The Moon and Sixpence

Like the character Charles Strickland, loosely based on the life of the artist Paul Gauguin in W. Somerset Maugham's The Moon and Sixpence, there comes a time when an artist must escape and live for art. After losing everything first for my leadership of a national homeland security union followed by the economic downturn what remains is only my memories and my poetry.

It is my desire to escape to a new life on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. I will write and share my love of poetry and film first by creating The Moon and Sixpence Destiny cafe offering films, reading, videoke and a place to create and be inspired (and drink). I plan to film my journey as I live in this idyllic location far from the big cities teeming with expats. In time I plan to create the Moon and Sixpence retreat for artists and writers, offering primitive seclusion for those seeking to escape to create their art.

Yes I am escaping but not giving up. I plan to live and thrive in this new place and culture and as a union believer any jobs created will be good jobs free of exploitation in a workplace that offers respect and security. A pipe dream? Maybe. But I plan to turn my loss into an opportunity and if my final days are many or few they will be lived with much writing and creating in the best tradition of artists like Gauguin.

I encourage you to read The Moon and Sixpence and my book of poetry Washington Cats. I believe it is my destiny and with your support I will live to tell the tale in written word and film. The adventure begins with you. Thank you for your support.