This weekend was really tiring for me. I worked so hard and I feel exhausted. I helped my coach with her house on Friday and Saturday, and then on Sunday I helped moved my sister into her new place.
After the work was done, though, I felt a renewed sense of energy and motivation. Things were neat, clean, and organized. I know that they are both in a good place now to start the "semester" off right.
I took that energy and applied it to my own place. Now that September is almost here, its time to "sharpen up our pencils" and get ready for the year ahead. All around us, people are preparing for "back to school". I'm joining in with them and getting ready to pound the pavement. I organized my place, from all of my writng materials, to my headshots and resumes, to interaction notebooks to important letters. If I want to move forward with my goals, its important for me to have my things neat and organized.
Its a new "school year", a new beginning. Its the perfect time to get clear on what we want to accomplish in the next few months, and devise a clear strategy for achieving those goals. Let's use these last few days of summer to get super organized and prepared for "back to school".
Jenn
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Eat Pray Love
So the other nite I went to go see "Eat Pray Love". It stars Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem. I'm watching every dollar these days but this was a must see. So I scrounged up some dollars and walked over to the theater and guess what?- it was free candy nite!! (No oreos, though.) I had read the book when it first came out and was so excited when I heard that it was being made into a film. I loved it!
I know that a lot of people have said that they dont really like the story- that "Liz" seems a bit self-indulgent and inconsiderate. But while I definitely sympathized with the husband who was left behind,(he was SOO pathetic!), I felt more inspired and motivated by Liz' choice to set out on her own and "find herself". She chose to put herself first and be happy. That was a brave thing to do. And the ironic thing is that,once she did that, thats when she found true love!!
For those of you who dont know the story, its about a woman named Liz who decides to leave her husband, her job, her family behind and just go traveling for a year. She goes to three places: Italy (Where she EATS), India (WHere she PRAYS), and Indonesia (where she finds LOVE). While most of us dont have the luxury of doing what this woman did, we can defintely learn a lot from her experiences. Thruout her travels, Liz learns about forgiveness, letting go, appreciating life, helping others, loving someone, and most of all, loving herself.
One of my favorite scenes in the film was when Liz and her friends are at a pizza parlor in Italy. Her friend wants to eat more pizza but denies herself because shes trying to lose her "muffin top". (most women know what that is). Julia then goes on to deliver this very empowering monologue about just letting go and being ourselves. About not being controlled by other peoples thoughts or opinions of us. About how we spend so much of our lives trying to please other people but in the end its us who pay the price.
I could go on and on about all of the other "messages" in the film, but that would bore you. So I'll just repeat that it was a GREAT film and if you are able to, you shoudl go out and see it. Besides, Javier BArdem is in it, what more reason do you need? :)
Jenn
I know that a lot of people have said that they dont really like the story- that "Liz" seems a bit self-indulgent and inconsiderate. But while I definitely sympathized with the husband who was left behind,(he was SOO pathetic!), I felt more inspired and motivated by Liz' choice to set out on her own and "find herself". She chose to put herself first and be happy. That was a brave thing to do. And the ironic thing is that,once she did that, thats when she found true love!!
For those of you who dont know the story, its about a woman named Liz who decides to leave her husband, her job, her family behind and just go traveling for a year. She goes to three places: Italy (Where she EATS), India (WHere she PRAYS), and Indonesia (where she finds LOVE). While most of us dont have the luxury of doing what this woman did, we can defintely learn a lot from her experiences. Thruout her travels, Liz learns about forgiveness, letting go, appreciating life, helping others, loving someone, and most of all, loving herself.
One of my favorite scenes in the film was when Liz and her friends are at a pizza parlor in Italy. Her friend wants to eat more pizza but denies herself because shes trying to lose her "muffin top". (most women know what that is). Julia then goes on to deliver this very empowering monologue about just letting go and being ourselves. About not being controlled by other peoples thoughts or opinions of us. About how we spend so much of our lives trying to please other people but in the end its us who pay the price.
