snoweyes blog

The Cleverest Monkey

2012-01-11T09:18:00.001-08:00

Psssst, here's a random story to test some stuff!
Once upon a time there was a marvelous little monkey. He ate an apple and said, "why isn't this a banana?"

Tossing his fruit aside, Monkey decided to find his holy fruit; he ambled briskly to the thick juicy tree before him and ripped it from its roots before gnawing a a place for himself.He needed a boat to go away to the Grove, where all banana dreams came true.

Grove was not an easy place to get to. It was far away in the middle of the yellow sea; it's inhabitants (called Bo-nanas) were also of the monkey eating variety, though Monkey was not unprepared. He coated his rump with a sticky-sweet jam that happened to frighten bo-nanas in a very unique way.

As Monkey slid his new boat out to the open water, the Moon came lurking down from the sky to introduce the rules of the sea to newcomers as he did every Thursday evening.

"Aha monkey, looks like a fine time for a float," whispered the moon. His old weary eyes glanced at his little husked boat and a little tear formed right above his weary cheek. "By the water I see you searching already for a way to go, even though you think you have planned things through! Alas I know a secret just for you. Who knew?"

Moon liked to talk in clever ways. That said, Monkey was prepared for many things, even the moon's visit. He knew the waxy visitor wanted a kiss from his old mother, Sun, but they had grown apart these days. Monkey stared way up to Moon, who slowly lowered himself above the water like an old neighbor.

"Dear Moon, would you tell me the secrets of the Yellow Sea over a bit of salty tea?" The moon reminded Monkey of an older time his grandfather had come from, a magical time.

"Certainly, but for a small cost." The Moon smiled with a twinkle along with his star-filled eye. "Would you by chance, dance for me little monkey?"

Monkey thought for four seconds, stood and bowed gentlemanly. As he stood straight up, he revealed a little picture of the sun he had painted the morning before.

The moon came yet closer, but since he was so large, the ocean began to arise to meet well before high tide and began to toss the little boat monkey was in, but this was his little clever plan.

As the monkey slipped onto the lower curl of the moon, the boat was lifted high above the world, for Moon had given a special gift of traveling among the stars. The journey was going so well!

Monkey could almost taste the bananas.

Sent from my iPod

Holiday art sale!

2011-12-22T07:48:00.001-08:00

Made some price drops on some paintings just in time for Kwanzaa! If you'd like my art I'll knock any older painting 16x20 and larger 40% off! Prices good through Dec. 26th.

My newest works
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150409097431887.345783.555921886&type=1&l=2f193cd6b2&subject=The&refid=17

Here's my large gallery
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=20747&id=555921886&l=bdc7e7da3f

If you are on the Tulsa area I'll personally deliver the art to you! Out of town? Just get in contact with me for info. I take credit cards!

Silly Peter Pan

2011-11-29T19:30:00.001-08:00

There are many stories in the world but
The tale of Peter Pan is one of my absolute favorites. Even before playing the character I probably read the story half a dozen times and I routinely go back to it as I dream of an adventure in my little life or think of a magical place to create when I paint.

I was just reading the Annotated Peter Pan ( http://www.amazon.com/Annotated-Peter-Pan-Centennial-Books/dp/0393066002 ) and love the care and extra information about the author that are woven into the book. There are letters to love ones from and to Sir Barrie, illustrations galore and so much more. One of my favorite things I love is the script J. M. Barrie wrote for a silent film version he envisioned! Reading this has reminded me that I've been in three theatrical versions of Peter Pan; once as Peter himself, and twice as Smee. I've acted with two fine folks who have played The Pan; Jeremy Sumpter and Cathy Rigby (both of whom are in this book). I remember when Jes Lenee' played Pan at the Spotlight Theater too! (thanks David) It's fun to think I personally have entered into a little corner of the mythos and I look forward to strangely blending Peter Pan into my life some more thanks to this well-made reminder. Fans of the story of Peter and Wendy should definitely check it out. I would love I make a silent film using Barrie's unused script! Who's in?

Acting fun

2011-11-18T16:17:00.001-08:00

It's been a fun little week with four different projects going on all at the same time. I'm just off of the first of three days as a heart patient in a lovely little film called 9.8. I shot in the chilly but lovely autumn nature for a dream sequence with a mysterious girl. More to come and I'm excited for the shoot.

My second project this week was two performances of Quillow and The Giant this morning and afternoon at schools in Broken Arrow and I truly enjoy performing for kids who have probably never even experienced theatre before this show. They get so excited for the giant and our silly antics!

Lastly I'm shooting an industrial film this weekend as a leisure employee for a company. I'm all lined up for wackiness and comedy as a slacker!

But that's not all! I'm painting tonight now that I've got a little downtime. I'm living he good life and I'll take more please!

I'll leave you with a pic I was sent from So this is Christmas, which was an amazing experience as a very intense character named after a car ;)
You can see Titus Makin, Richard Foster and me right I. The middle going over a scene. It was fun! The film stars Vivica A. Fox, Lexi Ainsworth, Titus Makin and Eric Roberts.

Holy Cow!

2011-10-14T08:01:00.001-07:00

What a crazy, wonderful week! I am extremely lucky to say I’ve been booked for a feature film , called “So This is Christmas.” I’ve been really busy acting in theatre and it’s nice to fill out a character for the big screen. LIke all good things it’s coming and going very fast, shooting begins this Sunday and goes for a few weeks. The fist auditions went well and the call back with the producers also went well, but like a good actor I didn’t expect it until I got the call yesterday. I’m simply running around like crazy getting things together for all of this and my motor has been turned from “trotting turtle” “rabbit.”

I am really, really booked up the next few weeks with Ultimate Murder Mystery and The Drunkard, as usual. I’ve also begun shows for Billie Sue Thompson for Quillow and The Giant; our first performance for kids at schools begins today.

Also this week I’ve had some interviews for a new position in the corporate offices of where I work. I would love that and the last interview I had went very well. They let me know I’ll hear the final news early next week. I have so much pent up working knowledge and I’m very happy to get the opportunity after a year literally running laps at work

I’m also really enjoying the lovely Autumn we’re having. The sunsets have been wonderful and the moon continues to inspire my art. I told myself I would be painting more once I wrapped out of the musical Urinetown, but things just seem to be picking up, which I entirely welcome. I hope to be able to utilize these crazy gifts I’ve been blessed with and inspire others to take the more interesting path in their life. A friend of mine met an artist who had a show this week; the artist had lovely moon-inspired works. As my friend asked her about her inspirations, the artist said that her favorite artist, Derick Snow inspired her to create nature inspired works of art from her spirit. My friend asked if the artist had told me, but the artist was too nervous to let me know, so my friend said she would let me know. The artist beamed and thanked her!

When I heard that I simply dropped my jaw and felt so humbled by that artist. To inspire creativity has always been one of my callings. That’s why I created Quick Draw Derick, and that’s why I write this silly little blog. I hope everyone fills their life with little blessings and lives life to it’s fullest.

Now, off to rehearse for two shows today!

Moving fast

2011-09-22T15:01:00.001-07:00

The month is blurring by and Urinetown is half over. This is our last week and things have been going well!

Our show was featured in the Urban Tulsa magazine this week. Here's a little write up:

http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A42756

We had some fun on KMOD last week with Phil and Brent talking up the show. Somehow we got to talking before the show about my 22nd birthday, the one where my family took me to Hooters; thanks Erica! During the show my caffeine kicked in nicely and it was a great segment that ran for fifteen minutes over the air with jokes and merriment. Brent finished off the interview by saying the show was just as family friendly as Hooters! I had a great time and I kind of yearn to be on the radio so if anyone has some strings to pull I'd like to get them pulled. Get me?

Samantha an I are going on an audition this Monday for the Lyric theatre. They are casting for some paid theatre gigs and I'm pretty excited about it. To be successful performing and acting I can never stop.

I'm pondering some new paintings to create once the show ends. I've got some great ideas and am submitting my art to shows and for the near future. I see much more art in my future!

Well I'm off to perform in Urinetown. Break a thing!

Murder mystery magic

2011-09-10T16:06:00.001-07:00

So I'm here all the way out on old 51 at a place called Stone Bluffs Cellars Winery in fabulous Coweta. I love road trips for little gigs.

This week I am getting some art ready for September 30 at the Living Arts space right next to the Gypsy coffee house. The event is the Indy Emporium 2011 and I'm very excited to be a part of it. Who's coming?

Now, I've got to get ready for the show, and tomorrow the gang from Urinetown and I are moving in to the PAC for next week's big show!

Back in business!

2011-09-09T14:48:00.001-07:00

I'm posting this from an iPod today to bring you little updates from life and it's been a good month or two! My ...32nd birthday came and went and I'm in the middle of a big stage production of Urinetown here in Tulsa. Its a musical and I get to strut on stage as the lead, Bobby Strong. It's been a bit of a hard task but I think everyone will enjoy this funny musical at the PAC!
In other news I've got an art how at the end of the Minh at the Living Arts space downtown on the 30th, and two murder mysteries in the next two days; one at Molly's Landing and one at a shmancy winery an hour away.
I've been auditioning for various roles as drug users and dealers this month in films. Working on the North side lately has given me plenty of inspiration for the roles. I'll find put about those in the next few weeks. On other tv and film news, I found out I'm getting a check for some show I did a little while ago. Now that's working smarter and not harder!

Life's a peach. I'm spending as much time outside as possible. I love this weather!

Busy little life

2011-07-24T11:42:00.001-07:00

Living life as been fun lately with so much to do. I’m still in Tulsa, doing shows of the acting and artistic variety. I performed in a show (for the Ultimate Murder Mystery) for <100 Republicans as a Sctottish thespian (The Western UMM show), which was pretty odd and humorous. I’ve been performing mostly in a show called “Trailer Trash Karaoke Deathmatch” as a cross-dressing security guard. I’d tell you more, but then I’d have to kill you. I’ll let James D. Watts of the Tulsa world tell you more HERE :)

I’ve gotten back to work on “Teaching Faith” (working title) here in town this week, recording ADR voice work and shooting a pick-up scene here and there. It’s a good film that is making it’s way the finish line after a long year of work!

Since I last wrote I performed in a show with the great Billie Sue Thompson. She put together a show for kids, “Quillow and The Giant,” based on a book and it’s a cute little musical we’re gearing up to perform with at schools around Oklahoma once school kicks back in. I play the lead, Quillow. We put the show up in about two weeks and everyone is very talented and I’ve had a grand time with them with more to come.

I also joined another group, this one’s an improv group. This officially makes me an idiot for doing so much all the time, but I feel that life’s meant to be lived. I don’t watch tv, I don’t have the internet at home and I love meeting lovely folks and living this crazy life. The group is called Crayons! You can find them on Facebook or on their website, http://crayonsimprov.com.

I’ve been having fun with my art as well, with a few shows and art parties. I very much want to paint more outside, but seeing how it’s been over a hundred degrees for the last few weeks it’s a little hard to not sweat to death, so I’m painting inside as time permits. I’m submitting myself for art shows and galleries, but if you are interested in seeing my work, please get in touch.

Speaking of heat, we went to camp in Branson for Independence day and swam as much as we’ve been able to cool ourselves off and adventure. When we are in the area, we’ve loved going to the Dewey Short Park along the banks of the Tablerock Lake, though it was closed this year from massive flooding. No problem, we thought, we’ll just park nearby and walk in. We did. So there we were in this place, the only ones in this place that’s usually packed with people. We swam, took some pictures (as ususal) and witnessed a lightning storm that cooled off the night once we got back to our tent. It was a perfect little trip. I want to swim all the time!

Sam and I have been busy with some family portraits and headshots for our little side project, SnowWood photography. We’ve got some good word-of-mouth business around town. If you know anyone who needs some actor headshots or senior pictures feel free to get ahold of us while the getting’s good!

Images say a thousand words, you can see photos from this month and last on my facebook page for a trillion of them.

July:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150215600806887.309670.555921886&l=2a4cdeb3cd&type=1
June!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150188137236887.304539.555921886&l=69956d098c&type=1

See you ‘round!

Alive!

2011-04-28T19:34:00.001-07:00

Return of the Moon on X
by snoweyes.

It's been a month of joy and adventure, but no blogging. I'm alive and well!

I had a few art shows, many murder mysteries and even a Drunkard performance or two in the last month or two. Sam and I traveled down Route 66, painted a Table with friends, played downtown, visited Branson and SDC, and traveled little places in the middle of working through the month at our little "dayjobs" and all of that fun.We took in warm weather, cold weather and wet weather, all for the love of interesting things in Tulsa. We took portraits of actors and friends and loved ones. We dyed eggs with friends, watched movies with family and ate yummy treats along the way. Sam and I also celebrated our three years together. What a month!

I'm gearing up for a few things in the next few weeks:
I'm painting at Mayfest, so look for me!

Sam and I are acting in Murder Mysteries on the 14th and 28th, so some out and see us some Saturday night at www.ultimatemurdermystery.com!

We're trying to get over to the Rennaisance Faire in Muskogee in the middle of springtime storms this Sunday, so look for us!!!

I'm going to Los Angeles for a tiny bit in Mid-May to try to get back on tour with Pan and friends. I hope to have a grand time, so look for me!

I'll write more soon ;)

Art Show Friday Fun

2011-03-04T13:30:00.001-08:00

I’m gearing up for an Art show at the Gypsy tonight, here are the details:

Friday, March 4 · 7:00pm - 11:00pm

Gypsy Coffeehouse
303 North Cincinnati Avenue
Tulsa, OK

A night of magical art and music with Derick Snow will happen this Friday night downtown for the First Friday Art walk series in Tulsa. Come down and witness live painting at it's finest, featuring the amazing and incomparable Autumn Shade (www.autumn-shade.com, with Jes Lenee, Nathan Wright, and ??), with special guest Eric Von Strauss playing his beautiful music late into the night!
Complimentary snacks and libations (drinks) from 7 to 9 for the art crowd. I'll be offering portraits for DIRT CHEAP that night and will be offering up new works for the end of winter and beginning of Spring. Great deals, incredible music and beautiful art awaits!
Gypsy Coffee House is behind Spaghetti Warehouse, downtown Tulsa.

If you miss the show, my art will be there for a few weeks, but the good stuff sells fast so don’t miss it!

I also got the chance to do my taxes this week. I don’t owe!

http://www.captc.org/news/taxprepinfo.php

Taxes done, double checked, labeled and e-filed by the fine folks at Community Action Project. If you make under 40k it's the best way to do those pesky taxes. My paperwork was checked and double-checked by a great professional accountant for absolutely FREE. Check my link for locations around the scarier parts of Tulsa! ;)

In the acting world, I’m finally doing a soft debut of Sample for The Drunkard this coming Friday! That’s scary, but it’s for a private party so I’m not too frightened. I’m also acting in an Ultimate Murder Mystery this Saturday (sold out, sorry) but there are more tickets available next Saturday! www.ultimatemurdermystery.com for details. Finally, the intense show that ran at the PAC, Reasons to be Pretty ended very well and I look forward to working with Odeum again soon.

I’m still looking for sweet production work. Anyone? I’ve got one great portfolio!

An average week?

2011-02-22T14:41:00.001-08:00

Getting ready for hanging at the The Art House gallery, getting imagery for an art show in March GYPSY COFFEE HOUSE & CYBER CAFE', going over script for REASONS TO BE PRETTY, by Neil Labute at the PAC, refreshing lines for an The Ultimate Murder Mystery! next week, looking for my dancer's belt for a character outing as MEGAMIND, and preparing some Quick Draw Derick Magic for my friend Jes Lenee’s birthday on the 8th. Oh, and I've got a sweet art portfolio I'm wrapping up for an interview as an art manager this Friday for ole QT. So, It's an average week. HA!

Check out the photo by Samantha she took of our show, Reasons to Be Pretty! The show’s been going very well. We’ve got some good reviews and the shows have been a blast to act in.

Some review goodies..."Derick Snow’s performance as the loud mouthed Kent, a bullying misogynist cheating on his wife, is an absolute joy to watch, creating moments of laugh out loud humor and of unsettling physical and emotional brutality."
http://www.examiner.com/theater-in-tulsa/odeum-provide-several-good-reasons-to-be-pretty-impressed-review

"Snow, in his first show with Odeum, is excellent as the unrepentant horn-dog Kent, one of the most convincing monsters of ego you're likely to see on a stage."

Yes, they misspelled my name. Big surprise! Haha. But that's two for two.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=272&articleid=20110219_272_D6_Therei297359

Come down and witness something brilliant, hmmmmmm? Here’s a fun tip: This Thursday, 2/24 you can get a %50 discount on the ticket by using the password “Facebook.” That’s a GREAT deal. If you can’t make it on Thursday I humbly ask you still take the time to see this intense, surprisingly electric and funny show.
http://www.myticketoffice.com/

On March 5th and 12th, I’m continuing my fabulous role in Love Never Dies (But You AIN’T LOVE) I’m sassy and you’ll love it. The 12th is already sold out, but you can still get tickets to this marvelous Dinner Theater for March 5th.

Get tickets here @ www.ultimatemurdermystery.com and make friends on facebook HERE!

Other acting fun?

I auditioned for The Tulsa Drillers last week and even though I didn’t get the part, I did get some great ideas from the folks putting on the national search. I was one of four to even be asked to come for the final audition, so I’m pretty happy with how things turned out, and I’m putting some ideas together for getting some really interesting work in the not-too-distant future.

I’m playing MegaMind on Sunday at some random Sam’s club with friend Jes Lenee’. That’s one tight outfit, so that means I get to don my classic DANCERS BELT once again! Wooha!

I’m continuing rehearsals for The Drunkard. I’m scheduled to start up as Sample sometime next month. It’s a big part and I look forward to entertaining audiences in the longest running show in the entire United States.

On the art side, things have been going so very well. I’ve sold some great art in between all the winter madness. I have sold about 15 works and have big plans to make and sell more magic. I’ve got my art up for a big party at The Art House this Saturday the 26th, with music and magic for everyone who is coming. Even though I’m not there (I’m acting in Reasons to Be Pretty), I’ve reorganized my art and have some new stuff up there just in time for that show. Feel free to make your purchase there. I’ll get the money and you can help out a great new venue. It’s on 15th between Harvard and Delaware, right next to the scooter store and Cheap Thrills.

I’ve also got steam building for a great new art show on March 4th. Celebrating the First Friday art walk, I’m putting on a show, SnowEyes Come Home: A Night of Live Painting And Music.

SPECIAL GUEST: AUTUMN SHADE. That’s right. This show’s going to rock! I’m painting new works that night and will have more new, unseen work available for purchase that night and a few weeks into the month at the GYPSY Coffe House. The Magic starts at 7. It’s going to be brilliant in the Downtown Arts District on March 4th.

Outside of all of that stuff, life’s been pretty good. Work’s going well and I’m absolutely enjoying the change of weather. I’ve been playing my “little” accordion at the park whenever possible and generally enjoying life. It’s a busy one, but I’m really into it.

Finally, I’ve got great news about Samantha. She got a job at the County Court House and we’ll both have a consistent paycheck for a change! I look forward to having some savings for once and maybe even eating sushi… I hope all’s well everyone.

To Life!

Art and Magic

2011-01-23T14:50:00.001-08:00

It's good to be back in the art scene, Tulsa. I'm putting on two art shows next week.

The first; opening at Heller Theatre will last for ONE HOUR before the show (6:30-7:30) on Friday the 28th. The works will be featured during the run of their show. Amazing surreal photographs by Samantha Woodruff will also be featured as well paintings I've made in Tulsa to live bands will be on display and for sale. This will be a night of culture, magic mixed with the performing arts.

Heller Theatre will hold an Artist Reception on the Opening Night Performance of "A Delicate Balance" on January 28, 2011. Join us from 6:30-7:30pm in the lobby at the Henthorne PAC for an opportunity to talk to the artists, view their work, and enjoy beverages and snacks!

Henthorne Park is just East of Peoria and 46th Street, on the side of Egg Roll Express!
You can See the Press release here:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/note.php?note_id=145100595548875&id=80428803202

And event details here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135504673181009

The second night of art magic will be at the unveiling of a new art venue called The Art House.

I'm happy to help open the new venue for artists, The Art House on Saturday, January 29th.

The Art House
3018 E. 15th St
Event Details on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=188434407851903

It's right next to Cheap Thrills Vintage, on the same strip as Tulsa Scooters.

This will be the second show this year for me, one day after the show at Heller Theatre. This show will have a very unique feel, with a brand new space, new music, and my new art-including a beautiful guitar I'm painting as I write. I'm excited to show you some of my new works painted in Branson and Los Angeles, as well as paintings made live from Tulsa Band Brother Rabbit since returning to Tulsa.

There will be live music, with Brother Rabbit performing as I paint LIVE to the music of the night around 9. It will be amazing and so much NEW art will be seen. I wanted the second show this week to show how I make my art, including many large, new works I've made in the last year.

I've got some great bargains from my older works and I've absolutely got something affordable for everyone!

So Saturday night or Friday, come out and experience Tulsa's amazing art scenes with the Urban Tulsa's 2008 artist of the year. I can't wait to see you!

A December, I hardly knew ye.

2010-12-27T21:10:00.001-08:00

December is nearly over but it’s been a month that’s slightly blown by, with the exception of a few great little moments with friends and family.

The first days of the month were warm enough to travel out to Mannford for a lovely trek through an abandoned campground where “old” Mannford used to live. It flooded about 50 years ago and just little remnants remain. The days have been kind to the area, rendering the old houses and barns with grown-over vines and a beautiful weathered look that gives the area such a great invitation for my kind of adventures.

That ended a few weeks ago when the weather got much cooler and had forced me inside more than I’d like, but I can’t complain. We’ve had lots of gatherings and parties this month.

I’ve had friends over and even celebrated the time-honored Festivus (link), the festival for the rest of us. Our friends have melded the tradition of “The Aluminum Pole”, “airing of grievances”, and “feats of strength” with new added value, like an ugly sweater contest, and “bring a gift for yourself,” which is quite popular. Our friend Ty won the ugly sweater contest so we destroyed it so we could have a chance to win next year. Good times.

We also got to hang with the family all last week, which I just loved. Being with family on Christmas the last few years has been tricky considering all of my bouncing around with shows and such. I went to Honor Heights in Muskogee for night lights, as well as Rhema this month, even as it was getting colder and colder around Samantha and me. As Christmas approached the ratio of health to cookie reached an unbalanced place but that’s the holiday. I’m pretty happy to get on with regular people food, but I sure did enjoy all the pie with friends and family.

I’ve been lining up auditions for some future goings on, and it’s still moving along. Patience is always a virtue as an actor. Things can start so slowly but it can be worth it. I recorded some voice work for Tulsa Community College last week and I hear it’s playing on the radio around Tulsa. So listen all day and night until you hear it.

Currently I’m preparing a script for a new show I'm playing for the Odeum Theatre Company at the PAC for February 15-27th and making notes for an art show at Heller Theatre with Samantha on Jan 28th. Mark your calendars folks. It's going to be a good time. The Odeum Show is called REASONS TO BE PRETTY and you can already get tickets. It’s a straight play. No singing, melodrama, singing or improv. And it’s going to be great. The art show at Heller is coming up and I’ll have lots of space to share with Samantha’s photography. The art will be shown during the week of their show, “A Delicate Balance.” I’ll go ahead and leave our press release below, share the info with everyone. Have a great day friends!

Art Show at Heller with SnowEyes and Samantha Woodruff:
Fine Paintings and Photography together for one week
Heller Theatre / Henthorne Park, 4825 S. Quaker; January 28th; 7:30pm~Feb 5th

The Paintings of Snoweyes:
Painter, Poet, Performance Artist

Derick Snow was born in Missouri and lived in Barrow Alaska before eventually finding his way to Green Country, painting with bands and performing artists. He has been painting regularly for 6 years, coloring canvas to the heartbeat of the sounds that swirl around him, splashing his energy at those he may inspire. His first exhibition saw 17 of 30 works sold in a month's time and has been selling to clients regularly ever since.

Derick's works are primarily painted live onstage with performance groups and live music acts from all over the country, creating an energetic one-of a kind painting that is usually finished in one amazing night. His work is heavily influenced by the chaotic balance of nature, allowing his painting to take whatever shape the moment has allowed for. Many times symbolic images withdraw from the shadows to reveal hidden meanings right beyond the whispered textures of moons, melancholic trees and the human condition. No painting is given the giclée treatment (print), which means every valuable unique piece will always stay that way.

In addition to painting, Derick has been a photojournalist and actor, appearing on his own children's program in Tulsa on Cox Cable ch. 20 titled, "Quick Draw Derick," and performed in Branson's stage musical of Peter Pan, Starring Cathy Rigby for the last two years. He's determined to bring the arts out to the people.

Snow was recently awarded "Absolute Best" of all artists in Tulsa by the Urban Tulsa Weekly magazine for 2009. Thanks for all those who nominated and voted! "I'm humbled and amazed by you all."

Derick creates private and public commissions, and speaks to groups about art and the importance of creativity in real world situation. For inquiries please email him at studiosound (at) yahoo.com, fly over to his Facebook page or online at www.snoweyes.com.

Samantha Woodruff:
Photographer

Samantha's love for creating beautiful, wistful, self-inspired photographic images began while attending Tulsa's School of Arts and Sciences, starting several years ago in the dark room; developing black and white film and continuing today through her extensive use of digital medium. In the last few years her mastery of digital manipulation has won accolades in contests regionally and nationally, with her photos appearing in Explore Los Angeles among others. When not photographing herself, she operates her portrait and creative headshot studio, SnoWood Phgotography. She has recently returned to her hometown of Tulsa by way of Branson and Los Angeles and is happy to plan a creative shoot for you. For inquiries, please contact Samantha at willowforlife (at) hotmail.com.

Funny Funny

2010-12-13T21:34:00.001-08:00

It's funny how different an acting resume is from a work resume. One is filled with technical facts about my work history, one shows off how goofy I am. I've got two important auditions coming up, but I’m keeping my cards close to my chest until it’s time to collect.

I've also got TWO art shows in January and another in February.

Stay tuned!

Autumn Days Are here

2010-11-29T14:13:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone. I’ve eaten thousands of calories last week and I’m happy to have met my family and friends for the holidays.

