ReconNEcT Working Week 5

This week I'm sending letters to;

A friend from yoga class, who hosted us in her beautiful home for a day of games, food and gossip.

I'm also sending a note to a wonderful choreographer in the business, with whom I had the pleasure of working with this week on the set of "Bunheads."

One month down, and I'm really enjoying the old fashioned form...

I'm just bummed that stamps are going up again!

Oh well, $0.48 is a small price to pay to tell a friend or colleague you're thinking of them!

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo the Parody!

I'm pleased to present A Group Productions latest parody...

Her heart may be big, but her belly is too!

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo the Parody:

That's A Wrap!

It's always a blast to be on a set...

Especially when you get to hang out with a group of talented (and hilarious) dancers!

"Bunheads" was a blast!

But all good things must WRAP!
Thanks again Marguerite Derricks.

On The Set...

Early call,

Make up and wardrobe,

Grab some grub,

Sit around, 

Called to places,

A lot of standing... waiting,

Action is called,

The scene comes to life.

Surrounded by talented people,

I LOVE my job!

action

The art of doing something-

Moving forward,

Creating,

NOT standing still.

Taking responsibility,

In movement,

Making things happen,

Ready to roll cameras on our next parody!

Life is short...

action!

Six Word Essay on On Overachieving

I spent the entire day relaxing!

Can We Talk? I Think So!

Jeff and I are so excited today.

We're going to be on a TV talk show promoting our new Outrageously Fabulous parody TV talk show!

Talk about a lot to talk about...

Stand by- Photos from the set to follow soon!

Of course I'll share clips of the segment when that airs too! 

Rain, Rain Go awa...aaaait A Minute! We Need You!

I seriously question people who live in Los Angeles and say, "I love the rain."

My initial response is always, "Then why did you move to LA?"

If you "LOVE" the rain, wouldn't Seattle or somewhere in Florida be more appealing?

The truth of the matter is that it really doesn't rain often in Los Angeles.

When it does, it only lasts for about three days. 

(Occasionally we'll get a two week downpour.) 

But that only happens once every three years. (My unscientific guess.)

So when you hear rain in the forecast, most people brush it off. 

Especially when just the day before the skies were blue, the sun was out and you were chillin' at the beach enjoying the 80 degree weather! (See yesterdays post.)

Nevertheless- it happens.  You wake up to the harsh sound of droplets pounding at your windows.  For an instance you think you're on the back lot at Universal, and you're stuck on their "rain" soundstage. 

Alas, it is in fact rain!

Naturally I'm in an instant bad mood. UHG! I hate the grey skies, wet EVERYTHING and worst of all the LA drivers in the rain...

But then I remember how much we NEED the rain.  Not to mention how beautiful the city looks once the rain lifts and we're left with a smogless skyline. Plus, we NEED the rain.

So rather than wish it away, I'm going to smile and say thank you...

Oh look, the sun's out!

Thank God! 

RecoNEcT Working! Week 4

I'm happy to report that my hand has finally stopped cramping!

This week I sent Thank You notes to two of my friends that hosted me while I was working a gig in Las Vegas.

I also sent a surprise note to my old friend and colleague in New York!

She's a writer, so I decided to include a "quote" for inspiration.

I think this project has been more exciting for me than the recipients of the notes... 

January and It Feels Like July!

When it's sunny in LA, get out and play!

The beach is always the perfect option,

Blue skies and 80 degrees in January?!

God I love the West Coast. 

Thank You Mr. President

A country still divided,

Hopefully not for long.

No leader has ever had the blessings of all-

Their ability to soar in spite of that is what makes history.

"Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers & sisters are treated like anyone else under the law..." - President Barack Obama

Amen. 

Life of A Grape Day 5

Alas-

The expiration date is near.

If you don't enjoy the fruit while it's fresh,

It just turns into a shriveled mess-

And so I say good bye to Fruit of the Loom,

It was a fun gig,

But it's time to return to the life of microfiber! 

Life of A Grape Day 4

I’ve been photographed,

Pinched,

Laughed at,

and hit on…

I’ve been in this costume so long,

I’m turning into a RASIN!

