Reflecting

Another year comes to an end.
Three hundred and sixty five days--
365 opportunities to grow.
Some goals achieved,
Others are still a work in progress.
(Like life I guess.)
Dreams are sparked where we didn't imagine.
New doors open,
While other accomplishments seem less important.
Surprise victories!
Mild setbacks.
The beauty of life is in those moments you weren't planning for!
New friendships blossom, as some relationships drift apart.
Looking back with gratitude.
No regrets.
Now it's time to focus on new adventures.
Plan, set goals, make resolutions, dream big.
But remember we're only "promised" the present.
So don't forget to live NOW!
Happy New Year.

Artist's Who Can Do Both!

For over sixteen years, I have made a living out of harnessing the passion that lives inside.

Determined to manifest my childhood dream into a career has not always been easy. In fact, some would say it's been downright brutal.

Nevertheless, my passion, (fading) idealistic ideas and the need to release my creative energy has continued to motivate me forward--

On my journey, I've encountered soaring highs and devastating lows.

I've toured Europe. Performed on The Great White Way.  I've even been spotted on a few popular TV shows and movies.  

As grateful as I am for those moments, they are just that. Small bursts of success that have inspired me with just enough incentive to continue "living the dream."

Which by the way, I am NOT dismissing.  I am so thankful for every ounce of opportunity I've experienced along the way.

I've also been fortunate not to hold down a "real" job.  That is to say, I've never temped or worked a true nine to five job.

I have however supplemented my income by teaching.  I started teaching dance while I was still being taught.  (If you're a dancer, you'll understand this.)

As I continued to grow as an artist, my ability to teach and choreograph flourished.  However, I would not say that I was passionate about teaching.

Teaching was a means to an end.  I could do it well, and make enough money to "get by" while still pursuing my art.

As I continued to get older, my distaste for teaching grew stronger.  Sure, I found flickers of inspiration from talented students, and I always make the best of every situation, but I was really starting to resent teaching.

I often wondered, "When will it be my turn to have my dream career, and not HAVE to teach anymore?"  Plus, I was never able to mute that terrible saying that echoed through my head:

"Those who can do. Those who can't teach."

It's awful!

Naturally, I've fought that voice on a weekly base for the past sixteen years, because teaching really does provide the perfect job solution.

It wasn't until this morning while rereading The Artists Way by Julia Cameron, that my entire outlook on teaching changed. In the new Introduction, Julia offers her own insight on teaching, "I was 'called' to teach and I answered that call somewhat grudgingly. What about my art? I wondered. I had not yet learned that we do tend to practice what we preach, that in unblocking others I would unblock myself, and that, like all artists, I would thrive more easily with some companionship, with kindred souls making kindred leaps of faith."

A spark snapped in my mind.  Yes. It makes perfect sense, I am the most creative and productive when I'm teaching a class!  I'm happier. More inspired, and though I often complain on my way to the class, once I arrive, the students encourage me. 

So thank you Julia Cameron for enlightening my point of view.  I am a better artists, because I teach!

Which fuels me to respond to those who discount teachers with a quote of my own-

"Those who CAN do "it" well enough to teach others, do both!"

Family Dinner

When you grow up in a large (mostly Italian) family, dinner is more like a party...
Imagine an Olive Garden commercial with superior food and a crucifix on every wall.
Loud and energetic.
Glasses full of wine.
The odor of garlic permeating every room.
Hands flailing everywhere.
Lot's of cousins fighting.
Men in sharp slacks with Fruit of the Loom white 'V' neck T-shirts talking about their new lawnmower.
A bunch of women (and the flamboyant nephews) gathered around the kitchen sink gossiping.
To this day, dinner isn't special unless I'm surrounded by a scene from any Hollywood mob movie cliché.
That's why I'm so excited for tonights gathering on my partners side of the family.  It's the first time I've cooked for the whole family at once, and I want it to be just as delicious and chaotic as I remember growing up.  I spent the majority of my day yesterday preparing an Italian feast complete with antipasto and of course meatballs!
Mangia! Mangia!

The Artist's Way...

I was "lucky" to discover my passion at a very early age.

I knew exactly how I wanted to spend my time and live my life.

I was disciplined, focused and inspired to live the artist's way.

I ignored any doubt that I received from teachers, family and naysayers.

As I continued through life as an adult, I succeeded at accomplishing my goals.

I was living my dream.

But how long will it last?

It's a question I never asked myself as a kid.

It's a question you should NEVER ask if you're still enjoying your passion.

Nevertheless, it's an inevitable evil that arises as you get older and idealism turns into "You'reNotGettingAnyYoungerism..."

The temptation of doubt will destroy creativity.

The point I'm trying to drive home is that no matter how old or young and regardless of our financial situation, we only get one chance at manifesting the life we were born to live.

I'm rereading The Artist's Way, and I'm reminded that we are all given the opportunity to pursue our passion.

It doesn't take money or the approval of anyone else to set aside an hour a day to be creative. 

It only takes faith and self encouragement.

The only person that can give you the life that you want-

Is you.

I'm dedicated to giving myself the opportunity to shine in 2013!