Autumn is in full swing here in Tulsa. The crisp air is rolling over the town and I’m hustling my buns to get money together for those pesky things like rent and food. I’m looking for more work, art shows and all that. I’m working a day job that is just meeting my needs and adding little gigs during the week as I need them. I’m still looking for that fancy bit of an opportunity that will give me a breather, so if you happen to know of one, I’m game!t f

The last few weeks have been filled with dinner theatre and work. I’m thankful for all the things and people and experiences this year. I can’t wait for more to come!

Ah Ah Autumn

2010-10-19T16:40:00.001-07:00

On a faded Autumn evening
Near the edge of the wood
I came upon two paths
One well maintained and used
The other mysterious and
Unused by the Common Man.
I took the path more traveled.
It was not only easier but
There was a McDonald's right
Next to the yummy Starbucks.
Not too shabby for an Autumn Day.
-Bob Mist xoxo

Bob Mist is the antithesis of Robert Frost, as discovered by my friend Ty and I.

Oh, oh big news. You know how I wanted one of those amazing mixing devices, the Vitamix? Well…we are now the proud owners of a Vitamix, courtesy of Sam’s dad! He got one back in 1983 and used it for about 5 years until Sam’s mom made him put it away. It’s in good condition. I’ve already made a delish mango sorbet last week, and Sam made an amazing tortilla soup, salsa and guacamole for friends last night. It blends like a jet engine. It cooks using the POWER OF IT’S OWN BLADES. I’m very happy with it and the amount of raw foods we’ll be eating in the future because of it.

The week’s gone by well, with a murder mystery at Molly’s Landing and some photo fun. I’ve yet to edit some of my more recent pictures, but it’s been a great deal of fun capturing some new ideas.

I managed to paint with the band Brother Rabbit at Ida Red last Friday, painting a nice little work I’m not quite finished with. Once again the set was amazing and you should find out the next time we play to understand the big deal.

If things go my way we’ll have the last shoot of Teaching Faith this Wednesday during Oktoberfest. I’m excited to see what’s next for the film!

This week I’ve made a little goal to get a painting sold. I’ve painted two new works in the last few weeks, and I’d love to show my new home, filled with art to anyone who’s interested. I may even make you a Mango Sorbet!

Now I’m going to the Gypsy for some actual poetry.

Adventures in randomville and painting galore

2010-10-10T22:44:00.001-07:00

I randomly got free tickets to the fair and skyride today, so my lady gal Samantha and I paid one last trip to the Tulsa State Fair.Our main goal was to get some peach wine from some friends who have had great success with a booth (Whispering Vines) and ran into one of the folks who helped out on Quick Draw Derick, Scott Pendleton of the Pendleton family fiddlers! I tend to run into someone I know every single place I go to here in Tulsa. I love running into all of the best of Tulsa when I’m bouncing around.

While we were at the Fair last week, I happily discovered that I won 1st place on one of the five photos I submitted, and Sam won 2nd for one of hers. I still don’t always understand why one photo wins and another gets passed by, but the photo and art exhibits are one of my personal favorite reasons for going to the fair every year. That, and the free Vita-mix samples. I want one!

Yesterday my friend Leah celebrated her birthday, the day before 10-10-10. Me and my gang of friends went down to the river after 5 for sunset-birthday delights. I am happy I got to spend such lovely downtime with my friends after my third week of starting a new little job at Quick Trip at 21st and Harvard. Everyone I know tends to visit that QT at one time or another during the week and it’s been delightful surprising these folks who don’t yet know I’m back in town.

I’ve tried to make the most of my time here in Tulsa in the last month. I submersed myself into my art, painting with a new band Called Brother Rabbit last Friday at the Marquee, just a block down from Cain’s Ballroom. It was a remarkably short set, but I managed to create an entire 4-foot piece of beautiful art in TWENTY MINUTES. It was tense and an amazing to myself how I managed to make something that not only resembled art, bit something I was quite proud of. Things went so well it seems that I’ve been invited to paint at more shows in the future. Look out!

On the acting side, I played in a video project for Hilti Tools as a nerdy-hip spy-tech support person. I love paying gigs, especially when it is with nice, energized people. I shot another scene in Teaching Faith a week ago, with my character being baptized in a very warm vat of water that prunified my hands by the end of the shoot.In October I hear I’ve one last reshoot with the lovely and talented Cassie Self while Octoberfest is in swing. After that, maybe then we’ll finally wrap and celebrations shall ensue. On the stage side I’ve started back up in The Drunkard last week, with Willie Hammond making a strong comeback on the fist of the month. I’ve also been in one Murder Mystery that was a wild and crazy ride, culminating in some bizarre antics at the Mayo Hotel where we played to alcohol-consuming workaholics. October 16th I’m playing in the Western show as master thespian J. Templeton Nash at Molly’s Landing, and later in the month I’m Vamping it up as Wolfie in the Halloween show! More Ultimate Murder Mystery Shows are coming up, so visit www.ultimatemurdermystery.com for more info!

Birthdays, Woolaroc, Los Angeles and Ben Affleck?

2010-09-25T21:21:00.001-07:00

I’ve had a lot of time away from writing this last month since my last full blog. I’ve been really busy! Let’s start from August. I’ve alot to write, but it’s juicy at the end so stay with me!!!

Peter Pan ran to it’s satisfying end in Branson on August 15th. When folks ask when it’s coming back to Branson I’m confident that it’s over for good in the Ozarks. It was a good run and I am blessed to have been in such a brilliant show with amazing, talented actors and dancers and backstage folk I made great friendships with. I really liked Branson, but I’m happy to be moving on.

Is that the end of all Peter Pan for me? I think not. There’s something big coming up, but that’s in nearly a year. I’ll let you know once things get rolling.

After August 15th, we began the fun of moving into Tulsa to save up and stop spending so much money for a change. Samantha’s Dad let us stay at his house for a few weeks while we went on the grand adventure of looking for jobs and housing. As soon as we hit T-Town I started canvassing the streets for a Job. I sent out dozens of applications and filled out all kinds of resumes. I got a few leads and currently have a job near 21st and Harvard. It’s not exactly what I was looking for, but I’m happy to have positive income and I’m free after 5 which works well for me right now as I spread my roots around town in all my artistic ways. That said, if you know of a production or photography group that could use my services on a full-time or independent basis please let me know. Feel free to give them my phone number if you have it!

So I got to Celebrate my 31st Birthday in Tulsa. 31 is a little hard to handle, but I feel great and life’s pretty awesome. On my real birthday I had dinner with my mom and brother and got some sweet gifts like glow sticks and good times. I got to spent my big day celebrating in Skiatook, swimming and playing the day away in and near water. I even went down to Muskogee to party down with my sister for her birthday, though i won’t say how old she turned :) I love all of the good times I’ve had on my recent birthdays and I feel so very lucky.

Living in Los Angeles where rent is over a thousand dollars a month, it was hopeful that we could find a place in Tulsa that was less than half of that price. We checked up on tons of available properties in various locations near my favorite part of Tulsa (midtown) and I’m pleased to say we found a lovely Duplex in White City, near a cool park (Braden) where the film The Outsiders was shot. We’re near 11th and Yale back in a neighborhood I never thought to check out until we found it online. It’s great!

Just before we found the place, I got wind of news of trouble where I had my car at in Los Angeles during Peter Pan. Her landlord apparently wasn’t in agreement about my car she had agreed to take and nobody had started my car like I hoped, so after 8 weeks my car was dead and needed to be moved. I was in the midst of juggling job and house when I got tickets for Samantha and myself to go back to the land of acting and Disney.

Sam’s dad was gracious enough to front us some money for a moving truck and tow dolly for the car, so that was our plan. A couple of days after I secured a start date at my new job and signed the lease for the new place we flew down to California.

I only had four days before I started work so we had to work quick. As soon as we landed we got one last tasty bite at In-N-Out, then drove over to Fullerton where my car was. As soon as we got to the extremely dusty car I popped the hood, got a battery cable connected and tried to start the car. It wouldn’t turn over. I wasn’t dissuaded when nothing happened. Something told my to check the oil in the car. When I saw just a smidge of oil in the reservoir we went and got some oil, poured it in and tried again. After a few attempts the car roared to life. WooHOO! One problem: Solved.

We spent one night in LA at a great friend’s place. Samantha Barrios, her mom Graciella and Jason were gracious hosts. The next day, the only thing left to do was pack everything we owned and drive 1400 miles across the USA. Simple!

Or not. Everything that could have slowed us down did. We got the truck from Penske, which was a five mile or so trip away from the storage facility in Norwalk. It took me a bit to get the car on the tow trailer. The big problem with all this driving stuff is that my car is a stick shift. Sam can’t drive one and she’s a tiny lady who’s intimidated by our 16-foot moving truck so I was driving everything. Once I got that loaded we made the trip to the Norwalk storage, where I made the discovery that instead of the combo lock I though I put on, was a key lock I used that I didn’t have the key to, or rather I had the key in Tulsa. It took me another hour to get a bolt cutter before we could even unload the unit.

By the time we got all of our stored goodies we were driving out of Los Angeles at 6pm. Rush Hour. We drove slow and steady as late as I could handle, being jetlagged and all. We found ourselves at a Super Wal-Mart on the edge of Arizona at 2 in the morning. I managed to get in about 4 hours of sleep before we were back on the road.

The driving days were fun. We’d stop and take some pictures, had some good conversations for the 1400 mile trip. I was basically taking a moving truck across Route 66 in many places. I was made for the mother road, travelling and adventuring.

In the weeks since, Tulsa has been good to me. I painted with my friend Chelsea Coleman and her band at Cherry St. Coffee and made a fantastic little painting. I met another great musician that’s been playing with Jes Lenee’ in a band called Brother Rabbit and I’m painting with them on October 8th at a venue right next to Cain’s Ballroom. I’ve had painting parties, nighttime swimming excursions, photo shoots and good times with friends I’ve not been near for nearly two years. I’m having such fun and hope for more.

On the photography front I have submitted five photos for the Tulsa State Fair in various categories. Look for your friends, including the following beautiful people: James Fields, Samantha Woodruff, Jes Lenee, and the Cassie Self. I know the usual winners involve a child in front of an American flag, but I’m just doing my part in bringing a little artistic flair to Tulsa. Look for five of Samantha’s photos too!

We’re still lining up photos for folks who want headshots and photo sessions and portraits. If you are interested in amazing photos with a totally inexpensive price, get in tough with us. Google SnowWood Photography to find our facebook page and become a fan!

On the acting front, I’m getting back into the Drunkard (The longest running play in the USA) as Willie Hammond (The Hero) on October 2nd, with Sam playing the part of Little Mary, but that’s not the big news. We’re also ramping up to play Sample Switchel and Mehitabel in a few weeks. If you’ve seen the show, you’ll know what a youthful infusion that will be! I’ll be the youngest Sample in ages, with Sam playing my love interest as the southern belle Mehitabel Cartwright!

I’ve also been off on auditions for various films and commercials. I managed to get a private audition for a movie Ben Affleck’s starring in here in Oklahoma. Apparently there have also been massive-thousand-people cattle calls for this thing, so I’m happy to be getting in without all that hubub. I’ve got a few gigs/auditions in the next few weeks for some technical films and local commercials I’m pretty jazzed about, and there’s more to come I’ll tell you about next time I write.

Also, if you love Murder Mysteries, I’ve already been in one for Tulsa University since I’ve been back (as a Russian exchange student looking for a good time), with more to come. I’m doing the big Halloween Murder Mystery here on October 30th as everyone’s favorite immortal Wampire. Wolfie makes a return to his children of the night! for more details, go to www.ultimatemurdermystery.com right now and reserve your seat before the sell out!

Today I launched off to Woolaroc for Samantha’s birthday adventure with Jes, Ty, Leah and of course Samantha. We had a fun time on all the trails, a picnic and especially the petting zoo, where we saw goats, an amorous donkey, fluffy bunnies and two cows licking the heck out of each other’s mouths. The day couldn’t have ended better…until what happened next.

We decided to drive to Bartlesville for a coffee. It’s only 12 miles away so we drove on, looking for a post-hike snack with all friends involved. We looked up a few cafes in Ty’s GPS but kept coming up with places that were closed downtown, but Ty was feeling frisky. Along the way Ty saw some kid on a bike and called out to him, “BRIAN! Hey Brian!” The kid we didn’t know waved back over and over again through the day we were in Bartlesville. At this point we were getting hungry, so we saw a random guy about to get into his car and drive away and Ty stopped him to ask if he knew of a place to eat. He lead us to a place, but once we got to where he was parking, he said there was a festival with FREE food just down the way. Can’t get better than free food, right? WRONG.

Not only was there free food, there was also free music, wine, beer and desserts for this particular festival.

What was this festival about? Apparently a production company for a film starring Ben Affleck was about to start up in for a few months and it was a time for celebration. Yes, that film I was writing about earlier.

So I met Ben Affleck. He’s much taller than I expected and it was funny to watch everyone flock to him once he was recognized. I too got recognized at the festival for being in a film that I got punched in the face, which was extremely bizarre, though throngs of females didn’t surround me. I’m ok with that ;) But that Brian kid waved at us again before we left the town.

Competely unplanned. That’s life, eh?

I’m still alive ;)

2010-09-20T21:29:00.001-07:00

I am indeed alive! After getting in T-town I’ve been so ridiculously busy, what with finding a place to stay, moving, moving in, finding a job and starting training, it’s been a little hectic to be sure!

I’ve go to work tomorrow morning so I’ll keep it short, with more to come! In the realm of art I got to paint with a cool band headed up by a girl named Chelsea Coleman at Cherry St. a few weeks ago. Sam and I’ve also submitted to the Tulsa State Fair for various photography categories, so when it rolls around in a few weeks feel free to check the photography out!

Well, I’m off so I’ll let you know more later, yes?

Well, well, well

2010-08-05T22:26:00.001-07:00

T-minus ten days from today and the magic’s over for one part of my little life. I feel very lucky to be where I am right now and I am happy to be allowed more amazing adventures in my life. Who knew I’d be living the vagabond life for the last two years? I hoped, put the energy out there and it came back to me in ways I couldn’t imagine.

I’ve got Tulsa coming up in ten days. I’m looking forward to interesting projects and hanging out with my dear friends, but I’m doing my best to enjoy what I’ve got left while I’m here. That said, if you know any thing I might enjoy in any capacity (art, job, acting, etc.) I’d love to know.

This last week has been fun. I captured a few pictures this week. I felt slimy, scary and rather villainous, all mixed up with a winning smile!

The cast of Peter Pan all went on a scavenger hunt and of course it was the hottest day we’ve had in some time. It was downright punishing heat. I was captain of my photo team and Sam was captain of her own and we both did well trying to capture weird things like Camels, Elvis Impersonators and butterflies. I ended my team hunt by leaping into a pool. Ah.

We’ve scheduled a few photo shoots this week. One band, a happy couple and three headshots! I feel blessed I know fine folks who trust us with their memories and portraits. I would love to do even more.

I took this nice scene from backstage after a show with Cathy Rigby, the star of the show I play Smee in. She’s got great, playful qualities I love that just make this show enjoyable. I hope I get the chance to work with her again in the future.

The day today was much cooler in comparison. I awoke to a great thunderstorm and heavy rain that dulled the sharp temperature but introduced a heavy dose of humidity. It was a good trade-off. Tonight’s been foggy. I love fog.

I went to a nice coffee house (Vintage Paris) tonight that aroused my artistic wordy side and came up with a little poetry from a moment in time. I hope you like it.

“A moment of Thursday Evening”

Rising up like a seed in Spring
Possibilities form this little heart
Neon lit lovely glows behind hair let down
Layers of light shine and reflect
Memories of Summer nights like these
The Smell of rain brings a slow subtle curl upon
Lips with a taste of Renoir, A whisper of Crickets
The breath heavy night cleansed,
"Heated, cooled by the hidden Moon’s kiss.

I wrote the poem on a notebook I recently purchased to get some of my artistic inklings out and it’s begun to help with some of those musings and sketches I just can’t do on this little computer. I even have a lovely feather’d quill pen that Jes and Brian made for me. I feel like some Renaissance poet.

Saturday I’ve got another art party. I’ve arranged it to be at my condo at seven. Make it if you can. Thousand Hills/Foothills, F-18. It’s going to be good!

Enjoy the week.

Goodness Gracious!

2010-07-26T22:33:00.001-07:00

Hi friends and family! I’ve been quite in the mix of life, rolling along with Peter Pan and really enjoying photography the last few weeks. Since I seem to write every few weeks I find I’ve really accomplished alot, so I’m sorry if you were only looking for a tiny update.

Last I wrote I’ve visited some great places that offer mystery and intrigue. I combined that with people and moody ideas that excite the senses. The picture you see to the left is a really interesting picture Samantha took. I edited the image in strange ways.

I love imagining thousands of years from now in places we may long abandon. What will that building, that Ramada Inn, that mall become; just splinters and nature melded into it. The spirit of that memory remains and I love searching for those feelings.

Where have I gone? We’ve really enjoyed Table Rock Lake for swimming and art. We found a stream near our condo in Branson as well. Between the two we’ve had some great times and interesting photos.

I was fortunate enough to find a very cheap lens and film camera that’s compatible with my current setup at the flea market in Downtown Branson, which sparked a flash of creativity in us. We got a dress for very cheap and have had Samantha rolling around in all sorts of bodied waters, lakes and streams. We even came back to that abandoned hotel and lake for some truly creepy images:

You can find all of the photos I’ve made throughout the month of July on my facebook page.
July Facebook “July 2010 Bizarre Eccentricities” Album.

Sam has always wanted to do a “trash the dress” shoot and now we’re both hooked. We’re looking for sessions that will allow us to get into trouble more often. :)

We’re lining up some more photo sessions with friends and coworkers and I’m very excited.

Samantha has begun a fun photo project for herself to further develop her already impressive craft: Project 365. That’s a photo a day of her, from her. It’s a challenge to keep photos fresh every single day and I’m happy she’s getting herself into photography so deeply.

You can see her flickr page here.

Outside of photography, what else have I been up to? Let’s see…

We got to go to Dixie Stampede this week, right after our excursion to that creepy hotel. The show was fun and the whole Pan crew made it out for the show. I ate an entire game hen and had a roaring good time. There are many other shows I hope to see, but I’ll see them whenever I get time.

I’ve also had the opportunity to start going to my favorite Branson-area coffee and wine shop, Vintage Paris. Thursday nights they have begun staying open until midnight. That is unheard of here in Branson. I totally needed a place that isn’t a bar in the area and I’ve had some great conversations there. I’m the kind of person that thrives in that environment.

Speaking of that environment, I started up art party Saturdays again to much merriment. The first of many began at my condo’s club house, since I didn’t know how many people would make it out. One great side effect of the place is that there’s a pool and hot tub right there. So in the midst of painting and art we would go splash in the water and reset our senses before coming back. I also loved talking to the cast, just finding out about life and spirit outside of the acting world.

Painting is one of the things I think I do best. I was tinkering around the internet and found a small video of Jes Lenee’ playing at Ida Red back in March of 2009. I had never seen this clip and wanted to share one of my creative painting sets. I usually don’t get the chance to see me creating a painting so I was happy to see this:

Jes Lenee and Derick Snow @ Ida Red

That’s pretty fun! Ah, memories. I’d love to paint a gig sometime soon.

The last week has had many little bright moments. Our first Monday off we went to Silver Dollar City for the first time this year. We finally got our paychecks which means we can get into just about any fancy show or attraction. Branson’s cool like that. While there we rode some fun rides, including the new Tom and Huck water cannon ride that absolutely soaks a fellow. I mean take a bath wet. These Summer days are HOT here so I was happy to oblige. We also saw a clever show that had stunt dogs called Amazin Dogs..or someting like that. They fetched, ran and bounded in way I never imagined dogs could do. Those furry little dudes were riotous.

Sam and I ran off and saw the new film inception last week. We aren’t movie buffs, but I do like a good film. It starts with a "wha?" ends with a "Gah!" Fantastic, well-woven, intense, deep, action(but not bloody)-filled romp that makes you glad to see a film. You'll be biting your nails but you'll walk out chuckling, amazed that anyone could pull that film off. See it if you get the chance.

Not too long ago former Hook (winter run) Tom Hewitt stopped by to say hello in between one of his shows he’s performing in up in St. Louis. He’s a great guy. I absolutely loved working with him and had a great time at a funny sushi place called Shogun. It’s mostly a Japanese steakhouse, but they have a pretty nice sushi menu, so a fair share of our Pan cast went down to catch up. Good times! P.S., Branson isn’t known for it’s sushi, but it’s easily not the worst sushi around. Frankly I’m glad it’s not all gravy.

Later that very night we went back to the Mansion to check out Liverpool Legends, a fancy send-up of the Beatles. The music was great. The fellow that plays John Lennon in particular has his singing style down pat, but everyone’s very enjoyable. It’s great to hear the sounds of the authentic guitars and amps from that era on stage. After the show we went backstage to meet the fab four and I introduced myself as Derick. Of course, they were glassy-eyed in a “who are you?” kind of way. After I said I played Smee in Peter Pan they became all gooey and dough-eyed, saying how much they loved me. So it’s official, they love Smee! All I need is a giant medallion that says “Captain Hook’s Loveable Sidekick, Smee” with a little arrow pointing at my head. Feel free to send me one.

Yesterday was one of our many advent’rous days. After the show, Sam, our new friend Katie and I went to a park where we heard rumors of an abandoned house. We managed to find the place before the sun got too low and we started our trek on a trail that eventually led us there. What we didn’t think about was our friend the tick. Oh! I was wearing shorts and sandals; the worst thing one can wear if ticks are about. Everyone was dressed similarly but hey, we only heard about the place before we left the theatre. On the not-so-bright side our legs were covered in dozens and dozens of little pill ticks. They looked like little pieces of dirt walking around our legs. On the bright side, they came off easily after a few baths and we found the house where we all took some great pictures and had fun adventuring. That’s my kind of day :)

We had a grand day today at the lake with the cast of Peter Pan. We packed up around noon and stayed out on the water (Table Rock Lake again!) all day on a boat. I brought sun block and swam, rode on a pontoon and raced around on an inner tube that was amazing fun. I don’t think I burned at all and I ended cooking up our food for 16 or so of the castmates and some of the Three Redneck Tenors that made it out to share in the fine day. The water was warm and even though it threatened to rain and lightning, the whole day was warm and fantastic.

Here’s a link to all of those photos from my day at the lake, via facebook.

Tomorrow we begin another fun-filled week of Peter Pan. Just a few more weeks to go! I’ve added more pictures to the facebook Peter Pan album if you’d like to gander:
Some pics of Pan 2010 on Facebook.

This very Saturday at 9 I’m attending the Tulsa Premier night of The Rock n Roll Dreams of Duncan Christopher, that film I worked on a few years ago that’s finally showing it’s beautiful, weird little self to the place it was made in. It’s classic, funny, and sold out. If I can make it (I am driving to T-Town as soon as I get out of Pan) I am going to see one of the stars, Marshall Bell (of Twins or Total Recall or Stand by Me or Capote fame) receive a lifetime achievement award just before the film starts. That’s going to be fun!

Until next time!

More on fate and life from LA to Branson

2010-07-12T01:40:00.001-07:00

Derick Snow is a firm believer in fate.

"Were you in the right place at the right time?"

I seem to be. Important people and events slip into my life and I can feel when these things are going to affect me, or I am going to affect them in important ways in the grand scheme of life. I've found when I open my eyes to the amazing world of Kismet, who I am doesn't change, the world doesn't change. How I live in the world changes and perceptions unfold, allowing me to see what I've been missing the entire time.

I used to think I kept running into people because I lived in a small town, or a small city. I don't think that way anymore. I've experienced the wheels of fate in France, California, England, Branson...

I see great opportunities all around me. The only control I have is to say yes or no to the adventure and I'm a yes man.

I'm in the midst of a great rush of water that gently keeps me in interesting circumstances that are always...perfect. When it's happening so constantly I fear a little but what great adventure isn't like that? It charges me.

Here’s a good example of a fate story.

http://d-snow.blogspot.com/search?q=everything+happens+for+a+good+reason

That man I helped turned out to be Josh Massad, a really amazing world beat percussion player skilled at tabla and sitar, and I had a few other adventures a few years ago after I first met him in the story found in the link above. Life's amazing how things link together.

I played in the torrential rain tonight, hair water-slicked and happy. Tonight was the kick-off of the weekly game night I missed since leaving Branson after Peter Pan had it's last run here. I had some time to reconstruct the recent month tonight to let you all know where and what I’m up to.

The last few weeks since I wrote have been really, really filled with adventure and art.

I finished up as a river pirate in Evernight to critical acclaim. We got a few nice reviews (one here) and after two weeks the show ended. That was a great chance to meet lovely folks in a theatrical setting and I loved hanging out in Oceanside. The playhouse was an old beauty with a nice feel. The crowds were nice and I had fun creating this character that never existed before I took it to stage. I combined many little accents for Thousand Summers, a vanity-stricken navigator that’s seen much of the world, thus giving him a complex characterization and costume. I knew I had found the right niche one I met a charming woman from Finland who was convinced I was from her country after seeing me on stage with the rest of the cast. That made me smile when I heard her say that and I wanted to go on with the ruse, but I couldn’t do that to her, so thanked her profusely for her kind words of encouragement. I think one of the best parts of being a player are the great moments between the show and bedtime, when I get to share real life moments with new friends made in the fires of community and love.

(Evernight Pictures)

I didn’t have any time for rest once the show was over. I spent the next three days packing up our little apartment in Norwalk, California, getting ready for a film shoot in a week. I tore through the house getting rid of as much as I could, and we found a nice little storage place not a mile from us for a great deal; they gave us three months for a song and threw in a moving truck without a horn for free! I took it. We packed the truck in three hours, moved it all into a 75 square-foot unit and somehow got two lives into a little rectangular space. It was like a long-distance sprint getting it all done within a finite time but I always do well in those weird little circumstances. And best of all, my back didn’t go out or anything! Woohoo.

Sam decided to quit her job with a possibility of a rehire at Disney. We were able to secure a job for her running backstage for Peter Pan, so that was that. We packed all the goodies we were taking to Branson into her red car and I was blessed to find a kind lady in the cast I was in to keep my car until the end of August. By going this route, we’ll be able to save money by not paying rent, have two jobs at the same time and still have access to our stuff without tow issues. I’m totally over being towed in LA.

