CHRIS CHALK IS SET TO HIT BROADWAY IN “FENCES” AND MY HEART SMILES

I realize it has been a little while since I last blogged.  Thus, I wanted to write a quick one and share the exciting news of my dear friend, and fellow actor Chris Chalk, whom I mentioned in my previous blog.  He has landed a role on Broadway, opposite two-time academy award winning actor Denzel Washington, in August Wilson’s “Fences!”

Needless to say, I could not be more thrilled for him.  No one deserves this more because he is not only extremely talented, but also giving, kind and a wonderful person and friend as well.  He and I first met in college where we were getting our Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in acting and theatre.  Since then, he has been a big part of both my family’s and my life, and we support him all the way and could not be prouder!

The play is set to hit Broadway, in previews, on April 14^th, at the Cort Theatre.  So, if you, or any of your friends, find time in New York City, and feel like taking in a show and/or seeing Denzel Washington right in front of you, I would love for you to check it out and help to support Chris!  He is the last person to brag about his accomplishments or spread the word.  Instead he is always so humble and gracious.  Therefore, I have decided to take on the role of a fan, in this moment, and spread the word myself!

On a side note, I have received e-mails asking about getting into the acting industry in general and how one goes about getting started later in life.  These are great questions, and I would love to be able to offer some insight and any help I can on the topic.  Therefore, next week, I plan to blog about just that and welcome any of your thoughts, in the comment section below or via e-mail, on it as well.  Until then, know that my heart is smiling for Chris, and that I appreciate each of you stopping by!

“Always looking to grow, love, learn, teach, work, relax, play, help, trust, care…trying my best to be my best me.” – Chris Chalk

“PRESENT LAUGHTER,” ALONGSIDE THE SILK ROAD IN THE CITY

Here I am again, right on schedule, as promised, and home in LA after a nice break back east.  Last week while in NYC, I went to see the Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of “Present Laughter,” a Noël Coward play starring Victor Garber, known by most for his role on “Alias,” as the father of Jennifer Garner.  Harriet Harris, whom you might recognize from “Desperate Housewives,” also appears. They were both fantastic, and I really enjoyed the play overall.  It consists of three acts, with two intermissions, which make the running time longer than most, but the cast kept the story, action and comedy moving well.  The elegant and elaborate art deco set, was quite appealing to the eye from all angles.

The play revolves around Garry Essendine, an egotistical actor, played by Garber, who is about to celebrate his birthday with a trip to Africa.  In the opening of the show, a pretty, young girl, Daphne Stilllington, played sweetly by Holley Fain, visits him after she has “lost her latch key,” a running joke throughout the play.  During this time we meet all three of Garry’s assistants: his secretary, Monica Reed, played by Harriet Harris; his butler, Fred, played by James Joseph O’Neil, and his German maid, Miss Erickson, played by Nancy E. Carroll.  Garry is still very much in contact with and close to his ex-wife, Liz Essendine, played by the well established Lisa Banes, who enters the plot when she suspects an affair between Garry’s manager, Morris Dixon, played by Marc Vietor, and the wife of his producer, Harry Lyppiatt’s, played by Richard Poe.  The wife, Joanna, played by Pamela Jane Gray, sports a stunning, eye-catching, elegant, empire-waisted, long, flowing, black and white dress in the first act, which I so much wanted for myself!  During Liz’s expression of her suspicion to Gary, the overly flamboyant Roland Maule, played perfectly, with no shortage of laughs, by Brooks Ashmanskas, visits him and wants his play critiqued by Garry.  As the plot develops, we see the interaction between all the characters, along with a little blackmail, seduction and an assortment of escapades.  So, if you find yourself in Manhattan, I highly recommend this show and feel the comedy will bring some refreshing laughs into your life.

While in the city, I also took in “The Silk Road Exhibit,” on the upper west side, at the American Museum of Natural History, and met up with my very good and extremely talented friend and fellow actor Chris Chalk, for dinner at Scaletta Ristorante, which was delish!  During this time, I realized that one of the things I do miss, living in LA, is the opportunity to go to Broadway shows and see a variety of good theatre, especially musicals, all packed with the true talent NYC holds.  I think I got spoiled living in the city, after college, and having the ability to walk to shows at every turn.  Also, I’ve been fortunate growing up so close to the city and having extraordinary parents who believe in the arts and took us to musicals, plays, exhibits and more, from a very young age on.

