How Can Anyone Be Afraid of a Clown?

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

Well, Christmas is over and I am glad. So many people driving like crazy fools for the past few days. They wait till the last minute and then shoppers everywhere and people fighting for parking spots.

The holiday dinner turned out really good and we still have some leftovers. The cookies were excellent and I'm so glad that I made them. I handed some away as gifts too. A pretty quiet holiday. My brother was going to visit from Las Vegas but the rains were so bad that he decided to stay home after all. I don't blame him. In this weather, better to fly.

I talked to a few people who said they were afraid when they saw me dressed as a clown. What? How can anyone be afraid of a clown? But some are and that is so strange to me. Clowns make you laugh, they are so goofy and funny. They give you animal balloons, they ride around in little cars. They have big feet. I love clowns and love being a clown. I am going to learn to juggle and paint faces and do animal balloons. I can't wait!

I've given my writing a bit of a rest during this holiday time although I should probably pick up on it a bit. I cut all my nails off which helps me type faster and I love this. I usually write not on a computer, but on yellow legal pads. I have them everywhere. Whenever I'm working on a project or getting stuff out of my head, it goes right on the paper. I guess different writers use different techniques. This works for me.

I read Water for Elephants in one day. It was so good that I reading it all over again. This is one book that I definitely want to keep so I guess I will be going to Barnes & Noble to pick up a copy for me and one for my Mom. She is an avid reader too so now I know that I take after her in that regard.

For some reason I am craving chicken. Perhaps I will make some fried chicken. I make it the best. Really, I have yet to go to any restaurant that makes it as good as mine. I have a taste for some greens too. A nice tossed salad, biscuits, potatoes and fried chicken. And then, come New Year's Day, time to diet again.

Ugh! But I must unless I want to be a little roly poly clown. And that will not do. Oh no, that will not do at all. I must admit that I am looking forward to the New Year. New adventures, a new job and better opportunities. I know that things will be looking up.

Christmas is Around the Corner!

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

I know that Christmas is on December 25 and somehow I am never prepared when it comes around. I guess I just don't want the year to end and I always drag my feet. Ironically, I do like New Years Eve and New Years Day.

I finally have my Christmas tree up and decorated. It looks lovely, a 6' tree. Not a real one but like so many things in California, it looks real and that is the important thing. There are many decorations including the little red cable cars that I purchased in San Francisco several years ago. I love those as it brings back fond memories.

I am in the kitchen baking some Christmas cookies. Now this is a first for me. I do bake good cakes but I am not usually known for my cookies. I'm actually having a good time. I am baking oatmeal, peanut butter, thumbprint and finally sugar cookies. The house smells really good too.

Thank goodness the rain has stopped for now. So sad to hear so many people lost their homes and are stranded. We have been very fortunate. I try to stay out of the elements when the weather gets bad. No use killing yourself over an audition. There will be other auditions.

So I finished reading one book and decided to read another but I didn't want to buy another book. So I called our local library and yes they had it. I took my grocery list with me, stopped by the library to pick up the book. I went to the grocery store and picked up the cookie items.

The book I picked up is "Water for Elephants". You may have seen the promos for the film which is coming out soon. The film stars Reese Witherspoon. It is a film about the circus. This man has some financial problems during the Great Depression and he jumps on board a train at night to get away. He doesn't realize until morning that he has boarded a circus train. His life changes in so many ways. It is wonderful. I don't know if I am glad that I read the book before seeing the film.

Now that I am working as a clown I wish I had learned about the casting of this film earlier. I remember seeing some breakdowns earlier in the Spring but I didn't know anything about this project. Shame on me for not finding out ahead of time. See what I mean about opportunities? You must stay on top of this stuff. It would have been amazing to be in this film. Oh well, I will see it when it comes out nevertheless.

I am very excited about some upcoming opportunities. Can't say anything more at this time. But I just wanted to thank everyone for reading my posts and encouraging me to keep going as you have. You know this business is not for the faint of heart. Every time someone kicks you down, you have to get right back up again. Sometimes I need to remind myself of this.

Stay well, don't shake too many hands as there is the flu bug going around. Be careful when you are shopping at night. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't chat or text when driving. Stay tuned to the local channels for current weather and road conditions. Be safe so you'll be around for next year!

Childrens Hospital on Cartoon Network

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

Well, I had a blast on the television show Childrens Hospital. This started out as a webisode, turned into a television show on the WB and then got picked up by the Cartoon Network. This program pokes fun at all the serious hospital shows like ER, Grey's Anatomy, etc. The show stars Henry Winkler, Megan Mullally and others.

I am excited because I told my family I want to be a clown. It was in the back of my mind and I walked into our local thrift store. And lo and behold there was this beautiful little red hat just calling out to me. Price $2. I tried it on and it was a perfect fit. I went home, had this costume hanging in my closet and came up with my clown outfit.

I practiced with the make-up till I found something I really liked and ta da! Now to get some stockings, underwear and gloves. Did you know that there is clown etiquette? It is true. There is clown etiquette. As a clown you cannot show any skin. Nada! So I even have makeup over my ears, neck and throat.

I have been an elf and now a clown. Yay! Very excited because I am going to learn to juggle and of course, make the balloons for the kids. I would love to visit hospitals, go to the library and entertain the children.

I was in a room full of 13 other clowns and we had a blast. There is nothing like a room full of clowns entertaining each other and the crew. There is nothing like the look of a child when they see a clown. Their whole face lights up. I love it.

We took a lunch break and we were starving. I didn't think anything about it until I heard a small child say there are so many clowns! And sure enough he looked like he was 5 and his face was so happy. He probably never saw so many clowns in one place.

I wish I were more agile and could do somersaults and stuff like that. But alas, with this polio I am happy to walk.

I am looking forward to the movie, Water for Elephants about the circus. If I had my photos with the casting agencies perhaps I would have been chosen too for this film. Ah! coulda, woulda, shoulda. But you live and learn with this business!

Be a Clown

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

Be a clown, be a clown all the world loves a clown. Some of you may have noticed that I changed my profile photo. Yes, I did. Well there was an audition notice that I received and they were looking for clowns. Apparently some folks who are not clowns submitted themselves. And the notice went out again for real clowns.

So I put on my full clown attire including all makeup and sent in some lovely photos. The project is for a television show and this is an AFTRA job. Yay! Today I received the phone call that I have been selected. No audition necessary! This is a featured role and I am so excited. I am packing my items because I have an early call time tomorrow and must be in full clown attire and on the set.

Of course the rest of my week has been dead and then I get an email from my agent that I have a big audition for a really big project. And the audition is tomorrow! Why does everything happen at once? Ugh! It never fails. The audition couldn't be Saturday or Monday. It has to be tomorrow after I already accepted the clown job.

Now in case you are wondering what the protocol is, once you accept the job it is yours. And you cannot or should not even try to get out of it. It is considered bad form to leave one job for another. And in all fairness, tomorrow is an audition it is not a job. And besides, I already accepted the job.

Now I love being a clown and have never been a clown on television. I have auditioned as a clown on several other projects but was never selected. I am an actor not a model so doing photos is difficult for me. But, I have been watching America's Next Top Model and I have been learning what to do and what not to do from that show.

