Since I first wrote about Skyward, many crazy things have happened, the main thing being Glenn from Texas emerging from the mist, telling me he taped not only Skyward but Skyward Christmas, and he could send them on to me if I liked.
We all know how that turned out.
There has been recent chatter on IMDB message boards about Skyward, as well as on my posts – with people leaving comments and emailing me directly, asking if I could send them a copy. One woman said she had been an extra in Skyward Christmas when she was in high school and could I send a copy?
Clearly there is a demand, powers-that-be, for this movie to be released. Are you listening?? I know for a FACT that you are.
Glenn had said to me that a while back an associate producer of Skyward had also contacted Glenn (they had had contact before) and asked for a copy of the movie, if possible, since he didn’t own one. So – even people who worked on the film haven’t even seen the damn thing. Glenn made copies for the associate producer, sent it on.
Glenn made copies for me, sent them on.
Glenn has a life, he has a career, a family – but suddenly it’s like he’s in some Skyward-DVD-production sweatshop, with me barking over my shoulder, “BURN 15 MORE DISCS AND MAKE IT SNAPPY.”
Anyway, I got yet another request for Skyward last night – also from someone involved in the original picture, who hasn’t seen it probably since its first release. I am a Luddite, in terms of technical stuff, so I emailed Glenn, asking … uhm … could he please make two more copies of the movies and send them on? I BEGGED him to let me pay him for at least shipping and handling!
This morning, here is the email I received from Glenn in response. He launches right into it, no preamble:
Last night while lying in bed I heard what I thought was a loud clap of thunder, and saw what I thought was a brilliant flash of lightning. Strangely, as the thunder faded the light didn’t dissipate, it just kept growing in intensity to the point where the whole room was bathed in a beautiful white light. Being startled, I sat up and immediately began wondering why this bright light wasn’t hurting my eyes!
Suddenly, while bathed in this illumination, a warm feeling came over me and there was a very strong ‘love’ presence permeating the room. I looked over at my wife and she was sound asleep; at that point, I began to wonder if I had died and was headed toward heaven! I wasn’t scared in the least, it was as if this feeling was very familiar, something that I had maybe once experienced in a former time. It felt comfortable and nurturing.
Just as I started to relax in this feeling, there was a loud sound like a blast from a trumpet! All of a sudden I saw an image of a man coming toward me from where the light was emanating. As ‘the man’ moved toward me the feeling of love just intensified tremendously! I couldn’t believe it!
Now standing there right in front of me was someone who looked like my childhood perception of Jesus – long hair, beard, flowing robes, and the most precious loving smile on his face.
At this point I mustered the courage to speak. With a shaking voice, I asked Jesus, “Am I dead?”
His smile intensified in a knowing way, then he replied, “No, my child.”
I then felt very biblical and holy being in his presence, so I asked, “Well, then, what would my Lord have of me?” I was so nervous! Why would the king of the universe be visiting ME, of all people?
At this point, I will never forget the words he spoke unto me. “Glenn” he said, “I was wondering if you could get me a copy of Skyward?”
Oh! Is this what this is all about? Gee whiz! Now knowing that I had barter power with God, I asked, “Well, I’ll have to think about it. What’s in it for me?”
At that point he immediately disappeared and the room grew cold and black. Searing flames burst up from my bed and began scorching the flesh from my body……..then……BAM!……I woke up! Wow, this was all just a dream – THANK GOODNESS!
At this point I immediately realized something important. Jesus once said, “Whatever you do unto the least of these, you do unto me.” The fact that I can give you Skyward is just like me giving Jesus Skyward! And since I certainly wouldn’t ask Jesus to pay me for the privilege of helping him, then I cannot take money from you for in essence doing the same thing!
Besides, it is probably best that no money changes hands. My biggest fear is that one day you and your friends will all be having a wonderful Skyward reunion party, and I will be sitting in jail for copyright infringement!
One of the funniest emails ever. I was laughing so loud on the bus that I scared a small cowering man sitting next to me.
Seriously, though, I do want a copy.
(called over my shoulder in a loud harsh voice): YA HEAR THAT, GLENN? MY PREGNANT SISTER WANTS A COPY TOO.
