Feature Film: White T

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

Everything has been happening so quickly that I am having a difficult time keeping up. Thank goodness I am an organized person. I am in the habit of bringing pen and paper, and my digital camera with me everywhere. Not to mention make-up, tissues and of course a toothbrush and toothpaste.

So last week I worked on two films. On Thursday I worked on a new feature film, White T. Look it up on www.imdb.com and you can see the poster. So I report to the 2nd Assistant Director and he tells me he will take me to my trailer. What? My very own trailer? Yes! It was so exciting. My character is described as Old Mexican cleaning woman. Name: Lupita

Here is a photo of me in Wardrobe outside the door. The sign says Lupita! I walked in and there was a sitting area, sink, stereo, lavatory, mirror. And on the sink, bottled water and some food goodies. I went to my car and brought a few personal items. Then I started to think that the next time I have my own trailer, it should include the items I had in my trailer such as:

bottled water, tissues, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, dental floss, make-up remover, moisturizer, socks or footies, thank you notes, stamps, a book and of course, my call sheet.

I really felt like a professional actor. I reported to makeup and wardrobe. The director said I looked too young and wanted the make-up lady to put my hair up and to make me look older. My uniform was a rental and I really liked it. It was a soft blue with white piping around the short sleeve. My shoes were soft white slip on flats that I saw at the Rite Aid store for $6.99. They were actually quite comfortable.

So I stripped down to my undies put on a robe and just rested because my scenes wouldn't be filmed for at least another hour. It gave me some time to rehearse privately and unwind. We were shooting in a busy area in North Hollywood.

I completed my two scenes and I think I did pretty well. One scene involved some hysterical acting and crying. And if you know me, you know I can be a drama queen. I was told I would be invited to the wrap party and of course the screening of the film. My first red carpet! Unless of course, the Chola films wraps first. Then that film will be my first red carpet. I'll have to worry about what to wear. But of course, I have awhile to think about that later.

So now a slow week -- thank goodness -- and back to auditioning again. This is the life of an actor. But you know what? I love it! This is Lupita signing off.

Starbucks Espresso Commercial - Sue

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

This is my Starbucks commercial. Don't blink or you'll miss me!

Happy Birthday to Me!

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

Oh my, I thought it was like 11 pm but it just turned midnight which means today is my birthday! It has been an incredible year so far. Truly incredible. It started out a little slow and then things started picking up and it has been a whirlwind of activity since mid January.

This week I had no auditions and that was fine with me. I really rested my bod all week. I caught up with paperwork, did some house work. I haven't really watched any movies but have watched a little television here and there.

I'm filming next week and it is really important to focus and be on my game. So I'm glad that I didn't have any distractions. Friday was the most amazing day. Had a wonderful breakfast and I got some wonderful birthday gifts. My brother called me and we had some chuckles. He always has me laughing. He wants to fly Mom & Dad out west to come see us. I can't wait to see them. I haven't seen them since October and I know they would like to get out of that cold weather.

I was offered a role in a new film and I get the script tomorrow. And, I spoke with a casting director earlier in the week. Things are happening in my career!!! It's so exciting to see some fruits coming from all my labor these past 7 years.

I hope to see my son and my nephew for my birthday too. It's not the same without family around to help you celebrate. I used to hate birthdays but now I love them.

As I get older, I realize what is really important and that is family, friends, work, laughter, spirituality and giving back. I hope to become a better person with each day that I am given, because everyday is a blessing. Everyday is a gift from the creator, this gift of life. And for that, I am truly humbled and grateful.

In Like a Lion

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

Happy March 1 -- I like March, I like the saying In like a lion and out like a lamb. My birthday is in March so I've always looked forward to March. However, growing up in northwestern Ohio the weather was always horrible with snow and ice everywhere. How is a kid supposed to have a nice birthday party with snow everywhere? Oh well. There are many famous people born in March such as Liza Minnelli and other famous Pisces are Elizabeth Taylor. I think she was born in February,though.

