LET'S CELEBRATE...SHALL WE?

As tortured, creative souls, we push ourselves to limits some can only imagine. We beat ourselves up for not being successful, affluent, acceptable, mainstream, popular, beautiful, better etc. and yet we still create. Our very lives depend upon being creative creatures, to express ourselves and push what is safe aside...jump in head first. We know the fear and decide to do it anyway. Let people laugh, critique, sneer but it is the strength that's underneath which always rises to the occasion. Why do we accept it? Why do we allow it? Why when we can be like other people? Because we're not whole until we express, we're not full until we give, we're not living until we are breathing, excreting and sharing our art. Living a life of an artist can be a downer...no one believes you'll make it...become famous...be rich...live lavishly or if you do, be the same person you were before because money/fame will change you...supposedly. I always say, if you're an egomaniac/hurtful/mean etc. , money will just supply you with the reassurance that it's okay. If you truly give, love life, want to help others in the most purest form, then that's what you will be able to do more of but you've gotta celebrate along the way. This road is treacherous, unbelievably hard and unrewarding most times...but it is those special times, when you get to play, create, make-up, mold from scratch and then perform, inspire, give back then realize why you do what you do...epiphany...love...acceptance...confirmation...joy...you begin to know that you know.

For 2 years since I've been back, pushing my art, training, discovering, exploring, I've had close encounters of just being right there. As an actress, you submit via agent/manager/yourself hoping to be 1 in thousands to be selected to read for a role, then you audition against a couple hundred sometimes and then if you're lucky, you get the call back - where it's only you against maybe 3-5 other people they're deciding on. From there you wait, hoping to hear something within the next couple of days and when you don't...you know. I've been on nothing but producer session/call backs for the last 2 years...I rarely have to audition anymore because the casting directors that know me, know I won't embarrass them in the room. I have a full story, even if it's for one line...I come in memorized for the most part and I do my best to look exactly the way I picture my character should look regardless of how I like to look, because it's about the story. I've accomplished that and yet I still feel like I'm not anywhere I want to be because I haven't booked as much as I like. I realize now, they like me...hell, maybe even love my bold, crazy choices because it's all laughter and no redirects anymore. I hear I'm great, wonderful and there's nothing else they could possibly ask me for so I leave and have learned from Allen Levin - Lifebook Acting Academy, "What's next?!" I've done my work, I gave it my all and I rarely no longer beat myself up in the car after the process about what I should've, could've done...I already did.

Below is a callback I received for a film - "Hello, My Name Is Doris" via Morman/Boling Casting as a jogger with one line yesterday - "Get in the slow lane!" My hair is pulled up in a bun, with a band, barely there makeup and workout clothes. I get in, I jog a bit, I act as if I'm behind the 2 main characters, I try to go around...I can't...I become annoyed, let out a urghh, then go into my line, the reader states "Go grab a smoothie, you twerp!" The scene ends there...however, my character is offended so I react by bringing both hands up to my lips, kissing them into flying fingers flipping him off and then jogging away. ALL FOR ONE LINE!!! They laugh, they love I made a bold choice, the director thinks it's funny and doesn't want to see another side, they already did with 2 versions I did for the audition. So I leave....hoping but realizing I did what I needed to do so I must let that go which I've done but what I don't do is celebrate.

Celebrate that moment as a win...did I book, make money etc? Maybe, maybe not but regardless, it is in those moments as artists we must thank ourselves for putting it out there, nailing it, feeling good because we don't get most of the moments of hearing "WE BOOKED IT." So if we don't book, does it mean we're no good? NO! It just means they weren't willing to risk you, or they didn't get you or they know you were right on the acting but looks wise, maybe you're not exactly what they had in mind. It doesn't mean YOU were not worthy. You did the work, you got the sides, you made sure you were prepared with the role, you made choices, you went into the room and created a story without knowing the whole story, you nailed it and you leave without pay. That's the life of acting at times, but for that moment, you got to play and create and do something you love so understand how special that is. Your body, mind and spirit went into that moment so learn to celebrate...somehow. It doesn't have to cost anything, it can be a much needed walk or a movie night with popcorn at home or even just a glass of champagne. Acknowledge what you did, how hard you worked and then reward yourself by thanking your artist within because that's how you keep going, that's how you stop from being bitter and that's how you keep creating. Never take your art for granted, it can dry up, it can be uninspired and angry so give to yourself as much as you give to the world with your work! Keep Pushing Forward....

Allergies....Schmallergies!!!!