I could go on and on about all of the other "messages" in the film, but that would bore you. So I'll just repeat that it was a GREAT film and if you are able to, you shoudl go out and see it. Besides, Javier BArdem is in it, what more reason do you need? :)
Jenn
Monday, August 23, 2010
Happy Monday
This morning I ran for 45 minutes. It felt great. I am really beginning to love it. I am less focused on the result and more focused on the feeling it gives me- I love the feel of my heart pounding, my deep breathing. It gives me so much energy for the rest of the day. On my lunch break I walked and then I walked home from work. I also spent some time downloading some new songs from itunes- which will hopefully keep me going on the treadmill. I cooked myself a healthy dinner and packed a healthy lunch for tomorrow.
Took care of budget stuff, scheduled my next editing session, communicated with family members, spoke to my agent. Its been a full day.
Im off to go on a date now. Cross your fingers for me.
Have you done your five things today? :)
Jenn
Took care of budget stuff, scheduled my next editing session, communicated with family members, spoke to my agent. Its been a full day.
Im off to go on a date now. Cross your fingers for me.
Have you done your five things today? :)
Jenn
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Lobster Anyone?
A few pics from recent beach trips with my sister. I have no idea how to change the date on my camera, so you'll have to just trust me on that one.
Too lazy to label each, but most of you can tell us apart by now.
And yes, we forgot the sunblock. :)
Too lazy to label each, but most of you can tell us apart by now.
And yes, we forgot the sunblock. :)
A Very Wise Yoga Teacher
Out of all of the yoga teachers that I am currently studying with, my favorite by far is my Sunday nite teacher. For the purposes of this blog, I'll call her Laura.
Laura is just so amazing. She is kind, compassionate, gentle and inspiring. Just walking into the room you feel an energy coming from her that is soothing, welcoming, and comforting. Her skill at yoga is admirable and inspiring, particularly because she is eight months pregnant! I want to be able to do what she does when I have kids!!
At the beginning of each yoga class, most teachers bring a thought or an idea to focus on during the class, or a purpose to dedicate your practice to. Tonite, Laura shared this idea with us: "It is our persistence and commitment that brings us success, not skill. When we come from a place of love and positive energy, all good things happen. So we can let go of the result, because the result will take care of itself. Just focus on showing up and doing the work, and the rest will fall into place." These words really resonated with me tonite.
I had a big disappointment this week. There was a project that I really wanted to do. I thought for sure that "it was meant to be". The director was someone who was very reputable with a lot of experience. The role was one I had done before and the play was close to my heart. I was fearless and I took bold steps and reached out. It would have been one step closer to LA. it would have opened so many doors.
It didnt happen. For whatever reason, it just didnt. And it kinda sucks. :(
The "owie" has already started to go away and I've already moved my focus to the next thing. Its the only thing I can do. Like Laura says, it is my persistence and commitment that will bring me success. If not this time, then the next one. I just have to trust and keep on moving forward.
I know the artists reading this have been where I am tonite, so I am hoping that in reading this, you too, will find comfort and strength to keep going.
Jenn
Laura is just so amazing. She is kind, compassionate, gentle and inspiring. Just walking into the room you feel an energy coming from her that is soothing, welcoming, and comforting. Her skill at yoga is admirable and inspiring, particularly because she is eight months pregnant! I want to be able to do what she does when I have kids!!
At the beginning of each yoga class, most teachers bring a thought or an idea to focus on during the class, or a purpose to dedicate your practice to. Tonite, Laura shared this idea with us: "It is our persistence and commitment that brings us success, not skill. When we come from a place of love and positive energy, all good things happen. So we can let go of the result, because the result will take care of itself. Just focus on showing up and doing the work, and the rest will fall into place." These words really resonated with me tonite.
I had a big disappointment this week. There was a project that I really wanted to do. I thought for sure that "it was meant to be". The director was someone who was very reputable with a lot of experience. The role was one I had done before and the play was close to my heart. I was fearless and I took bold steps and reached out. It would have been one step closer to LA. it would have opened so many doors.
