2016's Pauliday Card Officially REVEALED online!!

The time has come....
My 2016 Pauliday (Holiday) Card has officially been revealed online!! Put Adventure on your Christmas list... and blast off to the link below to see it now!!

Paul

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Twas the Night Before He Went to War

In 2013 I released my first holiday film, Everything Twas.  That same year, as an additional "bonus" piece that came from the same "world" of 'Twas' I released a fun and stylized melodramatic project meant to be reminiscent of a 1950's film called, Twas, The Night Before... He Left for War
As is sometimes the case though, I was never really happy with it.  I liked the concept and thought there was a lot of potential but just didn't feel like technically or creatively I had achieved what I wanted to.
Three years later I felt the same, so I decided to revisit the project.  I don't often like "going back" but I wanted to give this project it's do.
After speaking with editor Gareth Fient (who had also worked on the original version), I felt confident we had "new eyes" and could approach the project with enough fresh ideas but could also now technically achieve the proper and appropriate look for it.  So why not try?  Why not try and make the project I had originally set out to make in 2013.

I'm happy to report...I think we've done exactly that!  What do you think? 
Below you'll find the BRAND new 2016 project, "Twas the Night Before He Went to War" plus my Holiday films, Everything Twas and Christmas Visitations.

I hope you enjoy!  Happy Holidays!!

Paul

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Your Holiday Gift....

A big thanks to everyone who has supported me and to everyone supporting independent film and filmmakers.
Wishing you all a very Happy Holidays from What's the Alternative? Productions.

Please enjoy your holiday treat, our (now award winning) super short comedy film, 7, as it takes a one day break from the festival circuit and is available online for your enjoyment!
Hurry though, and watch it NOW... the film will ONLY be available for 24hours!!!

Paul

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ONE DAY EVENT! December 7th!

AN EARLY HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!!

We've just released a BRAND NEW TRAILER FOR THE AWARD WINNING SUPER SHORT FILM "7" to help promote our ONE DAY EVENT.... on December 7th!!

While the film is still doing the festival circuit, we thought it would be a nice holiday treat, to make it available online to enjoy for one day!

So don't miss your chance to see the film!!!!

*Facebook users be sure to RSVP to the What's The Alternative? Productions event HERE

If you haven't yet, please subscribe to my channel at www.YouTube.com/GetPaulHoward

MARK YOUR CALENDAR and see the SUPER short comedy film (FOR 1 DAY ONLY) on 12/7/16


Paul

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one more week!!

Just a week left!!

I'm sharing some of my many "Paulitical" videos that I've written, directed, and produced over the primaries and general election to countdown to election day!

PLEASE check them out (or watch again) and then be sure to LIKE and most importantly SHARE with your networks!

Today's featured video is Hillary: flip-flopping
Remember one of the reasons this election is so important is because of the continued fight for equality for ALL Americans!

PLEASE be sure to LIKE and most importantly SHARE with your networks!

Special thanks to editor Gareth Fient

Paul

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Now it's 11

Now it's 11 days that are left!!

I'm sharing some of my many "Paulitical" videos that I've written, directed, produced over the primaries and general election to countdown to election day!

PLEASE check them out (or watch again) and then be sure to LIKE and most importantly SHARE with your networks!

Today's featured video is How to Hillp- A Brotastic Tutorial (DIRECTOR'S CUT)
There are still many, MANY ways you can get involved and help the campaign... watch my video for more!

PLEASE be sure to LIKE and most importantly SHARE with your networks!

Special thanks to editor Gareth Fient

Paul

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12 days. 1 word.

12 days left!!  It's the FINAL stretch to election day!

To help you get through it (and to do some FINAL campaigning) I'm sharing some of my many "Paulitical" videos that I've written, directed, produced over the primaries and general election.

PLEASE check them out (or watch again) and then be sure to LIKE and most importantly SHARE with your networks!

Today's featured video is Hillary: in a word
What is the ONE word you would use to describe Hillary Clinton?