During my days away from writing, I was still hard at work doing things to my body I'm not sure it's all ready for!  And although I took time off, I still documented for future postings so hold on to your seats, it's time to play catch up.

If you have allergies may I lead you down a quicker road to recovery???  I don't mean this crap on going about your day half dazed and confused...high off of medications and looking it!  Yes, I did the whole Benedryl, Claritan and blah, blah, blah junk to make it by and I still sneezed like I was trying to get spirits out of me, eyes so red people actually thought I was high and my nose running like it was trying to water the future...ridiculous.  I hated being awake and I hated trying medications of people in commercials looking oh so happy and oh so free skipping through meadows and sniffing flowers...was I taking the wrong stuff???  Obviously I didn't get their dosage because it just seemed to get worse during the high tides and I was swimming with the sharks with a life vest, someone please get me on a boat at least, sweet baby Jesus!

Then one day, while roaming the Whole Foods aisles (spraying it along the way) I came across alternatives to my misery and although it may have taken 2 seasons (one season too long), I hung in there slowly ingesting crappy, burning alcohol concoctions that were suppose to be all natural and good for me.  I will tell you right now, you don't take it and it magically makes you feel better, if that's what you're looking for stop reading now because I can't do anything for you but tell you to look elsewhere.  However, if you're willing to bear with misery and discomfort to be ultimately in more control without crazy side effects then read on.  I bought BioAllers for allergies and pet dander, alternating 3x's a day squishing and squeezing 15 small drops under my tongue and letting it stew for a minute or so along with a small blue bottle of all natural histamine that tastes like little sugar balls.  Now I will let you know that I did hold it at bay for over 7 years of hardly any symptoms and recently with my bully it all came flooding back along with hives from doggie dander....oh, yeah...the good stuff.  So with the time off, I upped my anty.  I decided to be more aggressive and boy has it payed off, while others around me have been sneezing parts of their bodies out, I've been enjoying the simple act of breathing that so many take for granted.

I still consume BioAllers but have decided to add acupuncture and halotherapy to the mix.  I know, I know!  #1 Acupuncture.....REALLY?!??!!!  Yes, acupuncture and although it can get a bit hairy for most, I was able to stomach the idea and reap the benefits.  I was able to afford this ancient procedure by first trying it through the offerings on Groupon/LivingSocial and then finding the most awesomest spot in Silverlake called Tao of Wellness where this wonderful woman, Magie Song practices this healing art in a communal fashion at sliding scale.  What ever does that mean????  Well, it means that you pay about $35-$50 on your first visit and then anywhere from $15-whatever you can afford, it's all honor system and although it's in an open area with other folks, let me tell you, for this price, get down and get dirty folks.  Everyone's getting the same service so get over yourself and get better!!!!  I still fall asleep in the zero gravity chairs and leave feeling refreshed.

#2 Halotherapy....WHAT????!!!  That's what I said, but I must tell you that it's holding the allergies at bay if not knocking them out.  Halotherapy is where you literally sit in a room full of salt and I'm not talking about Morton's here so please don't make your own room with the salt from your cabinets.  This stuff is flown in special to make a salt room and while you're relaxing in this cool environment, crushed up salt is being blown into the room where you just breathe it all in dispelling much bacteria from your system, helping you fight allergies.  Great deal of other ailments that it works on but this is the one I focused in on so do yourself a favor and try this miracle room, you'll be glad you did.

I do acupuncture 1-2x's a month now since this communal, sliding scale, god send of a business is around and the salt room once a month, since I can only afford this on specials.  So if you see it, grab it and get as many as you can, I keep waiting for the next round so I can purchase them at a discount and go.  Now if you're in the position to do it all, by all means do it and try the salt room at least 2x's a month if not more but I think you'll still get the results needed, just at a slower pace by spreading it out too.  I would try this during the off season to get your system ready because if you're anything like me, you'll be miserable for awhile, but when it's gone...it's really, really gone!  Thank me later, get yourself good first!  

All Things Thai....