It didnt happen. For whatever reason, it just didnt. And it kinda sucks. :(
The "owie" has already started to go away and I've already moved my focus to the next thing. Its the only thing I can do. Like Laura says, it is my persistence and commitment that will bring me success. If not this time, then the next one. I just have to trust and keep on moving forward.
I know the artists reading this have been where I am tonite, so I am hoping that in reading this, you too, will find comfort and strength to keep going.
Jenn
Thursday, August 19, 2010
UnRepeatable Me/UnrepeatableYou
So , this is as much for me as it is for you. You are unrepeatable. There is no one else like you in the entire world. You are unique and special, and you have something that nobody else has.
This has been one of those weeks where I needed to be reminded of that. Often times, especially at auditions, I can lose sight of that. I can prepare for an audition and feel confident and strong, but when I step into that room and see all of the other actors up for the same role, I am struck with self doubt. The Censor takes over and I start comparing myself to the others. I see someone younger, or older, or bigger or smaller, someone with long hair or short hair, straight or curly, and I start to think that I dont measure up. That I am all wrong and that I dont belong here.
But then the moment passes, and I remember that I am perfect, just the way I am. Nobody else can do what I do. Nobody else looks exactly like me, not even my twin sister. My voice is unique, and only I can sing my song. The quirky little things that we see as "flaws" are often the very things that make us so special.
I am hoping that tonite, you remember this too. :)
This has been one of those weeks where I needed to be reminded of that. Often times, especially at auditions, I can lose sight of that. I can prepare for an audition and feel confident and strong, but when I step into that room and see all of the other actors up for the same role, I am struck with self doubt. The Censor takes over and I start comparing myself to the others. I see someone younger, or older, or bigger or smaller, someone with long hair or short hair, straight or curly, and I start to think that I dont measure up. That I am all wrong and that I dont belong here.
But then the moment passes, and I remember that I am perfect, just the way I am. Nobody else can do what I do. Nobody else looks exactly like me, not even my twin sister. My voice is unique, and only I can sing my song. The quirky little things that we see as "flaws" are often the very things that make us so special.
I am hoping that tonite, you remember this too. :)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Taking the Road Less Travelled
I was really not feeling the gym tonite. Really. I dont know why- but all I wanted to do was go home and curl up in my bed. I wanted to turn on the tv, grab some oreos, and curl up in my bed.
But, I have goals I am trying to reach, so in the end, I ended up going. I ran for thirty minutes, and then I took a 1 hour yoga class. It felt good. I am so glad that I went. I'm always glad that I pushed myself to go. I always feel better too. Its getting there thats the hard part- once I'm there- I feel perfectly fine.
Taking "the road less travelled" is HARD sometimes. Its so much easier to do what everyone else is doing. Its hard sometimes to say NO to the party, the boy, the movie, the book...but since I am really focused on my goals- I know what I have to do.
One thing I try to do to keep myself on track is to reward myself for doing the right thing. Just a small treat to acknowledge and affirm my actions. Kinda like our teachers used to give us gold stars on our tests when we did a good job. Sometimes its a frappuccino, on good weeks a mani/pedi,or a new book....just something to keep me motivated.
So, heres to sticking to our goals and making our dreams come true!!
But, I have goals I am trying to reach, so in the end, I ended up going. I ran for thirty minutes, and then I took a 1 hour yoga class. It felt good. I am so glad that I went. I'm always glad that I pushed myself to go. I always feel better too. Its getting there thats the hard part- once I'm there- I feel perfectly fine.
Taking "the road less travelled" is HARD sometimes. Its so much easier to do what everyone else is doing. Its hard sometimes to say NO to the party, the boy, the movie, the book...but since I am really focused on my goals- I know what I have to do.
One thing I try to do to keep myself on track is to reward myself for doing the right thing. Just a small treat to acknowledge and affirm my actions. Kinda like our teachers used to give us gold stars on our tests when we did a good job. Sometimes its a frappuccino, on good weeks a mani/pedi,or a new book....just something to keep me motivated.
