Confessions of a Cluttered Mind

Fertile Ground Festival 2012

2012-01-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

The last 10 days of January will be a theatre-lovers dream here in Portland. Fertile Ground is a festival of new works taking place January 19th-January 29th in venues all over town! It is a veritable feast of theatre!

The performances range from fully-mounted productions to works-in-progress to staged readings and everything in between. It is truly a smorgasbord of theatre delicacies and they all can be sampled by purchasing a festival pass or buying individual tickets for specific events. Whatever you do, be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out what looks good to you.

What a great way to kick off the new year with lots of inspiring new work from the eclectic group of artists here in Portland. I am excited to see the work of several friends who are involved with Fertile Ground. Additionally, I am thrilled to participate in the festival this year with a reading of my short play "This is Temporary."

Nothing like a 10-day theatre festival to inspire and delight, and certainly put me in a good mood! Right on, Portland! Write on!

Just Do It...

2012-01-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

by Paul Klee

Nike got it right when they told the world to just do it. This can apply to everything. When fear stops you in your tracks, take a deep breath and do it anyway.

As a writer, I face my fears everyday. Of not being good enough...afraid that what I'm writing is crap or that I'll never have an interesting idea again. And you know what? I sit and face that dreaded blank page and take a deep breath and write anyway. And you know what else? Sometimes it's crap. So what! You have to start somewhere.

I had the privilege of meeting local writer Sage Cohen at a writer's festival last year. She has written an excellent article for Writer's Digest entitled "10 Ways to Harness Fear and Fuel Your Writing." Everyone can benefit from reading this piece, whether you're a writer or not. Art is life. Life is art. The process is the process no matter who you are or how you express yourself.

Thanks Sage for such sage advice (pardon the pun, but I couldn't help myself!) Have a look at what she has to say and then go and plunk yourself down and have your way with the empty page. Don't edit yourself...just do it!

Here we go...

2012-01-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year one and all. Here comes 2012!

I met my deadline way before the clock struck 12, so I was able to revel in my latest accomplishment with some good friends and ring in the New Year as a celebration rather than toiling over a keyboard. It's a good start to what I believe will be a good year.

I recently read a wonderful post from the blog Marc and Angel Hack Life--Productive Tips for Practical Living. The entire blog is filled with great ideas, but one of the posts resonated deeply for me and I would like to share it here.

"30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself" offers insightful advice for things we need to shed from our lives. Being mindful of making our lives better is the first step to living a highly productive and satisfying life. I hope you find this list, and for that matter this blog as enlightening as I do.

Happy January 1st. Happy 2012. The sky is the limit as long as you believe it is! Enjoy!

By Marc:

When you stop chasing the wrong things you give
the right things a chance to catch you.

As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Nothing could be closer to the truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back.
Here are some ideas to get you started:

Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.
Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.
Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled.
Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.
Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.
Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.
Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.
Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.
Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.
Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness.
Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.
Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.
Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. There’s no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.
Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.
Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.
Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”
Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.
Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.
Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.
Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.
Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.
Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.
Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. Read Getting Things Done.
Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.
Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.
Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.
Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.
Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.
Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.
Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

Contentment

2011-12-27T18:22:00.000-08:00

As we approach the end of 2011, most of us are reflecting upon the year we leave behind. For me, 2011 was filled with an abundance of change, quite a few lessons learned, and the entrance of some new and wondrous people in my life. For that I am grateful.

In the last few months of this year, I am learning to find contentment in my life. It is sometimes a challenge, but for now I am pleased with how things are ebbing and flowing. Life can change on a dime, just like the weather here in Portland, and we can't always be prepared for what comes our way. But with a positive outlook and faith that things will turn out the way they're supposed to, I continue to travel on my merry way.

Ups and downs. Bumps in the road. Obviously life is not always easy. But I look forward to 2012 with an optimism I haven't felt in a long time. There are new friendships to forge, new playwrighting opportunities to undertake and unexplored roads yet to travel. It should be an interesting year. But, aren't they all?

Happy New Year everyone. Peace, love, prosperity and health to us all in 2012!

Cheers!

Planting Seeds

2011-12-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

I know first-hand how important it is to plant seeds for young people today. Whether it is through the arts or some other medium, giving these kids confidence and allowing them to express themselves is so important for their future productivity and success.

Please read the guest post below by my cousin Mike B. He happily shares the story of a woman who is helping to plant the seeds for young people in her community. Thanks Mike B for contributing this great post!

Fun Learning for First Graders

When I was young, I used to love reading a feature in Reader’s Digest magazine called The Most Unforgettable Character I’ve Ever Met. Some of these “characters” were famous, others were not, but I always enjoyed learning about them.

Over the years, I’ve met a few unforgettable characters of my own—ordinary people who impressed me with their meaningful contributions. One of these people is Kelli Pearson—or Miss Kelli, as I knew her when I began volunteering over nine years ago as a homework tutor in an exciting after school program at a community learning center in my hometown. 　

At the time, Kelli was the director of the K-5 program at the center. I watched as she taught and engaged kids, introducing them to the fun of learning. She also had a knack for handling difficult situations, making the environment a welcoming and safe place for children. I was impressed not
just by her ability to teach kids, but to reach kids.

Now that reach extends farther than ever before. Earlier this year, Kelli launched www.SmartFirstGraders.com, a web site devoted to making learning fun for kids. While plenty of teachers find exciting ideas here, Kelli’s main goal is to give parents ideas for helping their kids learn.

Since kids have a way of resisting being taught by mom or dad, the web site’s learning activities feel more like play than work. Who would have thought that playing card games, making bubbles, going on scavenger hunts and baking cookies could be used to teach math and science? But it works, and kids love it. I know because I have used some of Ms. Kelli’s ideas with my young grandson.

Success in first grade sets the stage for young kids to develop into good students, and what better way to do this than by making learning fun. With the help Kelli offers on www.smartfirstgraders.com , parents can help their first graders reach this goal.

From articles on fine motor skills to tips on how to deal with bullies and mean kids at school, from cool science experiments to lists of classic books for first graders, www.smartfirstgraders.com is a valuable resource for parents and teachers on math, science, reading, child development, and more.

I am happy to call Kelli both colleague and friend. She taught me how to reach kids on their level, and this has made me a better tutor. If you have a first grader and want to give your child a learning boost while you and your child have a great time together, check out this site. (You can say you heard about it from Mike B!)

ScratchPDX

2011-12-11T17:25:00.000-08:00

Back in October I had the great fortune to work with Eleanor O'Brien; a fantastic Portland actress and artist. I came on board to help create a whimiscal piece of theatre for a local fundraising event. It was a terrific experience, because not only did I get to work with Eleanor, the entire cast of seven other beautiful woman were delightful to work with as well.

Last night, the piece we originally created for the October fund-raiser was featured again at ScratchPDX. Scratch is an experimental performance space for acts of all kinds to try out their stuff in front of a lively and friendly audience. Anything and everything including spoken word, performance art, improv, play readings and dance can be featured here. The warm and welcoming people that host and volunteer for this event made the evening infinitely enjoyable. There was such a strong sense of community sitting amongst the audience and it was so fun to be a part of this amusing and entertaining evening of theatre.

If you are in the Portland area, I strongly encourage you to check out ScratchPDX. It runs the second Saturday of every month from October through May at Hipbone Studios. You never know what you might see and experience. I'm hoping to have some additional work featured in the upcoming months...I'll keep you posted!

Hope everyone is enjoying December. It's mighty cold up here in Portland, but my heart is full and warm.

Peace.

Return to the Blog

2011-11-29T16:33:00.000-08:00

Google Images

Is this my official return from my 10 week hiatus? I cannot say for sure. But I have missed writing for this blog, so I thought I'd drop in and see if anyone was still around and reading!

The past couple of months have been interesting, to say the least. Full of highs and lows and lots of work. I enjoyed a delightful Thanksgiving with some new and wonderful friends, and, as they say, the beat goes on...

In January, I will be having a reading of my newly revamped short play, "This is Temporary." The reading is part of the Fertile Ground Festival, and I'm pleased and excited to be part of this new works extravaganza! A big thank you to PDX Playwrights who gave me the push! I've also cast some terrific actors and cannot wait to start working with them. First read-through is next week and I'm looking forward to it.

Still working diligently on my most current play commission...stay tuned to hear more about that in the next month or so. And just so you know, I do plan on returning to writing for this blog regularly in the new year.

In the meantime, I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. I'm actually hosting a party this year and really looking forward to that, believe it or not! Not usually a fan of the holidays, but this year I'm embracing everything that comes my way. I've turned over a new leaf...why not!

Please chime in with your comments...let me know how you're all doing. I love hearing from you.

Tis the season and all that jazz.

Peace.

On Hiatus

2011-09-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Taking a cue from one of my blogging friends, I have decided that it would be best if I took a break from the blog. I am so grateful that my plate is full and I have plenty of projects to keep me occupied through the next 6 months. Other changes are stirring in my life as well, and I realize I have not been as devoted to this blog as I have been in the past.

So I'm taking a break. I want to thank each and every person who has read my words, followed my ups and downs, commented publicly, privately, or simply sent good wishes along the way.

This is definitely not goodbye. It's just a break. I don't know when I'll start up again...there may be sporadic postings here and there, or one long silence until I feel able to start up again and write regularly.

In the meantime, I wish you all a productive fall and hope you will continue to read my posts when I resume the blog. Thanks again for everything!

See you soon...

Rhythm & Flow

2011-09-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

Joie de Vivre by Robert Delaunay

I went to the theatre this past weekend and finally saw a play I've wanted to see for ages. I read plays all the time, but remember, plays are meant to be seen and not necessarily read.

What struck me about this particular play was the vividness of the rhythm and flow of the dialogue. It was heightened; not many people I know speak to each other the way these characters spoke to one another. It was quite theatrical in many ways even though the entire play takes place in an ordinary living room. I need to learn how to do this in my own writing. My work needs to be heightened; it needs, believe it or not, more theatricality. In my attempt to make situations naturalistic, I'm afraid my work sometimes borders on the mundane. Ugh...death!

Does it seem I am contradicting myself if I say I didn't like any of the characters, but I did like the play? In other words, I would never want to know those people...I'd never want to go to their house for dinner. I would be mentally exhausted trying to keep up with the minutia of their conversation. I didn't like them at all, but in terms of the writing, I found their behavior and their dialogue riveting. And of course, they were very recognizable. I have known people like that in my past.

I am always in student mode...always learning more about how I can make my writing more dynamic. In the scheme of things, I'm still a very young playwright--I've been writing professionally for less than 10 years, so that makes me a very young artist indeed. I have so much to learn from the many stellar writers out there.

As I move into a very busy fall season, where multiple plays need to be created, characters need to be given life, and storylines need to pack a wallop, I sit and ponder the magnitude of what I need to do. But I also get to develop new worlds, new relationships, and that is the part of the work that is the most fun and the most intriguing. I simply need to get out of my own way, and let the muse take over. Where the heck is she???

A Pile of Words

2011-08-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." ~Ernest Hemingway

I find myself sitting amidst a pile of words, wanting to string them together as if they were beads on a thread. Can I do that? Can I randomly choose one after another paying no attention to articles of speech or context? I believe it would sound something like the Jabberwocky or worse.

It is not my intent to create nonsense or indiscriminate writing. I have a focus; it's simply slow in coming.

I play in my pile of words as if they were freshly fallen leaves from a tree. I dig deep, I throw them in the air, I thrash about, I cough up the dust. When I close my eyes I still see them floating in front of me. Words, words, words, like Shakespeare exclaimed. Meaning nothing. Meaning everything. My lump of clay. Sitting expectantly. Waiting for me to do with them what I will.

All in a Day's Work

2011-08-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Right now at this very moment, I'm in between gigs. Finished Round 1 and am ready to hit Round 2. So what do I do with my very little precious time in between? Write a blog post of course. Actually, I read and answered quite a few emails and am jotting notes to prepare for this evening's class. But I also wanted to get a post in, because it's gonna be awhile. So here ya go!

