Is it Thursday again already?!! OK, here goes. Todays list is:
My Ten Favorite Places in NYC
1) Grand Central Station- The large open space. The clock. The architecture. The bustle of the people coming and going. The "solid, sturdy" feel of it.
2) Times Square - the heart of the theatre district! Bright lights, tons of people, Broadway shows, tons of restaurants. I remember seeing it as a teenager and the impact it had on me. Exciting, fun, and entertaining.
3) Central Park- When you need a break from the concrete and want to feel close to nature...when you need a place to lay down on blanket and close your eyes for a while and feel the sun on your face...
4) West Village- My first NYC home. Restaurants, lounges, shops...a haven for artists...."viva la vie bohem"!!
5) Camaradas- Great spot in El Barrio!! Good food and drinks, but also live music performances. On some nites they also have bomba and plena dancing!
6) Nectar Wine Bar- Classy, quiet wine bar in Harlem. Great wine, great people. You can actually have a conversation in this place and be heard! A nice place to meet after work, or for a first date...
7) UVA- A great restaurant and wine bar on the UES. Theres even a garden in the back which is so nice during the summer. Really nice staff, always very warm and welcoming.
8) Staten Island Ferry at nite time. You just can beat the view of the NYC skyline at nite from the ferry.
9) Broadway Dance Center- (although its moved a million times)- Love that you can go anytime and take any kind of dance class you feel like taking. So many great teachers and dancers there!
10) Drama Bookshop- Love this store. You can find almost ANY play here, as well as tons of other resources for artists!!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Made it thru my first football game this weekend. My team won! Not sure that I had anything to do with us winning, but it was fun to be a part of the winning team nevertheless! :) Gotta review the rules this week, looking forward to playing again next week.
So many things happening in the next few weeks! The hip-hop theater festival is starting up - wanna catch some of those shows for sure! Here is the link to that website- www.hhtf.org. The festival was started up by Danny Hoch- a really progressiv/conscious artist who I really admire!!
I'm also going to be performing in a multi- media project that addresses the very important issue of global warming. Its going to be a very exciting piece that combines spoken word, dance, and music to raise awareness on this issue. Check out 350.org for more info on the issues and what you can do to help!
Hope you all had a great day- despite the rain! :)
jenn
So many things happening in the next few weeks! The hip-hop theater festival is starting up - wanna catch some of those shows for sure! Here is the link to that website- www.hhtf.org. The festival was started up by Danny Hoch- a really progressiv/conscious artist who I really admire!!
I'm also going to be performing in a multi- media project that addresses the very important issue of global warming. Its going to be a very exciting piece that combines spoken word, dance, and music to raise awareness on this issue. Check out 350.org for more info on the issues and what you can do to help!
Hope you all had a great day- despite the rain! :)
jenn
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Exegesis
Today one of our seminarians led a really great talk on finding God in hip-hop. It was such a great discussion!! The talk was inspiring to me, because just like many hip-hop artists, there is a strong connection between my artistry and my faith.
JM started out by asking us what initial images or ideas come to mind when we think of hip hop. People shot out things like sex, violence, black people, dance, gold chains...he then went on to share his passion for hip- hop and the role that its played in his life.
JM passed around a sheet with the lyrics to a song called Silly Puddy, by a group called Zion I and the Grouch. As he played the song for us, we all took a few minutes to read thru the lyrics and find references to God in them. There were ALOT!! As JM explained, the song is really a Psalm. A Psalm is either a praise to God, or a prayer to God. They are either saying 'Thank you God" or "Why God?". Many hip hop artists such as Nas, Black Eyed Peas (before Fergie), Common, The Roots, Two Pac, have used their music as a form of a Psalm.
A lot of the hip hop artists we know today actually identify themselves as Christians. (I think he said it was 70%) . That is the faith that most of them were brought up in, and probably where they were originally introduced to music. And although they do not market themselves as "Christian" artists, (that wouldnt sell), faith is a big part of their music and who they are . They talk about the God that they know. The songs they sing are filled with progressive ideas and a passion for social change. In fact, JM suggessts that it is the Holy Spirit itself that moves these artists to write these words down.
Here are some other artists he talked about today, I'm going to check them out this week. Hope you will too! :)
K-Os
Blackalicious
Gift of Gab
Pigeon John
Talib Kweli
Jcole
Boyz in the Wood
Rhyme Fest
Arrested Development
JM started out by asking us what initial images or ideas come to mind when we think of hip hop. People shot out things like sex, violence, black people, dance, gold chains...he then went on to share his passion for hip- hop and the role that its played in his life.