So, heres to sticking to our goals and making our dreams come true!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
A Scary Moment
I was walking out of a restaurant with my friend the other nite and something bad happened. We heard screaming and turned around to look and this girl on the corner was being attacked by a gang of other girls. It took us a minute to figure out what was going on- at first I just thought that they were friends in an argument. But after a second or two it became clear what was going on. We ran across the street to help her and the girls ran away. They were all wearing red tshirts which I guess is some sort of sign. I felt reallybad for the girl- she was crying hysterically. I didnt really know what to do so I was just kind of hugging her while people called the cops. Its funny how incidents like that can bring complete strangers together. Thankfully, she wasnt hurt but they took her cell phone and wallet. We waited with her until her boyfriend arrived and then went on our way.
Things like that always scare the heck out of me. That could EASILY have been me or someone close to me. The girl had just been standing there, not talking to anyone, waiting for her BF. And these girls come out of NOWHERE and just ATTACK her with PEOPLE around!! Crazy!!
I guess it was a reminder that we all need to be a little more careful nowadays. As great as our city is, there are still things we need to protect ourselves from...so tonite Im praying that the girl is ok, that the girls in the gang finds some healing and something positive to get involved in, and that all of my friends are safe.
jenn
Things like that always scare the heck out of me. That could EASILY have been me or someone close to me. The girl had just been standing there, not talking to anyone, waiting for her BF. And these girls come out of NOWHERE and just ATTACK her with PEOPLE around!! Crazy!!
I guess it was a reminder that we all need to be a little more careful nowadays. As great as our city is, there are still things we need to protect ourselves from...so tonite Im praying that the girl is ok, that the girls in the gang finds some healing and something positive to get involved in, and that all of my friends are safe.
jenn
Friday nite was one of those nites when I just felt so good! I just felt happy and peaceful and alive!! As my sister would say, "I was in my element".
I went with my friend to see another friend in a show he was in which was part of the Fringe Festival. It was in the East Village, at the Connelly Theatre. He was so good and so was the entire cast! I had such a great time seeing him act and spending time with my actor friends. I know that it meant a lot to him that I was there to support him.
The weather was perfect, everyone was out, and I got to enjoy the feel and energy of the East Village- which I hardly ever get to do anymore. I am an NYU girl, so when I was in college I spent MANY a nite there with my friends. It was nice to be back there and reminisce about my college days. And it was funny to see all of those "New to New York" kids experiencing it for the first time. I saw myself in them.
I rode the bus home with my friend and on the way we talked about our goals for the next few months and the strategies we will use to meet them. She gave me a lot of affirmation and support for what I am doing, and I tried to do the same for her. (shes an opera singer)
The next show that I hope to see is SEED, which is being produced by the Classical Theatre of Harlem. I am inspired by the playwright and by the subject matter of the play. I cant wait!
I think its really important as artists to support each other. It always blows me away when I meet actors that dont go to see shows. Its part of our job to be in the know about whats going on around us. This is our field! Seeing shows reminds us of why we do what we do. It inspires us to move forward, it stimulates our imagination, it feeds our souls. And when you are in a show, dont you want people to come see YOU? :) Besides, we live in NY **!!! City- the theatre capital of the WORLD!! Why else are we here??!!
There are tons of ways to see shows for free or for a small cost- Ive done ushering, volunteering, standing inline for $20 tix- you name it. Now, if only I could have seen Denzel in Fences, I would have been SOO happy...sigh...
What show will you go see this week?
jenn
I went with my friend to see another friend in a show he was in which was part of the Fringe Festival. It was in the East Village, at the Connelly Theatre. He was so good and so was the entire cast! I had such a great time seeing him act and spending time with my actor friends. I know that it meant a lot to him that I was there to support him.
The weather was perfect, everyone was out, and I got to enjoy the feel and energy of the East Village- which I hardly ever get to do anymore. I am an NYU girl, so when I was in college I spent MANY a nite there with my friends. It was nice to be back there and reminisce about my college days. And it was funny to see all of those "New to New York" kids experiencing it for the first time. I saw myself in them.