All in all, 2010 has been a great year, even though it has just begun, and I feel good about it while looking forward to all it has to offer!  I hope it is playing out positively for you as well, and, if not, remember that you are in control of your own adventure in life, so you have to make it happen, something my marvelous mother often encouragingly reminds me.  ‘Til next time, try to enjoy your own adventure, and I’ll do the same!

“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” – Oprah Winfrey

 

NEW YEAR, NEW BLOG

Let me start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year, 2010!!!  I cannot believe that a decade ago I was in one of my favorite countries, Australia, in the middle of the crystal, cyan blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef, ringing in the Millennium with my fabulous family, marking some of my best memories to date.  Ten years later, we found ourselves all together, yet again, but this time in our Nation’s capital with a slightly bigger family consisting of two adorable nephews and a another brother-in-law.

With that said, I realize I have been away from FIB and all of my loyal and supportive blog readers for some time, far too much time in fact, and for that, I sincerely apologize!  Please know that I thought about you often and have truly missed my days blogging with you.  So, along with my new year’s resolution to drink more water, I also plan to pick up where I left off and continue my weekly Wednesday blogs, so get ready!

In addition, I want to thank each of you for your continued support while on my journey as an actor and through life, as well as all of your sweet comments and thoughtful messages, even when I was nowhere to be found in blog land!  I continue to be amazed and touched by those of you who have shown interest in me, my blogs and/or acting career.  Recently, I was at an event and approached by someone who asked if I was the Liesl who blogged with Film Industry Bloggers.  After confirming that I was, he graciously proceeded to tell me that he really enjoyed reading my blogs, especially the one written on Carla Laemmle, and even recalled part of what I had written, which meant more to me than he could possibly know.

What have I been up to exactly, you might be asking.  Well, this quick 6-month wrap up, since my last blog, should help catch you up to speed…

Love entered my life unexpectedly and the adventure has been wonderful, I went on a wine tasting weekend in Paso Robles, I attended an Angels vs. Yankee game, toured the Getty Villa in Malibu, my younger sister got married in beautiful Santa Barbara, in what was a lovely fall wedding, I gained a brother-in-law who fits in with our family perfectly, I attended Carla Laemmle’s 100th birthday and got to meet the gracious Sara Karloff, daughter of Boris Karloff, who paid me a lovely compliment about my acting in “Kreating Karloff” and said she was excited to meet me, yes, little me, I dressed up for Halloween for the first time in years, picnicked on the beach in Laguna, continued work on “Rock of Ages” with Telsey Casting and the fabulous Rachel Hoffman, where I also reunited with talented actor David Tom, with whom I acted in my first TV role, “Holy Joe” on CBS, I threw my 6th annual holiday par-tay, visited Disneyland while it was decorated for Christmas, good friends got engaged while others had babies, I celebrated the holiday in NJ with my entire family, traveled back to my beloved New York City, a place I miss more as each year passes, rang in the 2010 in the Nation’s capital, and just as the year came to a close, I booked the voice and face of a video game character, which is something different for me, but that I am excited about and which presents a new, fun experience.

Other than that, I’m still looking forward to fully enjoying my 30’s, which I had just entered when I last updated you in August, and, so far, I am simply loving it!  I still plan to concentrate on the commercial avenue of my career and hosting/personality type jobs, which will hopefully lead to a platform for my own children’s charity foundation, my ultimate goal!  ‘Till next time, which will be sooner this time, I hope you all enjoy the start of 2010 and the pictures below that capture some of what I was up to while away from you the past 6 months in descending order starting in September 2009 and ending in January 2010.

“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” - Hal Borland

Photo Credit: Meghan Aileen Photography (wedding pictures below)

 

THIRTY AND STILL TAKING BABY STEPS

Let’s see…since I last posted, I have aged, yes that’s right, I’ve entered a new decade of my life known as “Thirty and Flirty!”  Those of you who know me are aware that that transition was weighing on me a wee bit, even though I was told it feels fabulous and that I would love it!  Well, as I write this, I am one week and 2 days into my 30’s and they were right…I am loving it!

