I have no idea how this released in March and I just discovered it today.

While I and everyone else was flipping out about Where the Wild Things are this winter, Spike Jonze was busy creating his first ever love-story film.

Of course, leave it to Spike Jonze to do so in the form of a short film about robots.

I honestly just finished watching this film and there is so much I could say… but you’ve really got to just see it for yourself.

It’s based on Shell Silvestein’s magical and timeless story of The Giving Tree, so as you can imagine the film is sad and hopeful and heartbreaking and inspiring all at once.

If you have a lunch break today, gather everyone around a computer, dim the lights and enjoy this together.

Go watch I’m Here. (then come back and tell me what you think.)

P.S. The soundtrack is… well……….

Over the last 600 years, Jesus’s skin has grown fairer and fairer.

(I can’t be 100% certain, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have that Michael Jackson thing)

Today it’s pretty rare to see anyone’s vision of Jesus that doesn’t look like he’s originally from Wisconsin.

I’ve always wanted to make a serious mock-umentary (is that an oxymoron?) about Jesus and his humanity.

I’m working on a client project now that has at it’s center a mission to create a dialogue around racism and its effects in order that the conversation (especially the listening) might lead to understanding for some and healing for others.

In the midst of it I’m wondering how “White Jesus” has affected those of non-Caucasian decent.

How has it affected you?

Last week Sufjan Stevens dropped this surprise new EP.

The first new music he’s released (besides the instrumental soundtrack to Sufjan’s art film The BQE) in five years.

Five years!

So, as you can imagine I was slightly excited to hear new music from my favorite artist for the first time in a half-decade.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get better, Sufjan’s label announced today that he’ll be releasing his first full-length album since 2005 this fall.

Oh man…

I’m so stoked about all this I can’t evn tpye stright.

You can stream the entire All Delighted People (or download it for a mere 5 bucks) here.

Or just listen to it right here on Strong Odors (I’m so excited I just embedded the entire thing rather than just a single track)

Last night we took our 8-yr-old daughter to her first real concert… she is a totally right-brained kid who loves art and music so I knew she’d love it and I had been looking forward to this for a really long time.

Since I’d seen Brandi Carlile last summer I knew she’d be a great first-concert experience for my daughter… and of course I was right.

The evening opened up with a pretty decent performance from The Watson Twins. I’d have to say the highlight of their show was their two covers, “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and “Just Like Heaven.”

Of course those happen to be two of my all-time-top-ten favorite songs, ones of such magnificence that I’d get emotional even if Rosie O’Donnell was performing them.

The twins did much better than Rosie would though and their Neil-Young-Cripple-Creek-Fairy take on The Cure was pretty dang cool. (check out the not-quite-as-hippie version in my playlist)

But when Brandi took the stage it was like time stopped.

The last time I’d seen her perform she was all alone. A guitar and that’s it…

This time she came with her band, which I had some trepidation about since she was so amazing without them, but my fears immediately subsided when I discovered how seamlessly they all played together. I loved how through the show they continually mixed it up, with half the songs hootenany-style and a few even without the use of microphones, amps or speakers.

Only a voice like Brandi’s could shoot straight into your soul from 50 yards away without a mic.

The fact is, if you love music… whether you’re into hip-hop or metal or country or classical… even if you’re a jazz snob… I can almost guarantee you’d love Brandi Carlile’s show.

The sound of her voice alone will almost certainly crumble the walls around your heart like Jericho.

I honestly could have left after her first song having felt totally satisfied with the experience… but I’m glad I didn’t, because one song after the other I couldn’t help but think “oh man, this is the best part,” only to find out minutes later that I was wrong.

The weirdest part of the show was the vibe of the audience. The art-center crowd sat quite silently in their seats for the entire show (except when under specific instructions from Brandi to stand up for her raucous cover of Johnny Cash’s classic “Jackson.”) clapping and woo-hooing moderately after each piece (I even got “shooshed” at one point).

However, when I accepted the atmosphere as more chamber performance than rock venue it was actually kind of cool. The lack of laser-beam stage lights and moshing kids gave it a sort-of Austin City Limits feel that was intimate and refined.

And in a very anti-rock-show way you could make out every lyric. Which honestly (besides her voice) was the highlight for me.

