Are You Kidding Me?

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Happy 4th of July!  I would like to thank the military men and women around the world who are fighting and serving our country.  We love you!

We are working our real estate business and were working with an older woman and her husband.  They want to downsize as their children have all moved away and their large home is too much for them.  They have a good sized lot, large pool and a two story home.  Her husband was starting to have health difficulties too.  So I advised them to work with us and we will help them find a single story home.  The idea of moving after twenty-five years was too much for her.  She decided to stay put but thank you for showing me all these other homes.  We had taken her and her husband out on several occasions to see single story homes in their price range. She didn't want to move unless we could help her find a home that was exactly the same property taxes as what she was paying now.  Now, to try to find a home in Temecula for $250K is pretty near impossible.  She wanted us to look in Murrieta for her too.  Those prices are also pretty much impossible to find. But we did look.  Long story short, we have stayed in touch with her for almost one year.  And then I find her house listed on the MLS with another realtor.  I called her and asked her why didn't she call me?  

She said that the other woman told her that it is better to have one realtor who will find you a home and sell your home at the same time (double commission).  Good for the realtor, bad for her.  I told her I was hurt that she didn't call me when I have been working for her for the last year.  She said she was sorry but "before I knew it, I was signing the papers."  And she was laughing.  I was furious, but professional.  I hung up the phone and ...

Yesterday, she called me to ask my advice.  Her house has been on the market for two weeks.  Slightly overpriced, in my opinion.  She had received an offer and she didn't know if she should take the offer or wait to see if any other offers would come in.  I told her I am not your Agent.  You should call your Agent and discuss with her what your next step should be.  She just "oh, okay."  Do you believe that? 

I am not telling tales because she is not my client.  The fact that found my phone number pretty quickly to ask my advice but somehow couldn't find my phone number when she was getting pressured to sign a listing agreement sucks.

Where is the loyalty?  I am not a pushy person by any means but come on, people.  When you are talking on the phone, when I have gone to your home on numerous occasions, when I give you advice, drive you in my car to see other homes.  And you can't make up your mind what to do and then tell me when I do decide to sell, I will call you.  And then she never does!  Ugh!  

She is lucky I didn't tell her to jump in the lake.  

I'll bet you are wondering what this has to do with acting right?  Well, as actors we have to spend a lot of money.  Money for training, classes, head shots, gas money, make-up, clothing, costumes, shoes, etc.  It is not cheap.  And neither is renting an apartment in LA.  Many times, they expect actors to work for copy, credit and meals.  The copy is a copy of the final film, credit is your name in the credits and a meal is usually a cold slice of pizza.  

After so many films like this, hopefully one knows how to act properly on the set and one can eventually audition for a speaking part.  There are a lot of people who like staying in the background and become professional background actors.  This is something I have never aspired to do. 

If you want a professional actor, pay one.  I know others in the film industry feel this way too because we must all pay our dues.  And then there are those who try to get into this business by way of a shortcut, (sleeping with someone for a SAG voucher).  I heard a story on the set once of a shoot for a music video with some hip hop artists.  There were a bunch of people who just looked like they walked in off the street (hookers) and they were not wearing panties.  The wardrobe people had to ask them to please go across the street to the drug store and see if they have any panties for you to put on.  Ridiculous.  

Being on the set is never boring.  And neither is real estate.  End of rant.  Enjoy your 4th of July!

News!

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So as you may have surmised I had to put my acting career on hold for awhile to get my real estate business going.  It has been great getting to learn a new profession and I have always loved real estate, architecture and getting to meet new people.

But now I am back!  I met with a new Agent in LA yesterday.  Yes, I have a new agent!  What I like about her is she is working constantly.  We had a great meeting and I am now represented by KMR.  So excited to join this agency.

So now I will need new head shots, business cards, etc.  And also, two of the films I worked on several years ago will be out this year.  I will let you know as soon as I know more.

I love being a realtor but I do miss being creative.  So come on, universe!  Bring on the auditions and the acting jobs.  I am ready!

