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Real Sundays: A Weekly Journal - 2004
, 18th, 25th
Real Sundays in 2004
January 2004: 11th February: 8th, 16th March: 21st April: 5th, The Rest of April May: 9th, 30th June & July 2004 August 2004 September: 12th October: 20th The Rest of 2004 The Rest of 2004
So, the last time I wrote was in October eh? Huh, didn't realize it had been THAT long. Well, what on earth (or in the galaxy) have I been doing you ask? I wish I knew. I've been in a bit of a fog for a lot of that time. But I will share with you what I remember!The first thing I remember is that I took the first week of November off in order to rest from the five week run of the play "Christophe-For the Love of Freedom, Part III." It was such an incredible ride. We were sold out almost completely for the last two weeks and everyone in and around the show continued to work their butt off to perform an incredible piece of theatre and history. I'm honored to have been a part of it.
So, at the end of my week off I started feeling sick, but was fighting it. I fought as much as I could until one day I got myself up and to my car to go tutor a student (my 'day'job-if I hadn't mentioned it before). I arrived at my car and realized I could not focus enough to drive and had to cancel the lesson. I called my boyfriend to ask him to help me walk back into our apartment! Well, needless to say, I was in the doctor's office the next day only to find I had strep throat-Wooohooo! When was the last time I had strep throat, when I was 10? My goodness. So, I took a week or so to recover and the next thing I knew it was Thanksgiving! I stayed home with my boyfriend so as not to get sick again and tried to catch up on my regular life, you know, bills, and actually paying them! Then, the day after Thanksgiving, I decided to go car shopping. I had been planning on getting a new car and had already been approved for a loan! So, what better day than to try and catch the holiday sales. Well, my boyfriend and I must have been to about 10 dealerships that day looking for the right deal and car. I was looking at the new beetles, but really just wanted something with a little style and not too impractical. So, it was the end of the night and we were driving past a Ford dealership and I thought 'gee a mustang would be nice, but can I afford it? Well, turns out, the manager's special that day was a mustang.....now MY mustang! Wooohooo! I love it. And for as much as I drive, it's nice to be in a car I can enjoy.
Then, let's see December, hmmmm. I got back on the ball with my acting career, sending out headshots, reading the trade papers and such. I also was in training for my Brown Belt in Kung Fu. I tested just before Christmas and was promoted! Woohoo! Talk about a hard test, it was only me doing forms, basics, animal techniques, hapkidos and more for almost 45 minutes.
Then, of course, there are all the holiday parties that one is invited to. Okay, I wasn't invited to that many, but I did make it to the ones to which I was invited. I'm not the biggest fan of parties, but I do enjoy seeing everyone having fun and I do love to eat good food!!!!! Mmmmm!
I auditioned for the television show Eve in December and was put on avail. ('Avail' means that I was asked to be available for the shooting dates because they really liked me, but the part might be written out, or given to a celebrity, or they cannot make up their mind about which actor to use. It is great to be put there because you know you rocked, but at the same time, it's always better when they say "You booked it!") So, I did not end up booking the job, but I came really close. In any case, I am extremely thankful for the opportunity and all the casting folk and producers that enjoyed my audition enough to consider me for the role.
On Christmas Eve my boyfriend and I went to have an intimate dinner with my friend Anne and her fiancee and two of his friends. It was a great relaxing time, good food, good people, and a fun board game that I did not win! Then Christmas Day I drove up to see my mother and bring her my old car. I spent several days in the Bay Area with her and just read, watched movies and slept. I saw my father and made him come with me to get new glasses, as I had lost mine the day before. I stopped by my old theatre, really my second home, and spent some time chatting and catching up with my second set of parents, Pat and Michael, the directors of the Palo Alto Children's Theatre. That theatre is an incredible comfort zone for me. I feel more at home there than anywhere in the world. It's always a beautiful thing to be there.
I came back to Los Angeles on the 29th to spend the new year with my boyfriend. We like to be quiet at the New Year and focus on our intentions for the new year, but from where we live we can also see fireworks at midnight. So, our plan was to relax, watch movies until midnight and then watch fireworks.....a great plan, if we hadn't both fallen asleep before midnight! So, rest brought in the new year for me, which was good considering I was back to work on the 2nd and have had only one day off since!
Following is my acting and performing year in retrospect. I like to look back on a year and look at my successes as well as the places I can improve. It helps gain perspective on what I'm doing.