So March is here and before you know it, it will be June. Trust me that is how quickly time flies by. So in March I will be filming two movies: One is my final scenes for the indie flick, "Attack of the 30 Foot Chola" and the other is a small role in a feature film, "White T". You can look me up on www.imdb.com

I look forward to more auditions in the month of March. I was interviewed yesterday for an online local publication. And I will be doing a radio interview for Disabled Radio on March 23. I am enjoying being a part of the disabled community and I working towards being an advocate for hiring the disabled. My agent has several disabled actors that she represents and that is a wonderful thing. I don't know if I can help anyone but I hope to inspire folks to concentrate on what you can do and not what you can't do. My goodness, if I worried about all the things I can't do, I would never even get out of bed in the morning.

I really enjoy being a writer, sitting at my laptop and conducting telephone interviews. It's great. I can do my research, set up interviews and connect everything for telephone interviews. When I did my personal interview yesterday, I was thrilled to go back to the theater where I had so many beautiful memories. I remember hearing about the building of the theater and what groups would be allowed to perform there. And I knew that I would be performing there someday and I did. Such happy times!

Well, off to start my day on this first day of March. Like a lion, I am ready to roar -- start my day -- and head off into the jungle.

Riding the Wave

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

Do you know what happens when you work really hard and you learn your craft? Well, if you don't give up -- you get the job!

I had breakfast this morning with a good friend who is also an actor. We talked about how important it is to not only learn your craft, but to stay positive, network and do all the right things. There were times when he would be down and I would help by giving advice. And there were times when I would be down and he would give me advice. That is what friends are for.

I have friends who are casting directors, production assistants, make-up and wardrobe ladies, acting coaches and even managers. You need friends to be honest and give you constructive criticism. And you need a thick skin. This business is tough but not impossible.

You need a support system of friends and family to cheer you on. Believe me, there were times that I felt like giving up. There were times that I worked all day and went to rehearsals at night. I did shows and plays. I've screwed up auditions and cried all the way home. But I learned from each and every audition. A friend of mine, Culture Clash member Herbie Siguenza told me to go out for each and every role that I felt I was right for. He said to learn from each and every audition. And I did. I took mental notes and each time tried to be as prepared as I could be.

And so look out -- because you will see more and more of me -- on television -- in films -- on the radio -- and in print. I am not sitting by my phone waiting for it to ring. I am taking charge of my career. I am the boss, I am in charge.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

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

Thank you to all my followers who have taken time from their busy day to accompany me in this life. There are so many times when one can feel so alone and it is nice to reach out into cyberspace and find some friends. I recently asked some friends to pray for me and it warmed my heart that I received messages of encouragement, thought and yes, prayers.

I worry about those folks that are alone especially on days like this, Valentine's Day. I think about my sister who is unlucky in her love life. I think about my brother-in-law who is 55 years old and has never been on a date (to my knowledge). And I think about those who are alone now through death, separation or divorce. Wow. I feel for them, I really do. But there is such a thing that is called self love.

I always try to work on myself. I compete with myself, if you will. I know my shortcomings, believe me. I try to work on those. I know I can be impatient. I try to laugh everyday. And I do have a sarcastic tongue. Now that I am older, I often bite my tongue. I would rather do that than say something mean or sarcastic to someone just because I can. I enjoy taking the high road. I'm not perfect by any means but I know when it is better to say nothing at all than to say something spiteful.

I have some news! I have been asked to speak on the radio. It's true. We are still in talks of when and what to talk about but I feel so blessed to be asked. It's exciting! I think I have stuff to say. And if you know me, you know that once I start talking, it's tough to get a word in. Sorry but so often I am alone and in my head so that when I do get around folks, I do like to talk.

I had a lovely chat with my friend, Andy. I always feel good when I talk to him. We can commiserate together because he is also an actor with a disability. We are each other's cheerleaders. One of the things I intend to do this year is to stay on top of my game with acting classes. If you don't stay in tune, you can get rusty. That is true with any profession. I always encourage Andy to take classes, to stay sharp. He encourages me when I go to audition after audition.