PLEASE be sure to LIKE and most importantly SHARE with your networks!

Special thanks to editor Gareth Fient

Paul

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Countdown to Election Day

This is it!
The FINAL stretch!
I think I speak for almost EVERY American when I say.... We're ready!!

Ready for this intense and sometimes disturbing political election season to officially be over!!

The good news?  Less then 2 weeks until Election Day. 

To help you get through it (and to do some FINAL campaigning) I'll be sharing some of my many "Paulitical" videos that I've written, directed, produced over the primaries and general election.

PLEASE check them out (or watch again) and then be sure to LIKE and most importantly SHARE with your networks!

Today's video is Enough is Enough done for the Democratic Coalition Against Trump!

Special thanks to editor Gareth Fient

Paul

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Bloopers, Bro!

Politics and Presidential Elections are serious business.  Film making is too....
No!  I'm serious!  Really, it is!  Hard work, long hours, suffering for your creative art.....come on!!
Just... um.... please pay no attention to all the laughing and fun from my latest video, How to Hillp: Bloopers, Bro made from the outtakes and bloopers of the BROS 4 HILLARY tutorial, How to Hillp

Even though this political season has gotten quite intense and quite ugly, and while I absolutely feel that electing the next President of the United States of America is extremely important, I also feel like sometimes, when life gets intense, a good laugh is always welcome.

I hope you enjoy a good chuckle by clicking the Blooper reel below and after I hope you check out the original tutorial, the director's cut, and a teaser trailer! 
Come on!  Bro out and enjoy!

Paul

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Party in the USA

I'm super excited and very proud to be able to officially share with all of you the anti Trump ad I had been working on for the Democratic Coalition Against Trump!!

The pac just released it this morning and at last count it already had over 8K views on Facebook alone!!

SO...frickin....COOL!!

Please take a minute now and check it out!

You can do so by clicking the video embedded below and be taken to my "Paulitics Playlist" on YouTube OR if you prefer, you can see the video on Facebook HERE

Once you've watched the video, if you enjoy, please be sure to like, share, and please consider donating to help STOP trump...

You can make a donation to support the Democratic Coalition Against Trump HERE

Special thanks to my amazing editor Gareth Fient who helped make this project a reality!!!!

 #nevertrump #imwithher


Paul

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In honor of the 1st Presidential Debates tonight....

In honor of the 1st Presidential Debates happening tonight....
I present to you....
First, the Teaser Trailer for my project, How to Hillp...
And then....
My just released, brand new, Director's Cut of the Brotastic How to Hillp tutorial!!

I hope you enjoy!! 
If you do... please be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and then SHARE!!

Paul

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My latest...

 "Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives." -Ronald Reagan

I'm very pleased to premiere my latest Paulitical video.... Hillary: Republican

Please watch.

Please like.

Please share.

Paul

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Not one, but TWO new vids....

On Saturday I released not one, but two brand new videos on my YouTube channel!!!

The first is a TEASER for my upcoming project called, How to Hillp.
The video is a partnership with the organization Bros4Hillary and will be a fun, sexy,  and entertaining, but also educational tutorial on some specific ways you can help support the Hillary Clinton campaign!

The second video that I released on Saturday was my newest Paulitical video in my series of "Hillary:"
This one is called Hillary: The Woman Card and specifically deals with gender inequality, women's rights, and sexism.

I hope you enjoy both and then share them!!
Thanks for your support!

Paul

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#1



#2

Lucky Number 7!

Fortune continues to shine on our super short film "7" !!

The film has now been accepted into its second film festival this week!!

So far we've submitted the film to a total of 6 film festivals, and it has been accepted to 2!!  Now THOSE are some damn good Vegas odds! ;) haha
 
While you can no longer see the film online, you can check out the teaser trailer for the film HERE

Stay tuned for more news and announcements of when and where 7 will be playing next and how you can see the film!!