I rode the bus home with my friend and on the way we talked about our goals for the next few months and the strategies we will use to meet them. She gave me a lot of affirmation and support for what I am doing, and I tried to do the same for her. (shes an opera singer)
The next show that I hope to see is SEED, which is being produced by the Classical Theatre of Harlem. I am inspired by the playwright and by the subject matter of the play. I cant wait!
I think its really important as artists to support each other. It always blows me away when I meet actors that dont go to see shows. Its part of our job to be in the know about whats going on around us. This is our field! Seeing shows reminds us of why we do what we do. It inspires us to move forward, it stimulates our imagination, it feeds our souls. And when you are in a show, dont you want people to come see YOU? :) Besides, we live in NY **!!! City- the theatre capital of the WORLD!! Why else are we here??!!
There are tons of ways to see shows for free or for a small cost- Ive done ushering, volunteering, standing inline for $20 tix- you name it. Now, if only I could have seen Denzel in Fences, I would have been SOO happy...sigh...
What show will you go see this week?
jenn
Friday, August 13, 2010
Happy Friday!!
Happy Friday!!! It's Friday the 13th- feeling anything special today? :)
Last nite I went to see Inception. It was not good. I left the theatre before the movie was even over. Always nice to see Leo on screen though. He was excellent as always. I thought Joey Gordon Levitt was horribly miscast in this role...
I've added running in the morning to my workout routine. Yesterday was my first day and I ran for thirty minutes. Thought it would be hard but it wasnt- esepcially with my ipod playing my favortie tunes..the time actually went by fast. At lunch time I did yoga....
On my way now for a second day of running..have a great day....
jenn
Last nite I went to see Inception. It was not good. I left the theatre before the movie was even over. Always nice to see Leo on screen though. He was excellent as always. I thought Joey Gordon Levitt was horribly miscast in this role...
I've added running in the morning to my workout routine. Yesterday was my first day and I ran for thirty minutes. Thought it would be hard but it wasnt- esepcially with my ipod playing my favortie tunes..the time actually went by fast. At lunch time I did yoga....
On my way now for a second day of running..have a great day....
jenn
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Creating A Sense of Abundance
"Creativity flourishes with a sense of abundance. "
That's another quote from Julia Cameron. I think its a really important idea to remember. You cant work yourself to death, devote all of your spare time to helping others, deny yourself even the tiniest bit of pleasure, and still expect to be able to create.
We need to find ways to "refill the well", or put another way, to "recharge our batteries". We need to find ways of giving ourselves a sense of luxury. When we feel abundant, safe, and luxurious, we are in better positions to produce good art.
This doesnt mean having to spend a lot of money. In fact, luxury and abundance can often come from doing things that dont cost any money at all.
For me, a big one is TIME. For so long, I would work myself to death, never having a day off and CONSTANTLY doing something. I had a hard time saying "no" to requests for help or another "great opportunity". I thought this was the "right thing" to do, but it wasnt. Instead of moving me closer to my goals, it moved me further away from them. I wasnt able to put my best face forward because I was always tired and stressed. I wasnt centered and focused.
I've made a conscious decision to change that, and I feel so much better. Free time, time to think, imagine, plan, rest, play, be with family- its CRUCIAL to artistic survival.
There are a million and one little things you can do that can make you feel good. Maybe buying a pack of fresh strawberries. I love strawberries!! Taking the time to call and talk to a loved one (not just Facebooking them or texting them) but really spending time to talk . ( I am always re-energized and happy after talking with friends ) Treating yourself to some new music (Just $1.00 a song on Itunes!).
Today on my lunch break I went window shopping and bought myself a scented candle from Bath and Body Works. It was such a simple thing but it gave me such a nice feeling. The scent evokes memories of the fall when I was growing up upstate. The soft lite of the lit candle warms my apartment and relaxes me.
What things can you do this week to help make you feel abundant?
Here's a challenge- If you do spend any money, it cant be more than $5.00!! Promise?