There are so many good films right now and I am excited that I saw The Black Swan and The Kings Speech. I still want to see some other films before the academy awards. I'd better hurry up.

Well, off to start my day. I must pace myself and not overdo it. There are people to see and places to go. I have my cell phone, my writing tablets and my pens. I have my camera and my tape recorder. Who shall I interview today???

Never Give Up

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

I enjoy reading some of my old posts. When I was a teenager I had a diary. It really helped to get rid of teenage angst. And now this blog helps me get out of my head, voice some frustrations, get excited about what is around the corner and really stop to smell the roses.

I think about people like FDR who had polio and still unified our country in a very turbulent time. I think about Winston Churchill who lifted his hands in a V for Victory. They never gave up.

Sometimes it feels like why am I auditioning over and over? Why am I reading another book on acting or taking another acting class? Why do I do research and contact people and interview people and meet deadlines? Why am I taking a clown class? And I realize it is because I am an artist and I have a voice that i like to use.

I always felt this way. When my siblings were excelling in Sports, I was reading the classics. When things were low because we had no money and were getting on each other's nerves, I would entertain our family. When I was on high school I practiced and practiced until I became good enough to get on the dance team. The polio I had only made me work that much harder to get better and better.

I auditioned for every high school play. I played every role that i could get. When I got out of high school I missed acting so much that I found local community actors and joined them. At first they only let me help actors with their lines. Then I started getting small roles. Then I started getting chorus work on the musicals. Then I started doing Shakespeare in the Park. Then we moved to Los Angeles and I started doing background in the movies.

Along the way, some have discouraged me. And some have encouraged me. I have received rejection after rejection. And occasionally, I would receive an encouraging word from a director or a casting director or a fellow actor, or a good friend. And believe me, those encouraging words kept me going in my heart and in my soul.

The moral of this story is this. You must believe in yourself. If you do not believe in yourself, no one else will either. And eventually, it all begins to make sense and come together. And eventually you know what you can do and what you can't. You know what you are good at and what needs to be improved. You learn to accept constructive criticism and stay away from negative people.

Opportunities don't come that often so when they do, you must reach for them. And you must prepare for them because sometimes they come when you least expect them. And most of all, enjoy the ride.

Things are Looking Up!

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

I am very excited!!! On my way to a new audition today, my agent called me to tell me that I am still in the running for the job that I auditioned for last week. I hope I get it!!!

So I go on the audition today and I ran into Estella from Real Women Have Curves!!! I keep running into her at auditions! She is really nice and we spoke for a few moments before they called us in. The job is very exciting and I hope I get it!!! My agent said this looks good too, so keep me in your prayers. I have this philosophy that if you are meant to get something then you will. And if it is meant for someone else, then that is the way it is. All you can do at auditions is be yourself and do the best job that you can. It is important to listen and follow directions.

A friend of mine was on television last night on the show 1,000 Ways to Die. He was so funny. I love to see my friends on television. It seems strange to see myself on television, I get so critical.

I have heard that this will be my year. Something about a planet moving into my area and this year will be the first of a really good year for the next 11 years. Yay!!! I am so ready.

Good things are around the corner for me, I just know it. And I auditioned for a new casting director today and that is always good!!!

I'm Mad as Hell...

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

I am writing in blue because I am blue. I'm mad as hell and I don't know how much of this I can take anymore. I was in so much pain because of the pps and again I took a hot bath, tried to relax and now I am on the couch again. I hate this. I have so much to do. I am surrounded by two remotes for the television, a book, two writing tablets, no pen, my cellphone, a glass of lemonade, some moisturizing lotion and a pillow for my back. Where is that damn pen?

Thank goodness for laptops and the Internet. I am at least able to connect with the outside world. I do miss my sisters and I wish one of them were here to help me take care of myself. I was reduced to yelling for my husband (again). I needed help to get out of the tub and getting dressed in a house coat. For younger readers a house coat is a cotton sleeping gown, very unglamourous and unsexy. He hates when I wear it, I like it. It's soft and cozy and when you are in pain, you don't feel sexy.