Sincere thanks to the entire team!!!
Director/Editor Gareth Fient Director of Photography Marc Wiercioch Composer Erick Schroder 1st AD Rebecca Gosnell

Paul

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Hillary: in a word

I am excited to announce that I just released another "Paulitical" Video….

My new video is called, Hillary: in a word

Please take a moment to watch it now and after you do, check out my other Political Vids at the Paulitical Playlist on YouTube.

In the words of author Louisa May Alcott…
“I like good strong words... that mean something”

Thank you for your support!
 
Paul

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Proud.

I am so proud.
I know I say that quite often with all my new projects, but this time, with this project, I really truly am!

I am so proud to share this one!!

Sincere thanks to editor Gareth Fient, to Director of Photography Marc Wiercioch, to producer Ettore Giovanni Zuccarelli, and to Rance Collins and Matty Miyamoto for their help.

Also, I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank all the men who appear on camera and who were so willing to share their personal beliefs, opinions, history, and feelings. I deeply appreciate you all.

I hope you enjoy my latest political video.
Hillary: flip-flopping 

Paul

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3 things.

I have officially submitted a personal video, for a chance to “win” the opportunity to help introduce & nominate Hillary Clinton at the Democratic Convention later this month….
Yes.  Be a speaker at the Democratic Convention!!!  Cool, right?

Now getting selected has nothing to do with views or likes but I would of course appreciate your help with the following 3 things....

Will you please....

1) WATCH IT. Watch my 2 minute submission video on youtube.  Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/plxha5mGwbM?list=PLby7-6cjDqdmB51jnfAR4ZbqNzkLftHWd

2) LIKE IT.  After watching, please LIKE IT (that’s the little thumbs up just below the video). Click it!

3) MAKE A COMMENT. (that’s the area right below the video’s details) This can be a word a sentence or a paragraph.  Anything positive and supportive would be appreciated!

And that’s it!!

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR SUPPORTING ME!!

Paul

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Here’s why I think Hillary should be the Democratic Nominee:

What ONE word would you use?

I'm very proud & excited to share my new Paulitical video!!

It's called, Trump: in a word

Please check it out NOW on Youtube (link below)!
Once you do... please be sure to post your thoughts in the comment section!!

What is your ONE WORD to describe TRUMP!!??!

Paul

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7 for 7 Days ONLY!

I'm excited to announce that my newest project, 7, a super short film, is NOW available to view on my YouTube page for the next 7 days before beginning the festival circuit!!
Please be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE asap!
The film will ONLY be available for 7 days!!

Paul

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7 on 7 for 7

I'm excited to premiere my new Super Short Film, "7" on June 7th for 7 days ONLY before the film begins the film festival circuit. 
The short will ONLY be available online for 7 days though... so be sure to head over to YouTube and SUBSCRIBE to my channel so you don't miss the 7 day run of 7!!

You can even see the teaser trailer on YouTube now!!

World Premiere of "7"
June 7th to June 14th.  7 Days ONLY!!

Paul

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Deeply Personal

I have to be honest, it's a bit surreal and very strange to share this. Something so personal, so DEEPLY personal.
Ultimately, I have to share it though. No other option because the possible benefits far outweigh my personal fears of being exposed.
It is my belief that as others read and eventually share this article we will be sending out a life preserver to those hidden or completely forgotten victims. Children who grew into adults alone and filled with shame. This lifeline giving them a new voice, giving them closure, and finally giving them a community that understands and relates to them, after feeling so utterly alone for so long.
My other hope, is that by sharing my personal traumas I will help to bring awareness, understanding, and that I will educate others…. encouraging others to share.
The laws must be changed.
Our children must be prioritized and protected.
To abuse a child is not the worst thing we can do to them. No.
To neglect and ignore and allow them to carry their shame alone, that is the greatest injustice inflicted on a victim.
Please help me to start somewhere, to stop these injustices by sharing and spreading awareness.
Thank you.

Sacramento Bee Article

Paul

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Democratic, Republican, Pizza...

