Indiegogo

Finally!  I had some difficulty starting this blog because so much time has gone by but now it looks okay.  Sorry it has been so long since I've blogged but life can get so busy sometimes.

I have been keeping myself busy and being creative.  I have taken up sewing and find I love it.  It can be frustrating at times but I have learned to read instructions, follow the patterns, and have learned that there is a seam ripper nearby if needed.  I have made several skirts, a tank top and pajamas.  I want to make a one piece dress for myself but I have to make another trip to JoAnn Fabric store for materials.

I have been keeping up with my voice lessons and I am loving singing again.  My new voice teacher, Kathy is very knowledgeable.  She is helping me get to that next level in my singing.  She has a sharp ear too and I love that.  She told me about an audition opportunity at the theater.  I had to go in with my best 90 seconds of a country/western song.  I sang a song I love by the late, great Patsy Cline.  I was supposed to look country too but of course, I couldn't find my boots and don't have a cowboy hat.  I went to the audition not really trying to get the job which was a chance to sing in public at a fund raiser for a local organization.  I went to the audition to get some experience of singing for strangers.  So, I got the music, and was more worried about getting the look right than properly warming up for said audition.  So when I got there, I sat down and this gal was singing her heart out.  She was really good, too!  Then this lady got onstage and called me up to the stage.  Yikes!  I gave them my music and I stood onstage in front of six judges.  I felt like I was on American Idol or something like that.  The music started and everything else fell away.  I looked up and just got into the song.  I gave it my best and I think they liked it because everyone started clapping.  As I was leaving, this lady said "good job, Patsy".  That was a compliment, indeed. 

Then, I came home and had about 15 minutes to rest and start getting into character for my next assignment.  I was booked to do facepainting at a child's birthday party.  I had to dress like a truck driving theme.  I wore faded blue jeans, a plaid shirt and a baseball cap.  I wanted to do the whole white trash thing so I wore a long blonde wig and put in green eyed contact lenses.  I was a site to behold.  The children had a great time and I was there for 2 hours. 

I am having a great time with my clown character.  I've learned how to facepaint and I am learning how to make animals from balloons.  It is not as easy at it looks.  I do all of this to promote my clown character.  You have to juggle schedules and crying children.  You have to entertain and yet make the mothers happy.  I am learning!

I acted as an Angel in a pilot for a film called, "It's Gawd".  Gawd is not happy with how things are on earth and his Angels are not happy with Gawd.  It was a great time and I got to work on a "green screen" for the first time.  It was pretty cool.  The director was very kind and he loved my work.  He is currently seeking funding to continue the film.  If you would like to contribute at any level, it would be appreciated.  The website is Indiegogo.  http://www.Indiegogo.com  I just donated too.  So check it out and I think you'll like what we've done so far. 

I recently returned from filming a major motion picture in Las Vegas.  I worked background in the film for two days.  I can't say the name of the film but it is big and it will be out next year.  I'll say more when we are allowed to. 

I have several more bookings coming up in the next few weeks plus we are having family come for the holidays.  It is getting hectic!  Trying to remain calm but I may need to schedule a quick weekend trip to Arizona for some much needed rest and relaxation. 

Random Thoughts

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger left California in far worse shape than when he first took office.  Why no one is saying anything about this is beyond me.  Jerk went back  to making films and his wife went back to him.  Go figure.

Many of the former realtors, loan officers, title and escrow people that I knew are either unemployed or working elsewhere.   According to one of my realtor friends, it will be another two to five years before things turn around.  In the meantime, if it was not for the HARP II program initiated by President Obama, many would not have been eligible to refinance to these low interest rates and stay in their homes.  I don't see Mitt Romney coming up with any ideas to help folks stay in their homes.

Stay away from Arizona!  So many are being pulled over and asked to show their papers that they actually were born in this country.  I have no desire to ever do business with or go to Arizona.  It's a shame because I always wanted to see Sedona.  But I refuse to spend one dime there until the political climate is better.  So take that, Governor Jan Brewer and your lacky, Sheriff Joe Arpaio. 

Why do women volunteer so much?  One of my heroines, Suzy Orman said that women do not value themselves enough.  Women volunteer more than men.  We should ask for pay for our time!  It is bad enough that women are not paid as much as men and we constantly bake the cookies, take care of the kiddies.  We carpool, we volunteer at school, church, libraries.  We do not ask for payment in return.  We do not save as we should.  We do not put enough away for retirement.  We need to be more savvy when it comes to finances. 