I've done this before. This sort of manic juggling of a variety of different jobs. The most gigs I ever held down simultaneously was 6 and that was back in 2003. That was a long time ago. But here I am, back up to speed and doing it again. Total gig count as of today: 4. I'm teaching, writing, teaching and editing. How's that for a juggling act?

It feels good to be this busy, but at the same time I'm finding myself yearning for a Red Bull. Well, it's 4 o'clock in the afternoon and I have miles to go before I sleep, so that seems about right.

Gotta run. Just wanted to once again thank you all for weighing in on how to survive this juggling game. This activity should calm down for me in a couple of weeks...for a little while anyway. Then me and the D-man are gonna take a short little jaunt somewhere special before all the craziness starts again for both of us.

It's like a clown car, isn't it? You think only one person is getting out of that car but they just keep coming. Those crazy clowns! Well, all I can say is that I'm grateful that these gigs keep coming. I'll find a way to balance it all. I always have. I think I thrive on it.

Hope all of you are enjoying your summer. No one should be working this hard in August...enjoy the dog days if you can!

Here's the thing...

2011-07-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

So the thing is… I have a deadline. Well, to be clear, I have multiple deadlines because I’m in the midst of doing multiple things. And of course, each thing has a deadline.

The big deadline is 3 months away, so you might say, “Well, hey, no sweat…3 months is a long time.” But it’s really not. It’s not at all. 3 months are going to fly by and before I know it, the deadline will approach. The day will be here…knocking on my door. “Your 3 months is up. Over. Kaput. Where’s your project? We’ve come to collect it.”

And this is not one of those things that you can quickly put together 2 or 3 days before the deadline. Oh no…not at all. I NEED these 3 months to accomplish what I need to accomplish.

But then I have other deadlines. More immediate deadlines. I have, what I call, my bread and butter deadlines. Daily deadlines that are my bread and butter. Suddenly, I seem to have a lot more bread and butter deadlines than ever before. Which is kind of a good thing, but at the same time they cannot be ignored because after all, they are my bread and butter. So obviously, these immediate deadlines get my priority. And after I have accomplished what I need to do for my bread and butter, I am absolutely exhausted, knocked out, depleted and I think about the looming deadline 3 months away. And I think, “Well I have a little time for that one. Don’t I?”

But no. I don’t have time. Because now it’s the end of July, and August is already fully plotted out, and before I know it, September will be here and bring with it all that it will bring. As October rolls around, the chaos may dissipate and some semblance of order may find its way into my life. But then I will only have 1 month. October. And I cannot fully count on October being my friend and providing me with the time, focus and concentration I need to complete the BIG DEADLINE.

I have to find a way to make it work. I have to. There isn’t any alternative. I am a writer. And I write for my bread and butter and I write for the big deadlines, and I live in the chaos and I get it done. I find a way. I have to. There is no room for discussion here. I find a way. There is no other option but to do it.

Any suggestions???

Down the Rabbit Hole

2011-07-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

image design by Emek

Wonderland is alive and well and exists in the form of the Oregon Country Fair. Please understand, this is no ordinary country fair with folks selling apple pies and growing gigantic zucchinis and raising enormous pigs. Nope...not even close.

This fair is like entering a parallel universe where giants and other mythical creatures roam freely throughout the magical woods. There are artisans galore happily offering their wares including pottery, jewelry, candles, soaps, and artwork of all kinds. Food of every kind will permeate your senses...a veritable smorgasbord of delight. A menu for every palate: vegan, vegetarian, carnivore and those with a heavy sweet tooth...it's all there for you to partake and indulge and decadently devour!

It is not at all unusual to be greeted by a parade of colorful characters and musicians at every bend along your journey through this dreamlike world. I can't even tell you all the sights and sounds I saw when I visited the fair this weekend, but I will tell you it I was on sensory overload.

I didn't know where to look first--the Cirque du Soleil type of folks seemed to be everywhere...there were magic shows, musical concerts, puppets, vaudeville, street performers and anything and everything you can think of to delight your senses. Very scantily-clad men and women with their bodies painted in delightful colors and flowers and it seemed like the '60's were alive and well and happening in Eugene Oregon.

The hippies were everywhere because here, at the fair, everyone is coming from a place of peace and love. There are the die-hard hippies...holdovers from Woodstock...the ones that partied with Jerry and the Dead...there are the new hippies, the teen hippies, the baby hippies and even the hippie wannabes...because let's face it...at this fair, everyone wants to be a hippie.

The port-o'-potty I used (which of course they refer to as "The Honey Bucket") reeked of weed and patchouli...not a bad combination when you have to pee outside. Frankly, I was delighted not to smell piss and shit!

I enjoyed myself immensely... a big thanks to the D-man for taking me down there and tuning me in, turning me on, and letting me drop out...if only for a day. Today, I emerge from the Rabbit Hole...but I wouldn't mind staying down there a little longer. Oh well...there's always next year. Oregon is cool!

Peace & Love Everybody!

These are not my feet!

A Pillar of Salt

2011-07-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

photo by Philiphannis

Sometimes I find myself missing my old life. And then I wonder why...I'd rather make something of this new life then mourn the old one.

If I keep looking behind me, I might just turn into a pillar of salt. Best to keep moving forward...

Storytime with the kiddies

2011-07-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

image by archanN

It's hot today. But I have a lot of work to accomplish. Didn't want to stay in my apartment; I'm afraid I wouldn't get anything done. So I head on down to the local coffeehouse. Nice vibe. Free wi-fi. Lots of electrical outlets. It's crowded and I'm a little daunted, but I know it will ebb and flow throughout the day, so I find a table, plant myself, plug in and off I go.

And then I see the sign: "Storytime today at 10AM." It's set up right in front of where I'm sitting. And I see the guy with the tall black top hat and the woman with clown makeup and pigtails and I think..."Really? Today? Oh boy..."

There is nowhere else to move; every other table is filled, and if this wasn't the designated storytime area, it would be a killer location. How long can it last I wonder? So here I am...hunkering down, with the lilting sound of the clown-like woman providing the soundtrack to my day. "Can you see the star in the picture? Great job!" And little ones, little ones, little ones everywhere.

One little girl walked in wearing sunglasses and looking like she owned the joint the minute she got here. The clown woman said hello and asked her how she was today. She said, "I'm great! Saw a unicorn on the way over here." Wow...I wish I could start my day out with such enthusiasm. I looked out the window to see if I could spot the unicorn...not one in sight.

It's not as distracting as I thought it would be. The kids are relatively well-behaved, and if they don't start screaming or crying, I should be able to get my work done. And of course, they should be gone within the hour (I'm hoping.) And really...you never know...it might turn out to be a good day after all. I might just see a three-legged dragon or something on my way home today. One thing about being around children...anything is possible. Except maybe...getting your work done.

Father's Day

2011-06-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

I live across the street from an over-priced hipster joint that has a line out the door every weekend with throngs of people dying to make their own pancakes. The sidewalk is flooded with patrons waiting for a table that has it's own griddle. Once seated, you can choose a variety of different batters and literally make your own pancakes on the table right in front of you. It's a novel idea, but it's way too expensive for my taste and I'm not sure it's worth the wait.

Today, Father's Day 2011, I walked past the trendy cafe and saw an even bigger crowd than usual. Lots of Dads were hanging out, clutching their cups of coffee and obviously enjoying the time with their families. There were Grandpas with their older, grown-up kids; there were young Daddies hoisting the little ones on their shoulders; and everyone was laughing, happily and patiently waiting for their moment in front of the grill, eagerly anticipating the Mimosas and Bloody Marys that would accompany their delicious breakfast fare.

Today, I think of my Dad, long gone now, but ever present in my memory. I wonder what he would make of me as this pseudo grown-up person and if he would be proud of my life. He lives in me every day; every time I crack a corny joke or have a splash of temper, he's there.

I miss you Dad. I wish you were here. But as corny as this may sound, I see you in my dreams quite often and I thank you for taking the time to visit from wherever you are. Happy Father's Day Pop! I love you, you ol' rapscallion you!

Weekend Highlights

2011-06-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

Come on...tell the truth. You just did a double-take on the photo above, didn't you? Well, don't worry...you're not seeing things. That really is a guy riding his bike naked. And that's exactly what I saw this weekend...oh the perks of living in such a silly city known as Portland.

We were driving down the road...me and D...and suddenly D says, "Hey! That guy is naked!" I turn to my right, and sure enough, there is one lone guy riding his bike sans clothing! I did the requisite double-take but there was no mistaking it.

He seemed like he was having a very enjoyable afternoon ride on his bike. He was wearing a hat (apparently to protect his head from the sun, but obviously nothing else was protected. I sure do hope he was smeared with SPF everywhere else!) He was wearing socks and sneakers and that my friends is all she wrote! Just had his birthday suit on and nothing more. Hmm....wonder where he kept his wallet?

No cars were honking or making any type of spectacle out of this spectacle. I guess everyone here in Portland takes this type of thing in stride. D didn't even honk because as he told me, he was too flabbergasted to even think about honking. It took us both a couple of minutes for our brains to register what we were seeing.

I cracked up laughing. I was highly amused. I hope the cyclist got home safe without any incident (meaning I hope he wasn't arrested for indecent exposure or any other hassle.) I truly believe he was simply taking advantage of the lovely weather we were having.

Sometimes after a long, cold, rainy winter, you just have to get out there on your bicycle and ride. Naked. The motto here is "Keep Portland Weird." Amen to that! Hope you all had an equally enjoyable weekend. With or without your clothes on!

Home

2011-06-07T17:19:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I moved from Southern California to Portland, Oregon last October. The reasons behind the move are varied, and the act of picking up and moving a long distance is traumatic enough. To say I downsized in order to move to Portland would be an understatement; though I held on to many of my cherished belongings, and put the most important things in my little car and drove north. The rest of my things stayed in storage.

Last week, I returned to Southern California to retrieve my items out of storage. There was more stuff in that little storage facility than I had remembered. So there I was, once again discarding more items and repacking. It was emotional. I kept telling myself that it was only "stuff." But it was my stuff! Every object had history behind it. Since not everything could fit in the car or in my new place in Portland, I inevitably had to let even more things go. Downsizing again. But my motto has always been less is more, so I guess it's a good thing. I guess...

On the drive back to Portland, I got to thinking about the meaning of home. Southern California is so familiar to me. I know where everything is; my family lives there and it was my home for many, many years. But I never truly felt like I belonged there. I always felt like I was on the outside looking in. I've lived in many different cities and I've always had that similar feeling...that I was an outsider. And so, because of that, I've moved around a lot...hoping to one day find the place that clicked. That one day I could identify with a certain city and truly call it home.

Is Portland home? I'm not sure yet. I still have mixed feelings about this place, but I haven't even been here a year so it's too soon to tell. I like it here a lot, but it takes more than that to make a place a home. I am doing the best I can; finding ways to become part of the Portland community. There are many opportunities here, so I have hope that I will one day hunker down and feel that this is where I belong.

For now, I simply ponder what it means to call a place "home." Yes, now all my stuff is in one place and that feels good. Secure. But I need something more...yet whatever that something is, remains elusive. I hope I find it here in Portland. I'm not sure I have another long distance move in me. Not for awhile anyway. So I'm hunkering down...putting the books on the shelves and the pictures on the wall. And for today, I am home.

Shadows in the Night

2011-05-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I don't sleep very well. Too much on my mind, perhaps. Every now and then, the stress of life can really get to me and interrupt my sleep. I have been known to experience an anxiety attack or two in the middle of the night. You've been there? It's no fun, right?

Last night, I was having one of those nights. Restless. Tossing and turning...couldn't get comfortable. Covers pushed off, then pulled back on as I started to shiver in the frosty night air. I often like to have the window open just a crack to let the fresh air in, but last night it was pretty damn cold.

In that drowsy state between full consciousness and sleep, I knew I wanted to get up and shut the window. I opened my eyes and looking straight ahead, I was sure someone was standing in my bedroom. A very tall person, wearing a hat. Very broad-shouldered, and needless to say, very menacing. I shut my eyes and opened them again very quickly, thinking that act alone would make "him" disappear. Yet he remained. I felt my pulse race, I wanted to scream; I thought for a moment I was dreaming, but knew for a fact I was awake. And I was. I was awake. And there was an intruder standing in front of my bed.

