jewish?

Over dinner I told my father who was donning a golden Star of David medallion as heavy as was gaudy- screaming I’m Jewish- “You are not Jewish”.

Drunk as a man who drinks before showing up to a family dinner-

Mom and I are not taken back- nor are we that he proceeds to talk about himself the entire night.

Nor are we that his actions are loud and abrasive. Nor are we that he preaches loneliness… And nor are we that he sneaks aside to pay.

He’s a good man with a good heart- and his intentions are well… if he just learned to keep away from the booze.

ode to pony

Man, I was just looking over some pictures of us chilling on your roof, guitar in hand, with the sun in the sky and freedom and love in our heart and mind, we were on top of the world, there was nothing that could bring us down, not even women problems. I can’t fathom the unfucking-believable time we shared, from the mud fest train ride and Pocheon bike trip, to Taiwan and all over South America. I have never met anyone like you, it scares me man. You are an awesome friend, and I need you around me- you make me a better person and there are too many stories that I just want to keep reliving with you, honestly some of them will be told hundreds of years from now by our grandchildren and people of the people whose lives you have affected. I don’t like to think of Korea without you, I know it won’t be the same- it will be kick ass no doubt, but not the same! That was a once in a life time- and it couldn’t have been set to a clock any better than it turned out. It is far from, far from over, faith-willingly, and that we remain roamers of this great world in search of adventure and experience without letting any person’s thoughts about your remarkable life to eat at our conscious, until you want to settle down. Just to let you know, it is perfectly normal and expected of people to be jealous of your life, and it is perfectly normal for you to know that life is in your own hands and you would be stupid to do listen to people who only dream of a life like yours. As long as you always have your head on your shoulders the good energy will have you back. You are one positive dude, don’t let anything get you down- and if you ever have to talk, you know you can talk to me, YOU KNOW THAT! I know you do, anyways tell me what’s going on in your life, and hopefully we can get it on track with mine. Camping real soon!! give me a day, I’m down- except for October 8th, preseason seats to raps home opener with Jermaine and Bosh starting/ oh and it is also Yom Kippur, which I am being a bastard child and missing the family dinner for. I am a sinner- aint life sweet. Baby baby baby, get back to me soon man! 

outdated text

The bible, Torah, Koran and all other biblical texts are outdated- how do they expect us to live by a book of rules that were written during a society that is nothing like today’s. We have made astronomical advances in every field yet we are fighting and killing ourselves to live in the past.

                                                                                                Conversation w Daniel and Eric aug 6/2009

pops 55th

Hey Pops, the big 55, damnnnnn! hahaha

Ill tell you this first- you are not a number, so dont feel a number!

Ok i got that out of the way!

HAPPY FREAKIN BIRTHDAY!

I want this to be a happy, healthy, and prosporous year for you and all of your

new ventures! I hope everything you want to do starts to bloom, and is successful.

I heard a saying that we do what we want now, so that we can do what we want later!

I know you want to start being more active and i hope that you will courage up the strength

to put the past aside for good, and start grabbing hold of life.

Don't settle for anything you are not passionate about. Today is the new year in Korea, following

the chinese calendar, and let this be a new beginning for you. STart getting your healthy together,going to the doctor is the first step, start working on your business, get back into photography- go out for walks like you used to, start writing, take time for yourself, and instead of watching that extra tv show- get out there and do the things you love. 

My roomates and I have been talking lately and we both feel unfulfilled with life- we both lead amazing lives, have free time, luxuries in all aspects, a great job, beautiful house, girls, and yet we feel we are missing out on something- and that is that we are missing out on the true purpose of life, and that is to create and be a part of it all and give back, because we truly (even you- through all your ups and downs) have an amazing life. And what we thought a lot of people are in our position of wanting more- and we are let life pass, and we are comfortable- so what we have to do is create the things we love and other people will join or follow.

I watched a video of a hiphop group growing up in the gaza strip under the harshest of circumstances and they were the same as me- liked to listen to music, liked girls, partied, and joked around! So whatever you want to do in life, there are people going through the same feelings and emotions as you are right now! So dont let things get you down.