Eat more veggies and eat less meat.  To those of you who read a previous post on the documentary, Forks Over Knives, you will be pleased to learn that not only did I lose weight, my cholesterol dropped over 100 points.  And you can have delicious food, fruits and drinks and still look fabulous.

To those readers who have just joined me, thank you for reading.  Don't forget to join as a regular reader and I promise next time to have more Hollywood news.  Hollywood tomorrow! 

Sew What

What a crazy month it has been.  I had company visit.  I've been seeking acting jobs.  And my niece moved in with me.  My niece is taking some time off from school, the Ohio State University and asked to move in during the summer.  No worries, of course!  It has been interesting having a young person in the house again.  I've forgotten how loud they are, how addicted she is to her I-phone and how she loves to stay up late talking on said phone. 

The acting career has not been going well lately.  Sadness!  But I can't sit around waiting for the phone to ring.  So, I've started sewing again.  And guess what?  I love it.  I forgot how much I love sewing.  I took sewing in my freshman year of high school and even though we only made an Apron, I enjoyed the feeling of having something to show for my efforts.  Many years later I took it up again for a short while and actually made two dresses but raising 3 children and working full-time left very little time for sewing.

I am petite and therefore spend a good deal of time trying to find something that actually fits and so it just made sense to start sewing again.  I found some beautiful champagne colored fabric and black lace and now I have a gorgeous skirt!  I also made a yellow, pink and blue skirt.  These are fully lined skirts and the zippers got easier to put in.  I found that doing a hem by hand looks much nicer and I iron as I go along which makes things much easier.  Paired with a silky white tank, I now have some beautiful options in my closet.

My sister visited recently and I took her to JoAnn's fabric store.  We chose a lovely fabric and she loves the new skirt I made for her. 

My next sewing project is a navy shift dress.  Ooh, can't wait.  And yes, occasionally they do look for actors who really do sew. 

Forks Over Knives



Take Care of your Health:
I watched a great documentary "Forks over Knives".  If you haven't seen it yet do yourself a favor and watch it.  Make sure that you have your loved ones with you as you watch together.  This documentary talks about a plant based diet and the health benefits you derive from omitting meat and dairy from your diet.

I do enjoy fish, shellfish and sushi.  However, I am now going to eliminate dairy.  That will be a little tough for me as I do enjoy milk, cottage cheese and love cheese!  I am not considering this as a diet.  I am calling this a new lifestyle, one in which I will be much healthier.

I have started this diet 2 weeks ago and have lost 5 pounds.  My skin looks better and I have more energy.  I'm going to keep this going and so dear readers, follow my blog and I'll let you know how I am doing.

Get regular check ups:
How many of you have health care?  Most of us do.  We pay for it and if we don't take care of our health, we'll pay more in the long run.  I make it a point to get an annual physical.  I see my dentist 2 to 3 times per year.  I see my optometrist.  If you do this, you'll stay on top of health issues so they can be treated early.  It's great piece of mind to know that I am doing well. 

Hollywood News:
My niece is moving in with me!  I am very excited that my niece, Analicia (22 yrs. old) will  be arriving this Saturday, June 2 to move in with us.  She has an interest in modeling and has modeled in Chicago.  She has expressed an interest in acting and so I will advise her as to how to get started in this business.

The Economy:
I believe the economy is getting better.  Gas prices have come down a bit and there were many travelling by car over the Memorial Day weekend.  Airline prices are up a bit but people are still travelling.  We are expecting 7 family members to come and visit us over the next 3 months. 

Jobs are still hard to find but I noticed there are more acting jobs out there for television series and feature films.  I would like to do more television and I do enjoy working on feature films. 

Ch Ch Changes

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Wow, I haven't blogged in awhile my life has been so hectic lately.  It looks like there is a new format.  I'm not sure if I like any changes right now. 

In any event so much has changed in the past month I can't even keep up with me.  As usual in the acting world, there are slow times.  Should I find a job? Should I keep my schedule open to audition opportunities?  Should I start some home remodeling?  Travel to Vegas? See my parents?

I decided to do some home remodeling.  I hired a painting contractor. The hard part was deciding on colors.  Finally after a week I decided on the colors.  We painted the guest bedroom ourselves since that was a cinch.  But the painters got the big job of the master bedroom and bath.  Beautiful but they had to push me back a week because of a previous job. 