This year I actually had a Birthday Par-tay for the first time in a few years, seeing that it was my 30th.  I was told it was a must, and so, I held my shindig at Falcon on Sunset.  Now, before I go on about my actual birthday, I just want to thank everyone at Falcon for always making my birthdays such a success, and for working with me so well to assure that all went well and my guests have a wonderful time.  Side note, anyone who might be thinking of having a birthday gathering, even on the larger side, and wants a classy, trendy and easy-going place where you can have your friends come out to celebrate, I highly recommend Falcon.  I believe it is a hidden wonder in the heart of Hollywood.

Now, back to my birthday, I am still touched by the number of people who came out to celebrate little me, and by all the amazing and heartfelt messages, phone calls, cards, gifts and more I received on my birthday, all of which made it so special and one of my best by far!  I am one lucky girl, and I truly appreciate everyone in my life for the many smiles they have brought to it, as well as for the continued support in the middle of a unique town and difficult industry!  I had a wonderful time celebrating, and one of my best friends from college even flew in from NC just to be with me on my big day!  To see some of the fun, below I’ve added some of the many pictures from our Saturday night at Falcon.  I think you will see how fortunate I truly am, for which I am beyond thankful!

Aside from turning 30, a true milestone, I have been busy working, going on a few auditions, although not on nearly as many as I wish I were or that people tend to think I should be, as well as doing website design layouts and coding, along with designing and creating business cards for actors and models.  I’ve also been working with Telsey Casting, once again.  This time on “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”  No matter what show I am working on with the Terrific Telsey Team, it always offers endless fun and a chance to meet some truly talented people!

I hope you all have been having a Super Summer and that things are going well!  I continue to take each day as it comes, toying with the idea of going back to school on the side here in CA and enjoying the genuinely happy state I am in these days, overall in life.  Thank you again for your continued support and for sticking by me on my acting adventure, even when it is lacking in excitement!  I will be sure to post again soon with more updates and any news I may have, but, until then, I am off to continue taking baby steps and see where they lead.

“At age 30, one receives strength.  This is the strength of character needed to pursue life’s goals. The 20s process of trial and error leads to a more secure decade of the 30s, when a person is focused on true talents, pursuable goals, and genuine accomplishments.” - Unknown

A LITTLE BIT OF THIS, A LITTLE BIT OF THAT

I thought it was time I check in and give you all a quick update.  I am currently back East for part of the summer, enjoying a brief time in my beloved NYC, a season in which the city truly shines.  While there, I got to see my first game in the new Yankee Stadium, which is wonderful!  It now has a wide variety of food choices, including sushi, and areas which allowed me to get close to Derek Jeter during batting practice.  To top it all off…the Yankees won!

Next up, I am off to just outside D.C. where my older sister, brother-in-law, and adorable nephews live to spend some time with them, while my younger sister has her final wedding dress fittings in Olde Town, Alexandria.  Aside form that, and as mentioned in a previous blog, multiple friends from high school just had babies, while others are expecting, so I wanted to spend some time with them as well and meet some of the little ones.

Per usual, I wish I had something acting related to report, but do not.  That said, I will be seeing “The Tin Pan Alley Rag,” at the Roundabout Theatre Company, and enjoying a yummy dinner at Trattoria Dopo Teatro, one of my favorites, in Manhattan, before flying back to “LA LA Land.”

So far, the summer is flying by, and as soon as I get back to CA, friends of mine will be arriving for my Birthday, since I will be kissing my 20’s goodbye and turning the big 3-0H!  Oh my!  I have been informed that I must have a party this year, and so I am going have a big gathering in Hollywood, where all my friends from CA and beyond can gather to celebrate, meet each other, and just have a low key, enjoyable evening.  I am sure many fun pictures will be taken and I will be sure to share some with you in a blog this August!

I hope you are all having a super summer filled with fabulous fun, and that it has been a success for you thus far.  Thank you for keeping up with me, even through my inconsistent blog posts, and please know that I truly appreciate each of you who stops by.  Sending you smiles, and, till next time, I am off to continue enjoying a little bit of this, a little bit of that.

“It takes a little bit of this with a little bit of that, a little bit of good with a little bit of bad.  You know that life’s a contradiction, and you can’t escape the fact you gotta take a little bit of this with a little bit of that.” – Carolyn Dawn Johnson

ACTING IN BACK, SUMMER IN FRONT

I am happy to report that the sun is back out and shining brightly!  Therefore, I think it is safe to say that “June Gloom” is behind us and summer is in full swing, especially since temperatures reached 90 degrees in the valley this past weekend!  Plus, there have been lots of people at the pool and barbecuing hot dogs and hamburgers in my complex.  This always provides me the feeling of summer, and takes me back to when I was still in school, growing up.  Summers were filled with travel, playing outdoors, swimming, and lots and lots of barbecuing on the deck with my family.

