Rodney Appreciates // ALL OF US

Since Rodney's recovery's on a fast-track he's allowed more and more visitors everyday. He's loving it.

His visiting hours are from 4pm - 8pm.
DIRECTIONS: Bellevue Hospital

Stop by and give him a hi-5
- jelsen

Life Is Always In Progress...

... my beautiful friend. The world is not ready for what you are going to do next.

My Dearest Rodney

A silly moment in Cabos. We are sending warm hugs and smiles to you from Miami. we think about you everday when we look at our calendar...celebrate yourself....you are inspiration.
thank you! love. leah & jorge

To Rodney from DesignWorks

Hey Rodney its Dave. We made this video to show you all the stuff that will be waiting for you once you get back. Get well soon man!

*p.s. I look awkward, not used to being in front of the camera!

The world thru your eyes

I wasn't able to hang out with you this weekend, so instead I thought I'd walk around the city and try to see things the way you would. And I have to thank you because you gave me the most amazing gift: I saw beauty in places I normally wouldn't have. I saw humanity in people that normally would have frustrated me. I saw a thousand precious moments that I normally would have missed. And I saw poetry on street signs. I also walked a lot slower. (tough for me to do) And smiled a lot more. (thanks to you).
-LC (the original)

Addams Family, Papi, Capetown...

Here are a few pics from old shoots. Great talking to you yesterday and I know you'll be back real soon.

Keep Fightin'

-M

3 really is the magic number...

Funny that as soon as I read Emily's post, I came across a picture of Rodney wearing this zip-up with the #3 on it. Coincidence? Hmmm. And I had to post this other picture... this one's for all the ladies out there...

Rodney, I just want you to know that I cannot wait to see what kind of things come from you through this experience. I know your work & your life & your connections with people are going to be richer for it, & I can't wait for that part to come along for you. I know it will soon. You have been taking a rest for a little while & you are just now coming back to us. Take your time & go at your own pace. We will all be here waiting for you, with big smiles on faces. 

I remember a few years back,  you said to me, "Things are about to turn around for you & I, in just a few months, you wait & see," as we had both been going through trying situations at the time. A few months went by, & you were right, things were on that upswing again for both of us. So now it's my turn to say to you, "You just wait, Rodney, in just a few months, things are going to be quite turned around for you, you just wait & see."

Oh - almost forgot. Congratulations on winning that Gold Pencil. Nice job.

Michelle Matthews

Rodney Would Appreciate // This Flashback!

tee hee. i think we were air singing, on this stage, at a closing bar (around 5am), without an audience - enthusiastically.

gotta love it,
- jelsen

blessings

Rodney, I think of you all the time. The postcard that you gave me is posted by my computer at work and I see your inspirational art work and words everywhere! I can tell you it never loses it luster to see a lithograph of yours. I excitedly text my sister no matter where I see your work whether it be Target or at the high end framing store… every time! When I saw your calendar at Barnes and Noble, patrons near me thought I had turrets syndrome, I think I yelled out loud in joy. Your success is a delight!

I feel so fortunate to have had dinner with you in the North End of Boston. Do you remember? It was a sparkling snow storm…you, Stephanie, Ali, and I had dinner, tucked in the glow of the most authentic Italian restaurant. Like it was yesterday I can remember being completely enamored by you, your stories, just how beautiful you are. I remember thinking how cool you were to write down your inspirations in a notebook or a napkin right at the moment you felt something. I had a chance to meet you and get a glimpse of your tremendous amount of character, depth, and sincerity… it’s no wonder I think so fondly of meeting you all those years ago.

Along with your loved ones and dear friends…so many feel blessed by your presence and your work. I believe that your amazing creative energy will manifest itself into healing! In the mean time, please know I am joining the masses and sending my love and hope for speedy recovery.

Love,
Lauren Dehner

smile from a new friend

dearest, superest, duperest Rodney:
i hope this little smile brings a little smile to your
face. you've been in our thoughts everyday and we wish
you a speedy recovery.
lots of love-- Aalia, Paul and Damien

The Magic Number

You & I always joke about our friendship: how can two people be such good friends, yet so different from one another? I think back to one time we were walking down the street in the Highlands (Atl) and you were talking to me about numerology. I'm sure I was rolling my eyes - though I'm in awe and respect of your creative, artistic mind (something I don't have) - numerology is not my bag and I had to chalk it up to another one of our many differences.

... A few days after your accident, while I was feeling low, anxious and scared for you, I looked at the calendar (your calendar that you gave me, actually) and a quick, sharp laugh bursted out! They say humor and sorrow go hand-in-hand, and I could not help but once again roll my eyes. Leave it to you, Rodney, to get in this accident on the 3rd! The number "3" being a hugely powerful and symbolic number - a favorite of yours and one that shows up in your art - or as Schoolhouse Rock puts it, "three is the magic number."

You know, I might become a believer after all... Sending you good energy and numbers and hugs. Emily

Brodie and Lauren's Message to Rodney

celebrate yourself...

...amongst the mall madness of christmas shopping in suburban minnesota, I came across your calendar at borders.  I was SO excited...I showed my mom and said, "this is my friend rodney's calendar!!"  I was so happy that your work was getting national attention, I just had to buy it...a christmas gift for myself.  Now, I look at it every day, next to my desk...

when neda told me about your accident, I was in shock...it seems so surreal.   I've been searching for the right words to say, but realized it's more important just to let you know that you're in my thoughts and I can't wait to see you well again.

it meant a lot to me that you came out to my birthday last year...I promise I'll return the birthday kiss this year!  Gotta show that libra love...

It's been too long....

