This is the second video I made of my character, "Wanda". Enjoy it and feel free to forward it/link to it!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wanda Introduces Herself
As I've mentioned previously, one of my New Year's resolutions was to produce some of my own work. Specifically, I have wanted to film myself doing some of my comedic characters to post on YouTube and other internet places. Wanda is the character I have spent the most time developing, so I started with her. This is the first of three videos that I have produced. I'll be posting the rest in the days to come. I'll be making more of these in the future. Let me know your thoughts...I welcome your feedback!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
P.S. I Love You
I went to see the movie P.S. I Love You last weekend. Hubs was out of town, so I saw it by myself. I am one of those rare exceptions who doesn't mind going to movies alone. I started my solo cinematic outings in my early twenties, and realized that it can be fun to get lost in a movie and cry like a baby or laugh like a hyena without sharing the experience with anyone else.
As you can guess by the title of the movie, it's a romantic comedy. I didn't get married until I was 32, so I had plenty of single years to go to movies alone. In the last couple years since meeting my eSuitor/Hubs, I haven't gone to too many movies alone. As I walked out of the movie, still wiping away the tears (it was a real tear-jerker!), my heart was so full! It reminded me of all those times I walked out of romantic comedies alone with hope in my heart that I would find my special someone (and wondering if that hope was just a pipe dream). It was so tempting to believe that the great romances I saw in those movies were somehow just the stuff of fiction.
My friend Kelly was a real rock for me during my final two years in Texas before I made the move out to LA. She prayed for me to find a husband (because she knew that was the desire of my heart). She even encouraged me to go to see chick flicks because she wasn't jaded and was wise enough to know that the reason people love romantic comedies is because deep in our hearts, we believe that kind of love is possible.
I praise God for the great love He has blessed me with! Walking out of the movie last weekend, it was wonderful to see that the hope I held out to find my husband wasn't in vain. God really answered my prayers! If you haven't found your guy yet, don't give up hope!
I am living my own sweet love story, and it is beautiful!
I love you, baby!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Making it all Artsy up in Here!
While most of the nesting has been done in our condo, we've been waiting to hang artwork on the wall above our bed because we were waiting to get the high resolution files from our wedding photographer. Our idea was to convert some of the more "artsy" photos into black and whites, frame them, and hang them on that wall.
My sister and bro-in-law gave me Photoshop Elements for Christmas, and I LOVE it! My photographer friend, Jen, taught me how to convert color pics into these sepia-type images. These are my favorite six that I plan to enlarge and frame. What thinks you?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Finding Her Voice
Hubs has a subscription to Newsweek that comes weekly. This week's edition arrived yesterday with a photo of Hillary Clinton on the cover with her now much discussed quote, "I found my own voice." She said it in a speech after her win in New Hampshire.
My dear friend and blog buddy Buttercup wrote a post about how she perceived Hillary's speech, saying:
That brought me to a screeching halt. I'm all about women finding their voices, but I expect someone in Hillary's position, with her significant political experience and campaigning for the presidency, to have long since found her voice. I want her strong, clear, and filled with purpose. I don't want her "finding her voice" in the 11th hour like some poor little babe that's been lost in the woods.
I confess that as I heard Hillary's speech, I had similar thoughts. However, as I rolled it over in my brain a little bit more, I decided that surely Hillary was not just now finding her voice for the first time. Here's my take on it:
I went back over it, and I tried to hear what she was saying in context:“I want especially to thank New Hampshire. Over the last week I listened to you and in the process, I found my own voice.”
I think it was an attempt to thank the people of New Hampshire for sharing their views with her. If I may be at liberty to read between the lines of her speech, I think that in essence, her message was: As a candidate who wants to represent the citizens of America, I found my own voice in the voice of the people of New Hampshire. In other words, my voice and the voice of the people are one in the same, since I want to represent the people of America.
Another view that is widely expressed in the media is that Hillary seems to be an ice queen. I confess that when I have watched her speak, she does come across to me as rather emotionless (with the exception of her recent tearful speech), as somehow lacking in a certain humanness. I found the following quote from this week's Newsweek to be very insightful:
"To say it is late in the game for a major politician to have found one's voice is too glib. Many public figures are works in progress, and they are all certainly human. Clinton's primary victory is a new chance for voters to get to know her beyond the caricatures, positive and negative, that have for so long defined her. 'Everyone forgets she went to law school when women were not 50 percent of each law-school class, and certainly not seen as litigators,' says Maria Echaveste, a senior adviser to Clinton's campaign. 'When you were breaking down walls, it wasn't enough to be equally tough. You had to build a shell to protect yourself. That's what she did."
