Public Laughter Is Contagious

My favorite part of a weekend getaway to Palm Springs isn't the nightlife, although the gay disco tech we explored last night was mostly entertaining, in a flashback to "This Is Your Life" circa 1983 sort of way.
My real bliss comes from laying by the pool all day long with a magical book-
This weekend my book of choice is Chelsea Handler's "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang."
I CANNOT get enough.
I've always enjoyed Chelsea's irreverent and borderline hateful humor at the expensive of others- but this book is cocktails above her late night talk show chatter.
The book is intelligent, sharp and loaded with dynamite! I am very seriously, laughing out loud.
The best part, I'm doing so surrounded by innocent pool goers, who are doing their best to hide the fact that they're all laughing at me laughing out loud at a book.
I feel like the fat girl at prom- the one who's dancing with the hot boy and all the other kids are laughing out of insane jealousy!
The book is that delicious!
In fact, the mother of two unruly beasts of children came over just to tell me how entertaining my reactions are!
Now that's a golden pool moment!

I'm Growing Tired of...

Uncomfortable situations.
But that's life-
It's always an adventure.

I resent...

That my daily food intake consists of nuts and other bland foods that tastes like "health."
But I do love feeling skinny and healthy!

Feel The Energy Feel The Burn!

If you have to work out-
(And unfortunately I do if I want to stay thin and healthy.)
Yoga is a wonderful option!
A group of like minded people gathered in a focused conscious effort to practice meditation and active stretching.
The energy is overwhelming...
So is the burn!
My mind, body and soul are happy!

Thanks For Moon River!

One of my first big musical theatre jobs was performing with Andy Williams.
Andy was a class act. Cool, confident and one of the most talented performers I've ever met.
Andy passed away today-
He was 84.
He will be missed!
RIP Andy and thanks for Moon River!

Grey Skies Are Going To Clear Up...

It's not very often that the skies are grey in LA-

On days like today, where the marine layer hovers

and the sky is grey-

It's very easy to succumb to a state of depression...

After all we're used to sunshine and happiness in LA.

Even if it is fake!

But never fear, the truly remarkable part of living in this

town is that nothing lasts forever.

Including this groggy Fall day!

So cuddle up with a book and pretend you're at a cabin!

And tomorrow when the sun comes back, you can rejoice 

by hiking Runyon Canyon before your Zen Yoga, Triple Soy 

Latte and power lunch!

Beach Day

Because I
Enjoy
A
Chill day off
Hanging with friends.

Long Day On The Set

Today was a long day!
As most days while shooting are...
But the highlight of my day was the super pimped out hot tub and green screen.
What children's music video is complete without one?!

And Now... An Intervention!

It's not easy to be the (alleged) alcoholic mother of a washed up celebrity...
Just ask Dina Lohan!
Here is A Group Production's latest parody.
Enjoy: Dr. Phil's Interview with Dina Lohan

If You Find Time To Worry About Money...

Then you can find time to get out there and make some!

Practice Zen Thoughts

Breath in through the nose-
Eyes closed.
Peace in the mind,
Love in the heart.
Release negativity.
Practice stillness.
Be comfortable in silence.
Give your soul a hug.
The journey of life starts fresh today!

Note To Self

Let go of the fear. It's not making the situation any better.

Throw In The Towel

Fighting for someone who doesn't want to fight for them-self is exhausting!
So I'm returning the energy to myself.
I can't encourage someone who doesn't want to succeed.

High School All Over Again?!?

Woke up this morning, and there it was...
Stuck between two eyes, centered on nose!
A zit as big as Mt. Everest.
I'm thirty-four years old and I'm still breaking out?!
God I hate puberty.
On the plus side...
Maybe someone will think I'm fifteen!?
Or just a dude with a big pimple.

Sunday Slam Dunk!

Yoga.
Movie.
Fall wardrobe shopping.
Production meeting.
Dinner.
The return of Boardwalk Empire!
It was a perfect Sunday.

Note To Self

After a full week of Yoga-
You deserve the spaghetti bolognese!

YO' Ga...

I'm on a Yoga kick (again)...

Yes it feels good for the mind, body and soul-

Opening my mind.

Getting back in shape.

Attention to my feelings, actions and positive energy!

Don't Worry Be Happy!

