to be able to articulate – and that is why I come here. If I want nostalgia for a TV show/cop – there are other frivolous websites to go to….I come here for the mind behind the actor’s mask.
    I come here because reading what you post and the reactions to those posts gives me something to contemplate and adds to my understanding of the world and my place in it.
    Coming here I have found other students trying to work out what ‘it’ is all about…and never mind defining ‘it’…and teachers (often unwitting ones who post a thought or a reaction that sparks off more reflection).
    This is one heck of a class…

    I don’t expect regular ‘thoughts’; if you don’t post for weeks on end I assume you are too busy – with creativity or with studying – or that you don’t feel you have anything that you wish to say. Silence is golden after all.

    You know what?..if I want the actor, I’ve got the DVDs! I come here for the mind.

  • By ckroddy, September 29, 2010 @ 12:45 pm

    Hilly, well said. I’ve “lurked” for several weeks now, intimidated I suppose. I struggle to clearly articulate the thoughts running through my mind. Probably the anal retentive engineer in me.

    “I come here because reading what you post and the reactions to those posts gives me something to contemplate and adds to my understanding of the world and my place in it.”

    Exactement.

    Cindy

  • By Christine, September 29, 2010 @ 1:02 pm

    Hi Hilly, Yep, maybe sometimes we pick up on things but I got that feeling too.

    Hi Paul, I can’t imagine what it must be like to live in the public eye. However when I do sit and think about it, there really appears to be more negatives than positives.
    Your are right in the sense of we all probably have an ‘idea’ of who you are. Having said that as individuals we will all have different opinions. However, what comes across is the basic knowledge that you are a wise and intelligent man. A good man who tries to make this world a better place. Starsky? well he was a character to escape with for the odd 50 minutes or hours lol in my case. Do I personally still see you as Starsky? No, your show helped in many ways but its the man you are that interests me.
    It must be quite odd people always thinking they know who the real Paul is. Of course very few of us will ever have that pleasure, but don’t we all try to work out who a person really is? I think its human nature, but I’m not too sure how I would feel if I were on the receiving end of it!!.
    I do though hope you find whatever you are looking for, peace, connection and love.
    With love as always,
    Christine xx

  • By carol4spot, September 29, 2010 @ 5:38 pm

    PMG says,
    “Imagine my thoughts written by another who came into the public eye not as an adored character in a t.v. show and not as a celebrity whose travails in life were therefore so visible. Would there be any inkling and resonance of truth in what I share if you didn’t have the preconception of knowing or believing ‘who’ I was? Perhaps this is an unrealistic expectation, celebrity by it’s very nature cuts both ways.”

    I dunno. I think,for the most part, all those who happened upon this site googling the famed t.v. show or the characters are beyond the 9 year old phase and into a different perspective now. I think it rather marvelous that for some reason we have all seeked you out after all these years..like something was calling us to you.Or perhaps YOU were calling us to you?
    And, to answer the question above, I was always a believer that famous people put their pants on one leg at a time just like us and for sure I would understand everything you say the same either way. I, for one, see truth and beauty and a great deal more in the things you say. I too am on the same journey of connectedness and oneness, peace and love. Your spirit, whether it’s concocted from Starsky or coming from the ‘real Paul Michael Glaser’ is the same good vibe spirit either way and I’m taking it in! Hi everyone!!! xocarol

  • By Rachelle, September 29, 2010 @ 9:02 pm

    Hi Paul

    Thanks for sharing! I can imagine at times the ‘celebrity’ can be difficult. I did enjoy your role as Starsky but I can watch the DVD if I wish to see S&H *g*. Your blog has been helpful to others and I’m glad that Pam suggested this blog.

    I just wanted to share about my best friend she has been through endless amount of surgeries and just this week she had another surgery for a chronic health condition. Her spirit is inspirational as she keeps on going with much happiness and love. It’s not easy but she manages through all of it and enjoys the little things in life that most normally take for granted. Faith, hope, love, best friendship, are all things that can help us through this life of ours.
    I hope you’re well and happy!

    Hugs, Rach
    Ps Looking forward to ‘Chrystallia’ patiently!

  • By hilly, September 29, 2010 @ 10:37 pm

    just going back to that connection between ‘Starsky’ and the real man. Many years ago I had a friend who was a well-known actor (in his way in Britain – his ‘show’ was on the radio people only knew his name and voice)Long after the show was over (and he was voicing ads) people still thought of him as ‘x’ (the character) he hated that. He refused to answer if he was addressed as ‘x’. I hate to see you (Mr. G) or any other actor referred to by the name of their most famous character. It seems disrespectful of the person who has worked so hard to make that character real that s/he should be consigned to the shadows behind the fictional person.
    As for the mind rather than the man. I read some of the interviews you gave way back then (when I was in my early 20s) – the intelligent ones not the ’20 questions for a teenmag’ (later with the facilities that internet provides I could see the interviews on US TV that we never saw in Britain) even then your philosophy on life came through loud and clear….they were the thoughts of PMG; nothing to so with a TV cop. I was struck then as now by your approach to day to day existence. Keep existing; keep thinking…the road is long but ‘aw s**t’ (sorry – that was an in-joke to some) the scenery is inspiring and every turn in the way brings a new idea

  • By hilly, September 30, 2010 @ 11:40 am

    Nadine has asked me to translate her contribution and post it for her….

    Many people still see you and David Soul as “Starsky and Hutch” and I can see that it must be frustrating to have you personality hidden under the ‘shell’ of the two charming cops. In Europe we only knew you through the series and had very little news of Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul; and the Internet made it possible for me to ‘discover’ you. YOU, the actor in different roles; the director, a kind-hearted man and now I hope that I’ll know you better by reading your book.
    The press is not good to you, even after 30 years they present you as ‘Paul Michael Glaser the actor best known a Starsky in the well-known series’
    they are impossible! I don’t understand this insistance; you have your own personality and it must be very frustrating to be known by another name. I browse the web a lot and there are so many blogs you are still seen as the good looking young man who made so many young women all over the world dream. But where is Paul? I know someone by the name of Mr. Paul Michael Glaser, I admire the actor, the director, the kind-hearted man and I hope that you will accept that description and not be annoyed by it, I have a kind heart and I’m proud of that; and, if your book is translated into French, the writer too.
    Please continue to come and share your thoughts with us Paul, when I read them I see in my mind a man in his sixties called Paul Michael Glaser.

    Best wishes
    Nadine

  • By Christine, September 30, 2010 @ 1:29 pm

    Hi Rach, Hope all is well for you my friend. Your best friend sounds a brave lady, she is lucky to have a friend like you. Its a true saying that its the little things in life that mean the most. Please pass on my best wishes to your friend hope she feels better soon.
    Take care,
    Christine.

  • By Sue, September 30, 2010 @ 1:49 pm

    I have *always* been fascinated by the quote “We create our own Gods in order to eat them.” It’s one of those quotes that makes me sit back and go “wow”.

    Humans are such strange creatures. We are so needlessly proud of our supposed position at the top of the brain chain, and yet we are, paradoxically, terrified to think that there is not yet one above even us to whom we can blame (or thank) when things don’t (or do) go our way.

    Since we cannot “see” or physically perceive our “god”, we create one who we call ‘celebrity’, someone who many see and many enjoy for the work that they do, or for the way that they look, or for the voice that they have, or whatever.

    And we elevate them above even us as someone to look up to, even though they are doing the very jobs that we ourselves do, and their attractiveness is something that is not of their direct doing (think genetics).

    Yet AS we elevate these celebrities, we also find ourselves incredibly jealous of them. WE can do better than that! WE are better looking than that! WE can say things better than that! Why is everyone so enamoured with THAT person? Why not ME?

    When if it *was* ME, most of us would be absolutely SCARED TO DEATH to have it happen to us.

    Paradox, thy name is humanity.

    We are filled with hubris at our unasked for position on the top of the brainchain, yet are filled with terror for that exact same reason. We NEED someone above us. Yet if that person we willingly place above us is human, and can be seen, heard, felt, and all the rest, we are, conversely, incredibly jealous of him even as we at the same time worship him for being what we are not!

    No wonder so many publicly adored figures resort to less than healthy lifestyles just trying to go on in a world that both venerates and excoriates them at the exact same time, very often by the exact same people!

    I am perfectly happy to be where I am right now. I need no one to look up to, nor do I need anyone to look down upon. My mistakes are my own; my successes are my own.

    Am I special or unique in this mode of thinking? Of course not. Just another average Jane swimming along the sea of life until I get to the ocean called death. But to me, it’s so much easier to bear the weight of my own successes and failures rather than trying to place the blame on someone else who, through no fault of his or her own, has been chosen out of the teaming throng of us to be representative of “God on earth”.

    Always having someone else to blame or praise makes me less human. It allows me to be sloppy with my life. If there is always someone else I can foist my faults onto, why try my best?

    Sue

  • By HILDA LIPRACE, September 30, 2010 @ 7:33 pm

    QUERIDO PAUL:
    YO QUIERO DECIR QUE MUCHAS VECES FUE DIFÍCIL SEPARAR EL PERSONAJE DE STARSKY CON EL HOMBRE PAUL MICHAEL GLASER .
    CUANDO MIRABA LA SERIE QUIEN NO SE ENAMORO DE STARSKY DE SU PERSONAJE ,LUEGO CUANDO LA SERIE TERMINO ,YO CONOCÍ SUS TRABAJOS COMO DIRECTOR ,ACTOR .. Y SABIA DE SU VIDA POR LAS NOTICIAS ,TODO LO QUE USTED PASO FUE MUY TRISTE ,TODOS PASAMOS POR HISTORIAS IGUALES O PARECIDAS SOMOS SERES HUMANOS .QUE PERDEMOS NUESTROS SERES QUERIDOS ,.LA MUERTE ES INEVITABLE A TODOS NOS VA A SUCEDER NADIE TIENE BAJO CONTROL ESTA CIRCUNSTANCIA, ESTOY APRENDIENDO CONSTANTEMENTE EN ESTA VIDA QUE PASA TAN RÁPIDO, YO DIGO QUE ESTAMOS EN ESTA VIDA PARA DAR AMOR .SER MEJORES PERSONAS .CADA UNO DE NOSOTROS TIENE UNA MISIÓN UNA TAREA PARA REALIZAR.POR SOBRE TODAS LAS COSAS EL AMOR .LE VOY A DECIR QUE HOY EN DÍA ESTOY ESPERANDO SUS REFLEXIONES NO COMO UN ,ACTOR ,DIRECTOR,O STARSKY ,SI ESPERO A PAUL MICHAEL GLASER .SIEMPRE FUE ASI ,CUANDO INGRESE A ESTE BLOG FUE POR PAUL QUERÍA SABER QUE DECÍA ESTE HOMBRE Y ME ENCUENTRO CON UN SER HUMANO MUY BUENO QUE ESCRIBE LO QUE TIENE EN SU CORAZÓN QUE REALIZA UN IDA Y VUELTA ,QUE TODOS, QUE ENTRE TODOS APRENDEMOS UN POCO DE CADA HISTORIA, DE LA FORMA DE VIDA DE CADA UNO, QUE ESTAMOS EN ESTE BLOG ,Y ME ENCANTA TODO ESTO .NO IMPORTA CON QUE CONTINUIDAD ESCRIBE LO IMPORTANTE ES ,CUANDO APARECE HAY ALGO MUY BELLO QUE NOS TIENE QUE DECIR ,ES SU CORAZÓN SUS SENTIMIENTOS LOS QUE HABLAN ,MUCHOS PUEDEN ESTAR DE ACUERDO Y OTROS NO .PERO ESA ES LA IDEA ………… PAUL DIOS LO BENDIGA GRANDEMENTE Y BENDIGA A CADA UNO DE NOSOTROS QUE ESTAMOS EN ESTE BLOG
    HILDA
    ¡¡¡ UNA PREGUNTA ¡¡ ¿USTED SABE ESPAÑOL ? ME ENCANTARÍA QUE SI
    YO LO ÚNICO QUE SE DE INGLES SON PALABRAS SUELTAS Y ME DEFIENDO MUY BIEN Y REALMENTE ESTOY APRENDIENDO BASTANTE
    ABRAZOS PARA TODOS

  • By xtexan86, September 30, 2010 @ 8:14 pm

    PMG wrote “Imagine my thoughts written by another who came into the public eye not as an adored character in a t.v. show and not as a celebrity whose travails in life were therefore so visible. Would there be any inkling and resonance of truth in what I share if you didn’t have the preconception of knowing or believing ‘who’ I was?”

    Before I offer my take on this, please allow me to state that prior to finding this blog, the character of “Starsky” and the man “Paul M. Glaser” were perhaps inches away from each other. Now, that distance is more like miles, which is fine because that is how it should be.

    But there’s just a little something that has always nagged at me, and I don’t believe I’ll ever truly understand it because there’s no friggin’ way I can put myself into a celebrity’s shoes. And it isn’t my intention to make PMG feel like he’s in a ‘damned if I do or damned if I don’t’ position.

    But this particular topic concerns my inability to understand why a person, who invested a large chunk of his time/sweat/hard work to make a character come to life, would take the results of that effort and look at it as something of a mixed bag of nuts. To me, either that effort is looked upon fondly, with pride, or it is forgotten and trashed.

    With respect to PMG’s comment quoted above, I’d like to offer this question. Because I am not a celebrity, or someone whose bank account could buy Hollywood connections, then why does that prevent a celebrity from seeing any ‘resonance of truth’ I’d have no trouble sharing if only given the chance? In other words, I don’t seem to see any hesitation from you in granting reporters interviews that involve questions about the TV series or, in an opposite sense, telling Ben Stiller he was nuts after he probably squeeled like a fangirl after getting the movie part.

    Yet somehow, I get the feeling from you PMG, that anyone who can’t completely and totally separate the character from the man, is somehow incapable of either understanding you, or appreciating the fact that a well-known actor can actually possess an interesting thought. I hear you saying you’re no different from anyone else, that you are ‘just like’ me. Maybe in certain contexts, but do you honestly believe that? That you are ‘just like’ us?

    Maybe I’m an outcast in thinking this, but I’d respect you even more, if instead of trying to separate yourself so much from ‘Starsky’, that you’d honestly admit he’s a part of you that can never be ostracized away. And only because of the sacrifice involved in making him ‘real.’ Certainly there are actors out there who have worse connotations permanently attached to them…is having claim to ‘Starsky’ so bad?

    I’ll admit it, I’m a big fan of the show. I certainly was at 16 and, well, you do the math at how old that makes me now. But I DO have a life and there’s certainly other things that make my world go ’round. Yet, for the part of me that stives to make my chosen fandom interesting for the nearly 3 generations of fans it contains, I hate not being able to ask, or have answered, certain questions only a few could answer, or, even worse, being made to feel as if I have some inate inability to separate reality from fantasy.

    All that being said, I’m not denying you your right to treat your past as you wish. You do have the right to privacy as every person does and your decision to share a small, yet very personal part of you on this blog is appreciated by everyone here…even if it might never contain one iota of anything from S&H.

