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!

Midsummer's Day Dream

Here we are, the third week of August, and the summer will be over before we know it.  Wow, this year went fast.

I'm discovering a lot of things about being a grown up, which I'm sure were taught to me at a young age, it just took now for them to finally sink in.

Marriage is a wonderful blessing. It forces us to get out of our own individual bubbles, and deal with issues when they arise. Honest communication, trust, empathy and respect are such a huge part of our relationship, so when we do have tough issues to deal with, there's never any lingering tension.

We're at this crucial point in our lives where we're putting a lot of serious energy into savings, finances, education and the future.  We're looking to buy property, go back to school, and further our careers.

I felt I took a step back -- not backwards, but more like a pause, career-wise.  I had to re-assess a few things that I was doing.  I started thinking about how I was going about my life and career when I lived in Chicago, LA, and Atlanta, and how it compared to how things are going now. 

In Chicago, I was all about theatre, my first love.  The stage filled my soul like nothing else.

Los Angeles taught me two things:  1. The energy that you put out is exactly what you get back. And 2., it's all about who you know.  The time I spent there was wonderful and peaceful.  I was able to spot the phony people from a mile away, and was blessed enough to not have to deal with or encounter them.  And all the work I booked was because of someone I knew.  They were small roles, but it didn't feel right to me.  I didn't feel like I was actually accomplishing anything.  I missed the journey and the grind.  It's like when you work hard for something, and you see it come to fruition, you appreciate it more.

The on-camera work I booked when I lived in Atlanta, spoiled me. I booked my first commercials there, and booked my first day player role on a FOX drama, as well as a couple of industrials and shorts.  If I didn't dislike the city so much, I would have stayed a little longer.  I was used to fast-paced big cities, and it was just too slow for me.

Fast forward to the New York City present.  It feels like something within me has to make a choice:  stage or screen.  It's all acting, right?  They should be one in the same.  But that's not true.  Different styles and techniques all together.  Gone are the days of booking straight from a pic and resume.  People need concrete proof that you can actually perform.  And I think it's great!  Your package has to be almost as extensive as an architect or designer.  It takes a lot of time and energy, and everything has to be on point.  Presenting yourself to an agent, manager, casting director, and/or producer is like going in front of the head honcho at a Fortune 500 company and saying, "Pick Me!  I'm the BEST!", while remaining humble, fun-loving, personable and professional but not stiff.   I sometimes take temp gigs for a few days so I can let my brain relax for a few hours and recharge, so I can be fully energized for the grind.  Everybody needs a mental vacation every once in awhile.

My brain and spirit seem to be on auto-pilot when it comes to Box Of Chocolates. I'm so psyched that everyone is so committed to the journey and process.  Comedy is the blood that pumps through my veins. I love playing. I love being physical.  I love making others laugh.  When I can be silly at my job, I feel ten feet tall.  I've decided to take classes at UCB and The P.I.T. to improve my improv and sketch comedy writing skills.  I don't know where this journey with Box Of Chocolates is gonna take me, but wherever it is, it makes me feel good.

I'm happy and grateful for the life I have.  And I'm blessed and thankful for those who guided me along the way.

This year's goals:  AEA card, 3-4 co-star roles, and 2-3 guest star roles.

E.G.O.T., I'm on my way!