We've got some beautiful gifts from Thailand...I love thai fights/action flicks and training/learning their martial arts style, Muay Thai.  However, the best treasures that can be felt and consumed are my favorites...like the food and massages, both equally fulfilling and both won't hurt the wallet especially in these tough economical times.  You can eat well for about $10 and with so many choices, why wouldn't you?  The menus are always ginormous!!!!  Pages with so many choices, I get so overwhelmed and excited just looking...sheesh, tired already. =)

Went to Red Ginger in Woodland Hills on Ventura finally and have to say, it's a must stop for thai in the area.  The service was fantastic, even with my groupon and the food was yummy, yummy for this tummy.  I got greedy and ordered shrimp fried rice and spicy green beans with shrimp....yay, for leftovers is all I've got to say.  Had to even down the Singha lager, just to do it all Thai and for that, this experience was super.  So the meal that I consumed was basically about $25 with the beer, but I left with plenty to have lunch "a la everything pan fried together" for the next day.  Tasted my beast's lobster roll and it was melodic sensation on my taste buds so check out their happy hour if you're a skeptic or just in the mood to try something new...nothing wrong with having 2 favorite thai joints or knowing of several in different areas so you never have to go without.

Now for the nitty, gritty....massages.  It's a luxury for most but the sad part is, most of us need these regularly to offset stress, tension and toxins.  But who can afford such pampering at $100 a pop at most places????  Not I says me!!!!  So here to the rescue are thai massages.  For about $40-$45 an hour, you can have your muscles kneaded soft with elbows, feet and even their whole body if you're lucky.  Recently went to Thai Sabai in Thai Town off of Sunset (parking sucks and valet can be crazy so leave with plenty of time) and I know I'll be back for sure.  Only thai massage ever for me to incorporate all body parts (yes, that little wench of a woman, stood on me), use hot oil and hot stones.  Now I've done deep tissue but it's nothing like thai hard....this sweet woman, Apple, made me almost scream uncle....I think she was testing me.  I'm stubborn so I just took it, but goodness gracious did this female have hands of steal and I will admit to loving every minute of it.  Test my pain tolerance level please...now I'll make sure when I go back and get her, I'll ask for medium pressure ha, ha, ha.  Although this power hour is sans massage table to rest your pretty head and closed off room for privacy (you get thin walls or curtains at times), I think for $60 savings, you can chuck your ego at the door and deal with some communal energy.  This massage isn't for the faint of heart but if you want a real massage with light stretching from a country that's been doing and perfecting their techniques for who knows how long, then save some dough and give it a whirl.  Oh, and if you're hungry after, no need to look far, just walk across the way and get you some thai food to go with that massage.

Asian and Black don't crack....

Who said facials need to cost a lot of money or time?  When you're broke or out of time and of need of a quick fix, I've been using these 2 staples for over 20+ years since reading it ages ago in a magazine like Allure.  I still do egg whites on the face from time to time but reach way back into your cabinets and dig out the Noxema.  That's right, I said it correctly, this should bring back some serious memories and after giving pause to those moments, head to the kitchen for some loose oatmeal...I usually always have Quaker oats (not the microwave kind) on hand.

In the lid of the Noxema, take about 3-5 healthy pinches (you'll find your perfect number the more times you play around with this concoction) and add about 2-3 small scoops of Noxema and stir.  Once everything is mixed together, apply all over the face skipping the eyes and mouth please and let sit for about 15-20 minutes.  Tingling will occur and yes, you will look like a wilderbeast but while doing so, I have found this mask to subside cyst like pimples, bring smaller pimples to the surface and give me glowing skin.  Tissue off as much of the product you can then rinse the rest off.  Although I'm able to afford a nice facial once a month now, on other weeks I still do small facials at home to upkeep my skin because taking care of my outsides are just as important as taking care of my insides and this tried and true facial hasn't disappointed me in all these years.  Play around with the mixture, maybe you need more oatmeal, maybe less Noxema...whatever your mix is, play with the times starting with 5-10 minutes first to check for any irritation then move on.  One of my best kept facial secrets with no cooking involved and cost about $8-$10 for both items with multiple uses.  Enjoy!

Prince Deux

Who starts off a packed house concert in their 2nd week with a slow, melodic, gospel sounding number????  Prince!  Once again I attended the concert, this time in the $25 upper, upper with a good view of the stage and clear shot of 2 jumbo trons.  What an amazing experience worth every penny and then some.  For the basic price of a movie ticket plus concessions or a ramped up meal, you can see a super fantastic musical artist perform his heart out, which includes crawling on the floor, lots of sexy walking/dancing, guitar rifts that are effortless and nuts, pure singing bliss and funky funk.  If that isn't enough for you (maybe you're hard to please) then an opening act featuring Sheila E. and the fam will surely let you know you're getting more than the standard.  You can go to the movies next week, get that pair of shoes next time, and skip that extravagant meal this once.  Don't miss the chance to see a truly moving show performed by one of the greats for only 21 days in L.A., 6 days down...you still have some time.