I spoke with my parents back in March about visiting in April. It is difficult to make any plans because I may get hired on an acting job then I won't have any time to spend with them. But I made an executive decision and selected dates for them to come visit.  Then I decided I really would like to fix up the guest bedroom a little nicer for them.  That was when we decided to paint. 

The painters pushed me back a week. Then they flew into Vegas to visit my brother. Then I received a call from my agent with a script.  I read the script, very funny stuff with a great character role for me.  I loved it and agreed to do the film.  I got a contract and of course the week when my parents are all set to visit me is when I am filming.

So my brother agreed to keep my parents for another two weeks while I am filming in LA.  I learned my lines, practiced in front of the  mirror, thought about wardrobe suggestions and did some back story history on my character so I knew who she was.  Once I reported to the set it was a piece of cake.  I absolutely loved it.

The set was in downtown LA and my set for my character was amazing.  I met with my director who was quite charming and met my co-star.  I reported to wardrobe, hair & make-up.  The glam team made me look gorgeous and the whole day was amazing.  Before I knew it, I filmed all my scenes and was wrapped for the day.

The next morning, I filled up my car, drove from LA to Vegas to pick up my parents, drove them to my home and spent the weekend with them.  We had a lovely time in San Diego and then I drove them back to Vegas. 

My parents couldn't believe how hectic my life is but that is the way it is. Many people freak out when it comes to change but life is ever changing.  What I have learned is we must be flexible. This life is not for everyone but I have learned to keep my schedule open, keep my life open for new opportunities.  I have learned to go with the flow. 

I am blessed to still have my parents with me. They continue to teach me about patience, unconditional love, sharing, thankfulness and grace. I always learn something new from them. I love to spoil them and show them a good time.

So Vegas this week and LA next week.  Better take my vitamins.  Be sure to check out my IMDB page.  And click Like.  http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2973617

I Am I Said

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I am I said to no one there...and no one heard at all not even a chair. Yup, Neil Diamond knows how to sing it. Sometimes I feel that way too. I'm feeling a little melancholy these days. I found an old friend on Facebook. We were young single and had our whole lives in front of us. We were dating our boyfriends who became our husbands. And we had our first children around the same time too. Many years later and here we are. We both have 3 children only she is now divorced and living on welfare. She told me she has an Obama phone. I didn't know what that was and had to Google it to find out what the heck she was talking about.

I left Ohio for California and I am living the life I only dreamed about when I lived there. I am taking acting classes, visiting family in Las Vegas and looking forward to family visiting next month.

I am also taking better care of my health. I am seeing a new doctor and went thru the barrage of blood tests and seeing a new neurologist. My wheelchair was delivered to my home yesterday and as I was signing papers for the driver he said to me, you don't look like you need a wheelchair. He obviously did not see my leg braces lying on the floor.

I went to the grocery store today and rode on the little in store scooter to do my shopping. As I was paying for the groceries the young lady asked if I needed help taking the items to my car. At first I said no. Then I remembered my doctor saying that I should not be afraid to ask for help. So then I said yes, I would like some help. She took the bags out of the cart and loaded them in my car for me. I shouldn't be afraid to ask for help. But polio people like to be independent. We are so accustomed to trying to look like everyone else that we don't know when to ask for help.

Being an actor is not easy. Being an actor with a disability can be challenging, but oh so rewarding too. Do you know other actors with polio? How about Alan Alda, Mia Farrow and Donald Sutherland? Speaking of actors with disabilities I am finally going to meet Geri Jewell next week. And two of my friends are in the new film, Mirror Mirror with Julia Roberts. I'm so excited for them.

Until next time!

Ah Yes

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Such exciting news I don't know where to begin. Guess who had an audition at Fox Studios? That's right! Me. I was notified by my agent that I had an audition for a co-star role on House. I can't really say anything else right now but I am keeping my fingers crossed for a callback.

I am taking some new acting lessons right now and very excited about that too. I am taking my acting to the next level after booking national commercials for Capital One, Starbucks and Pepsi. Now I am ready to do co-star roles. I may have mentioned how I butchered my audition last year for Dexter. Well, I was not prepared and it was a missed opportunity to show my best. But that won't happen again. This time I will be prepared.

Actors: gotta love em. I think we have our own language. We are only as good as our last performance and so we are always looking for more work. Work begets work. I am sharpening my tools. Voice lessons, acting lessons and constant networking. Oh and new head shots. I just got some new head shots the other day in Burbank. I was very pleased and you will soon see them online here and there. I sent 10 to my agent and she loved them all so that is a good sign.