And yet...this figure never moved. Never swayed. And interestingly enough, never made a sound--not a breath or a sigh emanted from him. And as sleep fled, and my rational mind took over, the terror I felt a moment earlier seemed to dissipate. And I was able to roll over and turn on the light. My 7 foot, broad shouldered visitor with the hat was my jacket hanging in the wardrobe that faces my bed. I turned the light off and he reappeared. Clicked the light back on, and there was my innocent jacket once again.

I will never underestimate the power of light and shadow, and my own imagination. If tonight brings the same agitated sleep, and once again the shadows fall in such a way to create a figure in the night, I will do my best to remain calm...know this "thing" means no harm...it's all just a figment of my wild, agitated thoughts.

Tell me...what do you see in the dark?

Scene and Be Seen...

2011-05-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

As a writer, or any type of artist for that matter, it is always wonderful to have our work validated. One of my new short plays is getting validation next week. My heroes at The Collective Theatre Company in New York City are presenting new work at their May Fundraiser called "Scene and Be Seen," including one of my latest pieces entitled This is Temporary.

If you are in the NYC area, and are looking for a great evening of entertainment, knowing that at the same time you are supporting the arts and this innovative company, here are the details:

WHAT:

SCENE AND BE SCENE" - THE COLLECTIVE/CROSSHATCH THEATRE COMPANY'S MAY FUNDRAISER
Directed by Stephen Agosto and Emma Canalese

WHEN:

MAY 20TH & 21ST AT 8PM (7pm Cocktail Hour)
$10 AT THE DOOR (INCLUDES A SHOW AND YOUR FIRST DRINK, WHAT A DEAL!!!)

WHERE:
The Neighborhood Playhouse
340 E. 54th Street
NY, NY

It's a great deal at only 10 bucks a pop and is sure to be a fun night! So go out and support theatre, playwrights, actors and have a lot of fun doing it! If you get the chance to go, I'd love to hear from you!

Technical Malfunction

2011-05-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

I was working on a really great post. I hadn't written on my own blog for awhile since I've been busy guest posting on other blogs (that's a good thing) and I really liked the new post I was working on.

So, I needed to walk away from it for a bit as I often do when I'm writing. Take a little brain break as it were...I saved the draft and ran some errands. When I returned, I couldn't get into my Blogger account. Blogger had gone down! For over 24 hours. I couldn't finish the post.

When I returned to Blogger today...the post was gone! So were a couple of comments I received that had never been published. AHHHHHHH.......

It was such a good post, if I do say so myself. But now it's gone. Forever. I will try my best to retrieve it from the dark recesses of my mind, but the moment is gone. The mood is gone. It will take too much effort to try and resurrect it, and frankly...it wasn't that good. In the meantime, here's this little rant. I shall calm down and afterwards, I shall post something fresh and new and hopefully fun this weekend.

Bloggers using Blogspot are all in a similar boat today and probably as P'O'd as I am. It could have been worse. I could have lost the whole thing. Now, I'm wondering if I should move over to Wordpress? Any thoughts on that one, people? I would love to hear what you think...

Everyday People

2011-04-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

Opening Night! There is nothing more exciting in the theatre world than an opening night and I'm happy to say TONIGHT is the opening of the world premiere of my play Everyday People.

The play deals with bullying in schools on every level, beginning with elementary school kids up through high school. And of course, it touches upon the issue of cyber bullying which is running rampant.

Not to sound too pessimistic, but I'm afraid bullying is never going to go away. But I do think that if parents and teachers can pass on the message of kindness and tolerance, there may be a slowing down of the horridness we've been seeing lately. Kids have bullied other kids since the beginning of time...I'm sure little Neanderthal children were slamming other Neanderthal children into cave walls. But with the onslaught of technology, the ramifications of bullying via social networks and text messaging are profound. And the results will never go away. As Aaron Sorkin so succinctly wrote in the film "The Social Network," the Internet is written in ink. You can never erase it once it's out there.

I am hoping Everyday People will bring even more awareness to an already topical issue and hoping this type of behavior will no longer be tolerated. I love theatre. It educates. It entertains. It illuminates and inspires. Happy Opening Night everybody!

Paying It Forward...

2011-04-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

Holy Guacamole, Batman! I was alerted this morning that one of my newest followers, Thom Brown, who writes the blog To Gyre and Gambol, bestowed the Kreativ Blogger award upon me. It was bestowed upon him as well, and he, in turn, is paying it forward and spreading the honor to other bloggers that he likes. I'm so flattered.

But with reward, comes responsibility. So I have to pass the same Kreativ Blogger award along to ten bloggers that I deem worthy, and then I have to reveal ten things about myself that most folks might not know.

10 things? Really? GULP...

Well, first things first. Let me say how much I absolutely love to blog. And I have met some extraordinary people in the blogging world. It's amazing the friendships that have been created here in cyberspace. The following 10 blogs are ones I totally dig. I would love to get to read them more often, but sometimes time is the enemy and I can't get there as often as I'd like.

In the meantime, I share the following blogs with you as I bestow upon my creative colleagues, the Kreativ Blogger Award. Don't forget to pay it forward friends! Here's my list:

1. Bonnie Joy Bardos writes Bohemian Artist: Painting & Thought. Bonnie was one of the first bloggers I met and she is the epitome of an artist. Her paintings are spectacular. I love her Bohemian ways. She, like her middle name, is a Joy! Check her out.

2. Absolutely Kate is absolutely a riot. Her blog, At the Bijou, is one of the most innovative and unique blogs I've ever visited. And Kate is a hoot. She features lots and lots of writers...all kinds, but mostly, if you like film noir, you'll like At the Bijou.

3. If you want someplace to rest your weary head, and feel a moment of peace, please visit Healing Morning. Beautifully written by the talented Dawn Sievers. You will feel renewed.

4. A ukulele player who also deals antiques. This is one innovative blog that I love stopping by from time to time. Lots of fun to check out the Beatnheart.

5. I know Thom Brown already bestowed this award to my blogging buddy Savira, but frankly her blog Living, Laughing Breathing! is so wonderful, she deserves the double-prize! This blog is an oasis in a desert, that's for sure!

6. I met Erin Cole as she was just publishing her first novel Grave Echos: A Kate Waters Mystery. She's an incredible writer and a wonderful and generous woman. Please read everything you can get your hands on at Erin Cole Writes.

7. Sometimes as I peruse the blogging world, I find a blog that makes me chuckle. That in itself is noteworthy. A Moose Walked into a Bar makes me chuckle. Check it out and have your own chuckle.

8. Jonathan Aller paints fruit. It's really amazing. They look real and they make me hungry. Do yourself a favor and have a look at Alla Prima studies by Jonathan Aller.

9. Lots of short but sweet stories for lovers of fiction at Fiction for Dessert.

10. Great musings and anecdotes at Things My Mother Taught Me. Have a look-see. You'll be glad you did.

So these are the 10 blogs I deem worthy of "Kreativ Blogger Award!" And as for the 10 things I need to reveal about myself...well, dear readers...that will have to wait for another day. With all these new blogs, you have a lot of reading to do! Enjoy! And remember, when someone does something nice for you--pay it forward!

The Play's the Thing...

2011-04-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

Currently, I don't have my television hooked up. I use it strictly for watching DVD's and nothing more. There are a variety of reasons for this, but namely it's about distraction. I don't want the distraction of the television. It's too easy to flit away the hours watching meaningless images on the screen. I choose not to do this...it's as simple as that. And I'm saving some money as well which is always a good thing!

But occasionally I do miss it so I'll get my fix from watching specific shows on Hulu. Love Hulu. Hope it stays free. Anyway, one of the shows I enjoy watching is "Parenthood." Sometimes I find the show annoying with all the obvious overlapping dialogue and the sanctimonious storylines, but mostly I like it. Mostly.

This week the season two finale aired on Tuesday night, which means the latest episode was available on Hulu on Wednesday. So this is what happened in a nutshell...I'm not going to try and explain two seasons worth of this show and all the character history, but this is what I want to discuss now--One of the characters, Sarah, is a single mom raising two teens and living with her parents in their beautiful house in Berkley, CA. She has a drug and alcohol addicted ex-husband (the father of her children, who showed up in several earlier episodes and played by cutie-patootie hippie boy John Corbett).

I'm getting to my point, I promise. Sarah currently works as a bartender (a noble profession) but is trying to find her path in life. She stays up all night one night and writes (presumably) a story all about her family. (which is what the TV show is about in the first place.) She takes the story to her daughter's high school English teacher (who she used to have a crush on) and he tells her it's really good writing but it should be a play. A. PLAY.

Here's where I come in...or rather, here's where the story starts to IRK me. Sarah rewrites the story as a play. Now it's a play all about her family. Ok...so writers are supposed to write what we know...but suddenly Sarah seems to know everything there is to know about playwrighting and she knows details about playwrights and suddenly she knows all about the theatre. And of course her dad knows this quirky theatrical-type director/producer played by Richard Dreyfuss who embodies every stereotype of a quirky theatrical-type complete with ascot, hat and walking stick.

So of course, in this season finale she gets her play read at the illustrious Berkley Rep to a packed crowd and the thing is...the dialogue of the play that we, the "Parenthood" viewing audience are privy to, isn't very good. It isn't very funny. It just looks like some mediocre version of the TV show itself. Which, of course, it is.

All I'm saying is that it wasn't very believable. Up until now, I've been with the show all the way. But this? Maybe it hits too close to home. Maybe it's because I know how hard it is to get a reading anywhere, much less at Berkley Rep. Maybe it's sour grapes on my part. Maybe it's because life on television shows is almost always better than the real thing. Sometimes. Maybe not. I don't know. I want a play produced by Berkley Rep. That's the truth!

So, the show hit a nerve. And it made me realize, that maybe...just maybe...I'd be better off without television including the shows I watch on Hulu. And maybe I need to get crackin' on this new play I'm working on (which, by the way, is NOT about my family). And maybe I'll meet some quirky little man who wears an ascot and walks with a cane and has connections to Berkley Rep or some equally prestigious theatre.

The Pulitzer Prize Awards were announced on Monday. I didn't win. Maybe because I didn't enter. But maybe it's because I didn't have a worthy submission.

I gotta go. I gotta get busy. I have a play to write.

Everybody has a Story...

2011-04-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

I was taking a walk and I found a small cardboard box on the corner of the street filled with somebody's stuff. The word "FREE" was written in large block letters on all four sides of the box with a red Sharpie.

Inside the box were three psychedelic scarves that were slightly shredded and had cigarette burns throughout. There were four romance novels, yellowed with age, from another time, another place, a different century--the 20th century. There were two small troll dolls who had seen better days, two pairs of very clean, but not exactly new white socks and a deck of cards from the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. I counted the cards. There were only 50 in the deck. And no Jokers.

There were some other assorted items in the box. A weathered coin purse, a stapler (with no staples) 3 or 4 pens and a Hello Kitty eraser. I stared at the box for quite awhile. Longer than I should have. I didn't want anything that was inside, but I couldn't help thinking about who left all that stuff there.

Once upon a time, that stuff was new. Once upon a time someone had wanted those items...perhaps even coveted them. Now, these things were discarded...thrown willy-nilly into a plain box and left out for anyone to take and do with these things as they pleased.

Every item in that box had a story behind it. Perhaps not a riveting story, but a story nonetheless. People are their stuff. Even if you're a minimalist, it certainly tells a story about who you are. You don't want any stuff. How come? What's that about? I sometimes wish I could be a minimalist...but, alas, I like stuff too much.

Stuff is important. I have certainly done my share of throwing out my stuff--selling it, giving it away, tossing it out, and once or twice leaving it behind, abandoned on a city street, not unlike this current box. I would like to think I am more than the sum of my stuff...but the truth is, I mourn things I no longer have every day. It's just who I am. I hope someone out there is enjoying my old stuff as much as I did.

