Michael Verdi

Life's Lens

Welcome to my wonderful city.

I had never heard of BarCampTeexas until now…

Matt Herzberger

I will tell u that was a great place to crash. Even though I didnt get to meet my host.

Thanks Kevin
-Matt

Erica

Thanks for the BCT plug Michael Send me your phone number…I need to chat with you about some stuff

ryanne

you’ve been ReVlogged, biatch.

Vernus Caesar

i don’t know about this michael guy but Rebecca makes sense.Sure, he’s smart, right, and aware but Rebecca rocks! Well, she’s right and smart too! (does a comma belong there?)If i was smarter i would say it in betteer form. But… Rebecca rocks!!! she’s cool and open. As is Michael. But he confuses me with his focused sensibilties. While I believe he is great(because he is) I find Rebecca’s delivery more genuine. I want to get Mike in a headlock until he gives me a kiss because he loves – much to his distress. It sucks lovong a stupid guy. In all truthm these are the most brilliant and caring people i know. While their art is great, which it is (and before it’s time), have dinner with them. It is like Paris circa Hemingway without a passport. I grew up with both of them. And while I explored and was unavailabnle, they realized, stayed put, and expanded the world we know. Mike was my best friend and I let him down, I was not smart enough to know what he spoke of. Together, we are blessed to have such enlightened people. They have moved me to success.And, in all places Texas. Rebecca didn’t have a problem because she is a hottie. Moronic jock-types picked on Mike,. But Michael is too passionate to be quelled. If I had to describe him: He is Frank sinatra without swagger, He is Bono without a hit record. Great and big, talking capital letters. Scratch that. he speaks as a friend to everyone, not in capital letters. He speaks right like John the Baptist. He is not the second coming. He is not Da Vinci. If there is a heaven, he is the clouds. His greatness is his ability to make you want to believe and his art is the doorway.The last thiung you will see in this world is art and confusion – but what will truly make you calm is Mike. When I die, and if life is art, which it isn’t, I want my best friend, Michael Verdi next to me(I still look out for you like I promised your Dad – some of us has to keep tradition) Even when you don’t believe, it’s okay to be you. Ergo, more so like God. He never brags (so everyone else has to – and they do gladly). I do. Even if he never makes a piece or treatment. The best part is talking to him. That is the great art you experience. His art is good. He is great. I’ve never known a human being who just “is” and is great at it. I almost feel sorry for Rebecca. Actually, I do. Mike is the perfect, smart, loving human being. As is Rebecca. But what can you say when you’re loved so much? That’s why I had to leave, Rebecca! Nobobody marry me standing next to Mike!

Maybe I’m biased, maybe I’m waiting to have that painting delivered (I am Mike!!!). Truth be told, the art of Michael and Rebecca is an evening. In my youth or adulthood, they are kind and caring people in the way we think of kind and caring people. I know. It’s 5 am and I haven’t talked to them in 10 years, Yet, they pick up the phone and talk to me in my drunk dial like it is Xmas and they’re expecting me for dinner. You can have art or the xpression thereof. I just need Rebecca and Mike. I guess that’s why I have that stupid look on my face whenever we get together. Or have disdain for art and intellectuals. I am one but refer to my rearing in Texas. I am impressed with these beautiful people. Anything more is less. I’m confused because they would be millionaires in Manhattan. But they are Texans. And for that, and the trouble they have absorbed, they are great. C’mon now… Texans don’t do small. I have traveled the world but nothing gets me more than people who stand strong. Not ignorantly but wisely and supportively. As I said, I traveled and made money. I’ve done well. In those childish ways, the same I use to pick on Mike and Rebecca about, they represent everything that is good and bragged about in Texas. What I am proud about being a Texan, and a man, I cannot say next to them. They stuck and do. With the little available, they made great, and that’s what a Texan is all about, Of course, in my superior physical fitness (at least visibly of what was fit), in my being a wrestler, in my idea of a hard ass and tough guy, therefore a man, I always thought I was protecting Mike and Rebecca. They were of that “Cure” outcast lot. Pretty sexy if you ask me but not so easy goi9ng against Bubba in Texas. I know with age that “balls” is wearing eyeliner like Billy Idol or any new wave group. (I only use ‘new wave’ because I know Mike will catch that.) I’ve been in many bar fights, got hacked in the back with a machete, and kick some ass. This was done drunk. Trying going to school with eyeliner sober. That takes balls.

While jocks and preps picked on him, Rebecca stood with him. They taught me why Gandhi was great, As a Texan, therefore, as a man that must be part of action, they taught me that standing still was great action. Ask any fence in Texas or any old, wise man on a porch. All the fights and trouble, Mike was more of a Texan than I. I wanted to be a big man. He showed me what a big man was. in truth, he protected me from being worthless. Because of Mike, I did not miss life or the best it has to offer. I know it’s sappy. but talk to Mike and Rebecca and you’ll get a good idea of what you been dreaming about and the reasons you should listen. They got something say. You might’ve heard it. But you ain’t listening. This is the Tao of Texas. And that’s why I wrote the book.

BTW – my joke worked. as we spoke it happened. bring your wife and kids (also my kids by oath) to see their capital. Yes, i used “al”. i’m republican, and you know your youngest will be too! she’s needs someone to talk to!

Another BTW – went by the NEA tonite thinking. your democratic programs are working. if by program you mean crack sales and guys selling bj’s for vcrs and crack. anyhoo, i do my part to support the arts. j/k. that place is dead at night. in truth, my brother Michael should not paint. Much like our youth, your power is in your writing. My 2 cents. Unfortunately for you, I’m funnier so people will believe the BS i write. Ultimately, unfortunately for me.

In the end, I’m sorry Michael and Rebecca. I’m sorry for not supporting “what if” of ideas that I cannot comprehend or took me 40 years to understand. I’m sorry for not being the best friend, understanding you, and picking on you to blend in when in reality, you were enriching my existence. That’s why I said, you must live with Mike and Rebecca. Paint or create anything you want but the best I have is spending time with you. Even so, a jerk I am, I am a keeper of moments. Who I am today, the best parts, is because y’all stuck with me when didn’t have to. That’s how I know love in this world. And yes, Michael, I am immature. You are always my friend and I will always keep my promise to your Dad to look out for you. It was really the only thing I could do even though you didn’t need it. Thanks for knowing better and making your brother’s world bigger. However, fo’ getta ‘bout it, deese guys. Always use the right ‘tool’ for the right job. I always wished your dad was mine. I was thinking about him and I just bought a nail buffer. In my jerkiness, I always listened. Tell your Dad and Joe to give me a call. As for you… ZAZZZOOOO. Or Nomar! I remember you freaking out about the Mets and cracking Eric’s dashboard. What? I’m not a jerk enough I gotta return a car with a cracked dashboard?

Anyway, got a big townhouse 45 minutes South of DC. All by myself/ let me fly you/Rebecca up and family (bring Dad and Joe too!)to do some monument viewing(monument viewing may include showing daughters a guy named Andy and who not date!)

Rebecca and Mike. I love you and miss you. I truly do, There is no I without you.