21

July 4th @ Margaritaville  (BTW- the beard is now history!)

Will Jones turns 21 today. Our little boy has grown into a fine young man. He's a loving son, an honor student, a faithful boyfriend and a caring friend. He has has always (well...MOST always!) been a joy to be around, but I have never enjoyed his company more that I do today. We are much alike in so many ways. We share passions for music, movies and grand romantic gestures. We are of one mind when it comes to the politics of the day. And we both believe there are few things in life better than a good sausage gravy!

Tonight we will celebrate this momentous occasion with a dinner with family and friends at Maggianos. It is hard to believe 21 years have passed since Will joined our family, but it is even harder to remember that there was a time before that. I could not be more proud of the man he has become and the son he has always been. We all know that the bond between  mother and son is always special, and Will and Marilyn certainly share that unique connection. I am just so thankful to be able to say that he and I have something very special as well. I love you buddy, and can't wait to see what then next chapters of life have in store for you. Have a wonderful weekend of celebrations!!!

Dad

Will Jones- Graduate!

Will & his mom with 2 of his birthday presents from last weekend- speakers
for his turntable and a Beach Boys vinyl. That's my boy!!!

This morning at 10 o'clock my son, Will Jones, graduates with honors from St. Petersburg College, receiving his AA degree. It's great day for Will and for his girlfriend Michelle who will also walk in cap and gown today. We are very proud of them both and excited to share in the moment with them.

With all that Will has accomplished and achieved over these past years it is easy to overlook what he had to overcome to reach this point in his young life. Way back in 2007, as he entered the 7th grade, no one would have been surprised if he had just given up. Because of family moves, he was on his third school in three years. I had embarrassed and disappointed him, and we had pulled him away from some great friends and some wonderfully supportive adults. Starting over is always difficult; starting over in middle school is a nightmare. Will could have just phoned it in and done only what he had to do. Instead, he made the best of it. He found new interests, made new friends and excelled in the classroom. He won awards and broke test score records with his writing. He grew up respectful of others and with a heart for those who are less fortunate. For the past two years he has worked hard and saved a lot of money to prepare for going out on his own. His taste in music is a lot like mine- EXCELLENT!- and we have the best conversations about entertainment and life. Marilyn and I could not be happier with the young man he is today. And through it all, he has been driven by a goal. He wants to write and direct movies. He's known that since he was about 10. And he has never taken his eyes off of that prize.

So as he graduates today I see the event a bit differently than most, because deep down inside I suspect Will does too. You know in the NCAA college basketball tournament how the teams that expect to win it all never cut down the nets when they get through the regional? They celebrate a bit and then focus on their primary objective- winning it all. To me, today is just the regional for Will (and Michelle). He has bigger goals. In a month he is off to the University of Central Florida and the film school there. He will finally be doing what he has dreamed of doing all these years. There is much work to be done and he is so ready to get on with it. So while there will be a justifiable celebration at the Cheesecake Factory later today, we won't be cutting down the nets just yet. That day is still to come- along with the premier of his first film!

So please, leave notes of "congradulations" for my son here today. Let him know you are proud of him just as we are. But just as importantly, get ready to amp up your support for his future and his pursuit of his goals. The journey does not end today. It continues on. 

Love you, buddy!

Flashback Friday: February 15, 2006

Will, Baloo Bear & Dad

The day had arrived for me to leave for a new youth pastor position in Waycross, GA- February 15, 2006.  I had taken most of my office stuff up when I had driven up a couple of weeks earlier, so this time my station wagon was packed with clothes and a few other things I would need for my six months of living alone.  Leaving was hard.  I was going to miss Marilyn and Will so much.  Plus, another complication had arisen over the previous few weeks.  My Dad had gotten very sick.  He was 71 years old and had always been one of the most vibrant and active people anyone could ever know.  He still played golf, softball and tennis. He rode his bike.  He and my Mom spent lots of time at their favorite place, Walt Disney World.  And then in the blink of an eye, he became weak and frail, and a battery of doctors could not seem to figure out why.  I had driven up to Leesburg, FL to see them a couple of days before my departure for Georgia.  Dad was in the hospital and seemed to be getting worse, and the doctors had finally decided it was a blood-based cancer that was tearing him down.  It was so sad to see him like that.