    So, to answer your question, would we even be here, pondering your words, if it weren’t for your celebrity-ness? In all honestly, probably not. Yet I, like others, do strive to learn more about the man, not necessarily the actor who created Starsky. But many here have interesting thoughts on life and have had tragic circumstances invade their lives. But I don’t think any of us have had celebrities, or people we admire from afar, pleading for a chance to connect on a slightly more personal stage…or trying to get over the preconception that we are just nameless, faceless people in a crowd, incapable of ‘separating ourselves from a childhood fantasy’ regarding a TV character. No, we, like you say, are left to ourselves mainly, to discuss our viewpoints/fears/likes and dislikes. Those are the rules, and we here, no doubt, accept them.

    xt

  • By carol4spot, October 1, 2010 @ 2:02 am

    XT, nicely said. I feel he should be proud of that character too. We aren’t idiots here. We certainly know he is really not the character in real life. And,not to disagree but, I do believe he is just like us and I believe he would be interested in our thoughts which is why there’s this blog! xocarol

  • By Frances, October 1, 2010 @ 2:42 am

    Hi xt86 and Carol,
    Well written Posts!!
    While I can understand his post, I have to say that he seems to be overly concerned about our links to our past, while we
    (MY OPINION ONLY!) are at a certain age that Nostalgia is fun and we try to feel younger by reliving the experiences it is only a TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE, and nothing more. I

  • By Frances, October 1, 2010 @ 2:58 am

    have to say that it has been a great bonus to find this blog while reminiscing, and to find a bunch of kind and thoughtful people that have something in common. I hope that I don’t offend anyone here but I just want to say that 99.9% of the time I am on here I am interested in the other posters and their lives, and enjoy Pauls contributions, but enjoy the connection that I have with others and like sharing everyday thoughts and feelings with them and like the idea that maybe they feel the same way, it’s like looking up an old friend from back in the day and finding a whole pack of new friends!, so i just want to thank Pam and Paul for that!

    Take Care.

  • By Christine, October 1, 2010 @ 4:30 am

    Hi Paul, Wow your blog seems to have brought up some interesting opinions doesn’t it?. May I offer my own take on it?. Please this is just a personal opinion folks.
    Going back 33 years, I know this is a long time. I was 12 years old. My mother was a huge Paul fan. Without going into personal details due to a very hard life she ended up having a nervous breakdown. I can remember this down to the smallest detail and I have to say it was heartbreaking to see. Paul made my mam smile. You only had to mention his name and that sparkle hit her eyes. She dreamed and wished to meet him until the day she died which was a mere four years later. The ‘hope’ of meeting Paul however small, unlikely, or impossible considering we live in England, the belief that it could happen kept her spirits up and the relationship between my mam and I for a while reversed roles. I was very protective of her, she was fragile, a wonderful lady whom I still love very much. When Amy and I were lucky enough to meet Paul in Sunderland, I’m sure my mam was right there too. My point is Paul gave her that hope. In my opinion her last few years were made happier because of the adoration she had for him. People cope in life the best way they can. I think we all ‘need’ someone or something to get us through. (Even if at times we would not like to admit it, and appear totally independant of other’s).
    Needless to say, Paul is special to me for a variety of reasons. Put them all together and its a lifetime of ups and downs, happy and sad, but hes ‘there’ in my heart as the one person I can guarantee to make me smile. Is it because hes a celebrity? yes and no. Without his ‘celebrity’ none of us would know who he was. But having said that, Paul would have still been special in my opinion if he had lived down my street as a neighbour or if he had been the local plumber. It all comes from within. I agree that ‘Starsky’ was important. I still love the show and believe me I know the episodes back to front!!.
    I too love this blog. Its a great way to connect with Paul and each other.
    Paul you will always have a special place in my heart, you are a huge part of my happiest memories, and are still now.
    With love as always,
    Christine.xx

  • By Rachelle, October 1, 2010 @ 7:08 am

    Hi Christine thanks so much for the kind thoughts for my friend. I appreciate it and I’ll share them with her…….
    If I can say one thing about ‘Starsky and Hutch’ the acting by both PMG and David Soul was good and for many people to still be watching it and enjoying today is a tribute to that.

    Happy Friday all! YAAY!! Rach :)

  • By hilly, October 1, 2010 @ 12:03 pm

    some very good points…maybe it has something to do with who we were when we first ‘discovered’ this man and his TV identity.
    In 1975 I was a city-bred (capital city and that always has an extra edge) savvy university student. I had already seen and appreciated the acting of a guy called Michael Glaser in 2 movies…then he ‘shot’ (sorry pardon the pun)to fame as a TV cop and I was hooked on the show and OK yes the actor fit the type I dated…BUT I was also fascinated by the man who was definitely not Starsky…the one who referred to yoga and meditation and putting one foot in front of the other to deal with life in interviews with ‘grown up’ magazines….the one the teen/gossip press couldn’t quite handle why couldn’t he just be Starsky and make their lives easier instead of sounding more like ‘Hutch’ sometimes

    I moved on….I moved away and I ‘lost touch’ with his career and the things that happened to him. then one day I saw on the news here in France that ‘Starsky’ had lost a child to AIDS….Actually to me he was Paul Michael Glaser despite the headlines – my mum said when she saw the picture ‘didn’t he used to be Starsky’ (that’s one better than ‘excuse me but didn’t you used to be Paul Michael Glaser?’….it happens to stars believe me! I re-found the man behind the TV cop – the one who told one interview that acting is taking off the famous masks of Greek symbolism – not hiding behind them.
    So what am I rambling on about? I think what I’m trying to say is that if PMG doesn’t want to be identified with one role in his career – OK the one that brought him fame and fortune; but only one of many that he played – that makes sense to me.
    Do any of us want to be identified for one job we did many years ago? Or would we prefer to be seen as the person we are now – with all the baggage we trail from those experiences.

    My point is perhaps, that each of us will perceive Mr Glaser/Starsky in our way because of the way in which we ‘experienced’ Starsky or PMG. Some of us were adults with a different approach to that of a 1à year old. Those who ‘came to’ Starsky through the DVDs – so-called 2nd generation fans – may see the role and the actor in another light. Some have come to this blog because they have seen PMG in the context of his work fighting AIDS; or because of links from other blogs.They may even be ignorant of ‘Starsky’.
    To take PMG’s once controversial phrase and work on it a bit : We (all) create our gods in order to eat them…and we all choose the flavour to suit our tastes and needs. We all interpret PMG/Starsky according to our perception of him/him. To some they are inseparable – to some they are totally unrelated.

    In the end the only thing an actor and his/her most famous role have in common are the body and the voice….and once the role ends the body and the voice continue to be ‘lent’ to new roles. PMG ‘was’ Starsky….now he is Paul Michael Glaser.
    If he prefers not to dwell on that one role it is his prerogative.

  • By hilly, October 1, 2010 @ 12:11 pm

    Rach – your point is excellent; that so many people still watch the DVDs and re-runs is the best tribute to those two actors there can be.

  • By xtexan86, October 1, 2010 @ 1:37 pm

    Just want to clarify a point I brought up in my earlier post.

    I’m not suggesting that PMG’s portrayal of ‘Starsky’ is what defines him as a person, but it IS the role that he will forever be associated with. And as I said, from what I’ve seen of how he refers to that is a mixed bag, which I have trouble understanding. You can certainly embrace the good parts of it, and shy away from the bad, but I don’t feel that gives him, or anyone else, the right to imply that devoted fans aren’t capable of separating the man from the character.

    Many posts on this blog support the fact that it was the TV series that made PMG famous. Of course, there is more to him than just that, but I’d prefer he either separate himself completely from that role (pretty darned impossible), or at least embrace it enough to realize that this is what he will best be known for and not to belittle fans that can’t help but experience a little bit of nostalgia everytime they see or hear about him.

    xt

  • By carol4spot, October 1, 2010 @ 4:34 pm

    Hi Frances, good to see you back! I thought what you said was very nice. It is definitely a good place to come and connect with people. I like everyone here. They are all a bunch of nice people! I think some fate brought us all here. We are privilegded to hear what PMG has to say. He is talking to us. That’s really neat! I think it is great to make friends here. Oneness. Love. Oh, and incase I didn’t tell you before, thanks for sparing the snails! Hahaha. xocarol

  • By Sammy, October 1, 2010 @ 5:28 pm

    Rach… I agree! and hope your friend is feeling better.

    XT.. nice to hear from you- have always loved reading your thouyghts.. and I only have to add to what you have said …

    Nicely said Frances, Carol…

    From my point of view, I found this blog because I was a Starsky fan, Yes!

    But did I join the blog imagining that this is ‘Starsky’ who is writing? No!

    What intrigued me was what you had experienced in life what you had to share.. and how you were sharing it.

    If you were not a ‘celebrity’ we may not have found you : Yes!

    But if you didn’t have anything to offer, do you think we will stick around? NO!!!!!

    So being a celebrity is bad? How could that be bad when that is what enabled you to share what you share..

    I am here today, connecting with other blog friends I found because this provides one thing we search in life: the sense of connection…

    I am here today because your words and thoughts made more sense than any sermon I had listened to as a child or an adult.

    Learning is not one person preaching and the others listening- Learning happens when each participate in the discussion. In a two-way, three-way… a hundred-way participation in discussions.. That is why I stick around and read the blog and comments.. and connect.. and learn.. and share.

    You made it possible..

    Waiting for Christallia…

  • By hilly, October 1, 2010 @ 10:37 pm

    Boy am I glad I don’t have to juggle being a celerity and being ‘just me’….being just me can be challenging enough!

    TBH I respect PMG for the way he has handled it over the years – from the screaming adulation of what Elizabeth called the ‘Starsky birds’ to the prying into his private life that all celebs have to deal with – and especially for the way he and Elizabeth ‘took the wind out of the sails’ of the gutter gossip rag ready to ‘tell their story’. So many have played out their problems in public; actresses barely out of their teens checking in yet again to a ‘facility’….and making damn sure all the world knows it even if the ‘world’ hasn’t the foggiest idea who s/he is (if anyone can enlighten me about who or what Lyndsey Lohan? is I’d be interested; even my oh-so-serious International Herald Tribune reports her latest ‘retreat’.)
    I can see why he would wish to try to establish his identity as his own again….and I can also see why he is still ‘Starsky’ in the eyes of many. It’s an ill wind….

    Sammy said : Learning is not one person preaching and the others listening- Learning happens when each participate in the discussion. In a two-way, three-way… a hundred-way participation in discussions.. That is why I stick around and read the blog and comments.. and connect.. and learn.. and share.
    That,it seems to me, Mr G, is what it is all about here….whether you are ‘famous’ or not’ “it’s the thought that counts”.

    I think I might watch a DVD tonight…Starsky? perhaps; Fiddler ? maybe but actually I prefer you as a bad guy! Tonight I think is Ladies Night!

  • By Frances, October 2, 2010 @ 2:34 am

    Hi Carol,

    Thanks for the kind words.

    Just reading the posts that have come up here over the last couple of days makes me think that if and when Mr Glaser comes back to read our opinions, he will be in no doubt about how we feel, and I just hope that he sees us as adults with adult lives and problems , yes we idolised him (for want of a better word!)when we were kids, but we are older now and are interested in what is happening to him and his career now in 2010. I don’t always agree with or understand his posts, but that’s what this blog is all about(for my part anyway)reading, processing and shearing our thoughts. We liked the caractor he created and that’s what brought us here but in my opinion it has started something a lot more important than remembering a TV Show, it gives us a tiny insight into a persons view of life and how to get through it, and in that kind of abstract way he has gathered together a group of like minded people who would never have “met” other wise and I for one am grateful for that!

    Take Care.

  • By hilly, October 2, 2010 @ 3:28 am

    We liked the caractor he created and that’s what brought us here but in my opinion it has started something a lot more important than remembering a TV Show, it gives us a tiny insight into a persons view of life and how to get through it, and in that kind of abstract way he has gathered together a group of like minded people who would never have “met” other wise and I for one am grateful for that!

    absolutely!

  • By Christine, October 2, 2010 @ 8:43 am

    Hi Paul, Isn’t it interesting how we all try to work out ‘exactly’ your meaning behind the ‘Starsky’ comments?. Speaking from a personal point of view the way I read your comments may differ totally from the next person’s. We are all entitled to own our opinions as are you, but I don’t see the comments you made as negative at all. Rather a kind of accepting that things change constantly, times change, the young 12 year old girl I was who ‘adored’ Starsky, has grown to a 45 year old woman who finds Paul Michael Glaser fascinating.
    You have said you are just like me, (or us) and I do believe that. You have had an extraordinary life, but sometimes I and I guess others forget you are still a normal guy.
    Why is it that as fans we think our celebrities will know what is right, which is the way forward, have all the right answers? and is it fair on the celebrity? I think we all do this to a certain degree. As you mentioned a while ago with your liking for Cary Grant.
    Thanks to you though, because of your modest attitude and dare I say charm, you are the most down to earth ‘celebrity’ (for want of a better word) I have ever met. You see theres another thing, we are always surprised and I must say delighted to find a famous person to be down to earth, having said that there are a lot of celebrities who really need to get in the real world. Sorry, but its true!.
    So, thank you for your comments Paul. Really looking forward to your book. Is it ok if I still reckon you are special? somehow I think hell will freeze over before I change that view of you. :)
    With love as always,
    Christine. xx

  • By Nee, October 3, 2010 @ 3:09 am

    Paul, I just wanted to say thanks for this blog. I understand it as a lesson in how detachment leads to oneness. If I can read/hear of another’s pain or joy without judging/rating it against mine I can find a connection with that person irregardless of their and my stations in life. Practice of this radical concept could lead to things like peace and love – dangerous.

    You forgot to give a title or do you reject being given a title? You won’t get a title from me, but, I do think it’s sweet that you’re your son’s guru.

  • By Christine, October 3, 2010 @ 9:01 am

    Hi Paul, Just been on your website boy I love that new photo!!. At first I thought I had finally lost it when your new and old photo flashed on and off! what can I say its been a long day lol. For those of you wondering what the heck I’m talking about run your mouse over Paul’s photo on his website, if this isn’t happening to you seriously, I’m not a secret drinker lol.
    Happy Sunday! :) xx

  • By carol4spot, October 3, 2010 @ 3:12 pm

    PMG says, “We are all teachers and students. We are all searching. I do not claim that what I share is ‘better’ than anyone else’s lessons in life, nor do I claim to have answers. I have only questions and the ongoing challenge of staying present in my life. Have I accomplished this ‘more’ than others? No. All things are relative. Fear, pain, loss are all relative and as such are as real and potentially devastating in their own context no matter to whom they happen or what they are. What happens to each of us, no matter how traumatic have within their ocurrance the opportunity to further our enlightenment and our experience of love. This is what I understand and what I try to accomplish.”

    This is what really attracts me to PMG and this blog. I never get the feeling that he is ‘stuffy’ and ‘overly’ intellectual. I never feel like he thinks he’s better or a know-it-all. Quite the contrary. In fact, he always seems to tell us that he’s learning ‘with’ us along the way. We teach ‘eachother’. I feel he is accessible(for the most part, sometimes I’m like, “huh?”). He is also real. He admits he’s just like us and wants us to know that. I feel he also ‘wants’ to be ‘a regular guy’ hence, his mixed feelings on the celebrity issue. I am a firm believer that we are all equals. Not one person has more than another when it comes to matters of life and existence and for sure all the money and possesions in the world mean nothing in the ‘end’. If we all ‘connected’ and became ‘one’ gosh, can you imagine what would be learned then? Hi everyone!! xocarol

  • By Frances, October 4, 2010 @ 2:46 am

    Hi Carol,

    “I am a firm believer that we are all equals. Not one person has more than another when it comes to matters of life and existence and for sure all the money and possesions in the world mean nothing in the ‘end’. If we all ‘connected’ and became ‘one’ gosh, can you imagine what would be learned then?”

