Family Ties

The conversations I have with my sister now versus when we were growing up is night and day.
The fights, name calling, and competition has been replaced with love, respect, and support.
I feel blessed to have a friendship with such a strong woman.
I’m impressed with her wit and intelligence, and her ability to listen and offer thoughtful feedback is appreciated.
She knows me, accepts me, values me, and encourages me––which is inspiring from a little sister.
Our evolution has been a constant work in progress, and I’m grateful for her willingness to continue to build our relationship.
You can’t choose your family, but you can choose how to communicate with them; I’m lucky to have a sister who’s ready to participate!

Special Day

Today is a special day.

The birthday of both my grandma and niece;

Also mine and Jeff's twelfth anniversary.

I'm so grateful for my loved ones.

Their unconditional love and support is overwhelming,

Their spirit's are uplifting.

#Blessed

Mom and Dad; My Heroes

I didn't realize it when I was younger-
As an adult, I can comprehend how extraordinary my parents are.
Growing up they gave me: discipline, guidance, support, unconditional love and the confidence to follow my passion; they continue to do so now.  Moreover, they have become my friends.
When I feel like giving up, they're my coach-building me up.
If I need to cry, they provide a shoulder and words of wisdom to cheer me up.
When my ego takes over, they're there to remind me who I am.
When I need help, they continue to offer whatever they can.
I know how lucky I am, I count my blessings everyday.
I have a mom and dad that continue to be my number one fans, whether I'm teaching, performing, writing or working as a waiter; their love and pride is an example of true parenting.

Hallucinations

It's starting slowly,
She's seeing things that aren't there.
How do you take away an independent woman's freedom?
The alternatives are not an option.
She will hurt herself or someone else.
The disease is moving fast.
It's not something I can't fully grasp-
She has always been my rock.

Share The Love!

Today I received an amazing Facebook message from an old friend that I grew up with.
It's not the first time that someone has shared a nice compliment or words of encouragement on behalf of the work that I strive to create.
However, I think it was the most unexpected and gracious to date.
I spend the better part of my day working to find new ways to create, inspire and add a positive contribution to society. Usually the reward I get from that alone is enough to continue to wake up each day and focus on forward action.
Still, if feels wonderful to be validated, especially in the industry I'm a part of.
I maintain that while my dream and passion was sparked at a young age with the hopes of being a famous movie star, that idea is not what motivated me to stay in the game for the past fifteen years.
About three years into my professional career, I realized that this lifestyle is tough! One minute you're making a ton of money and feel like a superstar, and then next minute you're praying you qualify for unemployment. Once I understood the truth about this business, and accepted that it is a BUSINESS, I was able to set in action a new thought process.
I understood that if I was going to continue to fight to "make it" as a performer, I would have to do so with the purpose of growing as artist.
It has been my mission ever since to create work that makes people laugh, cry, react, get involved, grow as a person and think from a new perspective.
I'm thankful to hear from a friend who knew me when I was still a kid dreaming of being a famous movie star.
Obviously, that dream has not come true yet. But I am damn proud of the fact that I have continued to stay true to my purpose on this earth.
Moreover, I'm so humbled that I continue to inspire my original "fans" that I grew up with. If I can bring a smile to one person a day, I'm delighted with the job I'm doing.