We didn’t have any time for the drive back to stop and smell the roses. We got to Tulsa in two days, thanks to a nap at a rest stop in New Mexico. Little Schmoopy did very well with the trip, as did several paintings I managed to stuff in the car I sold to some great folks that are fans of my work. In exchange for a 4-foot-long painting in the car (also with clothes, Sam, Schmoopy and camera equipment), I was able to pay for gas and get a little cash money for a while until we get a regular paycheck. Thanks paintings, and huge thanks to those who bought my paintings. I love to paint and I feel beyond lucky to be able to sell my work regularly. Sam and the dog stopped in OKC to have a grand time with her sister, while I went to T-Town. Once I got into Tulsa, I was invited to stay at the production house for the film I’m working on, tentatively called Teaching Faith. It was nice to rest for the night, even though we had to begin shooting the next day. It was all for the love of the art of acting, I say!

Amazing times, adventures and bonding later, the film continues to flow along with the end in sight. September is the month we finish up our scenes and I’m excited to see what happens after that. I know we’ve got some voice-work for the film but I’ve had some of the best times of my life thanks to this film. It’s like this child that’s grown and I’ve had a part in it’s creation; as it’s had it’s part in my own personal growth.

I came with Sam to Branson on the 30th of June and we’ve both been working on aspects of Peter Pan for the last few weeks. The shows up and running again, which with some turnover has been tricky but no huge problem for everyone working. I’m happy to be working again with Cathy Rigby, Robert Westenberg, Kim Crosby and the cast of Indians, Pirates and Lost Boys that Mr. J.M. Barry created. They’ve got me put up in a cozy condo on a golf course with a swimming pool, hot tub and a weekly cleaner!

Some pics of Pan 2010 on Facebook.

I’ve been posting little updates on my life on my facebook if you are interested, with many pictures not only from Pan, but the show in California, Independence Day and all kinds of other mysterious abandoned things found along the way.

On Independence Day Sam and I even put together a stop-motion film.

The art never stops.

That’s not even everything that’s happened. Jes came by for a few days and saw Peter Pan, we hung out and even went on a photo excursion to an abandoned hotel!

Cool, huh? More pictures on Facebook.

So it’s off to bed now. Our first day off all week will be sweet, if only to rest my Smee’d out body, though I plan on more artistic, spiritual fun. Life’s good.

Flowers and Pirates

2010-06-06T23:20:00.001-07:00

This week has been the start of deep rehearsals before beginning a new play. Once again, I am donning a pirate stance. I am also in a comedic role. Crazy, right? I’m playing the role of Thousand Summers in a new show called Evernight: The Musical. I’ve got long, flowing locks or red with my arms jutting out of a sexy vest. My character is absolutely in love with himself. I’ve given him some loving qualities mixed with Inigo Montoya from the Princess Bride and Puss In Boots as played by Antonio Banderas, so you know it’s a very serious role for the ages. At the very least it’s a fun show with a lot of schmancy songs that kids will enjoy.

The show is playing all the way down in a city south of Los Angeles called Oceanside at a venue called the Star Theatre and it’s a groovy retro theatre that doubles as a church on Sundays. It’s about a half-hour away from San Diego and the drive is a thing of beauty. Ocean and beaches line the end of the drive and I’ve had a grand time in the one day I’ve played in earnest. I’ve met interesting people and already had a lot of fun dancing and being ridiculous. I’ve begun documenting the show and I’m taking my fancy camera tomorrow to take pictures of the cast and crew of the show.

Over the week I plan on not only staying in Oceanside a night or two, but also CAMPING on the beach. I’m excited! The week will go quickly but I will do my absolute best to take advantage of my time in this show and with interesting people in interesting places. I simply love meeting and seeing into the hearts of bright souls. I’ve got a nice start and look forward to more.

It’s t-minus three weeks until Peter Pan begins it’s journey on my own soul again, sending me on a grand road trip back across Route-66 through Tulsa to Branson. On the way I’ve got a bit more of that film to shoot. I’d love to hang with anyone who can find me!

We’re looking for a new place to stay in the next month, and packing away much of my stuff into storage while I’m off. We’re looking to save money for the next few months and stroage plus cheaper rent will greatly help us out to remain flexible.

And now I leave you with a nice picture I took at a park near my house. It’s an ok place near a highway, but there’s this wonderful tree that drops these little purple flowers. There are so many beautiful and perfumed petals the shadow of the tree is purple. It’s brilliant!

The Art of SnowEyes: Meadow To Ashes

2010-05-30T23:17:00.001-07:00

Meadow to Ashes
36x24
Acrylic on Canvas
Click Here To Purchase on Etsy

This large painting is truly a colorful work of art. The light is low and brooding but is filled with a hopeful flourish in the red fluttering scarf and peering sunrise/sunset defiant in the face of a coming storm.
A deep orange-violet sky covers beautifully textured green swept plains. In focus you'll find three downed-brightly colored sunflowers days after their highest moments. They withdraw, for a storm is coming to this place, thick with warm-toned solitude near the last remaining tree in the last meadow near rough seas. Just behind that tree leaning behind thick trunk is a girl's grey-green shadow living out her finer moments in repose, crimson scarf fluttering in anticipation. The moon looks on in wonder.

I started this by painting live at an art show March 18th in Downtown Los Angeles for a group that offered to host my art. I began the night by playing my accordion to create a mood that had intense and exciting moments that night, which allowed me to lay the foundation of the work with bold colors and the singular tree that exists in this world of X. I finished it a few months later at the end of May (5-30) by painting the sunflowers that became the forefront of the work. I then added the girl with her brilliant crimson scarf, found by moving the viewer between the flowers and tree. Laying actual petals from a dried Sunflower on the canvas finished off the work.

My trademark Snoweye lives on the bottom right corner of the canvas in the orange-yellow theme inspired by the flowers.

There are many hidden symbols I've created along the way. I invite you to bask in the subtle complexities I truly love making in each painting.

The title draws inspiration from a song by Autumn Shade, available soon at Autumn-Shade.com.

This 36x24 painting is large enough to make any wall look complete. Due to it's size, unless I can personally hand-deliver this work (Tulsa, OK or Los Angeles, CA) I will be rolling the canvas for the price of shipping.

A poem was written that goes with this work. It is titled "Whatever Tree" and a copy will be included, signed by the artist.

Whatever Tree
Makes you think

Of those vines
In the creek

Where the heart of
The poet ceases to beat

From the silence of mind
And it's shuffling feet

Covers her spirit
To bring endless sleep.

Whatever tree
Makes you think

Seek considerate smiles
For a dance-
Dance for me.

Whatever tree
Makes you dance

Thru the night
Under fence,

Lightly treading
Through secret plans!

Forest fires leaping
The grasp of their hands

Lily sprites flutter
O'er hidden lands

Allowing the river
And his most sacred man

Of that moon-
A quiet dance.

Whatever tree
Makes you think-
Whatever tree
Makes you dance-

Allow the heart
To deliciously sink-

Naked in waters
Forever entranced.

You may find more information and purchase this work on my Etsy site.

Click here for more information
or
Click here for my Etsy Shop

The Art of SnowEyes: Two Loves

2010-05-29T01:37:00.001-07:00

Two Loves
20x20
Acrylic on Canvas
Click Here To Purchase on Etsy

For my birthday I was given a gift that allowed me to get this lovely square-format canvas. As I moved to Los Angeles I had a celebration by painting this work, entitled Two Loves. Over the course of two months I added layer upon layer to the finished work you see here.

A world-weary moon looks lovingly at the heart of the Earth, a tree that valiantly stretches toward the heavens where Father Moon lives. They both linger in a wistful moment at sunset behind their soul connection. Splashes of color adorn this canvas, with rich yellow and orange hues creating the light versus dark motif found in the sky, richly shaded tree, emotive moon and flowing Earth moving beneath the two loves. Flourishes of bronze and blue spark the edges of subject, and just a hint of light hits the wise moon's eyes. My trademark Snoweye lives on the bottom right corner of the canvas.

There are many hidden symbols I've created along the way. I invite you to bask in the subtle complexities I truly love making in each work.

You may find more information and purchase this work on my Etsy site.

Click here for more information
or
Click here for my Etsy Shop

The Great Cartwheel of Life

2010-05-28T16:23:00.001-07:00

I’m back in Los Angeles after lots of great times in Tulsa. Since my last little blog update I sold three paintings to wonderful art collectors in Tulsa. I hand-delivered “Return of The Boy on X,” “Old Man on X” and “Dark Dream Nightscape” to their new owners and that certainly helped offset the auto-calamity that befell me here in Norwalk. I’ve still got lots of paintings for sale and I’m still in the process to putting some more up on my Etsy website. I’d love to sell you a painting.

The second big chunk of the film wrapped up and I can’t explain how much fun I had on the set and in Tulsa with cast, friends and family. I didn’t have nearly the time for friends and little side excursions I planned on, but I enjoyed each small moment I could partake of. I loved hiking the trails of Turkey Mountain; photographing friends at music festivals; exploring the nooks of a downtown darkened, abandoned and reflected by the deluge of a beautiful midnight rain with open hearts; the delights of running into my Tulsans that surprised me with their company when I least expected them to. These experiences are what living is all about. I cherish and keep it all inside my inner-most book. All of these gifts are thanks to being brought out to shoot a film.

So most of the filming on my side is finished. I went out over the course of a month to shoot the bulk of my scenes, which was a lot of work, but they continue on without me. I go back at the end of June for some pick up days, and there’s a few big scenes we’ve scheduled for the months ahead. It’s nice to have so much already in the can and I’m excited to continue on while I am in Branson with Peter Pan.

The process of film making is so different from putting on a commercial or play. It’s this life that stays consistent and grows, shot entirely out of order. You keep the spark inside you the entire shoot and I had many tricks up my sleeve I got the chance to use. The best tool was keeping my character as real as possible in spite of outlandish circumstances. It’s just a spark higher than the real world but so much more subtle than a stage production. One thing that it does remind me of stage is that each day is like putting an entire play up on it’s feet. The difference is that as you go day to day the scenes lines and motivations change completely. One day by itself is a unique play that will never come back; you won’t even remember it until months or even years later you get to see the finished project and either be impressed or embarrassed by the performance By then the memory is changed by an editor and sound engineer and the magic of film lives on forever through rose-tinted lens filters.

Who made the film I’m working on? A man by the name of Brandon Bergin wrote and is directing the film. He’s a great guy and his wonderful parents put me up in their swell house while I stayed in Tulsa. Some of the hard working actors on set everyday include the wonderfully talented and lovely Cassie Self; my pal Jeff Howard, also known as Eraser Dan; ever awesome Rich Bentz; Marla Taylor, Xavier Sagel, Katheryn Stephanic and many others I enjoyed working with. Everyone was welcoming and supportive of Brandon’s dream to create a feature-length film. The names I listed are but a portion of the great, focused individuals that are coming together to create a quirky romantic comedy that everyone should enjoy.

The film’s working title is “Teaching Faith.” That’s not going to be the final title because it’s not the Christian comedy people think it is from the name alone. It’s not a Christian comedy at all, by the way. It’s more like an episode of Three’s Company with a heart of gold, starring little old me. Faith is just the name of a character I teach in the movie. We are looking for a hip, cool, funny and poignant title for the film. If anyone has ideas feel free to let me know. Who knows? Your title could be the one we use!

Now that I’m back in California I’m kind of in worker-bee mode, trying to procure those funds I’ll be using to drive all the way to Branson in a month. If anyone has a smidgen of production work, art, headshots, design, retouching or a beautiful painting I’d be happy to work. contact me @ studiosound (at) yahoo.com.

Until next time…have an INCREDIBLE day!

Blarg.

2010-05-13T00:53:00.001-07:00

The first bit of the filming is over and I got back in LA just a few days ago. So far, the film is going very well. I’m getting to work with some really talented folks and I’m being challenged in great ways as an actor. I feel like I’m in a great character groove and it is going to be a funny, sincere romantic comedy you’ll be seeing when it’s all wrapped up. I flew back the 10th and I’m happy to be home for a few days.

I’ve had quite the time in Los Angeles since I got back. Story time!

There’s a funny thing about parking in Los Angeles. There is no easy parking in Los Angeles...ever.

We only get one parking spot at our apartment, so I'm always having to move my car around; especially since all streets here have at least one day a week where they street clean and the city will tow you for that. On those days there isn't one spot for blocks and you have to be creative.

I parked in an unused lot on the other side of my wall from my apartment, where dozens of other cars also park. I've used it for months without a problem. I needed a place I could park my car for the week or so I was in Tulsa. So I parked there. How silly of me!

I own a 2000 Honda Civic. It’s in great shape and I have learned that there are many people who own Honda Civics in LA. I also learned recently that the Honda Civic is one of the most stolen vehicles here. Why, you ask? It was one of the first cars to use higher-emission standards and thus was a very popular purchase in emission-strict California.

When I got back from Tulsa I drove past where I parked my car and saw my car in the lot I left it in, so I didn’t stop to move it. I made a silly mistake, one of many this week. I have a neighbor that has a car nearly just like mine.

Last night I drove past the lot after dinner and noticed something different about the lot I parked my car: my car wasn’t there. I immediately stopped and checked around just to make sure. No dice. No car. No nothing.

I found a posted sign about parking with a number to call in case it got towed away. It was the number for the city police. I located my car tag in some paperwork and made my inquiry. My heart fell when they said they had no record of my car in their database and asked if I wanted to report a stolen vehicle.

A few hours later and some calming relaxation mantras the Norwalk officer came over and got all the information about my car. He asked if I had checked on the car with the city towing department and went off to his car to make one last check on their system. A few minutes later he called my to say he had good news and bad news.

The good news was he found the car. The bad news was the car was towed by a private towing company that only registered the car through the VIN, not my license plate.

I was glad to at least have my car, as there was still some important stuff in there. That was good news!

The bad news then came this morning. It had apparently been towed six days ago. After three days they began a lien process to take the car from people who want to apparently abandon their car. That process isn’t cheap. Neither was the $50 per day fee, the holding fee and towing fee. Blarg.

All told, I ended up having to scrape up $550 dollars to get my car out of a hellish, junky, busted tow yard, complete with scary guard dog and building that would look right at home in a zombie film. Give my regards to the dorks at Classic Towing, who managed to break my key ring just starting the car. I made a little prayer over my car and it seems to be fine, in spite of this mess. That place looked rather OSHA un-compliant, hint, hint.

For those of you counting at home, that’s two cars towed. Sam one. Derick One. I’m a little tired of learning lessons on spending money versus trying to find a free spot. Call me crazy, for I am from the land of wide-open spaces and parking as far as the eye can see in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lesson learned. I’ll pay for everything ever. I got it. Thank you.

So now I’m trying to make up for that ginormous dent to our budget. I’ve slashed some paintings on my etsy site you can see on the left where I sell my paintings and Sam’s put her camera up for sale here in Norwalk. I’ve been lucky to sell two paintings today and would really appreciate it if you would look and buy, or tell your friends about my special deal. Many of my paintings have had their prices slashed in half, with more to be added this week as I leave to shoot yet more film stuff.

This week all in all has been great even though that stuff has happened. At the end of the day I’m so completely grateful for the gifts of friends, family and endless opportunities that continue to fall right in our laps along our strange and incredible journey. I hope I can continue to help others in the same way.

This next week I get to kiss my lovely girlfriend, I have to stage kiss a man in the name of comedy, and kiss a girl from Arkansas in the name of a good romantic ending to a film…stay tuned…

From a bedroom on a day off

2010-05-06T07:41:00.001-07:00

Hi and welcome back! Pull up a tumbleweed. I’ve got a day off from the film but that’s not the end of my acting for the next two days. I’ve got an audition in less than an hour and a Murder Mystery on the 7th for a private party. I’m trying to work in some art, family and fun while I’m at it.

Here’s a little production photo from one of the days we’re at a place called the Crystal Pistol. I did most of my work that night before a horde of extras came in. If you’d like to be in the film as an extra I’m sure we’ve got a few days coming up that we could really use lots of folks!

I’ve been very busy and focused while working on this project. It’s got a long plot but just let me tell you that it’s funny, got a nice amount of heart and the actors that I work with are on their game. I’ve got another week shooting and then I play hop, skip, rest, Los Angeles, hop skip and four days later I’m in Tulsa for more.

I wish I had more time to tell you about it but I’m a busy little lad today. Tomorrow morning will be the first day I’ve slept in in a while and I think I’ll take great advantage!

Teaching Faith Shoot

2010-05-03T09:30:00.001-07:00

Hi world. I’m in Tulsa but I’m busy busy with a film project, whose working title is Teaching Faith. I thought I’d update saying all is well. I’ve been put up in a nice cozy place in South Tulsa and even have a car during my stay here. Every day has been an adventure with the nice cast and crew. I started the shoot on the first and will be shooting mostly through the month. I’m very excited to get the chance to have a lead for a film and it presents intriguing challenges every day.

I was happy to see some Tulsa friends last night as extras on the set. This wednesday we’ve got a few other shots that might need some background actors…

I’ve actually got to run off to set but I’ll be posting pictures, thoughts and videos of the shoot while I’m here. In the meantime, head over to my flickr page and see some fun pictures I took in LA the week before I left. They’re intense!

Have fun and I’ll be lookin’ for you.

As the days fly by

2010-04-12T00:10:00.001-07:00

Man has time flown since I last wrote. April and March shaped up to be a busy little few months.

The photo you see is from a fun trip Sam, Carrie and I had at a place in Hollywood called Madame Tussauds in Hollywood. We had free tickets and got to pretend to be with celebrities! Above is some lady that had some errant hair on her cleavage. I was doing her a favor, and Sam sees a fly or something on my head. We’re so helpful!

What’s been up this month?

Almost too much!

Let’s see. I was in a show of the series “House.” I am a new dead guy for the season finale. I can’t tell you much, but I was very bloody and had lots of fun working with the cast and crew. I must admit I’m not much of a TV watcher, but I always appreciate working on set and seeing the new tech people are working with. D-SLR cameras that shoot HD video amazes me and I thought someone should be using the format. It looks so pretty!

Sam’s sister Carrie came and left, my friend Jes’ mom and sister, Jana and Kim came to LA for a week. There was one slight trick that came with that deal. I found out not too long before that I was being flown out to Tulsa to read a script with the fully assembled cast for a film I’m working on in May on the same few days they were coming to stay at our place. That lead to a long day of airport back-and-forth for Sam, and a long airplane to Tulsa flight for me. Timing was off, but we all made with what we could.

I got in to T-Town and blew through town on a three-day whirlwind! That first day I was whisked away to climb a tree with friends, and paint as a special guest with musician Jes Lenee’ at a place called Dilly Deli. I painted up some fun thing to a pretty nice crowd even though I used all borrowed supplies I had great fun painting with Jes and friends for that night! I spent the night under her piano and the the very next morning I was picked up by none other than Quick Draw Derick’s Eraser Dan! Yes, Jeff Howard took me over to C-9 productions and I got to meet the entire cast of Teaching Faith.

That evening I performed in an Ultimate Murder Mystery at Molly’s landing and I had lots of fun working and shaking my chakas as everybody’s loveable Ice, the lead singer of the 80’s tribute band, The Oxymorons. I screwed up one line but more than made up for it in "Zany." That night I slept in a bed with another man and it was a spoonless night with James Fields. Thanks for the place Jim!

That Sunday morning I got to have brunch and hang out with my brother and Mom before having to leave once again on a tiny jet plane.

That was good stuff. Here’s some of the other side of that coin.

I’ve done two art shows in Downtown Los Angeles.

The day after I last wrote on the SnowEyes blog, we had one art show downtown LA. It went alright. The building was a little strangely laid out and nobody really found the art space. There was a death metal band nearby and the mood was not really meant for live painting. In between their sets I brought out my accordion and played my death-metal-iest sounds I could come up with. I still ended up painting something nice and the night would have ended really well if someone hadn’t have broken into Samantha’s car during the night. They broke a window and stole the XM radio I had gotten her for Christmas! That kind of added a layer of meh to the night but by the end of the next day we had a new car window, cancelled the XM (and disabled the stolen unit so no one can ever use it ever again!), had a free receiver from XM sent to us with a complimentary audio installation voucher. Thanks XM for the kind gesture!

That was kind of the beginning for some unfortunate events in our world. Not five days later and poor little Sam’s car broke down in the worst possible way after being screwed up by a mechanic in a shady part of LA and is had to have the engine rebuilt.

But wait, that’s not all! When Sam was at work two weeks ago some kid pulled on the character head she was wearing and nearly pulled her neck out of socket. The kid got kicked out, but Sam still hasn’t recovered. She’s getting better but has been off of work healing.

But wait, there’s more! I got a terrible bout of food poisoning on Wednesday morning. I must’ve eaten something terrible previously, but it was small enough to slowly brew overnight. by that morning, just before lunch I lost mine. I had a spiritual cleansing in a Panda Express bathroom, praying to a porcelain deity. I didn’t have any food yet, so don’t blame the Asian food! I have a suspicion it was a chicken sandwich I had the day before from KFC. I blame myself for even going there anymore, really. Anyhow, I was in bed right after that experience for about twenty hours and then broke through to the other side. I had scheduled an audition on Wednesday and was lucky enough to postpone until that Saturday. Unluckily, Sam had to go to work for an appointment and I was too ill to bring her back. We still didn’t have her car back from the shop and she can’t drive a stick, which gave Samantha a perfect chance to ride the city bus for the first time! After some chaos and worries and sleep, she got home, I got better after a day on liquid, and we finally got the car back. It took long time and we just got the car only yesterday! It runs great. It had better run beautifully for years!

Yesterday I got to audition for an Improv group in LA. I wished I had brought some water to the audition. After a few warm-up sets I felt a little crazy and dehydrated but I think I got through everything just fine. I love improv! And the guy who runs it had a past with my favorite weird cult film group, the one that produced my favorite childhood film, “J-Men" Forever!” I don’t really expect things after an audition; that’s just the way I roll, then get pleasantly surprised if things go well.

Saturday night I had another fun art show. I met a few great souls and even sold a painting; the guitar I made a little while back. Here’s a picture from it, courtesy of Samantha:

That’s a before and during shot of the art gallery. Isn't it cool? It was a nice space and alot of people made it out. There was a Chill DJ playing music and everyone I saw came away pretty happy with the event. I sold the guitar I painted, which frees me up to paint some more music instruments in the near future.

How do I find out about such stuff? Craigslist!

Today Sam had an audition up near the Angeles National Forest. It was a beautiful part of the world! The children of the party were ridiculously cute and Sam did great. After that we went driving around the area and found some great trail to adventure upon. The path had a waterfall and a stream cut through with a nice peaceful sound. The only bad thing was that some people had tagged the trees and rocks with spray paint. What the heck? What did that tree do to you?

Tonight when we got back I got to play the accordion for hours and my fingers, mind and heart finally started to absolutely click and I have begun to really master that silly, heavy cumbersome beautiful instrument. My arm got incredibly sore but I’m having a great time with it.

Tomorrow I look for more work, as usual! I’ve got some leads and I’m following them!

I’ll write again sooner than later!

Saint Patrick and Derick

2010-03-17T12:06:00.001-07:00

In L.A. Thurday (3-18)? Celebrate Day-after St. Patty's Day with an Art Extravaganza with my paint, my friends and my accordion@ The Airliner, 2419 N. Broadway 8-midnight. Be there or be boring!

I'm painting with some bands, and playing my own bizarre brand of pretty accordion Thursday night.
Come and take pictures so we can all remember after we've fallen asleep.

Earthquakes and Fun Stuff

2010-03-16T12:15:00.001-07:00

In firstly unrelated news, here’s a fun video that was produced from the photo tour I was a part of a few weeks ago. I’m in it a few times and my pictures are dispersed throughout. Enjoy.

And now, a true story.

We woke up at 4 this morning to the earth shaking, and had nothing to do with it. http://www.newsoxy.com/earthquake/los-angeles-12781.html

Indeed! I woke up around 4 to some quaking earth! Sam and here sister were here. Sam and I were fast asleep in our room, with our house guest Carrie in the other room when it got all rumbly. As soon as I realized what was going on I ran us all under the doorframe in the hall and covered our heads. It was a 4.4 I read. Nothing fell over or shifted or anything. It lasted maybe 15 seconds. It felt interesting considering I hadn't felt one in a long while but nothing really happened other than the sound waves freaking us out. We're a-ok!

I’ve got some plans today mostly involving Santa Monica and the Ocean, followed by figuring out some scheduling conflicts with a few projects in the future. Have fun everyone!

March 15, 2010 Stuffs

2010-03-15T11:27:00.001-07:00

My weeks have been moving smoothly like butta. I’ve had some good stuff going on.

I went to the photo tour gala and had a great time at a VIP room @ House of Blues last week. I got to meet some interesting people and have some lovely conversations about photography. I got some free shwag in the form of tickets to Universal Studios and Madame Tussaud’s in addition to good food and drink. House of Blues smelled better than I expected. The savory smell of patchouli wafted in the express elevator I was shown to and when I got up to our area the mood lighting and art on the walls made me feel pretty good about the whole experience. Even better, I’ve been invited to more events and I love the culture and the chance to capture some of it with my little camera.

I had my art show last Saturday and I had some fun friends come out and got to show my art to Pasadena for the first time. There was a very good turnout and my paintings will be there for two weeks. If you are in the area of Nova Gallery, you’ll notice two of my pieces (Return of The Box On X; Trepidation) shining in the front of the gallery. I often walked in front of galleries and thought how nice it would be to have my work viewable from the street and now I get that little treat this week. That’s not all for art fun this very week though!

This Thursday (3/18) from 8-midnight I’ve been invited as a performance artist at a place called The Airliner. It is at 2419 No. Broadway L.A. 90031, a mere one mile of Chinatown in LA, near Eagle Rock, Echo Park, Highland Park, etc. So those friends who couldn’t make it out to Pasadena can get the chance to hang out and watch me paint live to musicians, as well as see me play my accordion and make some sweet music in front of other crazy artists. If you can make it I would be happy to see you!

