It's a sunny, crisp morning as I wake out of the back of the truck. I like that adjective for this sort of weather by the way..... 'crisp'.

I'm in the city park of Milan, Tennessee. The park employees, along with a fire department water truck, supervise the burning of a massive pile of orange, amber and yellow fall leaves. We were offered to use the shower here at the park office. It'll be nice to get refreshed and odor free.

Waiting my turn, I empty the pockets of my vest to find a small piece of clear beach glass. Someone gave this to me when I was in Marquette, MI last week. It was worn smooth on the shore of Lake Superior. Although it's just a broken chunk of discarded glass, it posesses a unique beauty akin to that of a snowflake. No two pieces of beach glass are the same, I would imagine. I explore the rounded edges and semi-smooth surfaces with my touch. The weathered chips and imperfections provide a fascinating feel to my fingertips.

It reminds me to always keep my perspective on the positive; to see the other point of view; to find the beauty in the simple things. It teaches me that even something that can cut and hurt me, over time, can bring a moment of wonder and joy.

Welcome the day with an open heart. Let it show you Her beauty. And if you can't see it at first glance, look closer.....it's always there.... inside you.

After a long drive I arrive at the Gibson County Fairgrounds. Bill Inman and his wife Brenda are staying there with Blackie the Horse on their way across country. A few beers and some Maker's Mark and the stories start flowing freely. We stay awake late catching up before I finally crawl into the back of my pickup truck for a night's slumber.

I sit now at a mexican restaurant with Jonny, their son, who is traveling with them taking photos, video clips and maintaining their website, UncoveringAmerica.com We just had a beer and some chips while we use the neighboring hotels wifi. Soon, we will leave to enjoy a meal out with everyone else, courtesy of some locals who insisted on treating us while we are in their neck of the woods.

Video clips from New York sit waiting until I can fix my computer and get the virus' and malware off it. I will probably have to wipe out the hard drive and reinstall windows XP. Fun times...

I cruise at 74 mph south on I-57 after two nights in Chicago. I am heading towards Dyersburg to meet up with Cowboy Bill Inman and the rest of the Uncovering America crew. That crew consisting of his wife Brenda, son Jonny and of course, Blackie the Horse. And let's not forget their dogs Queenie and Tiger. It's the whole fam damnily.

I wasn't able to film anything in Chicago. It was just a pit stop anyway. I spent time downloading footage from New York. I have lots to screen, edit and upload. Nothing to terribly exciting, but perhaps some short clips, montages and vingettes. We'll see what turns out.

Until my next downtime, I crank the stereo and keep Driving with Tennessee on down the horizon.

A little slice of video from last fall in Marquette.

Do you have to be the one to have hit it to know the freshness? Or can you tell upon closer examination? Is roadkill always in season?

Earlier today while driving in the Upper Peninsula I saw a deer on the side of the road. A victim of hit and run.

What if I needed food? Could I use this meat? Although I've tasted venison before, I have never killed an animal on purpose. I've never even been hunting. It be tough to take my knife and carve myself some steaks. But, I figured I could manage the task if survival was my base instinct at this moment. It isn't.

As I continue south on I-43 out of Green Bay, Wisconsin I spot two men hunched over a carcass along the highway. They slice away fur and flesh in a frenzy. They nod and smile to eachother in the apparant glee of their meat harvesting ritual.

There has to be a cleaner, more easily harvested protein available other than road kill, don't you think?

Still, I suppose pounds of free deer meat would be a boon for many finders of such. Maybe we could package it up and send it to third world countries? Roadkill from American highways. It's what's for dinner.

It all started in March. I was living in New York City at the time and needed a change of pace. I decided to sublet the room in the artist loft I was sharing in the south Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. I jumped in the truck and started driving...... south..... to Florida.