    Agree wholeheartedly with you Carol, you would think that in the 21st Century we would have evolved a little more as a species and learned to come together and share and save the planet that we are ALL living on!. With all the wars that have savaged our planet over the Centuries and all the scientific advances that have been made, why are we not in better shape as a planet???
    Maybe we’re just not as smart as we think we are!!

    Sorry for “shearing” my Morning rant, maybe a few breathing calming exercises are called for,

    learning everyday!!.

    As Always everyone,

    Take Care.

  • By Frances, October 4, 2010 @ 3:45 am

    Sorry for my terrible spelling!! hahaha

  • By Jesi, October 4, 2010 @ 10:56 am

    Mr. G -

    My, oh my, what you started. And a double-edged sword indeed! I always thought it not only a bit strange but oddly, selfish, that many (not all) who succeed in a career which depends on that “fan/adoration” thing ultimately find that “celebrity status” annoying – to say the least.

    But for the “smart-minded” famous, quite a few use that celebrity to good purpose other than just career moves. But it can make it very tough to live in the “now”.

    We are all the sum of what came before us and in many repects, that affects the road ahead of us.
    Obviously, by comments posted here, “Starsky” touched something in a lot of people. Could “he” have done that without you (PMG) bringing something of yourself to that character? It is my opinion that would not be possible. Are you the same as “Starsky”? No. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I can see the character responding to some of the questions you pose by saying, “Unh?”

    Your celebrity offers a door to open a channel of communication, but – like anyone else – you can only hold an “audience” if what your are saying is intelligent and touches people on some level. I believe that most of those that post here know/understand the difference between the man and the work.

    As for creating gods to eat them? Maybe we do. And I find that okay. Maybe it is because we have not yet found the path to that part of us that makes us special. That part of us that we want to be immortal, somehow.

    We can only guide our own lives and help others when we can. You, PMG, are a thought provoking man. And that, in itself, is a gift. You have your own life to live. Thank you for taking time to share parts of it here.

    Be well.

    Jesi

  • By sknash, October 5, 2010 @ 1:31 pm

    Thank you Paul for your post. As always, I am grateful for any insight and you make me stop and think. I know this is your sight and I know many of us grew to love you from Starsky and many of us moved on to love your post work, your directing, your producing, starring in other roles. Now a new direction, writing. Still looking forward to it all. But since many of us still care for Starsky and Hutch and I for one just love the friendship and bond the two characters had on film and off camera, and believe me, if that bond was not real, it would have never come thru on screen. A long, lasting friendship that many of us have, have had. I don’t know if this link will stay, but if you would like, visit this site and see this beautiful video made as a tribute to two guys, friends thru it all. Enjoy!! http://www.hutchandstarsky.com/movies/fanvids/S&H-ThruTheTrees-50.mp4

  • By sknash, October 5, 2010 @ 1:33 pm

    Ooops, I forgot, and again, thanks for being the light in my life and many of our lives!! Blessings

  • By carol4spot, October 5, 2010 @ 3:04 pm

    Hi Frances, “Maybe we’re just not as smart as we think we are!!”

    I think when people realize that smart isn’t that Degree and aquisition of material possessions, smart is living in the now, connecting and becoming one with everything, loving everyone and everything.. Those things make you ‘really’ smart.

    By the way, this time of year has squirrels scurrying around like maniacs getting nuts out of the road and alot of them meet their maker but when I’m on patrol for my hour they shall be safe! Hi everyone! xocarol
    Hi Jesi, good to see you back and nicely said!

  • By hilly, October 6, 2010 @ 11:06 am

    smart is knowing how to use what you know to use it how you want to to get what you need and to use it as you need to get it right for yourself and for those around you

    Carol…i ran over a squirrel yesterday. Poor little thing ran across the road and doubled back just at the wrong moment. I stopped the car and cried for a while. Another driver pulled up and asked me why I was crying and when I told him he went back and checked…he figured it died instantly but that doesn’t make it any easier to come to terms with.
    I felt fragile all afternoon – my clients must have wondered what was wrong.

  • By carol4spot, October 6, 2010 @ 3:52 pm

    Hi Hilly, I am so sorry about your squirrel accident. It stinks, ya know? I’ve done it. They are just such uncertain little creatures as to which way to go. It’s not your fault. I know you will probably stew about it for a while, that’s normal but don’t let it get you too down. I’ve encountered some hairy moments on my runs for animals. Squirrels seem to be the most unlucky of them all. Sorry you felt fragile today. Regroup and reenergize! You are forgiven from the powers that be! Whoever they are! Really. It’s sad but you will bounce back !xocarol

  • By eggnoggon, October 6, 2010 @ 3:58 pm

    How aligned it all seems as the crown of celebrity tetters upon the head of one as the bowl of the beggar falters in the hands of another. And how thankful not to be a highway squirrel.

  • By PamT, October 7, 2010 @ 9:19 am

    Hello Paul

    “Imagine my thoughts written by another who came into the public eye not as an adored character in a t.v. show and not as a celebrity whose travails in life were therefore so visible. Would there be any inkling and resonance of truth in what I share if you didn’t have the preconception of knowing or believing ‘who’ I was? Perhaps this is an unrealistic expectation, celebrity by it’s very nature cuts both ways.”

    It’s a valid question. And regardless of our position or status in life, I don’t think many of us would want our views, beliefs or personal philosophies to be either automatically venerated or, equally, dismissed on the basis of who people presume us to be (much as we want to be loved for the reality of the fallible human beings we all are as individuals). My immediate reaction is a simple ‘yes’, but of course I would say that, wouldn’t I? If I may, I’ll elaborate – partially because to me the question deserves the most honest answer I’m able to muster, but also because I think the process of doing so may help me find a deeper level of awareness along the way.

    Firstly, I’ll nail my colours to the mast and confess that I’m not a life-long fan. A few years ago, I happened to catch a re-run of S&H and experienced nostalgia for safer and less painful times. I was curious as to what its stars had gone on to do (I’d spent much of the late 80s/90s living overseas and had been cocooned away from the media) and was also actively seeking distraction from an intense period of family crisis. That is how I came across your website and discovered your ‘story’. So, it was curiosity for sure, but was it morbid? As best as I can recollect, no, but retrospection can be deceptive by its very nature.

    Anyway, I found myself gravitating towards your speeches and interviews and some of your words did strike a resounding chord with me. In all honesty, initially it was probably little more than trying to develop a focus on the present (rather than continually mentally re-visiting the trauma of past events); a resolve not to wear the mantle of victim; a little self-compassion/forgiveness for, amongst other things, not being able to save those I loved or relieve them of suffering in the manner of their passing, together with a vague instinctive awareness that I might be missing out on a big ‘something else’. It didn’t serve as an instantaneous panacea, but it was a chink of light and that was enough at the time.

    Would I have experienced the same reaction had those words been written by someone else? That’s an extremely difficult call to make. My perception was that here was someone who had well and truly been through the mill and had not only come out the other side, but whose life experiences had apparently triggered the finding of something of great worth. Furthermore, I thought I detected an intrinsic integrity and a propensity to communicate what you genuinely thought and felt, even if that didn’t necessarily match up to what people wanted to hear. So, if at that particular time I had chanced across someone else who ticked those boxes, it’s possible that I would have reacted similarly although, of course, this can only ever be pure conjecture.

    Fast forward and some time, some events and some circumstances later, the truth began to dawn on me that I’d somehow also become rather ‘star-struck’. It was if it had snuck up on me when I wasn’t looking (and how’s that for an absence of awareness?). Absolutely no offence to those who experience this differently, but personally I felt somewhat disconcerted and more than a little uncomfortable with this turn of events. Nevertheless, much as I might shy away from the label, to all intents and purposes I had become a fan and I had also unwittingly created my ‘god’. I rationalized that I wasn’t doing anyone any harm; that it formed just a tiny part of a relatively full life and I continued on my way.

    Yet more time passed and another event triggered the flooding in of another realization. Valuable insights you may have (and I still believe this to be the case), but you are mortal, complete with everything that makes us all human. Of course, I’d ‘known’ this all along with my head, but still …. I then wondered what it must be like to have a constant parade of people wanting a piece of you (reminds me of Hungry Ghosts for some reason). I thought about how I liked to give, but how I felt when the giving became expected as a matter of course and perhaps sometimes even demanded. I considered it a valuable lesson and loosened my grasp considerably.

    And that’s more or less the place I was in when I came to this blog. I was delighted when its nature became clear to me, because I remained convinced that you had much of value to share, but, much as I may like to deny it, there may also still have been a lingering element of ‘Ooh! An opportunity to communicate with the man himself!’ I was already familiar with some of your thoughts from having dipped the tip of my toe into the waters of Buddhism. Other of your insights were entirely new to me and something of a revelation. Many did resonate, a few didn’t and a few still confuse. I’ve always tried to be honest about this. Partially on my own behalf, because I want to nurture my human gift of consciousness, but also because I feel that if someone has gone out on a limb in a spirit of generosity to try and pass on what they have learned, the very least they deserve is a genuine (and relevant) reaction.

    In truth, I have to own up to having developed the notion that your degree of insight might indeed have provided answers when it comes to that core fear. When looking for answers, I think we humans certainly have a propensity to be attracted towards those we think might have it sussed, hoping that a little of the perceived ‘magic’ will rub off (I wonder whether we’ve really changed that much from the days when long pilgrimages were made in order to touch holy relics). I accept that such insights can serve only to offer us the impetus to find our own awareness, discover our own insights and perhaps re-connect with something which has been there all along. To piggy-back your analogy, whilst we might find many different teachers who’ll help us by cleaning some of the grime off the outside of our window, the light won’t truly permeate until we apply ourselves to our own side of the glass. On both counts, I feel I have gained a significant amount from this blog and for this I am grateful to you (and to Pam for encouraging you to have embarked on what has been, considering all the dynamics at play, a courageous and unique undertaking). And I continue to pursue awareness of all my attachments and look with curiosity at how strong or weak my grip upon them may be at any particular time.

    So, such are this human being’s inevitably long-winded, but sincere, reflections concerning the journey of how a simple (or not so simple) ‘yes’ was reached. They’ve revealed some things to me, but I hope I haven’t bored you, and everyone else, to tears in the process.

    Wishing you health, peace and contentment.

    PamT

  • By Frances, October 8, 2010 @ 2:54 am

    Hi Carol,

    of course you are so right,

    and I have to say that when I posted last time I was not in a good place, and it was a kind of out of body experience, I was tapping away on the keys and I didn’t really know what I had written until It was too late!, but thankfully I have this Blog, and reading the wise words of everyone involved, I have been gently brought back!, but it’s difficult walking the “Middle Ground” when life bites you on the rear. I can’t help picturing you out on your runs and keeping your eyes peeled for any animals hurt or in any kind of distress. This might be a silly question but have the wild animals in you Neighbourhood got to know you and your routine, or is it just whatever situation you see you lend a hand? It’s so cool to have this little island to wash up on when the world outside batters us about.

    Hi to Pam M (Hope you are well on the road to recovery,)
    and Christine and everyone else,
    Have a great weekend !

    As always
    Take Care.

  • By Christine, October 9, 2010 @ 3:35 pm

    Hi Frances, Wishing you a good weekend too. I hope you are feeling better. Life has a way of throwing things at us, on the plus side sometimes things have a way of making us stronger. Take care.
    Christine.

  • By Jesi, October 11, 2010 @ 7:19 am

    Mr. G:

    I asked you that question for the following reasons: (1) I find that people keep searching for answers because the “answers” they find are not the ones they want and/or (2) They have not clarified, to themselves, the actual question they need an answer to.

    Oddly, it was a line from a “M.A.S.H.” episode that not only startled me but, even today, affects me in a very profound way.

    A shell-shocked soldier was being interviewed by a recurring character, visting psychiatrist “Sydney” something-or-other. The patient believed he was Jesus. Sydney asked him if God answers all prayers. The soldier replied, softly, “Yes…..sometimes the answer is no.”

    My life has, like many others, not been what I wanted, expected, or even hoped for. There have been moments of overwhelming sadness and such great joy. In my original post, I said I preferred to live in a state of “disconnection” because it was a simple way to survive each day.
    It still is.

    But there are always those underlying feelings that I address, via the safety of anonymity of the keyboard. Those who post here have become an “extended family” of sorts. We all seem to struggle with our issues and, solve them or not, we come out the other side.

    I stopped seeking “truths” a long time ago. I stopped looking for peace because it was too tiring. I do not search for happiness because every “failure” became too disappointing. And as far as love/acceptance – I touched it once and conside myself lucky because of those I know who have never come close.

    I find your comments Mr. G (and others) insightful, inspiring, challenging, and at times humorous. Coming here to read everyone, and you
    Mr. G (when you can post) is spiritually reaffirmning. Thanks to all.
    J

  • By carol4spot, October 12, 2010 @ 3:12 pm

    PamT, “To piggy-back your analogy, whilst we might find many different teachers who’ll help us by cleaning some of the grime off the outside of our window, the light won’t truly permeate until we apply ourselves to our own side of the glass.”

    True, our side of the glass could be pretty hard to see through. Once we clean our side though, then we start to truly see. Nice post Pam.

    Hilly, are you ok? I was thinking of you all day. Trying to send you good vibes to heal your injured spirit! Hope you are feeling better…xocarol

    Frances, Hi! to answer your question, I do have some ‘regulars’ on my route. It is between 5 and 6 miles so it’s quite a big area. Some deer seem to recognize me, or so I think! I kind of figure if they don’t high-tail it then they know me and aren’t afraid!..The dogs on my route definitely know me. As far as the little ones are concerned, like chipmunks, squirrels and the like, I don’t think they know me but I am definitely there to protect them!

  • By hilly, October 12, 2010 @ 10:44 pm

    Hi Carol – so that’s where the itchy feeling was coming from ;)
    I’m OK just a little bowed under by life…I run on solar power and although our weather is still great here the nights are ‘drawing in’ and I get a little low.

  • By Christine, October 13, 2010 @ 6:11 am

    Hi, Its that time of year again isn’t it?. The nights are cutting in here too, and its getting colder. Nice to just snuggle up with a good book or dvd and a cuppa lol.
    Boy, I have an exciting life eh? Having said that I was never one to go out clubbing, I’d sooner watch the ‘soaps’ on tv. Which brings me to my other point here. We talk about how others deal with fear, pain, and loss. Most of our English storylines are based on loss right now. Every year it seems that to get the viewing figures up they have one of the most loved characters written out!.
    I’ve spent the last week in tears over three different soaps. This is entertainment? The curious thing about this is we watch all these programmes/films cry all the way through them then say ‘that was good’. Why do we do that? its interesting to me how a good weepie attracts so many viewers. These actors have a lot to answer for…lol.
    So just out of interest I would like to know if actors cry at films? or is it different watching a film being an actor?
    My problem is I always end up in tears, terrible isn’t it? me emotional?……..just a bit.
    Take care,
    Christine xx

  • By Marie, October 13, 2010 @ 6:49 am

    Fáilte

    My thought is this. A human being called Marie happened to be touched enough, to share her thoughts, by the thoughts expressed in the writings of a fellow journeying human being called Paul. This, is how I see you.