And guess what? It really helped. The models only have a few moments to get into character and then strike a pose. The same with acting. Our head shots are our calling cards. To a certain degree you can make yourself look better. But you have to start out with a good face, a good pose and good clothes. Sometimes if you get nervous, it will show on your photo. So the good thing about being a clown is most of your face is in clown makeup. But the camera still sees your eyes. And that is where being in the moment comes in.

I had a really good time getting into character with a doll, an umbrella, using my hands, and making faces. Well, apparently they liked what they saw because I got booked from my photos. I report to the set early tomorrow for a long day of filming. I'm so excited! We shoot in North Hollywood and let me tell ya, this job could not have come at a better time.

Cheers!

December is almost over!

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

My goodness, where has December gone? I can't believe that half the month is here already. My month has been busy and I have several writing assignments. I am writing for a newsletter and I have started writing a book. The book is about our family. I have written three chapters and so far, so good.

I was thinking of getting a puppy for Christmas but I have decided against this idea. I do so much travelling that I don't think it would be fair to the new puppy. I already have three cats and they are well cared for when I travel. Perhaps later when I have more time at home.

I sure hope that next year is better than this year has been. I've been thinking of several friends and relatives and it seems that most of them are having a hard time too. I wonder how they are keeping their spirits up. I have been reading some of my previous posts and it seems that I have been up and down. I can't help it. It's not that I worry all the time because I don't. I don't worry about things. I just ride it out. In this industry, you can be really down and then you get a call for a job or you do a really great audition and then I am working again and all is well.

I have been more worried about my health. I did get my CPAP machine and have been using it. I did notice a big difference in my sleeping habits now. I am actually starting to dream again. I guess I am getting the good sleep that I need. I am not yawning all the time as I once did.

Things will get better, they will! I know they will. I believe in the abundance theory and I know that good things are around the corner for me. My brother is coming to visit me for Christmas and I am really looking forward to seeing him. I actually was going to invite myself to his home in Las Vegas but he is coming here. I can't wait to see him again! After losing an Uncle it really makes you glad that I have more relatives.

I would like to thank you, dear reader for sticking with me this year. It has been ups and downs but that is the way life can be. I do want to get more organized. I did miss some events this year because I did write them down and then forgot about them. Yikes! I can't do that anymore. My schedule is too important to miss important events. I am getting very particular about which events I attend.

There are still Christmas cards to mail out and gifts to send. I look forward to another turkey dinner surrounded by family and friends. I am keeping my fingers crossed for an audition on a SAG project. They were looking for clowns so I put on my clown outfit and sent in my photos. Wish me luck!

Through Rose Colored Glasses

Hit counter provided by http://www.website-hit-counters.com/ .

I wish I could paint the world pink. Pink is my favorite color. Pink makes everything better. Pink is soothing and soft and safe. And right now when it feels like my world is falling apart, pink is like Valium.

When I was younger I heard the term looking at the world through rose colored glasses and i realized that you see the world as you wish it were and not as it really is. That is so true but I believe it is also a safety valve. Yesterday I didn't watch any news programs at all. I tried to get into the Holiday spirit and was listening to some old fashioned Christmas music. I felt better and the music brought back memories of Christmas past and friends that I had not thought of in years.

But then we went to lunch and while lunch was good we had a conversation about the death of Uncle Ted and things went downhill from there. I tried to brush it off but it was upsetting. I made a nice dinner of homemade chicken noodle soup and that was really good. I read some more of Janis Ian's book, Society Child. That book is a very real look into the music industry.

I wanted to watch an old Christmas movie, Scrooge but it had just ended. I remember taking my youngest brother and sister to the movies to watch that. It was a nice memory but my hubby looked bored to tears with watching old TV movies about Christmas. I had asked him 3 times if we could put up our Christmas tree. Asked him 3 times if he was going to put the lights on the house. Asked him 3 times to bring down the Christmas decorations so I could start decorating our tree.

And like Scrooge he didn't want to be bothered. Okay, let's see. No job, no money, no visitors, no family left here. I can't go anywhere, can't spend anything and now we can't even try to get into the Christmas spirit by decorating the house? What am I doing with someone who doesn't even get me? OMG, I married Scrooge. We go through this every single year.

Do you know what it is like to be married to someone who is clinically depressed? You cheer them up every single day, like a cheerleader. You prop them up and laugh at them to ease the tension. You encourage them to take their antidepressant medicine everyday. You try to cook them their favorite meals, you encourage the pets to give him extra love. You try and try and try and everyday they still wake up unhappy. It's like that movie, Groundhog day. Everyday is the same and every morning you hope this will be the day that is different. But it's not -- it's Groundhog day all over again. It's like the merry-go-round that you want to get off and you are afraid if you jump off, you'll crack your head open like a coconut.

I have a film I'm shooting. I have only filmed one scene and I have three more to go. I have a TV show that I'm in that is coming out in the summer. I have another episode of I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant coming out in a few weeks. I have been asked to proof some scripts but I actually had to ask for payment because they wanted me to do it for free. Do you believe this? I have a play coming up in the Spring. And right now all I want to do is make the world go away.

Where are my rose colored glasses? Where can I get some Valium? Why are there a bunch of users who want to take, take, take? I have a ticket to a class this morning run by one of the top casting directors in LA. I can't do it. I can't drive to LA to hear another casting director tell a room full of actors what they want to see at auditions. Because I know what they want to see. They want to see some beautiful 18 to 24 year old who looks like they could still be in high school or on another episode of Glee. Who are they kidding? And if this is not you, you may as well stay home. Hell, even the Sex and the City 2 women looked like shit. Did you see a worse movie than that?

Does anyone care about another writer in Hollywood? Remember Sunset Boulevard? Well, it's just like that. You chase your dreams in La La land and end up in a stuffy, studio apartment. A Murphy bed, a rancid smell. You eat peanut butter sandwiches for lunch and eat cereal for dinner. You walk and walk and watch people eating nice meals in fancy restaurants. You drive down Sunset Boulevard and look towards Chateau Marmont where John Belushi died. You wonder if this is all worth it.

You drive past the street and look up to the homes in the Hollywood Hills and know that you once worked there at that home, the one next to the home of Drew Barrymore. I took a non-union job there for $200 a day. I knew that the production company would make a whole lot more money than that. But I was hungry and $200 a day is better than $0. They take advantage of talent every single day and if you don't want to do it, someone else will. They keep coming off the bus from places like Kansas.

I can see how people cross that line from sanity to insanity. You walk the line of the straight and narrow so long and then you wonder why you do it. For dignity? Doesn't pay the bills. You wonder who knows you out here in Hollywood anyway? And who really cares? And the truth hits you between the eyes. No one knows you in Hollywood and no one really cares. And then you wind up lonely and broke and in the depths of despair like Neely O'Hara in Valley of the Dolls. And you understand why Neely keeps taking pills.