My goal when leaving for the road was to find something to film. I've been wanting to make movies for years and finally decided to pursue it full force. A month or so into the trip I heard about a guy who wanted to ride his horse across America, documenting all the positive aspects of America that the major media doesn't always portray. Cowboy Bill Inman, would ride from town to town, in the rural areas of America, meeting people and writing about it on his website, UncoveringAmerica.com He was planning on taking off in June from Lebanon, Oregon riding to his wife's family in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

The whole idea struck a chord with me. I thought it would be a great way to see the country at a pace that would allow me to really soak in the scenery and people. So, I continued driving from Florida to Oregon to meet him. After spending a few days with him and his wife Brenda and son Jonny, I made the decision to jump into it. I flew back to New York, moved out, put my stuff in storage and invested everything I had into this project.

To keep my costs low and save as much money as I can for the production of my first documentary, I sleep in my truck instead of motels and hotels. After a little while, I really started to enjoy the freedom and independence of this way of life.

So, for the time being, while I continue filming the Uncovering American by Horseback venture, I will travel and live in my truck. When the trip across country is finishes sometime around January, I will make some decisions on where to go next. It would be best to find a comfortable place to review tapes, write and produce something from the hundreds of hours of footage I have accumulated. Maybe somewhere down in the Florida Keys would be comfortable. Or southern California perhaps? Or maybe back here in Marquette, Michigan. We'll see.

I do love life on the road, but at the same time... do love to have a place to call home. Maybe I'll get a motorhome eventually...but for now... I live life in my Chevy truck.

I don't always have the time nor the ambition to write or edit video for this blog. I know that may seem strange, seeing as how I live in my truck, have no job and have all the time I want to do just about anything. You'd be surprised at how easily you can just do nothing, nothing but 'being'. However, the lack of steady, compelling content can weigh on my conscious. It doesn't really matter that much, I know, but I start to put pressure on myself to produce output. I wonder if anyone is waiting on me.

I still have some clips from burning man from months ago that I want to share. Like this meaningless moment.

But, I guess as I get more efficient at taping, editing and uploading the content will become more real time, if that matters. Plus, I am still dealing with the malicious software that has been reeking havoc on my laptop.

Creative bursts of energy happen from time to time and I will do my best to write when I feel connected to that source. Writing just to write isn't as rewarding as when you actually feel like writing. Does that make sense?

Whatever.

Moments after I clicked send on my last entry, I drove through a mild patch of snow flurries.

Then, by the time I got to this paragraph, it is clear again.

That's what they say up here...

"Don't like the weather?
Wait 5 minutes. It'll change."

Me? I prefer snow, this time of year.

I cross the Mackinac bridge from the lower peninsula into clearer skies than down state.

I am welcomed by a Land of vast pine forests, endless shoreline, rapid rivers and kind, humble people.

3 more hours to go until I reach the northern harbor town of Marquette, the largest city in Michigan's untamed Upper Peninsula.

Marquette is a special place. It grew rapidly in the late 1800's when rich iron ore deposits were found in the regions. The town served as a port for shipping of the iron pellets. The ore was blasted into the steel used to fabricate in the industrial age and the automobile industry in particular. New York investors helped build this little city on the Great Lake of Superior.

Otto Preminger used the city and surrounding locales to film Jimmy Stewart, George C. Scott, Lee Remmick and Ben Gazara in his highly acclaimed picture, Anatomy of a Murder.

But, I'm not here to espouse history and odd trivia.

I just wanted to say, Welcome to Da U.P. eh!

Stumbled across this Richard Feynman interview months ago and have been meaning to share it. Let me know if it strikes a chord in you, like it did me.

Should be in Detroit within the hour.

I'll be hosted by family this night. My sister Joana and her husband Jay, along with their newborn, Ava have welcomed me on my way up to Marquette, Michigan.

Tonight i'll probably sample some delicious Hungry Howie's Flavored Crust pizza. I used to operate a few locations. Although it proved to be a financial disaster, it didn't stop my love affair with this Midwest favorite. Why they aren't ten times bigger than dominos or papa johns is beyond me.

I'll drive north in the morning, up over the Mackinac bridge, into the wild upper peninsula of Michigan.

730 am, I leave Manhattan.

A hot show from the Royal Roost 1945 on wkcr.

Drizzling rain coats my windshield as I speed on interstate 280 westward bound.

The weekend was a blast. I attented a birthday party at a performance/living space in an old commercial loft building in Brooklyn. A few hundred people, 2 bands, dj's and dancing till dawn. What could be better?