    I hope that you find what you are searching for and if you do not then, at the very least, I hope that you enjoy the journey with all the positives, negatives and hues in between. This latest piece is both thought provoking, challenging and illuminating. There is so much that one could share or debate particularly on transition of consciousness and existence but I am only too aware that it has to be safe for both the sharer and the recipients. Especially as there may be others reading this who bear the wounds of bereavement/ grief which, although not visible, might be only thinly veiled in healing. Personally, what springs to my mind is “Cogito ergo sum” (Descartes) – and given what I have experienced, I am grateful for this! Thank you.

    As to attachment, there is an Irish saying (so I was told) I learned from my Gran:

    “If you love something, set it free

    If it comes back it will always be yours

    If it doesn’t come back

    it was never yours to begin with.”

    Dear Sarah L, Terri, Hilly, Pam T, Sammy and Carol

    For my part, evoking a reaction/ response in others is completely unexpected. In truth, I am surprised by my “self”; I am by nature a very private person. I never before have felt so compelled to share, of myself, in such a way and did not expect to again – but now your comments deserve a response.

    I want to thank each one of you for sharing the generosity of your heart – I am truly touched and humbled. My head conveys my thoughts and feelings in English but in joy, my true heart speaks in Irish. My heart simply wants to say: Go raibh maith agat agus beannacht.

    Bheith ag an duine eile, is mian liom tú síocháin, grá agus nascacht.

    Slán agat

    Marie (Maith dom mo chuid Gaeilge bhriste!)

  • By hilly, October 13, 2010 @ 10:58 am

    I want to thank {each one of} you for sharing the generosity of your heart – I am truly touched and humbled.

    Marie I can’t speak for the others but as far as I’m concerned the feeling is mutual….I am touched by your trust in telling us what you did – and humbled by your wisdom.

  • By Jesi, October 13, 2010 @ 11:04 am

    To Christine -

    We should do lunch:) I am a weeper. And I have learned to pick and choose not only my battles, but my entertainment….
    I refused to pay money to see Costner’s “The Guardian”. There are too many real-life heroes that give the ultimate for others, so I will not pay to watch it. I got really P.O.’d when they killed off “Hooch” in Turner & Hooch. And “good-byes” do me in. When Bruce Willis says good-bye to Liv Tyler in Armaggedon, my vision blurs but the worst is when Eliot & E.T. take leave of each other.
    And being a horse person – Secretariat got my money this past weekend. He was…well…if one has ever had a relationship with a horse I will quote Bobby Kennedy and paraphrase: “For those who understand, no explanation is necessary – for those who don’t, no explanation is possible.”

    Nothing wrong with being emotional.
    J

  • By carol4spot, October 13, 2010 @ 1:16 pm

    Hilly, I’m glad you’re doing better. I have to admit I was kinda worried about you. Remember that you have people that care right here! Love is all around us. We just need to clean our window..

    Marie, I had to google translate some of your post and what I learned was what you said was really nice! Connectedness is like the most important part of life. Joining together and spreading love. I think knowing we are all one is very comforting even in troubled times.We are in this together! xocarol

  • By Christine, October 13, 2010 @ 1:39 pm

    Hi Jesi, Glad to hear I’m not the only one lol.

    Just to get serious here for a moment how wonderful is it that those brave miners from Chile are being brought up to safety? Just watched the news, and I have to say their ‘Faith’ was amazing. Thank goodness their families can start to pick up their lives again.
    Here’s praying they are all brought up safely. It kind of reminds us to keep things in perspective huh? .
    Christine.

  • By hilly, October 13, 2010 @ 10:48 pm

    their faith was amazing but am I alone in finding it somewhat insulting to those who found a way to rescue them to hear people thankking ‘god’ for doing it – after all did they blame him/her/it for the tunnel collapse that trapped them there?
    Faith is great (it can move mountains, they say)but it was faith in their abilities that drove the rescuers to find the way out…not religion.

    So where does that leave the concept of ‘faith’ that we have rolled around here so often before?

  • By Christine, October 14, 2010 @ 1:55 am

    Hi Hilly, I think to each his own. We all believe in different things. I understand your point on the matter. Its whatever gets a person through a day that matters, just in my opinion. The question of ‘Faith’ always brings up differing opinions. They reckon one should never discuss religion/politics as the very topic can cause friction between one another.
    Anyway, hope all is going well for you Hilly.
    Take care,
    Christine.

  • By hilly, October 14, 2010 @ 3:43 am

    I don’t dispute the idea that faith can give people hope but I find it insulting to those who actually did the job are in some way set aside to credit ‘god’ with what happened. Of course, if those who achieve the results share the religious beliefs of those who ‘thank god’ then it is OK – but what if they don’t?
    Example: someone I know online once thanked (her) god for the fact that a friend had benefited from good medical research and treatment. When I pointed out that it wasn’t god who did the research so it seemed insulting to those who had to ‘thank god’ she came back with ‘ah but god guided them to their results’…I found that presumptious; 1) it assumes that there is a god pulling all our strings and that we are incapable of doing anything without him/her. 2) it assumes that those researchers believe in that god…

    Maybe there is a god who is influencing our every move…if there is how do those of you who believe explain my attitude? I don’t believe in a divine puppeteer…so who is pulling my strings? or is anyone pulling my strings?
    there is a dichotomy in the ‘thank god’ philosophy…if you accept predestination then you have your cop out clause…but if you believe in free will you contradict the ‘god guides’ idea.

    Just a thought – one I’ve been thinking for many many years.

  • By Jesi, October 14, 2010 @ 6:29 am

    Hilly -

    I remember Carl Sagan once said, when he was asked if he believed in God, “To believe the universe unfolded without a plan would be to believe that one tossed out 80 million single letters and came up with Webster’s dictionary.”
    I can not swear that is a direct quote, but pretty close.

    I believe in God and although I do not attend “services” on any regular basis by any stretch of the imagination, I was baptized when I was 12 (some…years ago) and consider myself Christian. As such, I also do not consider the concept of the “Big Bang” theory and evolution irreconcilable with God. What a miracle to come from what was before.

    And I believe that “free will” applies to all. There is no such thing as predestination. You are right, if there was, what would be the point of getting out of bed. I think that people who rely on the “it was meant to be” theory, do so because it supplies an answer to an unanswerable question – Why? And by human nature, we seem to need to understand the “whys” to get past some events we feel are unexplainable and/or unfair.

    As for the Bible, consider this:
    If you were Einstein and a 3-year old asked you why the sky was blue…what made the clouds white…what made rain…and you answered with scientific facts – the child would have no answers. You would probably try to explain things in a way a child would understand and accept. My opinion, that is the case with the Bible…parables told to explain the “why” to questions of the time to “children” who had questions, many pertaining even to today.

    Two hundred years ago if you spoke of cameras, flying machines, telescopes that could see past the stars you could see in the sky with your eyes – you would have been burned at the stake.
    (Now Hilly, I know you are going to say “burned by people who believed in God” – and I would say that fear can pervert/subvert people but not the “truth” of the faith – but that could be a whole discussion in itself). The point is, knowledge increases, people grow, things change.
    But the belief in a supreme being, whatever its concept, has been with humanity from the beginning.

    I believe in God. As a “believer” it is my opinion that a set of rules has been put into play. But the game is our to play on our own. We are ultimately responsible for our choices, whether we succeed or not, and as a Christian, I believe that we will be held accountable for those choices. I do not believe in a God that is all loving/forgiving. Being of the faith that I am, the loving/forgiving part comes about through the life of a carpenter. His story is told basically through the first four books of the new testatment through events that are mentioned in other works.

    I do not pretend to be a theologist, any kind of scholar, nor a faith-flag-waving representative of any belief. Which is not to say that I/we can not be enlightened by other faiths. But the great thing about this country, and in what I believe, is that we are free to choose and not be subject to others.

    We watch the weather forecast to make plans for the weekend, we plan vacations for next year, we put the key in the ignition every morning – somewhere, everyday, we all experience some sort of “faith” of what we expect to happen, will happen.

    As for the miners, or those going through any type of disaster/misfortune – for whatever reason or by any means – I believe that we are all “touched” by God with some sort of gift. It is the courage that takes some into a burning building, or placing themselves in the line of fire to protect others. It is an insatiable thirst for knowledge of why genetics do what they do that create the questions whose answers create cures. It is the capacity to care for people above and beyond. I believe everyone has been endowed with a gift. Sometimes it takes people a lifetime to find it, some never bother to look for it because it may not be easy, and there are always those who will abuse. But I believe that some element of “God” is represented in what some call “the best of us”.

    Does God actually intervene in daily events? Not per se. But it is my opinion that if “He” has influenced by faith, the hope, strength, courage of those involved in events that require those traits – then “He” is present indirectly. And when people “thank God” – I believe they know who did the actual work, whatever that work is.

    I believe. And I think no less of those who do not, (as long as they do no harm to anyone else).
    We all find our own paths. As I said in a previous post – whether we find answers or not -
    it is how we handle the questions that is important.

    Someday – we’ll do lunch. :>
    J

  • By hilly, October 14, 2010 @ 11:02 am

    aha Jesi – we need to do lunch and dinner!
    your last paragraph is the most important IMO

    should we swap e-mails (or do I already know you? :) )

  • By carol4spot, October 14, 2010 @ 4:30 pm

    Hi everyone! Boy, the ‘god’ issue. It typically creates turbulance in a good flow. I am certainly not offended by the thought of god. I have met plenty of wonderful, loving, spiritual beings who believe in god. Each religion has beautiful things in it and a few bad. For those who have complete faith that their fate is in the hands of god, so be it. They’re not hurting anyone in their beliefs. If you want to talk of the media issue pointing that out, that’s another story. Since the beginning of time, humans have seeked the unknown, the higher power. It’s nothing new. I believe, when involved in a life or death situation, the hero is ‘open’ to allowing whatever higher power, higher energy, to take over. Call it god, call it whatever. It’s like when something pushes you to that state of fearlessness, that is when you are truly in the ‘present’ and are able to take in the energy that is always there for us to tap into but our fears normally prevent us from absorbing. Hey, I’m no scholar it’s just my point of view. Everyone has their own opinions on god and religion. I don’t have a problem with what other people believe in, I just know what I believe in and noone can change that. Nor would I change anyone else’s beliefs. I believe in love all the way no matter what..love is my ‘god’, my higher power, my energy source.
    Christine, I’m with you. I believe prayer creates positive vibes in the world, especially when it’s millions praying. It doesn’t have to be labled by a religion. To me, sending good vibes and prayer are one in the same.
    Jesi, nicely said. I agreed with you on everything.
    Frances, where are you? Hope you are well….
    xocarol

  • By hilly, October 14, 2010 @ 10:44 pm

    “(my) energy source”…that’s the phrase my brain was wandering around trying to find last night! a ‘god’ is within us all, it is how we use it to drive us that counts

  • By Frances, October 15, 2010 @ 12:59 am

    Hi Carol,

    You paint a lovely picture, and bet the animals are so glad to have you around!!. I am fine by the way,
    as always,
    Take care.

  • By Christine, October 15, 2010 @ 3:13 am

    Hi Carol, You have a great way of putting things. I have to agree with you on sending good vibes/prayers to people. Its the positive outcome that is important. I’m sure during hard times friends sending positive vibes helps a lot.
    I have been reading up on Buddhism and find a lot of what they believe rings true with me. They do (and please someone correct me if I am wrong here) a loving kindness meditation where they send thoughts/vibes to people they know which also includes someone they may not be getting along with.
    Who’s to say that by sending those vibes someone truly benefits from that?. It would be a much better world in my opinion if we all thought more about others.
    We all have our own beliefs. What is helpful and insightful to one person may not work for another. I think we need to respect one anothers viewpoints and religions. As long as one person doesn’t hurt another in the process.
    Love is the important thing here. At the end of the day it all comes back to that.
    Best wishes,
    Christine xx

  • By Frances, October 16, 2010 @ 2:34 am

    Hi Ladies!

    “Christine, I’m with you. I believe prayer creates positive vibes in the world, especially when it’s millions praying. It doesn’t have to be labled by a religion. To me, sending good vibes and prayer are one in the same.”

    Carol,

    That’s true, in my own belief system “God” is the good we have inside us, as plain and as simple as that really, just my thought, that’s all!!.

    Christine,
    I agree with you about this time of year,
    perfect after a busy day to settle down with a good book and a glass of wine and maybe light a couple of scented candles. I love this time of year because it’s the year drawing to a close and we are reminded that another year is almost gone,(for some people that is as depressing as it can get!),but for me it is the eternal sign that it’s never too late to change, no matter what is going on in our lives, bring on all the fallen leaves to crunch through!!.

    Never worry about crying, it’s the best way to relieve tension or stress, and you wouldn’t do it if you didn’t need too, and I bet you feel so much better after a good whale, I know I do !

    Hi all,
    Have a great weekend and get out there and have a walk in the Autumn sun, or run in Carol’s case!.
    have a good weekend,

    and Take Care.

  • By Christine, October 17, 2010 @ 3:37 am

    Hi Frances, Thanks, and I do agree a good cry gets rid of so much tension………..by the way I do at least ‘try’ to be a more positive person I’m not an emotional wreck yet!! LOL.
    Its a beautiful Autumn day here in England, hope its good where ever you are too!.
    Have a great Sunday everyone.
    Thinking of you Paul, hope all is well. :) xx
    Take care,
    Christine.

  • By hilly, October 17, 2010 @ 6:11 am

    I read this somewhere a long time ago…

    “crying washes the eyes and gives the soul a clear view of the world.”

  • By Christine, October 17, 2010 @ 7:06 am

    Hi Hilly, What an interesting way of looking at it!. We are taught as children, that its fine to show positive emotions such as joy, happiness etc but when it comes down to what is classed as the ‘negative’ emotions we are taught to hide them, put a lid on those feelings until they go away. I find the only problem with not facing your feelings etc is that they eventually come out in various ways which can be so destructive as in anger/bitterness.
    That’s not to say that most of the time we tend to keep our emotions under control and/or in private but just personally speaking I feel the more one runs away from all the stuff that we really don’t want to think about; the more it comes back to haunt us.
    So its almost like a mental tidy up. Try to face it, deal with it and store it for future reference. If only I was good enough to achieve it all lol.
    Take care,
    Christine.

  • By hilly, October 17, 2010 @ 10:57 am

    I wish I could too…sometimes I get there but right now I’m in the midst of one of my helpless rages against a trap that I see no way out of no matter how much ‘the windows’ are washed my soul can see no way out

  • By Josie, October 17, 2010 @ 1:07 pm

    I agree Hilly…

    “I can’t speak for the others but as far as I’m concerned the feeling is mutual….I am touched by your trust in telling us what you did – and humbled by your wisdom”.

    You can speak for me, too.
    Thanks Marie for sharing.

    You were very important to me when I was child, because you interpreted very well a character called Starsky and many another things, how history, partners…Today you are important because I know the man called Paul is a human being lovely and Always I come here I have all positives aspects.