Totals for the 2004:
Auditions - 26
Callbacks - 5
Bookings - 5and had several successful Spoken Word performances including Def Poetry on HBO and performing for the author Neale Donald Walsch and with the incredible Faith Rivera and all her talented friends. Be on the look out for a "Be The Change" concert near you. The positivity will uplift you while the music and lyrics move you inside and out!
Okay, until next time........Always, always, always love yourself and then spread the love!
October 20, 2004
I know, I know, it's been over a month. Well, needless to say I have been quite caught up in the play I'm in "For the Love of Freedom." This play has been a real joy to perform, and I'm so happy to be working on it. I can't explain exactly how I feel, but it just fits, if that makes any sense. So, what, you ask, have I been doing for the last 30 or so days? WellllIn Acting:
We opened "For the Love of Freedom" on October 1st and have had four shows a week since then. On Thursday mornings we do a special matinee for the students at several different Los Angeles Unified School District schools. They are bussed in and we do the entire show. Then several of us (myself included) go into the classes the following week and do workshops based on the play and self expression. It has been so rewarding and enjoyable.So, the play has gotten decent to great reviews in the LA Times and the LA Weekly. I haven't seen any others, but I'm sure some are out there. So far, the folks that have come have loved it. We even had some celebrities in our midst, Harry Lennix Jr and Danny Glover to name only two. This cast is truly incredible and has worked hard to pull off this monumentous feat. I am extremely proud of and to be in this production.
On the film acting side.....the short film that I starred in earlier this year, "Unwelcome" - a comedy horror, has been accepted in several horror film festivals across the United States. In Eerie, PA, I was nominated for Best Actress in a Horror Film ( www.HauntFactory.com). I did not win, but hey, I was nominated. How cool is that? Then here in LA, the film was in ScreamFest LA. I was able to be there for that. Thank you to my dear friends, Mimi, Anne, and Roderick that came and supported, and to Marc and Stephon who wanted to be there but couldn't because of auditions. We had a ball screaming at all the other films and laughing (when we were supposed to of course) at mine. And, the cool thing is, from that festival, we got picked up to play in a horror festival in Dublin!!! www.Horrorthon.com So, needless to say, the film was extremely well received.
I've had a couple of auditions since I've written you last. None have turned into work yet, but hey, that doesn't stop me from going! I auditioned for a guest star role on Eve - which is a big deal in its own right (the guest star part). I also had a commercial audition for Sprint, which I know I didn't get since it's filming today. Yes, I'm disappointed at not having booked either of those, but I have to keep on truckin', otherwise, what's the point!
In Writing:
Well, been working on some poems. I'll let you know. Things are brewing in my head, just not on paper....Personally:
I've been in a really great space lately. I've made it a point to allow this play to keep me social. Since I have such a bad habit (well, not necessarily bad...) of being a hermit and never going out, I have used this play to get me out! I've been spending great quality time with the people in the show and have becomed very attached to their friendship. I only hope, as often happens, that once the play ends I will not cease to exist in these people's worlds. They have all been so supportive of me and each other, it's truly encouraging. Thank you to Mimi, Marc, Rod, Tina, Stephon, Levy, Karl, John, Cynthia, Lisa, Jackie, Jameelah, Tene, Moon, Amad, Aaron, Lanre, Robert, Peter, Craig, Cory, Greg, Dana, Royce, Tony, Ben(s), Rico and all the rest for making this such a treasured experience. I wouldn't be who I am without you.So that's all for now, I think. I'm sure I've missed something, but you know I'll catch you up when I remember. Until then, love, love, love, spread it like melted butter! And VOTE!!!!!
September 12, 2004
Hello everyone. Well, I am still in very intense rehearsals for "For the Love of Freedom" and I haven't had that much time to write. But I wanted to take a little time to at least keep everyone up to date!!!In Acting:
September started out with a bang when on September 1st I had an audition for a small role on Strong Medicine. Remember I thought that I sucked the last time and that they would never call me in again....??? Well, not only did I get called in, but Lori Sugar gave me some great direction and I got a callback!!! Woohoo! It's my first time getting a callback in this office. I didn't get the role, but step by step. I felt okay about the callback, but I don't know if I was really the role, if that makes sense. In anycase, it was an awesome way to start off September.The rest of my acting work has been rehearsals. This play has over 30 actors in it and just organizing everyone can sometimes be hard. I am singing (as best I can), dancing and acting, and it's not even a musical! In addition, I am also the French accent consultant, so I listen to everyone's accents and try to make them sound more French. It's a lot of work, but as you know, I love this kind of work. I'm happy to be at rehearsal all the time. It's having to do all the OTHER things to pay bills that is not my favorite kind of work..... But I'm working on changing that.