JM passed around a sheet with the lyrics to a song called Silly Puddy, by a group called Zion I and the Grouch. As he played the song for us, we all took a few minutes to read thru the lyrics and find references to God in them. There were ALOT!! As JM explained, the song is really a Psalm. A Psalm is either a praise to God, or a prayer to God. They are either saying 'Thank you God" or "Why God?". Many hip hop artists such as Nas, Black Eyed Peas (before Fergie), Common, The Roots, Two Pac, have used their music as a form of a Psalm.
A lot of the hip hop artists we know today actually identify themselves as Christians. (I think he said it was 70%) . That is the faith that most of them were brought up in, and probably where they were originally introduced to music. And although they do not market themselves as "Christian" artists, (that wouldnt sell), faith is a big part of their music and who they are . They talk about the God that they know. The songs they sing are filled with progressive ideas and a passion for social change. In fact, JM suggessts that it is the Holy Spirit itself that moves these artists to write these words down.
Here are some other artists he talked about today, I'm going to check them out this week. Hope you will too! :)
K-Os
Blackalicious
Gift of Gab
Pigeon John
Talib Kweli
Jcole
Boyz in the Wood
Rhyme Fest
Arrested Development
Friday, September 24, 2010
Ten Things Thursday (belated)
Out much too late last nite!!! Forgot to post the ten things. Here they are- better late than never!
Ten Jobs I've had in my Lifetime (so far):
1) Newspaper girl
2) Babysitter
3) Teacher
4) Receptionist
5) Waitress
6) Coat Check girl
7)Personal Assistant
8)Private tutor
9) Barista
10)Secretary
Ten Jobs I've had in my Lifetime (so far):
1) Newspaper girl
2) Babysitter
3) Teacher
4) Receptionist
5) Waitress
6) Coat Check girl
7)Personal Assistant
8)Private tutor
9) Barista
10)Secretary
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Happy Tuesday!
Hi- I'm back! Did you miss me? :)
Been getting a lot done over the past few days. Babysat on Saturday nite. Barter work on Sunday (one more month of coaching paid for!!) Audition yesterday. Emailed a director. Signed up for a new class starting next month. Cleaned and organized my place last nite. Personal training session this morning (ouch!). Work is going well.
I love this time of year so much, but one of the challenging parts about it is that there are almost too many opportunities out there. I feel overwhelmed by all of my options and have a hard time deciding which ones to choose. Everyday my inbox is flooded with messages about this class, or that show, or such and such activity. I want to do EVERYTHING because it all seems so great! New York City is just SATURATED with tons of all the best classes, workshops, and shows. I find myself pulled in a million different directions between work, gym, church, social, family and a milion other things. I feel like if I dont do it all, I will somehow be missing out on something.
One of the things I try to remind myself of is that its actually ok to say no to doing something. I dont have to feel obligated to do it all. That same class will be offered again next semester. That show will run for a couple of months. The gym is not going anywhere and theres no rush to meet my goals. That party will be fun for my friends even if I'm not there (well..)
The other thing I do , and I have to do this often, is to ask myself: "What do I really, really want? Where do I want to be one year from now?" And all of my decsions and choices will stem from the answer to that question. Which of these options is going to get me closer to my goals? Will this choice help me reach my goals, or get in the way of my goals?
After a lot of consideration, I think Ive finally come up with a plan for what I want my schedule to look like this fall. Ive made decisions about which classes and activities to say yes to, and which ones to pass on for another time.
How about you guys?
jenn
Been getting a lot done over the past few days. Babysat on Saturday nite. Barter work on Sunday (one more month of coaching paid for!!) Audition yesterday. Emailed a director. Signed up for a new class starting next month. Cleaned and organized my place last nite. Personal training session this morning (ouch!). Work is going well.
I love this time of year so much, but one of the challenging parts about it is that there are almost too many opportunities out there. I feel overwhelmed by all of my options and have a hard time deciding which ones to choose. Everyday my inbox is flooded with messages about this class, or that show, or such and such activity. I want to do EVERYTHING because it all seems so great! New York City is just SATURATED with tons of all the best classes, workshops, and shows. I find myself pulled in a million different directions between work, gym, church, social, family and a milion other things. I feel like if I dont do it all, I will somehow be missing out on something.
One of the things I try to remind myself of is that its actually ok to say no to doing something. I dont have to feel obligated to do it all. That same class will be offered again next semester. That show will run for a couple of months. The gym is not going anywhere and theres no rush to meet my goals. That party will be fun for my friends even if I'm not there (well..)