American Indian actors quit Adam Sandler movie over names

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Have you read the headlines that came out today?  Well, yours truly was given an opportunity to audition for this film.  And when I got the sides (a few pages of the script) to read and study, it was so offensive that I immediately called my Agent.  I asked her to get me out of that audition.  I refused to be a part of the nonsense.  Now I am not Native American but I do have that in my ancestry (according to my father) and I absolutely refused to go on that audition.  So now when the shit hits the fan, why are people surprised.  I am surprised that Adam Sandler would be a part of such a silly film.  But then again, I am not a fan of Adam Sandler and what goes around, comes around.

I received some strange FB messages lately from some guy who says he is a retired service member.  The message was full of praise, etc. and he wanted a photo of me.  So I say why not?  I am big on the military and if this guy served our country, what harm can an 8 x 10 autographed photo hurt?  

And then I received an email from a guy I haven't spoken to in two years.  I was really hurt because I thought we were friends.  He is also a fellow Actor (and I use the term loosely).  I am very careful as to which projects I choose to be a part of and this guy would do anything for a buck.  From putting on a leprechaun outfit to whatever, this guy would do anything when he sees a camera.  Anyway, I was supposed to help him with a financial deal and then he bailed on me at the last moment and I lost a nice paycheck because of him.  He would also do things like not tell me about auditions and then he would go on them and then tell me after he booked the job.  He even asked me how I found the time to work full time, go to LA for auditions, and write and produce my own material.  His own wife does not work and he constantly called her lazy.  I realized that with friends like that, who needs enemies, right?  So after I got screwed out of a nice paycheck, that was it.  I was out.  And then he has the nerve to email me?  Forget it.  You screw me over, don't even try to contact me.  Cause guess what?  I will ignore you.  

So I hope all of you out there in cyber space are doing okay.  I am fine and dandy.  And with that, I'm out.  Oh, and by the way, I did not get that last role. But I did get a chance to audition for Jamie Babbit. How many people can say that?  I got a chance to see her and even more importantly, she got a chance to see me!

Audition and a Callback

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On April 4 I had an audition for a TV show, "Married" on the FX channel.  On Wednesday, April 9 I had a callback.  I met a Director who I have had the pleasure of knowing her work for many years.  We have, in fact, many of the same friends.  Although I had never met her before, I was very familiar with her work.  I think I did a good job.  I did my scene and was given a new direction to try something else. So, crossing my fingers as I haven't heard anything yet.  I believe this episode is to film around April 21 in Santa Monica.

Real Estate is going great.  I love it.  We took our new client out last week to preview homes and we saw about 8 homes yesterday.  I love to help my clients find the home of their dreams.  Today we doing an open house.  I have my goodie bags ready to go and my water bottles.  Hopefully, I will meet some more new clients.

It is 7 am and we are meeting our client at 9 am before she goes to LA.  No worries, I will just have to pace myself.

Proud of my sister Linda, who went to the Detroit Institute of Art to see the new exhibit featuring the work of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.  I really want to see it before it leaves Detroit so it looks like I will have to plan my trip soon.  Of course I'll have to try some hot dogs and chile at the world famous Tony Packos restaurant.

Well, time to have another cup of tea and get out of bed.  Happy Sunday!

A Lovely Day

Today is a lovely day.  It feels like a Sunday; but is actually Monday.  If you get a chance to go to the movies may I recommend "The Theory of Everything".  Such an amazing film and the acting is wonderful.

I got a chance to catch up on some laundry (isn't my life so interesting).  And some paperwork.  There is so much to do all the time that sometimes I just miss doing normal things like dishes, laundry and sweeping the floor.  I am meticulous when it comes to our home.  Perhaps I was born in the wrong era?

So I am sitting on the sofa and looking out the window towards my pool and I see two guys peeking their head over my fence.  It turns out that they are interesting in fixing their portion of the neighbor's fence.  Hmmm, it is very discerning.  What are they doing?  If they rattle their side of the fence won't it affect my side of the fence?  Time to do some investigating.

Last week was wonderful.  I got a chance to see my two sons.  I got a chance to sleep in a little and now I am catching up on paperwork.  Being a realtor is not as easy at it looks.  I was a mortgage loan officer for seven years and I know that this will help me be a good realtor.  Taking the California exam was tough but I got through it and all is well.