I’ve also been at work on a new show here in Los Angeles called Evernight: The Musical. I’m in the workshop cast and we’ll have a performance or three in May/June, before I get called away for Peter Pan. We had our first reading yesterday and I’m pretty happy with the goings on so far. I’ll let you know more info as it develops…

This week Sam’s sister Carrie made it to stay in LA and I’m the tour guide today. I’m off to get some tasty tacos, then all the great touristy goodies people want to see around these parts :)

I hope all is well!

Misadventures in LA

2010-03-06T11:41:00.001-08:00

Malibu Heights
by snoweyes.

Hello! Let's update my life.

Yesterday we took a wonderful hike up in Malibu. There's some great nature, waterfalls, and abandoned structures. As you can see the house was huge before it burned down in the 80s and eventually got turned into a public hiking trail. The first time I came was with my old friend River Behnkin back in 2004 and I've been yearning to return.

Last Sunday Sam and I were invited to go on a photo tour, sponsored by the LA Tourism Department, Discover LA and Star Line Tours. The photo part of the day was extremely fun. I've uploaded a ton of pictures from the event if you want to see my images.

The day was filled with emotional highs and lows. Before the tour even began, we made a few wrong turns and were nearly late. We found some parking a few blocks away and rushed to join the tour. An all-day tour can be exhausting, if only for all the direct sunlight on an open double-decker bus. I brought my hat and shades but ended up with a bit of a sunburn on my nose. Ah well, it faded and I've not had too many problems, skin wise. However, after the tour we walked back to Sam's car only to discover that it was gone. Absolutely gone.

Who knows, maybe we misread the sign. Maybe we got towed. There was a number on the sign, so I pulled out my cell phone and dialed the number posted.

The number was disconnected. Bad form, Los Angeles! If you are going to post a number and then disconnect it, please, please put a sticker or something over the old one with, oh, I don't know. Maybe the actual phone number?

I walked a few blocks away and found a temporary, No Parking foam board sign with another number on it. Ridiculous. But I call it and get through to an operator who forwards me on to the tow company in the area. We chat and it turns out there were two warnings on the sign. One was no parking from a time on Monday-Friday, and a no parking 10am-2 for tour buses. Silly me, I thought the Monday-Friday would exclude me, as it was Sunday. We were wrong. $250 worth of wrong.

On the bright side, we have great people that helped us (Sam Barrios, aka Sidekick Sam) out by picking us up and taking us to the tow place, which was open 24-hours. We got in and out pretty quickly, a very peculiar end to a long day.

All's well, though.

The photo tour fun isn't over. We've been invited to a party where we may win prizes for our fancy photo-taking. More free food and good times with interesting people!

Both Sam and I auditioned for a few roles two weeks ago and I found out about one of them. I've been cast in a new musical called "Evernight!" Not only that, but Sam got a part as well! The show will be work-shopped, which basically means we as actors prepare our roles with the producers of the show, smoothing out songs and script before it does a proper run. Once that happens, we would get first refusal to audition for the second and paid show. It starts off easy enough, with one Day a week rehearsals up until June.

I'm still preparing for the art show on March 13th in Pasadena, and looking forward to painting with a band live onstage on the 11th.

Sam's been doing well working at the house of mouse. She's working more regularly and enjoys herself, which means we may be able to afford to live here someday! Kidding :P

Other than that, life's pretty darn nice and I'm having great fun. Until next time!

Why I love my life, or some of my acting work.

2010-03-05T00:33:00.001-08:00

In the near future I’ll have my videos squashed and edited into one tasty segment for you to see. I’m kind of waiting for the full release of the Duncan Christopher Movie before that happens, so I’ve put a smattering of some of my projects out there for you to see. If I can get the ok, I would also love to put up some of my most recent show as Smee in Cathy Rigby’s Peter Pan. I would also love to get some of my Petro Pete Voice-over work that ended up in cartoons I never saw, as well as work as the Cripple in a TBN film about Jesus. We shall see. Check back on this post for additions.

If you like what you see, feel free to look at my resume and hire me for a gig, huh? I’m Sag Eligible and entirely willing to wiggle my eyebrows for you.

Here’s a bit of video fun:

A little on this weekend

2010-02-25T01:08:00.001-08:00

So things are finally starting to get rolling. I put in my imagery for some promotional material for the March 13th art show so I can spread the good news about the gallery opening. That’s good news, I’m putting more good energy out there to book some more art shows.

This weekend also looks like it’s shaping up for some other fine adventures. We’ve both got auditions for two shows this Saturday. One for a developing show that will be growing into a full-fledged musical in June, and one for some private-party theatrical shows we hope to get our acting selves onto. Both wouldn’t require too much of a commitment and would allow for us to make other opportunities in the area. I’m interested in both productions, but that’s not all that’s happening!

Sunday both Sam and I are involved with the Los Angeles travel site “Discover Los Angeles” all day this Sunday. We’re going on an all-expense-paid tour of LA and the nearby sights to take photographs of landmarks (Gruman’s Chinese Theatre, Disney Concert Hall, really nearly everything from Hollywood to Downtown) and cultural imagery. We are part of a group of 30 invited from the L.A. Visitor’s Bureau that are taking part in this and some of our photos may end up being used to promote travel destinations in LA. Cool, huh? Free food, culture and art in one whirlwind package sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday. I’ll put up pictures and a contest for you all to vote on will happen shortly after that, with a party to follow!

How did I get involved with it? Flickr had something do do with it :)

So that’s our weekend. Enjoy your Friday!

Aye more than art, life

2010-02-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

Oh hi friends. I’ve been up to more than art in the weeks I’ve gotten back from moving all my good things from Branson. Time seems to have flown but I’ve been doing my best to keep track.

The weeks since I've come to LA have been a bit of a blur. I haven't had any particular thing draw me about in one definite direction yet. I feel like I've been a massive bit of preparation for something larger than where I'm at now. I don't know where I'm exactly going and I need to continue to find motivational forces so I can be at my creative peak. I've painted two paintings since I've gotten here, which I'm happy with. I've worked my way into a gallery showing in a month's time. I'm very excited about opportunities but want to make sure I follow through all the way. I felt like I'm in vacation mode but need to allow myself to transition into worker bee mode.

I've got to give love and attention to all that need it, including loved ones and even people I don't know all that well. What do I want with myself? What do I want to do for God and the universe?

I have other desires. I desire to meet interesting artistic people and I must be sure to open my heart and not be afraid of putting myself openly to others. I want to stay comfortable, confident and sincere for others. I must understand that I don't know the answers and I cannot solve the problems of the world; I can only change myself and others hopefully follow.

Friday Sam and I were at the Bourgios Pic in West Hollywood and it's a lovely little environment. I've been here a few times five years ago and it makes me want to be more outgoing and spiritual. I mustn't forget my spiritual side. I want more art on my walls and place in the universe. I want beauty and desire the same. I want to unlock my heart at all times.

In the past week I've been to Disneyland (Sam is Mickey and friends), Pasadena for setting up that art show, a park near my house. I've taken to cooking at home and trying to stay out and about, where I can get proper work done. When I'm at home time tends to fly by without me noticing as I get easily distracted.

Feb 14th was Valentine's Day. We went to Venice Beach and the weather was so intensely perfect! I got a sunburn I was out so much. Sam and I walked a mile just to park for free and ended walking miles more by the end of the day. We had Pizza on the beach and strolled and relaxed on warm sands for hours. It was very nice to sit by the powerful ocean, laying in Sam's arms. Later we walked down to the Venice Canals and basked in the setting sunlight and took some pictures. That evening we had yummy Sushi.

This week I also decided that I wanted to grow myself here in Los Angeles and give myself to one cause. I tend to skip about so much as an actor I started to forget about my artists side. So I decided to get an art show. I've put myself out as a painter on Craigslist this week and I've got a few responses from bands who want a live painter. I would love to get in on that scene. I miss it!

Other things I want to do
Paint at an art walk
Put up flyers for our photography biz
Put up flyers for the March 13 art show
Create a photography website
Work on a Sam website
Sam headshots
Derick resume send-outs

More poetry writing
More painting
More acting, Love, smile, feel the world.

I wrote a poem in the midst of ideas. Here you go, a poem that has a line that rhymes with Orange:

Oh tree inside me
Crawl out your branches
Untumble your leaves
Crackle leaping
Your furrowed hinges
Dustied oranges
In deep dark daylight goes

We've been napping here
Oh the good comfort
Floating ripe sublime
Kick old shoelaces
Worked away slow red old eyes
In tea grown fresh to stale
As withered vines touch toes

Drink from her teacup
This fine mellow day
Oh the taste warms above
Arouse senses about
In this tiny house
New in the treetops
Where endless forest grows.

peace

Art Show March 13th

2010-02-20T22:54:00.001-08:00

Put the above date in your little itouches or what have you!

I’m putting together a few pieces of my work for an upcoming art show on March 13, 2010. If you’d like to see the works up close, feel free to come by Nova Picture Framing and gallery in Pasadena. The show starts at 7pm and there is complementary wine and treats. I’ll also be creating little tiny works throughout the night. I invite everyone in the LA area to come and play with me!

I’m also gearing up to paint and perform on stage with a few bands over the next month in the LA area. I’ll give more info, but the first music show will be on March 11.

The works for the 13th are what you see below. I’ve got various painterly effects that really shine in person. Some literally glow in the dark, while others shimmer as you adjust your view, thanks to gold leaf and other tricks.

Nova Picture Framing and gallery
1003 East Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91106

Titles and info after the images:

Old Man on X
30x24
Acrylic on Canvas

Trepidation
48x24
Oil and Acrylic on Canvas

Return of the Boy on X
20x32, Two 20x16 Panels
Acrylic on Canvas Board

Dark Dark Sky
8x10
Acrylic on Canvas Board

Green Eye
12x9
Acrylic on Canvas Board

Touched
9x12
Acrylic on Canvas Board

Guitar Nero
39x13 1/2"
Acrylic and guitar string on guitar

The Art of SnowEyes: Trepidation

2010-02-11T00:28:00.001-08:00

Trepidation
Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
24x48"
Click Here to Purchase on Etsy

There are many stories that have gone into this painting as well as emotional themes planted piece by piece in the three years it took to complete.

The imagery pushes the eye to see more then the thoughtful Moon's face looking away from the shore of this living island, more than a little girl in restful pose beneath the layered tree. The place is moving, living out in earnest hope that fear cannot control the human spirit, high on the hill where a shadow's tree grows strong.

The work began on a wild night at Tulsa's Diversafest (Dfest) in late July 2007. I was personally going through my own trepidation that night. On stage to an audience I literally threw paint on the canvas in the dark bar to the marvelous music of Autumn Shade. The room was so loud, the venue so small, and the fans were plentiful and emotional that night for the paint to find itself easily.

I originally painted a black crow where the hill now covers the bird. You can see the vague outline of the wise figure beneath the tree if you gaze hard enough and your imagination runs wild.

During the first painting process I used oil paint, allowing the turpentine to make the sky drip with emotion and layer. I also created the beginnings of the moon in the sky and made the large tree's structure.

Six months later I continued on with the painting in acrylic, adding more rich color, being careful not to paint over the light textures the thinner allowed through. I finished the bird that night.

I continued work on the painting after a few more painting sessions adding subtle washes, and finished on November 9th, 2009. The bird is literally gone from the place, but her memory remains under the hill that has emerald hues and textured scrapes that show it's history. The small, powerful tree grew defiantly on that new earth. I decided I was finally finished with the work and hope you enjoy this unique, one of a kind piece.

You may find more information and purchase this work on my Etsy site.

Click here for more information
or
Click here for my Etsy Shop

The Art of SnowEyes: Guitar Nero

2010-02-07T17:57:00.001-08:00

I’m beginning my art new series online promoting some of my choice pieces of artwork. I previously posted my art on Facebook, but I wanted to do more than just a simple gallery. I’m going to be doing this at least once a week into the near future. If you have a request please let me know. I thought I would begin with one of my more unique works.

Guitar Nero
Acrylic and guitar string on guitar
Click here to purchase

I bought this guitar with the express purpose of painting it. The mysterious being stands on a transformative green hill, glossy and textured. The adjacent tree winds up the neck past the orange and blue sunset towards a spectral space.

I hope you enjoy the melancholy scene that contains glowing elements perfect for intimate performance settings. Moon and stars glow when the lights go down.
This is a regular student-size guitar with slight wear and tear. It's character inspired the one-of-a-kind work.

Available.

You may find more information and purchase this work on my Etsy site.

Click here for more information
or
Click here for my Etsy Shop

Introspective Painter

2010-01-23T23:56:00.001-08:00

I painted a picture tonight after finding am artist’s supply store in my neighborhood. What does it mean to be a painter and how do I keep my craft; the artistic side of my heart while appeasing to outside forces that people call the real world. I’ll upload a photo later of my work so far and I’ll hopefully finish the work this week. He looks like a hopeful fellow in a square world.

I love adding flourishes to the work as I finish a painting but I have to ride the line of going too far. I’ve done it many times but have the tenacity to sit down and keep working until I’m done, whatever that means! I can sit on a painting for months and months before I finish one, or I can paint an entire work in an hour. When you paint (or whatever you create) how do you know when you are finished?

Photography Portfolio

2010-01-19T00:42:00.001-08:00

Download Resume Here!

Derick Snow has been a still photographer for since 2003 and a videographer since 1997. In that time he has photographed, captured and adventured through more than five countries, including France, Ireland, The UK, Mexico, Canada and thirty of the United States.

Nature inspires, and the human form and it’s condition drive new artistic concepts in not only his photographs, but also in his other pursuits of painting, acting and audio production. In 2007 he produced the debut LP, Ezra Moon for the band he regularly painted with live on stage. In 2008 he hosted a well-received children’s show, “Quick Draw Derick,” in which he starred, wrote and produced. In 2009 he was given the auspicious title of “Best Local Artist” by the Urban Tulsa Weekly magazine. 2009 also saw him leaping onto the musical theatre stage as Smee, a lead character known as the greasy but loveable role in Cathy Rigby’s Peter Pan. Through so many artistic and business pursuits he has been afforded many great opportunities outside of the regular photographer’s markets. His work has been seen on such venues as Yahoo News, CosmoGirl magazine and in private exhibitions.

In his early days in television, Derick worked exclusively through a black and white monitor, training his mind with a strong sense of composition and design. The imaginations of contrast and shape allowed him to easily transition into still photography and still pushes his eye when he captures light and form. During his television career he was also able to work with lighting directors that had a part in classic shows of yesteryear (Hee Haw, Uncle Zeb, ect.) who taught him many valuable lessons on creative lighting design.

He currently resides in Los Angeles, California with his lovely girlfriend and inspiration Samantha Woodruff.

Below you can find current samples of Derick Snow’s work in retouching, headshots, portraits, architecture and landscape, graphic/web design, as well as fine art and commercial photography.

Fine Art / Commercial Photography

Retouching

Headshots

Architecture / Landscape

Graphic Design

Portraits

Stick Around

2010-01-18T00:32:00.001-08:00

Stick Around
by snoweyes.

I've been having a bit of fun with photography tonight, and I thought I'd update our happenings.

The good news is that we have internet at our house. It's nice to be able update, even though I now have to fight the urge to hit up the internet too often. I want to be out and about, moving and shaking and all that jazz. The best times in my life come when I'm living in the world.

This week Sam and I have been setting up our new place, going to IKEA and all that. IKEA is like a cruise ship in size, with one floor taking up showroom space so you can see all the furniture as if you were living in it. It was fun and we bought an inexpensive kitchen table and drawers for our room and put it all together using their handy instructions that use absolutely no words. We're looking for a couch and a futon to fill out the our humble domicile.

So with all the talk of warm weather in my last posts I have been running away from the rain all day today. I started the day with Sam and I going off to somewhere around Hollywood and Vine to have lunch with none other than Todd Walker, best known as the pirate who says, "Ay 'tis the man with the hook!" in a precious Asian dialect somewhere closer to Kansas. He's around for a week but we had lots of fun even though the weather wasn't as kind as it should be to a person coming all this way.

It's a little late so I'll continue this some other time. This week we may have auditions for a pirate dinner theatre company here in SoCal. Wouldn't that be fun?

Voice Acting 101: Getting Started

2010-01-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to StudioSound's Voice Acting 101, a nice little source for learning how to be a great voice actor in many things; more importantly to this site, video games. This section is here in the purpose of bringing games to life through the audio side, for the beginner. This guide is compiled from an archive from Game StudioSound and can be linked to if you have a need for a guide on other web sites. You'd be surprised how many people use and enjoy this simple bit of information.

What Do I Need?

Section one: What Do I Need?

Introduction
When I first started out in the voice work game, I was somewhat frightened by how much better everyone I heard was than me. It took me a long time to learn and continue the mastery of this fine art. I thought all that I needed was wacky voices, but I needed the edge separating the mediocre from the great, varied voice and sound technical skills. The thing is, you don't necessarily need either of those in the beginning of voice work. It's time for me to set you up.

A professional has extremely expensive equipment, including a soundproofed room, a few high-quality microphones, digital and analog input for high fidelity sound, and great mixing sound boards.

An amateur like you can either spend thousands of dollars for this hobby, or you can use what you have. And you already have a lot.

For commercial grade sound you need a fairly good setup because of the high production value if it, although most paying producers provide a sound studio for their talent. For lower quality sound in games like Half-Life, all you really need for great vocals are a few simple things: a microphone, a computer (with a sound card!), and a sound free environment. «

Microphones And You
The first big step in doing game voices is getting a good microphone. These can range from 10 to around 5000 dollars but once again, for a good quality mike you don't need to spend outrageously just to be in the big games. The better mikes are usually a bit more than $10, but not too much more. StudioSound recommends spending at least 20 dollars to get the best range out of your voice, although if you want to do this as more than a hobby, at least a hundred dollars (as a beginner you don't want to throw all of your money at this hobby until you are sure you want to really get into it). The reason for this is a needed thing in getting high tones and beefy sound range. To check the range on microphones, just look on the back of its box at the store.

I went to a big name store and found these specs of a microphone for about 12 dollars. You may think that these numbers aren't that bad, and that is true for such things like goofing around with your friends on Roger Wilco or giving yourself some vocal notes, but you will find a somewhat tinny sound with this narrow of a field. An ideal frequency response is as 20-70Hz on the low end and as high as possible(18-20,000Hz minimum if available). Funnily enough, this store didn't have any microphones with our recommended specs. Most huge electronic superstores don't really care about quality, just functionality. One of the best places to go if you want to find great input for the price is Radio Shack, found in most mini and full-fledged malls across America. They seemed to have a great selection in range of quality, from a few big time mike$ to the lower end versions that you will be searching for. Still, remember to look on the back of the boxes the microphones are sold in, and never be afraid to ask the merchants to order from their behind-the-register catalogs. The lowest low and the highest high numbers on the back of the box make it worthwhile to comparison shop.

Another issue is power in microphones. Every one of my small mics are electrically powered. You may not feel a need for this, but just about nothing beats an amplified input source, some great setups get power from the device it's plugged into, so no batteries are required in those cases. It really does make your voice more realistic and even gives it a truer bass when you need it. Look around. «

Computer Input/Editor
So now that you have a microphone of some kind, you want to start trying to see how your voice finally sounds. That should not be a problem for most people. All you need for the most basic of recording is your sound recorder that comes with your operating system disk. If you don't have that, you need to spend some time trying to find a good input program, a place I have found, SOFTSEEK.COM has many freeware programs to compensate. Check them out.
Now comes the recording time. More detailed recording sessions will be told later, so I will just get to the most basic information to get you audible on your PC.
It's fairly simple, click on the record button, make some noise, and then press stop (you can see it's stopped when the record button goes grey). Now press play. Do you hear a sound? If you did, go further down. If not, let's fix a few things to make that work.
Let's go through a checklist to see if everything is plugged in it's proper place. Behind your computer, there are (usually) plugins for a speaker, a line in, and a microphone, either they will say what they are, or there will be a little logo showing you what they look like. Make sure your microphone has a small enough plug to fit into the mike port, the end should look like this:

A microphone plug (not to scale)

And just plug it into the microphone port in your computer. If you are using anything else (like XLR, ect.), things get much more complicated, so I suggest you go to a local TV or radio station willing to show you how to get hooked up, usually this requires more equipment.
Click on your volume control either in your task bar, it looks like a yellow speaker, or while in the sound recorder, click on the edit tab then click in the volume button, it might look like a speaker for you. You should see the volume controller. Click on options, and then properties. Now there are two buttons:

It should be on record to edit the control slider. With the volume slider showing make sure the one that says MICROPHONE is checked, or there will be no sound for the computer to recognize.
Now try recording again. If still you have problems, try the help file on your computer because I'll try to keep it simple here. If you need real help (and don't mind a slight wait), try contacting me, I'll give it my best shot.
Now you have heard your wacky voice, and you want to go further into changing your voice. You could continue use of your sound recorder, but for me it just doesn't cut it due to it having no subtle sound skewing or distortion, and it won't have to work for you either.

If you wish to be a super setup freak like me, you will want to go to the Voyetra site. Their high-end audio editing packages are what I use, and I have been very happy with them. You don't want to spent at least 300 dollars? Why not? Well, alright. To get some really good free and shareware programs goto SOFTSEEK, because once again, they have a huge database of everything you need to start off. Just type in Audio Editing to take off there.

Most programs you find will need to do at least a few things: alter the speed in some way and provide effects of some kind, like reverse, echo and static. One of the best kind of programs are those that allow for Direct-X audio plugins. One place for D-X plugins is AnalogX. With these freebies, you can even use programs in tandem to get more effects and functions. That is exactly what I did starting off. It works! «

More Audio Guides

There are some really wonderful guides out there. One of them is for Game Makers wanting to produce mods with sounds in them, nestled in Mike and Pete's section of this very site. You can fiind the site at: www.planethalflife.com/gss/mphls,and you can find the tutorial here...

For even more information, here's a few little links.:

VoxFeminae has been around for a while in the Quake Community, and has been updated with all kinds of voice acting and sound creation tutorials, with pros bringing in tutorials all the time, even a few members found here at GSS contribute. It is far more informative than my starter guide, so visit the site now!

Wavelength has some nice sound-related tutorials for you to get started on. Some relate to the game creation side, others delve into the recording areas. Good luck!

An article from the old and gone Website, Vox Feminae

2010-01-15T01:37:00.001-08:00

I’m posting this article for posterity. I began my web-career working on a voice-over site for media creators called Game StudioSound. I did well back in those days and I eventually moved on to other projects. I recently learned that a site that I had an article on had been shuttered. Gamespy closed their servers down; economy and all. I invite you to peruse the ancient past. Welcome to the year 2000!

Via Vox Feminae:

Derick Snow runs the excellent Game StudioSound site hosted on PlanetHalfLife.

Hello all, I'm Derick Snow, and I have a little trick for you voice actors that I learned a few years back.

About a two or so years ago, I did a commercial that required a surprisingly "Cobra Commander"-esque sound to it. The problem was the character needed to have a slightly "British" sound to it, and I was having trouble keeping consistent for an entire minute.

So, I simply raspified into my computer mike for about an hour with headphones on. After about a two minute session of recording, I listened to each take of a list of words I came up with to bring out vowel structures: "what a to DO to DIE today at a quarter to TWO to TWO...It's a KIILAahhhh sound SYSeeTEM!" etc., and just kept at it, trying different inflection for the rasp. The trick to recording those short sessions was that I could edit the best of my voice samples into one piece, and then try to get it all in one run. It took some doing, but soon it sounded exactly the way I heard it from all those smaller runs. The actual studio recording was a breeze after that. I finally had the character down and was able to improvise with perfection once I knew my role.

I also ran into a similar situation when I did the HL Mod "Redemption" for the Counterstrike boxed set. I used my home setup for this one, since it was a small team working in Europe with no resources.

I had the task of actually trying to sound like a character people were already familiar with, "Barney". The first go around, I simply listened to a few lines from the original games and just went with it. I failed miserably. Doing a voice that people already know is a pain because they have expectations of how he sounds; if it is just slightly higher/lower pitched is just not good enough.

I listened to "Good morning, Mr. Freeman" about ten thousand times this time. I recorded it on tape and listened to his phrases as I said his lines. Sooner or later, I got it fairly down, and whenever I said a line I compared that line to my previous lines to check for consistency. If it was off, I'd simply try again until I had all of the script finished. Daunting, but worth it.

So where am I going with this? If you vary your characters like I do, make sure you compare your character with some of your previously recorded lines before you totally change your accent or tone without realizing it. It really stinks to have to redo half a script just because you "thought it was close." Now, when I do a radio/TV spot and am doing a particular character (Pirate Steve, for instace), I make sure it is consistent using that comparison trick with my micro-recorder and PC. It really pays off in the long run and gets return customers!

Have fun, gang!

Status Update! LA Edition

2010-01-11T10:20:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone. Got a few minutes? Good. We’ve been in LA since Friday and we’ve been having lots of fun in the sun. We’re staying with Sammy B (sidekick Sam) in Culver City for a week and we’ve knocked three of them down. The first day we went to Santa Monica pier and took in the sights and sounds of the west coast ocean. It is beautiful! Samantha (my girl) had never been here and I think she loves it. We had a great time. Saturday we traveled to Malibu and traipsed in the cool water. Yes it was warm enough to dip into. It’s warm here! Not hot, but very nice.

This trip had the intention of going up in a few weeks to Northern California and up into Oregon, Washington and finally Canada. However, all things change…

I’ve got some great news. Yesterday, Jan 10 Sambo, Sidekick Sam and Derick Snow all went to Disneyland for auditions we read about online. Unfortunately Sidekick Sammy B and I got cut right at the beginning for being to TALL for costumed characters. But that was not the case for my lovely girlfriend (Sam W :)! She got past every single round of cuts and is got on with the Mickey Mouse folks! She starts in a week. One week.

So what does that mean?

It means we are moving to Los Angeles, CA! I know, I know, I keep going in little circles in my life. I did the same thing back in 2003 on a roadtrip up the coast. Whatever! It’s definitely not the same trip from 2003. Here are some differences.

1. We have a job going in immediately
2. We have two cars
3. We actually have money
4. We’re getting a place of our own. No bouncing around endlessly for six months

Te biggest thing? I’m much wiser than when I started. I’ve done more work and I’m on a higher level of patience. I don’t have the expectations of the world on every audition. I also have work coming up so we’re both getting what we want out of this strange and marvelous change rather than one pulling on the coattails of the other.