The other thing I do , and I have to do this often, is to ask myself: "What do I really, really want? Where do I want to be one year from now?" And all of my decsions and choices will stem from the answer to that question. Which of these options is going to get me closer to my goals? Will this choice help me reach my goals, or get in the way of my goals?
After a lot of consideration, I think Ive finally come up with a plan for what I want my schedule to look like this fall. Ive made decisions about which classes and activities to say yes to, and which ones to pass on for another time.
How about you guys?
jenn
Friday, September 17, 2010
Some Words from Mother Theresa
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God; It was never between you and them anyway."
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God; It was never between you and them anyway."
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Ten Things Thursday
So, Thursdays will be my "Ten Things" day. Starting today. :)
And today's topic is...(drumroll...)-
Ten Things that Drive me Crazy:
1) Insects/Rodents (I'm afraid of them)
2) Being Late (puts me in a bad mood- I dont feel grounded or centered)
3) Rude/Disrespectful People (like on the subway during rush hour)
4) The Rain (like tonite!)
5) Ignorance/Intolerance
6) Dishonesty
7) Unreliable People
8) Clogged sinks
9) Traffic jams
10)Waiting in line.
And today's topic is...(drumroll...)-
Ten Things that Drive me Crazy:
1) Insects/Rodents (I'm afraid of them)
2) Being Late (puts me in a bad mood- I dont feel grounded or centered)
3) Rude/Disrespectful People (like on the subway during rush hour)
4) The Rain (like tonite!)
5) Ignorance/Intolerance
6) Dishonesty
7) Unreliable People
8) Clogged sinks
9) Traffic jams
10)Waiting in line.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
On Casting
So I go to a "request casting" tonite that one of my agents sent me on. I arrive there and the first thing the guy says is, "With all due respect, we are looking for a white person for this project". I politely respond that yes, but my agent sent me here and that the casting person had already seen my picture ahead of time and they had specifically requested that I come in. He apologized again and said that there must have been some sort of misunderstanding, but thanks me for coming in. I thanked him and walked away. I immediately call my agent and told her what happened. We were both baffled by this guys strange behavior, but we did have a good laugh about it. I'm just glad that I didnt waste cab money on my way over there.
Its a weird category that I am in as an actor. Im bi-racial, so I get sent in for ALOT of different things/types. Ive often been told that I am "hard to cast". My favorite box to check on those forms is "ethnically ambiguous".
Anyway, these things always leaving me feeling a little weird- with a mini identity crisis,lol.
Another day....have another one coming up on Thursday- hope I'm "white enough" for that one....
Jenn
Its a weird category that I am in as an actor. Im bi-racial, so I get sent in for ALOT of different things/types. Ive often been told that I am "hard to cast". My favorite box to check on those forms is "ethnically ambiguous".
Anyway, these things always leaving me feeling a little weird- with a mini identity crisis,lol.
Another day....have another one coming up on Thursday- hope I'm "white enough" for that one....
Jenn
So I had my Equifit this morning. This was a follow up to the one I had last year. (its like a physical for grown-ups) I've come a long way since last year. I am happy. I still have a long way to go, but I am well on my way.
I had a new person this time, a guy, and he was telling me a lot of interesting things. I wish I'd had my notebook with me so that I could take notes. He was very inspiring and I am going to try to find a way to train with him. I'm not one of those people who are good at doing training on my own. I need someone there with me for motivation and guidance. Thats why I like classes so much.
One thing he told me was that the reason guys lose weight so much faster than women is that they have more muscle. And when you have more muscle, you can burn calories even when you are just sitting. So, I need to build more muscle.
We talked a lot about what Ive been doing in the past year, and he really stressed that my priority needs to be in strength training. That Im doing too much of the other stuff (cardio, flex,etc) and not enough of the strength...
He made me feel great about what I am doing so far though, stressing that its important to take care of our bodies while we are still young, because when we get older its often too late to reverse the damage. So he commended me on my efforts. :)
Working out for me is not so much about vanity as much as it is about health. Health has been a major issue for both of my parents and has caused a lot of strain on my family. I dont want to repeat their mistakes. So I really try hard to eat right (and limit the oreo intake) and work out regularly.
Another thing I really like about working out is that Im getting in touch with my inner athlete. I was a dancer growing up- and since I went to a performing arts school there were no sports teams. So now I am taking all of these classes and doing all of these things that I never got to do when I was growing up. I signed up for football this year with my friends (no one else seemed interested in basketball) so I am excited about that too (although a little nervous as well).