At night you walk down the main street in Beverly Hills. The lights are so bright and so welcoming. But it is all an illusion. After all, this is Hollywood where the unreal can seem so real. And I am reminded of the Twilight Zone episode where the actor is miserable in his real life but loves his life on the TV series. And he finally comes to the realization that life is better in his make believe world. He jumps in and he never looks back. Fantasy or reality? Pass the Valium, please.

Back to Work

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

What a day yesterday was. I don't think any of us anticipate death and yet there it is. Life is so much better. So I have dried my tears and come to terms with a family loss. Back to work!

I had jury duty on Monday and then dealt with the loss of our Uncle on Tuesday and Wednesday. I may have an audition tomorrow, will have to wait and see.

I am trying to get into the Christmas spirit but it is difficult this year. I have not had a steady job this year at all and acting jobs have been too few and far between. I did however, have a wonderful opportunity to work as a production assistant earlier this year. And I did some television filming. I also got to meet several celebrities and have been offered several writing assignments too.

I am going to concentrate on family for the remainder of the year. I know that my children look to me for guidance and while it has been a trying year for everyone, life goes on. And there have been tough times in the past and we have weathered the storm and we will do so again. And hopefully, we will have learned some valuable lessons like always save for a rainy day. And hold those that you love dear to your heart. You never know when you may not see them again.

It cracks me up when people call me to interview them just to promote a new movie they are doing or because they are getting themselves out there. Well, I am an actor too and getting yourself out there is part of the job. I am amazed how many times I will meet an interesting person and I will ask for their card only to have them tell me that they don't have one with them. Really? And you are promoting yourself? I learned a long time ago to have 4 or 5 head shots in my car at all times. And I always have my card which is a business sized head shot with my phone number and email address on it. You never know who you'll meet and you may not have the time to really chat. So I always say, I'd love to stay in touch. May I give you my card? See simple stuff that I learned when I was a Mary Kay consultant.

Okay, now you know my secret to staying young looking and beautiful. It is my Mary Kay products! I love them and I always pamper my Mom, sisters and girl friends when they come to visit me. We do facials and I teach them how to care for their skin. Everyone should moisturize, even men!

So I have applied to several jobs, one at a local casino. And I submitted 4 applications to Warner Brothers studio. Wouldn't that be awesome to work at Warner Bros??? I have worked as an actress at Universal Studios, Paramount, Sony but have not yet worked at Warner Bros. I have a background in Administration and in Finance in case you were wondering. And my major in college was Communications. Communications is a wonderful field and goes hand in hand with the dwindling degree of Journalism.

Well, I am going to stay optimistic because I am a glass half full kinda gal and win or lose, we must keep going forward. I just know that there is a good job out there with my name on it, good supervisor, good pay and a place where I can spread my wings and fly. Come on, Universe bring it!

Please deliver to Uncle Ted in Heaven

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

Dear Uncle Ted,

I am writing this letter to you because I know that you wanted us to stay in touch. I am going to miss your laughter and the way you said you needed some lovies. I enjoyed watching you eat everything on your plate. I remember visiting you in the hospital and seeing your face light up when we walked into the room.

I remember how cute you looked on our doorstep when you came over to visit us and you handed me a bouquet of flowers. I dressed for dinner and I took your arm and we walked into the restaurant and you loved the salmon dish you ordered.

You loved eating ice cream – and you loved entertaining. You were very kind to my parents and you thought my Mom was a pistol.

You said you don’t remember the last time you went to the movies and I made a mental note of that so we could take you but many times you didn’t want to leave the house. I think you knew you didn’t have much time left.

I didn’t realize what a romantic you were until you said that your wife died in your arms. It made me realize that you still grieved for her to this day. And now you are with Enid.

We had spoken some words and said some things that we both regretted and when John called you were so happy and apologetic. Then I knew that we could never be mad at each other again. Life is too short to say mean things that you can’t take back. And nothing is worse than having no family.

You told me many times how much you loved John and that was nice to hear. You showed us many photos of your family and told us how Grandma Ann was more your mother than a big sister, you loved her so!

You loved music and I think you were really happy that John, Jeremy and Amy all shared your love of music. I think you were proud of my acting career too and would call me movie star!

You gave us good advice on where to move, when to buy a home and when to keep our homes. You talked many times about how you didn’t like doctors, and illness and you were so proud that you were able to drive yourself to the doctor’s offices and you very rarely asked for any help even though we offered many times.

You were stubborn as a mule at times and there were times when we intervened but I think that you loved the fact that we cared. And we did. You were not perfect but no one is. In the end, it is all about forgiveness and love. And family. Thank you for your guidance and your love. We will miss you.

R.I.P. Uncle Ted

Hit counter provided by http://www.website-hit-counters.com/ .

It is with sadness dear reader that I tell you about the loss of our Uncle Ted. He was the great Uncle of my husband and he was 88 years old. I first learned about Uncle Ted when we first married. He was the Uncle that lived in San Diego. My husband's grandmother Ann was Ted's big sister. She was 11 years older than Ted and very protective of him.

He was the youngest of many children and was only a baby when they all came over on the boat from Poland to Ellis Island. He said his older brothers and sisters were much older and they were always shooing him away. He had a good full life with two previous marriages, one son and two grandsons.

He was a professional musician for much of his life and a health problem deterred him from serving during WWII. After a failed first marriage he left his wife and young son and headed out west to Phoenix. As a head waiter he saved enough money to buy a home in La Jolla. He told us he brought his home with his tip money!

He was pretty happy with his second marriage which lasted 12 years. They enjoyed travelling, boating, and he lost his wife to leukemia the year that we moved to California in 1993. He was very instrumental in helping us choose a place to live in nearby Poway. Great school district and low crime!

He was a realtor for the last 30 years of his life and retired a few years ago. He enjoyed working out, cooking on his patio. He hated getting older and seeing his friends pass on one by one. He always said why am I the last one? Why do I have to see all my friends go?

I didn't know until recently that when his wife passed, she died in his arms in their bed. He knew his health was failing but he didn't want to go into a nursing home. I figured out that he wanted to die in his home too. We asked him to come and live with us but he didn't want to.

He loved jazz music and the big bands. He loved having visitors. He loved living in San Diego. He was not a perfect man. No one is perfect. But he had a plan for his life and that did not include getting old and having your health deteriorate. He hated that.

When we picked him up from the hospital that last time, he told me how much he loved my husband and I said he loves you too. He told the nursing staff, I don't know what I would do without these guys (meaning my husband and me).

I was filming all week in LA and was happy to be home on Saturday. I told my hubby we should go see Uncle Ted on Sunday. We both had a lazy morning and watched TV. Before we knew it, it was 5 pm and too late to visit. We called him earlier today to check in on him and his friend, Marie answered the phone.

She told us that Ted had taken a spill and had fallen. The next part is sketchy but some how she was notified that he had fallen. They took him to the hospital on Sunday. On Monday around 4 pm he passed. No one had called us. If we had not called him today, I don't know when we would have been notified.

We are both so shaken that this happened on Sunday and feel somehow that had we been there perhaps he would not have fallen. Everything is up in the air for now. I am saddened for us but I know he died where he wanted to die, at home. He is in a much better place now, that I know for sure. His heart and his kidneys were failing him.

