Grand Finale 2011

Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year To All

Here is a picture that one of my client's sent me, a view of NYC, The Cloisters.

Thanks for sharing Carol !

I am getting ready for the Emerald Midnight Central Park New Year's Run. Woohoo

And I had some gingko tea today!!!

Passion For Film

When I was in Junior High School my homeroom teacher, as I was on the yearbook staff, had us make a camera, and take pictures with it. I do remember making the camera, but I don't remember the pictures I took . Of course we used Kodak film, and the number of pictures were limited to 24, maybe if we were lucky 36. Nowadays in the digital world, people can take many more photos and be unlimited on that respect, but quality is another story.

In my hometown, there was one film theater that showed, I think had the capacity to show one film. There were and still are drive in theaters. When I went to Southern California for the first time , I documented many outdoor facades of movie houses. I like history and I get a little nostalgic when I see old architecture. Old, is a very subjective word. So, when I say old, I mean, art deco. Barely 100 years ago.

This costume , I was wearing for a film, that was "period" circa 1940's. The home that I am standing in front of, was actually a World War I veteran's. He was 80 something years old. His wife had died. He had medals from his service to our country hanging on his wall, there was a tv room, and I remember the back porch enclosed where he was sitting. Things like this make on location special. The year we filmed was 2005. It was a Robert Deniro film. We came back to this location for exterior shots in December right after a snowstorm. Now that I look back, I participated in the beginning and end of that film.

As we approach the final month of 2011, may you have enriching memories that propel you forward on the road to your dream. Or just create a blank slate, be present and jump!

11 11 11 blooms and changes

Had to share these lovely white buds , still opening up this late in the season.

Nature : abundant , expansive and consistent.

This new time is about surrendering to the highest truth. On a small level, I will share this tiny, but huge victory i would like to make happen in my life. It involves my morning routine. One healthy change that I would like to incorporate in my daily routine is drinking tea in the morning instead of java.

Would you like to share a small change that you would like to make?

This weekend I will go to Chinatown and pick up gingko tea as my tea muse for the winter. I will be sure to wear these sparkly purple gloves given to me by Jacquelyn the opera singer.

Wishing everyone continued blessings into the weekend .

New Day 11 11 11

This week brought blessings . First I would like to congratulate my clients who ran the New York City Marathon. You are such an inspiration to me and to all the viewers who watched your commitment! The Shakespeare Society hosted a glimpse and lecture on the new film Coriolanus. What a treat to watch Vanessa Redgrave so stoic so beautiful as her character played opposite Ralph Fiennes. And how about the weather! Such golden light seems unprecedented for November with all this sun and mild temps. I went green by purchasing a coffee to go purple container, in honor of Jimi Hendrix. Speaking of great musicians, I massaged a guitarist who worked with Johnnie Lee Hooker, and told me Johnnie Lee recorded about 125 albums. How about that tribute to Glenn Campbell at the CMA's? Shania Twain's song gave me chills.

This week, I teamed up with another actress and writer and we made a date to work on works in progress .

New York , here pictured with the golden gingko trees bathing in the morning light on this friday to bookend the week with this new beginning for humanity. enter smiling and dancing universal style.

The Great Poet Audre Lorde

In her essay "Scratching the Surface" , Audre Lorde, late twentieth century barometer of truth, discussed the importance of biodiversity and the dangers and poisons of prejudice.

She writes: " Racism, Sexism, Heterosexism,Homophobia. The above forms of human blindness stem from the same root; an inability to recognize the notion of difference as a dynamic human force, one which is enriching rather than threatening to the defined self, when there are shared goals."

baubles bangles,beads and snow!

Whenever I hear Nina Simone sing, everything seems to make sense . Is there an artist who does this for you? Please share!

It's snowing in October in New York City and Nina's voice and piano playing create a reality and form based on true musicianship. What a gift! God Bless Nina Simone for recognizing, sharing and nurturing her gift. And God Bless those who stood by her to do so.

As we pass through "All Hallow's Eve", look listen and send love and appreciation to those who came before you. May your passage be peaceful and enlightening.