I headed out of Tampa around 10 AM and stopped at the Tampa Christian Supply to pick up a few more things that I thought I might need as I began my new adventure at Trinity UMC. I was shopping when my cell phone rang.  It was my Mom calling to tell me that my Dad had just passed away.  I was dumbstruck.  Here I was, leaving town, leaving my family behind and heading out to a new and somewhat scary place, and now my Dad- without a doubt the most important influence in my life- was gone.  My head was spinning.  I could not imagine how we were going to tell Will.  This was not just his grandfather (Paw-Paw) who had died- this was his best friend.  My 10 year-old son was hardly ready for this.  I was hardly ready for this.  I called Marilyn and told her the news and that my plans had changed.  I called Trinity UMC and told them I would not be arriving that day, or anytime that week.  All of the energy and excitement that had been building in me for this new opportunity and this new ministry was drained in one 5 minute phone call.  I was very frustrated with God's timing, and I told Him so.

My Dad had wanted to be cremated, and we honored those wishes.  Mom didn't really want to do any kind of formal service, but after some convincing she agreed to a memorial service in North Carolina that May so that all of our extended family and friends could remember my Dad, who through coaching and chaperoning youth trips had been a huge part of so many lives. I eventually made my way to Waycross on February 22nd.  My usual positive attitude, however, would lag far behind.  Instead of hitting the ground running and getting off to a flying start, my energy would now be invested in just trying to survive and advance.  Fortunately, even when we doubt, even when we are frustrated, even when we feel all alone- God is faithful.  

As I remember my Dad today (hard to believe he's been gone 7 years already) I think of the amazing relationship he had with my son Will.  A couple of years back I put together this little slide show of pictures of the two of them, set to Steven Curtis Chapman's Remembering You.  Will actually sang this song at the memorial service.  I can think of no better way to celebrate Dad's memory than with pictures of he and Will. I hope it will give each of you a small glimpse into the joy and vigor of a great man. Today- just like every other day- I miss you Dad.  Have a great weekend, everyone.

Because of Jesus,

An Ornament Story: Baby Will

Today's featured ornament really requires no story. So I suppose this is a true Wordless Wednesday.  This ornament has been on our tree for 17 years, and it is still a favorite.

Merry Christmas, one and all!

The Beginning of the End

Will and one of his favorite foods- a Fazoli's breadstick!

Today my son Will goes back to school...for the last time.  He is a senior, a fact which is really just starting to sink in to my thick skull.  I know it is totally cliche, but it seems like just yesterday I was carrying a 2 month old to my office every day at the First United Methodist Church of Kissimmee while we were waiting for a spot to open in the church's child care center.  He would sleep, cry and eat in my office, or in the offices of other church employees who often kept him when I had meetings or events.  Right from the beginning, he was my boy.  But even in those days I was one of weird and rare parents who couldn't wait until the day he was a teenager.  I knew our connection would be unique at that point. And I was right.

So yesterday we shared lunch at the Hibachi Buffet.  We talked about our favorite topics, music and movies.  We cane home and watched Monty Python & the Holy Grail one more time.  I fixed Mexican Pile-Up for supper at his request.  It was a great day.

Today is a great day too.  Will begins his final year with much hope and anticipation.  He is excited for most of his classes and for his final year on the marching band drumline, where he is now a featured player as the center snare.  He has a great group of friends that will make the year something to remember.  Through all of the ups and downs of his young life, Will has always been loving to his mother and I and faithful to his God.  I am so proud of him, and excited to see what this year has to offer.  But still, when I drive him to school this morning there will be one thought in the back of my mind that I just cannot shake.  After 12 years of school, this is the beginning of the end.  I am just so thankful that I am part of a family that knows to enjoy the ride and remember that God holds the future.  Now let's get on with a wonderful year!

