Sunday, June 16, 2019

Nosferatu (1922) [Silent Movie] An Artistic Masterpiece

Nosferatu is quite a masterpiece of horror which has transcended time. From the silent era up until the present day, Nosferatu relies upon artistic creativity to speak of its theme. As an unknown writer with an artistic outlook, I write to bring out the film's artistic side, filmed with hand cranked cameras. Since all the scenes had to be filmed with daylight still lingering, natural woven cloths had to be used to diffuse the sunlight. Without the use of sound, actors had to be skilled in facial and body expressions to convey the story. Makeup accentuated the personality of the character. Those hideous hands communicate utter horror for those watching. Filters played an important role for black and white films. In this movie we see sepia, pink and blue in changing scenes. Those with an artistic perspective are in awe when viewing this creatively pieced together movie. 


Thursday, July 26, 2018

A Family of Feline Friends

Samantha photographed by J.R. Frieman 
Shadow photograped by J.R. Frieman 
A simple video of a cat named Samantha premiers right here on on Janie's online journal. 
The simple truth of the matter illustrates how simple photographs are combined to make a lasting memory of Janie's cat. Janie freely shares photographs of her cats, including the two cats owned by her daughter. When Janie is fatigued, she relaxes on her bed and writes blogs. There are times during the writing process when the felines, either individually or as a twosome, threesome and even a foursome join her just to keep company. On these occasions sometimes they hint to be fed. 

Lucy photographed by J.R. Frieman 
Sadie photographed by J.R. Frieman

Sadie and Lucy, pictured here in this article, are Janie's grand_kitties. Two grey colored cats sometimes referring their fur color as blue, pose for these two shots. They have been living with Janie for more than two years now. Sadie is the active one while Lucy is more reserved. These two sister cats from the same litter are fond of Janie as Janie is fond of them. These kitties have found a home living with her. 


Shadow and Samantha are pictured above, have lived longer with Janie. They enjoy social interaction with Janie as much as the other two do. A memory of shadow when he spent his first night here went like this: Shadow was in the dining room window meowing quite loudly. Janie came to him and spoke softly to him. Her voice was very comforting. The rest of the night was pleasant to him. 
Samantha moved in a month later. She needed to settle in. As she was in the process, Shadow gently extended his paw to her. In time she was able to come out of the cage. 
These cats are for certain, a family. 


As an update both Samantha and Shadow have passed on. 







Friday, April 6, 2018

Influence and Inspiration in Writing

A View from the Past, that is my own thoughts of the past, reveal history in a personalized outlook. As a child in elementary school, my generation was witness not only to the traumatic shooting of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, we also witnessed the televised shooting of the accused assassin of  him. Live coverage, in black and white, filled the weekend television screen back in the days when there were only seven channels to select from. Now with the digital access of the internet, many more portals have opened and provided paths to explore. Witnesses who viewed the presidential parade claimed that the shots were fired from a different direction which differed considerably from the official report. The mystery still needs to be resolved fifty five years later.
Learning of this public murder in the spring of my years was an unsettling experience. To have a leader killed steals the security from a child. As I approached the door of my home on that dreadful day, my mother opened it and asked if I had heard the news. I replied with a yes to her question. Then both of us shed our tears for this fallen hero.

Memory can be compared to a Book; however it depends which chapter the reader selects. In my memory I can choose thoughts and experiences, be thee good or be thee bad, from a "rolodex" of past experiences. Their images are frozen on "film", so to speak, which I can access through thought,  including their preserved audio.  How vivid these memories can be!
A writer has the sense to pick and choose what content will appear in a story of any particular genre of choice. Any author will employ past experiences as an influence or backdrop to fiction. Other authors will not rule out research or discussion with others to enhance their short stories or novels.

Continue to Write and readers shall delight in your words typed and shared on the internet or on hardcopy.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Therapeutic and Creative Activty

Insight is golden. It is a precious find in the lives of humans. I, for one, am a seeker of this "Holy Grail". Insight leads one onto the path of discovery which includes discovering what led to the "building blocks" of inaccurate reasoning. When the individual enters psychotherapy she/he is confronted with these building blocks or might I refer to them as "stumbling blocks".
Seated Woman, J.R. Frieman
The determination to change one's outlook is not always easy since overcoming obstacles toward a more positive life requires determination. Many times change can be experienced as an ongoing process in the person's life. To overcome difficulties towards a more positive life is a wise choice. Step by step insight and analysis helps when the individual experiences setbacks. Along the path to better well being these setbacks can include negative people or a series of negative experiences which fused the stumbling blocks of negative perception; whether it be low self esteem or other misperceptions.
Reclining Woman, J.R. Frieman

One way to ease this dilemma between therapy sessions is to participate in creative activities. What has been gaining in popularity is coloring. Adult coloring books are available in some retail and online outlets. Another creative outlet is "journaling". Writing one's thoughts and feelings in a notebook or diary provides an outlet for pouring out emotions. Last but not least is exercise. Even a simple walk can ease tensions and raise those serotonin and dopamine levels. Meditation, Yoga and Ty Chi share in the relaxation process also.

Friday, January 29, 2016

Jimi Hendrix - The Man Who Can Make a Guitar Speak

The Man Who Can Make a Guitar Speak was a very talented young individual by the name of Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix possessed the gift of being exclusively extraordinaire with the handling of the guitar. This video clip presents one of many musical styles this guitarist had to offer the listening audience. The musical piece was seasoned with a jazz sound mixed in with rock. He is the front and center of this band and a "natural" when it came to guitar playing. Many had envied Jimi Hendrix's guitar riffs. His musical repertoire encompassed heavy metal, acid rock and jazz. Hendrix died at the age of 28 leaving a legacy of inspiration for those who follow in his footsteps.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

The Sound of Silence is a Deafening Whisperer

David Draiman's performance in this video is extraordinary. His breath gives rise to a different spin of the lyrics and their meaning. I, for one, was fortunate to be around when Simon and Garfunkel created a unique folk song interpretation even powerful in its own time. Native to the New York tri-state area, Paul and Art illustrated the feel of the New York streets during the time of their youthful years. The Sound of Silence was their documentary of the street scene poetically stated with the addition of a haunting melody. One cannot avoid the feeling of emotion when listening to both versions.

The black and white rendition graphically depicts both visual and auditory power; both in performance and meaning. Draiman's use and control of breathing sets the stage for his dramatic debut. His masculine voice delivers hard edge emotion, captivating the listener.