Ok- go to it!!
jenn
That's another quote from Julia Cameron. I think its a really important idea to remember. You cant work yourself to death, devote all of your spare time to helping others, deny yourself even the tiniest bit of pleasure, and still expect to be able to create.
We need to find ways to "refill the well", or put another way, to "recharge our batteries". We need to find ways of giving ourselves a sense of luxury. When we feel abundant, safe, and luxurious, we are in better positions to produce good art.
This doesnt mean having to spend a lot of money. In fact, luxury and abundance can often come from doing things that dont cost any money at all.
For me, a big one is TIME. For so long, I would work myself to death, never having a day off and CONSTANTLY doing something. I had a hard time saying "no" to requests for help or another "great opportunity". I thought this was the "right thing" to do, but it wasnt. Instead of moving me closer to my goals, it moved me further away from them. I wasnt able to put my best face forward because I was always tired and stressed. I wasnt centered and focused.
I've made a conscious decision to change that, and I feel so much better. Free time, time to think, imagine, plan, rest, play, be with family- its CRUCIAL to artistic survival.
There are a million and one little things you can do that can make you feel good. Maybe buying a pack of fresh strawberries. I love strawberries!! Taking the time to call and talk to a loved one (not just Facebooking them or texting them) but really spending time to talk . ( I am always re-energized and happy after talking with friends ) Treating yourself to some new music (Just $1.00 a song on Itunes!).
Today on my lunch break I went window shopping and bought myself a scented candle from Bath and Body Works. It was such a simple thing but it gave me such a nice feeling. The scent evokes memories of the fall when I was growing up upstate. The soft lite of the lit candle warms my apartment and relaxes me.
What things can you do this week to help make you feel abundant?
Here's a challenge- If you do spend any money, it cant be more than $5.00!! Promise?
Ok- go to it!!
jenn
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Ouch!
My whole body aches!! Seriously. I am in so much pain.
Ive been on this major health kick for a while now and Ive been taking all sorts of intense classes at the gym. I've been varying between yoga, pilates, and cardio/flex classes. Its tough work, especially my work with the weights. My arms were literally shaking in class today. I wonder if thats normal. And I wonder when it will start to get easier. I've begun to see some definition in my arms, which is encouraging, but I know I have a while to go...
I am inspired when I see toned bodies. I want to be at my physical best. I love the way I feel when I am in shape. It gives me confidence and strength. I know I can do this.
I've also been trying to eat healthier. I pack my lunches (which also happens to save me a lot of money!) and try to make smarter choices at the vending machine.
My coach encourages us to ground ourselves in "pivotal self-care". To me, that means eating right, working out, and getting enough rest. Thats the only way we can be at our personal best, and be fully present for others. You cant be of much help to others if you are not in a good spot yourself. So, are you taking care of yourself? :)
Ive been on this major health kick for a while now and Ive been taking all sorts of intense classes at the gym. I've been varying between yoga, pilates, and cardio/flex classes. Its tough work, especially my work with the weights. My arms were literally shaking in class today. I wonder if thats normal. And I wonder when it will start to get easier. I've begun to see some definition in my arms, which is encouraging, but I know I have a while to go...
I am inspired when I see toned bodies. I want to be at my physical best. I love the way I feel when I am in shape. It gives me confidence and strength. I know I can do this.
I've also been trying to eat healthier. I pack my lunches (which also happens to save me a lot of money!) and try to make smarter choices at the vending machine.
My coach encourages us to ground ourselves in "pivotal self-care". To me, that means eating right, working out, and getting enough rest. Thats the only way we can be at our personal best, and be fully present for others. You cant be of much help to others if you are not in a good spot yourself. So, are you taking care of yourself? :)
Monday, August 9, 2010
I moved to the UES in the fall. The circumstances that brought me here were not ideal, but everyone tells me that "everything happens for a reason"... and I am feeling that maybe they are right. Nothing but positive things have happened for me since my move.