Which Party do YOU affiliate with?

Regardless of your answer, I'm hoping you'll take a few minutes (4:45 to be exact) to check out my new project, "Feeling the Bern?!?" that was just released to YouTube Saturday and already has over 800 views!
The video really has got something for everyone... Fun, Facts, and a whole lot of PAULITICS!

And who doesn't need a bit of that in their life?
See FEELING THE BERN?!? now by clicking HERE!!

And thanks for your vote... I mean, support....

Paul

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Things change...

Sometimes, when you do promotion for a television show BEFORE the pilot has been shot or completed... things end up changing.  This was the case with UNDERGROUND (premiering tonight on WGN).  Sony hired @ez-productions to do a publicity shoot of the entire cast, with photographer Justin Stephens that would be used to create artwork to promote the show.  At this point absolutely nothing for the series had been shot yet.  In fact, part of the coordination for EZ Productions was coordinating around hair and makeup tests for the talent.

Case in point...The amazing and talented actor Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: SVU) was originally envisioned as a long haired, gun slinger type seen in these behind the scenes photos.  This was changed and the wig was lost.

Which meant... so was the photoshoot we did!  Ah well.  It happens, and at least we got to meet the talented cast!  I’m also really glad that at least a few behind the scenes photos survived so that I could share them with you all!  The shots really did turn out amazingly!

The series premieres TONIGHT on WGN America!!

Underground is a period drama series created by Misha Green and Joe Pokaski about the Underground Railroad. Starring Aldis Hodge, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Christopher Meloni, Alano Miller, Jessica De Gouw, Amirah Vann, Renwick Scott, Marc Blucas, Mykelti Williamson, Adina Porter, Johnny Ray Gill, PJ Marshall, Theodus Crane

On February 27, 2015, WGN America gave a 10-episode straight-to-series order for the series.  The show is filmed in Baton Rouge, LA.

Paul

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Hello! It's Throwback Thursday!

The short film/music video hybrid HELLO premiered on June 25th, 2014.  It was filmed in London (to look like New York City) earlier that year.
The project was directed and edited by Gareth Fient and besides myself starred Gemma Hepworth.

I've previously written about the project and it's deeper meaning and concept (you can check out that blog entry HERE) but for this Throwback Thursday I thought it would be fun to share some more behind the scenes photos of the cast and crew and chat a bit more about the direct influences on the project.

HELLO uses Lionel Richie's iconic eighties pop song of the same name and was a concept I had had in the back of my mind for a few years.  I was always struck by the lyrics and "saw" a completely different narrative then the romanic interlude that most hear in the song.  Lionel's own music video for the song, about a professor (or is he a high school teacher?  It's sometimes hard to tell) following, watching, late night calling and basically stalking a blind student only encouraged me and the version of the song I heard and saw in my mind.



One of the main influences for HELLO's style and concept interestingly come from another eighties-rific music video, George Michael's Father Figure.



Many may not know this fun fact, since the final version of George's Father Figure music video removed most of it, but the music video's original concept was conceived as George playing a taxi driver who doubles as an obsessed fan (stalker).





Originally George was seen following a successful New York fashion model, spying on her and basically going into full on stalking mode.  The audience would have seen George stalking the high fashion model that he beds and who's seen throughout the current version of the video.
The music video's final version only has a few remaining moments of this "stalker scenario" and they can easily pass for stylized "music video moments" but if you watch the video now, with this knowledge, I guarantee you'll clearly see what was originally planned.

In HELLO we see our lead guy stalk his prey, of course, but we also see him smoke and him hang black and white photos of his obsession on his bedroom wall. Both of which are also seen in Father Figure and pay direct tribute to the eighties music video.
Another connection to Father Figure is that we see the stalker, and his prey, as a couple, in happier times.  They laugh and cuddle and walk throughout the streets of New York talking and holding one another.  The audience can potential believe that they were once together.  But just like the Father Figure video this narrative is fuzzy and a bit unclear. Were they actually a couple?  Or is it in the men's imagination?  Is it all fantasy?  What is true and what is imagined?  The questions are never really fully answered.


