Think Different

 "Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." - Steve Jobs, 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

This is my Halloween pumpkin from two years ago. I only did this design because I couldn't figure out how to carve an iPhone.

It seemed like posting it now would be a timely, fitting tribute to Steve Jobs. I'm thinking this year I'll try carving Steve at the podium as he delivered that infamous Stanford commencement address. That might be a little tricky.

Like many, I was surprised at how sad I am over Steve Jobs' death. At first I felt silly – he's just the head of a company, after all. But then I started thinking about how the things that he created were so much a part of my life every single day and have been for the last twenty years or so, starting with my first Mac Classic that was hooked up to my black and white LaserWriter. Yes, I'm that old.

I've never used a computer other than a Mac since then, and it makes me sad to think that the man behind all of the genius that is Apple is no longer here. The company will go on, of course, but without the spark and creativity and passion that encouraged all of us to Think Different.



"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."

RIP Steve Jobs. You are already deeply missed.

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I'm walking for Eitan

It's true, I'm walking in a 5k next Saturday. And though I get winded just walking from my front door to my car, I'm willing to give it my best try for this.

Kiyomi's best friend Maya lost her brother Eitan in a fire eight months ago. At 14 Eitan became an organ donor when he donated his liver and kidneys and changed the lives of three people. This walk will honor him and will raise awareness and funds for Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.

Please donate by clicking on this link: Standing Tall For Eitan

Or, you can send a check made payable to 'Donate Life Run/Walk' to our team leader: Polly Djiji, PO Box 57949, Sherman Oaks CA 91413 by April 29, 2011. (Or, you can give a check to me if I'm going to see you before next Saturday.)

Luckily these two are on my team:



Find out more about the 5k please go to Donate Life Run/Walk or for information about organ and tissue donation visit One Legacy.

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Rising up

I'm going to try not to make this post a sad one, because if you know Kiyomi's friend Maya or her mom Polly or were fortunate enough to have seen her brother Eitan perform, you would know that they that's the last thing they would want. Polly was gracious enough to let me write about them and pass on some information, but I don't think she has ever read my blog, and when she does she might be wondering what kind of crackpot she has been entrusting her daughter to on numerous playdates and sleepovers. (Polly, I can assure you they stayed up that one time until 5am hopped up on frappuccinos and potato chips completely without my knowledge or consent.)

Kiyomi and Maya met in the fifth grade and became fast friends, and I was immediately so impressed with her – so fearless and unique. And I liked her mother Polly as well – unpretentious and honest, with the easy parenting style of someone with four children. I remember one day when Maya was at our house and she fell and hit her head. I handled it in my usual way – screaming for an ice pack, frantically grabbing the phone to call 911 and then packing my bags to turn myself in to Child Services. I finally got a hold of myself, though, and when Polly came over she just rubbed the back of Maya's head, calmly asked her if she was okay and said, "She's going to be fine. My kids have sturdy heads." Just like that! I remember being so admiring of that calmness and levelheadedness.

Two weeks ago this beautiful family lost Eitan, 14, in an early-morning fire that gutted their home. Their loss is unimaginable, but the family has handled it with such strength and grace.

Many of you have asked how you can help, and I wanted to let you know that there will be a memorial fundraiser for Eitan and his family on Sunday, August 29 at the Improv in Hollywood. Eitan was an aspiring actor and had performed in several stand-up shows for teens – there is no doubt he had talent beyond his years. You can find information on the fundraiser HERE.

In addition, donations can be sent directly to the family at this address:

Pauline Djiji
P.O. Box 57949 
Sherman Oaks CA  91413

Here's a video that Kiyomi and Maya made a few days ago. I think Eitan would have approved.



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Michael Jackson

I heard this on the radio today and almost burst into tears. I grew up listening to Michael Jackson. I don't care what anyone says, the guy was a freakin' genius when it came to songwriting. I'm going to miss him.



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tags: michael jackson | i'll be there | jackson 5

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