Life of A Grape Day 3

I'm a grown man getting paid to dress up like a giant green grape-
The people stare and laugh,
"How degrading!" they whisper while they pose next to me for a photo op...
Yes, almost as despicable as you trying to feel me up in a grape costume!

Life of A Grape Day 2

Squeezed and teased,
On our feet the whole day-
Smiling for flashbulbs,
Laughing at the same terrible jokes;
They think they're being original.
Just take the picture and get on with your day!
I'm already over my life as a grape!

Life of A Grape Day 1

Up extra early,
Fresh off the vine-
Arrive at the venue,
Ready to make wine.
Producer not here yet-
"Be there in an hour."
I guess the life of a Grape is exactly like the life of an Actor;
You're squeezed & juiced in every direction.
No wonder we're both sour!

It's Official!

I never thought the day would come-

Make no mistake, my love is, and always has been;

Unconditional and eternal.

It was my approach that shifted;

I grew. Evolved. Blossomed. 

I became fearless in a new way.

I awoke to the truth.

Life is short-

Celebrate the goodness and honor what you have.

Deep, passionate, inspired and full of gratitude!

Yesterday we made it official-

But it was, and always will be my greatest accomplishment. 

RecoNEcT Working. Week 3!

On the heels of the Golden Globes-

I was inspired to write my manager of eight years.

"Thank you" wouldn't even begin to express the gratitude I have for her. 

So I sent a simple note with a quote that let's her know I'm always appreciative.

I also sent a note to a wonderful friend from yoga-

She shared a basket of lemons that brought a zesty smile to my face...

and a ton of flavor to my vodka!

A Golden Time... Bring on Award Season!

Stars align on a red carpet,

Flashbulbs, camera crews and hosts on E!

Silver and Rust collide for this award show;

Honoring excellence in networking...

I mean talent in the industry.

Celebrities packed in an overcrowded hotel ballroom,

Most getting too drunk- 

Anything could happen with that combination!

The Golden Globes are my favorite to watch,

But when it comes time to win...

I want OSCAR gold! 

Lemons into Vodka Lemonade!

When a good friend gives you fresh lemons...
Instagram them,
And then make Vodka Lemonade!
Life's short, enjoy the fruits that surround you!

Silence That Dog.

The dog outside has barked nonstop since 7 AM this morning-

It sounds like a big dog.

I imagine a German Shepard,

Trapped inside a 1,400 square-foot condo in the Hollywood Hills.

The constant rasp of his tired voice echoes through the canyon.

Is it possible to sympathize with an animal and want to silence it all at once?

It's owner is the real animal.

Who leaves their dog locked up all day long?

Why can't they be like everyone else in LA,

And carry it with them in their purse?

OSCAR® Nominations...

My phone rang at 5 AM this morning-

I answered with great anticipation.

It was my manager reminding me that I did NOT get nominated for an OSCAR® again this year…

Apparently online parodies aren’t even considered!

RecoNEcT Working! Week 2!

This week I decided to reach out to a close friend & an editor who featured our company A Group Production in Instinct Magazine!

I hope they’re surprised when they open up a hand written note!

Because my hand is already sore from writing them!

Rage!

It starts off slow,
Simmering.
Listening to the untruths-
No use trying to defend yourself,
You're just proving their point.
The heat builds in my stomach,
Quickly rising past the heart.
When it reaches your throat it's too late!
My mouth opens in anger.
The rage has got the best of me...
Again.
Right after yoga too.
People that want to get a reaction usually get what they want.
Forgive yourself and try harder next time.

Six Word Essay on Contracts

Fine print is small on purpose!

Fearless

A young boy full of ambition and fearlessness-

Ready to conquer my childhood dreams,

I would move mountains if I had to.

Relentless, driven and full of charisma,

Opportunities arise!

Sixteen years, life takes its toll, and idealism fades,

Daily struggle is for the young?!

No!

Every dream is worth fighting for.

Remember that boy who lived inside?

He's still there full of passion.

Underneath life's lessons and doubt remains the fire-

Reignite it, 

Fearless into the unknown. 

Silver Dreams

It's already a gorgeous day in Los Angeles.

I sit overlooking the silver shimmer that reflects off of the vast city-

Stretching all the way out to the peninsula where I grew up.

