Done Deed

Silly that a piece of paper can be the difference between having a voice, and being permitted to use it.

Inevitably, change occurs when the circumstance demands a new direction;

Today, we sealed the deal on a new path—watch out to anyone who stands in our way!

Vindication

The moment you see your opponent crack and buckle;
Admitting their slanderous lies and accepting the defeat.
The truth is ALWAYS worth fighting for.

Fear Not!

The moment I exhale the negativity;
I’m reconnected with the Universe.
I once again remember that my path has already been cleared;
I just have to follow it and trust that God will provide me with the tools I need along the way.

Early Holiday

Despite my best attempt to stay motivated;
I’ve surrendered to my fate.
Ironically, I’ve spent the past two weeks meditating and deliberating on my mantra for 2017; the word I chose, surrender.
I spent last year developing the tools to stay present––regardless of circumstance––and I’m delighted that I found that peace almost every day.
It occurred to me that through the same presence of mind, I could release my need to overachieve, too.
It’s an ongoing struggle; but it appears I’m giving myself the rest of the year to begin implementation.
Cheers to surrender.

Stand For Something

My grandma always used to say, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for everything.”
That adage has continued to inspire me throughout my life;
Especially when my character has been called into question by people who will say and do anything to prove a point or “win” an argument.
It would be much easier for me to concede in order to avoid an unpleasant circumstance––at the same time, I would be enabling inappropriate behavior.
If I can be a champion––whether for myself or a disenfranchised group of people––I will always rise to the occasion.
What better way to use my education and opinion?

Stand Up To A Bully

Make sure to smile when you stand up for yourself;
It reminds the would-be bully that you are human.
The louder they get––the more your tactics are working.
Don’t be alarmed by empty threats;
Keep Faith and an open, loving heart.
And if all else fails; fight fire with fire.

Giving Thanks

Fifteen years ago today;
I cuddled up next to a fellow artist, theater nerd, dreamer, performer and I knew that I would spend the rest of my life with him, working towards our goals together.
I give thanks for him and all of my family and friends who continue to support and inspire me.
Following dreams requires Faith, family, and friends.
It also demands tenacity and a sense of humor.
I’m overwhelmed with gratitude;
I continue to learn, evolve, and dream.

Rest.

I'm tired;
I did absolutely nothing today.
I crashed on my couch with my family and watched Christmas movies––all day long.
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, but I started my practice early.

Any Press Is Good Press!

My book, So You Want To Be A Dancer, was mentioned by Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night;
It was part of a segment that Jimmy rants about book titles that might not be a selling point.
The irony, is that my book is getting four times more attention thanks to his joke.
How did he (or his team) find out about my book?  Is it fate or just dumb luck?
Who cares–––I’ve been a fan of Fallon since he was on SNL.
When he started on The Tonight Show, I knew his voice and playful humor was going to resonate with a new crowd.
Now, my book––and potentially me (if he takes me up on my offer to teach him some fresh new dance moves) are a part of television history!
Despite being the butt of a joke on late night, my credibility as an author just skyrocketed.
Just ask our president elect...”any press is good press.”
P.S. Buy, So You Want To Be A Dancer here!

Not Just Books

Knowledge is a wonderful tool;
Inspiration, motivation, and brilliant ideas.
Putting that wisdom to work requires more.
Reading and researching is the beginning;
Action, is the application.

Need?

When I let go of needs,
I have so much more room to breathe;
Suddenly the space to be creative, adventurous, and in the moment––is everywhere.

Saturday Bingefest

Reality TV,

Bagels and coffee,

Cuddling puppies on the couch,

Yoga—then;

more TV!

Note To Self: Writing.

Staring at a blank page and a blinking cursor;
It’s either a wild adventure,
or
A dreadfully paralyzing creativity killer.
Focus on the story, not the screen.

Movie and a Meal

Afternoon dates are fun;
The theater is empty and the restaurant, too.
You can stretch out your legs, and eat as much as you want; guilt free.

Spa Day

Steam room,
Sauna,
Shower,
Salt scrub,
Deep tissue,
Steam room,
Sauna,
Hot tub,
Facial,
Pure relaxation detox;
After deep meditation and thoughtful consideration I’ve arrived at a fresh new outlook:
It’s time to surrender.

Surrender

At the end of a challenging work day––I encouraged myself to go to a yoga class last night;
The class was strenuous and pushed me past my breaking point.
I felt like giving up and walking out––but a voice inside continued to drive me through the pain, anguish, and physical weakness.
At the end of class––while lying in shavasana––I had a breakthrough.
As I melted into the floor, the word surrender entered my conscious;
I began crying uncontrollably.
I started to release the anger, fear, doubt, and frustration––and surrendered to the fact that the circumstances I was struggling with were out of my control.
Suddenly I was overcome with joy.
My tears of disappointed transitioned into tears of gratitude; enlightenment.
I’m finished with fighting;
I always thought I had to push myself past, through, on top of, etc.
The truth is: I just have to release.