I have just taken a pain pill which will make me drowsy in about one hour. I feel like taking two or three. Pain, pain go away! I am reminded of that self portrait of Frida Kahlo called the Little Deer. There is a little deer running in the forest and it has been hit by numerous arrows in its tiny body. It sheds a tear because it is in such pain. I remember when I was a little girl I told my mother I wish I had extra feet. She wondered what I meant but I told her I wish I could take these feet off (cause they hurt so much) and could put on some new feet that were ready to go. My new feet would be all charged up like a battery and they could take me wherever I wanted to go and I wouldn't be in any pain anymore.

My house has a step from the living room to the hallway towards the bathroom and bedrooms. Every day I go up and down that damn step. By the end of the evening, I am hobbling up that damn step and holding onto the wall for support. I'm mad as hell!

Okay, enough of a pity party. I haven't heard anything yet from the audition last week. I hope I do because it is an exciting gig. I know you are wondering how can she do it? Well, for now I use my heating pad and some pain meds. We polio survivors are very strong and determined to work hard and be our best at whatever we do. So I am not worried about it. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

I did decide not to audition for "Jesus Christ, Superstar" and "Evita". Two of my fave shows of all time. But I know I cannot do night after night of rehearsals and shows for no $$$. I have heard from my director though, and I am filming for two weekends in March. Yay!!! He wanted me to work on March 5 (my birthday) but I am not filming on my birthday. I am relaxing on my birthday. I want to go sailing on my birthday. I want to eat lobster on my birthday. I want to have a drink and party on my birthday. I don't want to film for an 8 - 10 - or 12 hour day!

God, where are my sisters? I wish I had one of them here with me to help me. But they all have their own lives so I bet they wouldn't want to help me. It would be very "Baby Jane" with me lying in bed or on the sofa or in the wheelchair. And my sister doing the cooking and the cleaning. She would be Jane and I would be Blanche. I can see it now! Oh, if I wasn't in this wheelchair! But you are Blanche, you are! Yikes!

My sister is getting a divorce. And she is working at a medical facility. And she has been trained as a certified nursing assistant. She would be perfect. But she has this big dog that is dying and he takes up half her living room. Would she like living in my California home? I have an extra bedroom and bathroom. I could get her a television with free cable. All she would have to do is do the shopping, cooking and cleaning. I wonder? Maybe I'll give her a call. Maybe she could help me out of the tub and help me get dressed.

She could sit out by the pool and have a glass of wine with me. I wouldn't be too much trouble. I know I wouldn't be too much trouble. I am excellent company, I'm very quiet. We could watch movies together. I think I'll give her a call. Would you like to relocate to sunny California? Post-polio syndrome is no fun.

Audition Tomorrow

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

Yes! An audition tomorrow for a really cool (and easy) project. I am hoping I do well enough to book this gig. It pays really well and I know my agent would love it if I get the gig. So keep your fingers crossed for me. If I don't get this, I swear I'm moving away, far, far away.

I was looking up some old friends today and heard from one of them. She is involved in the Rotary Club. I was glad because they do so much for so many. The Rotary Club is trying to wipe out polio around the world. I was asked to be a guest speaker at one of the local chapters. It was very interesting. And they presented me with a book on all that the Rotary International is doing around the world. I felt quite honored.

I have to get an early start on my day tomorrow. I am very tired today. I took a bath, got dressed. Made out a grocery list, went to the store. Came home and started making some home made soup (caldo). Dinner came out really good. I also sent out two job resumes and then received the email notification of the audition tomorrow.

It's a little chilly in the air but I can't complain. I feel so badly for everyone back home who are going through a really rough winter. I don't know how they do it. It gets down to 50 degrees here and everyone complains. I myself get some logs and throw them in the fireplace. Gees! But when you are a polio survivor like I am, then it is imperative that we stay warm. I am sitting here on the sofa with a blanket over my legs and a pillow for my back and I am still in pain.