Random Observation: Vacation

I start off stressed.

On about day two I begin to relax and enjoy the much needed break.

By day five, I begin to get antsy-

On day six, it's full blown OCD!

My mind hates to shut down.

Another Road Trip...

Another awesome adventure!
I find that road trips with family are always more fun with some inspiring music...
Here's a quick little slice of our 4 hour detour on the way to the ice rink!
Despite our morning set back,
We ended up having a wonderful day, and played Clue well into the evening!
I love vacation.

Christmas Morning!

Christmas Day is always more enjoyable through the eyes of a child...
Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Stress

Twas the day before Christmas and all through the house,
Not a creature was smiling...
Not even a mouse!

I woke up early this morning and sat with my partner and mother-in-law drinking coffee, eating almond crescents and sharing fun stories.  We opened presents, exchanged laughter and then began discussing plans for the rest of the day.

[Enter Stress]

I've discovered that no matter where you decide to spend the holiday, it becomes tough to escape the stress of the season.  Perhaps because it's the end of the year?
Emotions are high. Money is tight. Everyone is revisiting the goals and dreams that they intended to accomplish throughout the year.
Intentions are always in the right place.  It's the perfect time for family, extended family and friends to gather in celebration.  Rejoicing in the birth of Jesus.
We forget that each family brings their set of expectations, ideas and holiday traditions.  We lose sight of what's really important...
FOOD?
No!
PRESENTS?
No.
FAITH?
Oh, right.
Faith, of course in the Savior we all gather for in the first place.
But what about faith in each other?  Maybe if we all just had a little more faith in the people we choose to spend our precious time with, we would be able to share our patience too!

I will miss spending Christmas with my family in Colorado. Despite our arguments, setbacks and spats, we find time to laugh and love too!
This year I'm so grateful I have my family in California to step in and fill the void...
(The Good. The Bad. And the Stressful!)
It's Christmas, and I'm blessed to have so many people willing to fight for my attention!

Another Christmas Road Trip...

I admit, I didn't think I'd agree to another road trip for a long time after last years epic journey to Colorado.
I'm not sure if it was the 22 hours driving through a blizzard, the car overheating, or the puppies getting sick...
Perhaps it was a combination of everything?
It was literally the Perfect Storm!
Nevertheless, I sit in the passenger side of our practical, recession proof economy car writing this blog on our way to San Francisco for Christmas!
I guess I'm a sucker for a car trip?!
It reminds me of my childhood:
Fighting with my sister. Stopping at every crappy gas station for junk food. Visiting the "Worlds Most Uninteresting _______"
If there's a bag of beef jerky and an Arizona Iced Tea, I'm in!
Look out Grapevine...
Here we come!

Random Observation: Christmastime in LA

The streets are bare-
The bars are dead,
There's no one in sight!
LA is empty.
I wish it was always this quite!

Have No Fear!

The world is still here.
I guess the Mayan calendar was wrong...
Or maybe the scribe in charge, got tired of etching the stone?
Either way, 12/21/12 is here...
and so are we!
I guess it's yet another reason to celebrate.
I haven't seen this much hype since Y2K!

A Real Day OFF...

No emails,

No Tweets,

No errands,

No phone calls returned,

No office work,

No writing,

No production,

And NO Facebook.

Today I'm taking a real day off!

Bye.

When Technology Fails...

Take a deep breath,
and walk away.
There's no use bashing your brand new lap top just because Safari won't open!
It's too expensive to replace.
Plus, I don't need the stress!
I don't want to have a heart-attack before I'm 40.

The Closer Christmas Gets...

The bigger by tummy grows!
I think it's called the Santa Claus Effect.
It's what happens when you're faced with a huge buffet of
food and libations at EVERY holiday party you attend...
And the response from the host when I say, "I really shouldn't, I'm trying not to over-do-it!" is "It's the holidays!"
Yep, it's the holidays alright.  I know because my scale reminds me every morning!
Happy Holidays!

When Good TV Shows Die...

I'm so upset!
The Voice went to the dark side.
And it started off so strong.
I guess the TV audience has spoken.
Another one bites the dust.

The Day After Hanukkah...

Two parities,
One night,
A lot of brisket,
A lot of wine,
A lot of friends having a wonderful time!
Happy Hanukkah

A Love Poem for Bug

At first sight, I knew-

You were the man I'd spend my life with.

Poised, confident and movie star handsome.

A brilliant sense of humor, 

Wit and charm.

Your passion radiates in everything you do.

Your love and loyalty is unparalleled.

It was love at first sight, that's true.

And with every passing day, my adoration grows deeper.

You inspire me in every way possible.
No goal can compete with the love I have for you.

No dream I've ever dreamed can compare to the past ten years with you.
Happy Anniversary.

Six Word Essay On Holiday Parties

Eat less. Drink Less. Be Merry!

Never Fear...

The holiday stress is here!
No matter how hard you plan,
or how calm you strive to remain...
The joy of the season is ALWAYS a pain!
I will not give in
to the scrooge in me.
I'm going to drink, eat and be MERRY!