    It’s exactly what I wish. How told Marie…”I hope that you find what you are searching for and if you do not then, at the very least, I hope that you enjoy the journey with all the positives, negatives and hues in between”.

    Sorry, Marie for use her words, but they are perfect. I don’t speak english very well.

    All my best to everyone.

    Josie xx

  • By Christine, October 17, 2010 @ 1:40 pm

    Hi Hilly, Sounds like you’re having a rough time. Please e-mail me if you would like to talk anytime. No prying intended just a friendly ear if needed.
    Take care,
    Christine. xx

  • By carol4spot, October 17, 2010 @ 3:37 pm

    Hilly, my gosh, please try to take a step back. You are a very special human being and people care about you. I may be thousands of miles away but I am here to be your friend in this journey of life. We are all in this together. I think you can find my email in the guestbook or my profile here and please, by all means, feel free to email me anytime. Please, I may not know you personally but I really care about you. xocarol

  • By hilly, October 17, 2010 @ 10:45 pm

    Carol; Christine…thanks girls. Don’t worry I’m just going through my usual daylight withdrawal symptoms (anything less than 16hours sunshine and I go into a downward spiral for a week or two.)

  • By Frances, October 18, 2010 @ 4:10 am

    “crying washes the eyes and gives the soul a clear view of the world.”

    Hilly,
    Beautiful words, and very apt for me at the are moment!,hope you are feeling better.

    Christine,
    Loved your description of a “Mental tidy up”
    and know from your posts here that you are a kind thoughtful person, and hope you were not offended by failed attempt at humour!.

    positive thoughts to all and,
    Take Care.

  • By fee, October 18, 2010 @ 5:09 am

    Hilly dear, I have emailed you as you know I am here for you at any time.

    Marie, Slainte. You have a really beautiful outlook and philosphy on life and thank you so much for sharing with us. I also feel humbled by your wisdom.
    PS Gaelic is such a beautiful language isn’t it and I didn’t realise that there was so much difference between the Irish and the Scots Gaelic as I could only find a few words similar in my Scots Gaelic Dictionary. You are so lucky having the Gaelic. Being a Lowlander we weren’t taught it in school back then.

    Paul, here are my thoughts on what you have shared with us this time around. Yes, I came here originally because I was told about the blog BUT I return here because of the fascinating mind behind the actor’s mask! What you have shared with us has helped a lot of us to look at life in a different way and helped us to explore new philosophies etc. In other words you have helped to stretch a lot of minds, mine included.
    We understand that you come here when you have something that you want to share and when you have the time to do so. After all it is YOUR blog!
    If I want the actor I can watch one of your films though I must admit I am more drawn these days to the La Sierra Forum/Lectures that you did. As I was in my twenties when S&H aired I came to it from an adult perspective. Yes, I enjoyed the series immensely and like a lot of other women at the time drooled over the lead actors. BUT afterwards, life moved on. I migrated to the opposite ends of the earth, married and had children so was completely immersed in my family. When the film came out I re discovered the show, bought the DVD’s, had a lovely trip down memory lane and a good laugh at the fashions back then!!! Did we really wear some of those clothes!!! Life was certainly simpler and more innocent back in the 70′s.
    I also discovered the computer, which up till then I had avoided like the plague, then discovered your website. Reading what you had gone through and how you had dealt with what life had thrown at you really impressed me so I became more interested in you as a humanitarian and fellow human being rather than as a celebrity.
    This blog has brought a lot of fellow human beings together all travelling the same road. Some of us posting here have health issues, some serious and the computer is their main line to the outside world so to speak. I think it is really great that we can all share our hopes and fears here so thank you Paul, for giving us the opportunity to do so.

    Ladies! You are all lovely caring ladies even if we have our occasional differences of opinions. Life would certainly be very boring if we were all the same!!!

    Paul, I do so hope that you find what you are searching for and that you find inner peace and happiness.

    From one human being travelling along life’s sometimes bumpy road to another,
    Peace and hugs,
    Fee

  • By Christine, October 18, 2010 @ 7:30 am

    Hi Frances, I just wrote an answer to you, hit the wrong key and it vanished, heres hoping this doesn’t appear twice lol. I love a sense of humour Frances, its one of the most important things to keep hold of in my opinion. Thank you for your kind words. One of the nicest things about this blog is ‘meeting’ or talking to some really lovely people. Hope all is going well for you. Take care. xx

    Hi Fee,
    This blog has brought a lot of fellow human beings together all travelling the same road. Some of us posting here have health issues, some serious and the computer is their main line to the outside world so to speak. I think it is really great that we can all share our hopes and fears here so thank you Paul, for giving us the opportunity to do so.
    Your thoughts are so right on this one Fee. This is a real life line. Take good care xx

    Hi Hilly, I hope today is a better day for you. Just try to remember that there are people who care, even if at times we think we are all alone with our problems. :)

  • By Jesi, October 18, 2010 @ 11:25 am

    Hilly -
    I don’t believe we’ve ever met and would share my email address but I probably check that less than this blog. Maybe Pam M. should create a “You too?” section to this blog, just to rant about life. A burden shared……
    I hope this post finds you in a better frame of mind, it is amazing how a lack of daylight can make everything gloomy.

    Carol -
    By the by, I truly think the wildlife in your area stop by your place at night and say “thank you, thank you, thank you”. If I was a squirrel I would definitely want to live near you.

    Christine -
    I know what you mean about the mental tidy ups.
    I just wish I didn’t feel the need for constant cleaning. lol

    All you guys are great…touching base here helps keep me sane.

    J

  • By hilly, October 18, 2010 @ 10:31 pm

    good idea Jesi…and I echo the sanity acknowledgment too

  • By Frances, October 19, 2010 @ 1:02 am

    To Everyone,
    Read this in a book recently and just thought of the people here!

    “Kindness is the rent we pay for our space on earth”

  • By hilly, October 20, 2010 @ 11:05 am

    total non sequiter but…seeing Hook flash by when I glide my mouse over the home page is just the cheer up I need right now – such great memories, meeting so many friends and amazing the little kids sitting alongside us with our audience participation..

  • By pilar, October 21, 2010 @ 9:09 am

    Hola Paul

    Te escribo desde Barcelona (España), te conocí como actor a mis 16 años por tu papel de Starsky, y en aquella época debido a mi edad sólo descubrí al personaje encantador de Dave. Hoy admiro y valoro tu trabajo de actor y de director a lo largo del tiempo, pero sería iluso obviar que esa circunstancia es la causa por la que esté aquí, escribiéndote en tu blog. Sin embargo, también estoy descubriendo el alma y pensamientos de una persona, que se desnuda ante todos nosotros, donde no existen máscaras ni atrezzos, y eso para mi es un auténtico acto de valentía.

    Todos al escribir dejamos parte de lo que somos en nuestros escritos, muchas veces es una terapia para deshacernos de nuestros miedos y frustraciones, una válvula de escape, o al menos para mi lo ha sido y eso me ha ayudado a conocerme mejor.

    Afrontar las adversidades de la vida no es nada fácil, sobre todo si son pérdidas irreparables y es entonces cuando la palabra eternidad adquiere forma y descubrimos que ésta tiene los límites de nuestra propia existencia. Yo he sentido también impotencia, rabia, desesperación… al ver como mi pequeño mundo se desmoronaba, y pienso que la relatividad de la pena en esos momentos no existe cuando el dolor te embarga.

    Aceptar que estamos de paso, que nuestro tiempo y el de las personas que queremos es limitado aunque sea una realidad, es una cruda batalla donde sentimientos y razón luchan como gladiadores en la arena. Somos seres humanos y como tales, nos guiamos por sentimientos, nos mueve el amor, el odio, la ira, la compasión,… y ellos son los que nos hacen sentirnos vivos y lo que provocan que nos rebelemos contra la contrariedad.

    Tengo miedo a la nada, a que todo se haya acabado, a tener la sensación de que he tenido poco tiempo, que he dejado cosas inacabadas, y a dejar atrás personas que todavía me necesitan… pero se también que no tengo ningún poder sobre estos hechos.

    Creo que aunque muchos de nosotros vengamos de culturas diferentes, nos separen miles de kilómetros, e incluso vivamos en diferente franja horaria, somos igualmente capaces de entender un gesto de cariño o de complicidad, emocionarnos con la misma música o solidarizarnos ante una desgracia, tanto para lo bueno como para lo malo no somos tan diferentes.

    Paul, te deseo lo mejor desde esta parte del mundo. Todos admiramos a muchísimos artistas que vivieron y crearon en diferentes épocas de la historia, que nos han hecho crecer y nos han enseñado a valorar el arte y el mundo a través de sus obras. Me siento afortunada por ser contemporánea tuya y por poder compartir contigo estos sentimientos, porque detrás de nuestra coraza, y de las diferentes realidades que nos envuelven, nuestros miedos son los mismos en cualquier lugar del mundo.

    Un abrazo!

  • By Nora, October 22, 2010 @ 6:02 am

    Hola Pilar..
    me da gusto encontrarte aqui… es como salir de nuestras “blue house” y tomarnos un té o un cafe…
    Una lagrimita corrio por mi mejilla, todos los que me conosen dicen que tengo el arte en mis manos para los cuadros… pero debo decir que tu tienes el arte de plasmar los pensamientos y sentimmientos de una manera clara y dulce, creo que acá nos encontramos a causa de Paul el actor… pero ya hace bastante tiempo que dejamos de ver a Paul como un actor, para pasar a verlo como uno mas de nosotros.. asi entre amigos sentados tomando un té o cafe… hablando de nuestras vidas, idas y vueltas en nuestros trabajos… este blog como otros sitios en internet han podido demostrarme que todos tenemos mucho en comun y el mismo sentimiento de miedo, pero es aquí donde de alguna manera, podemos saber que hacer o por lo menos intentar convivir con el miedo… leyendo, estando uno con el otro, sabiendo que no estamos solos…
    Quiero traer una frace significativa… de Paul:
    “follow your heart and learn that whatever your plans, your goals, your dreams, life will take you in directions you haven’t even imagined….”
    Mis cariños para todos…

  • By pilar, October 22, 2010 @ 9:19 am

    Hola Nora

    Muchísimas gracias por tus cariñosas y acogedoras palabras, compartir sentimientos e impresiones con todos vosotros es enriquecedor.

    Las distancias aquí no existen… y el café siempre está a punto.

    Un abrazo para todos desde Barcelona.

  • By hilly, October 23, 2010 @ 11:13 am

    Please try not to connect my frequency of writing this blog with whatever value may be found in what I share that I see through my window.

    Reminds me of a song from way way back -the Hollies before Graham Nash joined Crosby Still and Young). I’ve edited the repetitions but there is food for thought here:

    Look through any window, yeah
    What do you see
    Smiling faces all around
    Rushing through the busy town

    Where do they go
    Moving on their way
    Walkin’ down the highways and the byways
    Where do they go
    Moving on their way
    People with their shy ways, and their sly ways

    Oh, You can see the little children all around
    Oh, You can see the little ladies in their gowns, when you

    Look through any window,
    Any time of day
    See the drivers on the roads
    Button down their heavy loads

    Where do they go
    Moving on their way
    A driving down the highways, and the byways
    Where do they go
    Moving on their way
    Drivers with their shy ways, and their sly ways

    Where do they go
    Moving on their way

  • By wisdom, October 23, 2010 @ 4:11 pm

    Mr. Glaser,
    I read your untittled blog. It seems to me that you are suggesting that maybe people are only interested in what you are saying because of who you are. Please, forgive me if I have misunderstood.
    However, I feel that in order for you to understand who I am and why I am interested in your writing, I must explain it like this.
    Yes, I was a fan of the Starsky and Hutch television show. The show made Paul M. Glazer a celebrity. Without that show you would not be as well known, by name, as you are now.
    However it is important to note, the show made the actor, not the person. The actor became a director as a direct relation to the show. The director became the writer, again directly relating to the show.
    I have not logged in to fantasize the actor, but, your words and the openess of those words have peaked my curiosity.
    So in reality, because of the Starsky and Hutch show, you were able to do all of the things that you are able to do today. Am I wrong?
    I hope that I do not sound harsh in anyway. What I am saying, that for me, it wasn’t the celebrity that got my attention. It was the writing of the person whose words have caused me to think, inquire, re-evaluate and examine my own personal thoughts.

  • By cinzia, October 25, 2010 @ 1:05 pm

    “Sarsky” è solo uno dei tanti personaggi che tu hai interpretato ma è solo finzione e recita,ma la persona che si ama e che si ammira per l umanità,per amare la vita,per i suoi difetti,per essere il marito e aver saputo amare Elizabeth Mayer si chiama solo Paul Michael Glaser.

  • By Christine, October 26, 2010 @ 1:58 pm

    Hi everyone, Just calling in to say ‘Hi’ and hope you are all well. Not been too well myself recently, so haven’t blogged as much. Just to say I love this blog, talk soon.
    Take care,
    Christine xx

  • By carol4spot, October 26, 2010 @ 3:29 pm

    Hi everyone! It’s been a while. Frances, I wish we could pay all our bills with kindness!! Haha. But yeah, definitely an easy price to pay on this wonderful little planet. Christine, I hope you are feeling better. You sound down. Jesi, thanks! I think I just heard a catfight going on outside..not sure I want to get involved! I wish everyone well…xocarol

  • By Christine, October 29, 2010 @ 3:24 am

    Hi Carol, Thank you. Just trying to cope with a lot at the minute, we all get those times huh?. My ‘thoughts’ have been all over the place.
    I wish I could think of something positive to write but its just not happening for me right now.
    Take care,
    Christine xx

  • By hilly, October 29, 2010 @ 11:29 am

    I’ve been a bit out of it again..;I’ll be better after the clocks go back an hour!
    Sad thing happened and it is amazing how it hit me. Our neighbours have…had… a beautiful cat (Kawaa); we were sure that he was distantly related to my cat Mishka. Kawaa was about 18 months old and he always came to steal any food Mishka (ages 15) didn’t eat. A couple of days ago we got worried that we hadn’t seen Kawaa for a couple of days so we called the neighbour…and learned that Kawaa was found dead in their garden on Monday, probably attacked by a fox. I truly believe that Mishka is mourning; he was really ‘clingy’ all day yesterday and didn’t let me or mu out of his sight all day.

  • By hilly, October 29, 2010 @ 10:43 pm

    Hi Pam;

    remember last year I showed photos of Maow the cat who came cadging all summer? He’s back; fat and fluffy and happy and he and Mishka are chowing down side by side in a 75mph wind!!!!!!!!
    Cats!!!!!!!!!

  • By Frances, October 30, 2010 @ 2:42 am

    Hi Christine
    hope you feel better soon
    your in my thoughts
    Take Care.

    Hope everyone has a good “creepy” Halloween!

  • By carol4spot, October 30, 2010 @ 10:47 am

    Aaaaaw, poor Kawaa :( I am so sorry about the kitty cat. It’s a dangerous world out there for cats. They love being outside though.. We have and over population of coyotes (yikes). Been a couple of cats taken and killed and a small dog :( .. Not much I can do about that since it’s when I’m asleep. But, I hope your kitty finds some peace over the loss of its friend. I am of the opinion that animals have emotion. Don’t attack me non-believers! Cats are smarter than people give them credit for. xocarol

  • By hilly, October 30, 2010 @ 11:20 am

    Carol I firmly believe that Kawaa is with the big cat in the sky. I know that when my cat Polly moved on to her 10th and infinite life she looked down and saw Mishka lost and scared and hungry and told him to come to me.