Look out Serena! Jaja....:)
I had a new person this time, a guy, and he was telling me a lot of interesting things. I wish I'd had my notebook with me so that I could take notes. He was very inspiring and I am going to try to find a way to train with him. I'm not one of those people who are good at doing training on my own. I need someone there with me for motivation and guidance. Thats why I like classes so much.
One thing he told me was that the reason guys lose weight so much faster than women is that they have more muscle. And when you have more muscle, you can burn calories even when you are just sitting. So, I need to build more muscle.
We talked a lot about what Ive been doing in the past year, and he really stressed that my priority needs to be in strength training. That Im doing too much of the other stuff (cardio, flex,etc) and not enough of the strength...
He made me feel great about what I am doing so far though, stressing that its important to take care of our bodies while we are still young, because when we get older its often too late to reverse the damage. So he commended me on my efforts. :)
Working out for me is not so much about vanity as much as it is about health. Health has been a major issue for both of my parents and has caused a lot of strain on my family. I dont want to repeat their mistakes. So I really try hard to eat right (and limit the oreo intake) and work out regularly.
Another thing I really like about working out is that Im getting in touch with my inner athlete. I was a dancer growing up- and since I went to a performing arts school there were no sports teams. So now I am taking all of these classes and doing all of these things that I never got to do when I was growing up. I signed up for football this year with my friends (no one else seemed interested in basketball) so I am excited about that too (although a little nervous as well).
Look out Serena! Jaja....:)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Ducks
Someone emailed me this yesterday and I thought it was so powerful!! We can all learn a lot from ducks!! :)
From Eckhart Tolle’s, “The New Earth”
“ …after two ducks get into a fight, which never lasts long, they will separate and float off in two directions. Then each duck will flap its wings vigorously a few times, thus releasing the surplus energy that built up during the fight. After they flap their wings, they float peacefully, as if nothing had ever happened.
If the duck had a human mind, it would keep the fight alive by thinking, by story-making, This would probably be the duck’s story” “I don’t believe what he just did. He came within five inches of me. He thinks he owns this pond. He has no consideration for my private space. I’ll never trust him again. Next time he’ll try something else just to annoy me. I’m sure he’s plotting something else just to annoy me. I’m sure he’s plotting something else already. But I’m not going to stand for this. I’ll teach him a lesson hee’ll never forget.” And on and on the mind spins tales, still thinking, talking, about it days, month or years later.
From Eckhart Tolle’s, “The New Earth”
“ …after two ducks get into a fight, which never lasts long, they will separate and float off in two directions. Then each duck will flap its wings vigorously a few times, thus releasing the surplus energy that built up during the fight. After they flap their wings, they float peacefully, as if nothing had ever happened.
If the duck had a human mind, it would keep the fight alive by thinking, by story-making, This would probably be the duck’s story” “I don’t believe what he just did. He came within five inches of me. He thinks he owns this pond. He has no consideration for my private space. I’ll never trust him again. Next time he’ll try something else just to annoy me. I’m sure he’s plotting something else just to annoy me. I’m sure he’s plotting something else already. But I’m not going to stand for this. I’ll teach him a lesson hee’ll never forget.” And on and on the mind spins tales, still thinking, talking, about it days, month or years later.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Happy Birthday Dad!
Today was my fathers birthday! Here is a picture of him! This was taken at the retirement party we threw for him last fall.
I sm very blessed to have a father like him.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Happy Thursday!
Last nite I met up with a friend who happens to be the House Manager for a very prestigious theater here in NYC. I got a tour of the theatre and saw the set being built for their next production. It was so exciting! He showed me all around and he told me all about the play, which is a show that has been on in London for a while and is now going to premiere here in NYC. The play is about a group of men who work as coal miners, but who discover a hidden passion and talent for painting! The men and their paintings end up becoming very famous! I cant wait to see the show when it opens. It felt so great to be in the Broadway area and be reminded of what I do and what my goals are.
We later went out for drinks and got into a very heated discussion about the pros and cons of Facebook. Now, I'll be honest, I am NOT a Facebook fan. I think it serves a purpose and has its place in my life, but I definitely dont give it the importance that other people seem to. I think that there needs to be an organization called "Facebook Anonymous" and I know a lot of people who should join it! Seriously, its like an addiction for some people!
