The Year of the Horse

The Year of the Horse is a time for all people to go forward confidently in the direction of their goals and dreams.

March. 2014. This weather sucks. It's definitely coming in like a Lion. Ugh.

Outside of the crappy weather, this has been a pretty awesome year thus far.

Some career surprises. Some twists. Some turns. Some new developments.

It didn't hit me until this past week, that it's been a year since I started production on Velma. Part of it was due to timing, part of it due to money, and part due to my own confidence. After finally getting the guts to believe in my own work again, I resumed operations on the project. Got a new crew, a new location, and a cast that's just as eager as they were before. Plus, I have some new sketch ideas and characters in mind for the show. I'm gonna be quite the busy bee this spring and summer.

Speaking of busy, I recently got accepted in to the Improvisation News Studios Conservatory 6-month intensive program. Starting at the end of this month, I will be studying every weekend sketch and improv, and performing every 5 weeks. After the 6 months is up, I will get the chance to audition to be a company member, at which point I will be performing every week. Plus, they'll help me with my promotional materials, my social media presence, and help me find representation.

I look at it this way, this is probably where I need to be to get on the correct path.

It's no doubt that I'm being watched by some really important people. It's just the people I'm trying to reach out to to represent me, aren't the right ones. If I continue writing and creating my own work, the right ones are gonna seek me out.

Case in point:  A few weeks ago, I got an email from Michael Swenson from the Catalyst Department at Viacom - that was surprise numero uno. He sent me an email from YouTube. So the story is, his team saw my Key and Peele parody video, liked it, and wanted me to be a part of their Fandamonium project that they'd present to their shareholders. I was like "What the what?! Friggin Viacom saw my stuff?!"  Long story short, I went over to Viacom, shot an interview blurb for the project, and that was it. Who knows if I'll ever get the chance to see the footage. Mike said it may end up on the web some time at a later date. Shoot, it doesn't matter to me. Some folks at Viacom saw my stuff. Hot Damn!

Anyhoo. Another example started over the December holidays:  Greg and I went to Jessica Care Moore's Kwanzaa party, and I got the chance to meet actor/director Vondie Curtis-Hall. I very much have to thank my liquid courage for granting me the courage to go up and talk to him. He told me about a project that he's doing with singer/songwriter/playwright Stew, co-creator of the semi-autobiographical rock musical on Broadway, Passing Strange. When he told me that, I just lit up. I offered to sing, dance, whatever, just to be a part of the project. He gave me his number, and we've been texting, emailing, and most recently, voicemailing back-and-forth, regarding updates on the show. This past week, he left me a voicemail letting me know that the show will be going up this fall at The Public Theater, and to remain in contact with him, and he'll figure out a way to get me in front of those folks to see if, when and how I can be a part of the show.

Stuff is becoming clearer to me now. I see how all the puzzle pieces fit. I understand what things are working, how and why.  And what things need to be broken down, what needs to be let go of, what needs to be redone, all to make room for what's better.

Why Is It So Darn Hot?!

Things I learned this week:  Just because it's cheap, gluten-free, and nearby, doesn't mean it's good. Buyer's remorse every time.  So why am I a glutton for punishment?  It's too damn hot to go more than two blocks around here.  I purposely wore light-colored, loose clothes, walked only on the side of the street where there was shade, and still felt like I was suffocating.  I'll bear the frigid cold a/c for another 2 hours til it's time to go home, just as long as I'm not a sweaty mess when I get there.

I tossed and turned quite a bit last night, like I did this whole week.   Not easy to get a comfortable night's sleep in a small Brooklyn apartment with little ventilation.  We have a good a/c in our bedroom, but it's not strong enough to cool the whole place.  So anytime any hot air from the rest of the apartment creeps in (mostly because our cats hate closed doors), it get very stuffy.

I woke up an hour before my alarm because I dreamed that I missed it.  Man, I hate when that happens.

I was able to get back to sleep briefly but the damage had already been done; I knew I'd need some extra strong coffee to get through at least half the day.  It's not even 4pm, and I'm already getting the gluten-free taco itis. Oy. 

On an uplifting note, our editor sent us two versions of the rough cut of Velma.  That shot my excitement and energy level up 15-fold.  