Because of Jesus,

7 Things: Best Movie Series

Today I am once again honored to have my 17 year old son, Will Jones, provide a guest post for this site.  I know of no one else who loves movies and the craft of film making more than Will. I know you will enjoy his take on some great movies. I was a little surprised not to see the Back to the Future or Toy Story trilogies listed. Knowing Will, I was very surprised not so see the X-Men trilogy.  But those omissions were more than made up for by his leaving off The Matrix films. :)  Enjoy Will's post.


The Dark Knight Rises hit theaters this weekend. With it, director Christopher Nolan closes out his Dark Knight trilogy in a full-blown, bombastic conclusion that Batman fans could previously only dream about. To put it bluntly, movies don't get better than this.
Christopher Nolan has always had a knack for taking you on a journey with his films, and the Dark Knight Trilogy is perhaps the most evident example of this. If you've been with the series since Batman Begins, you may very well be holding back a few tears by the time Rises' final credits roll. 


It is a true trilogy, in an almost Shakespearean sense. Batman Begins is the first act, our intro to the world of Gotham and the basis of Batman's (obviously enough) beginnings. The Dark Knight is the second act, where our hero is tested and loses not only the love of his life, but the trust of the very city he was trying to save. Leaving The Dark Knight Rises as the third and final act, bringing a close to the story of Bruce Wayne. 


In this day and age, many, many, many films get sequels. The majority of  them don't deserve them. Many movie series nowadays are chosen... poorly (See Transformers or Twilight). It used to be that sequels were only made if the first film was not only great, but made sequels necessary to tell the full story. Dark Knight is a call back to those times when films were made not just for cash, but for artistic integrity. Here are some great examples of the exact kinds of movie series I'm talking about, some of my absolute favorites.


7.The Bourne Trilogy:
A true film trilogy that grows and strengthens itself with each film. The first one is great, but by the time you reach the third film, Ultimatum, the series has completely outdone itself. Great trilogy.


6.The James Cameron Terminator films
Terminator and Terminator 2. The true Terminator series ended after T2, when original director James Cameron stepped away from the series. Subsequent films(T3, Salvation) weren't bad, its just that the first two Terminator films tell an incredible story that ends with the final scenes of T2. 


5. The first two Alien movies(and Prometheus)
Okay, I have no excuse here, I just like to pretend that Alien 3 and 4 didn't happen. The first two films (Alien and Aliens) are two of the greatest sci-fi films of all time. Aliens completely wraps up the story these two originals told, thus allowing me to pretend that it was the final film. I will throw in an honorable mention to the superbly-crafted Prometheus, and include it in the series.


4.The Orignial Indiana Jones trilogy
Indiana Jones has to be the coolest action hero of all time. And the original trilogy is a collection of three of the greatest action/adventure films ever. 


3.The Dark Knight trilogy
In case you couldn't tell, I love these movies. Christopher Nolan is the boss of current film making and he's crafted one of the greatest trilogies of all time. Easily.


2.Star Wars trilogy
Yes, I mean the original. Not to say that the prequels were bad; actually Revenge Of the Sith is brilliant. But the original three tell the story of the Rebel Alliance and how it overcame the Empire to restore balance to the force and... yeah they're THE science fiction trilogy.


1.Lord of the Rings
Talk about phenomenal. This trilogy of films totals up to be somewhere around 9 hours of film, and it's all incredible. What Peter Jackson did was take one of the great literary trilogies of all time and turn it into one of the most iconic film trilogies of all time. Masterful.


So there you have it- I'd love to hear what you think I left out and which ones you totally disagree with.  Thanks for reading.


Will Jones

2011 Summer Movies Picks

By now most of you are aware that Will (my 15 year old son ) and I love to watch movies together.  We enjoy arguing about our favorites. guessing which movies will do well at the box office, and looking forward to all of the summer blockbusters.  There are always a ton of summer movies to choose from, but here are our lists of the ones that we are most excited about for 2011.  We'd love to hear what you are thinking as well.  We'd also love to hear your thoughts on Thor if you've seen it already, because we haven't! Here we go:

UPDATE:  05/07/11- 1:22 PM EDT- We just saw THOR, and it rocked! 4 out of 5 stars!

