Thursday, December 17, 2009

3rd CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE.


Hello all,
It's the time of year again to get together with friends and family, and to do our 3rd annual "DrewBQ" get together. It was 3 years ago (on the 5th day of Hannukah by the Jewish calendar) when we lost Drew, and every year around this time I like to get everyone together for a celebration of his life and the loving bonds between us that endure.

I would like to invite everyone over to my place in Topanga, aka "The Roadhouse" at 1704 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290, on Dec. 23, at 6pm. Hana will be making a big, warm pot of a tasty homemade stew which was a fave of Drew's, as well as some other homemade treats. I will whip up a batch of the spiced, hot apple cider (the "wassail" as it is called in Denmark, meaning "to your health") some of you may remember from last year. If you like, please do bring along either an hors'deurve type item or a nice beverage of some kind.

Back when we were all in high school, we used to get together at Christmas and do a friends-only gift exchange. I was aware at the time how special and cool it was, but it seems even more so when I look back on it. It formed organically into something meaningful for us. Without forcing it, we created our own tradition where we got a chance to speak some loving truths to each other.
I know I am not giving much advance notice, and not only that, but everyone is especially strapped this year I am sure, so there is no pressure to participate, but in homage to that tradition, I would like to invite you to bring a wrapped gift of any kind, valued anywhere from "sentimental value only" to no more than $30, and we will do a version of the gift exchange with whoever wants to participate - just for fun. Last year, some really cool nostalgic treasures were unearthed, and no doubt we will see some of those items make their way around the circle again.

Please pass this along to any old friends of Drew's whose contact info I may not have. I also invite you to widen the celebration a bit this year and invite other close friends who you would like to have join us, even if they never met Drew. Hana and I agree that rather than a somber occasion, Drew's memory is better honored by our getting together with friends, old and new, and celebrating this festive time of year, just as we would do if he were still with us! I know it would please him to know that although we may not get to see each other often, that he can still bring us all together.

Much love to you all and best holiday wishes,
Eric


FarWest AlmanacPO Box 605Topanga CA 90290310-455-2949http://www.farwestalmanac.com

Thursday, November 5, 2009



I only found out about Drew’s passing about 6 weeks ago. I have been wanting to add to this memorial page, and decided to celebrate his birthday by posting this picture. I had the good fortune to get to know Drew when he was a young teenager. Drew was so easy to get to know, so warm and so friendly. My own son was a young boy at the time, and typical of Drew, he befriended him as well. Drew, like me, loved movies, and we went to many together. He introduced me to new music. But one of the most memorable times we had was when Drew accompanied me on my first trip to NYC. We took the red eye flight. As I remember Drew listened to music and napped while I read and tried to nap. Over the weekend, with his grandfather and mom, we all went to see the Broadway production of Starlight Express. I remember Drew had that sense of awe and wonderment that allowed him to enjoy and experience the musical the way it was meant to be. I see that same emotion in Drew’s photography and that is what makes his photography so special. That night was a night of firsts for me that I got to share with Drew– first Broadway play, first limo ride, and first White Castle hamburger . The picture above was taken when we were riding the subway in New York (my first subway ride). As you see Drew is napping and I find it ironic that his website is subwaysleeper.com.

Unfortunately, I lost touch with Drew and his mom about 20 years ago and always wondered what kind of man he grew up to be. When I went to the memorial page and then to his website, I was able to get a glimpse of what a wonderful man he had grown up to be. I would have loved to tell him how pleased and proud I am of him, how beautiful his photography is, how amazing it is that he can capture raw emotion, including the pure love he had for his daughter, Nina. I won’t have that chance, but I will have my wonderful memories, and his soul lives on through this beautiful memorial website.

So Happy Birthday Drew. You were a good friend, and even though I was older and could tutor you in math, you taught me more about how to live life fully and enjoy it. As anyone can get a glimpse of in your photography, and those who have met you know, you have a gutten neshama, a good soul. May your name always be for a blessing my friend.

Love,

Ron

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Oceanside, OR September 2006



thinking of you...

Monday, March 9, 2009

Remembering The Good Times



Nina's First Christmas...Doesn't Drew look happy!