I don't miss going up to LA to audition.  But I do miss the many friends that I have made there.  Our lives are so different than I could have possibly imagined.  One of the nice things about getting older is the fact that we can decide who we wish to spend some time with.  Gone are the days of nightclubs and blaring music.  I really enjoy going out to dinner with friends and having a lovely bottle of wine to enjoy.  I like to treat my friends to brunch at one of the nearby wineries.  The views are amazing and my friends are so chic. 

Here is a new photo that was recently taken by a photographer.  It came out pretty good. 

Throwback Thursday

I am so thankful to have a really good day today.  If you are on Facebook, be sure to send me a friend request to my FB page Lisa A Zion.  I love that they have Throwback Thursday for everyone to dig into their old photos and show everyone what they looked like back in the day.

I have an 8 x 10 black and white photo of myself that was taken many years ago by a photographer friend.  I was dating my boyfriend at the time and he is now my hubby.  His band was taking outdoor photos in downtown Toledo, Ohio (where we were living back then).  We were all taking a break on a lovely Saturday afternoon and after walking around downtown for awhile we stopped so sit in the grass of the beautiful old courthouse.  So I have made this photo my profile photo here and on Facebook.  Such a happy time and it brought back some lovely memories.  

Now to change the subject.  I went to see my favorite hairdresser today in Temecula.  Now my hair looks lovely again.  I told her that when I become rich and famous I will take her to Hollywood with me!  We were supposed to go to LA tonight but hubby decided he didn't want to go after all. It was just as well because I was pretty wiped out and fell asleep at 6:00 p.m.

Most of you may know that I am a polio survivor.  What this means is ever since I had gotten polio it has always been with me.  It never goes away and there is no cure.  When the polio epidemic hit our country there was a massive scramble to find a cure.  Some kids and adults got bad batches of the polio shot.  To this day my parents don't exactly know how I got it and why my other siblings did not.  But, I was an infant and I'm sure my immune system was down and maybe that is why I got it.  So now that I am older, I have noticed things like being forgetful.  I do use tools though to help me remember.  Thank goodness for Outlook, my iphone and post-it notes!

So tonight was a night where my body just crashed.  When I was younger I would fight it.  But now I know that if my body says "rest", I'd better listen and rest.  Sure enough, I feel better now.  It is a strange feeling though because all of a sudden my body will just shut down and then I realize that 2 hours have gone by.  

Being a disabled actor can be a challenge. There are many of us in Hollywood. There are actors that are blind, deaf, missing limbs, little people and people with mobility issues.  We don't want to be treated differently; we just want to be able to audition and show what we can do too.  I am a trained Actor and a proud member of SAG-AFTRA.  I am proud of my accomplishments and I do want to do more work.  It really gets my goat when actors without disabilities are hired to act as characters with disabilities.  We are working with the powers that be to try to change that.  It is a challenge, sometimes.  But I continue on.  

I count my blessings everyday.  I had a good day at work, I got my hair done, got some much needed rest and I am headed to Las Vegas this weekend.  Life is good!  

Want to see some of my work?  Well you can find me on You Tube or just Google my name.  You can even read some of my previously published articles when I interviewed celebrities for Latino LA.

Ciao!

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. 

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!

Dollars and Sense

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Well now that The Wizard of Oz is over I am back to looking for another job. Such is the life of an actor. It is what we do. What most of you don't know is that prior to being an actor or I should say, in addition to being an actor, most of us hold day jobs. Now that is not always an easy feat. One must find a job that has some flexibility because if an important audition comes up, well we have to go and do the audition. Many actors work in restaurants. Many work in temp jobs. I was working as a banker. A mortgage banker.

I actually started working in finance years ago when I lived and worked in Ohio. A job transfer had me working in the Finance Department. At first I was very nervous. But then I found I was good with dollars and cents. I enjoyed reconciling figures. I enjoyed doing reports that showed the bottom line. And then I started applying those same financial principles to my own life. Bookkeeping became not a chore, but a well needed review of where we were financially and it became a time to think and plan for the future.

When women are around each other I noticed the conversations would turn to family, children, recipes, upcoming family events, etc. When I was around men the conversations turned to money, financial investments, the best place to take your autos, etc. In other words, how we could make more money and how can we save money? Needless to say, I enjoyed being around the men because I learned something from them. At first I was dismissed with a raised eyebrow. But when I started to talk about investing, saving, 401-K and portfolios then I was embraced into the fold.