I left the box behind. Kept walking. On the return trip the box was gone. Did someone take it? Did the owner have second thoughts and retrieve his or her beloved items? Those troll dolls definitely needed a home. I can't help but wonder. It's my nature to wonder.

Every piece of stuff we see every day, well, they all have their own story, don't they? What about your stuff? What tales could it tell? Would you be willing to leave it all behind? Hmmm...I wonder...

A Little R&R to Soothe the Soul...

2011-04-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

Photos by Damian Arvetis

Yup...that's me in the upper left corner of the above photo--looking out the window of the Old Wheeler Hotel and enjoying the incredibly fresh air out

on the Oregon Coast. The wonderful photographer of this picture whisked me away for an amazing, much-needed romantic getaway to a town called Wheeler on Nehalem Bay. For two and a half days I was able to turn off my cell phone, shut down my computer and escape into the magical world of ocean and forest. The Oregon Coast is amazing. I'm so used to the beaches of Southern California and it's nothing at all like that. It reminded me much more of the beaches of Cape Cod. A mixture of woods and sky, trees and ocean. I loved it.

The Old Wheeler hotel is quaint and charming filled with antiques and old-world elegance. The proprietors treated us like old friends and the room we stayed in was quite luxurious, complete with a stunning view of the bay, and a large and inviting Jacuzzi tub to soothe our aching muscles from all that hiking......Ahhhhh......NICE! Here are some photos of the beautiful sitting room at the hotel.

The view from our room

We went on a really long hike in Oswald West State Park. The beauty there was breathtaking. Here are more astonishing photos of our trip from the very talented Mr. Arvetis:

It was muddy, but totally WORTH IT!

Happy girl on the Oregon Coast!

In addition to our spending some quality time in Nature, we also enjoyed the quaint town of Wheeler itself, as well as the neighboring towns of Manzanita and Nehalem, where antique shops are plentiful as well as the town's colorful characters.

The trip was so enjoyable and I had such a wonderful and relaxing time it was hard to return to the realities of life. We were only gone a short time, but we were a world away and it felt like the trip lasted much longer than it actually did. We ate very well and breakfast being one of my favorite meals of the day, I'm including this photo of my fabulous meal at the Big Wave Cafe.

On the way home, we stopped at the Tillamook Dairy for delicious cheese samples and the most incredible ice cream I have ever tasted. If you get the opportunity to sample any Tillamook product...do it! Their cheese, ice cream and yogurt are bursting with flavor and they didn't even pay me to say that. It's truly remarkable. If you live on the West Coast, look for it in your local grocery store. Sooooo delish!

I hope you enjoyed the photos of my mini vacation. Now, I'm back to business as usual...but the Coast is calling and I know we will be going out there again soon. I cannot wait!

Guest Posts

2011-03-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to have recently had the opportunity to write posts for other people's blogs. It's a lot of fun and it's been a wonderful way for me to meet fellow bloggers/writers.

I've written on a variety of topics that include dating, relationships, perimenopause and exercise. Additionally, I am happy to say that my own blog, the very one you are now reading, has been spotlighted on the blog Healing Morning. Dawn Sievers is the writer of this blog and I am extremely flattered that she chose to spotlight me and my Confessions of a Cluttered Mind. I hope you will all check out Healing Morning, in addition to the other blogs where I have had the privilege of guest posting.

Slowed Down by the Common Cold!

2011-03-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

I was doing my best to keep this cold at bay. I took precautions, preventative supplements, tried my best to remain healthy. But ah...it got me. First cold of the year--hopefully it will be the last.

By now, the sneezing and runny nose has slowed down to a minimum...but it feels like little imps are throwing a party in my head. This will not be a long post...I tried to get some writing accomplished today, but it was all for naught! I feel like crap. In the meantime, I'm drinking tons of OJ, and trying to rest as much as possible. Tomorrow, duty calls, so I need to get my energy back within the next 12 hours. I can do this! With Zipfizz, echinacea, Advil and ultimate determination that I can and will get through the day.

For now, I'm going to sleep. Hoping somehow, that in the morning, the little germs who are wreacking havoc will have left my body only to go set up house in some other poor unsuspecting person's head, nose and throat.

Stay healthy everybody!

Theatre in Portland

2011-03-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

Jack Goes Boating at Artists Repertory Theatre

I went to see a play yesterday that I didn't know anything about. I like when that happens. What I like even more was the fact that the play was delightful. Simple in its construction. I appreciate that. As a writer I realize that simplicity in a play is not always easy to achieve. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Less is always more.

What was simple about Jack Goes Boating was that it didn't need a large cast or tons of set pieces or special effects...it's a play about relationships--real people dealing with the ups and downs of life and relationships and interpersonal connection. I saw myself in a couple of the characters--I like it when that happens too.

I found the piece to be quite enjoyable and afterwards I found out it originally premiered Off-Broadway in 2007 at the LAByrinth Theatre Company with Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Ortiz. And apparently, Mr. Hoffman went on to make his directorial debut with a film version of Jack Goes Boating. I saw the movie trailer and I'll probably wind up renting it...but nothing compares to seeing live theatre.

So do yourself a favor if you live in Portland and go over to Artists Repertory Theatre and see this show. You'll leave the theatre with a smile on your face, and these days it's nice to have something to smile about! I'm really loving the theatre scene here in Portland...I'm very glad to be here!

The Great Outdoors

2011-03-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

Well, dear readers, this has been quite a gnarly week. Life can be...well...it can be gnarly for lack of a better word. And life sure can get the best of us, even the strongest of us. I realized I had to do something to blow off some serious stress that was literally eating away at all the acids in my stomach. Yuck! Not fun.

I already know this---you already know this---it has been heavily documented by all sorts of people in all sorts of magazines and such, but here goes: NEVER underestimate the power of nature. It is truly balm for the soul. Not to mention combining nature with good old-fashioned exercise. Gets those endorphins flowing every time. And it makes you and your mind and body feel oh so much better.

And that is exactly what I did this weekend. Nature and exercise. A delightful combination to say the least! So now, on this Sunday evening...which is usually the very night of the week that causes the most anxiety for me...I'm feeling pretty darn good.

I took an amazing hike on Saturday afternoon, which was loaded with magical scenery, clean and breathable air, and laughter and good conversation with a terrific hiking partner at my side. It's amazing what a little perspective can do to lift the spirits.

The only thing that was missing was a pair of good strong shoes. I love the obvious metaphor here. Life gets better when you're wearing the right shoes. So, again with the help of a kind-hearted soul, I was able to make a purchase and acquired a great hiking boot. I got my new shoes at REI, the greatest store for items needed for the great outdoors. Want to see my new shoes? I was hoping you'd ask. Here they are...aren't they beauties?

They are Keens Pyranees. They fit my foot like a glove, great ankle support, and provide the much-needed bounce in my step. I love my new Keens. And now, having these beauties, I hereby make a commitment to using these boots to the utmost advantage. The hiking trails around here are plentiful, and every fitness expert and psychology expert will tell you until they are blue in the face the advantages of exercising.

Now, do not be fooled...I am not tossing away my cycling shoes...no way! But I really do like the feeling I get when I walk these trails. On Saturday, I felt like I had left this world and entered a new one...I know that sounds all hippy/dippy and all, but it really was an amazing feeling... I felt like I had entered some type of fairy tale world and all my worries instantly faded for the time I was there. I mean, look at this place....isn't it beautiful?

I certainly look forward to discovering more magical trailways here in the Pacific Northwest, but what I really look forward to is wearing my new shoes on this new path. I look forward to changing my perspective and moving forward. I will release endorphins, let go of bad mojo and allow the joy and laughter that I seek to resume their normal place in my life. I like joy and laughter. Who doesn't? I have made a definite resolve to have more of it in my life!

Ambivalence

2011-03-03T23:39:00.000-08:00

I am a passionate person. It's just the way I'm wired. And yes, there have been times I have allowed indecision to get the best of me. However, I do believe indecision is different than ambivalence.

This is just my opinion and since it's my blog I can say what I want, but to me an ambivalent person lacks passion. They lack courage. And they lack a sense of integrity.

I have been guilty of dragging my feet when I've had to make certain decisions. That was probably due to fear and worrying if I was doing the right thing regarding certain circumstances. Along with my passion, I am also a great worrier. Again, this is just the way I'm wired.

But if I had been ambivalent, I never would have made any choices at all. I would have stayed on the fence long after night fell. I don't stay on fences very often. I ultimately decide what I want and when I do make that decision, I go after what I want. It's called setting goals. It's being passionate. It's having drive and motivation to achieve your dreams and desires in this life.

I have no patience for ambivalence. It's the cowardly way out. These people are too afraid to make a commitment, to see things through, so they do nothing. Ambivalent people have no lackluster and they cause great frustration to all they come in contact with because they simply will not get off the fence.

The common expression to use for ambivalent people is "shit or get off the pot." There's no other way to say it. It's blunt but it clearly lets them know what they need to do.

So to all the ambivalent people out there--do something. Anything. Don't just stand there like a deer in the headlights. And if your ambivalence gets in my way, I'm running you over. I'm moving forward. I'm moving on. With or without you. You'd better shit... or get off the pot.

Inevitable Change

2011-02-19T17:59:00.000-08:00

The only constant in life is change. We've all heard that a million times, right? Well of course it's true. And I knew this new year was going to pack a wallop in the "change" department. I guess I didn't expect the changes to come so fast and furiously. At every turn. With lightning speed. And my head is spinning from all the changes that I've been experiencing in these past few months.

Some of these changes feel extremely healthy and for the best. Others...well...I don't know what to say. I cannot control some of these new outcomes and I have to say I'm not exactly happy with the way certain aspects of my life are turning out. For now anyway. I'm hoping that everything works out for the best and the twisty, curvy road I'm currently on will eventually straighten out. I would like to travel on a flat road for a little while because I know it's inevitable for the curvy twisty road of change to return. But lately my stomach simply cannot take all the jolts this current ride is offering.

It's all fodder for the work, isn't it? I have to keep telling myself that. Even when there's a lot of emotional pain involved, eventually it will find it's way into the writing. I'll use it to tell a good tale; write a great play. I hope so anyway. I really do.

Patience...

2011-02-15T18:33:00.000-08:00

I am finally settling into my new digs in my new city. This place is really wonderful, and though there is no perfect place, I think I am well-suited to living here.

This move was a leap of faith and I am adjusting to my new life as quickly as I can. Doing what it takes to feel comfortable in my new surroundings. I have begun to reach out and attempt to immerse myself into the community, and in doing so, I have met some wonderful people. I feel very fortunate in that regard.

On the other hand, career-wise, things are not moving quickly enough. Not quickly enough For Me. Anyone who knows me well, knows I want things to happen yesterday! P A T I E N C E is truly what is called for now.

In the scheme of things, I have been here less than 5 months and things are moving along very well given that short amount of time. Rome wasn't built in a day and all that jazz, right?

The whole point in moving here was to slow down! So I need to do what I can to remain calm. Even when things don't appear to be happening, I am sure that progress is being made. I am planting seeds and am confident those seeds will take root and grow.

In the meantime, I'm thinking of taking up Yoga. Trading my beloved spin classes for something more serene like yoga seems like a good thing to do. I'm not too sure about that one though. I'll keep you posted about what I decide to do. I will also attempt to lower my caffeine intake (though giving it up completely seems like a ridiculously cruel thing to do to myself). I have to remind myself often to breathe. So be it.

Patience. Patience. Patience. Everything in it's time. And so it goes...and here I am.

The Inner Critic

2011-02-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

The vile little creature is at it again…whispering ugly insults into my ear. Telling me I’m an inadequate, talentless piece of you know what. I’m serious. That’s what my inner critic is telling me. Nice, huh? She’s been here before but she was gone for awhile. Now she’s back. Making up for lost time, I suppose. Doing some serious damage with all the name-calling, but I’m fighting the good fight. Trying desperately not to listen to her--I even got some ear plugs, but the problem is I can hear her anyway. Loud and clear she sings her mind-numbing song.