After his release from the hospital, we brought him to our home to recover. He asked me if I thought he would get better. I told him no, I didn't think he was getting better. I told him his head nurse told us his two major organs were failing him and it was just a matter of time. I hope I did the right thing by telling him the truth. I held his hand as I told him and he looked like oh, okay. And then he wanted to go home. And yesterday he went home to our Lord.

Listen to me on WWWN Radio

Hit counter provided by http://www.website-hit-counters.com/ .

I've had a blast today doing some voice over work for the internet radio station, WWWN on Live 365 radio. http://www.live365.com/ and look for my radio station, WWWN. Please do log on and listen. If you'd like you can even request a song or make a dedication. I am notified via email and I will put your song on or make the dedication for you. Become a listener! The station is songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s which was a fun time.

I do voice over for an episode which I call the Hollywood Minute. I talk about stuff going on in Hollywood, gossip on upcoming films, and today I am promoting my friend Christopher Carrington. He is appearing on an upcoming episode of ABC's Castle tomorrow night. I am very excited for Chris. He and I worked together on the indie film, "Woman's Work" which went to like 20 independent film festivals.

I am tired after working on a TV show last Wednesday, and another show on Thursday and Friday. I was hoping to catch lunch or dinner with some of my LA pals but I wasn't expecting to be on the set for a 12 hour day. Yikes! After that all I want to do is have some dinner, put on some jammies and jump into bed.

There is nothing like driving down the 101 towards Hollywood and knowing I am working on the set. I report to wardrobe and makeup. Bless those makeup ladies for helping me look good. I never quite know what to wear to the set and believe me, all the actresses come in looking like death warmed over. We stumble in with no makeup and head straight for the coffee!

So for my upcoming week, who knows? Well, I have mandatory jury duty tomorrow. Yuck! I am not happy about this because there was a really good SAG job that I could have auditioned for but because the auditions were on Monday, I knew I couldn't go.

And I missed an audition for Anna's Linens. I was working on the set and my agent told me to try to audition if I got out early enough but nope, it wasn't happening. Oh well. That's how it goes. I met some really awesome ladies last week on the set of the new comedy show, "Jon Benjamin Has a Van" and one of them shared some good gossip on where to shop for clothes. I love it when you go to the set and the vibe is just right. It makes for an easy, tranquil set where we all work together and believe me when there are 10 women there sometimes that doesn't always happen.

I have to say though that even though I am one of those people that are unemployed that I have been really lucky. I have some upcoming projects in 2011, I have some job prospects and am doing a play in February. I had an audition this year for Dexter and got a callback on a national commercial. Even though I didn't get cast, I did get in front of 2 new casting directors that I'd never seen before. Dustin Hoffman once auditioned for Mike Nichols and even though he didn't get the role, Mr. Nichols remembered Dustin and cast him for The Graduate and the rest is history.

I'm listening to WWWN and Leslie Gore is singing a song. Wow, this brings back memories of watching my older sisters dancing to 45s. I was the little sister always hanging around them and asking them to teach me how to dance. They would shoo me away and I would still watch them and mimic their moves. One sister was much older and just wanted to get married. The other sister was incredibly self-conscious and shy. And all I ever wanted to do was dance and act.

And so I did. I acted in school plays in grade school. I joined the Glee Club in high school and acted in high school productions. After graduation I joined local community groups and acted in some drama plays and did some musicals. I was doing West Side Story when a police Lieutenant I knew asked me to encourage his niece. She wanted to be an actress too. Believe me, she didn't need any encouragement from me. She had ambition and you know her today as the beautiful and talented Katie Holmes from Toledo, Ohio. True story!

I have been asked to write a story on the master class I attended which was taught by Janis Ian. I am so excited because I know she will read it. I wish I had taken notes now but I couldn't take my eyes off her. She was just so amazing. Have you heard the Buddhist saying, when the student is ready the teacher will appear? Well, it's true. I feel sometimes that I still have so much to learn about the entertainment business.

I will share my journey with you, my readers as I stumble across this mine field. There are pitfalls. There are setbacks. There will be blood, sweat and tears. And there have been many times when I have been so tired that I could only manage a bowl of cereal for dinner. But then when things are better it makes the white wine and lobster dinners that much sweeter!

I Booked it

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

Yay, I booked two jobs. I went on an audition last week for another episode of I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant. I received a call on Friday to put me on avail and just received a call that I got the job. I work on Thursday and Friday.

And then I booked another job as a featured extra on a television show which works on Wednesday. I need the work and praise the Lord now I have two jobs.

I notified my agent and she is very proud of me. So I will have the casting directors contact my agent and clear my schedule for the rest of the week.

I was a little nervous about finding employment this time of year but the only thing I can do is try and audition as much as possible. And now my prayers have been answered. Thanks to everyone who said a little prayer for me.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I had a nice time and am trying to stay warm. My goodness where did all this cold weather come from?

Well, thanks for reading. Hopefully this is an indication that things are looking up. Does anyone need a full-time production assistant? I have excellent references and good experience. I am sending resumes to Warner Brothers and Universal Studios. Background in Finance but would rather work on films. Let me know!

How Was Turkey Day?

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

Mine was very good although I miss my son who is serving his country abroad. We kept him in our prayers at dinnertime. Speaking of dinner I have eaten so much these last 3 days. Yikes! But as I said earlier Thanksgiving is not the time to be dieting. No regrets. I love turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and the pumpkin pie.

So sad to hear that George Lopez and his wife Ann are divorcing. I had heard that quite some time ago but to know that it is finally happening is still sad to me. I read an article recently about marriage being obsolete and I don't think that is so. Marriage is the glue that holds families together. I think most people long for that special someone to love them when they are young and hot and someone to grow old with.

What do you look like first thing in the morning? I always remove all my makeup before I go to bed. Sometimes I still have lipstick on because I hate dry lips. But other than that my hair is a mess, I usually have a pillow line on my cheek. It's not glamorous in the least. My face needs a good scrubbing, a brush through my hair and some toothpaste. A little moisturizer and I'm good to go for that hot cup of coffee in the morning. Then all is right with the world again.

I recently had two sleep studies. I found out that I have been so tired because I'm not getting all the oxygen that I need. I have sleep obstruction and sleep apnea going on. So my doctor has recommended a CPAP machine. Oh, now I look really glamorous when I go to bed. I have this mask with tubing that goes in my nose so I can breathe in good oxygen and get rid of the carbon dioxide. It is very quiet and amazingly, my throat doesn't hurt every morning. It makes me sleep better already and sleeping better gives me more energy through the day and I'm not constantly in a haze, fumbling for thoughts and words. It has only been 3 days and I feel a big difference already. So much fun having polio, isn't it?

I am looking at the calendar and I can't believe it is November, 2010. My goodness this year has just flown by. I'm looking around my house and there's just so much stuff! I have to start downsizing. I have boxes and boxes of books. I have cabinets full of DVDs. I swear I'm going to downsize. Not having a job can be a good thing. You don't have any extra money to buy more junk. I've never been one of those gals that has to shop, shop buy, buy all the time. If I need a black skirt I go to the store and walk straight to the skirt section. I may try on 3 or 4 and then find exactly what I want, purchase it and leave. I can't see wasting your time at a mall. I actually hate shopping. If I could afford to have a personal shopper, I would hire one in a heartbeat.