As you may have noticed, I have been a bit MIA, as they say, the last couple weeks.  Although I have been keeping super busy with friends in town, jury duty, birthdays galore, events, and charity events; the acting front itself hasn’t provided anything really worth reporting.  That said, I didn’t want to leave you all hanging for too long!

Right now, I am just happy to have my fabulous family in town visiting, something I always look forward to most and simply love!  My extraordinary parents arrived in LA on Monday night and my oh-so-fun younger sister and her fiancé arrived on Tuesday evening.  We all headed up to Santa Barbara this morning for more wedding planning, menu tastings, and overall good times!  We all always have so much fun together, and there is never a shortage of good laughs or silly pictures, which always become marvelous memories!

All in all, I am sorry for not having more things acting related to report, especially since this is supposed to be a blog from The Actor!  It seems that all things acting have taken a bit of a back burner for me in the past couple months, and I am at a place in my life where that really doesn’t bother me so much.  I think the best way to express it is that things are evolving for me, and my wants and needs are slowly changing.  Now, as to what these wants and needs exactly are, is still questionable.

So, as I continue to find my way, evolve, learn, and change, I hope all is going smoothly for every one of you on your own personal journeys and adventures.  Also, I want you to know how much I really do appreciate each of you who takes the time to read what little old me has to write.  I hope you all enjoy a summer clear of any shortage of sunshine!

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” – Mary Lou Cook

SAG TOP SECRET BALLOTS ARE IN

That’s right, the “Top Secret” ballots that I spoke of in an earlier blog are in, and the results are crystal clear.  A year after the former SAG contract expired, Screen Actor’s Guild members overwhelming, 78% to 22%, voted to ratify the 2-year contract that goes into effect today, June 10th.

Though the members voted in favor of the contract, SAG President Alan Rosenberg stands behind the fight for more rights, which is what started the yearlong negotiation process, and ultimate contract vote, in the first place.  In a statement made by him last night, and sent to every member of SAG, his unhappiness rings loudly through…

“The membership has spoken and has decided to work under the terms of this contract that many of us, who have been involved in these negotiations from the beginning, believe to be devastatingly unsatisfactory. Tomorrow morning I will be contacting the elected leadership of the other talent unions with the hope of beginning a series of pre-negotiation summit meetings in preparation for 2011. I call upon all SAG members to begin to ready themselves for the battle ahead.”

In contrast, actor and star of the award winning USA show “Monk,” Tony Shalhoub, with whom I had the true pleasure of working on that show, stated…

“This is a great decision for SAG and I’m so appreciative of everything the new leadership is doing to put the Guild back on track…they’ve obviously got the right ideas for making SAG stronger.”

Personally, I feel as though the entertainment industry has been a bit out of sync over the last couple years, starting with the WGA (Writer’s Guild of America) strike that happened in 2007.  Pilot season, which is when we actors tend to get the most opportunities for auditions and are out making our rounds for all the new shows in the network lineups, were quieter.  Things just seemed slower all around.

For an actor, it is a step-by-step process towards being successful, although what defines success is different for each person.  Therefore, having somewhat missed out on what is usually the busiest time for us, we can easily perceived it as a step back.  That said, we must remember that everyone in and around the industry felt it too, and, so, it was a group step back, so to speak, in unison.

Regardless of where you stand on the vote, the results are in. We must now move forward under the new contract, and stay hopeful towards what the future of the industry might be, which is uncertain.  Then again, uncertainty goes with the territory, so one must get used to it.   I shall now hold tight and see how things change in the industry, as well as on the audition front, while looking forward to some exciting events happening for my family, outside of acting.

“Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life.  Don’t let them scare you unduly, for they keep boredom at bay and spark creativity.” - R. I. Fitzhenry

QUICK UPDATE IN THE MIDST OF JUNE GLOOM

June gloom, as they refer to it, is in full swing, and so it is super smog filled, cloudy, foggy, gray, and even a bit cooler out at times with on and off drizzle, hence the gloom.  But that won’t keep me from writing a quick update blog for everyone!  On the acting front, all SAG members are quickly getting their “Top Secret” ballots mailed to the tallying location in Everett, WA by the 5PM deadline on June 9th, which also happens to be my marvelous mother’s Birthday.   At that time, we should all have a better understanding of where the current entertainment industry is going, and what the possible future of it is.  Though, like most things entertainment or acting related, there are no guarantees and certainty is usually uncertain.