Relentless.

Some people get what they want because they’re charmed;
The rest of us have to push, fight, climb, fall, beg, climb (again), push harder, negotiate, barter, beg (some more), crawl, sneak in the back door, drop to our knees, fight (tougher), shove, alienate, compromise, fall, claw, beg (with total desperation), threaten, bully, bark, beg, beg, beg, fight, fight, fight, climb, climb, climb––and finally we get to sit in front of a receptionist and wait...
Then the entire process starts again.
Passionately and relentlessly focused.
Never. Give. Up.

Friendly Reminder...

When you go looking for despair;
You’ll find it.
When you seek light;
It will be there, too.

You Are Here; Again.

The past and future are a distraction from the reality that is in front of me.
The moment is here now;
The past lives in shadows, and cannot be changed.
The future lives in projections, which cannot be controlled.
I can be present––or nothing.

Welcome Back, to Life.

Nothing like the sound of leaf blowers and dump trucks to remind you that you’re no longer on vacation.
Back in Los Angeles and back to the grind––of my teeth from all of the noise I’ve returned to.
Vacation can be a distraction from life, but the truth is, I’m happy to be home.
Creativity calls––and so does the yoga studio; time to work off the five pounds (okay ten...) I gained in Hawaii.
Life is back in session.

Hawaii Day 8

The time has come to sail away;
The sand, sun, and sea have been a gentle, loving, supportive reminder that balance is necessary for creativity; and my health.
I’ll be back in time, but for now, I’m going to savor the last four hours before I fly back to reality.

Hawaii Day 7

Not even Hawaiian paradise can assuage my feelings of disappointment––and if I’m being entirely honest––fear.
The people of America have confirmed that they would rather have an openly hateful, misogynistic, uninformed, wealthy white man––with no experience whatsoever––lead the free world;
Than a powerful, confident, intelligent––openly accepting––woman.
Now, more than ever, our country needs free-thinkers.  Artists, writers, activists, leaders––who will stand up for the people who may not have a voice in the very near future.
Yesterday, a majority in our country decided that the old way is better...
I pray that my freedom and equality will endure.

Hawaii Day 6

Seriously, I cannot get to the beach fast enough;
I woke up early to work––on vacation?!
Yes, even on a holiday, I have to answer emails.
Fortunately, in paradise, zen is only a breath away.
Now that my checklist is complete,
I’m going to enjoy the heat at the beach!
Aloha!

Hawaii Day 5

Even when the birds argue at 5AM, it sounds beautiful;
It’s hard to be upset in Hawaii.
The ocean waves act as an emotional eraser––gently absorbing unpleasant thoughts and washing them out to sea.
Conflict melts away in the warm salty air;
All that is left is Faith in paradise.

Hawaii Day 4

In the morning I add rum to my coffee and enjoy meditation by the beach,
In the afternoon I add rum to my iced tea and enjoy reading my the pool,
In the evening I add rum to my Lava Flow and enjoy gazing at the stars.

Hawaii Day 3

Just as the sun rises over the volcanic rock behind me,
My mind awakes and begins to stir;
Just as the ocean rolls in towards the sand,
My heart beats and I feel alive;
Just as the birds call to each other,
My soul sings out with gratitude.
In this moment, I am present and at peace.

Hawaii Day 2

Before the sun rises, I’m up and writing in my journal;
It’s hard not to be inspired in paradise.
Layered melodies from various birds call outside my window,
The perfect soundtrack to write.
Creativity flows as easy as multiple Piña Coladas––happily tipsy, I type.
The sun lifts over the horizon revealing a shimmering crystal blue sea.
Try to be upset in Hawaii––if you are, you’re doing life wrong.

Hawaii Day 1

I can smell the plumerias from LAX;

I'll be calm when we land, I just know it!

Breathe in the warm, soothing sea.

The aloha spirt welcomes me.

Creativity; Trust in the Process

Setbacks are a natural part of the creative process;
As artists, we often feel unworthy when something doesn’t go our way.
“They must not like my work.” “I must be doing something wrong.”
When in fact, “they” are probably so deep in their own process.
Creative collaborations can be an uncomfortable idea for many,
Likewise, helping another artistic person can feel like a sacrifice.
But rest assured, when the Universe realizes a magnificent opportunity;
The stars will align.
So, it is our duty to continue cultivating and refining our work with a sense of playful, stress free joy––and when the time is right––the work will take flight.

Observation

Watching 80s movies on Netflix;

I'm remind of what color teeth used to be, prior to bleaching trays.