I do love it here, and one of the things I love is the new friend Ive made at one of the local bars. He's very friendly and nice- and one of the first people I befriended when I moved here. He is undeniably HOT, smart, and funny. People often ask me what my "type" is. I dont know that I have a "type",really- but if I did, this guy would come pretty close. Of course, he has a girlfriend (who happens to be really nice too!) but that doesnt mean we cant still be good friends, right? Lol.
I love that I can go there any nite of the week and that hes always happy to see me. Sometimes I just order a diet coke and stay for a few minutes, some nites I stay for hours talking to him and his friends over several glasses of wine...he always gives me his opinion on the guys that I date, my acting career, and even family stuff, and I value his opinion. Sometimes he makes me laugh so hard I wanna cry.
You know that song from Cheers "Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your name"...thats how I am beginning to feel about this place.
I've also befriended the old man who works in the shoe repair store right next door. In addition to shoe repair, he also does repairs of jewelry, purses, and other odds and ends. My confirmation cross had broken during my move- and I thought all was lost. I brought it to him on a whim and he actually was able to fix it!!
Other new friends?...the owner of Daisys Cafe, the couple at the laundromat, the guys at the pizzeria, the teachers at my gym...
Community and a sense of belonging...its so important... to walk down the street and have people recognize you and say hello. To get to know the local business owners on a personal level....to get used to the sounds of the street and find comfort in them.......
I had lost that when I left Harlem because I was in the same place for so long..., and now finally I feel I am re-establishing that sense of community for myself here. It finally feels like home here.
I do love it here, and one of the things I love is the new friend Ive made at one of the local bars. He's very friendly and nice- and one of the first people I befriended when I moved here. He is undeniably HOT, smart, and funny. People often ask me what my "type" is. I dont know that I have a "type",really- but if I did, this guy would come pretty close. Of course, he has a girlfriend (who happens to be really nice too!) but that doesnt mean we cant still be good friends, right? Lol.
I love that I can go there any nite of the week and that hes always happy to see me. Sometimes I just order a diet coke and stay for a few minutes, some nites I stay for hours talking to him and his friends over several glasses of wine...he always gives me his opinion on the guys that I date, my acting career, and even family stuff, and I value his opinion. Sometimes he makes me laugh so hard I wanna cry.
You know that song from Cheers "Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your name"...thats how I am beginning to feel about this place.
I've also befriended the old man who works in the shoe repair store right next door. In addition to shoe repair, he also does repairs of jewelry, purses, and other odds and ends. My confirmation cross had broken during my move- and I thought all was lost. I brought it to him on a whim and he actually was able to fix it!!
Other new friends?...the owner of Daisys Cafe, the couple at the laundromat, the guys at the pizzeria, the teachers at my gym...
Community and a sense of belonging...its so important... to walk down the street and have people recognize you and say hello. To get to know the local business owners on a personal level....to get used to the sounds of the street and find comfort in them.......
I had lost that when I left Harlem because I was in the same place for so long..., and now finally I feel I am re-establishing that sense of community for myself here. It finally feels like home here.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Its Sunday nite and I am exhausted. I just got thru another editing session with my friend Dunstan. Editing is such hard work- it requires a tremendous amount of patience and persistence. I knew that making a film wouldbe hard work- but I never imagined how hard. Its so much tedious work, so many tiny little things that need to be done a million times over until its just right... I am excited though. Really excited. My project has really come a long way. I am proud of it.
I wrote this script about eight years ago- and have been working on it ever since. Its gone thru about ten rewrites. Last year- I promised myself that no matter what, I would get this film made. So, I had a reading in my Harlem apartment, and all of my actor friends, my sister, and my old roomate took part in it. I was nervous, I always get shy about hearing my writing read out loud- it feels somehow like exposing a private part of me...but I knew that it was an important part of the process that needed to get done. I needed to hear my words spoken out loud - I needed to get feedback from people I trusted to make it a stronger script. So I did it.
A month later- I shot the trailer with the help of my friend Haffe. Now, I am editing the trailer.
My goal is to complete the trailer in the next few weeks and prepare an investor packet to send out to selected people who I think will support my project.