Will's List
1) Harry Potter & Deathly Hallows, Part 2
2) Tree of Life
3) Captain America
4) Super 8
5) Green Lantern

Carl's List
1) Green Lantern
2) Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows, Part 2
3) Cowboys & Aliens
4) Cars 2
5) Pirates of the Caribbean 4- On Stranger Tides

That's what we say.  What say you?  Have a great weekend and a blessed Mother's Day!

Guest Blog: The Next Big Thing

My guest blogger today is my 15 year old son, Will (pictured).  He is an award winning writer and I am glad to have him share with you today. And the answer is NO- with the exceptions of MCR and Switchfoot I have no idea who these bands are!  I hope you enjoy this change of pace...
Hey everybody. I am taking over for the day, contaminating the blog with all things shiny.  Anyway, I’m gonna talk to you today about 97x Next Big Thing, a rock concert event that took place on Sunday of this past weekend. I was one of the thousands in attendance for the show, so I’ll give you a play by play of the 14-hour long event.

The gates opened at 10 AM and we all filed in to see two local bands on the second stage.  Set it Off and Not Tonight Josephine were both fairly good and got everybody ready for the real deal. The first band to rear its head was American Bang, a new hippie style rock band with ferocious guitars shredding through their set in the vein of good old fashioned southern rock. The frontman’s voice was somewhat drowned out by the instruments, but it really wasn’t important as the guitars and drums ripped through the crowd anyway.

Next up was Finger Eleven on the main stage, one of those bands no one thinks they know, but in reality you’ve heard at least one of their songs on the radio at one point or another. There set was enjoyable, if not the most energetic, and they played the two songs that I knew, so I was happy.

Then came Neon Trees, a new band whose massive hit single Animal is ruling the airwaves right now. They emerged on the second stage and despite initial technical difficulties the lead singer, Tyler, owned the crowd within minutes. With his incredible vocals, mike spins, jokes and theatricality, Neon was immediately a standout best of the day-so-far to me and my group. Tyler even went so far as to call out audience members who began to leave after Animal was belted out- in his own unique hysterical way.

Switchfoot (the biggest name so far) was then on the main stage. Switchfoot has been around for a few years now, and it shows, in a good way. They not only executed hit songs such as Meant to Live and The Sound with precision, but also definitely got the crowd into it, with Jon Foreman entering the crowd for a full two songs of the set.

Next on the second stage was the hard rock group A Day to Remember. This was definitely the set with the most moshes so far of the day, considering that they are basically a scream-o band. Not exactly my cup of joe, but it was a good, fast paced set and they were definitely pumped to be here.

The new group founded and produced by Randy Jackson, Paper Tongues, was up next on the main stage. Lead singer Aswan North emerged in all leather and owned the stage, reminiscent of a very young Freddie Mercury. He was very crowd friendly and interactive and able to hit notes that others there couldn’t even dream of. The highlight of the set came with their hit single Get Higher, when Aswan told us all that their bassist had just had a relative die and that it was our heavenly mission to reach said relative by breaking the sound barrier.  EPIC.

Against Me! was next, but sorry, I missed out on their set.  The Dirty Heads, reggae rockers were up next. In my humble opinion, they sucked. It was only reggae for one song, the rest was white rap that would make Vanilla Ice cringe.

Then came Sick Puppies, rock regulars at NBT. I know their name may make you laugh, but they are actually quite the talented group with a wide range of song types. They definitely got the crowd going in the amphitheater and considering that from here on out, all bets were off, they kicked the second half of the day off with the bang.

They were followed by Cage the Elephant. I knew a few of their songs going in and thought they could do very well. I very much enjoyed their set, but it was only because of how awful it was. The lead singer was clearly tripping on something. The entire set I couldn’t make out a single word, much less even find a song I recognized. He fell of the stage at one point and seemed to be having seizures the entire time, screeching into the microphone.

Next was Chevelle, a finely tuned alternative band that was very enjoyable with a good set list. At this point, the pit, where I was, was pushing forward so much that my group couldn’t really move the whole set. However, the NBT regulars were a very solid act and extremely enjoyable.  The Black Keys emerged next and offered a much needed change of pace. The two man band made up of a drummer and a singing guitarist put out a psychedelic, mellow kind of show that wasn’t well-received by some of the wilder audience members- but I loved it. They definitely earned the Grammys they are currently nominated for.

