Lately my life is a string of perfect days. Blue sky... Green field... Light Breeze... Adam's on his way with food.
On the other side of the generator and the crew van, there's a crane set-up. I've been told it will be used for a shot later in the day. Past the crane and the Box truck, past the horses, I can see three figures frolicking through this gorgeous country afternoon. Two kids and a grown man.
Adam arrives with the food, fried rice with veggies and chicken lo mein. Good stuff. Always nice to see you, Adam.
About this time the trio quits playing and heads over to the table, the rest of the film-crew in tow. Everyone settles into a well deserved lunch break and conversations scatter in various directions.
There he is again, sitting alone this time, the frolicking man, eating nuts and berries out of a broken pot, wearing the expression of one who sees more than meets the eye. I am curious about a grown man who chases dreams through fields and eats berries for lunch.
photo by Leslie Foster
I've met few with such varied and exciting life experiences as the man I sit with today. He regales me with stories, challenges me with questions, blesses me with wisdom. I feel as though I've stepped into an earlier century.
He tells me how his life went from complicated to simple. He tells me stories that will be continued later. Maybe back in Los Angeles, where things move faster.
Back in Los Angeles, his name is Christopher Ackerman, actor, author, musician.
photo by Leslie Foster
Here in Collegedale, Tennessee, his name is Henry David Thoreau.
He was summoned through time from 1847 to this field by director Melody George, whose short film "Marbles With Thoreau" is in production for 2008 release.
Maybe I will have opportunities to learn more about Chris when we get back to California. I'm looking forward to it. That can wait...
Today I'm having lunch with Thoreau.
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