On Saturday night, I had the chance to meet and talk with a couple of fabulous fellow actors at the famous Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, once frequented by Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable, and we had a truly enlightening conversation.  I chatted with one of them in-depth about being an actor in LA, some of the differences between LA and NYC, as opposed to even Chicago or San Francisco.  Our talk included some information he had gotten from an agent at CAA (Creative Artists Agency), one of the very top talent agencies, about the acting front in general, and its apparent slow down in pace, where it is going, and when a change might occur.

Needless to say, the conversations made me think, but then again, when am I not thinking…hehe.  There is something I am pondering giving a try, but I am keeping mum, as they say, about it right now.  Still in the realm of performing, it’s just a slightly new and different avenue, but one that I think I would be genuinely happy doing, and it happens to combine some of my favorites.

‘Till next time, I hope you are all enjoying spring and will have a wonderful rest of the week.  For those of you experiencing some June gloom, hopefully you will be able to find sunshine through other elements and aspects of your life, while keeping things bright and cheery.  If not, look on the sunnier side, rest assured that the sun will be out again, in all of its glory very soon as summer nears and the temperatures briskly heat up!

“The coast of California is the third foggiest area in the United States, after New England and the Northwest. Every spring here, the cool air that lies just off the coast — basically, a thick layer of clouds — is drawn inland by warm air rising in the interior known as May Gray and June Gloom.” – Melinda Burn

IPHONE USER ATTENDS T-MOBILE SIDEKICK LX LAUNCH PARTY…SHHH!

This past week T-Mobile celebrated the launch of its new Sidekick LX slide cell phone by throwing a pink carpet, celebrity-filled party at Paramount Studio.  The celebration offered endless entertainment and fabulous fun amongst a sea of musicians, actors, models, socialites, press, and eager partygoers.  In said sea was none other than…an iPhone user!  GASP!  Who was this iPhone user you ask?  ‘Twas I…shhh, and, don’t worry, I kept it well hidden for the evening….hehe.

T-Mobile promotes their current phone as the “new café gadget” that is “faster and more social than ever,” which seems perfectly matched for Hollywood.  Now, here would be the perfect place in my blog for me to enter my opinion or review of the phone, but truth be told, I know very little about it, and Sidekicks, in general.  That said, the phone looks cute, brought smiles to a lot of faces and is sure to be a gadget making appearances at many cafes around the world, as advertised.

These types of launches are popular events each year, and, I have to say, they did a wonderful job!  It was one of the most fun times I have had at a Hollywood event since moving to LA, and it consisted of a beautifully lit, spacious, laid back environment, with lots of free goodies, tasty treats, and divine drinks.  They had an outdoor stage set up for musical entertainment, with performances by Weezer, who also provided a unique cover performance of Lady GaGa’s “Poker Face,” as well as Warren G, and Blink-182’s first live appearance since the band got back together.  Each performance happened in between electrifying light shows timed to a wide array of music, spun by DJ AM and paired with Travis Barker on drums.

While mingling among the crowd, consisting of Amada Bynes, Anna Faris, Adrian Grenier, Kim Kardashian, Ashley Simpson, Pete Wentz, Kevin Spacey, Paris and Nikki Hilton, Pink, Kelly Osbourne,  Nikki Reed, Bonnie McKee, and the infamous Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, among many others, I got a chance to be my silly self and pose in a fun T-Mobile shot that advertises the new phone!  To top it off, all this took place on none other than Paramount’s New York Street, which you all know was the cherry on top for me!  I hadn’t been back there since the Project A.L.S. Benefit a couple years ago.

Needless to say, T-Mobile knows how to throw a party, and it was an enjoyable evening all around, which can hopefully be seen in the pictures below.  Bottom line, no matter what your phone of choice is, be it a Sidekick, iPhone, or one the many other handy phones on the market, anyone can partake in a little celebration and appreciate what those different from their own have to offer; that goes for phones, people, and life overall.