And later tonight, my hubby and I got passes to a live taping of Mike Tyson's one-man show, Undisputed Truth, directed by Spike Lee.  I'm not big on getting photos with celebrities but I sure as hell won't turn down the chance to take a pic with Iron Mike if the opportunity presents itself.  I mean, to be that up close and personal with the face tattoo, who would pass up that chance?  But for some really odd reason, I have this image of him coming up to me all sweaty (like straight-from-a-fight sweaty), and he'd smell like corn chips, bbq ribs and Cristal.  

Yes, I know I have a very vivid and crazy imagination, but I think the 97 degree heat has fried my brain more than usual.  I'm definitely gonna need to take it easy this weekend.

It hasn't even been summer for a full 30 days, but it feels like it'll be over as soon as I really get to enjoy it.

The good thing about it still being summer, is the traveling Greg and I will be doing, and hopefully that'll include a couple of trips to the beach.

Also, I'll be completing the intro/theme song for Velma, launching episode 1, prepping for episode 2, and getting new headshots in a couple of weeks.

I figured out a way to not stress during my career journey:  I eliminated my self-imposed deadlines, and am doing everything I've wanted to accomplish and achieve at an even pace.  I feel more focused, disciplined, and clear-headed.  Nothing rushed, nothing half-assed or mediocre.  I'm keeping everything high- and professional-quality.  And if that means taking more time to get things right and/or at top form, then so be it.  I know the end result is gonna be spectacular, and definitely something I can be proud of, e.g., my music, Velma, my package/portfolio, etc.  I'm going at this full force, and there is no room for crap or half-assedness.

Hm, I think my coffee just kicked in...

What's going on now & What's coming up:

• Rough cut of Velma
• Fine tuning the Velma intro and theme song
• Velma trailers
• New headshots by Lauren Toub of LTShots Photography
• Upcoming performances with Fighting Laughter Warrior at Dark Horse and Legion Bar
• Launch of Why I Love Brooklyn radio podcast with my husband Gregory Malcolm

Spring Finally

Back from my weekend trip home, and I just needed one day to recover. Now it's back to business.

We've set a shoot date for Velma, and are ambitiously going to shoot two episodes. If the scripts are tight, the actors (including myself) are on point, the equipment is set up beforehand, and the crew knows exactly what they need to do from point A to B, we can knock it all out.

I feel like I'm playing a balancing act though. Money I'm putting into this project, can also go toward my package e.g. new headshots and classes with casting directors. Can I do both?  Do I want one more than the other?

I had an interesting dream last night. I'm not sure where I was, but I was talking to some young women about how I had been working, shooting promos for BET, and I wasn't sure if people liked it or thought I was good.  And one of the women said, "Don't worry about that. Don't just be good, be great at what you do."  I got this sudden burst of energy and confidence, and later on in the dream, found myself unintentionally booking a gig because someone overheard me singing Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools".

I know that once I stop worrying about HOW things are going to happen, and just KNOW that they will happen, the path will be more visible.  It's like a daily exercise, or meditation or mantra.  I see it, and I feel it, so there's no room for failure. I'm human, so I'm sure I may make some mistakes along the way.  But the goal is set and clear.

This is the first day in a few days where I've had some peace and quiet, and time to be still and reflect and refocus.  Not that I've lost focus; my business-mind has just taken a little break.  It's good though 'cause I know if I don't give myself a break every once in awhile, I'll burn myself out.

This blog entry is really about me musing and reflecting, and less about all the things I've done this past month.  All that will be listed on my website.  How-some-ever (a lovely word courtesy of my grandmother), I have been diligent in cultivating my relationships with casting directors:  After Amy Gossels's awesome class, she asked me and another actress if we'd be interested in assisting with camera work in castings or classes. I was like "Fuck Yeah!" Of course, I didn't use those exact words, mind you.  Also, Beth Melsky and Donna McKenna are now following me on Facebook, and Laura Rosenthal Casting is now following me on Twitter. I make it a deal to check the casting websites at least twice a day.

I am no doubt on a mission, and plan to bask in my achievements very soon. Man, I can't wait for bikini weather!

I Survived The Mayan Apocalypse, And All I Got Was This Stupid T-Shirt

On December 21, 2012, I started my vacation in Detroit and Chicago.  On December 22, 2012, we were still in Detroit. Now either the world didn't come to an end, or we're all just ghosts in purgatory. Granted, the notion of the latter would be pretty interesting, I'd have to believe that it's more fathomable that the former is true.