Well, perhaps steaming at the Russian & Turkish Baths? That tried and true tradition revived my body a little bit. Not to mention the extra days rest.

Heading to either Detroit or Chicago tonight.

More later....

Bye new york!

My original intention with this blog was to show video, not write so much. However, my camera has been in the shop... my laptop as a malicious virus on it that is affecting performance and the time to capture, edit and publish has been fleeting.

still...that's no excuse!

I have been shooting some in New York and will bring you a few random clips and highlights as soon as I can.

Stay tuned...

A friend called me the other day to catch up. He didn't know I was in town. When he found out I was sleeping in my truck, he insisted I stay at his place in Chinatown.

We met when he and I were both associated with an Off Broadway show called The Donkey Show. Well, I wasn't really associated, but my girlfriend at the time was one of the principal actors. And a fantastic one at that!

The show was an adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream set in a 70's disco club, with the actors and guests interacting and the characters performing to the music of the era. It was a ton of fun and had a long run for five years before being forced to change venues and take on a new producer.

She even suggested I fill in for the part of the DJ when they needed a last minute replacement. I was asked to learn the two speeches and also manage all the music queues for the show. She rehearsed me all the next morning and by that night, I was ready. I did have to keep my lines by the DJ mixer though. I was really nervous. But, they said I did a great job... and she was very proud. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I would have continued in the role, but the show was shut down the next week due to an unsuccessful run by the new producer. I was the DJ in the very last Donkey Show. What an honor.

My friend Luke played in it, but acting is not his main gig. He and his buddy Richie crank out killer rock and roll in New York City. Their band, The Pale Moon Gang, plays balls out every chance they get. Try to see them if you can or check out their myspace page.

Luke's other profession is as a tour guide. He works for a small tour company, but also runs his own private tour business called Real New York Tours. I've only been on the tour through the company, but just from that experience, I can tell his private tours would be completely engrossing. He is a very engaging personality and has great pride in his hometown city of New York. I know you'd get so much more out of seeing the city with a guy like Luke than on some big red or gray tour bus. Look him up on his website next time you are in the city.

I stop to lean against a wall on west 39th on my way to pickup my laundry.

I just left a fantastic dual bill show of music/performance art organized by my friend Elaine at the EFA Gallery.

First up was Brian Dewan with an evening of words, music and pictures. He projected his filmstrips timed to music, with a booming announcer voice and the comical "beep" to queue the projectionist (also played by Brian).

The illustrations were a mixture of surrealism, cubism and Dewanism. His music compositions and words perfectly suiting the images and themes of each frame of the strip.

Not only did he rock out the A/V, he jammed out some amazing and moving melodies on keys, harpischord (I think) and accordian. He even had a little smidgen of mouth harp at the end of his set, pulling it out of his pocket as he was playing the accordian. It was if he was breathing the chords deeply as he held it between his pursed lips, with no harmonica holder. I found myself inhaling and exhaling in time.

Brian's show was great. Just great. Period.

I don't pretend to be an art critic, but am an art appreciator and enthusiast, if that makes sense. Flowing paragraphs of words to describe all that Brian put forth would only do injustice. Just go see him perform or check out his myspace page.

After a short break we were treated to the delightful, mesmerising and beautifully voiced Natalie performing as Unicornicopia.

It felt deeply personal at times. Like we got a glimpse into a private playland of music, mischief and marvelous mayhem.

The set decore was pink, silver and strewn with mirrors. Natalie's
smile was radiant and her eyes shining light to each of us as she danced and played for an enthusiastic audience. Looping samples, playing keys, and booming out sweet song, Unicornicopia soared my spirit.

There were moments that were magical, such as the opening of the window at a dramatic change in a song. The wind whipped the silver streamers off the wall as they danced around Natalie's long hair, adding their own pulses to the creative energy flowing through he room. She gazed out the window as if in awe of the moment we were sharing.

Simply endearing and a wonderful performance to send me out into the city for the night. It was sampletastic and quite a tasty treat for the ears, sight and soul.

Great job to Brian, Unicornicopia and Elaine for the evening of entertainment.

So, back to laundry....