I remember the song well...
I used to hear the phrase a lot growing up!  I was a natural worrier.
I've finally accepted the simple fact that being Happy takes effort.
"Happiness" is a concentrated choice to release the;
fear, self-doubt, insecurity, preconceived ideas, hate and negative energy.
Life is truly more enjoyable when I make the choice to
release negative thinking (including what others think or expect of me.)
I don't think it's delusional-
I think it's necessary to thrive in a positive environment!

Back In Action

Creative juices flowing-
Fingers stroking keys;
Ideas just keep rolling.
My mind is back at ease!

Manifest Good

Short tempers.

Soft egos.

Sensitive emotions.

The past week has been especially rough for most of the people I know-

Myself included.

It's almost as if there's something in the air that's keeping everyone on edge.

And today will be especially hard for most Americans as we remember 

fallen heros, lost loved ones, and a shift in how we live as Americans.

I think most of us are struggling to keep faith in something or someone...

Perhaps if we go out of our way to help someone in an unexpected way-

We can manifest a more positive outlook on tomorrow.

Fresh Start!

New day.
New week.
Fresh outlook-
Renewed hope.
Life is short...
LIVE it up!

Are You Ready For Some Football?!

No!
But I do love football season-
Primarily because I love football parties.
Watching straight men get excited to see grown men in tight uniforms
tackling each other fighting for a ball!
Plus there's a lot of delicious food...
Happy Sunday!

Life's A Beach...

When you're suffering from a long work week and you feel like throwing in the towel...
Grab your sunscreen, jump into your swimsuit and toss the towel around your neck!
It's time for a beach retreat!
Sun, sand, surf and sexy people in no clothes everywhere!
It's the perfect way to release the shitty week!

You Know You're Italian...

When you commit to cooking a homemade spaghetti dinner for twenty-five people to serve at your dear friends birthday party!
Mama Mia!!! What did I get myself into?

Gentle Reminder...

Life is much easier if you want less and appreciate more.

Articulate. Communicate. ...ah Fuck It!

No matter how hard I attempt to articulate my;
needs, expectations, concerns, feelings, emotions, questions, etc. etc. etc...
Not every conversation ends with a smile.
It's inevitable in life that there will be moments where even the
most innocent misunderstanding turns into an all out WAR!
I hate getting involved in a heated debate, argument or yelling match with anyone-
Especially somebody I love.
Nevertheless, it's impossible to avoid altercations all together.
Not every battle can be fought and won in the moment.
Like my grandma always says, "Time heals all wounds."
Usually that is the case...
I'm having a tough time moving past my disappointment today!
I suppose not every day can be full of joy.
In those moments, I'm really FORCING myself to learn how
to walk away and say Fuck It!
Tomorrow I'll attempt to communicate without the needless defense.

Goodbye Summer. Hello Fall.

It's official.
Fall is here and Summer is gone.
So throw on a few layers and grab your Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latté-
It's time to things done.
The week after Labor Day is always a rude awaking for me.  It's a short week to begin, and in those four days there is so much to get accomplished.
The challenge for me is to refocus on the goals that I set at the beginning of the year...
The way I see it, a September reboot is a must.
Kids return to school. We get a new Fall TV line up. Monday Night Football returns.
So naturally, I want a  fresh outlook on my 2012 goals!
Mainly, I want to accomplish them.
So with four full months ahead, it's time to kick it into high gear.
I had some fun in the sun this summer-
But now it's time to get back to WORK!!!

An Inspirational Video for Dancers!

Tracie Stanfield has been one of my closest friends and colleagues for over a decade.

Tracie was one of the first people I met when I moved to New York City-

We had an instant connection.

While building our friendship, I worked with Tracie in many capacities;

I danced in her company, taught class for her at Broadway Dance Center, worked as a rehearsal director for her company Synthesis Dance Project and every summer I teach in her summer intensive in NYC.

Beyond that, Tracie is my loyal and loving friend.

Talented, brilliant and full of passion...

Her work as a choreographer, dancer and educator is brilliant.

This video was shot by Russian Filmmaker Olga Pnkratova.

Sunday Ritual

Faith.
Coffee.
Beach.
BBQ.

The Difference in a Decade...

When you're twenty-something...
You start getting ready around 11:45 PM.
You drink too much, hop from club to house party to after-party
and roll into a Diner at 5 AM.
When you're thirty-something...
You get home by 11:45 PM.
You drink a bottle of water, hop from the couch to the bed and
roll into a Starbucks at 7 AM.
Age Changes Things!