Fast forward past a cold and snowy Xmas in Detroit, and a cold and windy New Year's in Chicago, and we were happy to be back in a not-so-cold brand new year in NYC. I enjoyed the vacation time, but I couldn't wait to get back to work:  Networking, Networking, Networking, Writing, Producing, Rehearsing, and Auditioning. 

Fighting Laughter Warrior had two great performances.  We had the first at the Legion Bar, and the second at The Producer's Club, which we recorded live as a potential pilot to shop around to producers.  Both shows were filled to capacity, and we now have even more fans. :-)

The Sundance Film Festival was in the middle of January, and even though I couldn't make it this year, I was happy to attend my friend Guy Shahar's bi-coastal Pre-Sundance party.  I had a great time as usual, and made some awesome new connections.  I used to be skeptical about going to the festival, but Guy said not being in a production that's in the festival shouldn't deter me from going. Networking, networking, networking is key.  And I know if I want to move forward in my career, not only as an actress, but as a writer and producer as well, I know I have to network my butt off, and build strong working relationships.

This year started out great:  I got my website up and running, my reel is finally done, and I finally got my foot in the door to meet and workshop with the cds from network tv. Also, today, I got producer Fotene Trigonis  to come on board to help me out with the Velma project. 

February 4th, and life is good.  Greg and I got and survived the flu. I've dropped 10 lbs, not only from that, but also cause I cut wheat out of my diet. We decided to make some lifestyle changes, to live a more happy, healthy and abundant life. 2013 is our year.

I'm excited about this month's performances, events and workshops.  I'm happy to move forward with the Velma project, I'm happy to be performing with Fighting Laughter Warrior, I'm happy to be working again with Phyllis Yvonne and Timothy Stickney, I'm happy that everything I've ever wanted is coming to fruition. It's only Februrary 4th; I'm excited about what the rest of the year will bring. :-)

The world is changing. The election is over (Yayy, Obama!).  Hurricane Sandy devastated the caribbean and east coast.  And the Nor'easter added to the mess and frustration.  Through it all though, there seems to be a since of calm in the air. Despite divisions, separations and differences, people are pulling together. The stress of what could have been has been lifted, and people are embracing the possibilities of what's to come in the future.  

People are still worried about the end of the world. But as I see it, it's not the end of the world, but the end of a cycle.  In a statement released by Oxlaljuj Ajpop, the end of the cycle simply "means there will be big changes on the personal, family and community level, so that there is harmony and balance between mankind and nature."

It's a growth period for us all. Time to move on from the past into the new and Unknown.

Along with the changing of the leaves, came changes in my life and career.  Both my husband and I got positive boosts in regards to our careers.  His accessory company garnered more attention from some pretty influential people, and he has some good leads on better jobs. His previous job was toxic in so many ways. Now that it's over, his outlook on life and his career goals have changed.  I can see and sense how his spirit has been uplifted after leaving such a negative environment. He's truly coming into his own, and seeing the light in his eyes gleam brighter when he talks about his goals, his abilities, and all the possibilities that can occur in the future, is a wonderful thing to see. I'm so happy and proud of and for him.  It's a wonderful feeling to be on this journey with him.

As for me, it's better if I just bullet point all the things that have occured this season:

• I performed in the Manhattan Monologue Slam
• I did a photo shoot for Bridal Tribe magazine 
• I auditioned for a slew of commercials and films
• As a result of auditioning at Jennifer Euston Casting, I was called in a second time to audition for another project.
• Met talent manager Josselyne Herman-Saccio and producer Joe Kramer at Lisa Gold's networking party.
• I was contacted by Josselyne's office to set up a meeting (yayy!) at the end of this month.
• I was called in to audition, got a call back, and am now a cast member of Joe Kramer and Deepak Ananthapadmabha's Fighting Laughter Warrior improv game show.
• Had a consultation with Paul Michael at The Network, who gave me some wonderful insight on how to move forward the way I've really wanted to in my career, i.e., finding the right audition material, meeting the right people, and getting involved in projects that will truly benefit me, and give me the boost I need to succeed.
• I will be meeting with David Bellantoni, Elizabeth Gans and Erica Palgon at The Network's Diversity Casting Director Fest.
• I enrolled at the Upright Citizens Brigade, and will begin improv classes there later this month.
• I performed in Arthur French III's short play, "Negative Vibes", part of John Chatterton's Short Play Lab.
• I got cast in the staged reading of Duncan Pflaster's "The Tragedy of Dandelion", part of Oberon Theatre Ensemble's original reading series, where I'll be playing 5 different roles (I always love exercising my character voice and accent skills). 
• Lastly, and absolutely not least, I created an indiegogo campaign to help fund the production of the pilot episode of my webseries, "Velma Doesn't Get It". I'm super happy, excited, and blessed at how it's all going. 