Then came the time the world was waiting for. Just from looking around hours ago, at 10 AM. It was clear who the thousands had really come to see. From their killjoy masks and laser beams to their MCR shirts, My Chemical Romance was clearly the anticipated fan favorite, and I can’t say that I wasn’t among those super pumped for them to close out the incredible day.  My Chemical Romance entered to their brand new hit single Na Na Na… -and the second lead singer Gerard Way even appeared, the crowd was up off the floor. For the rest of the hour and a half long set, the crowd did not stop moving, jumping with every command. At times the crowd’s cheering was so loud that you could hardly hear Gerard. Thongs were thrown on stage. Fan-made shirts and banners were risen all over the amphitheater. It was clear that the crowd was having the time of their life, and so was the band. Blasting through old and new hits, MCR owned the stage and owned the festival, making everything else look like an opening act in comparison.

It was an awesome day and MCR offered up a fantastical, other-worldly, amazing finale and it was well worth it to be one of the thousands packed into the amphitheater. Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Homecoming, 2010

My 15 year old son Will went to his first Homecoming Dance this past Saturday night.  He went with a beautiful young lady (I know her name, but I won't use it in this blog to protect her privacy from my thousands hundreds tens of readers.  She doesn't know me at all) and had a marvelous time.  But as I mentioned in my Saturday post (see Saturday Shout Outs!), when the day started things were a bit up in the air.  I thought today I would share a little of his adventure with you.

Will had been telling us all week that they were going out to eat before the dance.  He didn't know who they were going with, where they were going or how they would get there, but they were going. The dance was being held at a student center at the University of South Florida, which is nowhere near his school or our house. So plans needed to be made.  Friday night at the football game they didn't make any plans, so when he got up Saturday morning he began texting friends to see what was going on.  He soon discovered that his date could not go out to dinner- her parents would bring her directly to the dance. So that was that.  Marilyn would take Will to the dance, and it would not be complicated.

Then about 3 PM Will received a text from his date saying she had heard from his friend Chris that Will was going with some people to Kobe, a Japanese Steakhouse.  Will had no idea what she was talking about.  Chris has been known to over-promise and plan things that never happen, so Will called him to see what was actually going on.  Indeed, a group was going to Kobe, and Chris wanted Will to go.  For reasons we still don't really understand, suddenly Will's date was available for dinner.  So plans were finalized.  She would meet Will at Kobe.  They would eat, and then Marilyn (Super Mom!) would pick them up and take them to the dance.  I love it when a plan comes together. 

They went in to Kobe, where Chris and the rest of the group already had a table- with no room for anyone else.  Chris, who had started this entire fiasco, claimed he didn't know that Will and his date were coming.  Eventually it was all sorted out and they all got to sit together.  Marilyn picked them up, drove them to the dance, and then 4 hours later returned to pick them up.   Only Will's date was already gone- her parents had picked her up a few minutes earlier.  He said he had a blast and that they had danced all night (apparently not needing to fake a knee injury as I always did in such situations), along with many of their friends.  And that is the story of Will's first big date.

Why do I share all of this with you today, dear readers?  Simply to remind us all of something that I have never once forgotten, from the time I was a teenager through all of my years working with them.  A truth that never changes.  And here it is:  Being a teenager is HARD!  Even with 25 different ways (everything except actually talking to each other; that seems to be taboo!) to communicate, they can't.  Everything is life or death.  And you never know who you can count on. It may not seem like it is so tough now that we face serious adult issues, but when you are that age nothing seems more difficult.  Never forget that.  I'll see you tomorrow as we head back to Dungannon and Work Tour 2000.

Because of Jesus,

7 Things: Summer Movies 2010

Hi. I'm Will Jones, Carl's son. My dad, the usual writer of this blog, asked me if I wanted to be guest blogger for a day. I figured worse could be asked from me, so here I am. I'm a fifteen year old guy and I hope to one day be a filmmaker. I enjoy movies quite a bit, and this summer has been full of great and not so great movies. But here, we like to think positively most of the time so here's my list of the seven greatest movies of the summer.  I have also seen Ironman 2, McGruber, Grown Ups and Get Him To the Greek- but they didn't make my list.  Your opinion may differ- I am sure my dad's does!  Leave your comments and let me know what you think.