Filming the short film/music video was a complete joy, the cast and crew amazing, and I'm truly so happy and proud of the final cut.

Please watch (or watch again) HELLO by clicking below and be sure to check out the behind the scenes pics I have included....

Happy Throwback Thursday!!


Paul

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DEFINITION of an ARTIST

Something that DEFINES an artist, and in my opinion, separates them from the current cultural confusion of "social media popularity," "reality stars," and "famous" is a desire by the artist to use their ART in a very personal way, to tell very personal stories.

Sure, there is also a desire, in many cases, to entertain, but equally there is a desire to educate, to provoke or in the specific case of my short film/music video hybrid, boys become men, to use said art as a way to a deeper, PERSONAL understanding of my own feelings of my past, AND a cathartic release for the present and my eventual future. All the while, there is a hope that this deeply personal journey will also benefit others by inspiring and educating them!

I somehow doubt that is what Instagram or the Kardashian's, or reality shows strive for.

I'm VERY proud of this deeply personal and emotional FILM that has become all the more emotional and poignant for me with recent events and challenges in my life.

If you have a moment, I would LOVE for you to watch and then to hear your thoughts and feelings either here or via the comments section on YouTube!

Thank you for supporting my ART and for supporting ARTISTS.


Paul

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2015's SHITSTORM. 2016's FRESH START. But first, I'm going public...

I love this gif!  Besides absolutely LOVING the TV show it comes from (Blunt Talk on Starz) I thought it was also the PERFECT way to express, in a sentence, what 2015 seemed to me. 

Well, to be fair, it at least expresses part of what 2015 was for me.

Let me try and explain by starting with today, January 5th, 2016.
Safely and finally in the new year!!

I type this, on a plane, according to the TV monitor in front of me, some 11,000 miles in the air.  I’m currently on a flight to Los Angeles, from Dublin, Ireland, where I spent about a week vacationing, celebrating a dear friend’s important birthday and generally ringing in the new year.  I share this information not to brag or to boast but to illustrate, a micro example of my year.
Happening at the same time, in about 30 minutes from when I write this, my family will be paying tribute in Sacramento, California to my recently deceased Grandmother, in a celebration of life. 

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend due to previously booked travel plans and commitments I feel would be wrong to break.  While I am comfortable with the choice, and my family understands, I feel a bit of sadness and guilt for not being there.  Not because I have any unresolved issues, quite the opposite, I know my Grandmother loved me, and I know she knew I loved her.  She was an amazing woman, who was flirty, and funny, and loving, and often had a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.  She was also a fighter, and fought off (and for a long time succeed) against a cancer that kills many, many less fortunate.

She was 90 years old.

As much as it pains us sometimes, it was her time.  I understand that, and now celebrate her and the many memories I have of her in life.
No, I do not feel sadness and guilt for my Grandmother, but for the simple fact that I cannot be there to support my family, the living who are understandably all at different points in the grieving stages.  My presence would not changed that, but may have at least added a level of comfort. 

But as many things in life, this was not meant to be.

My grandmother was not the first family death of 2015 either.  A month or so prior, my Uncle, who had been battling cancer successfully for many years was also suddenly taken from us.
And while I’m happy to report that my Father, who was diagnosed with cancer in late 2014 and received treatment for the first half of 2015, is now, cancer free, I would be lying if I said that the entire process was quite traumatizing and stressful.  Besides the initial shock, and fear, you begin to prepare for the worse.  I cried many a tears over the possible loss of my father.  Things don’t have to literally happen to effect us.  Knowing they could, or there is a chance, can do enough damage.

Another major event (or more accurately, events) happening in early 2015 (February) for me and continuing all the way through into this month (almost exactly a year!) I have been facing one of the most important and challenging events of my life.  I do not say that to be dramatic but instead to illustrate the seriousness to me and for me that these events have caused.  Events, that until now, I have never publicly shared.  Only very recently have I even told many family and friends about.

