Goodbye 2016.

And so it is upon us––another year draws to an end; and what a year it’s been.
The blessings, growth, and adventures have been abundant.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I look back on the opportunities and evolution that I have experienced in the past 364 days.
My life is a constant work in progress––I’ve never been shy about admitting that––and still somehow I manage to flourish in the midst of finding myself.
What were once flashes of light in my otherwise dark outlook––have manifested into a literal moving frame of pictures from day to day.
More than ever before, I was able to stay present, accept each moment for what it brought, and breathe through even the most challenging setbacks.
As a writer, I finished my second manuscript.  I learned more about myself through the process of sharing stories from my past, with the awareness of my present.
As an actor, I worked on two television shows––and remembered how magnificent it is to perform; I’m nowhere near the end of this journey.
As a choreographer, I had the opportunity to set my first full-length concert dance piece; watching my story come to life through the dancers eyes was magical.
As a person, I re-discovered that a positive attitude and the fearless pursuit of my passion will always lead me to an opportunity.
I have no clue what’s next for me––but I know that wherever I am, I will do my very best to stay present, seek light, and savor the journey.

Rain Delay in LA

When it rains in LA––which is very rare, but surprisingly more common this year––I make the most of it;
I give myself permission to blow off work, and curl up with my puppies next to the fireplace.  I dive into a great book until my eyes start to blur and then I relocate to the sofa and channel surf until I find the perfect movie to fall asleep to.
Today is the perfect way to ease myself into 2017 and my new resolution: surrender.
I’ve spent the larger part of my life overachieving, hustling, fighting, and engulfed with busy work––I’m really looking forward to a new approach.
The rain delay is here to stay, at least for a season.

Enlightened Thought

While meditating in yoga class yesterday, it occurred to me that people spend a lot of energy and money on “aging gracefully”––in a moment of clarity I realized that the focus should be on “living gracefully.”
That simple, yet powerful switch in my focus allows me the space to evolve into the most enlightened person I can be, as long as I walk (or wheel) the earth.
“I’m not aging––I’m living.”

I'm Home!

It's fun to visit the snow––the Christmas spirt feels crisp and alive;
bundling up to go sledding or sipping hot coco by the fire...
But the swaying palm trees backlit by the gorgeous California rays reminds me that I'm an LA baby, all the way!

Colorado Christmas Day 6

Driving through the small towns between Colorado and California, I've realized...

The smaller the town, the worse the drivers.

#RoadTrip

Colorado Christmas Day 5

We had a Christmas slumber party last night at my moms house;
My sister and I under one roof––along with my niece, three dogs, my husband, mom, and step-dad––it was a circus for sure.
It was also a wonderful reminder of how special the holidays are.
We played board games, watched movies, but my favorite was a round of karaoke; my niece loves to sing!
Today, we’re going sledding at San Isabel.
Tubing down snow hills, we’ll surely freeze our butts;
But what Colorado Christmas would be complete without snow and hot coco?
...and my niece screaming in my ear as we fly downhill!

Colorado Christmas Day 4

Merry Christmas!
I feel blessed to be with my family this year;
Faith, food, laughter, and cheer.
We opened packages this morning––as people do on Christmas––but the best gift I received this year was the present; truly learning how to live in the now.
Learning how to enjoy or accept each and every moment, regardless of the circumstance, has enabled me to appreciate my life on a deeper level.

Colorado Christmas Day 3

It’s the day before Christmas and all through the house...
Candy, cookies, and Hallmark movies are abundant.
The cooking is finished,
The presents are wrapped,
And I’m just waking up from a long winters nap.
My family will gather tomorrow with cheer;
And after the festivities we’ll all run with fear––of cleaning the dishes!

Colorado Christmas Day 2

Family gathered in the kitchen;
Laughter, love, and a lot of dough.
We made delicious Italian cookies called pizzales.
Nothing says, “Merry Christmas” better than a dozen of these sweet, light, crisp cookies.
They remind me of my childhood, my grandma, and my gut––because I always eat too many!

Colorado Christmas Day 1

Upon arrival last night, we were greeted by the entire family with an Italian dinner.
Their warmth was a nice contrast to the cold winter night.
The puppies woke up early this morning to go play in the snow;
They leap through the air like Santa’s reindeer.
Today we’re baking traditional Italian Christmas cookies;
Just looking at the ingredients I’m gaining weight!
It’s good to be with family during this time of year.

Road Trip

Double-trailer semi trucks blowing in the wind;

Stay in the slow lane please.

That car that won't let you pass, and won't drive the speed limit either?

How many times can we listen to Mariah Carey's Christmas album? Indefinitely.  

Surrender

The holiday season ushers in the end of the year;
A time of gratitude, reflection, resolution, and faith.
I always start each year off with a theme or word to visualize and meditate on.
As I gather my thoughts for 2017 the word “surrender” continues to present itself; in conversation, while I’m reading, and during yoga.
Why is it so much easier to absorb ideas while lying in shavasana?
When the mind is still and the heart is content––when all that remains is breath,
I find my surrender.
Now, if only I could figure out how to incorporate the energy into my daily life––without obsessing over checklists, resolutions, and overachieving.
I need to surrender to my OCD, and just be.