Recorded or live, I always lose it when she sings the line “some people get religion, some people get the truth.”

and when “Have you Ever” asks “have you ever been out walking in the snow?” you could almost hear the audience’s collective thought “uh… yeah, this is Michigan…”

but it’s her biggest hit “The Story” that always manages to strike me directly between my eyeballs, and in fact I may just adopt it as the official song of Strong Odors:

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I’ve been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don’t mean anything
When you’ve got no one to tell them to
It’s true…I was made for you

When I was 21 I was diagnosed with cancer.

Testicular cancer actually, which was kind of en vogue in 2000. Celebrities like Lance Armstrong (hardly a celebrity before his cancer) and Tom Green (remember Tom Green?) were making national headlines enduring treatments and starting a very important conversation about the risk of testicular cancer among young men.

Turns out it really isn’t so glamorous.

In a lot of cases it is treatable though. If you can catch it early.

Of course since most guys that have this type of cancer are cock-sure college age guys who (like me) are in no hurry to get their balls checked out by the part-time nurse at the free clinic, it quite often goes undetected longer than it should.

My diagnosis and first surgery did kind of add to my celebrity around college. Whereas before I went pretty much undetected, I could now be recognized as “cancer boy.”

Unfortunately I graduated a couple weeks later and was never able to really use my new-found fame to take over the entire school…. or the world.

After a summer of chemotherapy, my doctor assured me that my chances of living cancer-free were really good. Something like a 98% of testicular cancer patients live cancer-free after that first series of treatments.

So each month or year that I went in for a regular checkup, I never felt anything other than complete confidence that everything was o.k.

During this time a lot of friends and family would say how amazed they were at my attitude and faith. They’d ask me what I was learning through the experience and I’d rattle off some systematic answer about God’s sovereignty and control in my life, etc., etc.

The truth is that I wasn’t learning much at all.

I was just staying alive. (hah  hah  hah  hah… stayin alive)

I went to my treatments, went home, felt sick for a while and tried to act like I was perfectly healthy.

I don’t think I was necessarily in denial. I was just really young, able to physically handle the treatments well and mentally unable to really understand the severity of the situation.

As I approached the landmark 5-years of remission (you know, the point they tell you means you’re “home free”), I knew something was wrong.

I was in that 2% where they all but promise you’ll never be.

Never again would I approach a checkup with confidence. I was on the bad end of the statistics.

And when the standard treatments for my new case didn’t do the job, I was in the 2% of that 2%.

Which is not a very comforting place to live.

But it’s not bad.

Because in that 2% is where I really started to learn some things.

That life is short. That we’re all dying (some just more rapidly than others).

and how important it is to Live Now. (and enjoy every sandwich)

I faced death and my own mortality. I came to terms with the fact that I may never make it past my 40th birthday.

and even now as I may or may not be infected with the cursed disease, I have peace.

Because I’ve relinquished the lie that I have control of my own destiny.

and the lie that I know what is best for myself.

and the lie that my family could not survive without my hilarious wisecracks and dashing good looks and brilliant words of wisdom.

and the lie that the comfort and security promised in our American dream can fulfill a man.

No, real life isn’t comfortable and real adventure isn’t found in security…

It’s found in that 2%

More Cancer

If you are facing cancer and can find hope in my writing or artwork. I am honored. God is redeeming my sorrow for your sake. Check out the Cancer category and feel free to share your story with me too.

Check out Eric Smith’s inspiring project Live Now

More Self Project

Check out the entire introspective self-portrait photo illustration series. Among other things, you’ll find out about my Fonzie obsession, my golden retriever tendencies, and how I somehow managed to write about giving a dragon the finger.

(you can tell by the way I roll that I’m a ladies man, a business man – check out the remix in honor of current presidential wannabe Wyclef in the playlist)

I grew up in a particular Christian culture where it was considered sin to be angry with God. We also had no framework for Christian living that recognized sin as a part of our lives.

“Just stop sinning!” was the underlying theme. (well, that and “culture is evil”).

I don’t know if Susan Isaacs came up the provocative title for her book Angry Conversations with God: A Snarky but Authentic Spiritual Memoir, but it works. At least it worked for me.

I remember seeing an ad when the book first released and thought, “I must read that book.” It took me a couple years to finally get to it, but I’m glad I did.