One thing I do love is getting my hair done. Nails are nice too but that is a luxury I can do without. But hair is another thing entirely. Love the shampoo and conditioner part. Just quietly resting my eyes while my hair is being washed. Love it! I am growing my hair out again and its growing in thick and nice just like always. I've had shorter hair for years because I was writing and didn't want to be bothered. Just chop it off and give me a pad and a pen. I've got things to do, people to watch and stories to write. But now I'm reviewing the situation as they say in Oliver!

I miss so many things but no time to ponder on what was. Time to think of what could be. I think I'll watch the Wizard of Oz and start decorating my fake Christmas tree. I love a real tree but when I was paying almost $100 for a tree that dies anyway I had to review the situation. We can make some hot chocolate and listen to some holiday music. Then sit down and watch Judy Garland sing Over the Rainbow. Love it! Welcome to the holiday season. Time to make sure I have correct addresses to send out the Christmas cards. Do you believe it? I'm thankful for my family, my friends near and far and my cats. My furry little friends make me laugh and give me joy. I'm thinking of getting a dog but what type? Don't know but it seems everyone around here has a dog or two. I want something not too large but not too small either. A type of dog that gets along well with cats. Any suggestions?

Good News!

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com

My, oh my what a week this has been. My friends are travelling by air to Pennsylvania and the other to Texas. I am staying home this Thanksgiving and happy to do so. I love the smell of the turkey and all the goodies cooking. Yum! Now is not the time to be dieting.

So I have good news! I received a call on one of the auditions I did recently. While I am not officially booked, I did receive a call to be on avail. And what that means is they are interested in you and want to know if I am available to film should they decide for sure on me. I have not been getting callbacks lately and now I received one callback and one avail. Yay, things are looking up.

I have been trying to keep my attitude positive and sometimes that is difficult. And you know this is true if you read my last email. But I can get very strong opinions when it comes to politics and my rights as a citizen in this country. Enough about that!

Hurray for Andy who is performing comedy again this weekend. I plan on going to see him on Saturday night. He is doing so well, hanging in there and working his comedy. I will have to ask him how performing comedy before a live audience is different from acting.

I have done theater, film and television. I actually like theater because it keeps you sharp. And when I had an audition for a national commercial recently I used the skills I had learned in theater to help me with my audition. Skills, people. Acting is a skill and it can be learned.

I am meeting new friends and going to meetings. I am taking care of myself and trying to pace myself. I have had an amazing year. I worked at Paramount Studios. I have auditioned for Dexter and now a national commercial. I am stepping up my game. I have had some good training and met some awesome people.

I have so much in which to be thankful and one is you. Thank you for keeping up with me. Thank you for your comments and your interest. I try to be honest in this blog and I hope that you have learned something or shared something. I have met some of you face to face and that of course, is always exciting. Here is to trying, succeeding and enjoying every step of this journey called my life.

R.I.P. JFK

Hit counter provided by http://www.website-hit-counters.com/ .

On this date 47 years ago, our beloved President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. It was a terrible day and to many of us our innocence was lost on that day. Why does it seem that whenever we get a good person to speak up for the common people that their voices are then silenced?

Our country is being taken over by corporations. Don't believe me? Who runs ABC? Disney Corporation. Who runs NBC? General Electric Corporation. Who runs FOX? Rupert Murdoch Industries. What happened to newspapers? They are going by the wayside for the internet. Who runs Google? Who runs Facebook? What are their interests? Do you really believe that journalists are given free speech anymore?

Watch the evening news with ABC, CBS and NBC. You know what you get? The same stories told 3 different ways but in essence saying the same things. You watch FOX and all you get is Obama bashing. Why do the journalists get 2 day suspensions for donating to the candidate of their choice when Rupert Murdoch gives $1M to the GOP? Why? Because he owns and runs FOX any damn way he chooses and can say anything that he wants. Is that freedom of the press? I don't think so.

If anyone doesn't think our country is being handled by the corporations, think again. And as an actor do you know what really pisses me off? It pisses me off that television is the babysitter of the people. Why do movies like Jackass make all that money? Why do we watch crap like Dancing With the Stars? The Next American Idol? Because they (the corporations) want us to be lulled into a false sense of security that all is right with the world and why don't we just go shopping? At Starbucks, Macy's, Target, Wal Mart, etc.?

Why care about what is really happening in the world when we can just go shopping? Because they are counting on the fact that most people don't give a damn about their fellow man. Most people just want to put their heads in the sand and give up their rights to civil rights like free speech, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Where were you when President George W Bush gave away your civil liberties by shoving the Patriot Act down our throats? When was the last time your Congressman or Senator actually voted for something that you wanted? Most of the time they vote for something that will benefit them directly or for something that the lobbyists have pushed for. And don't forget that the lobbyists are hired by the corporations. Didn't we as voters have a voice? Nope, we don't.

And Meg Whitman was defeated even though she tried to buy the governorship in the State of California. Her hypocrisy was her downfall. The hypocrisy of those in power in the City of Bell was their downfall. And now they are paying the price. If it wasn't for good reporting by good journalists, then Meg Whitman's hypocrisy would not have been brought to light. Good reporting brought down the bad guys in the City of Bell.

So yes, people turn off the mindless television sets. Do you really want to watch 10 commercials in a row where they all say buy, buy, buy? Aren't we as a country in debt enough? Why aren't there any commercials that say save, save, save?

As an actor, I am just trying to make a living doing what I love to do which is acting. But it is just that, acting. I have a life outside of the business world of acting. I care about my country and I care about my family. But guess what? I care about your family, too. I care about our education system and the fact that kids today aren't as smart as we were. I care about crime. I care about police being fair and honest and not thumping someone over the head just because that person has brown skin or black skin.

I care about the homeless and the hungry in our country. That's right, in our country. Let the other nations of the world care for their own. Wake up people! There are too many real problems in our country that need to be fixed. And they need to be fixed by good, caring, law-abiding citizens. Turn off the television and the video games and start doing something today to lift up your family, your neighborhood, your friends and neighbors. And how about those less fortunate who sit lonely in nursing homes and the youth of today who are jobless and hungry?

Volunteer somewhere. Anywhere. A nursing home, a food shelter, your local church or the county library. There are seniors who would love a visit. There are hungry people in the streets. There are those who are struggling with addiction. There are children who need to learn how to read. Please do something than just sit idly by.

I volunteer at the library. I volunteer at our local PFLAG because I feel that parents who are struggling to accept their gay son or daughter need help and understanding. I think gay teens are having a difficult time coming to terms with who they are and I'm tired of reading that another child committed suicide because they didn't see any other alternative.

My mother worked at a nursing home for years where she saw neglect for the elderly. I worked for years at the Salvation Army where I saw the hungry come in every morning for a hot cup of coffee and a kind word. Believe me, it humbles you and makes you thankful for a nice home, family members and a warm place to sleep at night.