The guy who runs the shop didn't recognize me at first with the longer hair and beard. He asked regarding the documentary project I am solo shooting about Bill Inman and his Uncovering America by Horseback adventure. We got to chatting so much I didn't remember if he handed me back the change from my $20.

We both laughed about it as he gave me what may have been another $10.25. He said even if it was extra change, that he likes documentaries and hopes I can make something from all my work, so I should keep it, just to be sure.

I told him that when I screen it in New York, that I'll buy his ticket. No ticket, no movie! [couldn't resist, sorry]. He deemed it a fair trade.

So, after sitting on my bag of laundry on the curb of 9th avenue, I will gleefully skip back to the truck with my cleaned and folded laundry. Now I actually have to skip just because I said so. If I had my camera I would film it for you to prove it.

Oh, and my laundry only set me back $9.75. Or maybe I made .50 cents on the transaction. Who knows?

Either way, no more stinky clothes.

P.S. I did just skip down 39th street singing aloud:

"I skip, I skip, I gleefully skip. I skip right down the street tonight.

I skip, I skip, I gleefully skip and now the skipping's done."

The End

Bent it? Hell, I took it right off. Not mine, but the other guys.

I had pulled in quickly past a parked car and cut it too close. Side of my truck took out his front bumper.

The owner came outside and I presented him with all my info, but he wanted to call the police to file the report instead of just filling it out himself at the precinct later, which most people do if there is not arguement of fault.

Luckily I wasn't drunk. And they did make me blow into a breath thingy, trying to get me.

Besides all the wasted time, I also received two summons for expired proof of insurance and expired registration. I do have valid insurance and my truck is properly registered, I just didn't have the paperwork.

The young officer's hands were visibly shaking as he handed me the tickets and explained how I can get them dismissed. Not sure why he was so nervous.

When I finally got finished with the ordeal I was famished. I drove to 11th st and avenue B to park, then walked to avenue A for some pizza.

There was a crew filming a movie called called Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. They had a car rigged up on a trailer to simulate the actors driving. I recognized the one kid as the actor who played George Michael Jr on Arrested Development. Great show and he was very good in it. Hope he does well with this new film.

Ok, time to finally watch a little Californication before climbing in the back for another nights rest.

Been at the bar since just after 6. It's a "burning man" happy hour. I met a bunch of great new people. Was invited to dinner by a cool couple who live out in Red Hook Brooklyn. If I move back to this city, I'd like to check out that area.

Also bumped into the lead singer a band a filmed at the Bman decompression event. This was a good thing, because I wanted to get them the footage. They are called Whiskey and Whores. My kind of party!

It was my first time at the Burn this year. I am yet to write about then experience, but I can say that I felt quite at home. People who attend are very real and open and trusting. It's like one big happy yet dysfunctional familly.

So, I sit at The Delancey, sipping my Stella Artois contemplating my next move. I am parked around then corner. Although I'd like to get online, I really don't think it wise to drive around trying to find a wifi. Too much time and then to find parking.

I think I'll hunt for some food on foot, watch another downloaded episode of Californication and then call it a night.

Craving time. Pulled over on 32nd between broadway and 5th ave.

Koreatown. 24 hour sushi.

Kinda like heaven....

I sit in the IFC Center movie theater in the village, NYC.

I just saw the documentary, Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten, about the Clash's front man. Amazing film. Even more amazing man.

His philosophy and mythology resonates deeply with me: The struggles for free humanity; the joy of being alive; the appreciation and gratitude for just being; the drive to create; the pleasure of meeting people and helping them out or making them feel good.

He said when you feel down walking the city, just realize that we are all alive *right now* and anything is possible and can happen in the next second. People can do anything! We can do anything.

I hope you get a chance to see this film. I am not doing it justice in this blurb. I want to see it again, actually.

Now, to figure out where I'll sleep tonight.....

Sitting quite comfortably on soft sofa in a delightfully decorated east side apartment on 14th street.

My host is from England and her boyfriend from France. We met in a pub around the corner from where I last slept in my truck. I was graciosly permitted to enjoy not only a hot shower and a surf on the couch, Z prepared a lovely meal of chicken and roast potatoes.