In Writing:
Well, I am working on a movie idea for myself and an associate who has, shall we say, some "star power." I have been researching (when I have time) for the film and will be developing the complete story line soooooon....Personally:
Well, (okay, does each sentence need to start with Well?- Oh well....) do you remember what was going on with my boat? The one I used to live on? Well (there it is again!) I found a new slip!!! Woohoooooooooo! I can't believe it. I just happened to call on the day when this one harbor had ONE slip left for my size boat. I said, "Okay , I'm bringing the money now, how much do you need?" I was not about to lose that spot.So the next challenge, after getting the slip, was actually getting the boat there! I had to move her (the boat...they're women you know) from Marina del Rey to Redondo Beach, and I couldn't take her out of the water because I don't have a trailer. So, all this translates to having to sail or motor the boat down. That's all well and good - IF I KNEW HOW TO SAIL!!!!! So, what to do. I did what any other sane person might do and geared myself up for an adventure. I called a certified Captain and paid him to take her down with me. The boat (having not been out to sea in over ten years.....I lived on her, didn't sail her!), wasn't, or at least I wasn't sure if she was, ready to be sailed. I did (do) have a working engine, so worse comes to worse, we could use that. So, Friday morning, September 3rd, 2004, I filled up the gas tank (for the engine) and met Captain Larry (www.CaptLarry.com) at the dock. He was a really nice guy, extremely knowledgeable and calm, which I was not, I was nervous as all hell! So he looked at all the sails and thought we might actually be able to sail her. But we still had enough gas, just in case.
So we untied the docklines, I prepared the galley (inside the boat) to be on the water ( basically put away anything breakable) and we were off (with the engine). We got into the channel, and Captain Larry began to hoist the main sail (main s'l to you sailors out there). Well, he went to attach the sail to the mast, and lo and behold, my sail was missing about six inches of cord that would allow it to be hoisted. So, right away, we knew we were taking the engine all the way.
"I can do this," I thought. It's only six miles, how bad can it be? Well, I, of course, picked the windiest day that week! The sea was so choppy, I swear we were hitting at least 4 foot swells! Sometimes we'd go over a swell and the front (bow) would dip so much that the back (stern)-where the engine was- would pop out of the water. The engine doesn't like popping out of the water.
So, about an hour into the trip, my knuckles were white (from holding on to the railings for dear life). See, when you sail, it is smoother because you don't roll from side to side, only front to back. But when you motor, you are subject to every move the sea makes, and boy was she (the sea) dancing! And so was my stomach. I got to the point where I knew it was only a matter of time before I got sick. I told Captain Larry I was going to be sick, but not to worry, I'd be okay. About 10 minutes later, I was emptying every drop of liquid (that's all I had in my stomach) into the ocean. Head over board, hands holding tight to the side, hat almost flying off, hair falling into the line of trajectory. It was absolutely awful. Okay, so after about 6 times of throwing up, all I could think of is "How do I get off this ride?" I considered how much it would cost to have a helicopter come airlift me off, but then I realized, there is no off, there's no turing back, there's only going through it. So I did. I have to say, the boat seemed to be having the best time, and she and the engine were awesome. Captain Larry was impressed by the fact that I wasn't crying and complaining after getting sick. But how could I, this was my boat, my responsibility. Who am I going to complain to?
So, one would think that since I got it all out, I would've been okay....but about an hour later, I was sick again. This time, still threw up about 6 times, but there wasn't really anything to throw up, so it really hurt. I did start crying a bit after that, but held it together as best I could. Then we saw Redondo, it was so close I could taste it, but we seemed to be moving like a slug on a freeway. I just kept my eyes on that goal. Eventually we made it into dock and my boyfriend was there to help us dock her. Thank you to Captain Larry for the adventure. I have to say it will be a little while before I go out to sea again, but I had full confidence in the Captain to make sure we were okay.
So, that is the biggest thing that's happened this month. I hope you all enjoyed the story and I look forward to telling much more. Please spread love and remember to register to vote. Both are extremely important. Love yourself and eminate (sp?) it outward. It will only bring you love in return. Until next time.....
