Feature Films

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Yes, people yes it is really me! I have been so busy lately you would not believe it. Last Thursday I met actor Robert David Hall from CSI. He taught our acting class and he is such a gentleman. I took three pages of notes as he shared so much with us. He is a huge advocate for the disabled. He has even spoken in Washington, D.C. and to members of SAG. I was a fan of his show and now I am a fan of David, as he prefers to be called.

And then on Friday, I got an opportunity to audition for Kenneth Castillo. I am a big fan of his work and I finally got to meet him face to face. The audition went well and I received a callback for Wednesday (yesterday). I felt that it went well too and I got a chance to read with another actor, Oscar Torre. I enjoyed his work so much on the cancelled series, Cain with Jimmy Smits. So now I just keep my fingers crossed and say a prayer that I will be the one chosen.

I did not take my laptop with me so I had a ton of emails to attend to when I returned. I haven't written anything for awhile and that is because I am putting all my efforts into being a better actor. And I think my hard work is paying off because while my agent tells me that this is a slow time in the industry, I am still working and auditioning for future work. Thank you, God for the many blessings at this time.

I am meeting new friends, networking and working with some really talented people. I couldn't be happier. So look for me in several films that are in post production right now but should be released soon. And the films are ... Attack of the 30 Ft. Chola, Lean Like A Cholo, The Art Patron and White T. Yes, I can say it now, whew!

Happy Saturday

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Oh my, I realize I haven't written anything in my blog for awhile but it has been a crazy week. I finished working on a short film, The Art Patron. I was working as the Production Manager on that film. However, one of the actresses had to leave to go on an audition and the Director called me over. He decided to put me in a few scenes in her place. I quickly reviewed the script and wardrobe put some more clothes on me and then I taped the scenes. Later, my script supervisor (who hates to be in front of the camera) commented and said, I can tell you are an actress because you just jumped right in there and did your scenes. Of course! I was really proud though because the cast and crew worked so hard that we filmed ahead of schedule. Can't wait to see the final film.

I received a call from the casting director for the film, White T. Apparently there is one more scene he would like me to film for continuity. I film next weekend.

I spoke with my agent and she told me that right now things are a little slow so I am hanging in there. An actor friend of mine talked to me about wanting new representation. He sent me over his demo reel and acting resume, which were quite impressive. I forwarded them to my agent and she has decided to represent him. Way to go! He thanked me up and down but it was not me that got him a new agent. It was his hard work and his persistence that will pay off. Yay!

Opportunities are everywhere, people! You have to keep your antennae up and keep your skills up too. Work hard -- play nice -- and folks will remember you for the professional that you are!

I recently had another interview in a local newspaper do a feature story on me. It was cool, I actually did the interview 2 or 3 months ago and had heard nothing further. But then I was going through some old emails and contacted the writer. She told me that the interview would indeed come out some time this summer. And so she was right. It was pretty cool although I am not a model and wish I would have learned a proper pose. Doesn't matter, what I care about is acting not modeling.

Another hot day so I will jump in the pool -- and get some exercise in today. Those donuts in the kitchen though are calling out to me to eat them. Oh, I must exercise control. Must exercise control -- must exercise control.

Count Your Blessings

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What a wonderful Saturday morning. The sun is shining. I just spoke with my Mom. She is being driven home from a visit to Chicago. We had a lovely chat. I am sitting here with my two cats and who are sleeping next to me. My hubby is teaching music this morning and I have the house all to myself. Peace and quiet!!! Love it.

I was reflecting on how blessed I am to have family, friends and furry friends. I love my job of acting and even the audition process is easier. I love the challenge of going out for national commercials.

Look around at this beautiful earth that we have!!! I watched a film the other day, The Book of Eli. And why is it that there are movies out there talking about the end of the world and the destruction of everything? Doom and gloom. Watch the birds fly. Watch a hummingbird as she gracefully flies from flower to flower. Watch the dolphins swim -- go on a whale excursion. Sail on the San Diego bay!!!

This weekend is the Temecula Balloon & Wine festival. Music, good food and parties! I love it. It's what the weekends were made for.

I am counting my blessings. Someday when I am 69 years young -- I will remember this day. A beautiful home, sleeping kitties, and someone to share my days with. My parents talking and laughing on the phone and friends to share my weekend with. My children are fine -- and all is right with the world. Yes, I am truly blessed.

A Lovely Day

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What a day today. Went to a pool supply place in town to get a part for the pump filter. Went to an Italian restaurant for some good food for lunch. Went to Best Buy, a beauty supply store and the bank. By that time I was exhausted from running around. And now my legs don't want to work.

They feel like lead. I even grabbed the wheelchair at the Best Buy store because I couldn't stand in line while I was waiting at Customer Service. You can't imagine how awful it feels to not have your legs work. Ever wonder what it's like in a wheelchair? You immediately are way down there. People look at you like you're an invalid. Which I guess I am. So I came home, rubbed my legs with a pain relieving cream (didn't work) and put on some warm stockings. Do you know if you have some old tights that you can cut off the panty part and just separate the legs. It's like leg warmers with socks connected. Then I put the heating pad under my thighs and here I am. The heat feels wonderful but the pain is still here.

I came home, ate dinner and watched a live web training on How to Thrive in Hollywood. It was a two hour program and it was excellent. Afterwards I turned the sound off the television and just listened to some music. It was wonderful. Cats on the bed purring softly. A stand-up comedy show on Showtime and some excellent music coming from my laptop. Today is truly a lovely day.