As for the speech im done! hehe i just want to say Happy Birthday and lets talk about you coming to Korea and working something out. I would love to show you around my new home town. Meet my friends, my school, my life style! It would be nice since you introduced me into this world, and taught me sports and about life and that I can show about something that ive learned along the way. Lets make this a point to start communicating more, and for both of us to start working on things that we love- and actually doing them! No more waiting for tommorow.

You want to get a gym membership and so do I. So lets get them and maybe we can have an across the world competition for fitness, or body fat loss, or anything- something to get us both motivated.

Its been a long time since we have seen each other, around 3 months now, and in the past 2 years its been even  less- so since in stuck here you gotta make your way to me! haha and it will give you a chance to go somewhere you never imagined you would.

Actually, i was telling the story of us going out east the other day and how you got arrested! That trip was great- when I get back in november, we should plan to go on another trip! Something for us both to look forward to- and it will keep us more in contact.

Anyways, I hope the doctor has good news, and that they can cure your stomach problems, and that everything will turn out for the better. I love you, have a great birthday, dont have too many brown sodas, or nasties, and we will talk soon.

Here are a couple stories I wrote along my travels that you havent seen- so maybe i can give you a little more insight to my life and the things ive seen.

LOve you and Happy Birthday

marvin myron ashkin

To his friends, he is a sports enthusiast, a printer, a photographer, a hard worker, A joker, someone to confide in and the most loving and genuine guy with a heart larger than the Grinch at the end of the movie.

To his grandchildren, he is papa. A big ol’ loveable, huggable, wet kissing, cuddly, incredibly funny man. A papa that would show up to all recitals, sports events, bday’s, and holidays with a proud smile hidden behind his camcorder. A papa that wants nothing but the best for each and every one of us- without judgement or pressure. A papa that loves sharing conversations over a Ted’s footlong, mighty taco or some duffs chicken wings

To his daughters he is dad- No…the world’s greatest dad. A dad whose love of giving is insatiable- A dad that is there at every beck and call. A dad that cast such a beam of light that he would melt all your problems away. He is a dad that gave nothing but the purest of love without having any shame. He is a dad that loved nothing more than being surrounded by his three girls.

To his wife he is a best friend. A husband that loves and keeps both a loving eye and comforting hand on at all times. He is a husband that shares a passion for travelling and warmth and casinos. He is a husband that listens, loves, and lives his life for one woman. A husband that is easy going. A husband that wouldn’t dare let anything happen to his wife.

And to me he was my papa-

A papa that caught my entire childhood on film- from missing teeth to the golf ball incident in maine .

A papa that calls me to walk him through computer programs.

A papa that shares a love for watches, photography and family with me.

A papa that is faster at poking fun at me then I am of him.

A papa that jumped at the opportunity to ride on the back of my motorcycle.

And a papa that will be holding on to me for dear life on every ride from this day forth.

Papa I want you to know that I am humbly taking on the roll of photographer and videographer of the family and hope to accomplish half the love and passion that you mastered into catching every single memory of this family. If it wasn’t for you these memories wouldn’t be able to be passed on for generations.

Lastly- I want you to know that your Ashkin legacy and love with live on forever. I will do my part the best I can by hyphenating Ashkin into my name- I just hope that I have better luck passing it on that you did with your 3 girls, but if they turn out anything like the way you raised yours than it will be all worth it.

I wrote this in the present because nothing I said or how anyone feels today has changed. You still remain the most loving, loyal, and funny husband, father, friend and papa to each and every one of us. You managed to make every one of us feel special and loved in your own little way- to where everyone here truly believes you loved THEM the most. You are in our hearts and you will live on in all of us for eternity. We are here to celebrate your life- because that’s what you did every day. You truly loved life because everyone here today was a part of it- and we always will be a part of it! We love you Papa.  Love Louis

 6 28/10

went for a ride with matt

Matt and I went for a ride today trying to stave off the hunger- we really didn’t have a destination, more of a way to keep the ol mind occupied- pulling out of the driveway a vision of pap reeled into play and to think of it- I haven’t visited him since he passed a good 2 ½ months ago- damn!! Its really been that long- I swish around the motions before spitting out the words “life doest stop for those who have lost”… and that’s the honest truth. I remember skimming the shelves at Wal-Mart for some measly chord eyes darting, ears attentive and I’ll never forget the day life ended in my mother’s screams… screams of terror- A scream that I’ll never shake.