August 2004
August, what a great month. There has been a lot going on, but the important thing is that I am still here. I've had some challenges, but mostly good things this month.In Acting:
I went into intense rehearsal this month for the third installment of "For the Love of Freedom, Part III: Christophe (The Spirit). For those of you that don't know, this is the third part of the plays about the Haitian slave rebellion in the 1800's, the only successful Black slave rebellion in the history of the world. I have a great role, who is not the most moral of characters, but in the end, she saves the King from....well, maybe I shouldn't tell you the end. You'll have to come see it! Visit the Upcoming Acting page.I went to the Bay Area (Palo Alto, CA) to audition for TheatreWorks. They're a company I grew up with and they do fantastic semi-professional theatre in my hometown. I auditioned to let them know how I'd grown up, and it was awesome. I did two monologues, one serious (from "for colored girls...") and one comedic (from "A Girl's Guide to Chaos). They went great and they'll keep me in mind for the rest of the plays in the season. I'll keep you posted.
In Poetry:
I had a great show with a wonderful group of positive music making musicians for a retreat for leaders last weekend in Santa Barbara. It was such a moving experience it's difficult for me to put it into words. Imagine everyone making the music and singing is singing a positive message that speaks to everything you try to be about and learn about and then each person in the audience hears every note and every word and is genuinely moved in each moment. It is something that may never be duplicated, but will always live in my memory. Thank you to Faith, Nolan, Daniel, Harold, Gerald, Ali, Mark, Neale, Rhonda and everyone else who simply made my weekend. I am so thankful to have been a part of it.Personally:
Well, several months ago, I was told that the marina where my boat is (the boat I used to live on) will be going under construction. This means my boat and all the others have to move to other marinas. The only problem is, with all the work I've been doing on other things (particulary the fundraiser) I have not had time to look for a new place. So, now I am faced with last minute work to find a place for my boat. Although this is a major challenge, I know it will all work out. I've already seen the perfection in my head.The other awesome thing that happened this month was I went with my boyfriend to see the movie "What the Bleep do We Know?" It was a great documentary & narrative about quantam physics and mechanics. There are several experts that speak about the truth of how our thoughts create our reality. It is extremely inspirational and I highly recommed it to everyone.
So, that is about all I can think of right now. I'm sure I've left something or someone out, but when I remember, I'll fix it. For now, keep moving forward and living your dreams. Love is the answer!
June & July 2004
Okay, so I've been way out of it for a long time, but I am back - a little. Here is an update on the summer...In Acting:
I auditioned for several independent features and didn't book a one! Thank goodness I had already booked an independent earlier! I auditioned for Strong Medicine twice, the first time was great, the second time I think I sucked....which could be why I haven't been back! Hey, I can't be brilliant ALL the time!!!!!So I filmed the independent feature "The Man Who Couldn't." I had a supporting role in the film, which means I only had about 6 days on set. It was a great experience with some great people and talents that are doing it because they love the art of film so much. I'll keep you posted on any screenings.
The short film I did earlier this year, "Unwelcome," is complete and I am very proud of it. I will have a snippet on the website shortly. Again, I'll keep you posted on any screenings.
AND.....the episode of Def Poetry that I filmed in February aired in July. Apparently it is still airing. I was on Episode 1 of Season 4 for those that want to try and catch it. It's an extremely edited version of "White," so that poem is up on the site this month. I hope you enjoy(ed) it if/when you saw/see it!
In Writing:
I haven't done any physical writing, but have a few great ideas brewing for a couple of movies. Of course once they're written you'll be the first to know!In Personal Life:
Well, most of June and July were spent organizing the fundraising event for Da' Poetry Lounge, "Poetry Is The Point: A Slammin' Fundraiser." The event went extremely well and everyone had a great time. Thank you to every single person who helped make it possible. We raised about half the money for our goal of $50,000. It was an experience to say the least. The best thing from the entire event is the amount that I learned about fundraising and how to put together a huge event. However, I will admit to the fact that I'm glad it's over!Remember to always live and learn, then love, no matter what!