The one thing I still haven’t done is drive all the way up the coast to Canada. I’ve been up there but I’ve never been into the great redwood forests in Oregon. When will that happen? I’d love to go there some day. Oh well.

It’s warm and I had a day with my feet in the Malibu waters and I can’t say no to that. I’m excited for Sam. She’s in a little state of shock that she’s changing a road trip to a job trip, as am I. But guess what? We’ve got nothing else that awesome going on right now in our lives. I’ve got lots of maybe projects in the next month or two but I’ll come to those if they happen. Dubai? Who knows. New Jersey Pan? Who knows. Sam at Disney? Yes. So I’ll go that direction :)

Today we’re having an outside day as everyday here has a high of 70 degrees. Compare that to Tulsa. How cccold is it? 43? I like this change, friends.

So the long and short is that I’m taking care of a move from our house in Branson to Somewhere in the LA area (maybe near-ish to Disney). This will be happening perhaps before Feb 1 so I can save a month on rent in Branson. If nothing else happens that’s the plan for our next bounce.

I was thinking about my year and all the lovely bounces I’ve made. I have been updating semi-regularly on my website (here) but I’ve been sending status updates nearly every day on Facebook via my phone. I found a lovely app that let me compile all of my statuses for all to read. Some are goofy and lame, but it’s endlessly entertaining to look back. Read them all if you dare!

Oldest Retrievable Status: just heard some brilliant live ole timey music and is inspired...! posted Tue July 22, 2008, 7:50 pm
Total Words: 5705
Most Used Words:
#1: pan used 30 times
#2: show used 29 times
#3: tomorrow used 29 times
#4: tonight used 27 times
#5: today used 22 times
All Status Updates So Far:

Sun January 10, 2010, 4:57 pm: Well i was not the right size for costume characters but Sam was! She got part all the call backs and she got hired! We're moving to LA?! Good times :)
Sat January 9, 2010, 9:30 pm: Audition at Disney tomorrow?! Yep
Fri January 8, 2010, 6:21 pm: A green thong
Fri January 8, 2010, 5:18 pm: Hi santa monica! You are warm.
Fri January 8, 2010, 10:05 am: Oh man I don't know what should I eat today? How about....IN-N-OUT?!?!?! Let's finish this drive.
Wed January 6, 2010, 11:51 pm: We are on the road to LA if you are in SoCal we would love to set up a session with you within the next month. http://fb.me/4dkPdXo
Tue January 5, 2010, 12:10 pm: Goodbye Tulsa! LA or bust
Sat January 2, 2010, 11:15 am: Let's do laundry, Branson.
Thu December 31, 2009, 1:10 am: Ah I love life. One last day this year. I'm making it count...as I do everyday ;)
Sun December 27, 2009, 4:29 pm: we are going to be taking photos around Tulsa in the next few weeks before we run off to LA for a bit. If we see... http://fb.me/3XZ2icp
Sat December 26, 2009, 9:17 pm: Got out into the fine frosty tundra today to take pictures and finally have Christmas with my mom!
Thu December 24, 2009, 6:35 pm: I just abandoned my car on the side of the snow-white road and walked to warm, toasty civilization. I'm staying in, methinks
Tue December 22, 2009, 11:55 pm: Meh for car insurance! On the bright side I'm all Christmas-cheer-y
Sun December 20, 2009, 8:53 pm: Dear Tulsa, I'm back! Anyone up for xmas portraits or head shots this week? i brought my gear.
Tue December 15, 2009, 6:21 pm: Mm coffee. Tulsa in a week!
Tue December 15, 2009, 6:04 pm: Still in Branson? 8pm Come down to the Branson Star (Where Penny Gilley performs) and see An Ozark Radio Christmas, starring Samantha Woodruff. I'm also there both nights and I'd love to see you!
Sun December 13, 2009, 12:50 pm: I just uploaded the last Day's Pan Pics! Come and get em.
Wed December 9, 2009, 11:48 am: Ahem. Friday art party not happening. Ahem. Maybe Sunday if anyone's interested! Or around...heh
Tue December 8, 2009, 7:13 pm: Time for a Smee Pan Hook Triad. Off I go! Art day and gallery at my house this Friday the 11th!
Sun December 6, 2009, 1:42 pm: All of pan and a sam got our callbacks for the SDC tho i'm not the dancer type. Craig spun circles around me :)
Wed December 2, 2009, 6:52 pm: wishes for deep artistic leanings and poetics. I need some crazy artist time with my peeps. Cold weather prevents a bit but I wanna go take a hike too.
Wed December 2, 2009, 9:54 am: Under the mooch is closing :(
Tue December 1, 2009, 10:13 pm: Rock. Rock? Rock portside, ahoy!
Tue December 1, 2009, 7:59 pm: Paper Mill play house from Jersey is here tonight for a possible summer run of pan :)
Mon November 30, 2009, 3:05 pm: Hello world
Thu November 26, 2009, 10:22 pm: 157 1st St. near Esplanade by the ole train Depot. Friday you'll find me there painting after 2 right up to 6. Come on over friends!
Thu November 26, 2009, 10:08 pm: I am thankful that I can look back on the pebbles behind my steps and be truly satisfied. I am truly thankful for my family, friends, life, love, the earth and a small special thanks to sweet potatoes.
Wed November 25, 2009, 9:44 pm: Oh I love acting!
Tue November 24, 2009, 9:52 pm: Art party at Derick's house this friday 2~530 tell your friends! please please consider, more info tomorrow :)
Mon November 23, 2009, 10:24 am: Had a lovely tire blow out last night without my cell phone of course. Thank goodness for random friends that helped me!
Sun November 22, 2009, 7:44 pm: My bacon hand looks funny today. All muscle-tissue-y. Heat and water back to normal tomorrow and life is fun.
Sun November 22, 2009, 12:41 pm: Sdc til 430 if anyone wants to share a day :)
Sun November 22, 2009, 12:08 am: must love. Amen.
Sun November 22, 2009, 12:08 am: Must learn to not let my own intense empathy of others affect my own emotions so much that I avoid them. I must let people know when I appreciate them. I
Thu November 19, 2009, 10:18 pm: Just burnt the holy hell out of my hand. Thanks schmoopy! At least i have sambo
Thu November 19, 2009, 9:34 pm: Some days never end up like you plan em...
Thu November 19, 2009, 4:45 pm: Look at that moon!
Thu November 19, 2009, 9:53 am: Loves when people try to defraud me. NOT. I got a $3000 "check" in the mail via FEDEX and they wanted me to wire the excess money to them. Ah. So I've got three paintings still available if you are interested... wah wah...
Wed November 18, 2009, 9:28 pm: I hop now
Tue November 17, 2009, 11:09 am: Life. My propane ran out last night. I am on a waiting list six days from now. I miss heat and bathing most probably
Mon November 16, 2009, 3:15 pm: Good day for a hug. It's chilly
Sun November 15, 2009, 11:33 am: Is in the midst of a strange and beautiful day
Sat November 14, 2009, 3:00 pm: I'll celebrate once the check clears, but I sold Three Big Tasty Paintings of mine. :)
Thu November 12, 2009, 5:28 pm: is a meditation on fire. Good life
Wed November 11, 2009, 10:02 pm: My dog ate a box of crayons. Rainbow poo anyone?
Wed November 11, 2009, 9:31 pm: Off to finish Animal Farm tonight on the shmancy e-reader thing
Mon November 9, 2009, 5:29 pm: This girl is a lovely one
Fri November 6, 2009, 4:30 pm: just booked for two different shows in two states in one day. Crazy?
Tue November 3, 2009, 6:10 pm: I wore guyliner all day and took a nap. I feel good for tonight's little show :)
Tue November 3, 2009, 8:04 am: Morning Show?! Yawwwwn
Sun November 1, 2009, 6:44 pm: Pan pan pan pan Pan pan pan. Pan!
Sat October 31, 2009, 6:13 pm: Merry Christmas!
Thu October 29, 2009, 12:58 pm: is all lit up
Sun October 18, 2009, 10:00 pm: wonders whats next. Cookies? Paint?
Thu October 15, 2009, 9:12 pm: Camping adventures await us! Two nights amongst the Green Leaves with our lovely friends sounds nice...
Wed October 14, 2009, 10:46 pm: Auditions for a commercial in OKC tomorrow! Er...this morning!
Fri October 9, 2009, 10:13 pm: You googlin' Me?
Sat October 3, 2009, 2:52 pm: Not happy with fungus in my camera. Thanks never-ending moisture!
Tue September 29, 2009, 4:01 pm: Helloooo Branson until Sunday! Let's play you pesky okarkian stage
Tue September 29, 2009, 10:51 am: Happy birthday sambo!
Tue September 22, 2009, 7:48 pm: Thanks someone's internet for letting me upload pics! - In Tulsa thru the weekend.
Sun September 20, 2009, 10:07 pm: Ahh thanks jes for letting us paint with stained fingers tonight. Travels tomorrow!
Sun September 20, 2009, 12:46 pm: Heard a beautiful irish poem today. I'm painting tonight for fun. Where in tulsa should i paint? i wonder...
Thu September 17, 2009, 1:49 pm: I love being an actor with an actual work resume! I'm playing with it for one of those days I run out of money. Haha! Samantha Woodruff ooo and I can tag randomly now. James Thomas Fields Todd Walker haha
Wed September 16, 2009, 10:38 am: Rainy silver dollars make me smile
Tue September 15, 2009, 6:15 pm: Oh it is paint time in this misty land
Mon September 14, 2009, 1:39 pm: Needs a bit o sunshine
Sat September 12, 2009, 12:56 pm: Murder Mystery in Catoosa / Molly's Landing tonight!
Sat September 12, 2009, 11:05 am: India fest!
Thu September 10, 2009, 2:46 pm: Sooooo many pictures to go through from Paris. So many pictures. I can't upload 2000 of them.
Wed September 9, 2009, 7:37 pm: Had puffy tacos for two bucks downtown Tulsa today for the first time. Fantastic stuff and lovely ambience, before the torrential rains anyway :)
Mon September 7, 2009, 10:11 am: So then, off from France to America in the morning. Who's up for pie in a few days in the Oklahoma area?
Sun September 6, 2009, 12:52 pm: is looking out his window in St. Cloud France to see all the night time splendor! The Eiffel, the moon and friends are here.
Sun September 6, 2009, 6:58 am: I'm going to the Seine to enjoy the day. Not much longer and I'm on a plane to Okiehoma. I've had a blast!
Fri September 4, 2009, 1:28 pm: Disney Paris was divine and a B and B awaits tomorrow!
Mon August 31, 2009, 2:00 am: The PHAANTOM of The Opera is heeeere - inside your city of Paris. Daaaaaaaaah! Daaah Daah dah duh dunnnnnmmm!!! Guess where I'm going!
Sat August 29, 2009, 1:44 pm: I'm in a hostel now three days and I haven't died yet. Yay! Where will I be next week (besides Disneyland Paris?!) for adventures? I'm looking for a couch to surf next week...
Wed August 26, 2009, 1:14 pm: one more night in a cozy French B&B and then what?! Hostel time; let's all pray for good times
Tue August 25, 2009, 1:09 pm: Yay!
Mon August 24, 2009, 10:49 am: just finished having an interesting conversation with a french theatrical director about his hemopheliac-inspired stories! Tre cool.
Wed August 19, 2009, 2:13 pm: the internet is very zeird on q french keyboqrd :) itùs hqrd to ,qke q s,iley fqce<&
Tue August 18, 2009, 8:29 am: I'm in Paris for the next three weeks, leave a message. Wahooooooo *Beepety*
Sun August 16, 2009, 12:24 pm: Let's love that beautiful world.
Sat August 15, 2009, 9:52 pm: had a nice Tulsa performance with Jim (and SAM) and the Gang as Austin Powers. Tomorrow I get to eat cheesecake with my little family for my American birthday :)
Sat August 15, 2009, 12:41 pm: I found my chest hair! For the Austin Powers Murder Mystery, that is. I can't believe I've got three more days before we leave for PARIS. YESYESYAYAYAYAYA
Wed August 12, 2009, 8:26 pm: I'm in the Urban Tulsa Weekly again! I didn't even know the Murder Mystery Show got the publicity, but I'm playing Austin Powers and my picture (taken by Samantha Woodruff) is near the back of the paper :) Also...Jes got a car! That's great for her.
Mon August 10, 2009, 11:22 am: What Tempo Cap'n? I loved that Cathy added "That's the last time!" to some of the lines. One run of PAN is over and I had such fun....next up this saturday - Murder Mystery in Tulsa as AUSTIN POWERS. Yea baby!
Fri August 7, 2009, 5:58 pm: my laptop is dying! nooooooooo
Thu August 6, 2009, 11:09 am: is drinking water with his yummy back pills!
Mon August 3, 2009, 9:18 pm: We went to the Springfield fair today and had a heap of fun. This is our last week of Peter Pan until the break!
Fri July 31, 2009, 7:24 pm: finally found a tasty chocolate place in Branson. Chocolat isn't my favorite in the WORLD but it's a blessing here in Fried Chicken land. Dark Chocolate with Lavender and a fine Latte really, really hit the spot. Oh and my back is 85% back, baby.
Fri July 31, 2009, 8:13 am: gets to take advantage of worker's comp today. My back is smirshed. Let's all pray!
Wed July 29, 2009, 11:15 pm: kinda yearns for depth in the Ozarks. I need a real band with real original music at a real venue to paint with before I pop.
Wed July 29, 2009, 9:59 am: Dos performances today. It's surprising how useful a bag of ice can be on such a day. It's a nice day and I'm all over the place!
Tue July 28, 2009, 9:49 am: is going to see Silver Dollars with Matt and friends, then a show tonight. My back is a little tweaked but I'm happy to perform!
Fri July 24, 2009, 10:59 am: is going cave dwelling today.
Wed July 22, 2009, 2:02 pm: Is going to take a crash course in French before I go :)
Sun July 19, 2009, 7:26 pm: is getting through a show on a bit of hot dog. Too gross to finish :)
Wed July 15, 2009, 11:02 am: Hey everyone! Thanks for thinking of me. I'm apparently the Absolute Best of Tulsa's artist of the year. Incredible. Who wants to fetch one of those Urban Tulsa Weeklies for me? It comes out tomorrow.
Mon July 13, 2009, 10:32 pm: Rain makes for a nice heart; it cleanses the world inside and out
Sat July 11, 2009, 10:42 pm: found out he's in some great bit on the Branson travel channel for Peter Pan. I don't have cable or anything like that; anyone care to tape it or tivo or blueray or microwave it for me? That would be fabooooou
Thu July 9, 2009, 11:48 pm: I found out I've been nominated for best local artist for the Urban Tulsa Weekly. Thanks for the support in the 918!
Wed July 8, 2009, 1:11 am: On the dorky side, I figured out how to put books on my e-reader thing so I can finish Gibran's Tear and a Smile. On the better side, I walked among moon glow bugs tonight. (I also got a new phone, change your numbers kids)
Sun July 5, 2009, 2:19 pm: Funny, those fates. I locked myself out of my car and ended up helping a very cool person and i had a great conversation about a homeless people documentary he's working on.
Sat July 4, 2009, 3:33 pm: Did i mention that my car caught on fire today?
Wed July 1, 2009, 10:31 pm: bought a car on his dinner break between shows today. It's a Ford Contour and I pray it and it's air conditioning lasts for a good while. It's nice to drive with one hand once and a while. Oil change tomorrow! Exciting I know
Tue June 30, 2009, 9:07 pm: Sold another painting. Woohoo!
Mon June 29, 2009, 8:51 pm: Wants to go to Argentina, India, France and Samoa. Now.
Mon June 29, 2009, 3:51 pm: is eyeing a scooter for sale....maybe, maybe not. I'm vehicle-perusing...
Sun June 28, 2009, 7:25 pm: Life is good. Art + Adventures await.
Sun June 28, 2009, 1:04 pm: Billy Mayes! NOOOOooooo. I'll miss the cleaning power of orange.
Fri June 26, 2009, 7:25 pm: What an audience! Such a great energy tonight :)
Fri June 26, 2009, 1:03 am: I may just dip my body in the water tomorrow. Like a bit of loose leaf tea. Mint.
Thu June 25, 2009, 4:28 pm: Holy Cow. I can't believe Michael Jackson is gone! Even though he was a...bit off I was a huge fan growing up. I even had the sparkly glove! Wow
Thu June 25, 2009, 8:26 am: Was so delighted when my aunt showed up for my show yesterday. I love my fam :)
Tue June 23, 2009, 4:10 pm: I'm done with that photo fun. Now, 'tis time for Smeedom. Get your tickets for Pan today!
Mon June 22, 2009, 1:23 pm: A certain abandoned theme park is where i play today. Dogpatch? Maybe:)
Sun June 21, 2009, 9:09 pm: finished off another week of Peter Pan! Monday I'm off to Eureka Springs to try to get some paintings of mine in groovy artistic settings.
Thu June 18, 2009, 9:31 pm: Two things. I learned a Radiohead song (no surprises) on my ACCORDION and I'm going to Springfield tomorrow in search of a nice art venue for my paintings and performance art. How brilliant is that?
Thu June 18, 2009, 3:56 pm: just saw life is Beautiful all the way through for the first time. I know. The ending's emotion didn't hit me until about ten minutes after the end. Then I simply lost it.
Tue June 16, 2009, 11:44 pm: Oh my lord I love this gigantic accordion that makes my arm/back/heart ache. I've been jamming for two hours and feel brilliant. But Mr Shmoopy (my puppy) looks sleepy so adieu. Je t'adore
Tue June 16, 2009, 7:23 pm: It's smee! More accordion hero tonight :)
Mon June 15, 2009, 2:30 pm: paint
Fri June 12, 2009, 9:49 pm: Performing for friends in Pan is the best way for a show to go.
Thu June 11, 2009, 5:52 pm: Paint party at my house this Friday fine friends. You bring the body and I bring the supplies. 2-6 anytime.
Wed June 10, 2009, 3:23 pm: Panera for lunch! Or dinner. Whatever. Betwixt pan shows:)
Tue June 9, 2009, 9:43 pm: I love rain. Oh yea.
Mon June 8, 2009, 9:22 pm: adventure! woo
Sun June 7, 2009, 7:20 pm: Has a terrible headache and still has to perform
Sat June 6, 2009, 4:04 pm: One Pan down, one more to go tonight! I think I'll play my accordion now :)
Thu June 4, 2009, 9:53 am: I'm going to Yakov today! I love that I can go to so many shows for free for being in Peter Pan ;) I'm such a tourist.
Tue June 2, 2009, 7:25 pm: Rode the ducks! I've taken so many pictures it's ridiculous
Fri May 29, 2009, 10:54 pm: Tonight's show was filled with excited people. Tomorrow my brother is coming to see me in Peter Pan!
Thu May 28, 2009, 10:27 pm: Great show! Fun and sun tomorrow, hopefully :)
Wed May 27, 2009, 9:07 pm: I saved 99 percent of my pictures. I found some fantastic free software called MjM Free Photo Recovery. It's incredible and I'm no longer a Sad Panda! Tonight I performed two shows and I'm beat but happy!
Tue May 26, 2009, 10:15 pm: is mourning the loss of five days worth of beautiful, lovely pictures corrupted by my computer as I was uploading them. I lost my trip to the renn-faire with Jes and Sam, incredible pictures Sam took, great pics of Sam I took, and pics of the last few nig
Tue May 26, 2009, 4:53 pm: No hook tonight. Under study go!
Sun May 24, 2009, 12:20 pm: What a show last night. I met tony orlando and Yakov! Our show went incredibly well and the audience was great. Two thousand people!
Thu May 21, 2009, 10:44 pm: never, never forget the spark that keeps you driven.
Tue May 19, 2009, 2:19 pm: My day started at two. Who knows what mystery and intrigue shall happen at rehearsal tonight?!
Mon May 18, 2009, 1:00 pm: Dance dance dance dance...act...dance :)
Wed May 13, 2009, 8:00 pm: I'm writing my bio for the "About The Cast" for Peter Pan :) It's due tomorrow; we were told today!
Wed May 13, 2009, 2:02 pm: Loves iron and wine in the little breaks of music theatre :)
Tue May 12, 2009, 6:54 pm: Boston, Buffalo. It's a dance move that, when practiced enough times becomes the very same place:) i had dinner that was delish!
Tue May 12, 2009, 6:10 pm: Just shuffled off to Boston a thousand times. That's a dance move, folks!
Sun May 10, 2009, 6:40 pm: is about to listen to yet more Peter Pan music. I had one day off, had fun and found some nice opportunities for me bloomin' art. Rehearsals kick in tomorrow, with all lines memorized one week in, less than two weeks to go...
Sun May 10, 2009, 3:17 pm: I yam in springfield finding Groovy art and coffee venues:)
Fri May 8, 2009, 1:28 pm: Got his paycheck for his first day in pan :) . At four i'm crowing? My sword fight is worth the price of admission! The fight guy reminds me of wes rowe:)
Fri May 8, 2009, 6:47 am: tornadoes!
Thu May 7, 2009, 9:36 pm: is determined to take some pictures of some of the outrageous set pieces tomorrow somewhere between crantabulous fight scenes and dance choreography
Thu May 7, 2009, 3:05 pm: Just had peter pan show me how to parry a sword!
Tue May 5, 2009, 8:47 pm: thanks youtube for the songs I needed to rehearse for! Promo Smee-ing and dance dance pirat-ution is up tomorrow. Off to bed!
Mon May 4, 2009, 4:27 pm: I'm about to be fitted for a certain pirate role. Oh wow.
Mon May 4, 2009, 8:45 am: I love that I live in a town that dorks that love the mall wear on their shirts. Hollister! Live it, breathe it, live in it!
Sun May 3, 2009, 7:48 am: just realized this is his last day in Tulsa. *sniff. Let's make this a great day.
Sat May 2, 2009, 9:56 pm: One last show in Tulsa was a great idea. I had such fun, and we got free wine to boot. Best of all my mom got to see one of my silly shows!
Fri May 1, 2009, 3:17 pm: is working on his show tonight and noticed and error. Did I say 9? Matt's joining with me at 8:30! Everything else about the show is accurate. :) Free wine and cheese!
Fri May 1, 2009, 9:16 am: This is it t town. My farewell party and last art show is tonight! Gypsy coffee downtown from 730 to late. I'm also singing with matt morton at 9 and painting live for the art crawl! I hope to see you :)
Wed April 29, 2009, 5:07 pm: just finished recording vocals for Matt Morton's fantastic music project! I sang a fancy bridge to Terabithia. Now Sam's making cool ankle bracelets while I think on my old travels to Europe.
Tue April 28, 2009, 3:58 pm: rehearsals for Pan go from 1pm to 11pm the last week. Intense!
Fri April 24, 2009, 6:57 am: I'm going to Branson with my people for a hoot-hollerin' good time. I've still got plenty of art at Gypsy for 10 days if you're interested.
Thu April 23, 2009, 5:44 pm: Come on down to my art show! Gypsy Coffee House downtown. TONIGHT! Woohoo free wine and cheeses from around the block!
Thu April 23, 2009, 9:08 am: My art show. Tonight 7-late. Gypsy Coffee Downtown. Receive one free hug!
Wed April 22, 2009, 7:37 pm: I'm hosting an art show TOMORROW. Free wine and music with Jes of Autumn Shade. I'll also be painting with the band at 7:30 for an hour so please come on down. I'm there all night with 51 fabulous works of art for sale! THANK YOU SAM FOR HELPING ME TONIGH
Wed April 22, 2009, 7:52 am: My back is sore. Too much moving! Today we're putting up my painting info for Gypsy, fixing a tire on my car and putting money in my bank account 'cause I over drafted. I'll start the day with a nice bowl of Cheerios and tea :)
Tue April 21, 2009, 6:35 am: I'm setting up for an art show for this thursday at gypsy. I'm also gathering funds to help my wonderful friend jes get a running car. Who wants to help with a fundraiser?
Sun April 19, 2009, 6:03 am: Oh my hansen i'm moving to branson!
Sat April 18, 2009, 9:00 am: ahem...grr my cell phone's not working today. Call Sam's cell if you wanna talk to DERICK
Sat April 18, 2009, 8:57 am: I'm still having that yard sale till one! My mom's coming by :)
Thu April 16, 2009, 8:59 pm: Hey kids! I've got a yard sale tomorrow! 15th and college near harvard. Be there friday or saturday! Yo
Thu April 16, 2009, 10:18 am: Bike ride! Packing! Dinner with Dad! Uhaul! Garage Sale! Busy day :)
Sun April 12, 2009, 6:44 pm: I'm back from a fabulous cruise with Sam. But now I've got to pack for a move this week! I've so much to do but it's all so worth it.
Sun April 5, 2009, 1:50 pm: Is off to mexico!
Sat April 4, 2009, 5:37 am: First i see my bro for his birthday and then off to texas!
Fri April 3, 2009, 12:48 pm: Is packing for a cruise to mexico:) i leave tomorrow! I had fun last night painting to beautiful music.
Thu April 2, 2009, 3:32 pm: Show w autumn shade tonight at silver screen on 15 near harvard @ 8 :)
Thu April 2, 2009, 9:06 am: Happy heart attack day yesterday!
Wed April 1, 2009, 10:35 am: I'm pregnant!
Tue March 31, 2009, 3:54 pm: I know I'm classy when I go rug shopping.
Mon March 30, 2009, 5:54 am: Three. Days. Left. Of. Work.
Sat March 28, 2009, 4:02 pm: I'm out in this do perform in CATOOSA for a mUrder Mystery. Good idea, right?
Sat March 28, 2009, 10:57 am: It's a beautiful snow globe outside! It sticks like crazy but we are going on a cruise in a few days woo hoo!
Wed March 25, 2009, 9:24 pm: hello from my dorky new ds browser ;)
Wed March 25, 2009, 6:45 pm: whoops I let my cell battery die and left my plug at workkkkkkk
Mon March 23, 2009, 8:24 pm: So much! I've got a new house in Hollister, We're going on a cruise, One week left for work, and Sammy needs a cool job in Branson! She sings & does photo work
Sat March 21, 2009, 5:05 pm: Found a beautiful house in branson! Hollister, actually :)
Fri March 20, 2009, 9:22 pm: Thanks for coming out everyone! I'll post a picture of the finished painting soon. :)
Thu March 19, 2009, 10:06 pm: Is amazed with some things. I found a copy of the four agreements which I'll read very soon and my stupid, silly gameboy has produced a beautiful painting.
Tue March 17, 2009, 6:47 pm: Is green! I photographed a lovely wedding and i may have found a place to live in branson :)
Sat March 14, 2009, 4:46 pm: New home page?! I'll check it out. But first UMM time!
Thu March 12, 2009, 8:16 am: Loves snow for obvious reasons :)
Wed March 11, 2009, 7:29 pm: is a workin for the big picture
Tue March 10, 2009, 9:42 pm: must fight yo stay above the ocean sometimes.
Fri March 6, 2009, 12:37 pm: Hugs the blue above
Wed March 4, 2009, 12:36 pm: Is in a photo mood tonight-i've also got rehearsal!
Tue March 3, 2009, 5:07 pm: just realized I have 44 photo albums on here! Incredible.
Tue March 3, 2009, 8:42 am: woke up. Hello world!
Mon March 2, 2009, 6:58 am: likes weekends. I went to the Circus! Yes I'm a child at heart.
Sun March 1, 2009, 1:47 pm: desires a sweet treat
Fri February 27, 2009, 10:18 pm: is tired. TIRED! Booksale tomorrow :)
Fri February 27, 2009, 6:50 am: has a show tonight Downtown in an 80's show. Sunday i'm seeing the CIRCUS!?!?!!! Woohoo
Thu February 26, 2009, 6:58 am: is going to Philbrook to play with old kodak camera equipent and then rehearsal for yet another play. Life is fun.
Thu February 26, 2009, 6:43 am: is certain and excited.
Mon February 23, 2009, 7:06 am: is going to work. BOOOOOOOooooooooooo But they've got a good breakfast! Yay
Fri February 20, 2009, 1:49 pm: Just got his taxes e.filed for free and is getting a fun bit of refund. Thanks community action project!
Thu February 19, 2009, 9:00 pm: Painted!
Thu February 19, 2009, 10:59 am: Why must my body betray me? I keep getting sick :(
Mon February 16, 2009, 10:35 am: Is in ok city for voicing a cartoon!
Sun February 15, 2009, 8:09 am: says, "what a night! Everything was just brilliant. And now, to recover."
Thu February 12, 2009, 8:59 am: Is playing austin powers for a sold out valentines day show, and sam-bo is singing songs for lovers at a winery! Yea baby
Sat February 7, 2009, 8:54 pm: is going to Branson tomorrow.
Wed February 4, 2009, 2:08 pm: Got a tooth pulled and is on drugs:)
Wed February 4, 2009, 7:41 am: Is going to the dentist. :-O
Tue February 3, 2009, 3:18 pm: I'm hitting a gypsy tonight, but i'm looking at a new car for myself after a spelling bee!
Mon February 2, 2009, 9:09 pm: is looking for a voice coach asap. I need help! Any takers?
Sat January 31, 2009, 5:46 pm: is a bit of shakespeare tonight.
Tue January 27, 2009, 9:26 am: is ready for this ice storm, matey!
Sun January 25, 2009, 4:53 pm: just saw The Color Purple. I officially now have SOUL. Yeeeaaahaaha.
Sat January 24, 2009, 12:42 pm: says, It's Laundry time! Yay
Thu January 22, 2009, 10:23 pm: is mmmmmm cream of rice
Thu January 22, 2009, 7:38 pm: Jim Fields; what an ass! Just look at it.
Thu January 22, 2009, 7:10 am: is going to attempt to get out today.
Wed January 21, 2009, 8:21 am: is reeling from retched, retched food poisoning.
Tue January 20, 2009, 8:35 am: Is documenting kids on what they think of this special election day. It's very inspiring.
Sat January 17, 2009, 7:40 pm: just realized I heve ten paintings I've never photographed. I need to get on that tomorrow morning with a nice light.
Sat January 17, 2009, 9:59 am: is hungry for not only waffles, but LIFE!
Tue January 13, 2009, 7:56 pm: is Gypsy-ing. I'm going to take your babies!
Sat January 10, 2009, 5:16 pm: is murder mystery-ing!
Fri January 9, 2009, 1:27 pm: Is starlight. My show contract is in the mail.
Wed January 7, 2009, 6:50 am: is done working on a website for my favorite murder mystery group, @ http://ultimatemurdermystery.com
Sun January 4, 2009, 2:41 pm: is stuffy.
Fri January 2, 2009, 10:17 pm: is heading back from Texas in the morning. I went to Corpus Christie! Yay
Tue December 30, 2008, 10:14 pm: is in Texas for the New Year! San Antonio says hi.
Sat December 27, 2008, 2:38 pm: is uploading pictures of my silly life
Thu December 25, 2008, 12:01 am: is finished wrapping gifts just in time for a crash at Sam's Auntiie's house. Sleepy time. Merry Christmas!
Mon December 22, 2008, 5:56 pm: is amazed I got two pretty nice checks from two different acting gigs in the last week. I also have a nice letter from some people named SAG ;)
Mon December 22, 2008, 8:50 am: is being a tough guy. Media POLICE :)
Sat December 20, 2008, 6:34 pm: is cleaning house. Tomorrow I start work on a website!
Wed December 17, 2008, 9:19 pm: wants to hug the world and misses Sam Walker.
Wed December 17, 2008, 5:11 pm: is rehearsing for a show @ El Guapo's and singing X-mas songs @ work tomorrow! Wooooooooo I'm hungry
Sun December 14, 2008, 12:06 pm: is bakin' cookies and takin' pictures
Sat December 13, 2008, 10:06 am: is going to philbrook for some fine perusing.
Wed December 10, 2008, 10:10 pm: is Smee in Branson this summer with Cathy Rigby!
Tue December 9, 2008, 7:55 pm: is stoked. I got through the callbacks and danced and I heard very good news about my Smee Audition for Peter Pan in Branson with Cathy Rigby. More soon...
Mon December 8, 2008, 6:01 pm: is going to murder mystery rehearsal and learning a song for my callback for Peter Pan in Branson's "The Mansion" And I love The Soundtrack to Amelie.
Mon December 8, 2008, 8:06 am: got a callback for a Branson version of Peter Pan, as Mr. Smee and Slightly. INCREDIBLE! Whooooaoaa
Sat December 6, 2008, 7:49 am: is a bit overwhelmed but as long as I do positive things I'm sure it will all turn out nicely.
Tue December 2, 2008, 9:41 pm: is looking for a new job next week; 'tis time for fresh ideas.
Mon December 1, 2008, 1:57 pm: is acting in a Screen Actor's Guild Film Tonight @ Gypsy? I have fun.
Sun November 30, 2008, 5:58 pm: is samantha is a hipster and she is fine with that
Sun November 30, 2008, 4:44 pm: is finally chillin @ Cherry St. Coffee with a warm treat. More film actin' tomorrow - all day an then some voice over work. Busy, busy bumblebee
Sat November 29, 2008, 5:23 pm: is acting up a storm, what with a film today and the drunkard tonight! Wooo
Fri November 28, 2008, 1:10 pm: is about to enjoy my family today, and eat yet more yummy food. Also, Sam's moving in my back room! Howabout that.
Thu November 27, 2008, 6:24 pm: is thankful for all of YOU
Wed November 26, 2008, 9:42 am: is thankful for whatever / whoever I've got.
Mon November 24, 2008, 9:08 am: is going to run around at work
Fri November 21, 2008, 8:54 pm: is praying for Sam and her family.
Fri November 21, 2008, 8:53 pm: is praying for you and your family.
Sat November 15, 2008, 4:23 pm: is about to go paint and flow with the world
Thu November 13, 2008, 1:19 am: Is shooting a commercial today and just got a contract for a role in a small film. And i get paid? Sweet
Tue November 11, 2008, 10:26 am: Wants to know what excites my friends. For me? Being creative!
Mon November 10, 2008, 2:44 pm: Realised that i got a 50 dollar gift card from my show, and an album i produced could be listened to at barnes and noble. Look up autumn shade.
Sat November 8, 2008, 10:51 pm: is swingin'
Sat November 8, 2008, 8:07 am: Feels good.
Wed November 5, 2008, 2:44 pm: Show love to people you disagree with. :-]
Wed November 5, 2008, 11:18 am: is Eating ad preparing for two big gigs this week. As a singer at Garden Deva and a Murder Mystery! It's a fun life.
Tue November 4, 2008, 2:11 pm: Voted! Now i get free stuff like coffee mmmm
Sat November 1, 2008, 9:26 pm: is done with a Nov. 1 Halloween Show! I've got a nice bottle of wine from the evening.
Wed October 22, 2008, 6:27 pm: is drinking tea with Bradley!
Wed October 22, 2008, 6:48 am: Slips out into the rain with a smile
Sun October 19, 2008, 1:58 pm: is off to play
Sun October 19, 2008, 11:06 am: Did the time warp again....! Don't tell anybody but i say my old science teacher from middle school thrusting about during the songs! Ha....
Wed October 15, 2008, 9:13 pm: is drinking coffee when he should be packing. This weekends's going to be bbbbrrrrisk!
Tue October 14, 2008, 9:31 am: Oh my. I made prints of some photos and they look fantastic! I'm making sports shows today...tc crashed @ my sad. Good to see you! Gypsy? Maybe :-]
Sun October 12, 2008, 6:42 pm: is She bang! Arg. She Bang! Arg. I've uploaded more pictures. Arg! :)
Thu October 9, 2008, 9:15 am: Check your tulsa world's entertainment sometime soon- i'm a vampire?!
Tue October 7, 2008, 7:16 pm: is poetry
Sun October 5, 2008, 11:24 am: is breathing nicely
Tue September 30, 2008, 7:21 am: is Acting tonight and Tomorrow and Saturday and Yesterday. Two out of three for actual money. Ridiculous!
Fri September 26, 2008, 6:46 pm: is on a fabulous couch I surfed to. Now that my weeks over I'm leaving tomorrow morning. I saw a dinosaur ghost (fossil) today! Monday I'm a cartoon character!
Wed September 24, 2008, 7:47 am: is looking for a place to stay friday night in NYC for an early morning flight.
Sun September 21, 2008, 7:35 pm: is A New York house-bouncer. Yea!
Sat September 20, 2008, 11:34 am: is stealin' airtport internet in Pittsburg. Next stop: NYC and an audition for B-way tomorrow!
Fri September 19, 2008, 12:07 pm: is I'm not that SMART. I like my HAIR. I love to SPEEEEEeeeeelll!
Thu September 18, 2008, 7:51 am: is finding sheet music for a wacky NYC broadway audition
Mon September 15, 2008, 9:42 pm: is going to be a cartoon character for actual money! And I'm also surfing couches in NYC for next week
Sat September 6, 2008, 8:50 am: is recovering from smashing his eyeball into a chair at FULL FORCE. Squish! That's the sound my eye made, hahahahahaha
Thu September 4, 2008, 9:04 pm: is sipping tea and snorting nasal spray
Tue September 2, 2008, 12:42 pm: is cleaning a studio for tomorrow
Fri August 29, 2008, 11:43 am: is swimming in a waterfall
Wed August 27, 2008, 11:48 am: is talkin' film
Thu August 21, 2008, 11:29 am: is tomaters!
Thu August 14, 2008, 10:36 am: is shooting a Superintendent. With a camera!
Mon August 11, 2008, 7:55 pm: is tired.
Sat August 9, 2008, 7:22 am: Back2tool some more
Tue August 5, 2008, 4:32 pm: I'm getting ready for a new season of QUICKDRAW (yay) and the beginning of school (boo). Murder mystery Friday.
Sun August 3, 2008, 8:24 pm: just got a new cell phone?! I'm changing the number soon, but it is currently....(check my profile)
Sun August 3, 2008, 8:24 pm: just got a new cell phone?! I'm changing the number soon, but it is currently....(check my profile)
Sat August 2, 2008, 12:04 pm: is visiting some very nice strangers.
Wed July 30, 2008, 11:43 am: is about to cut my hair and slip into something a little more revealing
Mon July 28, 2008, 8:03 pm: is painting a guitar and missing all of my friends. I must get a freaking cell phone this week. Oh and I'm going to New York in September!
Sun July 27, 2008, 5:25 pm: is hott and shweaty. U'm also painting a drum this evening
Sat July 26, 2008, 10:27 am: is eating a cookie
Tue July 22, 2008, 7:50 pm: just heard some brilliant live ole timey music and is inspired...!