I really don't talk about it much. At least, I don't think I do. But being an actor with a disability is not easy. We also have our own little group. There are some that are hearing impaired. There are others with cerebral palsy who are in wheelchairs. There are some that are blind. Some have speech impediments. I know I am lucky to be as mobile as I am. I wear leg braces at home. I also have a cane for balance. I have a wheelchair when I get too exhausted to walk. Lately, my back has been hurting and my head feels like it weighs as much as a bowling ball. Yikes!

Any other polio survivors out there??? Or others with disabilities? Because I would love to hear from you. One of the other wonderful aspects of having post polio syndrome is the sleep apnea. I have a CPAP machine to help me breathe at night. It is a godsend.

I go to the doctor again soon. But what am I going to say? It's the same old thing again and again. Unless I get a new body, the complaints will be the same. What's the use? Who cares about those of us who have post polio syndrome???

How Foolish

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

LA Casting is looking for a cat woman. Not a hot cat woman like in Batman, but a real cat woman to interview. Oh yes, you must not have one or two cats. You must own a minimum of twelve cats. Don't you want to make a fool out of yourself on national television for $100?

What is this world coming to? Is reality television the death of real acting? I am so sick of the Housewives of ... (name your city). I am sick of the I Almost Died because.... and Ghost Stories of celebrities, blah blah blah.

That goodness for the power of the remote control. There are times that I watch the History channel which has better programming than most programs. And thank goodness for PBS. I have an interview lined with someone coming up for a PBS program on Tuesday night. So be sure to catch up on my articles for Latino LA magazine.

I am working on some clown material. And guess what? I have actually learned how to make balloon animals. It was kinda scary at first. My cats got scared of all the balloon rabbits and dogs around the house. I can't explain why I need to do this. I wrote an article once on taking clown classes and now here I am actually doing it. I guess my point is sometimes as an artist we have to do things that don't make sense to anyone else but us. And I felt the character of a clown calling me. It may lead to a future role. It may lead to nothing at all. But it was something that I needed to do.

I may start writing again soon. I may have to. Well, I guess I am just so sick of how some people in this industry uses others to get ratings for so little money. Where is your dignity, people?

okay, no more bitching. New head shots... trips to LA ... interviews to line up and people to see. a busy week... no rain, please. sunshine and a trip to the ocean.

What's My Line?

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

Hello again and welcome to What's My Line... just kidding. I am sitting home on a Saturday night with my laptop. The television is muted because I can't seem to concentrate on two things at once. I am thinking about the leftover Chinese food in the refrigerator. But it's too late to eat and I had a chocolate candy bar today which I probably shouldn't have eaten. However, I have been craving chocolate and once presented, I had to eat it.

I watched my friends on the new episode of Pit Boss. Yes, I worked with Sebastian and Ronald on a film pilot last year. We had a really good time playing the role of angels in heaven. My other friend, Lexi is rehearsing for a new play. I am still waiting to see my episodes of I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant and Childrens Hospital.

I spoke with my former boss, Rick Najera (pictured here with me). I saw him recently at the CBS Diversity Showcase in N. Hollywood. It was good to see him again as I interned with him last year when he was Senior V. P. @ Movido TV. I really enjoyed working with Rick, he is such a talented and gifted writer and actor. I recently read his play, Diary of a Dad Man and I cried. It was very moving. I hope to be able to write as well as Rick does someday.

It's very exciting to see your friends working so hard on projects and then I get to watch them on television or in film/theater. I know there is so much work and training to get to that level. I may have to write another show for myself since I am auditioning but haven't really booked anything significant for awhile.

So far away from little Ohio. I sometimes wonder what my high school friends would think about how far I have come. I was very shy but I was very interested in theater and had started writing too. Now I write for a Latino magazine and I have been on television and a few films. They probably would be very surprised. Who keeps in touch with folks from high school anyway?

I miss my friends from some of my old jobs back home. When I worked at the police department I made some good friends. Most of them were men, police officers. They really looked out for me and I learned so much from them. It's a shame how you only hear about the bad cops, not the good ones. They've probably all retired and moved away to a warmer climate.