This Thanksgiving, this Christmas don't spend, don't buy. Go against the corporations who are trying to bankrupt all of us so that they can be more profitable. What does all of this have to do with President Kennedy? Well, I believe he was trying to show us a better way to become better citizens. Let us be smart enough to make our country accountable. If you don't know the constitution, read it again. Our rights are being trampled on by the corporations and our elected officials are looking the other way. Want to see one of the biggest people who takes money from the corporations? Sarah Palin. She is a puppet to them. And she doesn't care because her pocketbook is getting quite full. She does not have the leadership skills, she does not inspire anyone to be better citizens. Don't believe me? How many new books does she have being published? How much does she charge for speaking fees? Who does that benefit?

Wake up people, before it's too late.

Audition Notice at 11:45 PM

Hit counter provided by http://www.website-hit-counters.com/ .

One of my favorite pastimes is watching the Saturday morning marathon of America's Next Top Model. I like it because you never know what kind of craziness will occur. Modeling is very competitive and so is acting. If you don't believe in your talent no one else will either.

I received a telephone text at 11:45 pm on Thursday night. I was requested to come and audition for a tv program at 9:00 am the next morning. When you are in this business opportunities come and go so quickly that you must be prepared at all times. Be like the boy scouts and always be prepared. My clothes are clean and hung up ready to grab and go.

I downloaded the script which was to be done in English and in Spanish. I printed out the directions. I had extra head shots and had my outfit picked out and hung in the bathroom. The next morning I arrived early and reviewed my lines. I went in and did my thing. The casting director said I like you, I'm going to suggest we hire you. We are doing wardrobe this afternoon and we are shooting this weekend, are you available? Yes, I answered. Of course I said yes.

And then I waited and waited and no call for wardrobe. No calls at all. Finally, at 4:00 pm I called the casting office and they said someone else was hired for the tv show. Darn! But you know that is show biz. You have to just be ready, be prepared and do your best. I know that I did the best job I could and I put myself out there. I also know that a new casting director who didn't know me before well, she knows me now.

Are there some things you are really good at? Sure, we all have our likes and dislikes. Don't do the same thing over and over again with the stuff where you excel. Work on the stuff that is difficult and you will get better. I took three semesters of Spanish in college but didn't get a chance to use it. Now I'm using it all the time. I read, write and speak Spanish all the time and have been getting better.

Being an actor means learning and growing. Never be afraid to try something new. As a disabled actor there are some things I cannot do. However, there are many other things I can do and I can do them well. Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. Same with people.

Keep negative people and negative things out of your life. Surround yourself with positive things and positive people. Life is too hard to go it alone. Competition is fierce. I don't compete with others. I only compete with myself. If I had a bad audition, I don't beat myself up over it. That is simply a waste of time. Learn from your mistakes, do better the next time.

Callback

What a day I've had today! I had a callback today for a SAG national commercial. It was early morning and if you know me you know I am not a morning person. But I woke up early, took a bubble bath and got ready. I'm supposed to look really, really nice like a trophy wife. So that means nice hair, nice clothes and definitely time for the false eyelashes. So I looked good, grabbed my folder which had directions and extra headshots just in case they are needed.
I put on extra moisturizer and I'm glad because the temp today was 81 degrees! Traffic was horrible and even though I left in plenty of time, by the time I arrived I only had 5 minutes before my call time to run to the ladies room and do a quick touch up of lipstick and rehearsing my lines.

They sat me with 2 guys who would audition with me. One was a distinguished older gentleman who would play my husband and the other guy was a younger fellow. Both were very nice looking and Latino also. In a few moments they called us in and we did our thing. Now because this was a callback, other folks were in the room. Don't know who they were but I didn't want to get nervous thinking about them. I just wanted to concentrate on why I was there and do my job.

I started to get nervous then I reminded myself that I have been onstage many times in the past doing live performances. This was a piece of cake! So we did our thing and guess what? It was probably the best audition I've ever had. I am feeling really good about my performance and this reminds me why I love acting. Plus I haven't a callback in forever so I felt good about that too.

It's funny how you know if you had a bad audition (Dexter) or a good one (Capital One). You just know, you don't have to wait for feedback from your agent.

Well, I have a new follower. Hello to Ernie! Thanks for chatting with me the other evening. It was great to catch up with you.

Oh oh, starting to get really hungry for dinner and I am craving my homemade fried chicken and mashed potatoes. I was so good at lunch eating a light salad, soup and drinking water. I'm going to lose weight if it kills me! Anyone know anything about Isogenix? A friend of mine is selling this stuff and says I should get a 30 day supply but $300 is a little much for me right now.

Why does everything have to be so crazy right now? I had two tickets to go to a screening of a film with Mark Ruffalo. I had plans to be with my friend Andy and have dinner. And I had to cancel because my legs were bad! I don't understand it. I got up early, took a nice bath. I went to the hairdressers who did a wonderful job of making me look gorgeous. And then I came home. And as the afternoon went on, my energy just left. I was cold, lethargic and could not walk at all. It was pretty scary. Now for my post polio buddies out there you know what I'm talking about. I was so mad because I was supposed to sit in on a Q & A with Mark Ruffalo after the show. And I haven't seen Andy in awhile and we were really looking forward to spending some time together and catching up. But Andy has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair and he knows how bad pps can get. He said he would pray that I would feel better soon. So sweet! And sure enough I talked to him today and he said you sound so much better already.

So hey folks, if you believe in prayer -- please say a little prayer for me. This job that I had a callback today would mean so much for my career. Thank you, Jesus! Amen!

Hit counter provided by http://www.website-hit-counters.com/ .

I Love LA

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

Another commercial audition scheduled for tomorrow. WooHoo! No word yet if I have any callbacks on last weeks auditions. Victor called but I told him to sit tight because sometimes these things take awhile. I also heard from Andy finally! He is doing well and he did tell me to contact him if I am in town. It would be good to have lunch with him again. Andy is a young actor who happens to be disabled. He was so excited because he just booked another stand up gig. This makes 3 consecutive shows. Go Andy!

Several upcoming screenings: The Kids Are Alright at the Arclight Theatre in Hollywood followed by a Q&A with actors Annette Bening, Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo. Then on Wednesday, the latest Harry Potter film. Yay! I am on the list for both screenings. Who will be my date?

Auditions and screenings, that is my life right now.

A National Commercial would be amazing!

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

Well, what a week! Three auditions -- almost four! I auditioned with my friend Victor for a print ad. We are still waiting to see if we get a callback. Then I received a call to be at another casting office but could I make it in 1 hour? No way. I asked them if I could come Friday morning but they said no. Then my agent from Daily Talent called and I had another audition Friday afternoon. This was for a SAG national commercial at Alyson Horn casting. So I had the I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant audition Friday morning and the other commercial audition Friday afternoon. Whew! Tired but it felt good to go on these auditions. The more you audition the more comfortable you get and the better you audition. A national commercial would be amazing. That is what I need right now!!!