How ironic, Matthew 25-31-45 was the basis of our bible study this week!
Of course, this defense isn’t going to work very well with a copyright judge-
Glenn: But, your honor, I was just trying to be a sheep instead of a goat.
Judge: Excuse me?
Glenn: A sheep, you know, when God separates us.
Judge: When God separates us?
Glenn: Yes, I’m pretty sure I’m not a goat, but by giving away these copies of Skyward, I KNOW I’m not.
Judge: You know your not a what?
Glenn: A goat… and suffer eternal damnation! Aren’t you listening?!
Judge: OOOkay, bailiff, let’s take this guy to the hospital for observation.
(If your as confused as the judge… read the above bible passage)
Oh that’s gold, it’s too bad no one I know has heard of Skyward or I would make “it’s like giving Jesus a copy of Skyward!” a running thing so fast.
Jessica – HAHAHAHA yes, it is the newest catchphrase – hahahaha – only dammit, no one has heard of Skyward.
Can you imagine the brou-haha on this blog – with its readers alone – if Skyward was ever released on DVD??
Glenn = genius! lol
Sheila, have you seen the trailer for the Mysteries of Pittsburgh film yet? I have to warn you if you haven’t seen it yet…they seem to have made some changes. Only minor things. Like, say, getting rid of Arthur altogether. And making Jane the main female character. Y’know. Routine adaptation stuff.
ARGH.
#8 & 11 for search listing of SKYWARD DVD
lol
Having been seven months pregnant (twice), I say GET THE PREGNANT WOMAN A COPY.
You don’t want to know what will happen if you don’t. Trust me.
This is the best. email. ever!
I am howling!
I was walking through my library yesterday and it was quiet…not many people around and I stopped and looked at the catalog computer. Suddenly, I felt this strange sensation come over me and I found myself typing in the keyword search “Gilstrap” and then “Skyward”.
I don’t know what I was looking for but a I felt a sense of loss when it asked me if I meant “Skywalker” or offered me author “John Gilstrap” instead.
Look what you’ve done to us, Sheila!
Catherine – so weird you would ask that. Mitchell and I (he’s my good friend) were just chatting about it yesterday! Yes, I have seen it.
I remain unconvinced yet also curious!!
And yes – Glenn – genius!!
The funniest thing is that the joke really hit me like a ton of bricks – believe it or not, I did not see it coming. I thought he was truly sharing a religious experience he had, and I had a moment (I’m not even kidding) of feeling really flattered that he would share it with me.
So the joke was then even BETTER.
Lisa – ha!!! Jean’s shower is in a couple of weeks. Perhaps I will wrap up my copy of Skyward in nice glittery tissue paper and put it in a fancy gift bag.
The other ladies at the shower will be like – Uhm, what the hell is that gift.
De – I am absolutely dying. I have created a bunch of zombie Skyward fanatics!
Also, the image of me whooping it up with the entire cast of Skyward, not to mention all of its fans, while he sweats it out in jail …
I’m sorry. It’s killing me.
Carrie – hahahahahahaha really??
Zombie Skyward Fanatics… I guess we wander around saying “planes”?
Or “chili”?
or “Beeeen”
or “thighs”?
Glenn is so funny! I’m with JessicaR – I forgot & made a Skyward joke the other day, and the silence was deafening. I had to scurry out of there.
hahahahahahahahahaha
Meanwhile – none of you have even seen it – but at this point it doesn’t matter. You have LIVED it. I’m dying at the thought of everyone making these Skyward jokes that fall flat.
My biggest fear is that one day you and your friends will all be having a wonderful Skyward reunion party, and I will be sitting in jail for copyright infringement!
I haven’t seen Skyward (and am not asking for a copy…at this time), but if that happens I volunteer to help crash Glenn out of the pokey.
…oops, I think that should be “crush out.” It’s been a while since I read my Continental Op stories….
The thought of Our Lord asking for a copy of Skyward is brilliant.
In keeping with this, maybe none of us would need to bust Glenn out of prison – the chains will suddenly fall from him and the doors swing open, and he will run and seek refuge in Sheila’s apartment. (Acts 12:3-12)
Heh. Well played, Nightfly.
nf, hahahahaha.
Best. E-mail. Ever.