Actors and good financial common sense many times do not go hand in hand. Many creative folk have talent to spare but when it comes to dollars, well their financial decisions don't make much sense. To be an actor today, you must invest in your livelihood. And that means you must pay for a good photographer, you must always have good head shots that look like you look right now. It means being able to pay for acting classes. You must pay for sites where you can submit yourself for acting jobs.

I am constantly amazed when I meet people who tell me that they want to do what I do. It is not an easy job, being an actor. You must have a thick hide! Nine times out of ten you will not get the job that you just auditioned for. And that is if you are lucky enough to even get called in for an audition in the first place. There are many actor friends that tell me that they will submit themselves for acting jobs once they contact a photographer because they have no head shots. Or they just don't have the money to join any acting sites where they can submit themselves. Or they took one acting class five years ago and now they don't feel the need to take any additional classes. I just smile and nod my head because they just don't get it. And that is one less person to take seriously as an actor. Because if they don't take their acting career seriously, no one else will either. So they should not be surprised when they don't get called in to audition.

And so people, and I am serious here. Don't think pennies. Think dollars. If you get hired as a professional actor -- and by professional I mean, they are paying you to act. Then you must reinvest some of those monies towards future acting jobs. Put aside some of your earnings towards future jobs. Many times those paying gigs are too few and too far in between. It is tempting to take all your other starving acting friends out to dinner or lunch. We have all been there. However, that is the time to think about the future.

Believe me, I had many friends asking me for comp tickets to see me in the Wizard of Oz. I would have loved to be able to give all of them comp tickets. However, financially this makes no sense.

Being an actor or any kind of artist is difficult, believe me. So if you have a friend who is an artist, we do suffer for our art. Take them out to lunch or dinner. Treat them to a film you both want to see. Listen patiently when we cry over a role we didn't get or an audition that didn't go well. And do cheer us on when we do get a role! It means so much to have supportive friends in your corner. And do come and see us when we perform. It means the world to us knowing we have friends and family in the audience. And that is something that is a pay check of the heart.

I truly hope that this post answers some financial questions for my actor friends out there. Save, save and save for a rainy day. We all have them and by being prepared for that rainy day will mean all the difference between a stressful life and a life that is comfortable. You have the power in your hands to choose what kind of life you will have. Be well, my friends!

Is it really over?

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After 3 weeks of rehearsals and 3 weeks of shows, the Wizard of Oz is over. Our play went so well, everyone loved it and we received some great reviews. There were parties, and sad goodbyes. Our Dorothy will work the cruise lines in January. Our Tin Man will go to work at Disney Tokyo. The rest of us including yours truly will go back to auditioning again.

However before I do that I am going to relax this week and go to Las Vegas. I deserve some needed time to relax and enjoy. My sister Linda is in town and we are going to have a blast.

I enjoyed making new friends in the cast and Geraldine and I enjoyed a great sushi dinner prior to leaving for the final cast party. I had a really good time.

Well, have to get ready, pack my bags and hit the road. Next week, back to hitting the pavement in search of my next adventure. Adelante!

The Show Must Go On

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Wow, it has been a whirlwind of activity since our show opened on Friday, October 14. We had an 8 pm show on Friday, Saturday and a 2:00 pm show on Sunday. We received standing ovations at each show. And two reviews have come out and they are saying, Wow! It is so exciting! We had a few glitches on our first show but the subsequent shows have been great.

My friend, Geraldine is so excited because this was her very first time onstage. She plays a Munchkin, a crow, a poppy flower, flying monkey and a character in Oz when we are in the Emerald City. I help her with some quick costume changes. We both learned all of the songs with the exception of the four main character's songs. So she doesn't get a chance to do much singing.

I play the part of the Barrister in the Munchkinland scene. And I do sing and dance in that number. And then I sing and dance in the Emerald City. I am glad to not have more scenes that the ones I have because I was worried that my little legs would not be able to keep up. But I am doing great and having a blast! I don't like to toot my own horn so I will tell you what happened after our Saturday night show.