I used to talk to my students about the inner critic. Everyone has one, and I know they all had their share of evil murmurings from their own personal Diablo. I even wrote her into one of my plays as a major character! You’d think she would leave me alone after that, but no…she still shows up from time to time to wreak a little havoc. She likes to play games with my brain that leave me exhausted and emotionally drained.

I would tell my students they needed to do everything they could to ignore the negative ramblings of their inner critic. I told them to flick the pesky little imp off their shoulder and demand it to “shut up!” I need to take my own advice today. I'm flicking like crazy, but she will not be deterred. She's like an annoying little mosquito buzzing around my head and nothing seems to detract her.

If you have battles with your personal inner critic, I'd love to know what you do to tell her to shove off. I took a brisk walk in the lovely sunshine today and during the walk she left me alone. But now...back at the keyboard, she has firmly ensconced herself on my shoulder and I feel her digging in her heels as she readies herself to strike a blow. "Go to hell, Inner Critic. Leave me alone today!"

Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I muddle through. I suppose today isn't turning out to be a good writing day...I shall try again tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow Ms. Inner Critic will have flown the coop. Temporarily perhaps, but nevertheless, any relief from her would be welcome.

Making A Difference: Supporting the Arts

2011-01-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

There are amazing artists all over the world who create original, innovative pieces that the majority of us do not get to see. Instead, most people get their entertainment from reality television or they pay an exorbitant amount of money to see an overproduced Broadway show that may or may not be putting the lives of the performers in danger.

Why is bigger better? In my book, less is more. There is so much great theatre in this country that gets ignored because it doesn't have a huge following, a celebrity endorsement or a $65 million dollar budget. It makes me sad and angry because I know so many worthy artists who deserve to have their work produced.

This being said, I would like to endorse a wonderful theatre company in New York City known as The Collective Theatre Company. I had the privilege of working with the four founding members of this company and they are artists in every sense of the word. They have integrity, intelligence, creativity and most importantly, spunk. I admire what they are doing as they strive to bring thoughtful, innovative and authentic pieces to the forefront of the New York City theatre community.

The Collective Theatre is currently conducting a Kickstarter Program campaign to gain funding for their world premiere production of Einstein & Mileva written by Caitlin Shannon. It is the story of Albert Einstein, acclaimed physicist, and his first wife, scientist Mileva Maric; the rise of his career, the loss of their daughter, and the effects of ambition on a seemingly infallible relationship. It is a play worthy of public attention; it will not cost $65 million dollars to produce, but they do need help with the funding.

If you are interested in supporting the arts and interested in supporting a wonderful theatre company, please visit their website and donate what you can. All donations, regardless of the amount, are greatly accepted.

I'm writing this blog in true support of the Collective Theatre Company because I believe in this project and I believe in these people. I'm spreading the word and hope they will be able to see this project come to fruition. Help out if you can, and thanks for reading!

An Evening of 10-Minute Plays

2011-01-17T20:15:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce that an evening of my 10-minute plays will be presented at the School of Theatre & Dance at the University of Montana. This production was the brain child of my dear friend D. Marie Long and I'm so pleased and flattered that she felt strongly enough about my work to showcase an entire evening of my plays. Wow! Thank you D. Marie!

So, if you find yourself with nothing to do on a cold winter night in January, and you happen to be in the vicinity of Missoula, Montana, head on over to the Masquer Theatre and enjoy a bit of theatre. The plays are short, funny, thought-provoking and they all have a similar theme running through them: Being out of control. Everyone can relate to that feeling every now and then, don't you think?

Kicking off 2011 with a brand new production of my work feels great. Hopefully, this will be a sign of what the rest of year will bring!

Ideas: Where do they Come From?

2011-01-13T10:14:00.000-08:00

I recently finished a draft for a short play I was working on. This particular piece had been sitting on my computer for over 6 months half-finished. In an attempt to clean up some files on my computer, I came across a lot of works-in-progress. Some of them clearly needed to be tossed, but there was something about this play that I liked and I felt it deserved to be completed.

I had no idea where I was going with it, but I did indeed finish writing the play. I sent it to a trusted friend who I know will give me the straight dirt on whether the piece showed any promise or if it needed to be filed in the recycle bin.

The first thing she said was, "I liked it." (Phew! Affirmation is good!) The second thing she said was, "Where do you get these ideas?!?" (That's the punctuation she used and everything!)

So, I realized I couldn't answer that question. I did not specifically set out to write the play that I wrote. Does that make sense? That's not always the case. I recently finished a play that was a very specific assignment with a very specific theme and I knew what I needed/wanted to write. But other times, like with this new short play, I wasn't sure where I was going. I liked the characters; I liked the way they spoke to one another, and I let them lead the way. It turned out to be a quirky little 10-minute play and I'll be having it read by my playwrighting group in a couple of weeks. We'll see what they say about it and if they think it has any legs to go further.

But my point is, where do the ideas come from? For me, they come from life. They come from places you'd least expect it. They come from eavesdropping in grocery stores and restaurants and standing in line at the bank. (Yes...I'm a voracious eavesdropper, just so you know!) But my initial ideas usually morph into something else. Nine times out of ten, the idea changes as the writing progresses. Well, the core may remain the same, but not always. You can't control creativity. You gotta give it free reign...let it run wild. When you do your rewrite...that's when you try to tame it a bit. But rewrites? Oy...rewrites are a bitch!

So tell me...where do your ideas come from?

The Benefit of the Doubt

2011-01-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be very blunt here. I'm tired and frustrated and sick of giving people the benefit of the doubt when I suspect they don't deserve it. In this modern age of ours, communication has never been easier. And yet, I have never been more disappointed with the lack of ability some people seem to have for staying in touch.

I asked a very simple favor from a handful of people. People that I know, and love and thought of as my friends. Four of those amazing people came through for me. Because the favor was so very simple. It did not require anything more than clicking on a website, cutting and pasting and with the computer dexterity that I am certain these people possess, it would not have taken more than 10 minutes tops. Seriously. 10 minutes.

My request, with the exception of the amazing four, went ignored. IGNORED. None of these people even had the decency to write back to me in that urban, abbreviated scrawl that is invading the world with a "2 bz 2day." I didn't even get that. I got nothing.

So then of course, I think, "Is it me? Did I do something to offend? Did I have a technical malfunction and my initial email didn't go through?" But it went through to the fab 4. They all received my request. I gave them all the benefit of the doubt. I know one of these people certainly had a legitimate excuse for not contacting. But the others? I thought, well... they were studying, they were Christmas shopping, they were chauffering their great Auntie Gertrude around town....I don't know! I was coming up with excuses right and left for these people.

Did they deserve my generosity of spirit? I have come to the conclusion that NO...they did not deserve it. Would I have reciprocated if asked the same request? Of course I would have. I've done so many, many times in the past. I have come through for people who I care about. If someone who is dear to me needs a favor, I will do what I can to help them out. And if I can't do it, I let them know. I don't leave them hanging. I'm not a perfect person, that's for damn certain; I make lots of mistakes all the time...but I do have manners. And if someone writes to me, I write them back.

I had a wonderful conversation with one of the Fab 4 this evening. A real conversation...not a text message or an Ichat or an email. Yes, we are in two different cities, but she was able to pick up the phone and WE TALKED! My dear friend assured me it wasn't just happening to me. People just don't acknowledge each other. They ignore. Why? I have no idea, but it seems to be pervasive. People seem to have time to tweet and update Facebook statuses and text and Youtube and all those other wonderful inventions of the 21st century, but it seems they become incredibly inept when asked to respond to an email from an old friend.

I think it's rude. I think it's despicable. I think it's horrible what it does to someone's self-esteem. To my self-esteem. Really...who likes being ignored? No one I know.

I'm sick of Facebook. People go on Facebook and believe they actually know what is really happening in your life. They don't know. Just because someone posts photos of their Christmas at Grandma's...trust me...it does nothing to tell the real story. If you're reading this blog thinking you know what's going on in my life...you don't. You only know what I care to share.

If any of what I've written resonates...well...if the shoe fits, right? If you're feeling the slightest bit guilty, then you probably have reason to. If you're amused by my rant, you have that right as well. I'm done making excuses for other people because they don't get back to me. They don't deserve it. They don't deserve my making excuses and showing respect and kindness. Because they haven't shown any respect to me.

Rant over...

A Writer Writes...

2011-01-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

2010 was a very productive year for me as a writer. I wrote for a living, every single day (okay...maybe not 7 days a week, but I turned out a lot of content!) It wasn't always what I wanted to be writing, but nevertheless, a writer has got to write to keep those wheels in the brain greased. And write I did. Was all of it good? Of course not. But that doesn't always matter. We write because we must. And that is that.

I started off 2011 by completing a deadline and finishing up a first draft of a creative project. I kicked and screamed and squirmed and whined, but I finally finished it. Having met the deadline (and now the work really begins, because as I said, it was a first draft and rewrites galore await...) I am anxious to continue (and complete) additional creative works that are standing in line waiting patiently for my attention.

The burnout I felt only a few days ago seems to have dissipated and now I feel eager and motivated to start some new works and finish up some old, yet promising pieces. This is a good feeling and one I need to hold on to because I know it won't hang around for long.

The things I need to concentrate on consist of these things:
1) Write honestly
2) Write from the heart
3) Breathe and believe

Sounds simple? It's not. But 2011 will definitely be another writing year. I had my doubts, but every writer I know doubts themselves. Occupational hazard. I don't need to create masterpieces. I simply need to put the words down on the page. Here we go.

Farewell 2010!

2010-12-31T19:12:00.000-08:00

It's a New Year in a new city with a new life! 2011...you're MINE!

Happy New Year everyone! May all your wishes and dreams for this decade come true!

And don't forget...be kind to one another.

Until next year...peace...

Banning the Buzz

2010-12-28T12:03:00.000-08:00

I attended yet another holiday gathering last evening. Look at me; I’m becoming quite the social butterfly! As I sat serenely, sipping my glass of red wine, some of the other guests were getting giddy in the kitchen and decided to mix the abominable combination of Red Bull and vodka. Ya know…get the buzz and stay awake while doing it. Frankly, I was surprised simply because I associated that type of beverage with a college frat party and not with the sophisticated intellectual types that I was partying with. Hahaha!

Anyway, the alcohol/energy drink combo got us talking about the recent controversy regarding the drink Four Loko. The controversy being the fact that many states across the nation are banning the sale of this supposed “lethal” beverage. It makes me a wee bit nervous when folks start talking about banning things. I would like to think that we live in a country where we can make up our own minds about what we should and shouldn’t put into our bodies.

The Four Loko drink is the latest craze to come down the pike. If you believe the media, college kids are guzzling it by the truck load which is why it was originally marketed to this age group by packaging the cans in bright and shiny colors and offering the drink in delicious fruity flavors. I know college kids are known to drink and party heavily, but I would also like to give them a little bit more credit. I’m not sure that every college kid these days meanders around campus all day in a drunken stupor.

The drinks that were made by my fellow party guests were abandoned after one or two sips. They all returned to the sublime flavor of the Cabernet. I felt relieved. I was no longer at a frat party. I was once again among sophisticated intellectuals. Ahhhhh…..

Single Gals and the Bridal Registry Conundrum

2010-12-24T10:13:00.000-08:00

Suddenly I am inundated with engagement and wedding announcements. Lots of friends are deciding to tie the knot in the upcoming year. It feels like an epidemic or something. So, with all these upcoming nuptials, I find myself online checking out the bridal registries and seeing what these people want/need/want. I, myself, as a single gal have always wanted to register for gifts. My audition monologue for grad school was actually about a single woman who wanted to register for gifts because it wasn’t fair that all her married friends got to have nice stuff and she had to buy her plates and flatware from the Dollar Tree. But, I digress…

I have noticed a common request among my engaged friends and it is for Mikasa dinnerware. Now, my mother has been talking about Mikasa for as long as I can remember. And now I know why. It’s beautiful, quality stuff. It’s simple, which I like, but it is also elegant. My mom sure knows what she’s talking about.

