Time to move the blog

I have to admit blogger has definitly fell behind the ball as to what you can do with the blog system. So it is without further ado, I bid blogger farewell and move over to wordpress hosted on my own site. It has a alot richer functionality that will blend with what I am doing with my photos, and allow me no restrictions. If you care to still follow me, you can find me at:

http://blog.ronheerkensjr.com

or

http://ronheerkensjr.com/wordpress

Either will take you to the same place.

-Ron

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Publicity pics & my first portrait session

Decided I had missed a couple of things and combined them together.

Maggie in a publicity photo for Spitfire Grill @ Blackfriars Theatre

Another shot of Maggie

Chris Cain, my most recent and also "first" true portrait session. More pics to follow.

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Water for Sudan @ Waterstreet

Been lax as of late, and had troubles with loggin in with my new plugin, seems to be fixed now. Anywho, missed the St. Patricks day post, maybe next post. The following are shots from Water For Sudan benifit concert at WaterStreet Music Hall

The stage...

Teressa Wilcox opens the show

Arthur Fraser of Sleeping Giant grooves on the guitar

Sleeping Giant and The Word of The Day

More Sleeping Giant

Arthur Fraser of Sleeping Giant closes out his set.

The show and music was great. Unfortunatly I did not get to stay past Sleeping Giant, and really wish I had the chance to. Congrats to the guys who made this possible.

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OLL @ BF goes up, SFX & photos done

Tonight Our Leading Lady at Blackfriars Theatre takes the stage. I finished Sound Design quite early in the week, and dealing with a major sickness during it really helped. Tried to stay away from the theatre to not get the crew and cast sick, but last night was production photos and I had no choice. I was quite pleased with the turnout.

Below are some of my favorites from the shoot. If you want to see more, visit my flickr page or Blackfriars Production page for more.

Publicity Shots were also featured in Weekend for D&C and also going to be main story in Sundays D&C. Yeah!

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Round 2 of Pub pics for OLL@BF

We did some more publicity shots last night at OLL tech night here are the results...

SFX are 95% done with very little tweaking left. We will be having a featured article in Tuesdays paper and front page of the weekend section. I am interested in seeing what they will be choosing for the featured shots.

In other news, I found a wonderful new tool to use with Adobe Lightroom. I must say I love Lightroom and the ability I have to upload to the various forms of "internet-media" I deal in. I can export to FaceBook, to Flickr, Send out Emails, upload to FTP and now today I found this wonderful plugin that allows me upload a blog directly from Lightroom.

It is a little basic right now, but it allows me to do the hard work of uploading, linking, and inserting photos into the blog, with a push of the button.

Ain't technology grand?

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Of little girls and lazy dogs

Our girls decided to entertain the notion of sledding inside the house...in a laundry basket. Though they were thoroughly amused, I was not happy with the results of being pulled around the house on our wood floor. Nonetheless they did enjoy themselves...


Emma enjoying...


Riley trying to distract and subsequenlty hide the evidence...

This morning the dogs really did not want to get out of bed...

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Our Leading Lady

February brings a crazy month to my theatre schedule, especially this week as STAY and STNY close, and at the start of next month brings the opening of Our Leading Lady.  A couple of shots from last nights shoot for publicity photos are online in my flickr repository. Below is my favorite from the night. Now on to SFX!



and another shot...

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Valentines Day Fun

It all began with some flowers...unfortunately delivered the day before by 1-800-Flowers instead of on Saturday...

The next morning began with the girls getting some teddy bears and valentines fun...

and Roscoe kisses


but Roscoe didn't seemed to enthused with the days activities...


All for the love of some Valentines Day.

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Emma and the aftermath of dinner

So I thought it would be fun to take pics of the girls last night during and after dinner. Needless to say I "forgot" to make sure Emma was wiped off before firing off some random posing pics. Well these shots would have looked nice, they now are a hoot considering Emma's face looks like she took a bath in her dinner.

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Back to my Axe to grind

Yes it has once again been a while since my last update. Life has taken many twists and turns in my family over the course of that time. Shall I list the ways...

Heart Attack.
Pancreatitis.
Cancer.
Tumors.
Infant Death.
Suicide.

A lot to handle by any means. The end of 2008 and start of 2009 has not been good for our family. We are slowly but surely put the pieces back together and resuming our lives, and helping other members of our family deal with these things as well.

Looking forward to the rest of 2009, I truly wonder what lies around the bend. Some of it scares me, some of it excites me. Personally as an artist I have made a major commitment that I hope pans out. I am branching out in to doing more photography and am spending the next couple of months getting a good portfolio set up.