We remove our costumes and make-up before we leave the theater. Geraldine and I were walking out of the theater on our way to the parking area when a man and his wife came up to me and he said, "I just want to say how good you were and I'm so glad you are part of the show". I looked at him because he was wearing a name badge that said STAFF on it. I said thank you so much, what is your name? He told me his name and that he is a part of the Production Staff. He said I can tell that the children performers are Munchkins but when I saw you, I said now she is a performer. That was so cool because even though I have very few lines in that number, it was great to know that he noticed that I was giving my all.

It is great to take our final bows for the night, look out into the audience and see a full house and they are all standing and clapping. I get to do it all again Thursday night through Sunday. After we finished our bows on Sunday, I asked Geraldine how she felt about finishing our first weekend shows. She was so excited and said she didn't want it to end. And I said, exactly and that is show biz! I think she is hooked now. She is currently studying to be a registered nurse but now that she has gotten a taste of show biz, well she may not ever get that out of her blood.

Some of our ensemble cast members are regular performers at Disneyland. Our Dorothy will go back to working as an entertainer on a cruise line once she wraps up in Oz. And even our little dog who plays Toto will go back to the east coast as he is a working dog too. Well, I won't get sad because we have two more weeks of the show.

And now that I have a few days off, I am back to voice lessons every Monday afternoon. Back to doing laundry and cooking for my family. I am enjoying watching my favorite tv shows like Rachel Zoe, Glee and Modern Family. I have to line up some more auditions and give my Agent a call. Yes, it is a crazy life being an actor. You can feel like a gypsy going from job to job. One week you are working then you are unemployed again. But to be a working actor in the theater, oh there is nothing like it.

Very quickly I have returned to finding a spot in the green room where we all apply our make-up and talk about our day. We rush to get into costumes, finding shoes and hairpins. Getting our wigs on just so and grabbing our props. It is a great feeling and it is like riding a bike. It all comes back to you, the smell of the grease paint the roar of the crowd.

Three Films in One Year!

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Well, rehearsals are coming along nicely. I had a few days off and then back to rehearsing on the weekend. After Saturday's time I went to a party. I ended up leaving at 12:30 and went to bed at 2:00 a.m. I haven't done that in a long time. I made sure to only have one glass of wine so I was not drinking and driving.

I do end up doing quite a bit of dancing after all. Fortunately, there are no difficult steps. Being a dancer is one thing, being in the chorus is something else. We are dancing too but not like the dancers. They are center stage and doing difficult dips, waltzes and ballet moves. It's coming along beautifully.

My partner is an older gentleman who has many years experience as a dancer and choreographer. He has even danced in some shows in Las Vegas and on several cruise lines. He will make me look good! Thank you, Jim! Plus he is very nice. One of the little girls had a birthday the other day and we all sang happy birthday to her. Per parents surprised her with several boxes of cupcakes which she shared with all of us. And that was just great because I realized I had not eaten all day and that cupcake tasted pretty good.

Now I know you are wondering, how can you forget to eat all day? Well I get up kinda late (8:30 a.m.) and I have my morning coffee. I don't like to eat breakfast so I usually skip unless I'm craving protein so I will usually boil an egg. Then I go onto house cleaning, doing laundry, running errands. Then take a warm bath, get dressed and go to rehearsal. We rehearse for 3 or 4 hours. Then I come home, watch late night tv, eat a bowl of cereal and go to bed. Then I get up the next morning and do it all over again. Needless to say, I keep hearing songs from the show in my head all the time.

I am looking forward to the screening of the film, White T. We are waiting for the film to be finished, it is in post production right now. When the screening is scheduled, I will be invited along with the other actors to walk the red carpet. I have come along way from working on background on television and film projects to actually have a role in a feature film. So I will let you know more once I know more. My contract says that I have to make myself available for any additional pick up scenes, interviews and advertising of the film. No worries so long as it does not interfere with my current production.

And I did another film earlier this year, Attack of the 30 Foot Chola which is also in post production. And I did another film, Lean Like A Cholo. Wouldn't it be something if all three films were released this year? This is turning out to be another great year for my acting career and I know next year will be even better.

I Was on the Radio!

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Wow, I am coming down from my high on being a guest on the program, Disabled Radio. It was my first radio interview and if you listened in, thanks so much. My thanks to Rob Pritts who is the host of the show and to Vince Staskel who is the producer in NY.

I have to admit I was a wee bit nervous and had a glass of wine with me. Before I knew it, the hour program was over. I am hearing good things on my Facebook page so I guess I did okay.