Thank you again to Nina Simone Goddess of sound, fearless artist, woman of truth

Please allow me to share a quote from Stella Adler: "Acting is action, action is doing. Find ways to do it, not to say it." From Keith McKay's book, Robert Deniro: The Hero Behind the Masks. In 2005 I worked on Robert Deniro's film The Good Shepard, five days of work total, not including the wardrobe fitting. It was thrilling. First three days were in August, last two in December. Before the casting director called me back for the December shoot I had just listened and danced to Nina's song "Children Go Where I Send You". This is my truthful musing. As I said, her music moves me.

We shot on location in a Long Island Mansion and William Hurt was on the set. I love his work. The shoot was around a piano singing Christmas Carols. I think the child actor had a challenging scene with Santa. Christmas can be dramatic!

Well, cheers to great films and actors. At a local thrift shop I found "Dreams" by Akira Kurosawa to help me celebrate the night of the veils. This is going to be a mysterious sacred night of transition. Behold . But first let's make it through this snowstorm. Then Behold!

Invite the harvest in sweet honey bees

Lights on Broadway

"They say the city lights are bright on Broadway. " Yes , George Benson , that is true. Especially when you have a smile like this to walk with you. Prince Antonio forever bright. Keep shining. Farewell Sweet Prince of the Sun. Rest in Peace.

In the song "Nothing is Too Wonderful to be True"

It starts out .. "Magic can happen anywhere", well , here is a photo of someone rising to the occasion without even asking. He was ready for action. This summer had magical moments. This is a memory worth recording.

Harvest, Great Artists, Marking the Path of Now, Life In and Out of the theater

My how fast this year spins and spirals. The above city street photo was taken near second street on the lower east side.

Recently I read an old interview with Umberto Eco. He wrote a group of essays in the style of political commentary and collected them in a book "Turning Back the Clock". He describes media populism. He was asked if he cares if people read his novels 100 years from now? He responded with a deadpan " If somebody writes a book and doesn't care for the survival of that book, he's an imbecile."

Did that make you laugh? I love that kind of humor and truth. It's very direct , and very Italian.

In a different article, prodigious writer Nuruddin Farah , was quoted saying "We must pay attention to how societies treat women. Only when a society treats its women and children well can it thrive. " Mainly he was speaking of Africa. But this is a true statement all around for every civilization. His book "Knots" sounds like an intriguing , yet eye opening read.

My senior thesis in college was derived from the question in a 1970's art history essay entitled "Why are There No Great Women Artists?". This essay posed why throughout history were there a disproportionate number of women to men artists in shows and museum exhibits? I focused on Leonor Fini's career and paris in the 1930s. Part Italian, part Argentinian , Fini was a fascinating woman . She wrote back to me once as I was writing my thesis. I wanted to meet her after I graduated college, but moving to New York was more practical than going to Paris.

I still have the postcard she sent. It was one of her paintings. She gave me a hand- written note on the back of the postcard. The day I finished my letter to her, there was thunder and lightning. I knew then she would respond and receive my letter. It was really an affirmation to me when I got her letter. It was after New Year's on a winter's day. Seeing her handwritten note addressed to me, I was both moved and felt so connected to her. I am so grateful for this marker on my path into the arts. Although I never did meet her, she was a role model to me, and a brave artist who represented a voice of her time.

When I moved to New York , my first job was at a theater in Times Square. This theater has the motto : "Ye Shall Know The Truth and The Truth Shall Set You Free" inscribed on it.

Now that I am reminiscing , I wanted to say that last year around this time I had the honor of performing in a staged reading of Wesley Brown's play : Life During Wartime. I have to get the footage of this so I can upload it to my blog. His play will be on the classics shelf in years to come. To me, this playwright is of the caliber of Tennessee Williams.

Now it's time to greet the present, and acknowledge this gift of time.

Datura takes time to bloom, thank you southwest for enduring this plant and making her strong enough to bloom in northeast too

the a word

Yep, you guessed it, Audition. Yesterday I filled my calendar with auditions. Today I went to one. Then afterwards I went with a friend to see live theater, Love Loss and What I Wore.

Experiencing Frustration

Is it me or does Google play games when you get your password right but they redirect you to try again? UGG, and not the boot.