On the subject of photography, my most recent show Same Time Another Year has had its pictures posted. Since last posting, I have done the photos for:

Pillowman. Magic Corridor. Same Time Next Year. Same Time Another Year. All these pictures can be seen on my flickr page, or on the Blackfriars website.

In conjunction with my photography portion of my biz getting setup, I have begun work on my photography website. It can be seen at http://www.ronheerkensjr.com . Feel free to dissect, discriminate and send suggestions my way.

Until next time.

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Resuming a life of sorts

Well minus the post yesterday, its been a couple weeks and I guess it is time to start updating again, especially as my head has gotten on a bit straighter.

Recently a major life changing event truly affected every aspect of my life.

Without going into detail the biggest thing that has changed has been the relationship with my family.

I have pulled back and took leave from Blackfriars Theatre, stepping down from the board and away from design duties. Career suicide...possibly.

In conjunction with that I have also pretty much ceased GFMedia Entertainment in its current state. Taking on no new jobs, and wrapping up those that were in the works.

How am I handling this change, well right now okay. In another month who knows. I feel the biggest thing that has happened is a return of happiness between my wife and I. I literally feel like we are dating again, and can only hope that this feeling can continue. Without the distractions of a million things pulling me away and my attention for 2 weeks out of every month, I feel we have struck a bond that hasn't been there for a while.

The ability to enjoy the company of my girls on a nightly basis and spend time with the weekends has been a big blessing. I have noticed change in them that has only increased my happiness.

Am I happy with the way all this came to pass, absolutely not, but I wouldn't trade the last two weeks for any other time in my life.

I have definitely realized that there are a lot of things that I need to work on to not only keep this happiness, but increase it.

Aside from all of this I would like to start creating a stream of consciese comic book, and finish up recording my CD. These are personal goals, that I now must work in time, but things I feel need to be done before I can ever go back into Theatre or business.

I have lost a lot as time has gone by these last five years ( intresting that I use "last five years" as it is one of my favorite musicals, and has given me a warning of what can become of delicate love and marriage) but I feel my talents have decreased in art and music, and for all of my life those intwined with love have fueled me. With love renewed it is time to start bringing the others back.

Is this a journey I am ready for,...God I hope so.
Is this a journey I can handle...God I pray so.
Is this a journey that will make a difference...God only knows.

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Elyse and the canal...

Elyse and I spent a wonderful day on this past Saturday, and finished the day on a walk along the Erie canal, decided to snap this photo of her ( with her new do) and the beautiful fall background.

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A bit of time away

I know I have not posted in a while, and yes I have been busy and that is no excuse. But I am writing to say that I will be taking a leave of this blog for a couple more weeks as I get some things in life straightened out, or at least going down the right path.

Bare with me, until then, I will return.

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Woman in Black Publicity

Alright so this one was not actually used for publicity it is still my favorite of the shoot and I include it anyway. You can see the chosen shots for Blackfriars Theatres  Woman in Black by clicking on either of the links below. For those new to following me an my work, I do both publicity and production photos for this theatre company in Rochester, NY. I am also doing the sound design on this show as well.

Flickr Woman in Black  set

Blackfriars Woman in Black page

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Whitewater...Whitewashed...wiped out...

Recovering from a weekend of Whitewater on Saturday, and man...do I fell like I stepped out of a boxing ring. For the first time ever I took a dive out of a raft, this was my 5th time rafting and I finally got thrown on Saturday, and I just feel like crap. I am still water logged two days later.

Go figure.

Elyse stayed home with Riley and Emma so Emma could attend a birthday party, so she didn't get to be with me again this year. Oh Well there is always next year. This time was at the Black River, we are thinking on doing the Moose River next year.

My Rivers I have done so far:

• Snake River  - Wyoming
• New River - West Virginia
• Gauly River - West Virginia
• Black River - Watertown, NY (2x)

I still rank Gauly as my favorite and want to get the family down there next spring.

Spent the rest of the night playing around with the kids, the dogs and with GTAIV and SCIV on the PS3 using up the last of what little energy I had ultimately crashing into one of the hardest sleeps I have had in a while.

Getting ready for Woman in Black at Blackfriars Theatre. Crazy SFX.

On another note I watched In the Name of the King last night and I am speechless as to a review for it. Where do I even begin. I love Jason Statham in everything he has been in, but who thought it was wise to cast Burt Reynolds and Ray Liotta in a Medieval movie. They should be put in the gallows and whipped with a toothbrush while listening to Miley Cyrus,...oh wait they would probably find that enjoyable and entertaining...what were they thinking!