I have a lot of friends and family that live far away from me, and when it comes to them, yes, Facebook comes in very handy. Its great to be able to keep in touch with them and see pictures of them etc when I cant be with them.
But the vast majority of my friends are here in the city, and to me it just seems like the lazy way to keep in touch with me. It doesnt speak to a genuine interest in being a part of my life. Yes, I know, we are ALL very busy, but really, you cant just pick up the phone and CALL me? You cant take 20 minutes out of your schedule to have coffee with me? Really? If I were Spike Lee, would you fnd that 20 minutes? I think you would....
I dont want to sound preachy...really I dont...its just that one of the most important things Ive realized over the past few years is the importance of nurturing our relationships- all of them....that means taking the time to really be a part of peoples lives...whether its coffee, or a phone call, whatever...I'm talking about real human face-to face interaction! I think its particualrly true for artists in NYC. We are all so busy pursuing our goals that we barely make time for our friends and family. And thats actually counter- productive.
I dont want to read ridiculous status updates every five minutes telling me what flavor your coffee is...I dont want to see pics of you getting drunk at some party. I dont want to be one of 500 other people getting the same email inviting me to some event.
You know what Checkov, the famous Russian playwright said? He said, 'If you want to work on your art, work on your life". I agree.
What friend or family member can you call tonite? :)
We later went out for drinks and got into a very heated discussion about the pros and cons of Facebook. Now, I'll be honest, I am NOT a Facebook fan. I think it serves a purpose and has its place in my life, but I definitely dont give it the importance that other people seem to. I think that there needs to be an organization called "Facebook Anonymous" and I know a lot of people who should join it! Seriously, its like an addiction for some people!
I have a lot of friends and family that live far away from me, and when it comes to them, yes, Facebook comes in very handy. Its great to be able to keep in touch with them and see pictures of them etc when I cant be with them.
But the vast majority of my friends are here in the city, and to me it just seems like the lazy way to keep in touch with me. It doesnt speak to a genuine interest in being a part of my life. Yes, I know, we are ALL very busy, but really, you cant just pick up the phone and CALL me? You cant take 20 minutes out of your schedule to have coffee with me? Really? If I were Spike Lee, would you fnd that 20 minutes? I think you would....
I dont want to sound preachy...really I dont...its just that one of the most important things Ive realized over the past few years is the importance of nurturing our relationships- all of them....that means taking the time to really be a part of peoples lives...whether its coffee, or a phone call, whatever...I'm talking about real human face-to face interaction! I think its particualrly true for artists in NYC. We are all so busy pursuing our goals that we barely make time for our friends and family. And thats actually counter- productive.
I dont want to read ridiculous status updates every five minutes telling me what flavor your coffee is...I dont want to see pics of you getting drunk at some party. I dont want to be one of 500 other people getting the same email inviting me to some event.
You know what Checkov, the famous Russian playwright said? He said, 'If you want to work on your art, work on your life". I agree.
What friend or family member can you call tonite? :)
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
new pics
See the rest of my new pictures in my website. Don't forget to tell me what you think of my new pics responding to this post.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Happy Birthday Mom!
Today is my mothers birthday. On this day, I am taking the time to give thanks and appreciation to this strong, amazing woman who brought me into this world.
I am so grateful for my mothers love and support thruout the years. She has played a big part in shaping the woman I have grown up to be. She has always been a hardworker, a kind and loving person, and a very loving and devoted mother. She was always a lady, well dressed and elegant. She taught me the value of education, hard work, to be proud of who I am, and to always stand up for myself.
My mother drove me to my dance classes, was at every recital and awards ceremony, helped me with my homework, and was always there for me. I often think about people who did not grow up with a mother who loved and cared for them, and I count my blessings.
So much has happened in my family in the past two years. My parents divorce has taken a tremendous toll on the entire family. And although the dust is finally beginning to settle, there is a very long road ahead of us. One day at a time...
In the meantime, I am grateful for every day that she is alive.
Here is a picture of my mother and me on Mothers Day this year! Happy Birthday Mom!!
Monday, September 6, 2010
New Pics Coming Soon!
I dont want to clean another house for at least a year!!! Not even my own!! :)
Just kidding! I did some barter work for a friend this weekend in exchange for new pics. There were still a few "looks" that my agent said I was missing, so I had what feels like the ten millionth photo shoot.
My friends are a married couple that run their own photography/reel business. I am so blessed to have them in my life. They are both such wonderful people and so supportive. They really know what they are doing and what I need to do to book the job.