On The Open Road

2010-01-08T00:09:00.001-08:00

On The Open Road
by willowforlife.

One more day and we get to fabulous LA!

It's late but I'll post a wee update. I got up this morning and had a nice jacuzzi, spinning around in our over-sized bathtub fun toy while listening to the amazing CD from the movie Little Miss Sunshine. Go pick that album up friends.

We all eventually got up and out and made our way up past New Mexico, past the huge crater out here in Arizona, taking pics along the way and have ended up in Kingman, AZ. It's pretty nice here and we had long stop in the evening for coffee since there's a big expanse of Navajo desert after that. Tomorrow we get to drive for about six hours and then we reach our destination in California!

We've been taking many, many pictures so check the usual places for some outstanding work by myself and Sam, if I do say so myself :)

Off to bed.

I'm excited. All I can say is that tomorrow I get to eat In-N-Out for the first time since 2003! That's totally worth the trip.

Day Dos El Road Trip

2010-01-06T22:59:00.001-08:00

Hello from New Mexico! I'm sure I can't keep this pace up but I'll post while I have the internet connection. The first day came and went with us leaving Amarillo TX and ending up in Gallup, New Mexico. Tomorrow we get to blow through Arizona on our way to an audition in LA.

Tonight we get to stay at a posh hotel with a fancy pool and hot tub and best of all: Waffle Maker breakfast! Woohoo!

Here’s our timeline. I wish we could stop and go up to the Grand Canyon, but we don't think we have enough time before Sunday's appointment with the Disney folks, so we'll hopefully get the chance to see that part of AZ on our way back next month. If we have time tomorrow we're stopping somewhere beautiful in the Painted Desert and spending the night in Arizona. Maybe Flagstaff?

Friday is our date with a place called SoCal. We are staying a week with our awesome friend Samantha Barrios, aka Sidekick Sam on Quick Draw Derick! Incredible! WHOOoooaooaa....!

I don't think we could have picked a better week for warmth. Warmth jackpot!

Before I leave, I must let you know about some of our pictures we've been taking along the way. Not only can you click on the photo above for my flickr fun, here's a link to my photos on facebook and here’s some of Samantha’s photos from the road. Keep posted as we’ll add more along our journey!

Road Trip 2010: Route 66 Edition

2010-01-05T22:05:00.001-08:00

Hi all! I'm writing from a hotel room from somewhere in Amarillo, Texas. Our fancy California road trip started today and we are both excited for our future prospects. No matter what I think we’ll enjoy the change in weather. It’s temp in LA gets up to 70 degrees, which I can absolutely deal with. It’s been so cold in Tulsa and Branson I don’t think we could have left at a better time than this week. We hope to get to SOCAL on Saturday, taking our time winding around Route 66. We left Tulsa a bit later than we would have liked to, so we have to get at least 400 miles under our belt if we are to make good time. Sunday is our little Disney Audition day.

The reason I waited to go earlier today was I needed to get my new car registered before I left, so I wouldn’t have to pay a late fee for registering after thirty days. Alas, there have been so many little delays in the process I wasn’t able to until I get the insurance policy in the mail. Such is life. Don’t worry about us though. We are in Sam’s peppy little car and I won’t see the car for a month anyway…

One good thing I learned about before we left Tulsa this morning is that a casting director friend of mine got back to me and is helping us in the search for an agent in LA. I use Linda Layman in Tulsa and have been happy with them but it’s always so difficult to get work in a town you don’t have an agent in. While she didn’t promise anything definite, it’s wonderful that people try to help a silly fella like me and a lovely lass as Sam :) We sent our headshots (mine is what you see in today’s blog) and resumes along with the hopes of the wind!

In the next week I’ll update you on our adventures along the mother road to Los Angeles and further adventures up all the way up to Canada. I hope we have the time of our lives!

I’m going to actually get up early, which hasn’t happened anytime recently. Hey, I don’t have a day job, right? It’s tricky for me these days but I have this great thing called an alarm clock.

It’s midnight so I bid you all great days tomorrow and I’ll write again soon!

New Season 12 31

2009-12-30T23:30:00.001-08:00

I hope your new year is safe and happy! As mine comes down to one last little day I get to look back on my year and realize I’ve been a very lucky fella. It started pretty well and I’ve moved to and from Tulsa to Branson, which has been a lively lifestyle change amongst the elderly. I quit my job and have been living as an artist / actor. I’ve grown my lovely relationship with my girly girlfriend Samantha. I’ve been to France this year. I went on a cruise to Mexico. I got a dog, Schmoopy. I’ve gotten a car that burst into flames, and then got another car that actually works! I avoided swine flu. I got voted Tulsa artist of the year by the Urban Tulsa Weekly. I survived the blizzard of 2009 and a road trip with Jes and Brian. I’ve got good friends and loved ones, I’ve got my art and I’ve gotten to work as an actor in a show I’ve always had a marvelous attachment to. Peter Pan has been very good to me.

To end the year I’m celebrating with such friends as Jes, Brian and of course my lovely girlfriend Samantha in a cabin this Eve in a crazy outfit to match the 70s or 80s or whatever bizarre outfit we can put together for fun and merriment. I’m going to have a blast and I want to end this year with a dance! And a kiss! Haha!

Next year. Yea, you! What are you doing in 2010? I’m starring in a film to be shot this April. I’m continuing on with Peter Pan in July. Sam and I are going to LA in the next week for some California and west-coast adventures. We are auditioning for many things and hoping for the best. We may be going to Dubai with Peter Pan in February. A film I worked on last year may actually get released to rave reviews. I’m painting some good new works to be seen soon. I’m excited.

Most importantly, I’m putting my heart and soul out there.

Let’s all try to do the same, yes?

Duncan Christopher Fun

2009-12-26T20:08:00.001-08:00

I was out there on the internet today and found this wonderful clip from the Duncan Christopher movie I filmed back this time last year. It doesn’t have a set premier date, but things seem to be humming along. Check out the youtube video!

If you are looking, I’m in there twice; once near the :17 mark and near 1:30. That’s pretty awesome kids. You can find out more and see the bizarre wonder that is Tulsa on the Duncan Christopher website.

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas yesterday in frozen land.

I’m happy to be going town to Caz’s with a certain Captain Chambers and Fae tomorrow! Cheers!

Snow Angel

2009-12-24T21:59:00.001-08:00

Samantha Angel
by snoweyes.

I survived the night to bring you this message:

Merry Christmas!

Sam and I nearly slid off the road tonight coming up through the madness of the great snowstorm of 'Aught 09. My windshield decided to work in such a way that about three inches of ice formed in two spots on the wiper blades. That friends, doesn't work very well and it took a few stops at lights to finally clean the grime off the rubber bits to get it working in a much better way. It didn't end so well however. We are staying in Tulsa in a part of town where we have to drive up a lovely steep hill to get to our beds. We attempted to take a longer but safer route until we got to an intersection that was totally filled with stuck cars and we were forced to make a U-turn and go up that blasted hill.

FAIL

We got stuck and I had to pull the car over to the side of the road to get our car out of the way about four blocks from home. Sam bolted for home as soon as the car started backwards and I battled the elements for another twenty minutes. As soon as I moved, another car (a camaro) got stuck right next to me. I decided to move the car further back ten feet and another car got trapped near me, so I pulled the car over still more before I was satisfied Sam's little red car woudn't get bonked by some tool with a large truck.

I wanted to bring some little Christmas gifts I was going to present, but I thought otherwise after slipping and being completely blinded by sleet and snow all up in my face. I got my phone and my little camera just in case I needed to document my death but I live! Woohoo!

I still am filled with holiday joy and I plan on making snow angels, snow men and snow...pies or something. There's plenty to go around!

Happy Xmas and I love you all!

End of one run, run around

2009-12-22T22:41:00.001-08:00

Hook and Smee
by snoweyes.

I'm back in Tulsa until the Christmas cheer overwhelms me and I totally bust from eating goodies. I just got back from an Ultimate Murder Mystery Christmas party and I've got one each night until the 25th.

I realize I haven't written since the 1st so I'll give you a recap!

Ah, Peter Pan. It ended well and I got a nice slew of visitors the last week of the run. My Dad, Carol, Jim Fields, Bill and Barb and Jerib... Sam got to come a few last times as well and I am happy I had the time of my life. The show just seemed to get better and better with each performance and I never gave less than all I had each night. I enjoyed my time with the cast and had some great parties and getherings with those marvelous folks.

I think the last week was a great time for everyone. We celebrated our little theatre bond and played, painted, played together as much as we could before everyone left and began the never ending performer's search of the next Big Thing.

I hope more comes from this experience and I hear rumblings of more tour-y stuff besides coming back next July, which seems like a likely schedule. When it all becomes something more tangible than talk I'll let you know. This "talk" puts me out of the country in February and somewhere in the States in May, but I won't count any of those eggs until they hatch. I'm hopeful.

Last week I was out of work and finding time for other projects. I've been cleaning up the house to get ready for our extended stay in Tulsa and beyond. I put all of my paintings in weatherproof containers and such. I also had Jes and her friend Harvey visit for a few days. We went to Silver Dollar City and we froze out buttocks right off and still had a grand time doing so! I drank warm coffee and listened to my favorite group, the Homestead Pickers for a few hours and relaxed, taking in the warm fire's light of their cabin.

Our photo venture is off to the races and I've taken a few headshots and that's just lovely. I brought my flash on a stick and I'm happy to take some pictures from the 26th to round January 5th.

We got back into Tulsa on Monday night and have been trying to catch up on everything we need to do. Last week I finalized the purchase of my (new to me) car and I'm very happy with it. It's a Silver 2000 Honda Civic and it's sporty, nifty and fuel efficient! I'll try to remember to take a picture of it sometime and show you a little bit of my new Snowmobile. I'm registering it here in Tulsa tomorrow since I live here just about as much as anywhere! I'm getting insurance and all that tonight after I wrap up my little blog.

So now that Pan's over for a possible seven months? Can you say LA? I know so. Sam and I are popping by the Lala land for a few weeks just after the new year. What will we do? Get Disneyfied? You got it. We'll be doing some auditioning for fun and profit, with some background work thrown in for good measure.

February is looking to get me and some movie stuff in Tulsa together for a shoot in April, and who knows what I'll do for that pesky income during that time. I'm sure Sam and I will figure it out. I love living in the moment while always growing myself. No regrets!

SnowWood Photography

2009-12-01T12:05:00.001-08:00

SnowWood Photography
by snoweyes.

I dub thee a photography business! We're putting this ad in a program this next week for people in the Branson area and I think we're both excited about our prospects. Headshots, Portraits, Weddings, SPecial Events, Architecture, Photoretouching and restoration are what we are adept at and if you have an interest either give a call or email us.

On the acting side, Sam's show is in rehearsal for the 15th and 16th showing of An Ozark Radio Christmas. The script is funny and Sam's playing a musical angel. Hot stuff! On my side there is some tour business for Peter Pan I've been told about that could be very exciting but I'll hold off until I see a contract :)

Also this week both Sam and I are auditioning for Silver Dollar City. We've both got to shuffle our audition material together as well as a song. If anything with Pan goes crazy it's nice to have a few plans bubbling and brewing away on the side.

I've got a very special Peter Pan for some children tomorrow. Early tomorrow. As an actor who is still wide awake well after my late shows it should be an interesting experience. I'll document the day and put it all up sometime. I've been documenting the whole time, by the way. I can't help myself! I'll get it all together and we'll watch it with a side of fairy dust :)

I've got audition work to do, so I'm off! Cheers all

Scam, Fraud, Hell Burns and Beatles

2009-11-20T11:26:00.001-08:00

Road
by snoweyes.

Yesterday was a one of those days where you hopefully look back and say, "aha! That's why it was the reason for all those knocks."

The day started well but not long after there was a knock at the door. The FedEX guy had a package for me. I was expecting him. I sold three paintings to a person a few days ago and was looking for their check. I signed for the envelope and opened it up...

Earlier in the week when I sold the paintings the person was just slightly off when I communicated with her. They wanted to send the price of the paintings and enough for shipping. The total would be about 650 minus shipping. Usually on my website you simply get notified that a painting is bought and you begin the packaging process once the money gets deposited in the bank. I thought that maybe the person lived overseas or something....

Back to yesterday. I slid the contents of the envelope out, and saw the check, read the amount.

The check was for three-thousand dollars. Way, way more than three times the price. There's a note attached that asks me to respond with further instructions and is signed Management.

That's what I call a red flag.

So since Sam and I don't have internet at our house, we decided to get over to Panera for breakfast since they have that WiFi that everybody's talking about these days. Just as we were arriving Sam was on the phone with her sister while grabbing her laptop. With a slip her MacBook smacked the ground. Bonk. We got inside and her screen wouldn't show anything. Not good.

Somewhat fortunately my laptop works and I get online to do a little research on if anything like this has happened to anyone. I run a cross-check on the several names and addresses attached to the parcel I got and one of the names turns up on a Craigslist check fraud charge. That check I got in the mail is probably bogus.

I also get an email from the person who "bought" the paintings with info for wiring the excess cash to a person in Texas.

I'll tell you how the scam works.

The scam artist talks to a party that sells objects, going around the official buying process with custom shipping instructions. They then send, via signed parcel (mine was FedEX) a totally forged but realistic check. The recipient deposits the check. The bank is required to have the funds available within a certain amount of time regardless of if the check is bad or not. They won't even know about the no fund issue until possibly a few weeks or a month later. The recipient takes the "excess" cash and wires (usually through Western Union) money to an expecting party. Why does this work? The wired money can't be traced after that and there's no duty bound by the wiring company to give you back any money sent under fraudulent pretenses. A few weeks later the bank charges YOU for the bad check and you are out not only the three grand, but the bad check deposit charge. And if you are even unluckier, you've also lost whatever you sent to the party, like three paintings worth nearly 700 dollars. Fortunately my scam detector worked really well early on and I lost nothing more than the hopes that I sold a painting. That's why I don't count those tasty eggs before they've hatched. I looked up the proper agencies to work with this check mail fraud fun and I'll be working with them further as it develops.