The perspective is unavoidably female, which might make the book seem un-relatable for some guys (not everyone is as sensitive as me), but her struggles are universal. She battles self-worth and identity; faith and doubt; relationships and honesty; and ultimately her view of God.

I especially related to Susan’s struggles to find herself in her art. She was always so compelled to fulfill her calling and find real meaning in touching the lives of those that encountered her work along the way.

(and of course she’s totally honest about her desires to be successful too – something I have a hard time with sometimes)

Even though I’d already had plans to read her book, I was especially interested in touching base with her about this interview when I saw that her acting career had landed her on some of my all-time favorite shows like Parks and Rec, Family Ties, My Name is Earl, Quantum Leap (!), Fresh Prince and movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles (the one John Hughes classic that I unfortunately had to leave out of my recent JH poster series because I ran out of time).

When I saw she was also in one of my favorite eposodes of Seinfeld (the one with Jean-Paul and George taking the reps from Texas out on the town) I flipped.

Honestly though, it has been her writing that moved me the most. She is so honest and has come so far and so many women share her struggles with heartache and frustration and loneliness and impossible expectations that I must insist every woman I know read this book.

Tell us one of your favorite odors.

I have a very strong sense of smell. I smell rotting trash, farts, fire smoke, long before anyone else does. I can also smell good things, like honeysuckle and freesia and lavender, stronger than others. I like the smell of water on cement and sun tan lotion and peaches, because they make me think of my childhood summers. Grease on train tracks makes me think of New York City. But the most evocative smell for me, is the scent of good, strong coffee in the early morning.

What is it about that particular smell?

The smell of coffee in the morning brings on a sense of hopefulness for the day. Not just because I need coffee to wake up, but because coffee is associated with all the newness and optimism of a day not yet wasted. It goes deeper, however. When I was young, I woke up every morning to the smell of coffee; and saw  my mother in the living room, drinking coffee, reading Oswald Chambers, and praying. Coffee makes me think of Mom and what an impact she had on my spiritual life. She is 87 and has dementia, which is like Alzheimer’s. All that prayer and Bible reading went in deep. She can’t talk about much but she can talk about God. She has no adult editor left in her brain, but her soul is pure beauty. I credit the coffee.

What experience makes you feel alive?

Performing makes me feel alive, when I get to use the creativity God has given me.  I feel alive when I’m performing the show based on my book. It’s funny and painful. I love when the audience connects. Together we come to a mature acceptance of God, and of “Life on Life’s terms.” I feel even more alive when I get to talk to people afterward and they share their own hopes and pain. That’s when you realize that doing art, you’re just getting out of the way and letting God use the art to reach other people. It becomes bigger than you or your own work. I also really love hanging out with my husband; whether it’s going on a bike rides or a road trip or reading books together at night. When I get to the end of my life, I won’t remember the accomplishments. I’ll remember the moments with him.

What fears do you have?

I’m most afraid of not doing the things God has asked me to do: whether it’s completing a book or doing a show I know he has for me to do; or loving my husband they way he’s asked me to do; or loving the people God has put in my life to love. All day long we get these little nudges in the back of our head. Just a fleeting thought that drifts over the transom of our minds. And so often we ignore them, or put them aside to do later.

I am terribly afraid of missing those important moments.  My dear kitty died suddenly. She was 13 years old, and  was my best buddy all those years I was alone. I didn’t have the time to tell her goodbye, to love her or let her know how much she had meant to me.  Imagine if a good human friend or my husband died suddenly.  I can’t miss those nudges any more.

What have you learned about yourself over the past year?

Not everyone gets my sense of humor, on or off stage. I spent many years procrastinating, but when I get myself into a commitment I can’t back out of, I can do the work very well. But I still procrastinate. I need deadlines. I am selfish to the core.

Get married and you will find out what a rat you really are. The best way to get that selfishness out of you, is to live with someone and see yourself through their eyes. Marriage is school for heaven.

I loved my cat a lot more than I realized in the day to day.

Are you working on anything cool right now?

I’m working on the proposal for Book Two: Racy Conversations with God about Singleness, Intimacy, and the Clusterfuzzle of Christian Dating. Also, I’m going on tour with the amazing Anne Jackson, to promote her new book: “Permission To Speak Freely.” It’s Post Secrets Meets the Church. Anne got people to send artwork with secrets they are afraid to talk about in church. It’s going to be a really freeing book. It’s like that adage: you’re only as sick as your secrets.