In addition to shooting some great new pics, we also did what they call "speed reels". It was SO fun!! It was almost like shooting a mini-movie. It will be up on my website shortly, as well as my new pics. I cant wait to hear what you guys think!
jenn
Just kidding! I did some barter work for a friend this weekend in exchange for new pics. There were still a few "looks" that my agent said I was missing, so I had what feels like the ten millionth photo shoot.
My friends are a married couple that run their own photography/reel business. I am so blessed to have them in my life. They are both such wonderful people and so supportive. They really know what they are doing and what I need to do to book the job.
In addition to shooting some great new pics, we also did what they call "speed reels". It was SO fun!! It was almost like shooting a mini-movie. It will be up on my website shortly, as well as my new pics. I cant wait to hear what you guys think!
jenn
Happy Labor Day Everyone!
I hope that everyone has today off from work and is enjoying the day. We all work so hard during the year, its important to take at least one day to relax and just do nothing.
Doing nothing is actually a challenge for me. My friends always tease me about being such a "workaholic". Its hard for me to just sit around and not be working on something, not planning my next big project.
But when we take time off from work and relax our minds and bodies, we ARE actually "doing something". We are re-charging or batteries, we are refilling the well. Relaxing now is what is going to give me the strength and energy to keep going for the long-haul.
So, Im sitting here in my sisters beautiful new place (nope, not jealous, not at all)and its VERY quiet. As I sip on my tea and listen to the birds chirping outside, I am filled with a renewed spirit of calm and peace. Tomorrow will come soon enough. For now, I am just going to sit back and enjoy the moment. I hope you will too. :)
jenn
Doing nothing is actually a challenge for me. My friends always tease me about being such a "workaholic". Its hard for me to just sit around and not be working on something, not planning my next big project.
But when we take time off from work and relax our minds and bodies, we ARE actually "doing something". We are re-charging or batteries, we are refilling the well. Relaxing now is what is going to give me the strength and energy to keep going for the long-haul.
So, Im sitting here in my sisters beautiful new place (nope, not jealous, not at all)and its VERY quiet. As I sip on my tea and listen to the birds chirping outside, I am filled with a renewed spirit of calm and peace. Tomorrow will come soon enough. For now, I am just going to sit back and enjoy the moment. I hope you will too. :)
jenn
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Ode to Dunstan
So, during my very crazy and intense time working at LDE,I had one very good friend who kept me grounded and anchored. He was one of the interns, and I think that if it wasn't for him, my job would have been much,much harder. His cheerful disposition, his friendliness, his warmth, were always a calming source for me during my time there. We would often have long conversations about the business, about our dreams and goals, about life in general. I felt supported and appreciated by him.
One of the biggest parts of my job was script coverage, which means reading ALOT of screenplays and "covering" them. Covering them means giving a review of the script. You basically fill out a "report", saying what the script is about and what you thought about it. Then, the "higher ups" can have an idea about the script and whether or not to consider producing it without having to actually read it.
Dunstan and I read SO MANY scripts. I was often thrown three or fours scripts to read in ONE night, and though I had a few other interns, Dunstan was ALWAYS the one I could count on to help me get them all done. He always had my back. He was always very dedicated and professional.
Neither of us are at LDE anymore, but we continue to work together. Dunstan is now helping me complete the editing for my trailer. I am so grateful for his constant support and encouragement. He believes in me, and he believes in my project. Nite after nite, even after a long day of work, we get together and work on my trailer. He sits patiently by my side and listens to me, and frame by frame, he brings my story to life. He doesnt roll his eyes at me when I ask him a million questions, he doesnt get mad when I change my mind for the millionth time, he gives me his honest opinion when I ask for advice. His passion and dedication are a constant source of motivation and inspiration for me.
He understands that being a girl means I have mood swings, and he doesnt take it personally. He indulges me when I want to take a break and have conversations about men, love, family, etc, but he always maks sure we get back to work. He's not one of those people who are "all talk". Like me, he is serious about his craft and willing to do the work that it takes to be successful artists.
I am so very grateful for Dunstans friendship and help. We are only two sessions away from being done with the trailer. It is looking really good and I feel proud of our work.
My coach often talks to us about artists with the "lone ranger" mentality- Artists that have so many dreams and goals, but who want to do it "all by themselves". Tonite I am reminded not only of Dunstan, but of all the others who have helped me on my journey. When we surround ourselves with the right people, people who believe in us and support us, its easier for us to be creative and be the artists we want to be. We can then, in turn, be supportive to them when they are working on their projects. Its all about support and collaboration. :)
Jenn
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