Corral De La Moreria- Blanca Del Rey

My wife and I saw the real deal in Spain.

Flamenco-- As it is meant to be.

In a tavern located in the heart of Madrid there is an establishment called Corral De La Moreria . The ambiance, food, staff, and vibe is perfect. No exaggeration. It has been frequented by many celebrities and public figures over the last 50 odd years. Really great place and I whole heartedly recommend it.

I have seen Flamenco shows here in Toronto but nothing as amazing as this.

The headliner was world renowned Blanca del Rey. She was born in Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain in 1946.

Here's the thing that impacted me. Her performance was more than I expected. With every gesture and movement the audience was made to feel the music come alive.

That sounds ridiculous. But its true.

Every joy, every sorrow, every challenge and heartache, and every memory of every lover or foe she ever had was conveyed very strongly and forcefully with her flamenco movements.

I have never seen anything like that. I have never felt anything like that. Certainly not from watching any dance performance.

It was unforgettable.

In previous performances I have been accustomed to seeing "twenty something" beautiful young women move the strains of classical Spanish guitar chops. As a guy I find it relatively easy to dig that sort of thing.

Blanca del Rey brought something more.

The Importance Of A Mentor

Catchy title.

As of late I find myself to be in a reflective mood more often than usual.

Specifically, I've been thinking about how important it is to have a mentor. Regardless of whatever stage you are in your life.

Whether it is for your career, or your personal life-- having a guiding role model is crucial to your success.

How do I know that?

Through vivid and unforgettable experiences I have come to believe that if I am my only resource for unchartered terrority, I am likely in danger of making needless and foolish choices. (Yup. Been there. Done that.) Choices that could be avoided with wise counsel from someone who has been in the exact same situation. Someone who has been in the same position and who has also transcended that difficulty.

The best example to clearly illustrate this is the prize fighter.

Ultimately, he (or these days "she" too) has to enter the ring alone.

However, with a wise and experienced trainer (mentor) in the fighter's corner, there is a distinct advantage.

The prize fighter has the power of receiving significant insights, advice, and guidance that is unique AND practical from the trainer.

That is why even those athletes that are within the elite of their particular sport, those atheltes who are earning millions of dollars, utilize a trainer (mentor).

Can you imagine how ridiculous it would be for one of the Klitschko brothers to enter the ring for a heavyweight championship match sans a trainer? They would likely lose.

Here's the really interesting part though. A fighter like one of the Klitschko brothers has the talent, know how, and God given talent to win most bouts. Yet it is unthinkable to enter the arena without their trainer.

It seems to me to be a principle linked to success. Even if your not the heavyweight champ.

The other thing I realize is that your mentor is not going to do the work for you.
The prize fighter does his own pushups. His own road work. His own sparring. Not the trainer.

And, the trainer won't waste one second of his or her time if you are not committed and dedicated.

Simple.

True.

Museo De Prado

Wow. That's all I can say.

My wife and I just had the good fortune to visit Madrid Spain. And, of course, I had to visit the galleries... Specifically Prado.

Wow.

To see first hand with our own eyes the works of artists such as Titian, Reubens, and Carravaggio was an awe inspiring experence. Not to mention the many sculptures and architectural wonders that were found throughout the building.

Many of the works are familiar to me from books and internet images but to see it in person is entirely something else.

I can just imagine the artist working away at the canvas and doing his or her best to convey a sense of feeling or emotion...

Unfortunately, no photographs or videos are allowed within the museum for obvious security reasons. In a way that probably enhances the experience. We get to see the images and remember them rather in our mind than with the assistance of technology. Kinda like how they were supposed to be viewed.

Highly recommended.

Winter 2010 Torch Relay

Yes.





I am proud to be a Canadian.





The 2010 Winter Olympics Torch Relay made its way through our lovely village of Bolton.





Man was that cool.





I was genuinely overcome with a patriotic pride when I saw the flags waving along our streets and roadways. The flaming torch had a magical impact on all who were present. It was a big deal.





And of course B105.5 fm was on hand to report on the live happenings as our mayor and local dignitaries turned up to commemorate the special day.