That's Life

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One of my favorite sayings is, that's life! You win some and you lose some. I was put on avail for another national commercial. However, that was it. They never officially released me but I know they filmed the commercial earlier this week. Oh well, I know I did really well that I was called in for a callback and put on avail. It's nice to get to the next level of making it that far along. I know that when I do my best that is all I can do. I am proud of myself for having gone as far as I did. Congratulations to the actor who won the role!

I am busy working on a film that we will film in mid-June. I am working hard with the director and it is coming along nicely. I just finished hiring a Sound person and now we have a full crew. I would like to have one other production assistant but you can't have everything.

I am very excited because my son is visiting us from Italy!!! He is only in town for one week and I've cleared my schedule. I am even thinking of hiring my photographer for some great shots. I am getting the house ready. I am getting the pool ready. My daughter will help with the cookout. I will notify the remaining family members so we can all be present.

One of the things I've noticed about being in this business is that families are important. If you do not have family support, you won't have success. It's essential to know why you are doing this business. Is it because you have something to say? Something to contribute? Many times being an artist just does not pay. So you have to do this for other reasons besides monetary ones. And once you start talking to people about their family, well the whole dynamic changes. I have respect for those who respect and love their family members.

I am looking forward to seeing my family. We will be together for the first time in like 2 or 3 years. That's crazy but that is how life is. I was blessed that my parents came by to see me. And we had a nice time together. I have always wanted my parents to see me have a successful career and now they have.

Well, time to sign off and get my day started. Life is one day at a time -- a day to be respected. A day to be cherished this gift of life.

Trip to San Diego

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So far, a wonderful day. I took a day trip to San Diego and the beauty of the city always takes my breath away. It's so clean compared to Los Angeles. I'm watching "This Is It" with Michael Jackson and I still can't believe he is gone.

I found a new DVD of "Thriller" and it is as wonderful as when it first came out so many years ago. Michael was so very talented and he made everything look so easy. I guess that is the mark of a true professional entertainer.

I am still waiting for word on the callback audition in Santa Monica. My first audition was on Tuesday and my callback was on Thursday. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Woke up tired this morning and I don't understand technology. It is supposed to make our lives so much easier. I plugged in my GPS -- I plugged in my MP3 player. My cellphone was next to me and I was on my way. I guess with all that stuff going, it is important to keep focused.

I have been hired as the Production Coordinator for a short film. I have been on the phone and email all week. I was hoping to have all the positions filled by Friday but that didn't happen. So much depends on getting the right team together. I'm telling everyone to email me so I don't let anything fall in the cracks. I have worked Production before and believe me, being an Actor is so much easier. But I like to be in charge and doing Production can be so time consuming. I even get my own assistant! The film shoots mid-June and believe me, that is just around the corner.

I'm getting rest this weekend if I have to stay put in my bed all weekend. I really do need an assistant!!! One of these days I will have one. It was interesting being at the meeting this morning. It's nice to see old friends and to make some new friends. I need to get a massage. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow.

Strange dream the other day about Matt Damon. I dreamed that we were lying out by the pool. Must have been at a nice Hotel. Anyway, he touched me and I touched his back and he smelled like lavender. And he asked me for my number and I didn't have my cards with me. Isn't that strange? And the strange thing is I woke up and I wanted some lavender soap. And I wanted some Matt Damon too.

An IPOD 4 Me

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Well hello again. Every time family comes into town I get a little loca. I get anxious then run around like a chicken and then sad when they leave. It's like I turn into this little girl again who says love me! love me! And they leave and then I go back to normal and being me again.

So back to the real world. I was driving around in Santa Monica yesterday on a gorgeous 83 degree day. The sun was shining and I had just left a callback audition. I auditioned for another national commercial on Tuesday. And on Wednesday I was told I had a callback for Thursday. It went really well as I repeated the same thing on Tuesday. Was given new direction and the director laughed and laughed (a good sign). I stopped at the Whole Foods store to pick up a healthy lunch and marvelled at what everyone takes for granted.

The weather was gorgeous. People were eating healthy food. We take so much for granted here, we truly do. After lunch I headed home and my phone rang. It was my Agent. I am put on avail. Which means they want to make sure my schedule is clear for the shoot next week. That means they like me, they really like me. But it doesn't mean I have the job. So, I am keeping my fingers crossed. Whatever will be, will be.

I picked up a new DVD of Michael Jackson's Thriller and forgot how wonderful it was. He was so talented and I still can't believe he is gone. That is what I love about film. Long after we have gone somewhere else, there is still film of us somewhere.

Yesterday was a very good day. And today, I purchased a new IPOD just for me. My hubby brought me one and then proceeded to use the hell out of it. So I told him to keep it. Then I was given another one by a friend (who happens to be a very famous Actor). But then my daughter adopted it as her own. So I was determined to get one just for me and I did. My plan is to use it when I walk. I intend to use it as I walk around losing weight.

If you think about the body like a well-oiled machine you will see that losing weight is really very simple. Drink tons of water which is good for you. Eat only when you are hungry and watch your portions. Eat only healthy good things and move! Walk, run, swim, play tennis. Do some gardening. Get off your butt and do something fun that burns the calories. And before you know it, you will lose weight.

So an IPOD for me is the recipe. No smoking, no drinking (wine is okay). No sugar, no white flour, no fried foods, no soda. Look out world, you are going to see a leaner me.