As my eyes scan the land of dreams,

My own childhood desires come speeding back!

I left this city once in pursuit of new discoveries-

Only to return home to finally accept,

I belong here.

My heart yearns for the sun-drenched streets lined with palm trees-

Where stars are more visible in the daylight.

Like an overexposed 80's song,

I love LA!

Shameless!

Reading about how “shame” effects an artist-

As children we are shamed by people who are afraid of exposing a truth.

Artist’s uncover truth and shed light on uncomfortable subject matter, 

and this is often why some of the greatest works of art receive the most criticism.

Interesting, I’ve been “shamed” a lot in life.

Somehow I’ve managed to ignore it, and blissfully continue creating.

I’m not afraid to be laughed at, if it means I get to do what I love.

I am shameless!

(Right at this moment of discovery while reading the chapter in The Artist’s Way)

I look out from the balcony off my living room and see a 15 story Showtime billboard advertising, ”Shameless.”

Wow! God has an awesome sense of humor! …and sends a clear sign!

ReconNEcT Working!

A new year, a new project.

Like many people, at the start of a new year, I like to set a few goals and resolutions.

Over the past four years, my commitment has included adding one creative project that I would do for the entire year.

It began as a way to stay focused on creativity and positive energy throughout the year. 

(Not just in January!)

For example, this blog.  The goal three years ago was to write a daily entry for a year to ignite my artistic flame.  It worked so well, that here I sit three years later!

This year my objective is to send one (1) handwritten note, letter or card to a friend, family member or colleague every week for a year!

We have become a society overwhelmed with email, Facebook, Twitter and texting.  Our online habits are killing human communication skills.  People stand at parties texting other people at the same party! It's nuts. 

I decided that a wonderful way to show someone you're thinking of them, would be to take the time and energy to hand-write a note and spend the money on a stamp... 

My hope is that it will bring a smile to the person on the receiving end!  In addition, it will encourage me to continue building my networking skills!  I'm calling the project:  ReconNEcT Working!

After all, everything in this world is about networking.

This week, I ReconNEcT Worked with a friend from high school.  Mike Rose and I both went to the Orange County High School of the Arts, and have continued on a similar journey.  

He has a hugely popular web series and is a wonderful performer. 

So Mike, expect a letter from me... It should get there in three to five days!

Back To YoGOD My Body Hurts!

Back to yoga after 10 days off.
Sweat covered mat,
Legs quivering,
Belly rolls,
Twisting sideways-
AHHH!
Tweaked my back...
This is good for me right?!
I'm in pain.

Perfect Taking Risks...

Nothing kills a dream faster than our need to be perfect.
Life is not perfect-
Some would argue (myself included) that the things we appreciate most in life are born from the imperfections.
We will never meet our true potential until we take that leap.
It's a huge risk.
We risk the judgment of others if we fail.
They might say, "I told you so."
They might say we were terrible.
They may even laugh at us-
But there's always the chance that they just might be blown away!
I'd rather look back and say, "Well, I tried that and it didn't work out." vs. "I didn't try that because I didn't want to fail."
I think that would be an epic failure in living a full life.
So here's to a year of "perfecting" my ability to take big risks!

Out With The Old...

…in with the healthier, more resolved me!

Isn’t it funny how we wait until the start of a new year to decide to do something good for
ourselves?

Naturally I fall victim to the idea that change can only happen in cycles;

I make lists, set goals and strive to be that better person.

Yesterday I sat down with my journal and wrote out all of the things I want to
accomplish in 2013. 

(I’ve been doing this every year for well over ten years, and I’m always focused on setting
goals that are very ambitious.)

Generally I achieve some version of most of them too!

Yet there’s still one goal I write down every year, and work toward it every year, and still
some way or another it alludes me.

So my number one goal, dream, resolution… whatever you want to call it, is to release 
every expectation I have for what the year, month, day or even minute “should” bring,
and stay active and present while “it’s” happening!”
Starting now.

Rather than reedit this blog post (like I do) to make sure it’s perfect, I’m off to join my
family and watch a movie!

Happy New Year.

May all your goals manifest exactly as they’re supposed to.