“Share our similarities, celebrate our differences.” – Scott Peck

LIFE AND LESSONS AFTER “POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE”

As I began writing this blog, I realized it was 8 years ago today May 13th that I graduated with my BFA in Acting degree!  I cannot believe it has been that long already.  Although it seems like yesterday, and I feel as though I haven’t aged at all, I have, in fact, changed and experienced quite a lot, good and bad, since.  In essence, I have continued to learn valuable lessons even after my schooling days.

Since graduation I have become an aunt; lived in what has become my beloved New York City; worked at Atlantic Records; experienced, first hand, the horrors of September 11th and how New Yorkers truly united as one to help after the fact; stood center stage on Broadway; walked down the middle of the street in Times Square with snow up to my knees after a blizzard; met and worked with Julia Roberts; moved across the country; gotten a CA license plate, something I always wanted growing up; had my identity impersonated on-line; guest starred on several TV shows; been at a party with Prince; gotten to play my cousin Zita Johann and recreate her famous scenes opposite Boris Karloff from “The Mummy;” been turned into a comic book character for “Scary Monsters Magazine;” spoken about acting to an auditorium filled with middle school students, which was a true joy; sat on a jury for a week long trial; attended red carpet events; received touching fan letters and am still amazed anyone is a “fan;” started my own card line; traveled to Prince Edward Island with friends, gained a love for sushi; appeared on my teenage favorite soap opera “Y&R;” felt an earthquake; and, among many others, was given the opportunity to document my journey as an actor here with FIB.

They always say that “time flies when you’re having fun” and seems to speed up as you get older, to which I can attest.  Sometimes it seems that every time I turn around another year has flown by, and, as in today’s case, the next thing I know, 8 years have passed since I walked across the Taylor Theatre stage at UNCG and was handed my diploma, with my amazing and supportive family sitting in the audience rooting me on, something they continue to do today.

In that moment, I had no real idea what the future held.  In fact, I had planned to move to LA upon graduation from college.  But instead I detoured to NYC after getting a call from a friend with whom I had taken acting classes at HB Studio in New York, back when I was still in high school.  She was looking for a roommate, so off I went, and I am so happy that I did.  Honestly, I sometimes wish I had stayed in the Big Apple a little longer, but they also say “things happen for a reason.”  I was, at that time, eager to move, and had I stayed I might never have experienced some of the above.  Quite possibly, I may never have teamed up with FIB, and, therefore, this very blog may never have been written.

As some of you may know, LA and the industry have lost a bit of its luster for me since my arrival 5 years ago.  I will be the first to admit that I may not fully appreciate all that this city has to offer, and it is a well-known fact that I prefer NYC over LA.  That said, I was amongst the bright lights on Sunset Blvd. last night, just before midnight.  As I drove down the then fairly quiet main part of the strip, I passed the Best Western Hotel, with beautiful Bougainvillea in fabulous fuchsia covering the front of it, right near the House of Blues.  I was flooded with the emotions and memories of arriving at that very hotel, from college in Greensboro, NC, 8 years ago to work on a KRYStAL and Backstreet Boys music video shoot, filled with pure wonder.

I remember how exciting LA was for me then and how, when I arrived at LAX and walked out into the warm night air, surrounded by tall, sleek, palm trees, it was a truly magical place for me.  Although I was to be in LA for only a couple days, I could not wait to be actually living here after graduation.  Needless to say, as I passed the hotel last night, on what was just another day, so to speak, I realized just how different and rather mellow my experience and feelings are about LA and the same location today.

Suddenly, it hit me, and, in that moment, I decided to instantly soak up what was surrounding me.  Once again, I noticed the unique Sunset Strip sparkle and the many famous landmarks it houses.  Landmarks I often passed without really recognizing because I live here.  I was quickly struck by just how lucky I am to live where I live, in the middle of a place so many only see on TV or in the movies, and it reminded me that LA is a place so many dream of one day simply visiting, let alone living.

This mini “ah ha” moment, as Oprah calls them, happened during what is a big year for me.  I will soon be entering a new decade of my life; something that has contributed to my reflection, and even projection of what I want and where I want, or hope, to be in the future.  Consequently, I am, once again, sitting here on May 13th with no real certainty of what the future holds.

Now, while part of that thought is rather scary for me, especially looking at my life outside of acting and seeing myself in a place so different from what I once thought, part is also very exciting and what life’s adventure is all about.  Ultimately, even after graduation you never really stop learning or experiencing new things.  No matter where you find yourself, there will always be life and lessons after “Pomp and Circumstance.”

“All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.” - Unknown

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