They also sell very reasonably priced home décor. Candleholders and picture frames, and really beautiful glass vases. I have now become a Mikasa fan. I know there was a Sex and the City episode where Carrie registered for gifts even though she wasn’t getting married. It’s not exactly an original idea (just like the monologue I used to perform.)

Would it be so terrible to allow single gals to register for the beautiful things they long to have? Really? Would the saleswomen at department stores across the country leap back in horror at a single woman registering for dinnerware and flatware and candlestick holders? The rules need to change. And with that being said, Mikasa has this beautiful cobalt blue bowl on sale for only $20. I truly love it. Anyone?

Update as of 1/12/11:
Guess what? Since being encouraged to write this post, I actually received the coveted cobalt blue bowl from one of my very generous readers. I’m not kidding. Here’s a photo of my beautiful new Mikasa bowl on my kitchen counter. I’m so pleased. Thank you readers! You don’t all have to send gifts, but if the mood strikes you, I won’t argue. It sure is nice!

Technological Peace of Mind

2010-12-23T09:53:00.000-08:00

Like most people, I’ve become increasingly dependent on my computer for just about everything. And as a writer, my livelihood obviously depends upon the use of good equipment. I remember the days when I kicked and screamed and said I would only write long-hand. Ha! Who was I kidding? Nothing compares to the convenience and speed, not to mention the mobility, of a laptop computer.

I know the fear of getting into my car when the engine won’t turn over. It is pure unadulterated panic. I get the same feeling when my computer crashes. I break out into a cold sweat and think, “No! No! Not today!” To prevent this anxiety from occurring on a regular basis, I knew I needed to implement some IT services into my life as a precaution for any fatal computer disaster. And here’s what I found. A friend of mine recommended this computer whiz guy who can help me with any and all of my computer snafus. He uses a desktop support service that allows him to fix my (and other clients computers) software malfunctions remotely.

My tech support guy uses secure software by Bomgar. He doesn’t need to be anywhere in the vicinity of my location; he simply taps into his Blackberry remote access software and before I know it I’m wiping the beads of sweat off my brow and feeling my pulse return to normal. I don’t even need to leave my house and my tech support is with me every step of the way allowing me to smooth over the glitches and get me and my laptop back on its feet. It’s a miracle. It’s modern technology at its best. All I know is that I am in good hands, technologically speaking, and that in itself is worth its weight in gold.

It's Never Too Late to Improve Yourself!

2010-12-22T06:42:00.000-08:00

I know I’ve blogged about this before, but since the New Year is upon us it’s time for reflection, resolutions and thinking about ways to improve our lives in 2011. The economy is still in the toilet and unemployment rates are still way too high. Is going back to school the ultimate answer to our money woes? If I increase my skill set, will I be more valuable in the marketplace? Hard to say, and the competition is tougher than ever out there.

Even though I’ve recently moved out of the area, it’s tempting to think about going back to school at a Southern California college. I love my new city, but let’s face it…nothing beats the climate and all the other amenities that So Cal has to offer. I fondly remember my days at the University of Redlands, and sometimes wish I had a time machine to go back and take the classes I should have taken in the first place. Please don’t get me wrong. I love being an artist. I’m not the 9 to 5 cubicle type. But the old adage “if I knew then what I know now,” holds true, and I would have been more practical at the ripe old age of 20.

If I could turn back the hands of time, perhaps I would have continued down the path with my love for theatre but maybe I would have double-majored and gotten a business degree as well. Now more than ever, artists need to be savvy when it comes to business and taking care of themselves when it comes to contracts and negotiations and such. Some of us learn the hard way, so it isn’t at all unreasonable to get your degree in what you love and in what you need.

It’s never too late to learn. It’s never too late to go back to school. It’s never too late to do anything. 2011 is upon us, and it’s not too late!

Tis the Season for Some Holiday E.L.F.

2010-12-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

I am a down-to-earth kind of gal and proud of it. I don’t care to wear fancy dresses or stiletto heels in order to look good. The best part of my writing occupation is I get to wear what I want…including my pj’s! But obviously, there comes a time when I have to spruce myself up, especially during the holidays when there are lots of social gatherings to attend.

Budgeting is always an issue, and since I don’t wear makeup that often, I didn’t want to invest an arm and leg to buy some basic necessities. Thank goodness I discovered a brand of cheap makeup that combines affordability with good quality.

E.L.F. (It stands for eyes, lips, face, and what a perfect name for the holiday season) is my latest discovery to help me get rid of my puffy eyes and sun-damaged freckled skin when I want to look my best. Their stuff is mineral-based which smoothes out my complexion—because lately, I hate to admit this, but my skin is looking a little blotchy. Maybe it’s the winter blues, but the E.L.F. concealer and pressed powder makes me look like a Victoria Secret model. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit, but I really liked the way my skin looked after using this stuff.

Even when I’m not wearing makeup, I typically like to wear lipstick. For some reason, all I need is a dash of color on my lips and people usually think I’m wearing more makeup than I actually am. Lip color seems to make my eyes pop or glow, or something scientific like that. I love the E.L.F. sticks because the color lasts a long time and doesn’t feel icky or waxy when applying. They have a great choice of colors too, especially for redheads like me. I dig their Rosy Raisin lipstick because it goes really well with my coloring.

So, I got myself some cool new makeup. I guess it’s time to put on my party dress (or party pants as the case may be) and go do some holiday celebratin’. And I’m wishing all of you a very festive holiday season!

It's ANYWAY, not ANYWAYS!!!

2010-12-11T11:17:00.000-08:00

It has been very insidious...creeping up on us before we even knew it. But suddenly...it's EVERYWHERE! I'm talking about the misuse of the word ANYWAY.

I have no idea when it began, but I started to notice a few years ago that people were adding the letter "s" to the end of the word "anyway." I noticed it mostly with my teen students, and of course, being the good teacher that I am, I always corrected them.

I remember one of my students was doing a monologue without the script in her hand. As she actively engaged in the piece she said, "So...anyways..." I stopped her. She thought I was going to give her an acting note. I said, "Get the script," which she did. I said, " What does it say in the script, EXACTLY. Read from where you left off."

She looked, found the spot and said, "So...anyways..."

I said, "Really?" Read it again." She did. The same way. And then I said, "look at the words very, very carefully..." So she did. And she saw. And she realized. And she laughed. And said, "There's no 's' at the end of anyway."

No, there isn't! There is no "S" on the end of "ANYWAY!" But suddenly it's everywhere. In film scripts, in television sit-coms and much to my dismay, it showed up in a book of short stories that I've recently been reading. UGH!!!!! This is an author I really like. And don't tell me to chalk it up to the way her character speaks. No. This wasn't her character. This was HER! I was so disappointed.

Why does this bother me so much? People who should know better say it. Intelligent, well-read, well-spoken people who I know and respect say it. When I hear it, it is akin to fingernails scratching on a chalkboard. I don't know why but it just kills me. Go ahead...call me anal retentive...I don't care. I just don't like it!

I'm not perfect. FAR from it. And I'm no grammar diva either. I make plenty of mistakes, believe me. But come on people...this is just laziness. How did this happen? How did it become so pervasive? There are so many other things in the world today to be upset about. But for now...this is my rant. Do with it what you will. And maybe, if you're guilty of this little English language faux pas, this post will help you see the light of day. And you'll drop the "s." Maybe. Hopefully. I'm begging you!

So, anyway...

A Theatrical November in New York

2010-11-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

I am very happy to report that two of my plays will be produced in NYC this month. It sure feels great to know that my work is getting out there. Here's hoping that any of you who are reading this blog will be able to attend one or both of these shows. If you can, I would be very grateful!

First up is the Collective Theatre Company's staged reading of my play Triangle Logic.

This play was originally produced in a fully-mounted version last December at the University of Central Florida and directed by my good friend Earl Weaver. It was a wondrous experience for me and all those involved; both cast and crew were delightful to work with. This time, Stephen Agosto will be holding down the directorial fort. He is a consummate artist and I believe the play is in good hands!

By the way, the reading for Triangle Logic is FREE! So if you're in NYC on November 19th, please go check it out at the Neighborhood Playhouse on New York's lovely Upper East Side.

And as previously mentioned on this blog, on November 27th for one-night only, The Second Fig Theatre Company will present a "Night of Sexy Shorts" which includes my sassy and sexy play Mind Control.

Lots of activity happening for me in the playwrighting department. November is certainly a month to be thankful! Here's wishing all of you a happy, healthy and bountiful Thanksgiving!

Juggling Life...

2010-10-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

Life comes at us like a freight train sometimes, doesn't it? Not necessarily a bad thing; I often think chaos is good for the soul. In small doses, of course.

I've been juggling a lot of stuff lately. The move of course was a huge task, and upon my arrival, there has been much to do to settle in to my new city. In addition to apartment searches, and furniture shopping, and map-reading, (I feel a bit challenged getting around this place...too many bridges!) I'm also needing to keep up my work load. I'm happy to say I have plenty of assignments to keep me busy, but again, it all can be a bit overwhelming. Throw in a social life (What? Debbie has a social life?) and I've got a lot of balls in the air.

I'm learning to take things one day a time. I'm learning to slow down a bit. I'm learning to be patient with myself (if that's possible) and hopefully learning patience with others. It's challenging to say the least, but I am dedicated to starting this new chapter.

Juggling life is inevitable. We all have to do it in some form or other. The trick is to start slowly, adding in one element at a time, and to hopefully keep the momentum going. It's all about momentum, don't ya know?

I'm attempting to set priorities but it's all a priority right now. Time management and to-do lists... that's the way to go these days. It's all getting done, all being taken care of. I just continue to breathe this incredibly fresh air, enjoy the moment and keep moving forward.

It's all about keeping up the momentum...

Attention New Yorkers!

2010-10-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce that my short play Mind Control will once again be produced in New York City.

For those of you who missed seeing the play this past July at the Samuel French Short Play Festival, you'll now be able to catch a new production of Mind Control directed by Marielle Duke at The Second Fig Theatre Company in November!

Mind Control will be part of Second Fig's "Night of Sexy Shorts" and will be one of six short sexy plays for one night only on November 27th at the LABA Theatre on East 14th Street! It is sure to be one hot evening of theatre!

For more information on tickets, time and location, click here for The Second Fig Theatre Company's website.

Hope you can make it! And a big thanks to everyone at Second Fig!

On to the Next...

2010-10-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, so if you're following this blog at all you will remember that I said I was embracing change way back in September. I know for most of you, that was only a month ago...but for me, September was one of the longest days of my life. Well, it felt like one long day. One very long, tedious day. Why? Because I moved. I packed. I schlepped. I pondered my future and wondered if I was doing the right thing. You all know what a drag moving can be. So, yeah...it was a drag. But it had to be done. I had to get out for a variety of reasons.

And now? Now, I am starting the next chapter. After all that packing and schlepping and pondering, I drove 1,000 miles and am ready to take on this beautiful new city and all that it has to offer.

Am I tired? You bet I'm tired! Packing and moving and schlepping and pondering and driving 1,000 miles will do that to ya! But I'm also seeing the newness in everything. And I am so excited for the possibilities. I am a writer. I am in a new place. My brain is working a mile a minute. And for now...I am content. I am happy. I am hopeful. I am terrified.

I begin again...

Before and Now!

2010-09-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

Organized Book Addiction!

Preparing the Book Addiction for Transport

And yes, I've heard of the Kindle...but I am old school and love the real deal. I LOVE books! What can I tell you? I'm not ashamed of this hardcore obsession. The bad news about being a bookaholic is it makes things quite difficult when you are trying to move. Doesn't make me love them any less though.

BUT...

Books. Are. Heavy. Books are cumbersome. But books are life! I have owned many of these lovelies for years and years and years. I have schlepped them back and forth across this wonderful country of ours multiple times. And now...here we go again.

Believe it or not, I minimized as much as I could. Donated 6 supersized shopping bags full of my lovely, precious, amazing books to my local Friends of the Library Bookshop. Passing the love around. But the rest...these stay with me.