Okay , so I have a question for gardening. Why does the farmers almanac publish the moon sign differently than what is on the internet. For instance, the internet site for moon phases says today the moon is in Scorpio, and the almanac says the moon is in Virgo?

Which source is true?

I am eager to transplant some herbs and other lovely roots.

I have photos of some blooming plants that I would like to share. Will create a photo gallery of the gorgeous growth from the generous sun , earth, moon and people who have sent love to my garden. I am so grateful for the lessons Mother Earth is sharing during the noble seasons of the northeast. The soaring planets above have faith in us humble humans. Bob Marley song please!

It is all so much more splendid to view with the naked eye and unfettered soul.

And , this actor's musings are many. So many that it is difficult to categorize them or jot them down without care. This is an attempt to honor past and present musings.

The draw of the film, Brighton Rock , the 2011 remake of Graham Greene's pulp fiction was Helen Mirren . Period. Yet discovering many new faces in the ensemble cast amidst this dark setting was refreshing. The film depicts the turbulence of youth and the rough and tumble measures of mob life circa 1960s , England. Staying on top is quite Shakespearean, think Richard the Third. I couldn't help but think of Martin Scorsese's The Departed , and it's brilliant editing by Thelma Schoonmaker. I thought , why another film with these characters? Such is the intrigue of great film making. The downward spiral of the main character Pinkie, played by Sam Riley, makes the other characters wonder if he is totally heartless. This guy is no Frank Costello, played by Jack Nicholson whose character in the Departed had a sense of humor. Nope this pastie face Pinkie, doesn't crack a smile, not once. He meets ingenue , Rose, played to a tee with a clumsy innocence by Andrea Riseborough. Up to the point Pinkie manipulates himself into Roses's life , her life appears to be loveless. She is starving for love, yet she embodies the pink blush of hope . They portray these young characters with understated moxie and this characteristic makes them watchable and real. You find out that somewhere in their not so distant youth they were exposed to things far from innocent. This backstory makes Rose's search for love , or desire to believe in love more remarkable. Nanzo Anozie gives us a surprising side and twist to the story and to his character as he plays off Helen Mirren's Ida. John Hurt and Helen Mirren are majestic in their stature as ordinary citizens of Brighton. Ordinary in a Graham Greene way.

According to a film critic back in 1947 published in Halliwell's Film Guide the 92 minute original film, "It proceeds with the efficiency , the precision and the anxiety to please of a circular saw." Dilys Powell. Well, I know we speak the same language as the British, but was that a compliment or a diss? Is Pwell saying the original film is clever or it has no imagination?

On September 27, 2011 at Lincoln Plaza Cinemas New York City I found the film to be true to the subject matter : the tone was dark and violent, the cinematography brilliant, and the no frills acting superb, the soundtrack non- invasive and non manipulative. It looks like the director, Rowan Joffe planned and executed an adept course leaving room for the actors to be. The transitions in editing were sharp and spot on. Next time I will bring my broom corn to see if they can make popcorn with it. Just kidding.

More to share, and share I must from this city of edge and art. But first, How is your Harvest Season rolling along?

Oh yeah, a terrific film inspired by another Graham Greene novel is 'The Comedians', with the indomitable Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Alec Guinness, and Peter Ustinav. Political and Domestic Intrigue.

Help I am glued to my seat.

September 1, 2011

Sunrise ,Sunset and the energy of the hours in between. And then there is the night. Let's face it life has many hours for mystery. Alas, today is a new day new month and the sun has risen. Today I give thanks for life : the sanctity of, the potential of, and the glory of.

Stay tuned for my recap of "Irene" and the strange allies one makes during times of preparation.

Today I leave you with this simple exploration. We live in a society where images are collected used for advertising and all the tones that promise desires ranging from humor, sex, innocence, romance, health, prosperity, fear, youth, travel, longevity, and the list goes on. How many images have you collected that speak authentically to you? peel the onion and see your truth and not just some other person's superimposed image or perspective of what makes them feel good. How would you feel if you carried an image of peace on the bottom of your feet? I want to know what is your inner image of peace today? A meditation for you from me.

