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

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!

In Bloom



This week has been an eye-opening one.

The things I've learned about myself, the people I know, and life in general.

One thing I've learned is that once you let go of the self-imposed deadlines ("this has to happen the way I WANT it to happen, WHEN I want it to happen NOW), every one and every thing will come right on time.  Everything always has a way of working out for the better, whether expected or unexpected.

One thing I find amusing in this career journey, is that things I thought were so important, don't seem so as much right now.  It's no longer about getting the right agent, the right manager, knowing the right casting director.  It's about the work.  If the work's good, the people will come. I'm already on folks' radar.  They know me.  They see me.  Now they're going to really see what I do.  In following my bliss, I figured out what truly makes me happy is comedy. It's fills me with energy and joy.  And everything I do e.g. improv with Box of Chocolates, writing sketches, brings me closer to what I want.

Here it is the end of May, and I haven't felt this free and full of joy in a very long time.  I really feel in control of the direction my life is taking.  One big part of it is gratitude:  Saying Thank You to the Universe, and everyone in my life who has helped me, guided, and impacted my life and journey in a positive way. And also, seriously, the Law of Attraction is no joke.  Everyday I visualize the life I want, and the pieces just keep falling into place.

My reel will be done really soon, and I'm super psyched.

Look out world, I'm coming for ya!