I will try to refrain from acquiring any new additions in the near future....but honestly? I can't promise anything. Not when it comes to my beloved books. It's better than being addicted to cheeseburgers though, isn't it? Well? Isn't it?

Take a deep breath and LEAP!

2010-09-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

photo by Philip Greenspun

I am too exhausted and full of angst to clearly express anything resembling coherence. So I shall turn to none other than Mr. Henry David Thoreau who agreed to help me out with today's post:

"happiness is like a butterfly:

the more you chase it

the more it will elude you.

but if you turn your attention

to other things, it will come

and sit softly on your shoulder..."

~henry david thoreau

I shall heed this advice. And turn my attention North...

Interview with Stage Directions Magazine

2010-09-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to be asked by Stage Directions Magazine and writer Lisa Mulcahy to be interviewed for a piece called "Keeping Up the Pace."

It's a great piece providing advice for actors who find themselves in a long run of a show and need to keep the motivation alive. Other experts in the field are also quoted.

It's a well-written article. Thanks Lisa! And thank you to Stage Directions Magazine! Hope you enjoy the read!

Embracing Change...

2010-09-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

September. It's always been a special month for me ever since I was a little kid. This particular month always represented a new year to me--even more than January. September brings a new school year. The Jewish New Year. My birthday. So many reasons to start anew.

And now here we are again. Another September and change is upon me. Major change. It took a lot of kicking up my heels before I finally was able to settle down, turn down the noise in my head, and listen to my heart. And as I listened, I realized that change was nothing to fear. It is challenging to say the least, and a bit scary, but once I was able to make my decision, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my chest. I'm not afraid. I'm excited for what may await me, and I know it won't be easy, but change rarely is. That's how we learn and grow.

This year I embrace September. With all the opportunities it brings for new beginnings. It's a new chapter for me, and I look forward to seeing how the story will unfold.

Happy Fall everyone! Happy Harvest! Happy Rosh Hashanah in the year of 5771! Happy new School Year! And Happy Birthday to all September-born (including me!)

Embrace the change...

New Book Promotion!

2010-08-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

Weight Loss Empowerment: "50 Ways to Lose Your Luggage" by Kevin Graham

I recently edited this weight loss empowerment book by Kevin Graham and it is now ready for release. I'm excited for Kevin! He did a great job with the book. It's easy to read and extremely motivating. This is not just another new way to diet; the book helps you change your perspective when it comes to food and it introduces a whole new way of thinking that can really help you stay on track. Not just with food, but with many other goals you'd like to achieve. It's a fun and inspirational read, so check it out! Congratulations Kevin! I'm so happy for you!

The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or you can click right here to find it on Kevin's weight loss website. And as Kevin says, "Let the vision empower you!"

FOCUS!

2010-08-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

Does this photo give you a headache? Yeah...me too! Welcome to my brain! Focusing on writing takes a whole lot of discipline my friends. Especially when there are so many other things on my mind.

However, I recently tried a technique to help me focus which was introduced to me by a writer acquaintance. Now I will share this method with you. By the way, this technique can be used to accomplish any task; obviously I'm using it to keep my writing on track.

Start by setting a timer for 50 minutes. During that time, allow yourself to concentrate fully on your task. Turn off your phone, disconnect your Internet to keep yourself away from emails and other distractions, and just WORK! Fully immerse yourself in the activity for 50 minutes. When the timer rings, it's time to take a 10-minute break. You need to walk away from whatever it is you were doing. (In my case, I need to leave my desk.) You can take a quick walk, go get some water or food, but only take 10 minutes off. Then do the entire thing again. Reset the timer for 50 minutes and once again immerse yourself in your task.

I used this technique the other day. It was difficult, but everything worth having is difficult, don't you think? It's really intense to work this way, but I got a lot accomplished, so it is definitely a productive approach. I wrote using this technique for about 6 hours and I will admit it was exhausting. But rewarding! Not sure I could work at this intensity level every day, but for a couple of hours a few times a week, it may be the way to go.

So if you've been having trouble focusing, you might want to try this out. It's really important to take that 10 minute break, and then immediately go back to your task. Don't let that 10 minutes turn into 15 or 20...you'll lose your momentum and then the focus is gone, gone, gone.

Give it a try...let me know if it works for you!

And here comes another Mercury Retrograde...

2010-08-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

I have more than just a passing interest in astrology and in another life I might have actually been an astrologer. In this life, however, I can't seem to wrap my brain around all the nuances that astrology has to offer. It's not just about reading your horoscope in the LA Times. There's a lot more to it, including math...I find it hard to interpret... and oy vey...I've never been very good with math.

So, I admire astrology from afar. I read the reports of several highly respected astrologers, and more often than not, the things I read are accurate. I don't live my life by these astrological summaries, but I will admit that I sometimes find them reassuring. They seem to validate what I already know about myself and my life.

ANYWAY...it's Mercury Retrograde time. I've written about this before because I definitely feel affected by this period of time. If you don't know what this is, I will try to succinctly explain it here. Again, I will remind you that I am not an astrologer, and you will probably find a better explanation if you google it.

About 3 or 4 times per year, the planet Mercury, ruler of Communication slows down and actually travels backwards. The result is a slowing down in our lives, breakdown in communication, electronics go haywire, tires go flat, air travel is affected, and there is a general feeling of malaise that seems to take over our everyday lives. Once again, I encourage you to find a more specific explanation for Mercury Retrograde, but this should give you a general idea. This time, the retrograde occurs during August 20th through September 12th...a three week period. We will have the final retrograde of 2010 starting December 10th and going through until December 30th.

Astrologers say this doesn't have to be a negative period. Actually, it can be quite productive if you know what to expect. But as of right now, I'm already feeling a bit sluggish. These feelings have a lot to do with what is going on in my life right now, but I'm sure they are exacerbated by the retrograde which will be directly upon us next Friday.

In any event, I need to push through it and get things done. I have much to do and am allowing it to overwhelm me. Writing about it makes me feel better...as many of you know, I advocate writing to help you deal with your stuff! So here I am...writing to deal with my lethargy and attempting to compartmentalize what I have to do rather than allowing it to overwhelm me. HA! Easier said than done, right? Well...we do what we can.

So if you are feeling a little fuzzy in the head in these last days of summer, chalk it up to Mercury going retrograde. Or take an inventory and see if you have too much going on in your life. I say...SLOW DOWN! Take the time to stop and smell the roses. Trust me, your life will still be there when you get back!

Damn--This Traffic Jam...

2010-08-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

I know that when you live in a major urban city, traffic comes with the territory. I know this. I have given traffic the benefit of the doubt more times than not. BUT...I've just about had it. TRAFFIC...you can suck it!

There used to be a time when there was a window of opportunity; when you could get on that freeway between, say, 10AM and 2PM and sail on through. Or maybe if you left really early, like at 5 or 6 AM there wouldn't be a problem. It was hard not to notice when that window of opportunity began to shrink. Slowly, incrementally; but shrink it did. Now it seems, that window is nonexistent.

Back in the day, a long, time ago, people in Los Angeles used to proudly say, "you can get anywhere in 20 minutes." I think that's an urban legend. I don't think that was ever possible. Maybe in 1920 Los Angeles, but not lately. Not in the last 20 years...that's for sure. Twenty minutes? You're lucky if you can get in a mile or two in 20 minutes. I'm not exaggerating!

I simply cannot wrap my head around the psychology of a traffic jam. I know I'm not alone. Sometimes, the reasons are obvious: rush hour, accidents, idiot drivers who don't know how to properly yield or change lanes...yeah buddy, I'm talking to you! But when I sit in traffic for TWO HOURS, and can never get out of second gear (Yes, I'm still one of the proud but few who drive a stick-shift...big mistake in traffic!) I don't get it. I don't understand how one second we speed up, getting our hopes up, thinking "finally, finally, I'm going to see some open road," only to be slamming on those brakes just as things are starting to pick up.

I wouldn't mind so much if I had to go slow. Really. If I had to creep along at 25-30 miles, it would be okay. As long as we kept MOVING! But the stop and start and speeding up just to slow down is KILLING ME!

Bottom line: there are too many people here. Yes, we have a great climate, we have movie stars and beaches and all sorts of cultural stimulation...but we also have earthquakes and fires and mudslides and TOO MANY DAMN PEOPLE!

I know...I'm being crabby. And when that happens, it's time to do something about it. It's time to go. It's time to leave LA. And where will I go? Where can I find the best of both worlds? Where can I find the great climate, the lovely beaches, and the cultural stimulation (don't really care too much about the movie stars...)without all the crowding? Is there such a place? If it exists, it won't stay that way for too long.

Only one cool thing happened the other day as a result of my being stuck in traffic. I was sitting on the I-5 at a dead halt. Same thing on the other side. I was in the far left lane and I used the opportunity of being stopped to pull my hair up in a ponytail. I glanced across the freeway partition to see a fairly attractive guy watching me. I nodded and he broke out in a wide grin. He said, "hi there cutie!" I busted up laughing. Traffic--the new Match.com. Love on the 5 freeway! Maybe something good can come out of it after all.

But I'm still leaving...

Flash Fiction: Snapshot on a City Bus

2010-07-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

He took a seat directly in front of me on the city bus. His faded black jean jacket looked thin and worn, explaining why he wore a dark hooded sweatshirt underneath the jacket. It was very cold outside and he needed to stay warm.

The hood was up over his head and his face seemed to disappear inside the folds of the thick fleece. He reeked of cigarette smoke and as he slid into the seat and pushed his back against the window, he briefly glanced at me with piercing, paranoid green eyes. He sat sideways and I could easily see his profile. He had a thin, gaunt face with an almost aristocratic nose. A nose that perpetually dripped and he would use the back of his hand to wipe the snot away.

Out of his tattered backpack, he pulled out a flyer of some kind. I couldn't read what it said, but as he pulled the paper close to his face and narrowed his eyes, he gnawed on his fingers as if they were an elegant delicacy. His fingernails were gone, the fingertips ravaged from constant sucking, biting, pulling away the skin. It was like watching a rat who was fortunate enough to find a prized piece of some exotic fruit. A rat...who couldn't stop nibbling on this delectable treat.

It was not unusual to see a rat on a city bus. A stinky, squinty-eyed, anxiety-ridden little rat of a man on the bus. I just wished I wasn't sitting so close to him...

Ya Gotta Have Friends!

2010-07-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

Back from NYC and the playwrighting festival. Wow! Phew! A whirlwind to say the least. Nerve-wracking to say a bit more. It was a profound experience; grateful to have been a part of it. But folks, I think that's about all I'm going to say about it for now.

What I will say is that I'm sincerely grateful and appreciative for all the friends who showed up to support me and my work. I was kind of blown away. And at the risk of sounding a bit like a corny greeting card, there is nothing more important than friendship.

So this post is dedicated to all the friends who showed up for the festival and literally had my back! It is dedicated to all the friends who couldn't be there but sent their good wishes via phone, email, Facebook or just generally through good vibes circulating through the Universe. I hope you all know how much I appreciate what each of you uniquely bring to my life.

And as this post begins to more and more resemble a Hallmark card, I will send out one more thank you and call it a day.

Now...on to the next...

2010-07-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

I'll be back next week!

Wish me luck everyone!

A Quick Hello...

2010-07-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

photo by oskay

Stopping by to say a quick hello, since I haven't actively written since last Sunday. It's been a busy week, and busy is good! Earlier this week I spent a couple of days teaching some young up-and-coming performing artists and I have to say the experience was quite gratifying.

I love teaching, but I did go through a bit of burn-out a while back. It's to be expected...teaching is a tough gig. And I'm the type of person who puts my heart and soul into it as well, so it's no wonder that I went through some physical and emotional exhaustion.

But it felt really good to be back in the saddle so to speak. And working with students who are so eager to learn; they were sponges willing to soak up everything they could. I love that! I get to do it again next week, and then I'm off to the Big Apple for another grand adventure.