If you all have any questions, please be sure to leave a comment and I will try to answer them. I had lunch with a friend yesterday and I was so surprised. She is a lovely woman but she volunteers her time all the time to friends. She is constantly picking people up and dropping them off. She works so hard for others (for free) and then she wonders why she never gets called in for any auditions. I try to tell her that it is okay to say No once in awhile and to be selfish with her time. She looks at me as though I am speaking French. I cannot understand why she is broke all the time and she doesn't understand why. Hello? Could it be because you work for free?

Oh well, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. How's that for a Midwestern saying? Once in awhile I will get nervous and out of my mouth will come another Midwestern saying. Crazy. You would think after all this time that would not occur.

Had a blast driving around Studio City today. It was such a beautiful day. My latest passion? Turtleneck shirts. When I am driving around LA, the hot sun is shining through the glass. The glass burns your skin. Then there is sun damage which is irreversible. So now I wear turtleneck blouses. They protect your neck and the decolletage area and your arms too. Pretty soon I'll be wearing a little hat and sunglasses just like Kate Hepburn. Oh wait! I do that too. Moving on....

Be $mart When It Comes To Finance$

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The other day I was talking about frugality and it is true, these are trying times. But as an actor it is important to be smart when it comes to finances. When I first became a professional actor and by professional I mean getting paid to act, I was so excited. I had done plays and student films. I had done industrials and even did make-up for indie films. I did extra work for $8/hr just to learn the ropes. As I got more familiar with acting and knew I wanted to do this for a living and not just a hobby, it became necessary to sit down with my family and have that financial talk.

Acting is not cheap. There are expenses for head shots, photographers, printing, postcards. You have to have reliable transportation to get to auditions and pay for parking. There are dancing classes and voice lessons and acting classes. You must have a decent wardrobe. You may also have a membership to a gym. Unless you are married to a sugar daddy or sugar mama, it takes juggling of time and finances to be successful.

When I first started getting paid for my work I put all my monies into the family account to help out. But then I quickly realized that acting jobs are hard to come by. And as soon as the money came in, out it went to help pay bills. Then I learned that it is important to put some of those monies aside for a rainy day.

Head shots should look like you. You cannot have a head shot from 4 years ago. They must be current. I actually have several that I use. A good head shot will get you an audition. It rarely gets you the job but it does get you in the door. So don't skimp on head shots.

On my last job which was a national commercial for Pepsi, I was talking with some of the other background actors. The moment I said that I used to be a banker I got every one's attention. Unfortunately, most people I meet on the set are good when it comes to being creative but they are not good when it comes to the business side of show business.

Many people spend all their money as soon as they get it. But what if the next acting job doesn't happen for 3 months? Then how do you eat? How do you pay the rent? How do you pay for the next set of head shots? It takes planning. Believe me I love to go out to eat and I love a fine dinner with wine. But if I ate that way every day I would be broke all the time. So now, I try to remember those lean times. And then I put away the rest for that rainy day. And rainy days will come, even in southern California. So remember, be smart when it comes to finances.

Time to be Frugal

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Actors - Hollywood...I love my actor friends. They are so special to me. Creative artists, dancers, actors, poets, writers, directors, camera men and women. I talk to so many others in the business. What I am finding is that we are all going through difficult times. Gone are the days when we could spend away and not worry about tomorrow. But how can a girl still look during a financial crisis? Read on...

I have been thinking of ways to be creative, save money and still do what we need to do. One of the things I love to do is get a manicure/pedicure. However, it will cost at least $25 and then add a tip. Or, you can watch how they do it, buy the essentials and save yourself some money by doing it yourself at home. I buy those little spongy toe separators. I buy a pumice stone to take away rough patches around the heels of your feet. You can then easily clip away toe nails, scrub the heels with a brush and then use your pumice stone. Wipe and pat dry. Use moisturizing lotion. Grab an emery board and shape your nails. Use the tools to take away any cuticles. Use the base coat, then your nail color. Let dry and then use your top coat to set your color. It normally takes 20 minutes to 30 minutes but then you save tons of $$$ and have fabulous looking nails.