Writing all of this, I realize just how grateful, thankful, and blessed I am to be doing what I love, and to have the love and support I have in my life. 

The year isn't even over, and I can't imagine nor wait to find out what blessings and possibilities are in store.

La Vita E' Bella!

Indian Summer

September...I'm not ready for summer to be over yet!

Although, I am excited what the autumn is going to bring. 

August was an awesome month: 

I'm almost ready to shoot the Velma pilot.  My friend Guy Shahar, is directing, and co-producing it with Greg and I.  And after a two-day casting session, we found an incredibly talented and funny actor named Steven Strickland to play Velma's Date.  Next step is to lock in the DP and location, and we're set.

I had put so much energy into the Velma series that auditioning had taken a back seat.  It was unintentional though.  Time sure can get away from you when you're having fun :-)

I submitted for small, supporting roles, just to get my feet wet again. I got a call about a short film, went in and read for a small role, but they were so impressed by my work, that they asked me to read for the lead instead.  A week later, I got a call that I booked it.  A week after that, I was told that the film will be submitted to festivals. Woo hoo!  Bonus!

I'm remaining present and calm, although the thought of what can come from all of this is super exciting :-D

Also, after a couple of months of being nervous and scared that I couldn't do it, I submitted for the Peoples Improv Theater/NBC Diversity Scholarship program. It covers the cost of all their classes, levels 1-5. They only except a couple of applicants, and of course I'm crossing fingers, toes, eyeballs, etc. that I get in. 

Speaking of The P.I.T., after seeing it advertised for a couple of years, I decided to take part in the Manhattan Monologue Slam.  It's kinda funny and ironic that both Guy and Jenn Lederer will be a couple of the judges.  I haven't spoken to either of them about my participation in the showcase, but they both know I'm going to be in it. I'm going to be professional about this.  Regardless of my relationship with the two of them, I know I'm going to be seen and judged like everyone else.  What's gonna be a surprise to Guy, Greg,  and a lot of my other friends that I've invited, is the piece that I've chosen.  Mostly everyone has been used to seeing my comedic side.  They'll get to see my real acting chops at work tomorrow night. :-)

Once I stopped creating self-imposed deadlines, and let things flow at an even pace, the opportunities and connections kept growing. That's why I'm looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year will bring.  I got my eyes on the horizon...

May Flowers

Wonderful things always bloom in the Spring.

My head is swimming, and I'm over the moon.  I had the most wonderful birthday, and wedding anniversary, and I look forward to many more years of life and love. 

The most wonderful change is occuring, and I can't to shout it to the hills.  But I will be patient, and let everything be revealed on it's own.

It does get frustrating not having a laptop still, but I've been making it work.

I have less than a dozen sketch scripts I gotta knock out.  My friend, Guy Shahar, agreed to produce a series of sketches around Velma, and I'm super excited.

Outside of Velma, I want to do more sketches with my improv troupe, Box Of Chocolates.  We all have some great ideas, and with Guy's help, I know we can make them come to fruition.

It's time to upload my new pics onto all the casting websites, so I can catch up on all that I missed.  This coming week or the following, I have to upload all my reel footage online.  Times like this I wish I was more tech savvy.  Macs intimidate me a bit - I haven't a clue why.  I've always been a PC girl; change can sometimes be daunting, and most of the time, necessary. 

Ever since I stopped stressing about my career, the pace at which things have been opening up to me has been at warp speed.  The things I've asked for are now coming to me without effort because I'm now approaching everything without fear, and it feels good.

I was finally able to take Amy Gossels commerical intensive, and I look forward to taking her class.  Amber Bickham accepted my friend request.  I'm happy to be on her radar.  I've been following her on fb, twitter, and her websites since I found out about the In Living Color castings.  We've already shared some cute, brief banter.  I look forward to developing a good working relationship with her.  Next on my target list is Katja Blichfeld.  She has a couple of workshops coming up, and I'm determined to get in at least one.

When you go for what you want, it's like the whole world is at your fingertips.  I love this feeling!