Before dinner she offered me some cheese but warned me that it was a bit stinky. I found it quite delicious. I was advised to allow it to get to room temperature in order to allow for the proper consistancy.

Fancy. But it was worth the wait.

Thank you!!

Almost anytime I drive down Bleecker street there is a huge line out the door and around the corner of the Magnolia Bakery.

Once, there wasn't a line so I pulled over and decided to taste what all the hype was about. Half a cupcake later, I wasn't impressed. In fact, I thought it awful.

Maybe I am missing something? Is it primarilly popular due to appearances on Sex and the City? Perhaps they have other baked goods that would knock my socks off?

Still, my favorite cupcakes are in my old neighborhood. The rich butter creme of the recently relocated 39th st bakery are a joy to taste as much as they are to see, with lovely flower decorations. For standard sugar frosting, it's Burger's and Cupcakes.

But if you want to stand out in the cold, be my guest.

It's 4:20am. Late night. Time to hit the sheets.

I ended up on the lower east side, below Houston street and east of Avenue B. I type this from my phone because I wasn't lucky enough to find wi-fi in the area I parked.

It's 33 degrees.

Luckily, I had someone gift me a sleeping bag when I was in Colorado. Now I have two warm bags. That extra layer comes in handy, especially since I typically retire for the evening without any top clothes. It's just more comfortable that way.

My first night on the street was on John street in Dumbo Brooklyn, right at the base of the Manhattan bridge. Noisy with trains all night long. But a great view of the skyline and downtown bridges.

The next was on the Manhattan side of the bridge in Chinatown. At 3am, I took a walk to the store for some water and noticed that a nearby car had it's window smashed, presumably as part of a theft.

Thursday I bunked down again in Chinatown, but in a well lit area. Also had my back curtains that night, so I was able to sleep in a bit easier, but still had some problems with noisy traffic in the morning.

Friday found me tucked on what I thought would be a quiet street. It was the area of 21st street that goes the opposite direction of the usual flow of 21st, way west between 11th and 12th avenues. I remembered that spot because a former girlfriend used to rock out killer performances in an off-Broadway show in the now defunct venue where I parked.

The next morning, on Saturday, there were bustling art gallery patrons in and out of cabs and cars for hours. Luckily I had purchased earplugs earlier and was able to block out most background noise.

Tomorrow? Not sure where I will land. I was thinking of parking out near the ocean for a change of pace. Far Rockaway is about the closest beach to the city. I think a night or two with some quiet and some waves will be soothing, don't you?

A taxi makes a bold u-turn in front of a bus as I dart out 147th in time to make the light.

I 'Bullit' down Broadway after visiting a friend in Harlem. It's midnight. A distant sea of green lights leads me downtown.

We all drive a little McQueen-ish in this town. And I love it. This is the City for which I was born to drive. In fact, I do while I type this...steering with my knee.

It is all about space here; apartment size, parking, and road real estate. If you want to go somewhere on these streets you'd better move ahead when the opportunity is present.

Darting and dashing from lane to lane is predicated by your awareness of all things mobile. Understanding and anticipating turning taxis, careening cabs and crossing pedestrians goes a long way towards an unimpeded path downtown.

I drive on... now, with both hands instead of none.

Because, without them... it's just a windowed box.

The last couple days have been spent hauling crates of dvds and records to shops around the city, trying to sell off unused media from my collections.

The shedding of material goods is a mixed emotion process The attachment can be strong. The memories of a record spun or a movie watched make me want to keep them for some future time.

However, I would rather they be in the hands of someone who will use them in the present, then for me to retain them for the future. So, I schlep them from store to store getting a few dollars for each DVD and much less for the vinyl. Regardless, we all had good times together. Good times.

I also found the black table skirting that I used for my DJ booth back in the day. It was a really good investment for me. Not only did the heavy duty clips attach to the DJ table securely for years, they also clip perfectly to the inside of my cap on the back end of my pickup. So, now I have curtains where sleep.

What a difference! I feel so much more at home sleeping in the back of the truck than I ever have before.

Serene, cozy, darkened and delightful. No more windowed box.

Meet William, Susie and Tucky the Dog as I give them a lift from Columbia, Missouri to Allentown, Pennsylvania.