I've thought of you many times over the years.  Matt & I finally took the plunge on St. Patty's Day 2007.  This is such a great picture of you, grabbing the bull by the horns and relishing all that life has to offer.  That's what you do... live your life to the absolute fullest.  

We should all follow your lead.

Much love,

Matt & Trish Spaulding

Something New to Conquer

I just found out today about the accident from a friend of a friend of a friend. Feels like we were just texting a few weeks ago, but when I checked, it was April. Time flies when you've got a toddler. I found this site looking for more info online.

It's incomprehensible to think of something bad happening to you. In all the years I've known you, your talent and energy and love seemed to place you in a realm far removed from everyday occurrences such as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Then all l I could think about is how you've probably already turned this experience into ideas for countless poems, paintings, and other sources of inspiration. Knowing you, a slot on Oprah and a book deal are also in the works. And suddenly I'm smiling despite myself.

Dan and I are thinking of you, and tonight you will be in all our prayers - even Owen's, who I can't wait for you to meet. It's so great to read all the posts and see how loved you are and how many people you've touched.

With love from Stephanie Dehner

haha

i know you love this one. this is the look you gave me today when you were waiting for water ;)

love u
n

I Only Remember Laughter

i thought of all the years we've known each other and all i could recall was laughter. they say that adults only laugh 15 times a day! they must of never met you. heal soon dude, we still have a whole world to inspire! i love you man.... in the most manliest way possible.

your brother

demetrious 11:11

Hey Rodney, the world is a better place today now that we've been able to see the shine in your eyes. The picture of monks I met in Asia has reminded me of the power of karma, and if there's anyone who has good things coming their way, it's you. Miss you. -L

amigo

my dear friend: you're always in my thoughts. i look around and there is always something that reminds me of you. can't wait to see you back in action, which i know will be soon. i miss you.
much love,
m

Water is better than sex...

Two nights ago I was bedside with Rodney and he was much more alert than he had been in days... THEN HE SPOKE. In a very raspy, low voice he struggled to communicate with me. I'm sure he was annoyed because I kept asking him to repeat. "Rodney, I'm sorry but I don't understand. Say it again." "Baby, I still can't hear you. Try to enunciate..." And then it came. Loud and clear. Rodney said "I'M THIRSTY!" Just to make sure it wasn't my imagination, "Rodney if you just said you're thirsty squeeze my hand." Firm squeeze.
So I ran to get the nurse who disappointingly informed me that Rodney was not allowed to drink anything yet. She also told me that patients are typically thirsty when they come out of their deep sleep. "At this point", she said "water is better than sex." His first request goes unfulfilled. [sigh]

love from tokyo

Rodney,

Doug and I got everyone together in Tokyo to wish you well. I told them how wonderful you are and the turn out was huge....

Sending you much love!
Rebekha

you crack me up...

Cheryl x

Ring!

Rodney. It's Stefan. Call me when you get this!

My cheeks hurt.

Every morning these past weeks, I've been talking to your picture on our wall,"caressed" your cheeks and blown kisses to it.
Imagine my joy when you today talked to me, caressed my cheeks and blew me a kiss. My cheeks are hurting - not from you pinching them, but from me smiling so hard all day long. Thank you, buddy

Lofty Loftin'

I don't have any pics of us so I'll paint a virtual one as clear as the images in my head. I hear the tunes from the stairwell, enter to see you as the true Master of Ceremonies. Multitaskin' in full effect. letting amateur DJ's select tunes from your vast collection (somehow, this actually works and everyone dances all night), hanging coats on an actual coatrack?!, guiding lovely ladies to the island counter bar, filling bowls of munchies, introducing fellow creative folks to eachother, and on and on....
We don't hang nearly enough. It means a lot to me when our paths cross in this crazy town and I know that will happen again soon,
J.

Rodney Would Appreciate // &

Yes he sure would.
- jelsen

luh you

I want you to know that i'm thinking of you, every day, miles away in London. There isn't a doubt in my mind that you will heal completely, and continue to inspire everyone that comes into your presence. I credit you for introducing me to law of attraction and changing my life, as i knew it, forever. We have a whole lot more laughing and dancing and scrabulous to play. Whenever you're ready.

Libra Birthdays Combined - October 07'

Rdubs! I know Ms. Land and our other fellow Libras will agree, we must do this again in 2008. The Libra combo birthday bash! That dance off, such a competition, yes, Steph did win, but it was close, so close. You've got some smooth moves Rodney. Who would have thought that the biggest dance party of 2007 would be at M & R bar?? We packed that place, the people that worked there didn't know what to do. Looking forward to a combo birthday celebration this year Rodney. Thinking of you every day. Can't wait to see you soon. -Nicole

on a role

you did good today.

don't know what you were dreaming about but you were jumpin' as if you were crashing another over seas wedding with me. which one were you dreaming about?

concrete shacks, dirty bananas, and, dwarfs with amazons,
or
mariachis, timeshares, and fake wedding bands.

i should have ordered the fish you ordered.
yummy



deep deep sleep. i watched you healing today. loved every moment. you are coming back.
strong.

love you.

Good Times in Spain

Hey Rodney--So fun to see Barcelona with you and Neda! We wish you well and can't wait for our next overseas adventure together.

Sending You Love

Rodney,

Sending you lots of love. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Get well soon my dear.

Brother from another mother...

We go way back to the good old days in ATL shawty...I have had so many laughs with you over the years and can't wait to share many many more!!! I miss you RODNEY!!!
Know that you are loved...

you are great

just know that megan, emmett & I are thinking of you. we want you to recover , feel better and come have breakfast with us again. we love you and think you are great.
with love,
H.M.E