Abby's Ultimate Dance Moms Parody

No matter how busy the month of December can be, we couldn't let the year end without one last parody!  And with her BIG success... who better to spoof than the Ultimate Diva Maniac herself...

I'm please to share A Group Productions latest parody, Abby's Ultimate Dance Moms Parody:

Christmas Is Coming...

...And Mattie's getting FAT!
It's that time of year,
When I eat too much food.
Everywhere I look,
Something sweet.
And this gut of mine-
It has crossed the line!
Even with the yoga...
I need to step away from the sugar cookies, fudge and as painful as it is to admit, I think I might need to drink one less Gingerbread latte a week!

Gratitude

It's such a simple word.
Gratitude:
The feeling or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive.
Thank you Wikipedia!
Wonderful opportunities and blessing come to me on a regular basis, yet I forget to give gratitude.
I get so caught up in the focused, relentless pursuit of working toward the things that I WANT, that I forget to take notice of the gifts I receive.
Yesterday, Jeff and I were able to spend our "day off" working and creating together.
I was so excited that we were able to wake up, enjoy each others company over brunch, spend time with our puppies and then get to work producing another parody.
There were so many other projects, tasks and jobs that we NEEDED to get accomplished, but Jeff and I were willing to put everything else aside, and focus our attention on one another!
We found balance- and I am grateful!

Production Day!

We've been so busy developing a TV show and our first feature film at A Group Production the past two months that we've had very little time to shoot a parody...

Never fear! Today we found the time!

I'm excited to share a picture from our latest parody:

Abby's Ultimate Dance Moms Parody!

Parody coming soon...

What Matters in LIFE...

I was on Facebook this afternoon (doing my usually social media "check-in") and I came across this wonderful  reminder on a friends "wall." I have to reblog it:

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’
The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..
‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—-your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—-and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else—-the small stuff.
‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.
Take care of the golf balls first—-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

How great is that story?!
I have no idea if it's true or not-
But that doesn't really matter does it?
The message is clear-
LIVE a full life with family and friends!
...and save some room for beer!!!

Happy Friday!

Yoga-
Coffee with a friend.
Interview with an artistic director to choreograph an original show in LA...
Today is going to be an awesome day!

Marriage Equality In Mexico

When I think of Mexico, I think of;
cheap vacations,
getting drunk by a pool,
laying in the sun,
buying random handmade ___Fill in the Blank___,
drinking delicious margaritas,
dancing in the discotheques,
waking up in a strange hotel room with a girl named Bonita...
But I guess that's just the side of Mexico most Americans expect to see...
So today, when I woke up to read that Mexico's Supreme Court  unanimously ruled that a law to ban same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, I was shocked and inspired.
The court noted that assigning marriage to one man and one woman "violates the principle of equality."
I find it so encouraging that countries around the world view same-sex marriage as an matter of equality, not religion.
There's hope for America yet!

Outlook Is Everything

I can wake up in a shitty mood-
and I have several options;
A. Go back to bed-
With this option, I allow myself the opportunity to sleep it off.  The pro is I don't have to deal with my feelings or issues, the problem is I'll most likely wake up in a shitty mood again the next day.
B. I can allow my shitty mood to affect the entire day.
C. I can accept the emotions I'm feeling and begin to address each issue that may be contributing to the overall feeling.  Then, I can slowly remind myself of all of the awesome energy, love and opportunities I have.  Finally, I can release each fear as I begin taking action to overcome each setback.
I think I'm going with option C. today!
It's not always easy, but it sure feels better than walking around in shit!

Sun

The sun came back in LA today-

Our week of rain is gone.

We needed the water,

but not the gloom.

People here aren't used to grey, cloudy days.

We need light, bright positive energy!

I guess that's because most of us spend our days fighting the dark forces of Hollywood.

We NEED Mother Nature on our side!

Remember...

When one door closes-
Another one opens.
Or so it's been said.
I can't deny it.  During the course of my life, I've experienced hundreds of opportunities where I least expected them.  I don't want to sound negative-
I'm just so ready for a door to open, and stay opened!
I never would have guessed that I'd thirty-four years old and in the process of selling a television show.
In fact, I never really saw beyond the idea that I would be famous.
Yet, here I am... Not famous, but grateful that people enjoy the work that Jeff and I create.
As grateful as I am for that, I'm really hoping, praying and keeping everything crossed-- that our big gamble pays off soon!
I'm too invested to give up, plus I'm too tired to start from scratch!
When God closes one door, He opens a window...
Unfortunately the window may be across a very large room, filled with trap doors and evil villains!

Post PJ Party Hangover!

Nothing rings in the Christmas spirit like a house full of cheerful friends eating and drinking!

It was a wonderful night.

Old friends from New York meet friends in LA.

Too much food and just the right amount of Holiday Punch!

I'm ready for the December joy!

Party Prep...

Wake up;
Clean.
Bake.
Cook.
Run errands.
Get caught in the terrible rainy LA traffic.
Rage in the car.
Rush home.
Light candles.
Turn on festive holiday music.
Shower.
Put on my PJ's
Guest arrive...
Party!