I am leaning against a half brick wall soaking in the morning sun at the corner of East 7th St and 1st Avenue in New York's East Village.

It's a crisp fall morning. The air has a definite chill, but the sunlight still warms this old soul. It feels like a start of a glorious day!

I slept in my truck last night underneath the Manhattan Bridge in the neighborhood of Brooklyn referred to as Dumbo. I stayed up a little late watching the Showtime series, Californication. I could have used a little more sleep, but got myself up around the time that the parking violations would be in effect for the block of John St on which I was parked. The last thing I need now is a ticket.

I am going to the New York Public Library today to see about editing and uploading some video from the last week. Also, my computer may have some malware on it and I'll need to figure out how to cure it.

I am also in process of liquidating many of the mounds of junk I have stored here in Manhattan. I sold a couple hundred 12" dance records from my DJ days. I still have 700+ left. Not sure what do do with them.

I also sold about 50 of the nearly 800 DVDs in my collection. I will try to pare down to my favorite 200 films and sell the rest. That'll help me raise funds to get my camera cleaned, buy tapes and fill my gas tank.

Later tonight I am thinking about steaming away my cares at the Russian spa on East 10th st. Good old fashioned heat. I love it!

Ok.... Off to enjoy the day. Hope you have a wonderful one yourself!

Good Morning!

Although my primary intention is to use video to express myself in this blog, I recognize that my throughput ratio of footage shot to footage edited is slower than I like. So, why not write a little too!?

I've been in New York for 5 days. So far, I have had a bed or a couch each day. Last night, a new friend from the Burning Man Decom event gifted me a shower and a bed. I had helped to transport supplies for the party. I was telling him about my blog and living in the truck, and he offered instantly.

His space is in a funky old warhouse bulding right beneath the Manhattan Bridge. From the windows in his living room I could see the Brooklyn Bridge and all of lower Manhattan lit up with bright city lights. It is a gorgeous view!

I really enjoyed meeting Kevin. He's a cool cat. A very lovely man. I look forward to visiting his Gnome Camp next year at Burning Man.

I didn't get as much sleep as I wanted. I was up late visiting with my friend and artist Erik Van Loon from Rotterdam. He was in town with his friend and fellow countryman Jan Willem Hament.

Jan and I hit it off instantly and became good friends right away. I filmed him showing me the 50+ drawings he made in one day. He even gave one of them to me. How generous! He also made some 'iliveinmytruck.com' signs for me. And he invited me to come stay with him in rotterdam anytime I like. I also extend the same invitation to stay in my truck. (ha!)

Today I am helping move a dresser for somebody on craigslist. That'll net me $100 for my time. I also need to chip away at that storage unit. Too much junk!

Have a great day and I hope to see you soon!

Cheers!

I mean... who cares if I don't always have the most fascinating things to share? Right? I shouldn't be so hard on myself.

Anyway... I have to catch up on editing (as usual!). I have some footage of the young couple I drove to Pennsylvania. I have a few hightlights from the Burning Man NYC Decom, along with a little video entry for today.

I also need to go do some pickups with my truck to earn a little money. Need to pay the cell phone bill too. And go thru storage. Whew.. I better get to work...

see ya later

My Dutch artist friend, Erik Van loon (from Rotterdam) with one of his projects to commemorate bicycle riders who have been killed in traffic.

seriously...

beef it up. say something.. SOMETHING. ANYTHING.


zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz


- me

I Live In My Truck Dot Com 2007-11-02 - The best bloopers are a click away

Haven't been here for a while...

Bittersweet for reasons to me, yet always new and re-inventing itself.

Here's an old clip form last Christmas.

Good Morning.

I will be in Manhattan a couple hours after dropping them off in Harrisburg, PA.

We slept last night at a rest area off the Pennsylvania turnpike. More like the Penna TurnPUKE than, "turnpike" because their dog Tucky threw up this morning. Luckily, they were able to open the truck door to allow the her to expel on the parking lot and not my floor.

Hopefully Tucky will feel better now that she got rid off that belly full of junk food they let her eat.

Ok... Time to keep rollin' on.....