Dollar stores are a great place to buy some of the above items. I also like to buy make-up sponges, round cotton type make-up remover, bath sponges, shower gel and cotton swabs. I also found eye shadow collections, black eyeliner pencils and lipsticks. Then I was surprised to find black demi false eyelashes. Oh my goodness, I couldn't believe my eyes. I grabbed 3 packs and really I should have put all of them in my little cart. When I went back to buy the rest of them, they were all gone. You can also buy tissues, paper towels and pot holders for $1 each. Why pay more?

One thing I won't skimp on is good shampoo and conditioner. I go to a professional hair stylist once per month to keep my color looking fabulous and to keep my hair neatly trimmed. As an actor, my product is me and I owe it to myself to stay in top form. My head shots are current and it is up to me to make sure I look like my head shot. If I have a fabulous head shot and I come in looking all scruffy and unkempt then what are casting directors going to think? I buy Paul Mitchell products and use only the best for my hair.

Visit your dentist at least twice per year. My dentist and the assistants love me. They always ask me when my next film is, commercial or print ad. They know I rely on them to keep my teeth looking fab. My insurance covers two visits per year. With teeth whitening, veneers and regular brushing and flossing, my teeth always look great.

Get your sleep! There is nothing like a good night's sleep to keep your skin looking good, your hair and eyes sparkly. Don't exercise right before bed time. Get a regular schedule so you can get some good sleep. If you are a worrier and have something huge coming up, you know you need your sleep. Once in awhile it is okay to take a sleep aide like Tylenol PM. It has helped me when I need an extra amount of sleep. But never take alcohol with sleep aids. A big no no!

Never fall asleep with your make-up on. Always moisturize before you go to bed and after washing your face first thing in the morning. Use a sunblock of 30 or higher.

I ran into an actor friend once at an audition. Her hair color had faded and her hair was all frizzy. She had no make-up on. Her overall appearance was tired and unkempt. I, on the other hand, was relaxed and refreshed. My hair looked good, my clothes were clean and pressed. I arrived 15 minutes early and was ready to go. I had directions, extra head shots with me and was eager to audition. I could tell that she knew I looked great and she was a mess. I felt badly for her but just for a moment.

This is a very competitive business. We owe it to ourselves to be our best and give our best at every audition. You can save money and still look good. You can be the professional that you know you are. You owe it to yourself to be your very best and to shine. It's never to late to begin. These principles are the same if you are an actor, a banker, a salesperson, or a nurse. Until the economy turns around we can still look great and be frugal too.

Super Bowl

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Nothing like starting the year in my career than with a Super Bowl commercial. Yay! I auditioned for a role in a Pepsi commercial. And lo and behold, I got it! Go to www.Pepsi.com and see the commercial called Kings Court with Sir Elton John. If you look at 30 seconds into the commercial, you will see me dancing. I am left to right the 4th or 5th person, standing next to a tall man who is dressed as a juggler. He is wearing a one piece yellow and red leotard. We are all dancing to Respect!

Starting the year off right!

New Year, New Me

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My goodness, so much has been happening that I can't believe it is January. So here we are in a new year. I didn't think 2011 was bad at all. And I am hoping that 2012 will be even better. What do they say? Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. I am making lists and taking care of things so that I will have a good year.

October flew by with so many performances of the Wizard of Oz. Before I knew it, we were into November (resting) and lots of eating because of Thanksgiving. We had a visit from Tony, my brother-in-law who loves to visit and he loves my cooking.

Then before we knew it December was here. We didn't even put up our Christmas tree till December 19. That is how crazy everything was. I have a six foot tall artificial tree. And I decided that even though my son is away and cannot visit, that I would still try to be cheerful and decorate the tree. Once I did, then I actually did feel better. I made a fabulous Christmas dinner of turkey, ham and all the fixings. The gifts were few but heartfelt. My brother actually came for Christmas this year. I have been inviting him for years and he finally came. I was so thrilled. I think he loved waking up to mimosas, scrambled eggs, ham and homemade muffins. We had a great time and a quiet new year's eve.

In December, I had an audition out of the blue for a national commercial for a major client. Then, I had a callback! And I booked the job! Even though it was only for background, it is still a national commercial. We didn't film until January but that was okay. We shot the commercial for two days at Sony studios. It was great fun and I made some new friends. It is a fabulous way to kick off the new year.

So my resolution this year is to stay on top of business! I felt like last year was such a blur. And this year I vow to stay on top of things more. We have a new baby on the way. My career is going well. I am writing more and actually just wrote a one act play. My voice lessons are going great and I am looking forward to more auditions and more opportunities to be involved in film projects.