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A Bit of Reflection

It truly is amazing to me to think that 10 years ago at this time I was enjoying my first summer with the knowledge that I would not be returning to school in the fall. Unlike most kids that summer, I was not scrambling to find a full time job. I had been working since I was 14. Worked at a dairy farm until I graduated, and moved on to the restaurant biz, I was hired before school ended. That summer was one of great change and purpose for my life. I was dating a girl in the class under me since the previous Thanksgiving, and we were enjoying our time together. 1998 was a good year for me. There are times when I feel like the world is falling apart around me, and wish I could escape for two minutes back to that time.

Now don't get me wrong here...I hated school. I hated nearly everything about it. There were only three things I liked about...my girl, art, and music. The funny thing is the only thing that has stuck around sinc that summer has been my art, and my music.

The girl and I parted separate ways on Valentines the next year...her decision not mine...Tried to make amends and failed miserably.

Needless to say 1999 was not a good year. Dejected, heartbroken, and no sense of purpose for what I wanted out of my life I several times thought that the world would be better without me. But I had no courage to do anything other than run away. I embarked on a mission for my church if for no other reason than to escape my past. The mission became more than that eventually, but it truly wasn't until near the end. No most of my mission was spent sulking on the past I left behind, and the poor choices I had made, not knowing the one good choice I had made.

I reflect often on the choices we make in life, and the sliding doors that we open and close (good movie reference). What would have happened, if I chose not to go on my mission and face the fears of my life that were confronting me. I would have spent every waking hour trying to fix what was broken in that relationship, until it finally broke me. Would I have a life with her, maybe if tried hard enough...BUT, I would have the joy and happiness I have today. I chose a door which led me to finding an eternal companion that I will never be without, and a family that is beyond measure. My two kids are a joy to be with and I love every minute I get to spend with them.

Could I have had a life through the other door, yes it is possible, but would I trade it for what I have today.

Absolutely not. I love my wife and my kids. I would lay down my life to protect them from feeling the pain I have felt so many times in my life.

As for my friend (yes I still call her that for one day I believe that when I am old and gray our friendship will be mended) I hope that you get a chance to read this. I am sorry for my part in what happened long ago. I miss your friendship that you gave to me, I hope one day we can be reunited and share our lessons of our lives together. I hope that you have found someone in your life that is just as special as you were to me, and as my wife is to me today. I truly do miss you my friend, my sliding door is always open for you to walk through...may you find what you are looking for out of life.

I know I have.

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The Dark Knight has arrived

Actually, its come and gone, but I figured now was a good time to get this post up.

Dark Knight grosses over $155 Million dollars to set a new opening weekend record. Fridays take alone...over $60 million.

And yes I added fuel to the monsters belly. Actually, my wife and I both did. After cursing myself and realizing I was stupid and did not preorder tickets for the IMAX, and finding out it was all sold out and I could not see it in that format till after my Tennessee trip, I became quite upset.

So I did the only sane rational thing I could think of. I purchased two tickets for the 8:30 Friday showing at Cinemark. Of course Ii had to drag and convince my wife that this was the only sane and rational thing, as she does not understand my complex boyish tendencies with movies, especially involving high octane action and comic book characters. So after grabbing a bite to eat we finally got over to the theatre, an hour early.

My wife, still did not understand why we were here,...especially an hour early.

Approximately 3 hours + later she had her answer and a grin on her face.

She enjoyed it. To say my wife actually liked a movie that I did was a miracle in itself. But I can't stop there. I think she loved it.

As for me. Wow. One of the best films I have seen in a long long time. Everything about this movie was perfect for me. Even to the point that after the 2:32 credits rolling mark, I was left wanting more. That says a lot. Was the movie perfect,...no. But as I said it was perfect for me. My official score gives it a 99.5/100. Why the half point? A hesitation to say that I liked it better that Gladiator of Citizen Kane. For me those movies refined certain areas of film making that were just pure genius. So it now sits along side the top.

As for the story, this is what Batman was to me growing up. He walks that line of Black and White so tight that you can't help but getting sucked in. Heath Ledger as Joker...Holy ----- Batman! Evil, just pure evil. One of those guys who just likes to sit and "watch the whole world burn to the ground". His performance was truly astonishing. This was not HL embodying the body of the character, but rather the character of the Joker taking on the body of HL. As it stands today, HL gets the Best Actor/Supporting Actor (which ever they would decide to put him in), as I have not seen any performance this year (or even a hint from something upcoming) that could rival this.

Yes it is sad that the film industry lost this kid, but trust me this is no sympathy vote --- I still Orson Welles as the most  greatest talented naturally gifted genius to step in front of or behind a camera --- he deserves a standing ovation for this performance.

One last thing to wrap this disjointed review.

