puppetmaker | Everything is Awesome

I was talking the other day to a friend and a name came up to which I said, “Nice guy. Had a good time working with him for a short time back in the 80s.”

There was a pause and my friend said, “You know you have lead an awesome life. Your life puts most people’s bucket lists to shame.”

And I thought about it. My life has not been perfect, in fact far from it, but I do agree that it has been pretty awesome.

I have seen and done things that others only dream about. I have accomplished quite a bit in my short 50+ years on this planet. Nothing world changing or ground breaking but I have met a lot of people who do that sort of thing. I, apparently, am really good at cheering people.

This time last year we were getting ready to go to England for a convention. Through a series of people who know people, we found ourselves at BBC Whales on the set of Doctor Who. Second time I have done that in my lifetime.

I have been in a Hobbit Hole in New Zealand. I have watched the sun set in Italy. I have sat on furniture older than the United States. I have seen great art and great theater. I have participated in some pretty awesome theater too.

I have met the cast of the original Star Trek over the years. I was able to tell Terry Gilliam how one of his films saved my life. I know artists and writers that I admired as a teenager who I can call friend. I got Terry Brooks and George RR Martin to pose for a picture together. I became friends with Neil Gaiman over a puppet at Jill Thompson’s insistence that I show it to Neil. I married Peter David.

I have been backstage at NASA and Disney.

I have been all over this country and a few others meeting and talking to fans about a variety of topics. I have been on panels and judged various contests. I went from fan to Pro but a Pro who is still a fan. I just have to act cool and let my inner child have a good squee.

I am grateful for all the awesomeness that has been part of my life and all the awesomeness to come.