I wanted to reiterate that being a Latina -- being a disabled person can be challenging but not impossible. There are opportunities out there but you have to work really, really hard. You have to believe in yourself. You have to know that as an actor or a performer if you are lacking in some area, get more training. Be confident and go after your dreams.

I have to give a shout out to the folks at Polio Today.org for their efforts in educating those with polio and their caregivers. They are on the web and on Facebook. Their web address is: www.PolioToday.org and they are there to help. I also have to thank my local polio support chapters in Hemet, CA and Riverside, CA. The folks down in San Diego, CA were also very helpful.

I want to thank my Editor, Abelardo at Latino LA for giving me an opportunity to write for the magazine and becoming a Contributing Writer. I love every minute!

I want to thank my mentors, Herbert Siguenza (Culture Clash member) and actor Hector Luis Bustamante for their support.

And finally to my family and friends for your support and love. I hope I am not too much of a pain in the behind.

And to those who listened in and sent in their questions, thank you so much. I have a huge audition tomorrow for NBC. So please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Do we need to see more actors with disabilities on television -- internet -- and film? Absolutely!

Disabled Radio Guest

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Hey there everyone and good evening one and all! I just spoke with Rob Pritts who is the man behind the microphone at Disabled Radio. He has asked me to be his guest this Wednesday, March 23 at 6 pm PST/8 pm CST. This program is an Internet radio show for and about disabled folk. Their website is http://www.disabledradio.com/

I hope you have all had a chance to see the Starbucks commercial. It was great fun to film although it was a cold and rainy day. I always get a kick when I see it on television or on the Starbucks website.

It was quiet last week and I was under the weather so I needed the rest. Getting over a cold and persistent cough.

LA was getting drenched with the rain and believe me, we need it. I am hoping that by April 1 we start getting some warm weather.

Working on the film White T was fun and it will be so cool to be invited to the wrap party and to go to the premiere. I wonder if it will premiere in LA or New York? Guess I'll have to wait and see.

I have been invited to several interesting events. An art gallery party in Palm Springs, a screening of a new film and a chance to meet and hear Phylicia Rashad. Also, my friend Herbie Siguenza will be performing in his one-man show, An Afternoon with Pablo Picasso at the Los Angeles Theater Center. I saw his show when he performed in San Diego last year. He is simply amazing.

Well, I should get some rest. I must prepare for two interviews on Wednesday. Goodnight Moon!

Feature Film: White T

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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

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

On the Chola Set

What a busy week -- we filmed for a very long day and this is a photo of me with Alicia -- two Cholas from back in the day. I love the make-up and the costumes. I am always in my curlers and my pink robe. We are very close to completing Attack of the 30 Ft Chola. I only have one or two more scenes to film.

Kieron Estrada is our director and he does so much and is so knowledgeable. It is my thrill and pleasure to work with him. I am hoping that this film will get into the indie circuit.

It was a hectic week and now I am relaxing. Yay! Glad that the weather is better. I plan on catching up on housework, laundry and eating some good homecooked meals.

I just received an email this morning from a fellow co-star on our commercial. The commercial is for Starbucks and now that it is being aired I can talk about it. It was very exciting to go to the audition. I did a good job and the very next day my agent called me to let me know I was on avail. Then the following day she called me to tell me I booked the job. It is such a great feeling of accomplishment to know that I did something right.

I am reading a book right now about acting and so much is just trial and error. I have had some bad auditions but I learned from them. And I have had some auditions where I booked the job and I don't even know what I did right. And now I am to the point where I know I did well, didn't do well or could have done better. But I am feel that this job has put me into the category of being a professional actor. It's a wonderful feeling. I don't know anyone there, this job was not a favor for a friend. It was auditioning and being professional and doing a good job.

They were so wonderful on the set, I can't even tell you. The staff was professional. The food was good, everything about this job was amazing. And to think that I was very close to quitting at Christmas time. And as low as I felt, I kept thinking to myself that the next job could be the big job and it will go to someone else. So I swallowed those feelings of rejection and negativity and just knew that tomorrow would be a better day.

And here I am with a national commercial, an indie film and a feature film all in one month. Needless to say, my agent is happy with me. And I am thrilled to have her in my corner.

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