The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 35


Short film audition for a "heroin addicted mom" at the CastInHollywood Studios which was my first time there - fun, fun. I liked the role and decided to keep my overall look with less makeup since it still refers her to be attractive. I wore flats with my jeans and my favorite "casual/mom" top to keep it simple. Had 2 scenes, one more domineering and the other from a "withdrawal" space which I used grogginess of drinking as a reference point. No need to do drugs in order to understand the feelings/effects it creates...explore from what you've experienced already. If you don't drink and can't come from a place of intoxication, have you ever taken medication that made you feel groggy, off, woozy etc? Use that...if not maybe paying attention on how you feel when you're completely exhausted or when you first wake up and trying to get your head clear. Watch as many documentaries as you can on the subject whenever you're doing some research and watch the behavior of real addicts, not those who've portrayed them before because even they are trying to replay the real thing and if you take from that well, you're making a copy from a copy as my wonderful instructor Allen Levin would say...go for the real deal and get your take on that first. Nothing wrong with appreciating another actor's interpretation but to get a clear view you must try harder to get it from the source first hand so that your version is crystal clear for yourself and the viewer. You don't have to become a drug addict to play one, you don't have to drink yourself under the bus to portray a drunkard but you must practice, practice, practice to keep in touch with pushing those bounds without having to live neck deep in them...it's unnecessary and I believe damaging to yourself and the truth seeking, learn to find that balance to understand the feeling and then step away from the edge.

Are you still taking care of your body? What you put into it is as important as how you push it physically. So many of my friends are repeatedly sick or developing sickness in one way or another and there comes a point when you must realize that it's the food you eat. The meat I buy is now without nitrates and such, I go organic without soy as much as possible and although you may believe I spend a ton of money, I usually spend no more than most people doing regular grocery shopping because it's a job making money stretch the way I must in order to enjoy life. A "Grocery Outlet" has opened up in my area and it carries a plethora of  organics as well as other varieties that Whole Foods/Sprouts carry for a quarter to half the cost. I realize I'm lucky to live in Cali but I also have to make a true effort to do the "grocery ring of discounts." I tend to start here first for some organic veggies (which vary from week to week,) random shots of non nitrate/organic meat products along with organic eggs as well as non dairy products - they've got good stuff ya'll, you just gotta look and then on another day it may be Trader Joe's/Sprouts/Whole Foods and pretty much in that order which includes a trip to the Farmer's Market whenever possible as well. Saving money is a task in and of itself, but you can make it a priority to get the best deal or go for the quickest and complain about money being short therefore not being able to feed yourself the way you must. Trust me, if I could do fast food every day and still feel great, I would...I just know what's in most of that crap so it's more of a last minute, no avoiding option that I call upon once a week and on cheat days if needed otherwise, I want the good stuff in my system and my body rewards me for those choices - made organic refried pinto beans, mixed with organic black beans and veggie meat substitute for a home made burrito with organic mixed salad to top it off from the Grocery Outlet (except for the "meat.") Plus I get to hang with another October Born Day Gal (Colleen) of mine, buy a Groupon to a local vegan spot with Kombucha beer, raw/vegan lasagna/enchiladas, and enjoy the goodness my body desperately needs as much as possible to stay in tip top form. My workouts are strong, I'm rarely sick and I'm sure I've fought off other unknowns over the years by cleansing, juicing and being mindful. A simple cup of hot water, with raw, local honey and some apple cider vinegar - added a trace amount of tumeric this morning to my normal concoction - will chase them throat itches throughout the year...follow it with more hot water and just a pop of lemon/lime (fresh) and you're already cleansing your system of unwanteds first thing in the morning. My mom just hipped me to the next "Asian" secret of combating cancer cells...not sure if it works but it feels like a cleanse because I could hardly stomach the sludge but hey, why not! A cup of joe, with a tsp of organic apple cider vinegar and a tsp of organic cinnamon...stir and drink as quickly as possible or you'll hit sludgeyness which is almost unbearable. Bitter yes, weird...yeah, but if it's an "Asian" thing, most likely I'll give it a go and see what happens unless it's so outta the box there is no way at this time and point in my life. I tried it for 3 days straight - once every morning right after Thanksgiving and I'm for doing it right after Christmas as well to end the year. I've my normal Master Cleanse I'll do at the beginning of the year this go around and we'll see where my wellness path leads. I'll keep you informed every step of the way but I urge you to look into cleaner eating, gentle cleanses and small home remedies instead of popping the pills every chance you get. There are times for those but it's not every single time your body is trying to fight...learn to give your system a chance to tackle on these new diseases but in order to do that, you must choose to do so otherwise you'll keep ending up on the road you've been traveling down every year until something worse happens. My body isn't ripped to the Gods, I've got some jiggle but I do know I'm less sick then most of those friends of mine that seemingly have perfect bods. I'd rather my insides be well managed then just my outside looking good because all that crap in your system (if you'd just read the labels) isn't doing your temple any favors in the long run if you read what it's made out of, there are better options...research and choose wisely!

"Bee Luther Hatchee" is coming your way finally at the Sierra Madre Playhouse opening the 2nd weekend in January. Rehearsals with tape on the floor are underway as the scenes are coming to life by the wondrous Ms. Saundra McClain and getting to share the stage with first time leadster is Tamarra as "Shelita Burns." Get ready, because "Libby" is coming and I'm so very excited to get to play a character that not only comes in and out of "reality" but also goes through the stages of different ages...this role is one I've been in love with since I read her! Just got measured for wardrobe and we've blocked Act 1 - absolutely crazy how much passion is going into this show that will be a touchy subject meant for discussion for times to come. So happy to go into the New Year working on such a beautiful project, this is the stuff art passion is made from - let's get to work! When it's slow, allow some theatre into your life craft...it'll only enrich this journey for you more so, the process will make a searcher of truth in all that you do...go get you some!

If you missed "Married With Secrets" you can catch my full episode as "Mrs. Eliette Dominique" here for free - just download DiscoveryID Go or look out for Dr. Deception's episode which is playing frequently now plus you get to see me in some vintage nurse/wedding gear and go from younger to older and all around - check it out at:
https://www.investigationdiscoverygo.com/married-with-secrets/dr-deception/

After a long look and year of wanting to support friends instead of promoting "JANE" to many film festivals which costs were a juggling act, I've decided to release "JANE" to my YouTube channel this upcoming year of 2017. It's 12 minutes of footage I had the chance to create with the help of many supporters and I decided to take the needed cash and start the process of sending out the thank you's with this postcard coming to all of you that decided you wanted to be a part of this project in some way. This isn't defeat in any way but a conscious choice of showing what we did with the little we had and to keep my project rolling on my terms until I can best get the whole show/film out, which is coming. Every step I've made this year, is making this story just one step closer to finding a creative life...it's coming, get ready!