Watching the police escort and countless entourage with the torchbearers make their way through our town was a huge privilege.

Damn proud to be a Canuck.

Patience Derived From Paintings and Portraiture

Painting a portrait has its moments. Seriously. It takes focus, endurance, committment and most importantly patience.

Of course this is also true for anything worthwhile. However, when depicting an image that is meant to convey a true likeness of a person or persons-- it can be a real challenge.

It seems that pre-conceived ideas of how things should be doesn't necessarily match the way things actually are. I have learned this lesson many times.



This is where discipline has to rule supreme. Many times I am struck with the impulse to simply abandon the work and quit. It just ain't workin' for me. That's the easy way out. However, it is precisely at those moments where I have learned from experience to just dig my heels in deep and stay the course. The work will be finished no matter what sort of alterations or efforts are required.



Yeah.


Easier said than done.


Whether it be for a piece of art, an interpersonal relationship, or especially in a business setting, it is tough to marshall your forces in order to "keep on keeping on". It is also tough to abandon my natural prejudices and faulty paradigms based on whatever limited experience I may have.



Yet, it is wise to do so with an open mind.






Having a natural bias on how I think things should be positioned within a painting is costly (in countless hours... How do I know that?). Just surrendering to the process and truthfully depicting the images as they are rather than how I believe they should be is a time and stress saving simplification.













The picture will reveal itself if you are patient. If you stay true to the original image it will emerge. Patience brother patience. I have come to believe that talent plays a relatively minor role in all accomplishments. Whether it be in the arts, athletics or indeed even business-- it is persistence, accurate self appraisal, and most importantly patience that is the most crucial component in ensuring success.












It's a human trait to want to abandon something if it is creating frustration, if it is getting too tough-- or it just ain't workin' the way we want it to.







I guess that's what being a grown up entails-- seeing something through to its completion. Man that takes patience...

Here's the really cool part though: If the final result (which happens more often than I care to admit) is a failure or it sucks, then I hopefully will have learned something and will come back stronger, wiser, and more resourceful.

Patience is a virtue.

Simple and Tasteful

Now that the festive season is upon us in full swing it is time to entertain guests, attend get-togethers, be merry, –and of course- eat with wild abandon. Anyone who has even a nodding acquaintance with me will assert that I’m always up for the eating part. Needless to say, food preparation is an integral part of the festivities…
This daunting task for those that are unfamiliar with the stove and kitchen need not be so cumbersome.

Take comfort. Simplicity rules supreme.

I believe cooking is very much like painting or playing music. It is an art that is most effective with greater universal appeal whenever the fundamental basics are adhered to.

Here’s a basic dish that can prepared without much fanfare and indeed even made with leftovers:

Chop up some fresh green onions, a clove of garlic, and one green pepper into bite sized pieces. Pour this with a little extra virgin olive oil into a non stick pan and slightly heat on the stove.

Grab a few slices of pre-roasted pork loin roast and place in the pan after the green peppers have been sautéed for a few minutes...

Once the meat is heated up, grab some fresh basil (preferably still attached to the roots!) and chop up to place on top of the meat.

Turn off the heat and sprinkle on some sea salt. The flavours of the meat, peppers, onions, garlic, and a touch of basil will combine perfectly for a dish that will have your guests asking for more during and after the holiday season. It’s just that simple.

Randy Couture Is Simply Amazing

Man. I watched the Couture vs Vera matchup last nite on Spike. Wow.

Regardless of the somewhat controversial judges decision-- Wow.

Dude is over 46 years old!

Randy Couture is simply amazing.

He is intelligent, articulate, a thorough gentleman, and one hell of an incredible athlete.

Oh yeah... did I mention that he is 46 years old?

The fact that he is a legitmate competitor in the sport of elite and world class MMA is impressive enough.

He is an excellent ambassador for the sport of mixed martial arts.

It just goes to show that if you work hard, maintain self discipline, take care of yourself, and show genuine respect for yourself and others, you can achieve great heights in whatever it is that you want to accomplish.

Well done Randy!