I remember how I would keep some writing tablets and plenty of pens in my police car. During my half hour lunch period I would find a shady tree. I would park the car, go into the trunk of my car and retrieve the writing tablet and start writing. I wanted to go to Los Angeles so badly. I had never been there but I was there in my imagination. I pictured the tall buildings and the crowded streets. I'd picture myself going out for auditions and finding my way through the maze of LA traffic. And now here I am. I don't know how I envisioned that for myself but I did. It seemed so real to me, like I was seeing the life I should be living instead of writing parking tickets and directing traffic. And now -- here I am. Who says dreams don't come true?

I have an interview to set up -- I have some research to do. I have friends who are performing at a comedy club and I'd like to support them. I have friends to catch up with. The only constant thing about life is change. You have to adapt to change. I miss the ways things were sometimes. But then again, you never know what is around the corner.

How Do You Measure Success?

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

I am very pensive lately. Perhaps that is because this is a new year, perhaps because we recently lost Uncle Ted who was 88 years old. I recently contacted a long lost family member. We went to high school together and now we live on the opposite coasts. I started thinking of other high school classmates.

There is the girl who cheated on weekly tests and became class President. There is the girl who was supposedly my best friend and we haven't spoken since graduation. There is the girl who was killed in a snowmobile accident and didn't live to see her 18th birthday. There is the boy who was my boyfriend for two years but then we broke up our senior year.

I went to our class reunion and I was shocked by how many looked so much older in only ten years. I wonder how many children we all had and how many are grandparents today. I wonder who retired, who died and who became really successful? And then how do you measure success?

Well, my friend left Ohio for Florida to work with his father. His father had a painting company. He painted offices, small companies and residential homes. He left Ohio way before I did. We tried to stay in touch but after his divorce and remarriage, we lost contact. I have been through so many jobs and now here I am going on auditions and working every now and then in commercials, film and the occasional television show.

What is really funny is that this is always something I wanted to do, even in high school. I went out for every high school play. I went out for community theater roles. I was a dancer at the football games and yes, I was in the Glee Club. I wrote for our high school newspaper. I was very active. And now, I am working with a Hollywood director and auditioning for national commercials.

I remember being on the lot of Sony Studios and taping some promos for Jeopardy. We drove by the studio where they filmed the Wizard of Oz. I remember thinking that I am walking on the same lot that Judy Garland walked on. I am in the same space that Joan Crawford worked in. It was awesome. And it took me back to the end of our school year where there were predictions. My goal was to be working on the lot of MGM Studios. Wow. So I am taken out of the past and into the present. Back to the fake store fronts at Sony. Hey, there goes Cameron Diaz walking by.

I may not have a huge Hollywood contract. But I am exactly where I wanted to be all those years ago. I don't know what everyone else was thinking and where they envisioned themselves many years later. I was thinking of Hollywood and how far away it was from Toledo, Ohio. And how do you get there, to the end of your dreams? Simple, you take one step at a time.

Happy New Year

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

Happy New Year to everyone out there in cyber space. I am so excited because I read in my horoscope that I will have a good year and this will be followed by 12 more years of prosperity. It also said that the last two years have been difficult (true) and that my hard work will finally come to fruition this Spring. That sounds good to me and so far this is true.

In Hollywood it is difficult, but not impossible to make your dreams come true. One of my favorite actors is Mark Ruffalo. I never thought I would ever meet him and I certainly never thought I would ever work with him. However, two years ago I received a phone call from Rich King casting. They wanted to know if I would be interested in working as a featured background person in Mark's new film. The project was a SAG film and would soon be submitted to the Sundance Film festival. Of course I said yes and that is how I got my third SAG voucher. He was particularly looking for performers with disabilities. Now how often does that happen? Oh yes, the film is called "Sympathy for Delicious" and I got to be in a scene with Orlando Bloom. When we finished shooting the scene and we wrapped for the day I told Mark, "I am a big fan of yours". And he said, now that I've seen your work, I am a big fan of yours, too! And he hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. See, dreams do come true. I just saw "The Kids are Alright" and it was so good. I was invited to the screening last Fall and wouldn't you know it, I got really ill. I had two tickets reserved at the Arclight theater. My friend, Andy Arias was going to be my guest and the tickets were in my name. Andy went anyway and he got to talk to Mark. I was so upset but it was one of those bad days when my legs were not working and I was sitting at home pouting.