May 30, 2004
Well, it's been a while. Life has been quite busy to say the least. Soon after I wrote last, I found out that two of my current jobs were coming to an end. So the past few weeks I have been on a search for new work. Turns out one of the jobs got extended, but no one knows how long. Soooo, the search continues. As to everything else....In Acting:
Well, first off, I went to hear both Kevin Smith and Aaron Sorkin speak at the Writer's Guild. They were both incredibly funny and entertaining as well as inspiring. And both are so young! I think....well, I won't age myself. Anyway, I was glad to have gone and shaken both of their hands. Who knows if anything will ever come of it. I look at these type of things as planting seeds...I just have to wait and see which ones grow into plants!I had one audition for a part for which I was not right, and one audition for a part that I was right for! I ended up booking the one I was right for....in an independent feature film! I'm really excited about it. Who knows, maybe that's why my jobs are ending, to make space for making a movie!
I had a couple of Reel Pros workshops that were very enlightening....and that's about it as far as acting!
In Writing:
Well, the Writer's Guild talks really inspired me to get back to a few of my incomplete projects. I'll keep you posted.In Real Life:
I saw my mommy! Woohoo! We went to see The Lion King on tour and it was awesome. I really enjoyed the artistry that went into the entire production. We also spent a day at the zoo and watched the gorillas for the majority of it. I realize I really miss my mom and I need to spend more time with her, however I can.My boyfriend and I saw Shrek 2 - by far the funniest movie I have ever seen. I couldn't tell you why, but I laughed until I cried. If you haven't seen it, treat yourself.
I had lunch with my friend Locksley recently who gave me some good advice about staying on purpose....even when it's a challenge.
And that's about all I can think of! I hope this finds you all well and rested, but most of all loved. Love is what makes the world go 'round, no matter what the economists say! Love yourself and then share that with others. Until next time.....
May 9, 2004
This week was full of meetings, meetings and more meetings. The good news is that we are 99.99% sure we've found a location for Da' Poetry Lounge fundraiser. This has been the missing component, preventing us from planning everything else, but now, we can move forward. I feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.I got my oil changed...I know that doesn't sound like much, but if felt good to get it done!
In Acting:
Well, I had lunch with Jeff Armstrong (the head of commercials at A Band Apart Films) this week. I went to one of his classes at the Learning Annex and kept in touch. He was very insightful and spoke about defining the place you want to be in the future. He told me that a blurry picture results in a blurry life (in so many words). It was an inspiring lunch!I did have an audition - actually a screen test - which means they put you on film and is the step beyond a call-back. I got there because one of the crew members from the short I shot in February called me in - he's co-producing this independent feature film. Needless to say it went really well and the director told me he was definitely going to use me, he just didn't know in which part! How cool is that! Woohoo!
Personally:
I am just trying to work as much as possible, on both my paying jobs and on my acting career. I heard someone say recently that if acting is to be your full-time job then you should spend at least forty hours a week pursuing it. So, I'm not up to forty hours a week yet, but I am slowly increasing the amount of time I spend working on things for my career.Emotionally I'm hanging in there and doing well. I've actually surprised myself the last couple of weeks because I have been so stressed out. But things seem to be falling into place and I trust that they will continue to do so.
I hope you are all well and continue to love yourself and one another! Until next time...
The Rest of April
Well, it's a been a while, but I wanted to let you know about all the good things that happened in April!In Acting:
I had three auditions, which really isn't a lot, but it's better than nothing! One of them was for a commercial, the other for a television show called "What Should You Do? and the last was for a major feature film starring Damon Wayans... I read for the lead! So, the commercial audition came and went (unfortunately), as did the feature film audition. I do have to say though, just being called in to read for a lead in a film like that is highly unusual, so I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity. I know I knocked it out and the casting director was surprised that I was so good. She made it sound like I was going to get a callback, but I didn't. It's also very possible that they already had offers out to stars for the role and the casting director just wanted to meet some new people. So, all in all, I'm glad I auditioned......And as far as the television show is concerned, I knew that it worked the week after I auditioned. So when I didn't hear by the end of the week I let it go. But first I should tell you that I left that audition KNOWING that I booked it. I thought there was no way I wasn't going to get the part. It was a small part, but hey work is work! So, I went the whole weekend trying to let it go, even though I KNEW (in my heart) that I had booked it. Well, Monday morning, I get a call from my agent telling me I had to be on set Tuesday morning to film "What Should You Do?"! Wooohooo!