2 ½ months… well nows the time. My mother said earlier that youre not supposed to visit the deceased on a holiday- something that I find a little unnecessary and outdated and honestly a rather twatish belief- “if anything we should visit our loved ones freely- whenever that moment bursts into our hearts that drives us- be it, holiday or not- that’s when we should visit our loved ones”.

We pulled up to the cemetery, a peaceful site- we drive into the gates as I drop the music and inch my speed- we chose to place papa in a mausoleum instead of the ground to preserve his site- so that its viewable all year round, for him and us and lastly because it was a beautiful resting place. We parked and I picked up a stone before entering- a jewish star la in place of his name- another tradition that I soon become aware of is… that names are not to be placed upon the marble slab faces of the caskets embedded into the walls until 6 months to a year following a passing- she also said it might be because we hadn’t paid our dues yet- either way matt and I stood with necks atilt both in peace having conversations with our papa. I can only imagine the images that ran through Matt's head after spending 17 years of their lives together. I at 27 have shared countless moments that have been strung together only dur to being born 1 ½ hours away- I tell him how hurt our family is and how much he is missed- though I say this without hardship because it is only because he loved with such loyalty and intensity that we are left with broken hearts and I wish him no ill. I tell him about the dilemma of my name change and that its hard to take pictures of the family and follow his legacy because pictures without him only lead to much more heartache- I place the stone on the ground at the base of the structure and leave with a joke about how the men are always the ones to fast while the women are at time hortons the second the sermon finished- that’s our family in a nutshell- a wonderful family that’s been stitched together with loved and laughter. Another family arrives to grieve so we quietly back out and walk back to my car in silence- both deep in thoughts.

We ended breaking fast at 6:01 with our ashkin tradition of kugul, tuna, quiche, bagels- gorging ourselves till our seats are replaced with couches and rumbles of hunger with grunts of pain. The night was a little solemn but the overall mood was light. I drove home from buffalo passing papa plot. I love you papa!

Sept 18/2011

message to the fam

Its been a while since we last talked,

and i know you have all been contacting me

so I thought id drop a message to fill you in these days.

I just started school up again today after the Korean new year,

It was last monday, and i ended up getting 5 days off! Not bad!

SO we took advantage of the vacation and we had a breakfast party

about 30 people showed up and we ate some awesome food!

Then I went snowboarding with the owner of this bakery, and we drove down

to this mountain called Konjiam, which is my 5th resort ive been to in Korea.

Im getting decent at boarding, still considering im a beginner.

Ive been doing a bit of hibernating this winter cause of the cold

and have watched over 40 movies in the last month! what a bum, i know ehh!

So, im looking at getting a new motorbike, so I can start cruising the countryside again,

when it gets nice. Superbowls coming up GO BILLS!!!!!!! ahhhh what a season

anyways I think im going to some superbowl party, its on at 630 am on monday morning I believe!

Nothing much is new, my new article is coming out in the magazine this week,and im going to be working on a new restaurant for the next issue. I need to find some more jobs to fill up my free time! Hopefully that will come soon.

Anyways, im sure my mom tells u everthing thats going on, so i dont want to bore you that much.

She is coming down in May I believe so i have to start planning a new trip! hehe I am pretty excited its been a while since i've been home!