    I certainly agree that animals have emotions and cats are very sensitive. I also believe that animals have souls : another reason for me to fall out with the catholic church – so I need an excuse, already? she says in her best YMV.*

    * most of my friends know that stands for Yiddisher momma voice ;D

  • By hilly, October 30, 2010 @ 11:26 am

    this weekend is Halloween; here in France November 1st is a holiday (All Saints) and the tradition is that the family places a chrysanthemum on family graves. The cemeteries are beautiful (until it rains – and it is storming here right now with a tempest warning!)
    Even the non-Catholic population follows this tradition – I’ve seen the beautiful flowers on Jewish and Moslem graves in some cemeteries.

    I offer all of you who have loved and lost a ‘virtual’ chrysanthemum

  • By Sarah L, October 31, 2010 @ 4:25 am

    Hi Christine,
    I’m sorry to hear you’re not feeling good at the moment. I hope you feel better soon.
    Sarah x

  • By Christine, November 1, 2010 @ 8:01 am

    Hi Frances and Sarah, Hey thanks girls!. Hope everyone is doing well.
    Take good care,
    Christine xx

  • By Christine, November 1, 2010 @ 12:22 pm

    Hi Paul, Up until recently I pretty much knew what I was aiming for in life and why. I’m not saying I have always achieved everthing I wanted to but I knew which direction I was heading in. Maybe its a case of feeling in ‘control’ of my life to a certain degree that made it quite comforting. Problem is right now, I feel a bit like a boat without a sail. All sense of direction has left me. My friend and I were discussing what each of us wanted in life he was pretty sure, me? I have no idea anymore and that is what worries me. I agree we are all searching in this life of ours. My life has rarely gone to plan; so maybe thats the key to it all don’t plan just take every day as it comes but, thats a little too much like having no control for my liking!. Is this making any sense to anyone but me? I wonder……..
    With love as always,
    Christine xx

  • By hilly, November 1, 2010 @ 1:52 pm

    Christine it makes perfect sense to me
    e-mail on its way.

  • By hilly, November 1, 2010 @ 2:04 pm

    (puts on best YMV) “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.”
    (Woody Allen)

    And if his plans work for you ….

  • By hilly, November 1, 2010 @ 2:07 pm

    oops hit send by mistake that should have read:

    And if his plans work for you (and I guess you have to believe there is a god to make the plans) then does that mean you believe he has the right to deny you control over your own life.
    And if you are willing to surrender your control over your life – what is the point of living?

  • By Christine, November 1, 2010 @ 3:19 pm

    Hi Hilly, Thank you, and thanks for the e-mail too. Its so refreshing when another person understands you when you are struggling to understand yourself!!.
    At just what age does a mid-life crisis hit? lol. A few years ago, I spoke to a counsellor who pointed out that if you have unrealistic standards in yourself ie if you are or try to be a perfectionist, you are in turn setting yourself up to fail. Because once you nearly reach that point in time when you feel happy with yourself, you then raise the bar again. I guess from a personal point of view that bar has gone so high I’ll never reach it!. Self-doubt is so annoying isn’t it?.
    I suppose we all want to be the best people we can be. The best friend/husband/wife/mother or father. Trying to attain it and actually doing it are two different things. So, my question would be how do you know when you are ‘there’?. When you are the best you can be….. no one is perfect, but how we strive for it huh?.
    Take care,
    Christine xx

  • By hilly, November 2, 2010 @ 9:51 am

    My mitochondrial heritage means that I may have hit ‘mid-life’ 2 years ago when I was 53 but I think I hit the first crisis when I was about 25…maybe it was a mid-mid-life crisis?

  • By Terri, November 2, 2010 @ 11:26 am

    Hello Paul, It’s been a little while since I took a minute to say “hello”. Hope your doing well. I’ve had a busy month. It’s been a big birthday month made even bigger because of a new family member. A niece born 10-10-2010. One of those fun dates. I hope it’s been a happy birthday month for you since it includes the birthdays of two special (the most special) people in your life. I wish them a happy, healthy year ahead. I reread your notes on celebrity and in some ways I think it can be complicated. I don’t always think of you in that way. I remember years ago my mom saying to me about you (she started watching the show before me) “you would love him if he was your UPS driver or local garbage man, it doesn’t make any difference.” Please smile one of those great smiles at her comment. She was a sweet lady. Wishing you love and happiness always, Terri

  • By Christine, November 2, 2010 @ 2:58 pm

    Hi Pam, It would be nice to think one day I could reach that point lol. But, then again maybe its those around us that decide just how important we are to them? You know the old saying? its nice to be important, but its more important to be nice? old fashioned maybe but true.
    Take care,
    Christine xx

  • By Sarah L, November 3, 2010 @ 6:19 am

    Terri,
    Congratulations! I also have a niece who was born on the 10/10 although she is now 25 and touring the world.
    Sarah x

  • By Sarah L, November 3, 2010 @ 6:20 am

    Pam, I agree with the comment you wrote, ‘you know you are ‘there’ when you are comfortable in and love your ‘own skin’ ‘ . It can sometimes be a long time coming but when it does, it feels great.
    Sarah x

  • By carol4spot, November 4, 2010 @ 3:32 pm

    Christine says, “So, my question would be how do you know when you are ‘there’?. When you are the best you can be….. no one is perfect, but how we strive for it huh?.”

    Hi Christine, just my opinion here, ok? I believe, if you operate from your heart/love and your intentions are good is when you are truly ‘there’. If everything you do is coming from a selfless place and more for the gift of giving love than receiving it , it is then that you truly feel ‘there’ because that’s what life is all about…That is the ultimate way of being. Giving love without the expectation of getting anything back is the best way of life. And believe me, living like that definitely reaps its rewards ten-fold. The love you put out unconditionally automatically comes back at you in many ways.Good to see you back and communicating! xocarol
    Hi everyone!!

  • By Christine, November 5, 2010 @ 10:11 am

    Hi Carol, Thank you its good to be back!!. I have to say that I totally agree with you. I tend to go with my heart on most things. You know when your heart is telling you one thing and your head the opposite….mostly infact 99% of the time I follow my heart, which can sometimes get me into trouble lol. If something doesn’t ‘feel’ right I don’t do it, I guess as long as we try and go through our lives being thoughtful and caring to others it just might make this world a better place.
    Hope all is well with you.
    Take care,
    Christine xx

  • By Christine, November 5, 2010 @ 10:14 am

    Hi Paul, Pam and everyone, Hope you all have a good weekend.
    Take care,
    Christine xx

  • By hilly, November 5, 2010 @ 12:06 pm

    You know when your heart is telling you one thing and your head the opposite….mostly in fact 99% of the time I follow my heart, which can sometimes get me into trouble

    Perhaps if I’d had the confidence to follow my heart and to tell my head to shut up I’d have got there by now instead of being up to my neck in blue mud again. Hope is the only thing that keeps me going at times – the hope that I’ll have the sense to listen to my heart the next time around

  • By Christine, November 5, 2010 @ 3:01 pm

    Hi Hilly, Funny how we all think/react in our own way isn’t it?. You see I would admire you Hilly for listening to what your head said. Just because I follow my heart doesn’t always mean I get it right. To be honest, I probably tend to go with my emotions a little too much sometimes!!. Hope, I think is what keeps us all going to a certain degree. The hope that we have done/said the right thing, made the right choices in our lives. Add to it the hope that we can always try and put our mistakes right too.(which is one of the things I struggle with almost on a daily basis) the being unable to go back and change the things that really matter but knowing you can’t etc.
    When Paul talks about living in the now, I think I’m starting to understand it. I waste a lot of energy worrying over the past. The past is gone. I can’t change anything yet when you are all alone in the middle of the night those thoughts fill your head. Does it do any good? NO. I’m beginning to think this life of ours is a learning course from start to finish. Maybe we will always have more questions than answers.
    Hope you feel happier soon.
    Take care,
    Christine.

  • By hilly, November 6, 2010 @ 12:14 am

    Christine thanks for the e-mail.

    I’m getting better at living int he now but the ‘then’ occasionally sneaks up and hits me when I’m not ready for it.

  • By hilly, November 6, 2010 @ 12:09 pm

    I know Pam…but the important thing is the living. Making what we can of our short time on this earth; and learning from the experience to be able to go further forward in our next sojourn here.

    So now I’m trying to work out what I have learned in my past lives that I’m not using now

  • By Christine, November 6, 2010 @ 2:41 pm

    Hi Hilly, Sojourn? now hey, some of us aren’t as educated as you lot yknow! lol. But my friend the dictionary came to my rescue yet again!. If that doesn’t help? well, I google it!
    Just give me time to catch up with you guys.
    Seriously though, hope you are feeling better.
    Going back to Paul’s comments…maybe we are all looking or should that be searching for the same thing.
    Take good care Hilly,
    Christine :)

  • By lady800cc, November 6, 2010 @ 9:09 pm

    Hi. It’s been a while. Didn’t read the responses. As to the post itself:
    Your past can be a foundation for your path forward; at the same time it can be the blockage that won’t allow others to let you traval that path. It’s usually not intentional, just hard to see something you think you know, differently. Totally get it. ;-)

  • By BeckyB, November 6, 2010 @ 11:41 pm

    Hi Paul,
    Being a fan of S&H for many years, I also followed all of your work prior and post S&H. Most fans of yours feel they know you through your work, but since most can say that they have never met you,it might be easy for fans to mistake you for your character ‘Starsky’. Of course you have moved past that part of your life, we don’t (at least I don’t) expect you to act or even sound like a character that you’ve played in the past. You talent certainly has left a profound effect of your fans, but of course we also admire you for the way you’ve handled your journey through life. I also admire your eagerness to learn more about life and your curiosity about life. John Lennon wrote in ‘Eleanor Rigby’, ‘look at all the lonely people”. That is what I think when I see fans of celebrities trying so hard to “cling” to them and their childhood. I am also thinking that S&H, for various reasons, fulfills some need in it’s fans.
    Me: I feel as though I am stuck in someone else’s movie, although the script has changed, the actors are the same, and once again I find myself thinking that my life is a spectator sport,and I am stuck in a rut. I am taking online courses to earn my Associate’s degree and caring for my mother, who had dementia, and not working at this time, which is strange, as I don’t know what people do when they are not working at a job 11 hours a day.(Like I used to).

  • By hilly, November 7, 2010 @ 5:12 am

    winks at Christine….
    I had to learn these lines when I was about 14; they come from The Tempest by Shakespeare and they sum things up so well:

    Prospero is speaking at the end of the play:

    Our revels now are ended. These our actors,
    As I foretold you, were all spirits, and
    Are melted into air, into thin air:
    And like the baseless fabric of this vision,
    The cloud-capp’d tow’rs, the gorgeous palaces,
    The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
    Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve,
    And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,
    Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
    As dreams are made on; and our little life
    Is rounded with a sleep.

    We are all ephemeral (sorry Christine ;) ) characters in the play that is life. We live in a moment in the line of time and we move on. Fee will correct me but I think that the Aborigine culture in Australia see our lives in terms of a dream.
    Whether it is up to us – or out of control – to make the dream a nightmare, to make it come true or not, I don’t know. But when our little lives – because our short existences are of such insignificance in terms of the age of our universe – come to an end, we sleep to rise again in our next stage of the journey. Some believe that that rising will happen at a ‘Resurrection’; others see it as the next stage in the journey to Nirvana. That’s how I see it – a chance ot progress towards something resembling spiritual

  • By hilly, November 7, 2010 @ 5:21 am

    winks at Christine….
    I had to learn these lines when I was about 14; they come from The Tempest by Shakespeare and they sum things up so well:

    Prospero is speaking at the end of the play:

    Our revels now are ended. These our actors,
    As I foretold you, were all spirits, and
    Are melted into air, into thin air:
    And like the baseless fabric of this vision,
    The cloud-capp’d tow’rs, the gorgeous palaces,
    The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
    Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve,
    And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,
    Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
    As dreams are made on; and our little life
    Is rounded with a sleep.

    We are all ephemeral (sorry Christine ;) ) characters in the play that is life. We live in a moment in the line of time and we move on. Fee will correct me but I think that the Aborigine culture in Australia see our lives in terms of a dream. Whether it is in our control to make that dream come true/to stop it becoming a nightmare, I don’t know. But our little lives are just that, our short existence on this earth is so insignificant in relation to the timescale of our Universe. They are a stage in our journey and we hope for those ‘snow capp’d towers’..call them Paradise, Nirvana, peace…whatever that is what we strive for in this life or in another. Some believe that the little sleep will be until a ‘resurrection’ others that is will end when we set out on the next stage of our journey; our next reincarnation until we reach that Paradise/Nirvana when we find spiritual perfection and contentment.

    Becky: Hi(waves) it’s good that you have taken time out to come here. You aren’t really stuck – you are advancing but it is like that game we all played as kids – two steps forward, one step back. Right now you feel like you can’t even take the compensating step forward; but you are doing it without realizing it. That Associate Degree will advance you – even if it doesn’t change you working life – it will be your achievement and that (believe me ‘cos I did it) will make you feel wonderful.

  • By hilly, November 7, 2010 @ 5:22 am

    just a footnote…I’ve just seen the photos from Kids for Kids; Mr G that son of yours is amazing (now if I were 30 years younger….slaps wrist an remembers she’s always fancied older men!)

  • By valerie, November 7, 2010 @ 9:51 am

    Hi paul,
    I agree with all your post.

    j’ai hâte de lire votre livre. en espérant le trouver en france et aussi en français (lol)….sinon tanpis, je le lirai en anglais.
    au plaisir de vous lire de nouveau sur ce blog ou par l’écriture de vos livres
    à bientôt
    Valerie

  • By Christine, November 8, 2010 @ 9:03 am

    Hi Paul, From a very cold and windy England. We have hailstones right now, and its dark already and its only 4.30pm. Whatever happened to Autumn?. Anyway, I was re-reading your comments, and the one thing that always comes through is your positive attiude.
    Its one of the things I most admire about you. Me? I ‘try’ to be positive, but don’t really consider myself a positive person mainly because sometimes its so very hard to achieve. However I guess we all try to look on the bright side if at all possible. Question is do you think you are born a positive person or is it a state of mind………… Oh dear I’m not even going there lol!.
    I know you said in your last comments that rather than look to you for answers, realize that we are all looking for answers which is very modest of you but I have to say that I personally have learned a lot from you. Whether or not you actually realized this is another thing lol.
    Back to the whole celebrity thing. I was thinking about your comments while cooking Sunday lunch yesterday, not the right time to think, when lunch was done I didn’t know whether to give Amy a knife and fork or a hammer and chisel. Lamb isn’t meant to crunch is it?. Anyway, back to your comments I think one of the reasons I respect you is that I haven’t really had family to look up to since losing my mam at 16. I think its true that we tend to look for someone we can admire/respect etc in our lives. If you take away the usual family members to me anyway, it seems natural to look for those ‘special’ qualities in someone else. That’s just a personal view on it folks, I’m not saying I am right just it feels right to me. Hope all is well for you Paul.
    With love as always,
    Christine xx

  • By Christine, November 8, 2010 @ 9:11 am

    Hi Hilly, Me too!!. My ex-husband is 12 years older then me still didn’t work though…….maybe he wasn’t old enough huh?
    :)

  • By hilly, November 8, 2010 @ 12:03 pm

    A 13 year gap worked OK for my mum with both her husbands; and the only man I lived with long enough to think it was worth it was 13 years older than I was….now I’ve given up looking (you know the saying – either they’ve been rejected so often there’ a design fault or they are gay

  • By Christine, November 8, 2010 @ 2:47 pm

    Hi Hilly, Haha, design fault? I like that one.
    You know when I go to my hospital appointments there is this lovely couple who must be in their 70′s. They are so sweet. They sit hand in hand together and have been married over 50 years. Who wouldn’t want love like that?.
    I just worked out if I wanted to be with a guy 50 years I’d have to live to 96 goodness me, not much chance of that is there? lol.