I've been invited to several screenings. The first is the new Harry Potter film. I am looking forward to going. I asked for an extra ticket and they said yes! Who wants to be my date??? And then SAG is doing a free screening of a film called Reel Injun at the Museum of Tolerance. I also get an extra ticket for that screening. Should be good!

I think I'll do some writing this weekend. I have been reading on the Polio Today site and it gets me depressed. Yikes, I feel sad that some of the members have been going through so many difficulties. But it is nice to go in there and ask a question to someone who is going through the same thing or something similar. Sometimes I wonder if these tweaks are all in my head. Like the other night I was so tired and I didn't overdo it. I just was so tired and it was only 8:30 pm but I couldn't take another step or keep my eyes open. I figured my body is tired and I'm getting my rest. Sure enough, the next morning I felt refreshed. Wouldn't it be great if people had a reboot button? We could just shut it down for the night, no thoughts. No dreams, just out like a light. Then in the morning we would be full of energy and ready to go. I swear I wish I had bionic legs. Then my legs and feet could take me wherever I wanted to go. I could do all the things that other people can do. Like roller skate, ice skating, and dancing. I miss dancing so much. Now maybe I can dance one dance, then I get tired and I have to sit for the remainder of the evening. But my friends who are in wheelchairs tell me I am lucky to stand and walk. So yes, I am grateful.

Now my hands and arms are starting to hurt and I have headaches everyday. I know I am lucky that I was not in the iron lung. And I know I should be wearing my leg braces every day. But I want to go, go, go! And my body says, I don't think so. I'm trying to eat healthier. I remember reading that those of us who have PPS need protein everyday. Eggs, peanut butter, nuts, cottage cheese. I've been cutting down on portions too so hopefully that will help. Nothing like being overweight and sitting in a wheelchair. No fun and it doesn't look sexy either.

Like my new photo? Well I was feeling good and wanted to try a new look. I may look confident but actually I'm quite shy. It takes awhile for me to get to know you. But once I feel good, I'm actually quite funny. I am all business but once I let my hair down, I am actually quite nerdy. Some people look right past me. And that's okay, because I am a silent observer of life. And it's my job as an actor to observe real life. And it's my job as a writer to imagine. And according to Janis Ian, it is our job as an artist to be true to ourselves. I always wondered why I felt different from everyone in my family and from my friends. And it is because I am an artist. And we know each other. We know it before we even see it or say it. It's a beautiful community of artists and that is why we seek each other out.

copyright 2010

Oh Janis!

Yes, it is true. I met Janis Ian! I attended the Women in Art festivities in Palm Desert, CA over the weekend. Now the Los Angeles Women's Theatre Project had their program at the Stella Adler theater over the last two years. I participated in previous years by writing and directing. I loved it. This year I just went to show my support. My friend, Donna received two VIP passes and asked me to be her guest. Thanks to Donna and her lovely sister, Marie we all had a great time. Marie has a home in Rancho Mirage and we stayed there. But the best part of the weekend was getting front row seats to the Janis Ian concert.

Janis taught a master class on Sunday morning and I loved it. She was so generous to share herself for well over an hour. She answered questions and I purchased her autobiography, Society's Child. Wow, what a weekend!!!

I have audition news! I was notified yesterday to come audition today for a print ad. I can't really talk about it but it is a great opportunity to be seen. I think it went really well so we shall see what happens. I auditioned with my guy pal, Victor. We hit it off right away when we met six months ago and now here we are auditioning together. After the audition we grabbed some lunch then went our separate ways. Keeping fingers crossed for us!!!

Well, I get to rest for a little bit before going to LA again on Friday for another audition for "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant". Yes, I know I was already on the show but this is for another part. Don't know if it will be okay since I was on the show. I notified the casting director so we will see what she says.

Keeping fingers crossed, keeping the faith. I am working hard to being the artist I was always meant to be.

Hit counter provided by http://www.website-hit-counters.com/ .

Can't Sleep

Hit counter provided by http://www.website-hit-counters.com/ .

It's funny how sometimes when you can't sleep the weirdest things pop into my head. Right now I am thinking of redheads. You know, like Annette O'Toole, Ann Margaret, Rita Hayworth, Julianne Moore. Remember Bridget Fonda in Single White Female? Loved her cute little bob haircut. I do not look good as a redhead. Just doesn't look good with my skin or eyes and there are only certain clothing colors you can wear. Nope, don't want to be a redhead.

Big weekend planned. Palm Desert, Palm Springs for the Los Angeles Women's Theatre Project. I am looking forward to art all weekend! Concerts and parties, workshops and meeting Janis Ian! I will take photos and upload them when I return.

Haven't heard anything more on the recent auditions. It was cool auditioning at CBS. And my Agent has submitted me for many upcoming projects. Oh, I need a national commercial big time! The commercial I did last week was just background. So I need a leading role in a national commercial. That would be awesome.

I saw an old movie today that I really liked, The Turning Point with Anne Bancroft and with Shirley Maclaine (another redhead). Why aren't there more roles like that with two women friends? The dialogue is great and the ballet dancing. Ah!!! I never tire of that film.

Did you ever dream of meeting someone really famous? I mean, like really pined over someone and read every interview, knew their birthdays, their favorite color, their favorite food? And then you pray and pray that someday you'll meet that person? And then wonder of wonders, you actually do meet them? Well that is what happened to me on more than one occasion. And each time, I was not prepared. Because it seems to happen as a fluke and you are not prepared. But maybe you wanted it so badly that the universe just opens up and gives it to you when you least expect it. I met Joel Gray. I met Esai Morales. I met KD Lang. I met Keiko Matsui. I met Jay Leno. I met many more show biz folks! Sometimes I have to remind myself to breathe! Breathe, Lisa! And they are just folks like us, well maybe not exactly like us.

So anyway, I guess my point is this. Believe in yourself. Believe that you are worthy of good things happening to you. Because what you think about, you will bring about. Now I am thinking of writing the next great screenplay that actors will fight to be in my first film. How's that for thinking big? It wasn't that long ago that I was riding around in my police car writing parking tickets in Ohio. I knew that I was wasting my time. I knew that I should be in California. I knew I was an actor and should be acting. I would carry yellow legal pads in my trunk. I would take my 30 minute lunch time and pull under a shady tree and park. I would write and write. I didn't know how I was going to get from Ohio to California. I just knew this was where I belonged. And lo and behold, here I am. Again, the universe opened up and gave me this opportunity.

Did it just happen? Or did I bring this about? You know the mind is a very powerful tool. That is why we must stay positive. If you think negative things, then that is exactly what will happen in your life. If you think positive things, you will get positive things. I am very picky about my friends. I am very picky about how I spend my time, the books that I read, the films that I watch. There is so much negative stuff going on and I refuse to be around it. So I know, I just know that this weekend will bring about some very positive things in my life.

I am excited, so excited in fact that sometimes I can't sleep. Okay, glass of wine I know you want me to drink. And so I shall. You are cool and tart, light and aromatic. You beg me to drink more and so it will be. We have shared many a lonely night together. You have helped me through some tough times and sad times. You have kept me home when I felt like wandering. You have kept me sane when I wanted to scream. You have filled my belly when I wanted to eat something. You have calmed the little girl in me that screamed out for revenge. You have given me balls when I was scared. Yes, I can say you have been a loyal friend. And loyal friends are hard to come by, especially in Hollywood.