Also, acting wise, I've been taking a lot of classes at Reel Pros with different casting directors and producers. I've been learning a lot and getting my face in front of as many people as I can afford! Well, I had a great class with a casting director by the name of Jennifer Buster. She was so awesome, kind and insightful. It was a fun class and went home feeling good. Well, two days later, Jennifer calls me about a one line part in an independent feature she's working on and that the director is letting her cast sight unseen (meaning that the casting director can cast me without me auditioning or meeting the director). So, I booked a second job this month! Yes, again, small role, but it's a feature film AND work is work! I worked that weekend and had a great time. The director was incredible as were the other actors and crew. Thank you to Jennifer and her husband for the leap of faith.
Then, the next weekend, a director that I've worked with before decided to shoot a short film and put me in it! So I shot a short film too! Wow! I really was an actress this month!
In Writing:
Well, this is really acting, sort of, but I'll explain why I'm putting it here. For the past couple of weeks I've been participating (as an actor) in a writer's workshop -reading new material so the writers can hear their words out loud. Well, it's been a great cold reading work out, but more than that, I've been learning a lot about writing. Some of it I already knew and is being reinforced, but some of it is new to me and I've been taking in so much valuable information. Also, I've been re-inspired to work on a short film idea that I've been wanting to write for a while. So I'm working on it, little by little.Personally:
Well, all in all, I can not complain about anything. It was also my birthday in April, which I didn't have a second to celebrate, but am looking forward to taking the time to celebrate soon. I am continuing to work of the fundraiser for Da' Poetry Lounge which has also taken up a lot of time. But that being said, I enjoy having so much to do. I don't have a dull moment!I hope this finds you all well. As always, thank you for your support and kind thoughts. My love goes out to all of you, but especially my dear friend who lost her father suddenly. I am thankful that she was able to be with him through to the end and wish her and her family all the love and healing possible. Let this be a reminder that we must always let those we love, know we love them, that we must forgive each other's faults and simply love as best we can. Until next time...
April 5, 2004
I couldn't write yesterday because I had a lot of other work to do, but I'm here today...Woohoo! I have a terrible crook in my neck from sleeping the wrong way. I wish I knew what it was I do in my sleep so I could fix it. I also had weird dreams last night, so my head's in a bit of a weird space. I won't go into detail, but the long and short of it was that I had parked my car, but couldn't find it for like three hours when I was supposed to get it to the mechanics. Then, when I did find it, I was approached by a group of young hoodlums who wanted me to go pick up some guns for them. So they sent me on my way and the whole time I was trying to call 911 but kept getting disconnected! Planes were taking off from the same street I was driving on, police cars were passing me and I was trying to wave them down, and no one seem to notice that I was in distress! Anyway...back to my current reality....Since I spoke with you last, I went to several Reel Pros classes. Some with casting directors and some with agents...I'm exploring the possibilities. I did have one audition in the last two weeks for an Old Navy commercial. I had to show my midriff, and compared to the other girls, I think I was a little too thick to get the job. But we'll see....
This past week I attended a writer's workshop, as a reader, and had a great time. I am going to try to be there every week. It's great because the writer's come in with parts of their scripts written, they cast it among the readers, and we cold read the material so they can hear it. It's wonderful cold reading practice, but what I also realized is that I'm also picking up all the writing gems of wisdom. So I benefit two fold. I'm glad to be a part of that.
The kids I've been working with in the poetry workshop came together and we put a show together for the Multi-Cultural Conference last week. Amde Hamilton pulled some great poetry out of them, and I helped them stage it. They did a great show, even under the pressure of last minute changes! Thank you to Tierra, Judith, Nina Poo, Jesse, Leonard, Joseph and Danielle who really brought it!
And, for those of you that don't know, the one thing that has probably been taking up the majority of my time is Da' Poetry Lounge fundraiser. I volunteered to head this event, and it is extremely time consuming. I know in the long run it will be rewarding, but right now, that is the reason you don't hear from me every week. There's a lot to do, and of course, never enough time to do it! Many of you will be receiving email invitations to the event sooner or later, so start saving your money! It's gonna be a great event. I'm actually pretty excited.
So, that is about it for me these days. I hope this finds you all well and pursuing your dreams. Get your rest and try not to get crooks in your necks! But most of all, love yourself and others. Love is the answer. Until next time....
March 21, 2004
Well, yes, I'm still alive (for those of you wondering!). I can't believe it's been so long since I've written. But as I look back through my calendar, I realize why. So, what, in the world, have I been doing since February 16th!....Well:I went into rehearsals for a short film, a USC Graduate Thesis entitled "Unwelcome." Shorlty after that, we went into shooting! We had a ten day shoot. And since I was the star of the film (boy that feels good to say that, not in a vain way, but in a fulfilling way....) I was on set every day from dusk to dawn. During that ten day period I had one day off, on which I worked!