  • By hilly, November 8, 2010 @ 11:44 pm

    My mum’s cousin just celebrated her 57th anniversary and they still hold hands too. Too late for me LOL
    design fault – as in ‘I keep taking it back and getting a new one but it still doesn’t work’ Gives a whole new meaning to ‘after sales service’ doesn’t it?

    OK so now I’ve gone so far off topic I think I have a coffee and go to work

  • By Christine, November 9, 2010 @ 9:56 am

    Hi Pam, How wonderful!!. Isn’t it geat to hear and in your case actually know couples who have been together so long.
    Aww you have me feeling all romantic!. Where is cupids arrow? knowing my luck its travelling the wrong way! lol. All we’ve had for 2 days now is hailstones, honestly they came down so hard we thought the windows were going to go in.
    Totally off topic (who me?) but what the heck sometimes you have to live dangerously…lol.

  • By pilar, November 9, 2010 @ 11:28 am

    Hola

    Mis padres se conocieron en el colegio, casi de niños y se casaron en el año 1949, así que llevan 61 años de matrimonio, y algunos más de novios.

    No creo que puedan concebir la vida uno sin el otro, y yo soy incapaz de imaginar que puedan sobrevivir sin estar juntos. Mi padre tiene 87 años y mi madre 84, me gusta mirar sus fotos en blanco y negro de cuando eran novios e imaginarlos haciendo planes. Se que el camino que han tenido que recorrer en estos años, a veces ha sido bastante duro, pero juntos han salido adelante y con su trabajo y sacrificio nos han ofrecido lo mejor de sus vidas.

    Su amor perdura a pesar del paso del tiempo. Yo seguiré mirándome en ellos, y en sus ojos cansados llenos de recuerdos que dibujan toda una vida.

    Un abrazo a todos.

  • By hilly, November 9, 2010 @ 2:21 pm

    Pilar that’s amazing (and my Spanish is getting better – didn’t cheat and I understood most of that but not good enough to try writing)

  • By Christine, November 10, 2010 @ 6:13 am

    Hi Paul, Still off topic but in a good way!. Just been looking at the photo’s of you and Jake at the Kids for kids event. You must be so proud of Jake, and vice versa. Hope you are both well.
    Oh, and you are looking good Paul! :) xx

  • By pilar, November 10, 2010 @ 9:27 am

    Hi hilly

    Si, es una bonita historia llena de ternura.

    Yo utilizo un traductor para leeros pues mi inglés es prácticamente nulo, y por eso prefiero escribir en español, ya que no sé si con el traductor acabaria poniendo alguna barbaridad sin querer.

    Un abrazo desde Barcelona.

  • By hilly, November 10, 2010 @ 12:01 pm

    I don’t use a translator Pilar and I wouldn’t rust it to get my message right in Spanish! But I can understand what I read in Spanish working from French and a little Latin and….deduction

  • By pilar, November 10, 2010 @ 2:12 pm

    hilly, te agradezco el esfuerzo que realizas para entenderme. El inglés es mi asignatura pendiente, aunque estoy en ello para que deje de serlo.

    Thanks for reading.

  • By heidi33, November 11, 2010 @ 10:49 am

    Been feeling really sick the last few months but the hospital told me last week that my X-rays are improving.
    Thought I could live without a computer but I have come to realise that you need one nowadays. It’s sad.

    You have been talking about “Starsky and Hutch”—it is a credit to Mr. Glaser that people still remember him. It shows he played his part well. If it were bad, everyone would have forgotten!!

    You know in the 1970′s, there was a popular B.B.C series called “The Onedin Line”. It was set in Liverpool in the age of sailing ships and the first steamships. Well, the main actor played a character called James Onedin. He gave such a charismatic and riveting performance that everyone liked him!!! Especially the girls!!! When the actor left the series because he didn’t want to be typecast, it was a sad day.
    But the funny thing is that years later whenever we saw Peter Gilmore in a film, we always remembered him as Captain Onedin!!!

    So Mr. Glaser is going to publish his book. Is he thinking of making a film of it in the future?

  • By hilly, November 11, 2010 @ 12:12 pm

    11/11 we honour heroes all over the world. A thought for a heroine who would have been 63 today. Elizabeth Glaser.

  • By Christine, November 16, 2010 @ 2:57 pm

    Hi Paul, For reasons that I won’t bore everyone with, this week ahead is going to be a tough one. Its also my daughters 19th birthday this coming Friday so our emotions are going to see-saw. Thinking about the week ahead I made a conscious decision to just be in the now. Not to plan ahead of myself at all. So tonight was the only night Amy’s friends could all meet the six of us have had a great night tonight, the chinese meal was lovely, and Amy was truly happy. We all have a tendency to look forward, or in my case usually its back, its one of my biggest flaws, but staying in the moment of it all tonight was actually quite peaceful.
    Every time you write Paul, about living in the now I read it and think that must be fantastic….. tonight I actually ‘felt’ it and Amy commented on how relaxed I looked as oppossed to stressed out! (Nice huh?)
    I think its the happiest I have seen Amy in a long time, and that feels great.
    So, thank you Paul, for the inspiration, I think this week will be ok if I remember how it worked tonight.
    With love as always,
    Christine xx

  • By Christine, November 16, 2010 @ 3:03 pm

    Oops sorry for the spelling mistake! Next time I might just re-read before adding comment lol. :)

  • By heidi33, November 17, 2010 @ 2:07 am

    Thanks for the kind wishes, Pam–I appreciate that.
    Great to hear that a film is planned. In these dark days of worldwide recession, it is good that an inspiration can be found for children and adults. Well done!!!

    Last Saturday, I was watching the film of Andrew LLoyd Webber’s “Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat” with some friends—I could recommend this D.V.D to everyone. It shows great artistic talent and fantastic music.

    It was written for schools and is interactive between the children and the characters from the OLd Testament–Joseph and the jealousy of his 11 brothers.
    With my friends, it was a nice experience last week especially when the Pharaoh of Egypt came out singing–the whole room rocked and people’s faces lit up!

    The D.V.D starred Donny Osmond, Richard Attenborough and Joan Collins– a very nicely done production.

  • By heidi33, November 17, 2010 @ 2:10 am

    Mr. Glaser likes writing books. Can I just ask the other bloggers what they used to read as small children???

    What was their favourite fairy tale or children’s author? And why did they like them?

  • By Frances, November 17, 2010 @ 4:54 am

    Hi Christine,
    Glad to her you had a good night with Amy and your friends,(HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Amy!) like you I try to stay in the moment but like you, I choose to take little steps one-at-a-time! might take a little longer but we get there all the same!. sorry for
    butting in on your post, but as always,

    Take Care.

  • By Frances, November 17, 2010 @ 4:55 am

    of course that should read “glad to hear!!!!”

  • By hilly, November 17, 2010 @ 12:37 pm

    Hi Heidi. I saw the original production of Joseph on the London Stage – no great revelations to me – except that the star couldn’t sing in tune!

    What did I read as a kid? I don’t remember learning to read. I remember reading Rapunzel! I read Winnie the Pooh and all A A Milne’s poems; I read Peter Pan (in fact every year my birthday treat was going to see Peter Pan in London….and I had a GREAT 51st birthday!):when I was 8 I was given a copy of Dickens’ Christmas Stories – unabridged, the full version – I remember reading A Christmas Carol in one go and preferring the Cricket on the Hearth. All the classics of my childhood – Black Beauty; Little Women, Treasure Island, Tom Sawyer, and Enid Blyton’s books about adventuresome kids . I read all of the Narnia chronicles – long before it became fashionable to see them as christian fables – And when I couldn’t get to the library I read the back of the corn flakes packet, bus tickets…in short anything I could get my hands on!

  • By hilly, November 17, 2010 @ 12:38 pm

    Christine.. glad to hear that Amy’s birthday was a success

  • By Christine, November 17, 2010 @ 3:57 pm

    Hi Frances, Thank you for your birthday wishes, I passed them onto Amy she too thanks you!.
    Just to let you guys know Amy’s boyfriend proposed tonight the newly engaged couple are so happy!!! I’m over the moon for them. He actually got down on one knee which is quite romantic for a 19 year old.
    I just had to tell you guys, I’m so excited!.

    Hi Hilly, Thanks my friend! it was great!.

  • By Misa Misa, November 18, 2010 @ 6:43 am

    I know he isn’t Starsky . Starsky is alwalys middleage not a senior citizen like him.Starsky is sexy I would think it would be all good to be thought of as him. Also the police in real life like the Oakland cop are ususally bad crimminals themselves not like S& H.Of course at your age you should worry about dying. We had a lot of trouble with a mean old couple and my relative had said ususally at their age people become concerned about having a afterlife and try to get closer to God. I saw a show about a elderly man in Japan your age who lived at a train station. He said he was trying to look for work.He can’t just meditate ,write a book and draw like you for his job.In Japan they are giving the old people very small pensions.

  • By Rachelle, November 19, 2010 @ 7:15 am

    Hi Pam – I’m glad to hear there is a planned animated film for Chrystallia. The photos of Paul from the event in NY are nice and I’m sure you’re all looking forward to getting the book out to us next year! Patiently waiting. :)

    Christine – Please wish Amy a Happy Birthday! I hope she has a lovely day!

    Happy Friday Paul, Pam and everyone!

    Rach

  • By Frances, November 20, 2010 @ 6:01 am

    Christine,

    Congratulations to the happy couple
    (And future “Mother Of The Bride!)

    A bit of good news in the depths of November is always welcome!

    Take Care.

  • By Christine, November 20, 2010 @ 10:40 am

    Hi Rach, Thank you for the birthday wishes I passed them on to Amy xx

    Hi Frances, Thank you for your kind wishes, I agree with you.
    Hope everyone has a good weekend.

  • By hilly, November 20, 2010 @ 11:59 am

    A bit of good news in the depths of November is always welcome!

    the depths of November are the pits aren’t they. Maybe if we were all sharing a beer in The Pits it would be easier?
    Sidles off to shoot the pun bunny!

  • By heidi33, November 21, 2010 @ 5:15 am

    Well, I can see that you are looking forward to Mr. Glaser’s books and film. He is on the right track writing about children making a journey through life and meeting different characters. Family and friendships are bonds that appeal to all of us.

    Some of the other bloggers liked “Black beauty” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” as children. For example, the horse Black Beauty tells us of his journey from foal through life,making friends like Ginger, suffering cruelty at the hands of humans and learning to pull carriages in unison with other horses as team work. Even Scrooge goes on an
    amazing journey of self discovery and Dickens
    made that short story into a classic. So I think Mr. Glaser’s work should do well.

    Last month, I was invited to a book club and we were discussing ERnest Hemingway’s work–now we have been asked to read “Alice in Wonderland” for the December meeting. It surprised me. When I was a child, I never read this book because I was not keen on the story. AS an adult, my views are the same. Well, I admit that Lewis Carroll had imagination to create characters like the Cheshire cat and the Mad hatter but it still doesn’t appeal to me.
    As a person, I like most things so I started wondering why I don’t like “Alice in Wonderland”
    and I think it’s because the characters lacked a certain depth and warmth.

    When I was little, I loved reading Aesop’s fables, Brer Rabbit, Nordish sagas, myths from Ancient Greece and Rome but my favourites were the brothers Grimmm–their stories were more uplifting.
    My grandmother gave me Hans Andersen’s tales but I found some of them sad and they made me cry so I wasn’t so keen on some of them.

    My favourite story as a child was “The Snow Queen” by Hans Andersen–I loved that. Again the journey of Gerda to rescue her playmate from the palace of the snow queen. Great adventure! Always found “The Little Mermaid” a sad story.
    Mr. Glaser was talking about the Tibetan monks and their ideas on Death. Just like to share Hans Andersen’s words with you all– I know he wrote hundreds of years ago but here is what he writes about the little mermaid facing her Death

    “The sun now rose above the water, the rays falling warmly upon the cold sea-foam and the little mermaid felt nothing of death.She saw the bright sun and just above her floated hundreds of transparent beautiful beings—–their voices were delighful melody but so spiritual that no human ear could hear them nor could the eye of man perceive them and they were so light that they floated in the air without wings.”

    Thought it was a beautiful description.

    Anyway, enjoy your week everybody.

  • By heidi33, November 21, 2010 @ 5:18 am

    Oh, sorry I spelt Brothers Grimm wrong. That is old age creeping up on me–I need to sort my reading glasses out!

  • By hilly, November 22, 2010 @ 12:16 pm

    I’d forgotten the Snow Queen Heidi – it was my favorite Anderson story; that and the Emperor’s new clothes.

    Keep trying with Alice (I never liked Hemingway; peel away the macho and you get boring)

  • By hilly, November 23, 2010 @ 12:08 pm

    things are tough for me right now – tomorrow I take my cat to the vet again and I just hope I’ll bring him home again. If I’m not feeling up to communicating I take the opportunity to wish those of you in the US a great Thanksgiving.

  • By hilly, November 23, 2010 @ 1:29 pm

    I love this one too much. He is the reason for my the name I gave my store (A Cat in the Sun) and for my penname….

  • By carol4spot, November 23, 2010 @ 3:28 pm

    Hilly, I hope all goes good with the kitty. Animals are very important. If you wouldn’t mind, please give your cat a kiss on the nose for me..I would appreciate that.
    I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    Also, Hi Frances!! Hope all is well…Christine, Happy Birthday to your daughter! Hope you are well too!! I say hi to everyone else too ofcourse!! xxoo

  • By hilly, November 23, 2010 @ 11:35 pm

    any excuse to kiss his nose Carol….thanks.

  • By hilly, November 24, 2010 @ 12:36 pm

    update. I brought my beautiful boy home again :)
    He has mouth ulcers and the vet gave him a slow release antibiotic and a shot for his immune system. This is his 2nd attack of mouth ulcers and last time the antibiotics had him eating like a small fluffy piglet within 48 hours. He managed a little plain yoghurt this evening(!)
    He has to go back for another antibiotic in a week. BIG sigh of relief. He’s getting old but I’m just not ready to lose him (although I know that when if he stops enjoying life I’ll let him go)

  • By Terri, November 24, 2010 @ 1:49 pm

    Hi Hilly, Good news! We really love our cats and dogs don’t we? They help us get through so much. My son just went through an illness with his beautiful siamese, Bilbo but not with a good ending.I think if we could all get together and talk about our experiences with them (the cats and dogs) we’d have enough for a novel. Terri

  • By hilly, November 24, 2010 @ 11:39 pm

    oh yes Terri – I’m already thinking of a book based on my last job (the man I worked for was so eccentric no-one would think he was real!) I’ve wanted to write a children’s book about cats for years….one of Mishka’s sweetest features is that he is very slow to wake up. And that is a good starting point.