I am very excited for the new opportunities coming my way, some are in the works as we speak. Keep the faith, people! You will be seeing more and more of me in person, in print, on television and on film. I am getting better and better as I hone my craft and encouraging those that I meet along the way.

I am sad that we lost some friends and relatives last year. However, I know they would want us to continue living and loving those around us.

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.

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!

Light a Candle for Me

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

I wish I could say that I had five auditions this week and a callback or two. But the truth is I am hearing that it is slow. Here is a photo of me and Santa filming a Capital One commercial at Universal Studio. Don't you love my pointy ears? I had just gotten signed by my agent and the next month I had an audition at one of the biggest casting agencies in town. It was an easy audition and I got the gig. Two days work, great pay and a chance to work on a national commercial.

My friends are booking things here and there and if you get an opportunity to audition for a commercial that is a good thing. I need more! I had a dream last night that I was working on a film and got the scene in only 2 takes. That's very good. So maybe that is dream of things to come. Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for me.

I am practicing my espanol, watching my diet and I am going to exercise today if it kills me. I am supposed to swim daily but it has been a little colder this week than last week and I didn't go. But I can do other things to get my heart pumping.

I went to several polio support group meetings . I attended a meeting in Hemet and one in Riverside. I also drove down to San Diego to meet their group. Everyone at all three locations were so kind. It was nice to see Rick again in Hemet and Judy in Riverside. I met Gladys in San Diego and she was so welcoming. Everyone seemed to know who I was already and that was a nice feeling. I'm sure I will see photos on the website soon and that is okay with me.

Big things going on for the family. My son had a milestone birthday. I felt bad because I did not see him. I thought he would go out with his girlfriend and actually he stayed home. My little grandson turned 2 years old and I couldn't see him either because he lives abroad. I wish my family were not so scattered all over the U.S. like we are.

Bottom line is this. I have many talents. Writing, interviewing people. Acting and all the other jobs I have done. I have skills. I am not going to give up on me and my dreams. I am creative and smart. I am financially very savvy. Show business is business first. I feel as though I am not utilizing all my skills as I should be. But I will get there. It ain't over for me. Hard work and talent will yield abundant fruit. But just to be safe, if you are Catholic, please light a candle for me.

Oy Vey!

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

When I brought my house 3 years ago, it was a wonderful quiet and peaceful neighborhood. I visited the home several times before we made an offer to purchase. I came during different times of the day and weekends. I even spoke with several neighbors who lived further down my street. They seemed very nice. The neighborhood is clean with no visible debris on the street. We purchased the home and the following year my neighbor to my right moved to a senior community area in Phoenix. My neighbor to my left decided to move away and left the home to renters.

The guy directly across the street rents his home out too. It seems that every year there are different folks living there. Now I am an easy going gal and I work from home. But the new neighbors are so loud. I think there are two families living in that home. There is constant noise from Moms screaming at toddlers, others driving up and blaring their car horns. Folks driving down the street with music blaring anything from country to rap. Ugh! I feel like the grinch when I say oh the noise, noise, noise!

When did we all become so uncivilized? I hear people screaming into their cell phones, kids running up and down in restaurants and car horns blaring away. It would have taken this neighbor a few moments to get out of her car and walk up to the house and ring the doorbell to let her know she arrived. Instead, she just layed on the car horn over and over and over.

Do you know that each city has noise pollution laws? In most cities it is against the law to make a loud racket from lawnmowers before 9:00 a.m. And yet, gardeners will cut grass at 7:30 a..m. I know here in Southern California the weather does get really hot at even 9 a.m. and perhaps they are getting a jump on the heat and possibly avoiding sunburn too. But 7:30 a.m.? Yikes!