I love the score, is it a masterpiece,...no, but as I watched the film I kept getting tugged on by the score, I felt like i was watching a top notch orchestrated ballet, simply amazing,...and of course it was by my favorite (did not even catch this going in) Hans Zimmer (50% of my reason I love Gladiator)

Go see this movie.

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AfterDark: The Musical

Just kidding,..but really I am working on my CD AfterDark, it has just taken a lot longer to come to fruition. I posted in a link to an early first cut that I was messing around with. Entitled "Sunrise" it was written for Lori and Norm last year for their wedding. The funny thing is, They also had another composer playing at their reception, Chad LaMarche, who also composed a song for them. Lets just say I am no Chad LaMarche, and my song was probably long forgotten.

Anywho, about AfterDark...Inspired from my experiences in "growing up" over the last ten years, from my first true relationship, its pitfalls, and my journey to where I stand today. I have written several songs over the last 10 years and decided it was time to put them down finally.

Over the next couple months I will be posting them (or previews of them) on here and FB. If you have comments on them or suggestions (minus "just shut up!") feel free.

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Nearing the end...

Tonight marks the last night of Tech Week for me for Noises Off. SFX are done, tonight the production photos will be taken and then I turn my focus onto Woman in Black for August. As I mentioned before, this show is a hoot. It has actually gotten funnier as the week progressed, which few plays do that for me during tech week. So if you're in the are GO SEE IT. ... blackfriars

Nearing the end of Tech Week however means I am nearing the opening of Dark Knight. I have tried to stay away from as many reviews as possible so that I can come back with a full picture for myself, undiluted from others. Planning on seeing it at IMAX on Saturday. Can't wait.

So got home last night, and got caught up on So You Think You Can Dance. Honestly after the first year, I really didn't know how far this show could go (by the way if you were unfamiliar with this show, a swing kid one the first year, so I was happy). But the great part about this show is each year has brought better talent than the year before, unlike other shows. The had reached the final 10 and honestly it is anyones game. Unfortunately one of the girls I had pegged for the top three, can't dance (Jessica) because of two broken ribs, so she is out of competition. If you want an entertaining night, tape it and watch it on a date night. I have a HD projection system and 103" screen so it feels like I am at the movies when ever I watch this. But you won't be disappointed, as each week just gets better and better.

After catching up with that I decided (at 11pm) to take a look at a new series that started up on A&E, The Cleaner, once again I had taped it as it aired the pilot on Tuesday (All-Star Night). This show rocked. Benjamin Bratt is phenomenal, best thing I have ever seen him in, and his co-stars are a hoot. You want a summary, go watch the show or read the website. I was intrigued by the whole "he talks to God thing" simply because I wanted to see how they would pull of a touchy subject. But you know what, he talks to him no differently than most would talk to him. The character development and his vices and flaws are polished, and believable. I found myself several times last night drawn into his emotional palette, choking back tears near the end, for what had just happened. I commend the producers and advertisers of this show (it will probably last only this episode) for working out a deal for no commercials. I love that. It helps keep the story alive and fresh. This is the precise reason I tape things is to get through the commercials to keep the writers storyline linear and not broken by a third party. Several shows have done this, but I really appreciated with this, because it let you stay and get pulled in. The show has some harsh dark looks, but when you know about the main character and his past, they come off as not too dark, but just a slice of reality.

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Another All-Star Game in the books, another NL loss

Despite having a Tech Week during the All-Star week (for the first time) I managed to get a little bit of the festivities in with a little help from excited updates from my dear wife.

Mondays HR Derby provided some major fireworks with Josh Hamilton of Texas punching some moon shots and setting a record for HR in a round. But unfortunately by the time I arrived I saw the reality of why the HR Derby is broken and needs to be fixed. Its just too long and the poor guy got tired.

---what could fix the HR derby, well ESPN had a good article the other day on this and I agree that it should go first round then into the finals. Where I disagree is that it should take the top four, they each have 3 outs, then the top two continue taking swings for another 3 outs each, then back and forth till 9 outs are achieved (you get an out the other guy goes) till someone wins---

As for last nights game, I missed the part I really wanted to see. The HOF's. We go to Cooperstown a couple of times per year and I bask in everythign I can while I am there and it just would have been awesome to see these guys get cheered by thousands. My wife called me as soon as she saw Hammerin Hank.

Got home to see the 6th inning and the NL take a 2-0 lead, I was happy because A) heck they might actually win it this year, B) they all looked like they were taking the game seriously!

Shift to this morning to see Cory Hart throw a foot to the right instead of two the left, and Mc doing all he could to make up the difference in the throw.

I love baseball. So unpredictable.

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