So after that lovely breakfast we tried to find a service center to try to fix Sam's laptop. Best Buy was the closest in the limited Ozark radius available, so we made our way there. As we came in there was this guy screaming at the "Geek Squad" that he "brought in a working computer and was leaving with one they BUSTED UP! I'LL NEVER COME HERE AGAIN, etc..."
We were the next in line. Sam brought it in with a service card and gave it to one of the people who looked like a bunch of disheveled guys with neckties around their necks. It took the fellow nearly an hour to figure out what kind of MacBook he had. While none of the previous signs were positive, we really didn't have any other choice to let them tinker with the computer. We should find out about that computer screen in a week. Let's all pray about that.

Some other things happened this week. Just before Sam got back from Connecticut my house ran out of propane. That's not good and I blame myself entirely. The next morning I also found out three things:

1 Apparently my hot water heater is uses the propane tank outside. Ccccold shower.
2 The weather had taken a very cold turn towards the high 30s.
3 It will take more than six days to get your propane refilled when you ask for it. Mine will be on Monday.

So it's been an interesting week. We've got a space heater in our room and our friends have been most kind to let us bathe in warm, wonderful water. In fact it's about time to pay one of them a visit to the shower fairy.

One bright spot in the day was going to the Liverpool Legends Show with Sam and a gang of scoundrels. I'm pretty sure we were the goofiest bunch freaking out to the music but I had great fun and you should go watch it if you ever find the time.

I've only got one more tale of terror. The bright side of any day of the week is that I get to be in Peter Pan as Smee and I always feel lucky to get to do that. The show yesterday was good but pretty exhausting, probably from the day's other stresses. I drove home last night drained. Absolutely drained is one of those states that make you drive about ten miles per house less and I got home even later.

Sambo was doing her part to brighten up my life however. She got to take part in the day with me and knew that tea it the key to relaxing the burdened heart. After I trudged into the house the greeted me fondly with a hug, a kiss, and a cup of tea. The water had just finished boiling so it was fresh and hot. I gratefully took the teacup and went to sit down on the couch, closing my eyes drowsily and feeling the nice warmth in my hands in spite of much surrounding heat in the house around me, thanks to me. I was warm, cozy and slowly relaxing the day away.

Then Schmoopy reminded me that she was alive. She leaped up onto the couch and splashed that tasty, freshly-boiled tea all over my hand.

HOLY HELL and ten other colorful fits of curse screamed through my throat as I recoiled and forced myself to not throw the rest of the tea all over myself. I somehow put the tea on the table and ran around like a knight being attacked at a castle with hot oil. MY HAND MY HAND ARRRRRRgggghhhh!

One thing I learned about a burn is if you run it under water make sure it's warm water. If only I had warm water (besides the tea water)! I gently patted a towel against my hand and tried to think calm thoughts. At least the water that also landed on my crotch didn't do worse. Yea, that's a happy thought! I soon found Aloe Vera mixed with Cucumber moisturizer and I've recovered, save the nice red whelp three inches wide. No boiling blisters so far this morning. I'll keep it moisturized and I'm sure I'll recover, thanks for asking.

That's enough of that day. Like I said, I'm sure some day I'll look back and have some great epiphany about what I learned. Yes. That's it.

Today started well enough. I give it an A on the scale. Let's party.

Poem of the Day

2009-11-16T13:58:00.001-08:00

UTW Photos
by snoweyes.

I awoke in a flurry last night, my body vibrating from metaphysical forces. My mind was sharp and the words came rushing to the bit of poetry. The image above is from a painting I made and sold long ago. I hope you enjoy as much as I did writing it.

Desired energy light glows near low waters
Touching bare feet under the foam there
Not more than two tracks limping away
Where the end of one rock latched to the sand
Creaked open once.

New scent of a secret sweet emotion linger'd
Not gone but could not stay without cause
Wanted unwanted shadows once in the light
Shuddered as if to say less than a whisper
Was too much for us all.

As a raft without sail from constant storm
Drifted towards the little curls of land
Glowing shapeless forms began to ignite inside
Inward eyes flickered to show the secret spot
Meant for these nights.

Summer storms unlaid from corners of existence
Rose again with each hushed beat of surf
Low in timbre thick in breath it settled
Under the Moon beyond where glassy water beamed
Deep in blue indigo seas.

What if the embers came to the lonely soul
Wandering alone in that heavy silent night?
Would his direction change with faithful
Desire for the Moon he followed chased loved endlessly?
The world seemed to understand.

His essence was a prayer placed by soul sweet
Hopeful yet surrounded by endless utter silence
Cut from a king's heart hewn and softened
Strengthened a thousand years over waves
From bony sharp turned supple.

His feet stood there in dusk waiting
For a moment of dawn before moving existence
To kiss the door in the night to knowingly believe that
Slow beautiful breaths end him as the world does too leave
That fleeting dear dream walk.

Aww Life

2009-11-15T19:26:00.001-08:00

Aww Puppy
by snoweyes.

Life's been a real treasure lately. In terms of work, I've been playing Smee to nice crowds nearly every night in Branson to Cathy Rigby's Peter Pan. We have a new hook this run and he's fairly...INCREDIBLE at his part. He's got a different presence about him that I think everyone will enjoy. While I'm at it, I haven't seen any cast list for Peter Pan for this Branson production, so I'll list who's in the show:

Cathy Rigby - Peter Pan
Tom Hewitt- Captain Hook / Mr. Darling
Doran Schmidt - Wendy
Kim Crosby - Mrs. Darling / Mermaid / Adult Wendy
Derick Snow - Smee (meeeee)
Dakota Jones - John
Mackenzie Godfrey - Michael
Austin Klingner - Slightly
Melissa Roberts - Curly / Wendy Understudy
Matthew Edward Matney - Tootles
Megan Ellis - Twin / Pan Understudy
Amanda Lusk - Twin
Chloe Leatherwood - Tiger Lily / Jane
Tom Wolff - Starkey / Hook Understudy
Clark Roberts - Cecco / Nana The Dog
Brent Buechel - Jukes / Indian / Croc
Sean Hood - Noodler The Pirate / Indian
Todd Walker - Pirate / Indian
Joseph Craig - Pirate / Indian
Craig M Lucas - Pirate / Indian
Taurean Everett - Indian / Pirate
Olivia Policicchio - Liza / Mermaid / Indian / Tiger Lily Understudy
Regina Laughlin - Swing
Josh Eckblom - Swing
Sophie Aydt - Michael Understudy

There you go!

In other work news I've been lucky enough to get photography work taking headshots for actors and if you live in the area feel free to hop on my facebook or whatever you like and contact me for work. I've got lots of pictures of my work on the facebook and some choice pics on theflickr page I keep up. I set up a little studio at my house with nice lighting and everything, but I also have portable flash gear to get some nice outdoor pictures. The photo above with my doggy Shmoopy was one of the fruits of my figurative photo vines. I don't know what that means but I like it.

One more thing...I sold three paintings on my Etsy site this week; one hour after adding those particular paintings they were snatched up by a new collector (they bought all three). If you'd like a painting in time for Christmas, now is the perfect time to hop on my painting e-store thingy and partake in holiday spirit. I'll be adding even more this week so check back when you like.

Bright Snow

2009-11-15T18:09:00.001-08:00

Bright Snow
by snoweyes.

What a perfect day to soak in Nature's Soul! The skeletons of trees speak dreams today from where I lay at Point Lookout, writing these words.

Life and fate came to my mind. I sat at Point Lookout at College of The Ozarks for more than an hour, soaking in the beauty and utter silence around me. It was a perfect moment in Autumn.

Life and living in it are such funny things. Life's course changes from time to time and I know that it's important to simply let life happen. Yesterday was some kind of special day where my spirit decided to realize the world as I used to see its auras and have the confidence to look for the soul charge in people, places and ideas that come to me.

I wonder if the emotional winding up is pushing me to open my eyes about the world again. I hope and dream that I can open my inner eye as much as sincerely possible when I am up and about. The goal of life is not to be the most clever or the funniest. It's to live and love as much as you can. This includes loving yourself. This includes loving others you don't even know. It's breaking free from your comfort shell and seeing inside yourself and others and seeing their possibilities, not their limits.

A thing about this concept of the river of life I feel like I and others travel down. The harder you push against emotions, against your true fate callings and inner self the more vainly upstream you swim. The destination is downstream and it's so much easier to simply swim with the current. You keep your strength, you go places you haven't seen and it's easier to swim to the banks for a rest from time to time.

After a nice long spell, I decided to get up and leave. As I did, I saw something behind some rocky crevice. A couple of bills hidden from view. Forty dollars! I've never gotten paid to be on the right path before. I looked to see if anyone dropped the money but it had been at least an hour or more I'd been there and had not seen a soul there. What a bizarre, lovely day.

That Crazy Derick

2009-10-29T13:34:00.001-07:00

That Crazy Snow
by snoweyes.

Summer is out for me again, my little gigs are over and I'm back in Hollister preparing for another trip aboard the Jolly Roger!

The last few weeks have been filled with adventures in Oklahoma and Missouri, with Murder Mysteries just about every week. Last Monday I and the UMM crew (Samantha, Sidekick Sam, Jim Fields) went over to KTUL 8 for their morning show and we simply crashed the joint. I haven't seen the footage but we had the traditional interview and then went on as Vampires during their weather report. It was ridiculous and very fun. This weekend Sam is still in Tulsa for the Halloween show and I'm sad I'm missing it, but I'm very happy to be back into Peter Pan. We've got a new hook and from what I've seen of his work (Rocky Horror on Broadway, the musical Chicago, etc.) he looks like he'll be extremely fun to work with.

Yesterday evening I went a bit crazy and set up a photo studio in my back room at my house. I've got some old lighting gear and a lot of imagination so if you have any interest in headshots feel free to get a hold of me if you'd like to look. So. Pretty ;p

I've also uploaded lots of pictures on my Facebook as well as some select pics on my Flickr from some of my other adventures. I've been on hikes with friends, Ice Skating, driving adventures, camping, acting up a storm, and even looking for the Great Pumpkin.

I've had fun. Now back to work! I have a cool video camera this time around, so I'll be documenting Peter Pan even more in the months ahead.

Stay tuned and go outside before it freezes!
Live with Love

Happy Days Are Here Again

2009-10-09T17:30:00.001-07:00

Happy Days Are Here Again
by snoweyes.

Sam and I have been having a fairly lovely week with a few Murder Mysteries and adventures with my friends. It's hard to believe it's getting so cold and the end to a Peter Pan break is coming to an end. In a few weeks I pick back up again with Piratey goodness and a regular workweek kicks in. How peculiar! I think we've felt a bit like hobos bouncing from place to place in the month since our Paris trip but we've had a lot of fun visiting friends, family and complete strangers.

This week I've gotten the chance to get back into a little bit of web work (internets) and I like the variety and goals of getting something finite done. I'ts just a little work but any work is good work! Feel free to send some my way, if you like :)

Tomorrow I've got a meeting about a possible film project in January with none other than Jeff Howard, also known as the evil Eraser Dan! He's got a project I would love to work with. I'll find out more about it all tomorrow.

Saturday is yet another murder mystery. Samantha W is playing a new role, the powerful and (pushy) Fanny Canard to my Thespianic J. Templeton Nash! I'm excited!

We come back to Branson on Monday for more of thatstuff and I hope to line up my art show in the next week stay tuned!

Rock and or Roll!

2009-10-04T16:20:00.001-07:00

Rock and or Roll!
by snoweyes.

Hi everyone!

I've been enjoying the final bits of warm weather outside as much as possible. We went to some beautiful creeks and places that we discovered in Missouri.

This week Sam performed in a great rendition of Thriller for the Forsythe Harvest Moon festival. Now with that done, we are back in Tulsa for Murder Mystery fun with two shows this week.Tuesday is the 80's rock n roll tribute show, Do Really Want to Hurt Me, Do You Really Want To Kill Me Now? Saturday is the Western show filled with fun and mayhem with me playing the part of the brilliant Thespian J Templeton Nash, esquire!

This week is going to be fun in addition to acting. The Tulsa State Fair and Halloween festival in Muskogee is calling out for us and I think I'm going to answer it's call! I'm excited for other little things this month, like a possible art show just before Peter Pan picks up again. A new coffee and wine shop called Vintage Paris has invited me to show my art for a show and I can't wait to put some art on the walls of Bransonians! Here's hoping all works out!

What else...Speaking of Pan, we have a new Hook! What's his name? I have no idea! And in other news, it seems likely that in January and February I'll be in Tulsa to act in a film. More on that later.... :)

On being back

2009-09-17T14:33:00.001-07:00

See Hear
by snoweyes.

So Sam and I have been "back" for about a week or so. I use the term just barely so since we seem to be bouncing back and forth rather than being in Branson or even Tulsa proper! Once we arrived I've been working on getting my little photos edited and uploaded. The process is a bit slow but I'm so happy with what both of us captured on the trip.

We also jumped right back into Murder Mysteries in Catoosa and had one last weekend which went very well. Sidekick Sam of Quickdraw fame came back for the month so we get to play on the weekends for those wacky murder mysteries.

I've got a lot of time before the next run of Peter Pan so I'm happy to be in those murder mysteries. I've also got some other hopeful projects coming up with Jeff Howard and a possibly maybe Halloween commercial lined up in the next few bits of time.

Sam and I are also working on getting a little photo business up and running here in Branson and surrounding areas. If you would like a portrait or headshot or wedding shot, we'de love to have a conversation about our expertise and all that. I've done lots of work and it will be great tag teaming with Samantha on this new project!

We've got another murder mystery coming up this weekend and next Thursday with yet more to come.

Since we were gone for about a month from home our little place needs deglazing. Branson hasn't stopped raining and it seems like I'm on Venus. The eternal moisture is mildewing everything and I really don't like that! So I've got scrubbing and scraping which isn't the most exciting work but it's nice to clean sometimes. Cleaning can clean the spirit too. Right?

Well, I've spent as much time as I'm willing to at Panera for this internet so I'm off!

Last few days

2009-09-04T13:27:00.001-07:00

Euro Disney Children
by snoweyes.

Paris has four days remaining for Sam and I. Today we went to Disney Paris for a real deal that we found. Locals in the Parisian district ha could get in for under €30. If we couldn't get that deal we wouldn't be able to afford the entry, so we gave the online reservation a go and we actually got in! I was very pleased, even though the weather has gotten considerably colder and rainier this week. The temp has easily dropped into the low 60s and it just keeps getting wetter. Fortunately the rain didn't stay and we had a blast. I'm out of time so I'll write again soon!

What to be when you grow up?

2009-09-02T11:59:00.001-07:00

Vines
by snoweyes.

I was chatting up the actor's lifestyle today and I wrote a little bit about how I make extra money for things like trips and adventures in-betweet acting gigs.

Where should you start if you want to jump out as an actor but still have a need to pay the bills? You can't simply work a 9-5 job if the daytime is when all the gigs are. You've got to absolutely get creative.

I'll use myself as an example. In the next month I will work on.: creating a website for a company, shooting headshots for actors, selling a painting, submit photoraphy to a few magazines for freelance, etc. And in two months continue my show in Peter Pan in Branson and then I'll get to act in a film in February. This economy favors a freelance market and you've got to spread yourself out there until something catches hold! Unfortunately an actor's life isn't exactly stable but it makes for a nice story. I make anough money to live comfortably, even though I have changed my style of living. The recession never touched me.

Check out The Photographer's Market and The Writer's Market at the library or bookstore. They have listings of publications you can send samples of your work to. Believe in yourself! Go down to Linda Layman and take an acting class so you know what direction you want to go and put together a proper resume for both work and acting.

Today Sam and I spent the entire day at Versailles, a lovely place filled with ornate rooms and gardens: The pinnacle of the day was taking a little boat with oars out to the massive pond and simply soaking in the beautiful world around me. I also loved the hidden trails near but away from the fountains; the grasses and trees took my breath away.

Tomorrow we visit the town of Vernon north of Paris; the home of Monet and a lovely route through the Seine.

So that's that. Enjoy and I'll write again soon!

Happy Place

2009-08-31T02:07:00.001-07:00

Happy Place
by snoweyes.

I've got just a few moments left in this internet Cafe to give an update on Paris and our adventures. Sam and I learned the quiet of a Sunday in Paris. Everything was closed so we spent a lovely day at the park just enjoying the sun and the area near St. Eustache. It was nice to spend a day relaxing, a vacation from our vacation, as it were!

Today we go off to the Opera House, made famous by The Phantom of The Opera. I'm super excited to actually go inside and breathe in the air that inspired such a place. Later this week we get to visit the town of Vernon, the home of Monet and a museum dedicated to his art.

Our hostel worked out pretty well with the excetption of people coming after two in the morning for the past few nights. Just one more night and we will be staying near MontMatre for a few days.

Well, I've got to go!

Short lil update

2009-08-28T10:08:00.001-07:00

American in Paris
by snoweyes.

Just here to say that our first night in the hostel ended well and we have been enjoying the day at the park. In a week we'll be enjoying another kind of park....Disneyland PARIS!!!! Woohoo!

Until we meet again

Semi-hostile

2009-08-26T13:11:00.001-07:00

Nobody ever shows this side
by snoweyes.

Hi everyone and welcome back to Paris. Yesterday Sam and I took up residence in a B&B near the metropolized area in Paris. The only problem is that we didn't write down the phone number of the place, which happened to be in a tower with the wackiest security. So wacky that we sat in a dark room for a fez minutes hoping that someone, anyone would show up and let us in. Fortunately it worked!

After a few days in a couchsurfing environment it was nice to have privacy enough to just sit and relax for a few moments before zooming off to the Catacombs! It was an interesting experience meeting with mortality deeeep underground my THIRTIETH birthday. I took some mysterious skull-ography down there. I ended the evening after some tasty gelato-as-my-birfday-cake on the roof of a building in downtown Paris, looking up at the stars, pink clouds and imagining the lovely nights other Parisians must be living in.

Today we finally made the trip to Musee D'Orsay and I got to see such beautiful paintings and sculptures including Millet, Degas, Rodin and VanGogh! Oh the VqnGogh room was so lovely and it had the painting my mom hung up (Terrasse de café, la nuit). It was powefully thick with paintstrokes.

Also today we checked in to our Hostel for the next week starting tomorrow. I should call it a hostile. Everyone is rude, crude and socially unacceptable. But hey, that's what I like to call an adventure!

One thing we found was a 24-hour internet cafe called Milk, so I still get to check in from time to time. If all goes well we may get to travel up to Normandy beach and even...Eruro Disney?

Stay tuned friends!

More Advent'rous Paris

2009-08-23T05:09:00.001-07:00

A certain Tower
by snoweyes.

Hey friends! It's Derick again with some photos and notes from Paris. We visited Monmatre and a wee bit of the museums of the area and still have much more to see. We have a few days left in our current place but don't know if we'll be near a computer any time soon after that so I thought I'd upload just a few photos to see from the last few days. This is but a tiny sample of the hundreds of pictures we've taken so far.

The photo above is from a boat tour of the Seine. I know everyone takes this picture but for once it's ok to have a picture like this of my very own. We've been eating and travelling inexpensively while enjoying the culture as much as possible here in gay Paris!
I've even been doing my best to learn the language. I've got a translator dictionary and Sam has been wonderful in throwing correct pronounciations my way even though I'm a bit daft with the language. An older woman was talking to me and threw an evil glare at me when I did not respond, so now I at least say Je na compra pas (or something close to that) which means I don't understand :)

And if you are wondering, he parisians in general have been very nice, as long as you say your salutations before asking for something. Just saying hello, how are you goes a long way even if you can't say anything after that. I've gotten many smiles and nice demeanor from the locals. Just be nice first!

For my birthday Sam and I will be staying in a lovely B&B near the Place d'italie and then a week in a lively hostile. Today we will spend the entire day at the Eiffel Tower! How does that sound to you?

Off we went!

2009-08-20T09:47:00.001-07:00

Balloon Carnivals UP
by snoweyes.

Just a note: this french keyboard is all kinds of crazy so I'll keep it short.

Sam and I are in Paris after a nice long 13 hour plane ride from Tulsa and Atlanta. I think we're beating jet lag (it's 7 hours later here) but that first day was certainly exhausting! We are staying in Northern Paris in the 18th district, kind of near Montmartre. Our host, a nice, quiet fellow named Quetzal not only is a theatrical director but he also has internet so for the next few days we can get to a computer so feel free to send us your ideas for fun things to do.

Today we visited the Luvre and saw the entire city from the lovely view of a carausel! We've been taking pictures and video and I'm sure we'll be updating as the week passes. It's five days away from my birthday and I'm so excited to be in Paris!

Until next time, au revoir!

Derick Snow - Murder Mystery THIS WEEKEND

2009-08-12T21:02:00.001-07:00

Derick Snow - Murder Mystery THIS WEEKEND
by snoweyes.

Hi all, I will be back in Tulsa this Saturday for a limited engagement for an Ultimate Murder Mystery, featured in the Urban Tulsa Weekly:

www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid:27841

Randy, Baby. On Sat., Aug. 15 the spy who shagged Tulsa, Austin Powers, is back at Molly’s Landing, 3700 Highway 66, to figure out who’s been stalking the retro ‘80s band The OxyMorons. This dinner theater event begins at 7pm. Visit ultimatemurdermystery.com to reserve your seat.

You can reserve tickets online right now here!

ultimatemurdermystery.com/

Tell your friends and come see me as Austin Powers (as The Rock God, Ice, Baby!) after several months away playing Smee in Cathy Rigby's Peter Pan in Branson, MO.

PS my lovely girlfriend Samantha will be playing a fabulous part in the play! How about that?!

What's up?

2009-07-29T23:35:00.001-07:00

UTW Photos
by snoweyes.

I wanted to write a wee update to my silly life. I'm still performing in Peter Pan here in Branson. It's a big, big show and ticket sales are nice and strong. The last week before the break in Mid-August is coming up and Sam and I are going to Paris, France! For three weeks!

But from August 10th to August 18th trip I'm going to be in Tulsa, which means I want to paint with some groovy artists and bands. After the trip I'm also going to be in t-town Sept 10th-ish from then to late October very off and on, and I want to paint like crazy before I have to get back into the acting side of life.

So hit me up, thanks friends. I'm in the mood for some painting/art/crazy times/bonfires/non-drug fun :)

November the Branson Pan continues on, so feel free to buy tickets till Christmas :)

UTW Best Artist in Tulsa?!

2009-07-15T20:27:00.001-07:00

UTW Photos
by snoweyes.

Hey, I've got some pretty incredible news. Earlier this week I got a notice from the fine folks at the Urban Tulsa Weekly (Tulsa's free local newspaper) that I was nominated for the Absolute Best of Tulsa awards for Best Local Artist! I didn't even know I was nominated or submitted, but when I heard the news I sent them this picture and some others from my artistic painting sessions. I told a few people about the nomination and before too long I learned that I....won...the award! The paper comes out Friday, so feel free to get me a copy while I'm up in Branson for another month in Peter Pan.

I was so baffled that I won, but extremely grateful. It's so heartening to know that I have fans and friends who so support a crazy artist as myself. Thank you very, very much for your support. I have this funny philosophy that if you give without greed, love without baggage, and just grow as you are meant to without fear anything can happen. I feel little signs and gifts from the cosmos like this only remind me I'm on the right path.

If you happen to be in Hollister this Friday, I'm having an art party to celebrate the win. I'm using a human canvas and I'll photograph the work at the end of the fun. It's from 2-6 anytime before I have to leave for Pan.

Saturday my Mom, sis and her family is coming to see my show! I'm happy that they are coming up! I think we'll have some Silver Dollar City fun on Sunday.

Also Saturday Sam is going to Tulsa for a WICKED good time, hint hint. I wish I could go but alas, I'm working. Last week Sam got to shoot a very cool commercial titled, "Zombie Tag". It looks really, really fun from what I've seen.

I hope all is well in your world!

Peace

A Sign of The Times

2009-07-04T18:15:00.001-07:00

A Sign of The Times
by snoweyes.

So, I've had quite a week! I took the time to go looking for a car this last week and found one I ended up buying for 1500. 1996 Ford Contour. Not a bad price that day.

Samantha and Jes came back from their extended east coast road trip Wednesday evening just before the show. I was extremely happy to have the house full of people again! I missed Sambo. That night we weould hang out and have fun. However, on the way home, my car broke down.

The next day my car had trouble starting and it died on the road on the way back from the show. The next day it was towed to a local mechanic before all of us went to fabulous Silver Dollar City. Once we got to SDC, I got a call from the mechanic and the prognisis was pretty good; it ran out of gas! My gas gauge was simply a little off the mark and it ran out of gas, so I could pick it up when I had free time. That was a relief...at the time.

Today Sam and I got up, said our goodbyes to Jes and Brian (who got here once I was in Pan) and went to the mechanic to pick up the car. We would bring Sam's car and later would take my new car for sushi once we recovered it; that was the plan anyway!

So, I got the car and start towards a gas station so I don't repeat the fun of yesterday. I had to drive about a mile to get gas. About thirty yards before I get there, my windsheild wiper turned on randomly, stopped, my dash lights went on and my engine stopped cold. Fortunately I was able to coast all the way into that gas station. Not so fortunate was I when I came to a full stop.

Black, thick smoke started to come out from under the hood and I knew this couldn't be good. I flipped the hood release as fast as I could and lifted up the hood. I was expecting my radiator to be spewing onto my engine or something like that. I didn't expect flames.

Flames! Flames! In my engine!

Some people freak out when calamity occurs, but I just enter the Matrix ad get super-focused. Everything slows down. I've avoided many wrecks and gotten help to people very quickly thanks to this weird and very handy brain thing I do.

So when this happened, the flames lasted about four seconds. In that time I whipped around to the gas pump and grabbed the liquid reservoir used for those little squeegees when folks get bugs on their windshields. I ripped that thing right out. I made like a boyscout and put out that fire! I was outside myself, amazed that my car was on fire and that I was doing so well. My engine smelt like burnt plastic.