The filming was great. We were lead by our quite capable and talented director Gentry Smith, along with his able and imaginative crew and his great producers Iris and DAN! (I promised DAN that I would mention his name in this journal... he's been waiting since February! Hi DAN!!!) The schedule went a little haywire the first day when the rain started and decided it wasn't going to stop for the entire week. How then will we get our exteriors? Very inventively, and extremely quickly. These are the times that one, as an actor, must just be there one hundred percent prepared, ready to shoot in a heartbeat, and get the shot in one or two takes (before the rain starts again of course!).
As the shoot went on, I found I really, completely love the feeling of having to get to bed as soon as possible when I get home, in order to be on set, bright-eyed and bushy tailed in the morning. Needless to say it was a great ten days. Look out for the photos in the slide show area! I will keep you posted on the film's progress!
Then, the night we wrapped shooting, I was on a plane to Savannah, Georgia to perform as a part of Savannah State University's Black Heritage Festival. Thanks to the grace of Grace (the student that brought me there) and the kindness and warmth of Clinton, Kesi, Bruce and the Spitfire Poetry Group, and the welcome of my father's friends Suzanne and Rafiki, I felt quite at home in Savannah. We had a great show (there were several performers), I sold almost all the CD's I brought (all but 3), and I spent time sight-seeing.
I went to the oldest Black church in America, where the floors were marked with holes in the shape of a diamond, a marker of the underground railroad. Below those floors was four feet of crawl space, where runaway slaves would wait for passage to freedom.
I walked the cobblestones of River Street, the same cobblestones from which slaves were bought and sold, right off the river.
I also went looking for aligators with Suzanne and Rafiki. Although we didn't find any, I found the swamp lands beautiful and intriguing. Suzanne says if you sit still enough, you can hear the sounds of the spirits calling out.
It was a fascinating trip. I would love to go there again and experience more. Thank you to everyone in Savannah and Joe, who made it possible.
So, since I've been back in Los Angeles, I have been working as much as possible, submitting my headshot to plays and student films, and going to as many classes at Reel Pros as I can.
For those that don't know, January, February and March are pilot season here, and it is the time to be seen by as many people as possible. So, I have been focussing the majority of my energy on that, as I am an actress, and that is what I desire to be my bread winning occupation!
I also had a short show for the Women's Festival in Long Beach, organized by Faith Rivera. That was a wonderful show with a great, diverse audience. Thank you to Faith for having me, and all those that I met and spoke with.
Then, last night I performed as a part of a kick off book tour for a beautiful woman, Darnella Ford. Her new book is entitled Crave and looks delicious! (I just got it yesterday, so I haven't read it yet. And of course I had it signed! Woohoo!) All the performers were fantastic and the bookstore was packed. I think EVERYONE in the store was listening! I've never been to a more packed book signing. Congradulations to Darnella for her success. Thank you also to everyone who also supported the artists performing, not only did Darnella's books fly off the shelf, but so did the performer's CD's! Woohoo! This woman is so clearly filled with love, that she is surrounded by it as well. Thank you Darnella for having me.
And well, that leads us to today! I'm here! I'm writing in my journal!!! The computer hasn't crashed! Woohooo! Today I spent intentionally relaxing. My boyfriend and I took a long walk and then had a nice filling dinner. The perfect Sunday.
So, I am back....at least for today. I hope all of you reading this are well. Remember that love does have all the answers, even if they're not the answers you want to hear. I truly believe that. Love yourself, and then pass it on. My love and prayers go out especially to my dear friend Amy, her dad and her mom. They are like a second family to me. There is light near. I love you all and am continually grateful for your support. Until next time....
February 16, 2004
Monday, Monday. Well, I almost didn't write this week because I have so much to do, but I decided to take the time to look over this week's accomplishments and focus as I go into the world of the short film that I'm in...when one disappears until the shooting is done! Sooooo, here it is..In Acting:
I took three great classes at Reel Pros. Two were from casting directors who were awesome. They gave great feedback and adjustments. One of the CD's, G.Charles Wright, even came with a hand-out, how cool is that. For him, it's the key questions/directions you should ask/do with yourself when you're preparing for a sitcom audition. And they are:
1. Silently read through the ENTIRE sides without any interpretation. (This includes the parts that are crossed out, it may give you info on the scene or the character.)