7. Prince of Persia
This "swords and sandals" epic from May, starring Jake Gyllenhal was not a huge summer blockbuster, but it did well enough that I'm betting it's not the last time we see Jake beating the crap out of Ben Kingsley. Movies based on video games normally don't get me too excited, but POP was surprisingly both funny and bold. With a bit of a Pirates feel to it, and Alfred Molina in his best role in years, this is one film that certainly deserves a sequel.

6. The A-Team
I was not around for the '80s when Mr. T ruled the television airwaves. However, from what I've heard of the show, it was just flat out fun. This is something that the film adaption takes to heart, seeing as it is one of the funnest film going experiences I've ever had. The A-list cast(no pun intended) including Bradley Cooper, Liam Neeson, Jessica Biel, and Shartlo Copley, does a fantastic job just seeming like they're having a ball. Copley, of District 9 fame, especially deserves credit for being absolutely hysterical and believable as Howling Mad Murdock. one of the more under-rated films of the summer, I suggest to all, go out and rent it or buy it when it hits DVD. I promise you will not be disappointed. The action is incredible, especially the climaxing battle. If you don't like that final fight scene, you honestly just must not like movies.

5. Predators
Again, not around for the '80s, but I have seen the original Predator film. I could sit here quoting Arnold for hours, however, that's not what you're here for. The new installment, Predators is an adrenaline shot straight to the jugular. Robert Rodriguez, of Sin City fame, produces and wrote the first draft of the screenplay. His fingerprints are all over it.  Adrien Brody stars and has a terrific turn, channeling his inner Eastwood, to become a fantastic action star.  It has dialogue that keeps you on the edge of your seat for nearly two straight hours; in a Tarantino-less summer, Predators is comfort food for Tarantino's biggest fans.

4. Robin Hood
The newest take on the legendary character stars Russel Crowe and is directed by the legendary Ridley Scott.  Robin Hood is told as an origin story, something that Hollywood seems to be doing with all of it's long time characters.  The difference?  This origin story is actually interesting.  Instead of worrying about fitting it all in with the previous films, Scott does it his way and let me tell you, his way fits Robin Hood like a pair of green tights. The visuals are undeniably epic, the story is fantastic, the action is more than you could ever ask for in a summer blockbuster.  When you add that all together, you get an incredible film that I will be watching for years to come.

3. Toy Story 3
Pixar is the most talented creative team in the industry and Toy Story 3 is their masterpiece. It'll make you laugh until it hurts. It will make you wipe a few tears from your eyes. And most of all, it will return you to those years when you had your own toys that were always there for you.    P.S. Michael Keaton has his best role in years as Ken, Barbie's sole mate.

2. The Other Guys
This is a film from Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. For those who don't know, this duo has given the world Anchorman, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and Step Brothers, three of the funniest movies of the last decade. Their fourth and most recent collaboration, The Other Guys certainly does not disappoint. This is an extremely funny film that will have you rolling out your seat with laughter. Mark Wahlberg joins the bunch as Ferrell's police partner, and truly does hold his own against Ferrell. The beauty of it all? Wahlberg is really just playing his character from The Departed minus the accent and a little bit more blunt. On top of all the hilarity, the action scenes are not done as if it's a comedy. They are better than most in this summer's big action productions.
P.S. Another Michael Keaton role for the books.

1. Inception
Christopher Nolan's latest is something that everyone has heard of by now. I saw it opening weekend and was blown away. The story is pure genius. I don't want to give away the plot, and I don't think I could if I wanted too. It is certainly a movie that makes you think. It is also a movie that nearly demands repeat viewings in order to sort out what all was just put in front of you in the two and a half hour run time. Certainly deserving of the Oscar buzz it's getting, Inception is not only the greatest of the year so far, it is in my own personal top ten list of all time.  Maybe dad will let me share that list with you some other day.

So I hope you enjoyed this trip to the movies.  Dad will be back tomorrow.