Copyright 2010

Audition in Beverly Hills

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

I was notified yesterday that I had an audition early this morning in Beverly Hills. The role called for was a Mom. I think they are casting only two Moms to be in a music video for a Disney show. It was fun. It was difficult finding something to wear. When I arrived the lobby area was full of folks. There were a few younger Moms but most looked well over 50, 60 and up. So maybe they will choose me (fingers crossed). I would say more but you know these auditions are hush hush so I can't say more.

I called my friend, Andy Arias to see if he wanted to grab a quick lunch but he said he was currently working on the set and couldn't talk. So we will talk later and I will get the chisma on what that young man is up to. As you may recall, I interviewed Andy for Latino LA. He is moving up in his acting career. He will appear in the new Tom Hanks film, Larry Crowne.

So I drove home and stopped at one of my favorite restaurants, The Lone Star. They make the best chili. I'm trying to lose some weight and I love food so I'm trying to make better choices. I'm cutting down on portions and trying not to eat red meat. Difficult because I love tacos. What to do?

The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Project is doing a big weekend of women who are writing, acting, directing and putting on live theatre in Palm Springs. And the fabulous Janis Ian will be performing a concert. My friend, Donna was lucky enough to get two passes for the entire event, including a VIP pass to the after parties and she invited me! Yay, so I know we will have a fabulous time. Palm Springs, here we come.

And I was invited by Stacy Codikow, executive director of POWER UP to their annual event November 7 in Hollywood. All kinds of fabulous women will be there and maybe even some from The L Word. Ugh, I can't be at two places at once. If only!

Guess who got asked to review the new Harry Potter film to be released November 19? That's right, me! The first two screenings are coming up very soon at Warner Brothers studios. And I get to go to the final screening. I am so excited as this film is Part 1 of the final Harry Potter film series. Sadness!

So much news today!!! I hope you all took the time to get out to vote. Democracy is a wonderful thing. So with that, I am signing off for now.

Auditions & More

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

Well, I hope everyone had a nice Halloween weekend. I went to LA to audition at CBS studios in Studio City for a short film. I received an email invitation and got a copy of the script. I had to memorize 8 pages of dialogue for the audition on Saturday. I prepared mentally, got up early on Saturday. Got ready and went through my wardrobe. As the role called for a teacher, I found a lavendar long sleeved shirt and wore that along with a navy blue jumper. I wore black stockings and black shoes. Now that I looked the part, onto the studio!

I arrived on time and checked in with the security officers. Parked the car and walked in the building. Found a ladies room for a quick look see to see if I looked okay. Found a seat outside the waiting room and there was a young Asian woman. I thought the role called for Hispanic? Yes, but this is what I am running into lately. Jobs are so hard to find that this is occurring more and more often. Oh well, whoever is the better actor gets the role. So I think I did a good job. I read through it once with the director/writer and he said very good. And then I find out that the job is non-union and non-paying! WTH

And then on Sunday, I get a phone call to come audition on Monday morning for a theatre project that I submitted myself to on Mandy.com This role was for a Mom. It is theatre and musical theatre at that. Well, I do have a theatrical background but haven't done musical theatre in awhile. So I did some research on the project and it actually sounds really interesting. Today I had second thoughts on this theatre project and decided not to go after all. When I left a message I was a little worried but I think I made the right call.

I spoke to the artistic director of the Breath of Fire Latina Theater in Santa Ana and she wants me to reprise my role of the Latina reporter, Gertrudis Hernandez in the play, the Medea Complex. This time we are doing the play at the South Coast Reperatory theater in Orange County. I am very excited because she asked me to play the role again, and secondly, because the South Coast has a very good reputation. We will do the play at the end of February and the early part of March, 2011. Yay! It's a great role and approximately 65 pages of dialogue. If you have ever done live theatre, you know how challenging it can be. But it is the best training for an actor. If you can do live theatre, you can do television!

I have to be very picky and choosy right now when it comes to the decisions I make on my career. I have paid my dues and now am ready to choose professional acting gigs. Come on, universe. Bring it on!

New Commercial

Hit counter provided by www.website-hit-counters.com .

Yay! I am booked on a regional commercial! Although I will be background, it still is a paying job. I will be a customer in a Sizzler commercial that we are filming in San Diego. The commercial has a run date of 2 years. And lunch is included! I love Sizzlers and we were just there for lunch last week. I love the 6 ounce steak with the salad bar. Yum!

Well, I haven't heard anything yet from the film which I auditioned for on Saturday. I thought I did a great job. The film shoots the second week of November which is just around the corner so I hope I hear some good news soon. I will keep you posted.

I sent some new photos including this one on this site to my Agent. She liked them (I sent two different photos). And I am hoping that they will land me some elf jobs soon. A girl has to eat, right?

I'm hearing more and more about how artists really need to write their own material and cast themselves and I think this is true. But, I am at a writer's block right now. I hate that. Can't push it, though. I do think I am a good comedy writer and perhaps should think of writing for someone else. Hmmm, just a thought.

I am looking forward to getting together with some of my girlfriends for lunch, movies, wine and some laughs. You know who you are, Paula, Susan and Rebecca! I miss my friend Pam who moved back to New Orleans. I've never been there but when I go, I am looking forward to that southern cooking.

Well, I'm trying to shake this head cold that I've had for the last week. Nothing worse than showing up on the set when you're ill. I have cold tablets, throat lozenges and tissues ready to throw in my purse.

Do you believe Charlie Sheen is in trouble again??? What is wrong with that guy? I think he is a drug addict big time and someone should commit him before he self destructs. Finally, someone says it like it is. As long as the studio keeps looking the other way, he is going to continue his self-destructive behavior for the real cameras that are rolling. What a waste of time to continue filming his antics. At least Robert Downey, Jr. had some real talent. Charlie Sheen is going down the toilet and it is his own fault.

Speaking of drugs, I worked with actor Tom Sizemore once. Okay, he was the star of Robbery/Homicide and I was just an extra on the set. But I did get to talk to him between scenes and told him how much I liked his work on the old film, Heart & Souls. He was so good. And he laughed and said that was a loooooong time ago. And then when I was working as a Production Assistant at Movido TV, he worked with us on a short film project. He is trying to get his career back. And I hope he does, because he is a big talent. I said Mr. Sizemore you probably don't remember me but we worked together once. He was so sweet and we took a photo together. I would add the photo but I worked on the set all day and was exhausted and was not wearing makeup. So see if you have talent and ask for help, folks will help you. But if you continue to blow all the chances you get and abuse your body, you will get flushed down the toilet. Are you listening Lindsay Lohan???

Some of us actually have to work really hard and get training and pay our dues to get a chance to work in show business. It is not handed to us like Paris Hilton. And I don't mind working hard and I don't mind paying my dues. Because I won't compromise who I am to get a job in Hollywood.