Do you find your creative work a spiritual experience? In what way?

ABSOLUTELY YES. When I am really being obedient and doing the work God has given me to do, I feel less like a creator and more like a conduit. Like I’m just a lightning rod and God is striking me with his light and energy. I’m just the messenger, not the message. Sometimes I have to get off my chair and on my knees, thanking God for letting me participate in what he is doing.

What tunes have you been hooked on lately?

The Killers – “Human;” Imogen Heap – “Hide and Seek;” The Shins, The Daylights, Christy Nockels, Robbie Seay, Gordon Lightfoot, The Beatles LOVE album. And always, anything by the late, great Mark Heard.

More Susan Isaacs

• Susan’s website
• Susan’s Blog
• Follow Susan on Twitter

More Strong Odors

• Follow on Twitter
• Facebook
• The complete Odorifous interview series
• Check out my Illustration, Design and Production portfolio

Anytime genres clash I get excited.

Mixing classical music with rock & roll isn’t anything new, but I’ve never heard it done quite like this.

Lost in the Trees new album has been my new obsession for the past few weeks now and I’m sure will stay that way at least until next summer.

The songs are written from that diaphanous place between heartbreak and new life, consistently wavering from despair to hopefulness.

Sadness reigns through most the lyric, but it is the music that reminds us… the future just might be better, or o.k. at least, or even (if you’re lucky)… good.

I could especially relate to “For Leah and Chloe”

Pains made me who I am

But I don’t want your pity please

I’ve learned more than I could share

I healed my heart

On a walk in the dark

And the loves made me who I am

Don’t be afraid you’ve hurt me

I’m stronger than you think

I healed my heart

Let in glow in the dark

And through this life

I’ve learned to love

What I’ve become

I’ve learned to love

What I’ve become

We used to live in a magical place called Montana.

We were obsessed with Big Sky Brews, even though we could only afford it once in a while as a treat. It had been a half-decade since I’d had one of their finely crafted beverages, but we finally started seeing Moose Drool here in Michigan. In fact, we even found our favorite seasonal from Big Sky – Summer Honey!

We’ve already got quite a few amazing micro-brews to choose from right here in northwest lower Michigan, but I’m pretty excited about this new development.

Plus it takes me back… ah Montana…

Check for it in Burritt’s in Traverse City

Kind of hard to believe I’m nearly twice my age. If I could give my 17-year-old self some wisdom, what would it be?

1. Be a friend to the weird kids. They have much to teach you.
2. Don’t obsess about girls so much.
3. Stop pretending you don’t obsess about girls.
4. Raise more hell. Right now is your only chance.
5. Don’t wait til you’re 21 to start reading.
6. Save your sketches and writings.
7. Your friends are also struggling with porn and also terrified to talk to anyone about it. Break the ice.
8. You’ll never stop sinning. No one will. You’re totally missing the point.
9. Your parents are going to be o.k. somehow.
10. You are less o.k. than you realize. Get some help (you’re gonna have to be brave though).
11. The truth really does set you free.
12. You don’t have to be good at drawing to be a good artist.
13. God’s will isn’t a mystery. You’re living it.
14. Stop and ask directions right away.
15. Don’t take your balls for granted.
16. Riding the bench is a waste of your time.
17. Have a small adventure every day. Have big adventures regularly.
18. She’s not The One. Not even close. In fact she doesn’t even really like you that much.
19. That Looney Tunes shirt you’re saving will never be back in style, not even in an ironic way.
20. Take sports less serious. In fact, take just about everything less serious.
21. Hang onto your friends. (spoiler: you actually do this and it is pretty amazing)
22. There might actually be folks that don’t attend Calvary Baptist in heaven.
23. Being a grown-up is kind of a drag sometimes. Don’t be in such a hurry.
24. Don’t let fear get to you. The future is o.k. (and Saved by the Bell reruns are still on. aw yeah!)

This post was inspired by Andrea’s list.

Check out this rad Ben Kweller 2006-07 Tour Poster by Delicious Design League.

Looks like they still have some in their store.