Sit down in a comfortable chair and feel your feet. If you close your eyes what does peace feel like? Take your time don't rush, stay with your breath. Let your shoulders lift up toward your ears on your inhalation and pause them there. Exhale and now let your shoulders drop back down to their normal resting place on your ribs. Be grateful for this breath, bless it with love. Do not grasp onto any feelings or thoughts of judgement. Just see what color peace looks like to you. What does it taste like? Feel your fingertips and gently grasp the texture of peace. Does it have sound? Keep your breath free and easy for a little while and explore . When you are ready open your eyes and write down any discoveries or make your own manifestation to live with this image.

Google Jerry Garcia singing "Eyes of the World" . Make your own film, write your own song, paint your own painting, hug your people with peace in mind.

Moon in Scorpio is Good for transplanting

After viewing how amazingly well the amaranth is doing that Drew adopted from me, and seeing how stunning this single plant is shooting up to the heavens while filling out in a natural chi gong wood element way , (unfolding naturally on the horizontal plane), I took her cue and bought some bamboo to guide my broom corn, amaranth, and tomato. Also above , shamrocks taking new shape in their new space on mother earth. Refreshed after summer rain.

On the acting front, one of my fellow favorite actresses and I went to see Mother's Eve's Garden of Sisterhood . Witty , daring ,fun and tasteful I might add.

Keep growing , keep nurturing, reaching for the sky.

Gardening, healing, and summer love

Gardening in New York City is like reclaiming the character of the land of the island. To celebrate the diversity of this land I have plants indigenous to South America, Africa, England, the Native Americas, to name a few.

My brief leave from blogging is due to my newfound passion and my recent move. Moving has brought so much excitement to my life and the gardening has put me in the path of many passers by in the neighborhood. I have received gifts of plants from other gardeners and have given away some plants that grew as early as February indoors with the Northern Light of my former apartment. For instance Oxalis regnelli, Iron Cross, and Triangularis are now in soil adjacent to a playground. They are also at Video Cafe with some Scottish Moss. Moss is such a wonderful sign of life.

Now as summer hits a strong rhythm I appreciate the longevity of the various gardens both big and small.

One summer night after a very special acting class, I walked with a very inspiring and talented actress to the Hudson River along 20th Street. The Golden Sun was making his way and beaming as we made our way to Chelsea Piers. There, a truly wild landscape, that felt very private emerged. Imagine that! There were youth dance groups rehearsing and drilling their routines, dog walkers, cool skateboarders, gorgeous golden retrievers, and the sweet smell of the river. It was such a magical summer night. I really appreciated the open and honest dialogue that my colleague and I shared.

The heart governs the summer season bringing a perfect time for healing . As I unpack boxes , at an adagio musing pace, in other words a pace that defies gravity , I am making my way through saved articles for harvesting. Allow me to share two.

For actors and independent video makers, you may want to read an article from a recent Backstage feature entitled "Do It Yourself." This features practical info from actors getting their work out there. It is a down to earth business savvy interview .

The other article I downloaded from Middleway Press from a book entitled "On Being Human". Which reminds me that the second copy I bought of this book I promised to a woman in New Orleans. Another note in my to do list. Must get my assistant to get this out. This book has a refreshing style of its own.

Three very worldly men are having a discussion on how to master the art of living and question the true nature of health. The three men improvise a brilliant discussion on stress as the spice of life. The excerpt I was reading speaks of a Dr. Selye's contribution to this idea. They speak of stress as the fuel of life, a transformational perspective indeed.

How are you dealing with the heat of summer? Sweating can demand a recovery. After a good sweat from walking in the city to and from afternoon appointments, I applied the wisdom given to me by an acupuncturist. She shared a natural way to reinvigorate electrolytes into the body. She said to eat a kiwi fruit whole with a little sea salt.

Heat Waves are so extreme!

Dance into Spring

Choreographer Zakk Manzella , pictured above, knows the true joy of dance. It was an amazing blessing on Mother's Day weekend to celebrate dance with moves he choreographed.

I have more to say but I must go to work. One last thought, as I was eating a hot freshly made cinnamon raisin New York bagel, I thought how real life can be way better than any movie made. If you agree , please post your most recent experience.