I hope everyone is well, i send my love and wishes! Hope everyone stay healthy and hits it  big at the casino

We will talk soon,

Love Louis

1/29/2009

happy father day papa 2010

Imagine a world

Where all your dreams came true

You raised 3 beautiful girls

And a grandson named Lou

You golfed every day

And shot hole in ones

Each year the club pro

And hailed the chosen one

You didn’t need to work

But chose to be a printer

Family always came first

But your work never hindered

You stayed healthy and strong

And steered clear of a colostomy

We chased down Teds Hot dogs

And you never lost to me

A loving husband for nearly 55 years

Been beside your equally loving wife

Through every smile and tear

You wake each morn along the Vegas strip

Where you gorge on buffets

And avoid waitress’s tips

Every nickel you drop

Clanks in the machine

1 bar… 2 bars…

Your eyes light up with green

Can it be… Can it be…

You scream and jeer

Louder and louder

Till the 3^rd bar appears

Your face filled with smile

As nickels come roaring

I tap on your shoulder

Papa you’re snoring

You wake from your sleep

Look around and reminisce

It was just a dream

But your life is much like this

With your family all around

To celebrate your life

You’re bombarded with hugs from

Daughters, in-laws, nephews, nieces, friends and wife

HAPPY FATHERS DAY LOVE LOUIS

June 20, 2010

gotta love the nana

You make great brisket

And I love your matzah balls

I can’t wait to visit you

At  your house over the hol’s

The last drop I’ll lick it

Till the soups gone from my bowl

I love my nana

Potato latkes

By the dozen

Serve them up for

All the cousins

Apple sauce

With homemade loving

I love my nana

Kinadelach

Yeah, that’s right

Gifilta fish

That’s outa sight

rugalach

That will beat the plight

I love my nana

You’re always in the kitchen

Every holiday

Cooking and baking until the break of day

While we wait outside mouths watering

Waiting for you to say

Foods ready everyone

Now it’s time to say

Shabat

What What! (It’s Friday night)

Passover

What What! (I need some bread)

Yom Kippur

What What! (Day of Atonement)

Rosh Hashana

What What! (Happy New Year)

Hanukah

What What! (Fuck Christmas)

Sukot

What What! (Where’s the lu-lov?)

Birthdays

What What (All I need is love)

Bris

What What! (You gotta trim that penis)

Bar mitzvah

What What! (Here’s your gift sir)

Bat Mitzvah

What What! (One more time)

Anniversaries

What What! (Congratulations)

Funerals

What What! (Respect the life)

Weekdays

What What! (Just because)

Late night munchies

What What! (Were only human)

So the next time you’re hungry

And you’re about to make a samich

Put that shit down and call

Your badass motha-fucking nana’s

stew

So I jump ship in Hong Kong, and I make my way over to Korea, and I get on as a teacher at a school over there in the Seoul.

So I tell em that im an instructor and who do you think they give me?
The Dali Lama himself- the 12th son of the Lama
The flowing robes, the grace, bald... striking!

So i'm in class with him and I give him a pencil. He hauls off and writes a passage!
Good writer... the Lama! Deep, into a 10,000 word essay, right off the top of his head.

And you know what the lama says " gunga galunga.... gunga gulunglungaga"

So we finish class! And he's gonna stiff me.

So I say " Hey, Lama! How about a little something, you know, for the effort!

And he says there wont be any money, but when you die, on your death bed you will receive total consciousness!

So I got that going for me! which is nice!

And that is exactly what I am passing onto you for hanukah! Honestly, I think it's better than those bookmarks anyways!

Have a happy Hanukah, and Happy New Year

aunt donna bday

Hello A. Donna

Well you can guess the by the title its your special day.

(insert applaud)

Ok now that we have that out of the way-

I just wanted to wish you a healthy and happy

and of course wealthy year at the casino.

You have a lot to be proud of- you have a beautiful family

with one daughter in college and the other learning to drive

and you got Bruce.. I mean friggin' Bruce!!! Dont let this day

get you down about a number- you should be rejoicing life

and everything that you have done and seen and your family

who has been there by your side. You have always been a

great aunt and i wish you nothing but the best.

Ps. Dont tell aunt diane- i think i forgot to email her for her bday!!

YIPES!!!

but much love and keep on dreaming. You can do anything you

put your mind too.

Here is some words of advice I have kept very dear to me

"There is no ideal time to begin something"- meaning things

are always going to be in your way, if you want to do something

do it with all your heart and you dont need to wait for a monday to

start it"

Love from Asia

Happy Birthday