Prince...

My beast is a super fan, as with many people I know and although I never liked Prince until people seemed to be over Prince, I never fully appreciated his musical genius until last night.  Prince is officially performing 21 full days in L.A. at the Forum in Inglewood...smack dab in the hood.  For as little as $25 you can see an amazing artist sing like no body's business, dance sexy in heels and kill the guitar/piano.  Yes you'll be sitting in the upper level but you'll still have a decent enough view and see someone musically gifted in your lifetime and although we had $200 seats in the upper middle, I'll be there next week in the upper, upper for $25 enjoying it just the same.  

Prince went on and on and on....3 full hours on, sounding just as magical as he did when he started.  Encore after encore, while people left not knowing that he was going to play over and over again while the rest of us just waited to see and then surprised once again with him returning to the stage.  8 times, this super fantastic performer returned and I ate it up knowing I'm now a bonafide fan.  First concert seeing Prince and it won't be my last, especially if he keeps having guests like Shiela E. drumming it up and singing her "Love Bazaar and Glamorous Life."  If this man is appearing anywhere near you, make it a point to see this truly entertaining performer and leave realizing you just saw one of the greatest artist of our time. 

Sushi Ran/Shin

Sushi Ran is located on Riverside in North Hollywoodish, cusp of Burbankish.  Strip mall dining isn't usually my thing unless it's been raved about by friends...someone....well, anyone.  After a freak electrical incident, my usual strip mall sushi stop (Sushi Mac on Ventura in Sherman Oaks) has been closed and I needed something quick and easy.  Now I've passed up this joint several times coming from my infrared wraps because of not knowing but you never know when one day you'll be forced out of hunger just to try something new and I'm so glad one day, my hunger wouldn't take a back seat.  I decided to drop by before my service upstairs and look at the menu, then asked one of the girls working if she ever stopped by and she stated she had and loved it.  That was enough for my senses to say just take a chance and so glad I did and have been stopping there regularly whenever in the area.  Decided to try the salmon lunch special which basically came with everything.  It's a japanese joint with korean undertones and they do work well together I must say.  Salad was super green with a thick, creamy dressing that had snap to it along with a good size miso soup with slivers of seaweed and small chunks of tofu.  Then came the tray of trays!  Feast for one please!!!!  Salmon, cooked to perfection...flaky with a crispy bottom drizzled with the lightest hint of teriyaki sauce.  I do believe most places hide the true flavor of their food by masking it with teriyaki or other sauces because in essence the food isn't prepared well, not here thank goodness.  Salmon came with a scoop of rice, 6 big pieces of spicy tuna roll, pickled cucumber dish and some cold, creamy style noodles.  Spicy tuna wasn't fishy which is always appreciated since I am not one that likes fishy. It was plain with great texture but when ponzu, wasabi, red chili paste and ginger are added I had to do a happy food dance.  Cold, creamy noodles were bland the first time, but when I came back they had added a little bit of a pop which reminded me of a lighter, creamier take on Bi Bim Book Su which I am beginning to enjoy more and more.  Could only eat the sushi and 1/2 of the salmon, so for $12 plus tax and tip, I walked away with 2 meals total.  I love big portions but only when the food is delicious and for this price, I'm a fan!

Korean BBQ has always been my favorite and the hardest to please me on.  Being half Korean and having an amazing cook of a korean mom doesn't fare well in this dept. because my mom will win every time, so I go hoping its good enough if anything and Shin in Hollywood on Wilcox didn't disappoint.  A bit pricey with the "grill your own" menu but presentation is key here along with good taste.  The portions were small when they arrived but I assure you as you eat, your belly will be thankful with all the goodness to it's breaking point which of course I had to take it there.  Not as many side dishes as most k-bbq houses but enough to tickle your palate with kimichi, spicy fish cake, sesame bean sprouts and broccoli.  The salad was super with it's drizzled ponzu concoction dressing and each dish of bulgogi, spicy pork and shrimp was tasty.

Now most korean stops don't do desserts but after being stuffed to the nines, I had to pull out my emergency dessert pouch to try their green tea pancake which had to come with ice cream.  Chocked full of cinnamony goodness I am so glad I decided to man up and end this meal with this delicious surprise.  Price to portions compared to my favorite korean meal in the valley isn't worth it, however if you're in the area and hungry, it's a place to stop in and check out...even if it's only for the dessert!