I am a survivor of child abuse.

I was violently, repeatedly, and cruelly abused for years (roughly 12 years) by my day care babysitter.  As were all the other children there.  A trauma that in itself is another abuse.  To be forced, as a child, to watch other children be hurt, taunted, and attacked fills my memories almost more then the tortures I personally endured.  All done by a cruel, and again, excuse my drama, evil woman who is still currently still being allowed to run a day care and babysit.
Before you become angry though or ask how that is possible, I am happy to report that last year she was investigated by the state and the multiple claims against her, have in fact been substantiated!  The only reason she is still able to run a daycare is because she is allowed to appeal the decision, which is her right.
Later this month, in a Sacramento hearing, I, and others will face her and share our stories and hopefully solidify the investigation against her and it’s findings and she will forever, finally be stopped.  I have prepared myself, that even if things don’t go my way, I am so thankful… no, grateful for the opportunity to tell my story publicly, to stand up and face the woman I have not seen in decades, and to finally shed the traumas of being a victim and fully own that I am a survivor.  Many never get this opportunity.  I am not naive of this fact.
That is another part of why I have chosen to finally share this all, publicly.  It is in the hopes of inspiring others, to come forward and to share!
It is also deeply selfish, this confession, in that it allows me to more completely shed the guilt and shame always (in my opinion) associated with abuse of this nature.

Which brings me back to the main reason I write this.  2015, with all of it’s very personal challenges, also had amazing opportunities, accomplishments, and successes.

I visited Japan for the first time and had amazing adventures there!  I created and independently released two very personal and very different films this year.  boys become men, my short film/music video hybrid and the period drama, holiday short film, Christmas Visitations.  Christmas Visitations which in just over a month is at almost 12,000 views on YouTube.  A cool accomplishment for many, and a career best for me so far!

I celebrated an eighth year of my holiday card tradition and I traveled all over the world, to Ireland, England, Canada, and a whole slew of places in the United States.  I worked on the Sony lot for weeks (where I first saw Blunt Talk before it’s release) and was involved with Lifetime photo shoots.  I auditioned and I worked.  I ran a successful Kickstarter campaign.  I directed and I produced.  I laughed, hard.  I cried, sometimes hard too.  I was challenged.  I was often brought to my knees by the loss, the pain, the memories of the past and it’s traumas but I also kept getting up.  Even when I didn’t feel it.  Even when I didn’t think I could.  Sometimes I didn’t know why, but I did.

I had the opportunity to work on many different projects in various capacities.  Learning, growing, and fine tuning my skills as an artist, an actor, a son, a friend, a writer, a human being.

Which is what I share with you.  Life can absolutely and completely be a shitstorm!  So much annoyance, so much drama, so much negativity, so much… shit.  But, life is also a gift.  A beautiful and precious and fleeting gift. 

That cliche, about the glass being half full or half empty.  It’s so true.  It’s so right.  We decide.  How much have we lost, how much do we have.

Through a fairly traumatic 2015, a year that I have to be honest, I didn’t feel “normal” or like myself for about 80% of, I am happy to report that in the end of and now the beginning of 2016 I feel like I’ve returned, renewed, and better.  Part of that is luck, and opportunity, and the randomness of life, but a lot of it is my choice. 

So 2015… you were a handful and to be completely honest, kind of sucked…often…but I survived.
 
2016, be warned, I am better and stronger and more prepared the ever.  The past is exactly that.  Gone.  Unchangeable.  The future?  Well, the future is a gift, one in which I fully intend to accept and celebrate.

Thank you for reading.  Thank you for being a part of my adventures and thank you for your support.

Happy New Year.  Wishing you JOY, SUCCESS, HEALTH, HAPPINESS, DREAMS, and the ACHIEVEMENT of those dreams!  
Celebrate life today.  

Celebrate life every day!

Paul

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