2. What does your character want in the scene?
3. What is at stake for your character, if he/she doesn't get what they want?
4. Why is this 'the big day' for your character?
5. Be Specific. Make specific choices for your character, based on the text.
6. Read your sides with someone before you audition.
Some of these are basic acting techniques that one sometimes forgets when going in to audition. But it's important not to forget!!!On Wednesday we had our first cast and crew meeting for the short that starts filming this week. It was a cool gathering and nice to meet everyone involved in the project. I'm really excited about it. Maybe, if I'm not too tired, I'll keep a daily account of the happenings on the set, just to share the experience...hmmm....
In Writing:
Umm, well, ummm. Okay, I haven't done much as far as writing lately!Personally:
Well, this week felt pretty good. I had a great lunch with my friend Jacq (short for Jacqueline) who will be directing her first short in March. We had a long talk about acting and directing and directing actors! Whew!Then Saturday was Valentine's Day! I didn't used to be big on V-Day, and still am not huge on it. But in the past two years, my boyfriend has always managed to make it a special day. This year we kept it low key and just focused on spending time together. We ate out for lunch and dinner and went to see Butterfly Effect. The movie was awesome, as was the food. All in all it was a great relaxing day where I got all the attention I was thirsting for! Woohoo!
So, that's it in a nutshell. I may be out of touch while filming, depending on how tired I am and so forth. So, if you don't hear from me for a while, you know why. In the meantime, don't forget to give yourself all the attention you deserve. Love yourself, and then share that love. I hope you are all well. Until next time!
February 8, 2004
Well, I didn't get a chance to write last week because I was on my way out of town! But more on that....let's see...in the last two weeks...In Acting...
I did some more workshops at Reel Pros. Good lessons at all of them. I auditioned for a feature film and got a callback! I don't think I got the part, but that's okay because it turned out to be a non-union film!I definitely booked that USC film from last week! They even rearranged the shooting schedule so I could do it! I feel so special. We actually had a rehearsal today for one of the scenes with a great actor named Rich. Gentry, the director is allowing us to play and discover all kinds of things which really makes the scene enjoyable. I haven't had this much fun in a long time! And, it turns out that Rich knows some of my friends from New York, people I went to college with! Talk about a small world! So, rehearsals are great and I'm glad to be acting! Woohoo!
In Writing...
I booked Def Poetry! Woohoo! I also was asked to perform at the Convocation for Black History Month at my university, Wesleyan. So, on Sunday, Feb.1st I left for the cold East Coast, got in really late due to plane issues and slept well on campus. Monday I spent the day tracking down some good snow boots because there was at least a foot of snow on the ground! Buuurrrrr! I picked up an extra hat and gloves while I was at it! Then, that night, to a full house with good soul food, I performed my poetry and spoke about my experience at Wesleyan. It was a great night. Thank you to Anna and Iris who got me there in the first place. Also thanks to Joe who always has my back! It was an incredible feeling to have my professors see where I am now. Everyone there looks exactly as I remember them. I even stopped in to say hello to my old bosses, Linda and Roberta in the Science Library. I realized that I am quite fond of the academic setting, there is something calming and intriguing about the learning environment. But at the same time, I am cautious not to get stuck there, because I feel there is so much world to experience beyond those walls.Then, Tuesday, I took a cab to New Haven, had dinner with my good friend Phyllis and her hubby Fabien, and then took a train into New York City for Def Poetry. The first room they checked me into was horrible. It was so bad that I didn't ask for a new room, I demanded it! (Nicely, but firmly). The second room was much better and had two beds- perfect for my little sis (Lovely, I adopted her after I tutored her for a year when I was in college) to come and stay. So Wednesday Lovely came down, I signed my paperwork, rehearsed and got nervous for my 9:30pm show. The show ended up going late...
SOMETHING DRASTIC HAS HAPPENED TO THE END OF THIS PAGE (WHICH INCLUDES THE REST OF THE ABOVE ENTRY AND JANUARY'S ENTRIES) SO MAYBE ONE DAY I'LL HAVE THE ENERGY TO REBUILD THEM. REALLY I AM OVERWHELMINGLY SAD THAT THESE ARE GONE. THEY MUST'VE GOTTEN ERASED IN SOME UPDATE, BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW. IF ANYONE HAPPENED TO COPY THESE MISSING ENTRIES, OR CAN FIND THEM CACHED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKS - NAFEESA