Perhaps that is just the theory of Maria Eschaveste, but it does help me understand how living with that modus operandi, she might come off as a woman not in-touch with her sensitive side. I imagine it is there, just very well fortified. In truth, I don't exactly align with Hillary Clinton's political views. However, I am in her debt as a woman. She broke down walls and built doorways that women in my generation can now walk through. While we still have our own battles to fight in a male-dominated society, perhaps we don't have to fortify our emotional side quite so much as she did. Because of that, I want to offer her grace if she seems cold at times. If she does become the next President of the United States, I will watch her inauguration with tears streaming down my face--not because my favorite candidate won, but because of what her victory means for my mother, for me, for my daughters, and for my granddaughters.
It will be interesting to see who wins the Democratic nomination. Whether it is Hillary or Obama, it is an exciting time in American history to see a woman and a African-American man as front runners for the Democratic nomination. As far as Republican candidates go, Mike Huckabee has captured my attention. I'm actually looking forward to seeing who surfaces as the front runner in both parties. It seems like the primary elections are a true race this year! I'm staying open and will definitely consider the issues when I vote. It is always a privilege to elect my political leader, but I feel a much more serious responsibility to vote in this election than ever before. It really matters.
My dear friend and blog buddy Buttercup wrote a post about how she perceived Hillary's speech, saying:
That brought me to a screeching halt. I'm all about women finding their voices, but I expect someone in Hillary's position, with her significant political experience and campaigning for the presidency, to have long since found her voice. I want her strong, clear, and filled with purpose. I don't want her "finding her voice" in the 11th hour like some poor little babe that's been lost in the woods.
I confess that as I heard Hillary's speech, I had similar thoughts. However, as I rolled it over in my brain a little bit more, I decided that surely Hillary was not just now finding her voice for the first time. Here's my take on it:
I went back over it, and I tried to hear what she was saying in context:“I want especially to thank New Hampshire. Over the last week I listened to you and in the process, I found my own voice.”
I think it was an attempt to thank the people of New Hampshire for sharing their views with her. If I may be at liberty to read between the lines of her speech, I think that in essence, her message was: As a candidate who wants to represent the citizens of America, I found my own voice in the voice of the people of New Hampshire. In other words, my voice and the voice of the people are one in the same, since I want to represent the people of America.
Another view that is widely expressed in the media is that Hillary seems to be an ice queen. I confess that when I have watched her speak, she does come across to me as rather emotionless (with the exception of her recent tearful speech), as somehow lacking in a certain humanness. I found the following quote from this week's Newsweek to be very insightful:
"To say it is late in the game for a major politician to have found one's voice is too glib. Many public figures are works in progress, and they are all certainly human. Clinton's primary victory is a new chance for voters to get to know her beyond the caricatures, positive and negative, that have for so long defined her. 'Everyone forgets she went to law school when women were not 50 percent of each law-school class, and certainly not seen as litigators,' says Maria Echaveste, a senior adviser to Clinton's campaign. 'When you were breaking down walls, it wasn't enough to be equally tough. You had to build a shell to protect yourself. That's what she did."
Perhaps that is just the theory of Maria Eschaveste, but it does help me understand how living with that modus operandi, she might come off as a woman not in-touch with her sensitive side. I imagine it is there, just very well fortified. In truth, I don't exactly align with Hillary Clinton's political views. However, I am in her debt as a woman. She broke down walls and built doorways that women in my generation can now walk through. While we still have our own battles to fight in a male-dominated society, perhaps we don't have to fortify our emotional side quite so much as she did. Because of that, I want to offer her grace if she seems cold at times. If she does become the next President of the United States, I will watch her inauguration with tears streaming down my face--not because my favorite candidate won, but because of what her victory means for my mother, for me, for my daughters, and for my granddaughters.
It will be interesting to see who wins the Democratic nomination. Whether it is Hillary or Obama, it is an exciting time in American history to see a woman and a African-American man as front runners for the Democratic nomination. As far as Republican candidates go, Mike Huckabee has captured my attention. I'm actually looking forward to seeing who surfaces as the front runner in both parties. It seems like the primary elections are a true race this year! I'm staying open and will definitely consider the issues when I vote. It is always a privilege to elect my political leader, but I feel a much more serious responsibility to vote in this election than ever before. It really matters.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Because I Feel Like Sharing
-I have been doing South Beach Diet for the last week. After the holidays, I looked down at the scale and realized that I have never weighed as much as I do now. I have gained 8 pounds since the wedding. YIKES! Since starting Phase 1 (the introductory and most strict phase of the diet), I have lost almost five pounds. Yea! When I finish Phase 1, Hubs is going to jump in and do Phase 2 with me. He really doesn't need too, but he pretty much eats South Beach style anyway, and he wants to show a little solidarity. Yea, Hubs!