As I sit here writing this, I am reminded of how much support I have from my friends, family, and colleagues. I am so grateful for all of them. I would never be able to do any of this stuff on my own. These are people that trust me, believe in me, and take me seriously enough to give their time and talent. Thats a debt that can never be repaid. I cant help but think about all of the people that have been there for me over the years- on a personal level, a professional level, a spiritual level....in my darkest hours there have always been helping hands nearby to get me on my feet again. Always. And for this, I am eternally grateful. Tonite, I am sending out a huge thank you hug to ALL of the people that have helped me to become the woman I am today. I love you all.
Who are you grateful for tonite?
I wrote this script about eight years ago- and have been working on it ever since. Its gone thru about ten rewrites. Last year- I promised myself that no matter what, I would get this film made. So, I had a reading in my Harlem apartment, and all of my actor friends, my sister, and my old roomate took part in it. I was nervous, I always get shy about hearing my writing read out loud- it feels somehow like exposing a private part of me...but I knew that it was an important part of the process that needed to get done. I needed to hear my words spoken out loud - I needed to get feedback from people I trusted to make it a stronger script. So I did it.
A month later- I shot the trailer with the help of my friend Haffe. Now, I am editing the trailer.
My goal is to complete the trailer in the next few weeks and prepare an investor packet to send out to selected people who I think will support my project.
As I sit here writing this, I am reminded of how much support I have from my friends, family, and colleagues. I am so grateful for all of them. I would never be able to do any of this stuff on my own. These are people that trust me, believe in me, and take me seriously enough to give their time and talent. Thats a debt that can never be repaid. I cant help but think about all of the people that have been there for me over the years- on a personal level, a professional level, a spiritual level....in my darkest hours there have always been helping hands nearby to get me on my feet again. Always. And for this, I am eternally grateful. Tonite, I am sending out a huge thank you hug to ALL of the people that have helped me to become the woman I am today. I love you all.
Who are you grateful for tonite?
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Filling the Form
I am a huge fan of Julia Cameron. For those of you who dont know, she is the author of 'The Artists Way". A very good friend gave me a copy of this book when I graduated from college, and it has had a tremendous impact on my life. The tools that I learned from her (morning pages, affirmations, artist dates) are the things that have kept me going as an artist all of these years.
I re-read the book often, and this week I was reading the section on "Filling the Form". It was all about how as artists, we have so many dreams and goals, and we want to "make it" so badly, that we often overwhelm ourselves. We look at where we are now and then we look at where we WANT to be (on Broadway, Hollywood, etc) and we get discouraged. We think that there is no way we are ever going to make it up that mountain. And instead of focusing on the ONE thing we can do today to get us closer to that goal, we focus on the BIG PICTURE. And that holds us back.
One of my best teachers taught me this simple tool: "Do Five things a day for your career, and you WILL work". I have found this to be true. Whether its sending an email, making a phone call, mailing a picture, do FIVE THINGS EVERY DAY, and you will work. My coach calls this "Planting seeds". Julia Cameron calls it 'Filling the Form". Simply put, its taking samll steps every day towards your goal and trusting that, overtime, your efforts will pay off.
What five things will YOU do today?
I re-read the book often, and this week I was reading the section on "Filling the Form". It was all about how as artists, we have so many dreams and goals, and we want to "make it" so badly, that we often overwhelm ourselves. We look at where we are now and then we look at where we WANT to be (on Broadway, Hollywood, etc) and we get discouraged. We think that there is no way we are ever going to make it up that mountain. And instead of focusing on the ONE thing we can do today to get us closer to that goal, we focus on the BIG PICTURE. And that holds us back.
One of my best teachers taught me this simple tool: "Do Five things a day for your career, and you WILL work". I have found this to be true. Whether its sending an email, making a phone call, mailing a picture, do FIVE THINGS EVERY DAY, and you will work. My coach calls this "Planting seeds". Julia Cameron calls it 'Filling the Form". Simply put, its taking samll steps every day towards your goal and trusting that, overtime, your efforts will pay off.
What five things will YOU do today?
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