On Fridays, I’m going to introduce you to my friends–one at a time.
I’m going to do this because I believe when we are introduced to someone with words from the heart, they become a part of our community. Our community grows. Our circle of care extends.
I love meeting someone, learning about their dreams or needs and feeling into whether I have something to offer. I love connecting people. I love helping others take the next right step in their lives.
So, I’m going to introduce you to people I love. And it may inspire you. You may have something to offer. You may have a message for someone I introduce. He or she may have something to offer you. I want to offer the dance of connection. I want to grow a community that is steeped in love and inclusivity and care.
Meet Johnny Ray Meeks. He doesn’t smoke but he loves baseball. I love the picture.
The first I heard of Johnny was 10 years ago. Andrew, my husband, was in Los Angeles (why he was there I forget) and he was going to crash at his friend’s apartment. Kellynn’s boyfriend was Johnny Ray. Come on, now, Johnny Ray? Isn’t that name evocative? I was imagining a guy from the 50’s in a black leather jacket. He had to be cool. He had to be mysterious. He had to be someone I’d want to know.
I can’t remember the first time I actually met Johnny but he was all of those things. (Well, he doesn’t own a black leather jacket that I know of). But he’s cool and quiet and I ALWAYS wonder what he’s ACTUALLY thinking. And I’m ALWAYS sure it’s something insightful and keen and funny and fascinating. And I often think that if he just said what I’m sure he’s thinking he might just save the day or have invaluable advice for how I should be living my life.
But Johnny is humble and careful with his words. And he’s the guy at the party that grills fabulous food, feeds you well, and listens to everything you have to say. Then, you go away realizing you know absolutely nothing about what’s going on in the world of Johnny.
Now, it’s important that you know that Johnny performs and teaches Improv at Upright Citizen’s Brigade (http://www NULL.ucbcomedy NULL.com/talent/view/483/johnny-meeks) in Hollywood. He started pretty much when they opened the L.A. branch. He’s brilliant. His performance group is Sentimental Lady (http://losangeles NULL.ucbtheatre NULL.com/shows/2188) and they’ve been together for four years. Sometimes going to their performances saves my week. I laugh until I cry and then I realize I really needed to do both. And when Johnny performs though he is still the listener extraordinaire, he also has a lot to say and it’s FUNNY. And dry. And wry. And unguarded. And I love it.
Johnny also co-wrote a screen play a bunch of years ago and then made the film. And it won awards. And it’s great. It’s called Alley Ball. (http://www NULL.imdb NULL.com/title/tt0486546/) And before that, he wrote a really funny, poignant play called 7 Ages. That was one of the first things I saw that he created and I thought, “this guy is GOOD.”
Anyway, you get the picture, Johnny makes me laugh and he’s hugely talented. He also constantly –without knowing it–challenges me to cajole him out of his SILENT MAN superhero self. I’m constantly bumping up against him, cracking bad jokes, hoping to metaphorically elbow him out into the open.
Not too long ago, I wanted to develop an astrology radio show. He very kindly agreed to be my co-host for a demo. Here’s a taste – Astrology Works. We wanted to do a kind of Car talk – Love Line Astrology radio show. We had a blast making the demo and he was perfect in the role of partial skeptic- total support- funny funny funny guy. I’m still hoping some version of that comes together in the not too distant future. Just because I really want to work with Johnny.
Oh and be sure to look him up on Funny or Die. He’s done a bunch of great stuff for them. I love this one (http://www NULL.funnyordie NULL.com/videos/7edef7260e/the-kevin-bacon-movie-club-from-kevin-bacon).
And okay, I LOVE him in this commercial (http://www NULL.youtube NULL.com/watch?v=Dokm2Oy1MNQ).
I wish for Johnny unapologetic thriving, passionate summit experiences, and the quiet inner knowing that he is all the things all his friends see in him — kind, hilarious, smart and…..just about to bust through to unchartered new territory.
(http://www NULL.addthis NULL.com/bookmark NULL.php?v=250&username=heidirose)
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