The Wonder Shamrock

commercials and dreams

Celery Stalks and tree houses, yes Queen Mab hath been with me tonight. We are approaching the time of the fairies delight. I was excited after performing as one of the leads in a commercial. I can't discuss the commercial at this point but please know that it was energizing, fun, and we worked as a singing and dancing ensemble.

Funny because the week of my birthday I watched a dvd set Hollywood Singing and Dancing : A Musical History . Shirley Jones , host extraordinaire, and many live legends/interviewees celebrate the phenomenon of the musical form as it graced cinema throughout the years and it's roots of the Broadway and World stage. All I can say is , if you are an actor you must see this gem of a documentary. The director of this mammoth project should really get more kudos. Of course I found this at the one and the only Video Cafe, beloved neighborhood resource. I will rent this again if I do not buy it.

I am working my way from past to present with Darren Aronofsky films. I started with "Requiem for a Dream". My first impression was that this guy knows how to craft into your psyche. I had some really weird dreams the night I saw this film.. When I saw "The Wrestler", Wow. I wondered why I don't hear people still talking about Mickey Rourke's performance.

Tonight, I was so inspired because , well, for one my taxes are in the US Mail. This is a big Allehluiah , how the heck do you spell Alejiah , Allejuiah . Websters I need your soft pages. Yes I prefer the smell and feel of a big fat dictionary. This so reminds me of college and the late night study, paperwriting, and discoveries. Hallelujjah or alleluia .

I am inspired also because I got to speak French tonight with a Frenchwoman. It was so much fun speaking and hearing a reply in french. When I was in college , I studied French and Japanese. And I do love French Films. Maybe Woody Allen will cast me in a film and we'll shoot in France, or Canada. Oh , Canada sometimes doubles for USA locations. Alliance Francaise here I come.

More on the acting front: while at the US post office I bumped into playwright , PJ Gibson. Bright and lovely as ever.

Well, wish me luck, I am going to try and upload some pictures from my new technology. Thank you for this day and this night. Enjoy the Shamrocks that you see above, they are multiplying as they love the eastern sunrise. Their home is Video Cafe. This is my first year growing Shamrocks and I was told from "Bulbs to Grow" that you can share these happy green and purple wonders. Out of all the ones I planted, I must say that there are more flowers in the planter above as it is true-ly a wonder of a growing season for it.

treasure diamond

" Life is the Foremost of all Treasures"

Curtain Up

Ever so slowly the final days of winter are upon us drawing this beloved season to a close. Many new plays and musicals are about to officially open. Walking by the Drama Book Shop I noticed this new curtain going up. Many new shows are getting ready to shed light on this new upcoming season. Please share any news you hear of great films or shows and I will put a good word out for ones that caught my attention.

Gloria Rosen , writer and performer of , "Listen Can You Hear Me Now?" , has been invited back to the Los Angeles Women's Theater Festival to reprise her show there on March 26.th. This one woman show is directed by Peter Flint.

Go to http://www.lawtf.com/ for more details. Lynne Bronstein from the Santa Monica Mirror said

" This story of family conflict was amazingly funny at times and audience members, regardless of their backgrounds, identified with it."

"How to Read a Map" is playing at Studio 54 Shetler Studios this week.

Playwright Kevin Brofsky has a "curtain up" on one of his plays and offers a staged reading of The Patient River directed by Peter Bloch: March 16th 7 pm at Jan Hus Theater 351 East 74th St. between 1st and 2nd avenues. This reading is part of the Fresh Fruit Play Reading Festival Series.

For me this week concludes an 8 week Shakespeare Gym with a circle of great actors and a boundlessly energetic teacher. I am so looking forward to translating these skills into modern texts as well . I am also looking forward to working as an ensemble player this year in more stage and screen work.

In closing I give thanks to this very day March 9, 2011. May you each burn with eternal youth and accomplish your hopes your dreams what is so deeply residing in your hearts. Believe it and you will see it come to fruition. Be courageous like Dorothy to see what is on both sides of the curtain.

spring

Working on a project that will be "blooming" very soon, so please stay tuned. Great light from our solar sun today. Relax...