One of those Ride The Ducks vehicles drove by. I smiled and waved. How silly it all was. I called Sam and we, yet again, had my car towed to the mechanic.

Fortunately I still have my trusty (and old) Maxima, so I'm not stranded in Branson. I'm not happy with my "new" car so far. But let's all throw good karma at my burnt wires and hope for the best and cheapest repairs, shall we? As long as I'm not starving and I've got a house I'm not in too bad of a situation. I'm just not the kind to get too flustered by fate. Something good will happen from this.

There were only thirty reservations for today's 3p.m. Pan but a nicely sized audience in the hundreds came in by the time our show started. I'm surprised anyone even showed up on a holiday and yet the crowd was very happy and enjoyed our program. After all of that, Sam and I had a lovely picnic by Tanycomo. It was very relaxing and I'm all charged up for another show that's happening...very soon!

In other news, I've got really grrrrreat news! Sambo is getting me the cooooolest present in the world. Tickets to France! Incredible!

The Dogpatch Adventure

2009-06-23T00:02:00.001-07:00

The Dogpatch Adventure
by snoweyes.

Those who enjoy abandoned places should enjoy this album from one of my little adventures. Dogpatch USA has a rich and storied past. It began in the late 60s to support the fantastically popular comic strip Lil Abner. Thanks to some terrible business desicions and the fact that no one remembers the stip anymore, the 800-acre park was closed in 1993 and is now slowly rotting away in the hills of the Ozarks. At one time the park had a chance to be as popular as Silver Dollar City.

When I was a kid (about 4) I remember going and greatly enjoying myself at the fish hatchery and cave. Do you remember Dogpatch?

This is from a daytrip June 22, 2009. I've been before. My first time to visit Dogpatch was about four years ago and I love the place!

I should note that it's much, much harder to get onto the property these days as opposed to when I first visited. In the years that followed my first visit, word of the place spread onto the internet and too many people were vandalizing the place so things changed two years ago. There are roving security guards that take some of the fun out of trespassing, so this trip was legit.

I posted several pictures on flickr, but I left nearly 60 on my facebook.

A light snack

2009-06-21T16:16:00.001-07:00

A light Snack
by snoweyes.

Yep, I'm eating Tomaters and Hummus again and feeling a bit artsy. I came up with a few ideas for my art in the next bit of time...

A short film using exclusively still photos and my accordion music pushing the visual poem.

I have been working on some new accordion songs and if I get the time I'll be recording them in the next week or two. If you haven't heard my little Cruccinelli sing, here's a taste.

I haven't written much in the last week, but I've been trying to keep busy with art outside of the time I work on Peter Pan. Notably I've got a desire to put up some paintings in Eureka Springs very soon and I've been putting time and effort into that! I hope to have some good news in that realm of art soon enough. Until then, please eat some tasty spicy hummus if you can find some.

I have uploaded a few pictures to my flickr, but if you can find my facebook I've got many new pictures, as usual. Why do I do this? Because flickr only shows my 200 most recent photos without plunking down 25 bucks and I; I am but a poor player set upon the stage of life, sent to bring a tear to the eye, a smile to the face, a Smee to the stage.....

I leave you with a short excerpt from a poem for no particular reason except to live life through young eyes!

Lying, swept upon dark cut grass
Stretched in repose beneath twilight
Ghosts of a thousand echoes remind
Her rose-covered ears of
childhood ne'er
forgot.

*snap snap

Pan's Bday

2009-05-30T17:23:00.001-07:00

Pan's Bday
by snoweyes.

Hi friends! I'm in the midst of performing in our play (in intermission) but hey, it's a slow period so I'm writing you :)

The photo you see is a take on an album image of Beyonce called BDay. I had to take a few pictures to get the two crocs right since we only have one suit. It's goofy but fun!

Pan has been an incredible production so far. I'm about six shows in and we've had a great turnout each time.

The first show was filled with all the local celebrities, like Yakov, Tony Orlando and Andy Williams! I got the chance to talk to them all for a bit and they seemed to quite enjoy the performance. The second show was great as well.

The third show our fantastic Hook, played by Robert Westenberg (of had a bout of laryngitis, so our Starkey played by Tom Wolff got the chance to perform three shows (one night was a two-show night), so we all got the chance to be on our toes. He was great but I'm very happy to have Bob back in the driver's seat as Hook. He's incredible and his wife Kim Crosby is also in the show as Ms. Darling. Both Robert and Kim go deep into the history of Broadway musicals like Into The Woods, which Sam actually had a copy of so that's a little surreal to be working with such talented stage actors.

Speaking of talent, Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan! She's got so much energy in the part and I'm amazed to see her work every night. I'm always a bit in awe of watching everyone work so well and I'm simply happy to work doing something I love. Cathy is an avid collector of interesting pets; she brought a ferret to the show yesterday and it plays well with the dog she also got here a few weeks ago.

The shows continue to go well, I'll continue to take fun pictures of the show behind-the-scenes and update via facebook.

I bought a couch today and I broke myself moving it in, but at least I had help from the people I got it from. Shmoopy likes it and I think Sam is happy to sit in something more comfortable than those classic red chairs.

What else...we took some incredible pictures last week, only to have the memory card corrupt the images. I don't know if you've ever had to deal with that kind of thing, but I hate doing that! Fortunately I found some great software called MJM Free Photo Recovery. Look is up if your card gets corrupted. It found 99 percent of the 300 photos I took over the last week and it saved my sanity!

My brother Howard is visiting and watching Peter Pan here in Branson tonight. I get to have lunch or something tomorrow with him. And as a special treat I'll be coming out and signing autographs and greeting fans in my outfit tonight!

Oh and Samantha started up her own website, SamanthaWoodruff.com. It's just a little startup but I'll be doing something shiny and fancy soon. Stay tuned!

I hope everyone is well out there in internet land!

Self

2009-05-19T11:05:00.001-07:00

Self
by snoweyes.

Tis time for another update from my little side of the Missouri/Okiehoma border!

So far, so good. Rehearsals are still churning along with one last intense week to go. Over the last few days we've moved from setting blocking to running tech for the next few days, which means our side of the show is pretty much set. I say pretty much because every rehearsal something new gets injected into our blocking, be it a hat gag or prop gag or little dance alteration or little injury, which will probably happen until the night of the show. Still, everything is coming together nicely and I'm confident that this show will rock your socks off!

I've also been taking some pictures of the show rehearsals and cast and I think you'll enjoy them. Click on the top picture to see my better flickr pictures, or go over to my facebook (look up my name) page for the whole lot! I'm adding more as the week comes.

In the last week I made the fun discovery of the usefulness of our check stub. As a performer I get all kinds of fun discounts or freebies in the area, and some of our freebies also include a guest! So if you are up sometime for a visit I might be able to share the wealth! I don't think I'll post exactly which freebies, but ask and I'll tell you :)

I haven't had many days off (two in as many weeks) but once we get the show going I will be happy to have the free time. I miss exploring and enjoying nature and adventures. On my last day Sam and I went to Springfield to watch a play and to have some fun downtown photo explorations. The old downtown is hot stuff and I think I'll be finding my way to the area often. I love old theatres, coffee houses and the like.

Our new dog Shmoopers is doing fairly well with training. He's a very energetic doggy with very long legs for his little size, which means he's a very good climber. We got one of those doggy gates and he simply scaled the thing! So much for keeping her in one place. Fortunately we also have one of those big puppy travelers so she can sleep in our room without smothering us with tongue.

My next day off is this Monday. Any ideas for fun?

2009-05-17T12:53:00.001-07:00

I'm watching a stage play of waiting for godot. I'll tell you if it's good!

2009-05-12T18:54:00.001-07:00

Boston, Buffalo. It's a dance move that, when practiced enough times becomes the very same place:) i had dinner that was delish!

2009-05-12T18:10:00.001-07:00

Just shuffled off to Boston a thousand times. That's a dance move, folks!

2009-05-10T15:17:00.001-07:00

I yam in springfield finding Groovy art and coffee venues:)

2009-05-09T14:06:00.001-07:00

Another short note from my phone:) Not only pan, but hook also steps no my chest! I also learned a funny waltz today.

2009-05-08T13:47:00.001-07:00

Test

short hello

2009-05-08T13:45:00.001-07:00

I just got my first paycheck for the show! I'm having loads of fun and my sword fight is worth the price of admission:-) i had a nice moment yesterday when peter pan showed me how to parry a sword. That's a little surreal, yes? I'm about to go back to rehearse, so until next time!

A new lifething!!

2009-05-05T21:33:00.001-07:00

A new lifething!
by snoweyes.

Now for something completely different. Sam and I got a dog. She's pweshious. We haven't named her yet but she's very nice and sweet!

So the day is done and I'm working hard the next few days to get up to speed with the entire show I'm playing in (Peter Pan in Branson for those tuning in)

I came on up to the Mansion Theatre today for my first rehearsal. It started pretty well. I got my script (finally) and I filled out loads of W-2 paperwork. I got to meet (but not really chat) with all of the cast before the pirates all shuffled down into the recording studio hidden well below the earth. We learned and recorded four songs, including The Pirate March, Hook's Tango, Hook's Tarantella, and Hook's Waltz. It was a bit intense but I think I did pretty well, what with the grunty piratey vocals I belted out.

That was pretty much the entire rehearsal today. I have been working on the songs and script. Hopefully I'll have it all down tomorrow for blocking and choreography, my most difficult part. Hey, I'm an actor, not a dancer but I play one on stage!

Also, I learned I'm to do promotional appearances. I'm going SOMEWHERE at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon in costume to promote the show. I'm up for that. Sam is helping me with makeup and I actually tried out my costume yesterday and most everything fits!

One little thing about my costume...I have to wear something called a dancer's belt. I'm not going to ruin it for you but if you want to laugh you'll look up a dancer's belt.

Oh, fine.

Dancer's belt. Sigh.

That out of the way, I'm very excited to be an actor and not a dancer in the play. I love the lines and performance and I'm positively awestruck at the level of technical brilliance in our choreographer. I'm very, very glad I get to be funny and not graded on my technical dance skill. I perform with my face, my voice, my body, my heart and I love that I can get to do what I love right up in center stage.

Last week I wrapped up my art show and I sang some music with Matt Morton. Here's a little video of that!

Fare thee well. I'm tired. Call me if you like!

Ozark Caterpillar

2009-04-28T08:07:00.001-07:00

Ozark Caterpillar
Originally uploaded by snoweyes

Well, I'm back for my last long week in Tulsa. I've moved everything in and we all spent a few days in Branson. Yesterday we blew into Eureka Springs where Jes found her dream cave house, but who knows what will happen!

This friday is my farewell party at the Gypsy Coffee House. My art is still up and there's a special thing called Art Crawl that I'm participating in that evening. I though it would be a great time for me to see any old friends and family. I'll be bringing my camera kit so I can take pictures to remember everyone by, so please come and visit on Friday night from 7:30 ish to late that night. Music, fun and friends are guaranteed, as is more wine and snacks some of you so adore!

Tonight Sam and I have murder mystery rehearsal but are pretty much free throughout the day. Give us a call is you wanna chat.

Art Show with SnowEyes, 4/23

2009-04-22T20:09:00.001-07:00

Art Show with SnowEyes, 4/23
by snoweyes.

The Art of SnowEyes

Art Show 4/23, 7p to late
Gypsy Coffee House
303 N. Cincinatti
Jes Lenee' of Autumn Shade plays while I paint 7:30-8:30p

I'm putting on an art show guaranteed to rock your socks off this
Thursday, aka April 23, aka tonight ot tomorrow night, depending on
when you read this. I'm very excited to bring 51 works of my art to
you exclusively to the Gypsy Coffee House, 303 N. Cincinatti behind
Spaghetti Warehouse. I've got paintings of all sizes and prices, I've
got wine and snacks, and I'll have a fabulous musician playing while I
paint a live work of art from 7:30 to 8:30 that night.

I'd love to see my friends and fans. I'll even bring some Quick Draw
Derick sketching supplies from my television show if that sounds fun
to you!

Art Show and Friends

2009-04-21T07:30:00.001-07:00

Eye of Christ
by snoweyes.

Hi everyone! I know I don't update as much as I used to but I've been in the midst of some huge moving stuff and since I don't have internet at my house I do what I can :)

I've got a string of art events at the Gypsy Coffee House (303 N. Cincinnati, behind Spaghetti Warehouse downtown).

The first gala is this Thursday the 23rd at around 8 pm. I'll have little treats and so much art you won't know what do look at first. I've got painted canvases of all sizes for all budgets. I've even got a painted guitar! I've got some examples on my Etsy site, but I'm bringing at least thirty works of mine for sale.

Another big show also at Gypsy is Friday May 1 around 8. It's for a larger downtown art display called the Art Crawl and That will also be huge. If you like, I'm also going to be there the evening of April 30th just hanging out. I may try to bring in musicians that night, so there's something fun every night!

Even if I'm not there, The paintings are up from April 22-May 3. Go check them out!

One more thing. I've set up a fund for my friend Jes. She badly needs a working car and I want to see if my friends can help pitch in for something batter than the busted car she's got right now! Her current car was bought cheap but the old owner never sent her the title, among other problems. So now that she can't get her car running at all, it's time for a new (to her) car for Jes! I've alreadt scraped a fair amout of money but let's all pitch in for a friend and talented musician, yes?

You can send any money to my paypal account by going to paypal.com, click SEND MONEY and send whatever you'd like to studiosound@yahoo.com for Jes. You can also find me wherever if you've got some nice pocket change. I promise to give her all the funds specifically for that car. The funny thing? She doesn't know we're even doing this!

Nw Sam and I are getting ready to help Jime Fieds move into our old place. You can see us at Gypsy setting up paintings when we're done! Bye!

...Off to Find Lost Boys

2009-04-01T08:36:00.001-07:00

Off to Find Lost Boys
by snoweyes.

I've got bad news for you guys. My Branson show got canceled and I'm screwed!

April Fools! Oh hahahahaha I'm sure you fell for that. Right.

Well, this is my last day here at TPS. I've got alot of packing up to do before the day is out, so I'm including a write-up that I made for the district newsletter. I had a lot of fun.

Longtime Employee Of to Find Lost Boys

from Derick Snow, TPS 20 Photojournalist & Personality

This is my last week walking down the halls of the Education Service Center here at TPS. Do you realize that I, the weird guy who looks like I could still be in high school, have worked here for nearly 15 years? It sounds crazy, but it's true! I started as a student reporter for a show on our television channel when I was nearly 16, which was a paying speaking gig, albeit part-time. The show lasted three years on what was then Cox cable channel 19. My senior year I began an internship with the BCTI program at Webster High School and I worked for two years before bounding off for other ventures. Somehow, by fate or luck, I ended up back at TPS as a production assistant for our fine little TV station now on Channel 20.

After a few years of behind-the-scenes work, I got the acting bug. I took a six-month hiatus and acted in sunny Los Angeles. Thanks to DVDs you can probably still find me on such shows as Desperate Housewives, Scrubs, The OC, Joan of Arcadia, Seventh Heaven and my favorite, as a body double for a 13-year-old in Clubhouse starring Dean Cain, Christopher Lloyd and that kid from the Peter Pan movie. I even shot and starred in a pilot for MTV. I schmoozed with celebrities and lived the life in Malibu, but Los Angeles had too much of one thing and not enough of another, so I came back to Tulsa to my job and a little meaning.

I've had a great time at TPS while maintaining my other artistic pursuits in acting and visual art. I've always held the belief that the fine and performing arts are a gateway to interacting with the world in a positive way. My belief in that potential is why I created Quick Draw Derick, the little kids’ show that aired on weekends. Just last week I was out with friends when this burly fellow walked up to me and, after a second or two of a stern face, turned to mush and bellowed how much he and his little son love watching Quick Draw Derick! I was happy he let his kid watch a show that was family-friendly, locally produced and educational. I gave him a free drawing pad.

It's hard to say goodbye to a position I've held for so long, but I’ve been given the opportunity to perform in Branson as Captain Hook's sidekick, Smee, for a long run in a huge venue for thousands every day. If you know me or saw me sing at the Christmas party, that's right up my alley. I live for the creative life. And it’s even better when I get paid a fabulous salary for it! I feel this is the time for me to move on and I challenge everyone to follow your dreams no matter how small. I also invite you to learn about my artistic pursuits as a painter and an actor. I have an art show at the Gypsy Coffee House downtown on May 1. I’d love you to visit. Check out my Branson stage show, Peter Pan, starring Cathy Rigby. Tickets are available online: The Mansion. Stay in contact with me at Snoweyes.com.

Have a great life and I'll see you in Branson!

Yea Baby. I am like a BEAR

2009-02-26T12:07:00.003-08:00

Yea Baby. I'm like a BEAR
by snoweyes.

Oh man! What a week! So much fun to be had, so many shows, and so much to look forward to.

Valentine's day was alot of fun. We went to the BOK center and went ice skating among other fun activities (breakfast at Blue Dome, a nice walk, ect) before we both performed in Valentine's day show. I was Austin Powers for the very first time, and Sam was a funky cool singer that crooned the audience at a Winery in West Tulsa, Whispering Vines. It was a massive undertaking since I was the "Detective" who made sure the show went smoothly. And did it ever! Everyone was simply fantastic and I got the chance to do it again a week later.

Last Monday I finished getting sick. I had been sick with one malady or another for weeks and now I feel much, much better. Thank GOOODNESS. I hate when my body breaks down but it was just different, unrelated things right after another. I'm taking my vitamins, I promise!

I also did a voice-over for a cartoon for the OERB that I learned I will be a regular role! That's a pretty sweet deal and I totally don't mind coming down to OKC once a month for a load of cash for ten minute's work. By Monday I was up to eating bananas so I had a good amount of energy to create my silly kid character. I love the part!

Last weekend I performed another show as Austin Powers at Molly's Landing and, as you can see, things got pretty furry and fun. I love the fact that this show was the first that the creator of the Ultimate Murder Mystery played something other than the Detective. He ended up getting Axed a question he couldn't answer, if you catch my drift.

I had a fun celebration of Fat Tuesday for Mardi Gras at my house with a bonfire friends and that always fun-with-the-baby-inside king cake to be enjoyed! The weather was perfect and continues to be really nice so I find myself outside all the time and I'm happy with that.

Wednesday I lined up another voice over for a commercial for a hair salon down at kotv and ran into Michael who I think will be coming down to Jes' birthday celebration on the 7th. It was fun to run into him!

Today I plan on going to Philbrook and looking at what was described to me as a wonderful photography historical perspective from George Eastman. That sounds INCREDIBLE and I get a free photobooth picture from it I'll post up when get done.

I've also got rehearsal tonight for an 80's murder mystery. This upcoming show will take place in a converted theatre that is now a church downtown. That sounds so interesting I can't wait to see this space.

April is but a month away and I am attempting to prepare for a big, fat move to Branson. It's crazy! I feel very good about the whole thing.

Also, I had a blueberry smoothie today. YES.

I hope all is well for everyone. What's up in your life?

A whole mess of photos

2009-02-13T12:07:00.001-08:00

sc00160a8d.jpg
by ultimatemurdermystery.

Sambo just uploaded a massive amount of Polaroid pictures for the Ultimate Murder Mystery we got a while back. We finally got our scanner up and running so I'm excited to present them to you! There are loads of shots of just about every show over the last few years. If you found yourself in front of that crazy camera, I say check it out. If you want to see me in a vast array of silly outfits, also check it out. If you are a bored kitten accidentally checking this site, awwwwww. Check it out, kitty!

Coffee Break

2009-02-05T10:07:00.001-08:00

Coffee Break
by willowforlife.

Hey hey everyone. I'm popping by before things get too busy at work.

I love that this picture has a comment that I look like Kevin Bacon, and of course I can play that little game.

I finally bit the bullet and went to the dentist yesterday to take care of my old craggly tooth. I intended to get a crown, but it was a little to bad for that, so I got it pulled. I hope that this is the only, first and last tooth to ever be pulled. I didn't have any other cavities and my teeth are a-ok. My old tooth got damaged years ago when my wisdom teeth started coming in and shoved a tooth in such a way that it crunched and compacted my favorite back-left tooth. It affected a lot of little things in my life and I'm ecstatic to rid myself that little misery.

This week I'm working on getting together the last bits of a show I'm putting on for the Valentine's Day Show for the Ultimate Murder Mystery. I'm going to be playing Austin Powers, Baby! Yea! The show's creator and I worked on the final script last night. If you are interested, click on the Link, baby.

By far the best thing about my "surgery" was the vicoten prescription I received. I was a bumbling idiot with a heart of gold and you can imagine how my script writing went. Far out!

What else. Oh! Samantha and I are going to Branson on Sunday. Monday morning is an audition for the Dolly Parton DIXIE STAMPEDE. I hope it goes well for her!

See you all later.

Oh lately...

2009-01-25T16:46:00.001-08:00

Loving Tree
by snoweyes.

I realize I enjoy updating my goofy website, and have neglected to do anything of the sort recently. So here goes my bit of writing I try to get on with!

I took the photo you see along the beauteous river here in Tulsa last weekend when the temperature was a perfect 70 degrees. How I miss that day.

I got sick a few days ago. Sick! Not fun. I thought I had eaten something that made me so...interesting, but nope. Good, old-fashioned stomach virus. Today I had an actual bite of pie. Whoa!

In the process of healing, I went and made dear Sam ill. Sorry! She says it's ok, so I'll try to forgive myself. We are both recovering nicely for the most part. We just eat very little. Like mice.

Today we went to see the musical The Color Purple. It was a boisterous show and now I'm all filled up with booty-shaking soul. Hoo-yah-mm-mmm.

I also got a new phone since I last wrote to replace my slooow phone. And then I broke it. And I just got another one to replace it! I'm now contactable. I broke the "old" new one flying ass-first into the ground during a murder mystery. The "new" new phone I'll try to be better with.

Oh, last time I wrote, I said I was going to see the last performance of Sam's production of Shades of Gray. Not only did I, but I also took a whole mess of pictures, some of which you can find on Sam's Facebook photo page for the play. I will warn you that some of the images are RACY and SAUCY and...now you just have to look, don't you?

Next week I'm in a murder mystery at Molly's Landing! Of course you can get tickets at their official website (I created, heheh) @
www.ultimatemurdermystery.com

I'll end this saying, this week has been cold. Brr.

Photography tips from Derick Snow, TPS photojournalist

2009-01-13T12:46:00.003-08:00

Photo Tips Collage
by snoweyes.

If you just got a shiny new digital camera during the past holiday break you are probably excited to take some beautiful pictures to show online or with your friends and students. Many people expect the camera to simply take what we want the picture to look like in our imaginations, and end up less than impressed with what develops either on our computers or developing lab and they wonder, “Why can’t my picture look better?”

I’ve got good news for you and your new camera. You can take better pictures and I’ll give you some secrets I picked up along the way to becoming a photojournalist. Here are a few free tips to get you started this new year from someone’s who’s been taking pictures for over ten years.

My composition on composition. One easy way to get a better balanced composition is to use the “rule of thirds,” which is basically a way to keep your subject away from the direct center of your image. If you ever want to sound fancy in front of other camera aficionados feel free to say you live by the “rule of thirds,” and for effect raise your pinky when you say it! Kidding aside, take a look at your favorite images of people and you may notice that the photographer rarely sticks the subject dead center. Not only does this trick lead the viewer’s eyes in a viewing direction, it gives the image a certain weight for our imagination to use. Now, what can you do with that information? Try for example, putting a picture of a stop sign slightly to the left near a street. It adds a bit of drama and more often looks pleasing to the eye. It works surprisingly well, no matter how fancy (or inexpensive) your camera is.

Taking indoor pictures isn’t easy, is it? Some people wonder why, right out of the box photos taken indoors end up looking too dark or grainy. If you are shooting something like a play in the audience, I’ve got bad news for you. The picture won’t be what you imagined. Darkness + high zoom + movement = blurry subjects. Most cameras have a flash, but the distance only goes about 6-8 feet and then the light will trail off dramatically. If your subject is farther than eight feet, try to get closer or you’ll just get darkness or a blurry, grainy picture. If you can’t get closer and the subject isn’t moving, use a tripod or steady surface. You’ll get a crisp image that will look much better than if you shoot handheld.

Another favorite tip for getting a great photo of people is to look for dramatic angles or levels of depth. I always try to find a complementing background to someone’s smiling face and if the traditional portrait isn’t working, I change the height of my camera and move closer in; I can move from 12 feet to as close as three. During this time I don’t zoom in, but literally move in and get lower or higher to increase the emotional drama of the composition. It sounds complicated but it’s not and it works better than expected. Just move around and keep clicking that camera until your memory card is full, then pick your favorites when you are done. That’s the beauty of digital photography.

I’ll be back with more tips in the months ahead. Happy photo hunting!

January Weekend, 2009

2009-01-10T21:50:00.000-08:00

I've been all over the spectrum of life these last few weeks. Since I last wrote, Derick has come back from Texas adventures with Sambo and Jes and Brianna. We went to Corpus Christi after new Years in San Antonio and slept on the beach! But that was last week and since then I've been really busy in a positive way.... go over to my flickr site if you can and see some other fun pictures from myself, and for some of Sam's pictures from our Texas trip, go here :)

I created this little beauty of a logo for a tattoo company run by a lovely ladyfriend I know in Texas. She invinted this fantastic ink that only lasts for six months and I think it's going to be a big hit.

Also....
I perform in Murder mysteries, namely the Ultimate Murder Mystery; at least for a few more months until I leave for that show in Branson I'm doing. James Fields is a very cool dude and I greatly enjoy working with him and his ridiculously talented actors. In an effort to kick a few more tickets for his shows I created a new website for him, I hope you enjoy the work I put into it. We took some fun pictures and I used the lovely Samantha Woodruff as the murderer/ghost for the website imagery in a CSI-whacky Columbo theme.

www.ultimatemurdermystery.com

If you've never experienced the show I highly suggest you do so before I leave!

I also wrote a fun article for a newsletter that I think will also appear in the Official TPS mag that get circulated around bookstores and the like. Anyway, I'll post that maybe tomorrow. That's enought for one night! I just got out of a fun UMM show tonight so I'm going to bed soon...

Sunday I get to see Sambo in Shades of Grey! Cheers all