-I have some fun plans this week. The one I am most excited about is going to see the musical The Color Purple with my friend.
-Sunday school was good this morning. We are in the midst of a month-long series called "Marital Hedges" on how to protect your marriage from the threat of an extra-marital affair. I creeps me out to even write about, but I guess it's a worthwhile thing to think about now when things are good.
-Last Wednesday, I went to a book group I'm part of, and I shared with the group my thoughts about buying a video camera. When I told them the two models I am considering buying, one of them spoke up and said that she owns one of them, and I was welcome to borrow it to see how I like it. I picked it up from her the next day, and I hope to shoot a video tomorrow to post on YouTube. Of course you know I'll post it here, too, once it's ready!
-I have some fun plans this week. The one I am most excited about is going to see the musical The Color Purple with my friend.
-Sunday school was good this morning. We are in the midst of a month-long series called "Marital Hedges" on how to protect your marriage from the threat of an extra-marital affair. I creeps me out to even write about, but I guess it's a worthwhile thing to think about now when things are good.
-Last Wednesday, I went to a book group I'm part of, and I shared with the group my thoughts about buying a video camera. When I told them the two models I am considering buying, one of them spoke up and said that she owns one of them, and I was welcome to borrow it to see how I like it. I picked it up from her the next day, and I hope to shoot a video tomorrow to post on YouTube. Of course you know I'll post it here, too, once it's ready!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
I'd Better Get to Livin'
As I sit to write this post, I realize that it is the first time I've really written anything for awhile. Re-approaching the keyboard to write something feels familiar and new all at once. I feel like a composer ready to write a song, but I'm not quite sure yet what the melody will be. Here goes...
It's a wierd time to be an actor. The writer's strike is still going, so production of most scripted television and virtually all studio movies is indefinitely on hold. In a time when I'd like to feel some momentum career-wise, all is quiet. It feels a like I'm on the 5 during rush hour, but there are no other cars on the highway. This is the season when I'm not working a day job so that I can make a "big push" for my career, devoting all my time and energy to finding acting work.
Needless to say, I'm feeling a little bit useless. I started feeling a little depressed on Monday with the realization that the holidays are officially over. It's time to be "out there finding work". *crickets*
I suppose that there is an upside to all this, though, right? When things slow down in "the industry", it's a good time for me to look at myself and get my "stuff" in order so that when things pick up, I'll be ready and in a good place.
For the last few months, I've been thinking about what I can do to generate my own momentum (above and beyond the usual daily stuff of submitting myself for auditions online). I have heard and read about people who are creating their own videos (of the 3-5 minute variety) and putting them on YouTube where they have found audiences and interest in their work. All this has made me think that I would like to buy a video camera and make some videos of my own characters. I like this idea for a few reasons:
-Regardless of what happens, I will feel true meaning in my days because I'll be proactively doing something for my career. I will be working my craft--growing and creating and sharing my work with an audience.
-It will kick fear and feelings of uselessness in the butt. I think that so much of what holds me back is plain old fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of not being good enough. The usual suspects. Making my own videos and putting them "out there" will be an awesome way to be acting before the world that I'm dying to entertain. And the great thing about video blogging and posting videos on YouTube is the comments section that allows you to interface with your viewers. If the comments are critical, I'll be able to integrate that criticism into my craft and produce even better work. If the comments are positive, I will know that I'm on the right track and integrate the confirmation of the things I am doing right. Whatever happens, it is a way to stamp out fear, because at least I'll be doing something!
-In a best case scenario, I could be discovered. I have heard from and read industry sources that say that many agencies now have hired people whose sole purpose is to scour the internet for new talent. Making my own videos will be a way to put myself into the marketplace. It will be something to feel good about!
It sounds like a good plan. Now I have the big task of deciding what camera to buy. I'm not too well-versed in this. I don't want to buy a cheapy camcorder that will yield low production values, but I don't want to buy something so professional that I won't know how to work it. I'd like to buy a user-friendly professional-grade camera.
I'd like to give a special thank you to Mrs. G, who posted a Dolly Parton song on her blog today that reminded me that I'd "better get to livin'"!