Friendship; LA

At a trendy restaurant in West Hollywood,
Four former neighbors––a la Melrose Place––gathered to celebrate the Christmas spirit and share our resolutions for the new year.
While enjoying tantalizing food, festive (and fabulous) cocktails, and enough laughter to avoid sit-ups for at least two days, it was evident that we share a formidable bond.
Our relationship has endured more than a decade in Los Angeles––and through all of the transitions, job promotions, setbacks, and scene changes––we continue to seek creative and personal growth together.  As true friends tend to do.
These bonds are rare in LA, more precious than Oscar gold; and I’m not letting go!

How Much Is That Shih Tzu in the Mirror?

I’m staring at my dog as she watches herself in the mirror;
She’s trying to decide if she should attack her reflection––or play chase.
We make eye contact and she tilts her head sideways;
My heart melts and she gets bashful.
I can't comprehend people who don’t understand dogs––they are such honest, loyal creatures.

Christmas Weight

The holiday weight is over...
Christmas is just around the corner and if I keep overeating at every holiday party––I’m going to be large enough to replace Santa Claus.
Tis the season to be merry; and uncomfortable in clothing that doesn’t have an elastic draw string.
So, unless I’m ready to start buying my clothes at Walmart––I need to trim the holiday cheer.

Fireside Inspiration

Curled up cozy by my fireplace;
The warmth of the flames inspire happy childhood memories.
Raindrops tap lightly on the window;
The soothing rhythm provides background orchestration;
Perfect for writing.

No WhINing...

When you enjoy one too many glasses of wine;
You best expect to wake up and feel puffy, stuffy, and old...
You did it to yourself––so stop your whining and drink a lot of water!

Dinner Party

Dusting,
Vacuuming,
Prepping food,
Creating the perfect playlist,
Seating arrangment––it’s important to consider who’s NOT talking to who.
Lighting candles,
Stocking the bar,
Friends arrive:
Small talk, greetings, meeting new friends;
Drinks are served––now the fun begins.
Laughter, gossip, food, and more booze;
Tis the season to be jolly.
...tonight marks dinner party number FIVE... four more to go!

Listen

When people talk, they want to be heard.
Opinions, ideas, and reactions––even when the come from the right place––often confuse the conversation.
Sometimes a friend just need you to say, “I understand; I’m here for you.”
Silence speaks volumes.

Home; Back to Work

One puppy sits near my feet,
The other one rests by my thigh;
I pound at my computer:
Checking emails, connecting socially––and occasionally I get some creative writing done, too.
It’s good to be on the road working;
But it’s great to be at home with my family.
Business as usual this morning.
It’s important to honor the little things in life;
Every detail further enhances the moment.

Blessed

I make a living out of a childhood passion;

Creating art and paying the bills.

Life is good. 

Even if I have to travel across the country for a day...

Dance Life; Christmas Time

40 dancers,

12 hours,

24 pieces of choreograph,

1 sandwich

4 Starbucks Lattes

And partridge in a pear tree. 

Fear

It grabs you when you least expect it;
Releasing the emotional reaction to a situation helps alleviate the fear.
The unknown can be overwhelming;
Light will always conquer darkness––it just takes faith.
Past and future can only hurt you if you allow the feelings to stop you from living in the present.
Be here NOW.

Pounding

My head is pounding;
Still angry from last night.
Nothing but lies and dodging questions;
I will not exert anymore energy on this matter.
Sometimes you just have to walk away.

One Word

Done!

Contact; Pay It Forward

There is always time to share love;
A phone call, email––even a text message just to say, “Hello.  I’m thinking about you.”
We’re so consumed with acquiring money, fame, accolades, and material objects––but what we need is friendship, a shoulder to cry on, validation of our feelings, fears, and desires.
Contact; with a human, not a machine.
Warmth from another feeling being.
Take time to share your energy with someone today; it may change their entire outlook.

Secret Ingredient

My best work is done after three cups of coffee;
Starbucks is like Wheaties to me,
In fact, I think the dedication page in my next book will read like this:
Starbucks your loyalty (reward program) has kept me addicted since 1994;
Thank you.

Sunday

S

U

N

D

A

Yoga

The other letters don't matter after yoga.

Do It Yourself...

If you want something done;
Delegated the duties to your colleagues,
Discuss the findings in a conference meeting,
Accept that not everyone has the ability to meet deadlines,
In the last hour––realize that you have to do all the work yourself,
Complete a months worth of research and work in one hour and then move on to the next “fire”.

Holiday Balance

Sometimes balance means letting go of harsh expectations;
The holiday season always weighs me down––I gain a solid ten pounds.
The scales are tipped with delicious cheeses and spirits galore;
Come January, I’ll be lucky if I can squeeze through my front door.

December Cheer

The year is near an end.
Goals have been accomplished––or not.
It’s time to reflect and give thanks for the many adventures in 2016;
And to release the setbacks, disappointments, and overzealous demands.
The year was complete––exactly as it was supposed to be.
Now relax, give thanks––eat, drink, and be merry!