  • By LaetitiaCairncross, November 27, 2010 @ 12:48 am

    Dear Paul,
    Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and optimism with all of us. Your posts have brightened my outlook on life and helped me face the challenges it brings. You have a wonderful way to express just how essential meaningful relationships and love are to us human beings. The words you write rings so true that they speak right to our hearts, and this is what makes your blog so precious.
    So again, from a lifelong fan, thank you!! :)
    Laetitia xx

  • By hilly, November 27, 2010 @ 6:53 am

    it’s trying to snow but I don’t care….my beautiful cat is eating again. The antibiotics have started to work and he just downed a can of Gourmet Gold; he hardly came up for breath.

    It’s the little things in life that make the bigger picture dark or light. My big picture just went a shade rosier.

    Wishing you all a great weekend

  • By Terri, November 27, 2010 @ 8:50 am

    Hello Paul, Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving with some friends and family. We’ve had great weather but now some snow flurries and a very sharp wind. Oh well it is November. From now until January is my saddest time, I don’t always know why but I do so much thinking of past and present, contemplating, meditating. Sometimes just watching the world go by. But as always wishing you love and happiness. Terri

  • By hilly, November 27, 2010 @ 12:43 pm

    Absolutely Pam.
    What irony that the bishop of Rome’s book will e published at this time – with its lies and contradictions about the use of condoms in the fight against AIDS. I make no apology to the Catholics amongst you – but hope and pray that you will reject the duplicity of your leader and fight for the truth in the battle against AIDS.

  • By heidi33, November 28, 2010 @ 1:42 am

    In these dark days,we all need some light and cheer so I wish you a pleasant Hanukkah and holiday season and Christmas—whatever religion you belong to.

  • By Christine, November 28, 2010 @ 8:03 am

    Hi everyone, From a very cold and snow covered North East of England. Boy we have had some snow over the past week. Just as our housing association replaced our windows, doors and central heating systems…….. oh my goodness its been freezing here!!.
    We are all done now, thank goodness but it makes you appreciate the simple things in life like heating and windows lol.
    Hope you are all well.
    Glad to hear your cat is ok Hilly.
    Take good care everyone,
    Christine xx

  • By Christine, November 28, 2010 @ 8:07 am

    Oh and just a thought, we have had more snow here than in Canada recently……….that can’t be right can it? Is this global warming?

  • By hilly, November 28, 2010 @ 10:19 am

    Global warming is undeniable so is the fact that strange weather patterns go in cycles and people have short memories (so you can’t expect them to remember 18th century frost fairs when the Thames and the Seine froze over for months. To quote an averagely daft TV journalist on the news here yesterday. ‘You have to go back as far as 2005 for a winter that started as early as this’. Wow all of 5 years!

  • By Christine, November 28, 2010 @ 11:24 am

    Hi Hilly, Ha ha you know what bugs me about this weather? we have had bad weather in England for centuries, yet every time we seem to be caught out by it. People are getting into arguments in supermarkets over bread! I mean come on isn’t there more important things to worry and fuss about? Even better bake your own!. I love a bit of home baking. Sorry way off topic…….yet again. :)

  • By hilly, November 28, 2010 @ 11:59 am

    way off topic but…I make my own bread – wholemeal (wholewheat) multi-grain.Because I need my Marmite fix in the mornings

  • By Frances, November 29, 2010 @ 3:38 am

    Hi Folks!
    Couldn’t agree more about the weather, confined to home now, and will have to do my grocery shopping on-line this week for the first time!! a bit worried about that,(will probably order twice as much as I need!) but thank goodness for my computer, it’s saving me this week!.

    Look after yourselves and keep warm!!!

    Take Care.

  • By Christine, November 29, 2010 @ 12:08 pm

    Hi Frances, Is it bad where you are too?. Most of our schools are closed, and those of us who rely on public transport are feeling it as the buses are off too. There is something a little worrying when our daily routines aren’t running to plan don’t you think? or is this me needing to have some ‘control’ over things?.
    One thing that always makes me laugh is when the weather man/woman is made to stand outside their perfectly warm studio’s as if to prove to us it really is snowing this badly!!. Is it just the British who are slightly mad or what? lol.
    Take care, and keep warm! xx

  • By hilly, November 29, 2010 @ 12:53 pm

    No Christine they do it everywhere. Last week there were high tides and tempests on the west coast so we were treated to seeing the reporter standing (just about) near the seafront explaining that the public had been warned to stay away….
    can’t you just imagine the headline: “idiot journalist drowns while reporting on coastal” storms

  • By Christine, November 29, 2010 @ 2:57 pm

    Hi Hilly, It makes me wonder in general why the heck we do some of the things we do in life. If we sat down and thought everything through, and never just did something on the spur of the moment how boring would life be?.
    I can remember on our local tv news middle aged women were camping out in freezing conditions to get tickets to a singers concert. Some would call it madness others would call it loyalty. I guess it depends on how you see it. To the lady who has frozen all night he must have been worth it.
    If I had needed to do the same for panto tickets for Sunderland……well what can I say?.
    Then you look back on when Michael Jackson died. It was reported and yes I do know you can’t always believe what you read but, a lady travelled half way around the world to lay flowers outside his house. She used her life savings to do it. Again its a matter of opinion on the rights or wrongs but the thing is she did what obviously felt right to her. Can you ever totally get into someones mind and work out why they do the things they do?. Does anyone have the right to judge?
    The same could be said for the thousands that turned up outside Elvis’s mansion, when he died. I guess there is a line that you don’t cross if you are a fan. What one person views as loyalty could also be turned around and classed as obsession. At the end of the day, an opinion is just that an opinion, as long as you know in yourself that you have tried to be a better person each day.

  • By Frances, November 30, 2010 @ 9:15 am

    Hi Christine,
    pretty bad over here in N.Ireland lowest temp -9.5 and glad to hear that I am not the only one that feels a sense of “powerlessness” and to add to my trouble have been waiting for a engineer to come and fix my f/freezer for a couple of weeks, talk about bad luck!! keeping fingers crossed that it’s fixed before Christmas!!
    keep worm and keep smiling lol,
    Take Care.

  • By Christine, November 30, 2010 @ 12:02 pm

    Hi Frances, Hope you get that sorted soon. One of the nice things about the bad weather is the community spirit it brings out. Neighbours checking on one another to make sure they are ok especially our elderly friends who may need a helping hand.
    The ironic thing is I slipped and fell over yesterday and was helped up by an elderly neighbour who could do nothing but laugh……hes probably fitter than I am lol and much more steady on his feet!.
    Take care,
    Christine xx

  • By hilly, November 30, 2010 @ 12:30 pm

    it was -10 this morning with the wind chill factor and the snow is not far away. It was raining when I came home from work so I closed the shutters and do not intend to look outside until the morning. Hope it doesn’t snow; last time it did the snow plough went by earl – and blocked us in! I have viewings all day tomorrow so I need to get out.
    I could do with some of Tinkerbell’s fairy dust here….

  • By hilly, December 1, 2010 @ 12:29 pm

    I know this is OT but I couldn’t think where else to post it.

    Mr. Glaser,
    Today, World AIDS Day, Carla Bruni Sarkozy, first lady of France, spoke about prevention. She ‘presented’ information about a pack to prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to child. No mention of EGPAF; no mention of the work EGPAF has done to make this possible.

    I still haven’t seen much reference to the beautiful gene here in France…is the sour grapes between Montaigner and Gallo still influencing the real work to be done?
    What can be done? Is this maybe a moment for ‘Starsky’ to remind the world about his wife and the fight that continues thanks to her and your family?

  • By hilly, December 2, 2010 @ 12:16 pm

    happy Hannukah to one and all (any excuse to eat Latkas!)

  • By Frances, December 3, 2010 @ 3:38 am

    Glad to say F/Freezer is fixed(hurray!)
    It was actually cooler in my kitchen than the fridge at one point, but have to be honest the snow is getting a bit tiresome now, been inside for 4 days but with bad eyesight can’t take the risk of ending up in A&E!!.Know what you mean Christine about community spirit we might grumble about the state of the country but people show their good side at times like this.

    Carol who are you managing with your animals??
    hope you are well.

    Hilly hope you are OK and have managed to get to work

    Take Care everyone wrap up warm looks like its here for a little while longer!!

  • By hilly, December 3, 2010 @ 4:28 am

    it’s going to take a while Frances – I’m not officially out until all the procedure has been followed (starting next Friday) I have a few ideas but ideas and jobs aren’t always the same thing are they?

  • By carol4spot, December 4, 2010 @ 12:19 pm

    Hi everyone. I hope you are all surviving your bad weather. I hate to say it, but, I love the cold weather and snow! Yeah, crazy, I know. Running in the cold weather is a great experience. Believe me, you will be sweating in about 10 minutes. Even in 16 degree weather. Love it.

    Hi Frances, to answer your question, all the animals are fantastic! I have seen no casualties at all for a good year! I would typically see squirrels here and there (sorry Hilly). But, the animals have been kept safe from cars! There’s plenty of other walkers etc. that I’m sure help me out when I’m not running. I do see signs all over the place for a missing dog. It’s an older dog. I am really sad about that. I have been saying prayers everyday for the poor old pooch. I cried when I read the sign because the family stated that the dog would be ‘terrified’. I hope the powers that be help the dog. I would welcome prayers from anyone for the doggie.
    I am kind of wanting to see another PMG post. I know he’s a busy guy for sure, but I miss his presence here. I am needing a fill-up from him for the holidays!! I value what he has to say and it’s NOT because of Starsky! :) xo

  • By hilly, December 4, 2010 @ 12:21 pm

    “I miss his presence here. I am needing a fill-up from him for the holidays!! I value what he has to say and it’s NOT because of Starsky

    Me too…I’d like to have something to meditate during this period of festivals of light in the “darkest part of the night” on earth.

  • By Francisca García, December 4, 2010 @ 2:03 pm

    Querido Paul me parece increible como la sincronia de la vida esta a nuestra disposicion!!!A los 14 años comence a ser tu admiradora y hoy me encuentro con la maravilla de tus palabras a los 47años

  • By Christine, December 4, 2010 @ 3:19 pm

    Me too!! I think we all miss him when its been a while. Hope all is well with everyone! :) xx

  • By Frances, December 5, 2010 @ 5:27 am

    Hi All!
    Just a quick word to say that
    I am thinking of you all, (and the poor old mutt) with a little prayer.

    Take Care.

  • By Christine, December 6, 2010 @ 10:11 am

    Imagine my thoughts written by another who came into the public eye not as an adored character in a t.v. show and not as a celebrity whose travails in life were therefore so visible. Would there be any inkling and resonance of truth in what I share if you didn’t have the preconception of knowing or believing ‘who’ I was? Perhaps this is an unrealistic expectation, celebrity by it’s very nature cuts both ways. By PMG.

    I have just been re-reading some of your blogs. What just went through my mind was ‘what is it like being you?’. Most of us will never know what it is like living in the public eye.
    I have read various interviews where they have stated you found the attention horrible. I can understand that, but there has to have been some things that were good that came out of the fame? Right?.
    Re-reading your recent comments,
    We are all teachers and students. We are all searching. I do not claim that what I share is ‘better’ than anyone else’s lessons in life, nor do I claim to have answers. By PMG.
    I wondered does it bother you that some of us (myself included at times) think you have the answers. For the simple reason you have lived and learned a great deal in your life. Isn’t life all about learning? not just hearing but actually listening too?.
    Does it matter who you learn from as long as it makes you think, and grow and look at life in different ways?.
    I sometimes think if you say to someone an actor/singer has been an inspiration to you they jump right in there and think its because that person is famous we listen to them. Maybe for some that is true, but for me its the person behind the actor that I find interesting. Question is though Paul what do you make of us?
    Take good care,
    Christine xx

  • By hilly, December 6, 2010 @ 12:18 pm

    “Does it matter who you learn from as long as it makes you think, and grow and look at life in different ways?.”

    what a good point. We learn best from those with whom we feel some kid of empathy; respect, admiration perhaps come into that but the basic element is that we like that person. No I’m not talking in terms of ‘fans’ but in terms of knowing that somehow you feel an affinity with the way that person thinks, approaches a question/problem/obstacle. we do not need to meet that person nor even know them well. We do need to use our filters to be sure that we aren’t viewing them through rose-coloured lenses. We see the portrait ‘warts and all’; we know better than to judge the book just by its cover (no matter how beautiful that cover may be) but to at least skim the pages and be sure that the contents are something we can identify with – by which I mean that see a point of contact.
    Think back to school. Maybe you passed classes, maybe you flunked classes,maybe you scraped through some of them by the skin of your teeth (or whatever). Why? Natural talent maybe – and natural inclination; mine is definitely a liberal arts brain although I regret not having been taught math better – I would have loved to deal with ‘pure maths’ – so the result is that I passed all the arts subjects in cruise control mode but boy did I have to make an effort to pay attention to biology and stuff like that.(yes even the ‘interesting bits….by the time we got there most of my class knew it anyway!) but I really did best in the subjects where I had a teacher who inspired me (even if she and I could never see eye to eye about a fundamental thing – she was a nun, I was going through a semi-Jewish atheist phase!)She brought history to life for me; she made me want to know more than just dates and names; she made me want to understand the contexts and the social forces and….in short she inspired me.
    so does it matter who inspires us, if we learn from them? Is it not because someone inspires us that we are willing to listen to/read his/her thoughts and discuss and meditate them?
    Does it matter why any of us were first drawn to this blog? If it was the charisma of an actor; the wisdom of a husband and father faced with the destruction that AIDS wrought in his family; the man who chooses to discuss in public what drives his search for his place in the big picture that is our universe…does that matter?
    Ultimately we are here because somewhere along the way this man called Paul M Glaser inspired us.

    So what I wonder makes him willing to share all that with us?

    So now I’m going to add my little key to the lock of Pandora’s box and echo Christine…I wonder what he makes of that!

  • By Christine, December 7, 2010 @ 3:02 pm

    Hi Hilly, Great post there. If we lived closer I would have invited you round for a cuppa!! Sometimes we think alike, although most of the time I’m just pleased if I can keep up with you guys!!.
    Anyway hope everyone is doing ok, we have to keep plodding on, or in my case slipping down(quite literally, this snow is bugging me now!!)
    Take good care,
    Christine xx

  • By sstormc, April 3, 2011 @ 10:46 am

    Do you think that there is a reason for everything? Perhaps the beloved character you speak of has brought many in a roundabout way to your blog to read and to discuss. If I told you my story, and the roundabout way in which I have found this, perhaps you would agree. In any event, this is a place to “know” you,Paul, as much as we will ever be able to know the real you, and those of us who have similar questions, thoughts, and ideas have found a “home”. For me, this is another way that I am directed to insightfully probe myself, others, and our reason for being here. One day, when we move on, I fervently believe we will be able to converse freely with one another as we are only able to do now in the most primitive of ways. At that time, we will truly “know” one another.
    Best wishes and many thanks,
    Susan.

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