I want to thank my readers who prayed with me during my month of prayer in December. It was a special thing to participate in with my blogging community, and anytime you ever have a prayer request, feel free to write it in my comments section, and I'll pray for you. This idea I have to move forward with producing my own videos is high on my prayer request list. I'd sincerely appreciate your prayers for God's guidance. Please also continue to pray for my Dad's healing from cancer. Thank you!
It's a wierd time to be an actor. The writer's strike is still going, so production of most scripted television and virtually all studio movies is indefinitely on hold. In a time when I'd like to feel some momentum career-wise, all is quiet. It feels a like I'm on the 5 during rush hour, but there are no other cars on the highway. This is the season when I'm not working a day job so that I can make a "big push" for my career, devoting all my time and energy to finding acting work.
Needless to say, I'm feeling a little bit useless. I started feeling a little depressed on Monday with the realization that the holidays are officially over. It's time to be "out there finding work". *crickets*
I suppose that there is an upside to all this, though, right? When things slow down in "the industry", it's a good time for me to look at myself and get my "stuff" in order so that when things pick up, I'll be ready and in a good place.
For the last few months, I've been thinking about what I can do to generate my own momentum (above and beyond the usual daily stuff of submitting myself for auditions online). I have heard and read about people who are creating their own videos (of the 3-5 minute variety) and putting them on YouTube where they have found audiences and interest in their work. All this has made me think that I would like to buy a video camera and make some videos of my own characters. I like this idea for a few reasons:
-Regardless of what happens, I will feel true meaning in my days because I'll be proactively doing something for my career. I will be working my craft--growing and creating and sharing my work with an audience.
-It will kick fear and feelings of uselessness in the butt. I think that so much of what holds me back is plain old fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of not being good enough. The usual suspects. Making my own videos and putting them "out there" will be an awesome way to be acting before the world that I'm dying to entertain. And the great thing about video blogging and posting videos on YouTube is the comments section that allows you to interface with your viewers. If the comments are critical, I'll be able to integrate that criticism into my craft and produce even better work. If the comments are positive, I will know that I'm on the right track and integrate the confirmation of the things I am doing right. Whatever happens, it is a way to stamp out fear, because at least I'll be doing something!
-In a best case scenario, I could be discovered. I have heard from and read industry sources that say that many agencies now have hired people whose sole purpose is to scour the internet for new talent. Making my own videos will be a way to put myself into the marketplace. It will be something to feel good about!
It sounds like a good plan. Now I have the big task of deciding what camera to buy. I'm not too well-versed in this. I don't want to buy a cheapy camcorder that will yield low production values, but I don't want to buy something so professional that I won't know how to work it. I'd like to buy a user-friendly professional-grade camera.
I'd like to give a special thank you to Mrs. G, who posted a Dolly Parton song on her blog today that reminded me that I'd "better get to livin'"!
I want to thank my readers who prayed with me during my month of prayer in December. It was a special thing to participate in with my blogging community, and anytime you ever have a prayer request, feel free to write it in my comments section, and I'll pray for you. This idea I have to move forward with producing my own videos is high on my prayer request list. I'd sincerely appreciate your prayers for God's guidance. Please also continue to pray for my Dad's healing from cancer. Thank you!
Monday, January 07, 2008
Blink and You'll Miss Me!
Before Christmas, I was in a music video that was directed by Brian Ging. Stacy Kesten stars in the video. I play a very supporting part during the first minute. Yep, that's me with the baby on my hip!
Some of you have asked me to share with you when I do something acting-wise. So here you go!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Bookends for 2007
Happy New Year, Everybody!
Hubs and I had a great time in Texas. We got to celebrate Christmas with family and good friends. The day after Christmas, we flew back to California and went to a conference in San Diego where Hubs worked for a few days. On New Year's Eve day, we drove back to LA, and on the way back we made one important stop in La Jolla. We had a lot of fun revisiting the place where we got engaged on New Year's Day of 2007! It seemed fitting to end the year right where it began.
2007 has been a great year for us--one full of so many blessings!
Hubs and I had a great time in Texas. We got to celebrate Christmas with family and good friends. The day after Christmas, we flew back to California and went to a conference in San Diego where Hubs worked for a few days. On New Year's Eve day, we drove back to LA, and on the way back we made one important stop in La Jolla. We had a lot of fun revisiting the place where we got engaged on New Year's Day of 2007! It seemed fitting to end the year right where it began.
2007 has been a great year for us--one full of so many blessings!
I hope you all have a wonderful 2008! God bless you!
Just engaged on January 1, 2007:
Now happily married! Revisiting the place of our engagement on December 31, 2007:
Happy New Year from us to you!
xo,
Starshine and Hubs
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