Are you guilty of screaming on the cell phone in the grocery store, in line to pick up a prescription or at a restaurant? Do your children run wild like little heathens in restaurants? Do you still drive a huge minivan and pull in front of smaller cars? Or worse, park in spots designated with "compact only" signs there in front of you?

Ten lashes with the wet noodle for you! If we all did our part to be a little more respectful of each other, wouldn't our world be that much better and quieter? Let us all be better neighbors. And then, oy vey what a wonderful world this would be. Yes, I know... I am Latina. And if others can say Hasta la vista, baby then I can say oy vey!

Be Good to Yourself

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

Yesterday was my son's birthday. Now my son is a middle son. One older brother and one younger sister. My hubby is a middle child and I am a middle child. Middle children are considered very intelligent and very independent. Older children demand more attention. Younger children need us more. And so middle children many times have to fend for themselves and that makes them more independent. He teaches me things every day. Sometimes I want to hear what he has to say and to be honest, sometimes I don't.

I had not seen him for awhile as he lives in Orange County. So when I did finally see him what did I talk about? Me. He later told my hubby that I was very self-centered. I felt bad but what he doesn't know is that acting is my job. And sorry if it sounds self-centered but I do go on auditions and many times I don't get the job. There are acting lessons, auditions and talking with my Agent. And that is my world right now.

There are no jobs in southern CA. Believe me, I have gone on interviews and sent out countless resumes. I have excellent references and good job history and I can't find a job. So I may as well go for it and go on every audition that I can. I can make anywhere from $100/day to $500/day and that is not bad money.

Speaking lines on national commercials can get you $80,000 for one commercial. Not bad money. So yes, it is a lucrative job but the competition is fierce. So many talented, young, good-looking and very talented folks out there who are going out for the same roles as me.

I recently auditioned for a national Walgreens commercial called "Diane". Now all the ladies that were auditioning too were Latina, in my age group and we were Moms to a young lady around 13 years old. Two weeks later, the commercial is on TV and it looks great! I had a good audition and I did everything that the actress did in the final commercial. But my Agent said don't worry about it, cause you never know what they are looking for and that is so true.

In "the Secret" we are taught to speak and think positive things and we bring about what we think about. I do believe that is true. I know that this job was not meant for me but rather for that other actress. I am happy for her because I know that my commercial is around the corner and I will get it in due time.

I am exercising daily, I am eating better. I practice my Spanish every day to improve my writing and reading skills. I am spending more time with loved ones and continue to work on my craft. In general, I am enjoying life.

We set examples for our children. Eat moderately, nothing wrong with an occasional glass of wine. Exercise and be good to your body. Enjoy your friends but remember to be good to your family.

Estoy Enamorado

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

That is the name of the music video I did with reggaeton stars, Wisin y Yandel. The video was shot in Palmdale, Ca and in Cerritos, CA back in June. I play the Mom and you can actually view the entire video on You Tube. Enter this into the Search: Estoy Enamorado official video Wisin y Yandel. It was uploaded about one month ago so make sure you have the right one.

It was loads of fun to make and while I have no lines, there was tons of acting involved. I think I did pretty good except I hate how they did my hair. Oh well, can't be too particular.

The audition I did yesterday went pretty well. It was for another music video. The part called for a disabled actor. I have a wheelchair that I purchased awhile back. Even with medical insurance I still can't afford a proper power chair. So on my bad polio days when it hurts too much to walk, I do use my chair in my home. I saw a fellow actor and friend, Alice at the audition. She has a beautiful red wheelchair. Love it! It was great to see her again. Last time I saw her we were in an acting class together taught by the beautiful Lainie Kazan.

Over the weekend I went to Long Beach to have a sleep study done. Unfortunately, polio survivors are frequently diagnosed with sleep apnea. It felt strange to sleep in a medical facility and monitored all night. I was discharged at 6:00 a.m.,, drove home. Took a nice bubble bath, got dressed and drove to Los Angeles for the audition.

Hopefully there will be more upcoming auditions. It's difficult finding work in Hollywood but I have good experience, good training. I take my career in my hands and with the guidance of my agent, things are going well. Opportunities are out there, you just have to look for them and go for it.