I will do my best to get another post in before I leave. But fear not...you will hear all about the festival upon my return.

So, until the next time...if you're currently on the east coast of the USA...stay cool...and if you're anywhere else in this great big world of ours...hope you're enjoying what you've got!

Blaze of Glory

2010-07-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

photo by sonewfangled

I live on a hill and from this vantage point I am fortunate enough to simply walk out my front door and see three simultaneous fireworks displays. I look directly in front of me, and I see the show my home town is producing at the park just down the hill. To my right and left, neighboring towns set off their own fireworks and the night sky is filled with vibrant color and a cacophony of booms.

I've missed seeing the fireworks from atop my hill for the past two years since I hadn't been at home. So it was lovely tonight, to see this stunning light show with a relatively quiet group of neighbors. Even though tomorrow is a holiday, there is the distinctive feeling of Sunday night in the air. Everyone was noticeably mellow.

My favorite fireworks tonight were the stars that popped out from below, rose high in the sky and fizzled away. And the grand finale was spectacular. Red, white and blue stars, and sizzling, squirmy bursts of light and gigantic chandeliers of color. And the booming sounded like a torrential downpour of rain on the roof. It was terrific.

Happy Birthday America! You deserve to have a grand celebration. I hope you feel better soon. I really do!

Perspective

2010-06-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

photo by heinrock

Yesterday I pulled into a parking lot and when I got out of the car, there were broken pieces of green glass neatly piled on the perimeter of the parking space. It appeared that some kind-hearted person didn't want anyone driving over broken glass and puncturing the tires of the car. Thank you, kind-hearted person.

But here is the interesting part: I didn't immediately think, "Oh no...broken glass...now I'm gonna get a flat tire..." I thought, "wow...how beautiful...look at all the lovely emerald gemstones on the ground."

It was a very childish notion...it was a very idealistic thought...but spotting all that shattered green glass made me feel very happy for some unknown reason. My attitude toward the glass surprised me. My perspective had changed. I wasn't thinking I was staring at some broken Heineken bottle...I was thinking..."that is quite enchanting!"

No, I did not stoop down and fill my pockets with broken green glass. But I did let my gaze linger awhile, noticing and appreciating its beauty. More importantly, I surprised myself and I love when that happens. It's a rare thing!

It's not that big a deal, this seemingly meaningless incident. But to a writer, we have to notice everything. And small occurrences such as this one are gold. Or in this case...emerald!

Interview with Samuel French

2010-06-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

35th Annual Samuel French Off Off Broadway Play Festival

Just a quick post to let everyone know my interview with Samuel French went up today.

The festival is only three weeks away...anticipation grows but I'm doing my best to hold it in check.

The judges were announced the other day on Playbill. Lots of impressive heavy hitters on that list. This opportunity is enormous. I take a breath, give thanks to the Universe, and move forward.

Speak the Speech, I Pray You....OUT LOUD!

2010-06-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

Writing is such a solitary occupation, and typically a quiet one. But I talk out loud to myself all the time. It's becoming pervasive...branching out into all areas of my life, and not just when I'm sitting at my desk working on a piece. I have been known to carry on full-length conversations with myself in public places like Target.

Here I am…in the toilet tissue aisle…talking. To no one…!

As I examine various rolls of toilet paper the conversation goes something like this:

"Hmmm…should I get the Northern bathroom tissue, or is the Angel Soft a better deal?"

No…that doesn’t really sound right. Actually, in reality the conversation probably goes something like this:

"Why have I been standing in front of the toilet paper for 10 minutes trying to figure out how to get the most for my money? Just pick one already, will you Deb?"

Yeah, that sounds more like me. I'm sure many people in Target have noticed my toilet paper diatribe and steered away from the odd woman who is obviously a bit tweaked in the head.

Ah well...occupational hazard.

As a playwright, it's essential that I read my work out loud. I need to hear the rhythm of the dialogue. I need to hear if the writing sounds natural; if it truly sounds like a conversation and not just words on a page. But I also think it’s useful to read any piece of writing out loud. It doesn’t have to be a play or a speech. Short stories, articles, advertising copy, even blog posts! I think it works to the writer’s benefit to hear the words spoken out loud and outside of their head.

If nothing else, it helps give me a sharper eye when proofreading. I’m more apt to spot an error if I hear it…sometimes my eye is lazy and doesn’t see a mistake, but I’ll hear if a sentence sounds weird, or a comma needs to be placed. You get the idea, right?

So whatever you happen to be working on…a press release, a journal entry, a poem, a blog, a memoir….sing out Louise! Let the words of your writing reverberate back to you…out loud…it’s kinda fun. I just wouldn’t recommend doing it in the middle of Target.

And now a few words from Carl Jung...

2010-06-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

image by alice popkorn

"The artist's life cannot be otherwise than full of conflicts, for two forces are at war within him—on the one hand, the common longing for happiness, satisfaction and security in life, and on the other a ruthless passion for creation which may go so far as to override every personal desire. There are hardly any exceptions to the rule that a person must pay dearly for the divine gift of creative fire."
- carl jung

Time Management

2010-06-20T03:12:00.000-07:00

image by jean-louis zimmermann

I am working on so many projects simultaneously, I feel a bit overwhelmed. In order to be as efficient as possible, I'm needing to write "to do" lists and set priorities...but sometimes, when my brain goes into overdrive, it simply freezes...like a deer in the headlights. And then of course, I freeze, and feel like I can't move forward.

My projects are creative ones...lots and lots of writing. Because I am a writer. That's what I do. Some of the stuff I'm working on is actually more creative than other stuff, so I am definitely using two different parts of my brain. But at the end of the day, all I'm doing is dealing with the art of crafting words. Plays, articles, blog posts, course outlines, cover letters...it's all words, words, words. And as much as I love words...instead of having this constant running stream of words flowing through my brain, I sure could use a brief bit of quiet. There's so much noise in my head these days...I need to turn down the volume.

I truly believe that we create our own lives, and I have definitely created my life as a writer. I welcome all the opportunities that are coming my way, but I also treasure the moments when I can put down the dictionary and the thesaurus, close my eyes, and see images rather than words. I am a pretty cerebral gal, and usually think in terms of words and phrases---that in itself is not a good thing or a bad thing, it's just who I am.

But I do wish I thought more in images...I wish my brain were more cinematic...sometimes it is...in my dreams it is...I see movies in my mind from time to time, and that actually helps me a lot when I'm constructing plays or short stories. But mostly I think in terms of ideas and concepts...sounds kinda boring, but actually if you were inside my head, you'd realize it's not boring at all. Trust me on that one!

Wow...I have really gotten off topic here...but I guess it's okay for my mind to wander like this. After all, it's 3AM and I've got the rest of the day to prioritize and utilize my fabulous time management skills. Yes, I'm writing a blog post at 3AM so I can write other stuff later in the day. On a Sunday. Freelancers never have a weekend. I don't mind...I like what I do...but it would be nice to spend a Sunday flitting away the day looking at pretty pictures....

Please tell me--how do you organize your time?

Technical Assistance Please...

2010-06-16T23:50:00.000-07:00

image by Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com

This post is specifically for my fellow bloggers...an SOS if you will. I put out a cry for help on Facebook, but unfortunately to no avail.

If you read this blog regularly, you may have noticed that I recently changed my template. Blogger is now offering new designer templates. I'm very happy with the look of the blog, but ever since I changed to the new template, I'm having some difficulties with a couple of the features.

First, I used to be able to click on my gadgets in the sidebar and they would immediately link to their respective websites. For some reason, it's not doing that anymore. The URL addresses are all correctly written, and I've tried numerous times, but it won't link! I'M SO FRUSTRATED!

Second, some of the images I use start off centered in the center of the post, and then, for some reason, they move over and there's this extra white area surrounding and adding to the photo! I hate it. It's driving my Virgo sensibilities crazy!

Can anyone help? I've posted on the Google Blogger Help forum and no one has come to my aid. Infuriating! I don't really want to go back to the old template, but I may have to if I can't get these features to work properly.

Hoping to hear from you kind-hearted souls out there! Thank you in advance for your help!

Write On!

2010-06-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

photo by slim arts girl

I submitted a proposal to teach a playwrighting course online and it was accepted! I'm excited. Now the work begins...I need to submit the curriculum and an outlined lesson plan by the end of the week. When all of that is approved, and I know for certain the class will occur, I will post all the specifics here on the blog.

If there are any budding playwrights out there who may want to try their hand at this, I hope you'll stop by and sign up! It's a lot of fun. Even if you only have a tiny shred of theatricality coursing through your veins, you should give playwrighting a whirl. It's a lot different than writing fiction, but equally rewarding.

I will let you know when I have all the details. You may just be the next Tennessee Williams and not even know it!

Rest in Peace Sweet Friend...

2010-06-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

photo by xlibber

Yesterday a dear friend of mine from days gone by passed away. I hadn't seen or spoken to her in many years, but she lived in my heart. Reading the tributes to her on her Facebook page, I realized she lived in many people's hearts. She was a magical person. I always thought so then...I know so now.

What is interesting to me, is my own grief. We were no longer in each other's lives, yet my emotions run deep and my sadness is profound. I suppose, with her passing, I am aware of the passing of time, and how things slip away from us before we even know it.

She was a very bright light and loved life to its fullest. So it does seem (I won't say unfair but maybe ironic) that one who embraced life with such gusto should be taken so young. No one can understand these things. We find ways to console ourselves and one another, and we move on.

I spent a lot of time today mourning, and saying goodbye to her in my own private way. And though I debated whether or not to blog about this very personal subject, I decided it was the least I could do to pay tribute to her.

So I send out to the Universe, my deepest gratitude for having known her, and my hope that she is truly at peace and out of pain. Rest in peace sweet friend. You touched the lives of so many and you will be sorely missed.

Fruit and the BP Spill

2010-06-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

photo by Steven Depolo

I don't think it's irresponsible of me to NOT talk about the BP spill. Discussions regarding that topic are all over the internet. Photographs abound of the wild life that is being destroyed because they can't seem to figure out how to PLUG IT UP! So...I'm not going to talk about it. If you want to talk about it, go to another blog.

I will change the topic dramatically by discussing WATERMELON! I once wrote a monologue about watermelon being my favorite food. I think it may very well be the ideal fruit--second only to the banana. I had a huge bowl of watermelon today for breakfast! Wow! Talk about summer in my mouth. It was delish. I have no idea what I'm doing when I pick melons....but leave it to my beloved Trader Joe's to stock fantastic, ripe, red, juicy seedless mini melons. Nectar of the Gods.

If it seems like I'm in denial over the bigger issues and wanting to write about something as mundane as watermelon...you're wrong. First of all, watermelon is NOT mundane; and second, I'm not denying all the pain and suffering that is occurring as I write these words...but frankly, I needed a breather. It's all too much sometimes, don't you think?

I am continually trying to make my life simpler and that includes the constant influx of information that bombards my brain every single second of the day. It's not denial...it's survival. I breathe. I acknowledge. I do what I can. And I move forward.

Talking about fruit makes me feel better. Don't ask me why. Watermelon and bananas. How simple can you get?

Blocked?

2010-06-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

photo by psyberartist

The images of what I want to say are swirling around in my head but the words don't come. I won't give into calling this "writer's block," because I'm not blocked. Not exactly. I'm just having difficulty finding a through-line. Finding my voice. Finding my character's voice. Telling the story!

Ok...well, that might indeed be a block. It's just that everything is very chaotic these days, up there in that old attic head of mine. Lots of cobwebs, lots of clutter. And I have tales to tell and plays that want to be written, but they're hiding in the corner, collecting dust and reluctant to be found.

How do I begin to clean out the jumbled mess up there? Where do I start? I need to sidestep the frustration, roll up my sleeves and dig in.

I'd take a deep breath, but all this dust is giving me an asthma attack...

"Word Fall" by psyberartist

The Late, Great Dorothy Parker

2010-06-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

I turn to her when I need to be inspired and amazed...she never lets me down. Here's two from the incomparable Mrs. Parker:

"Symptom Recital"
I do not like my state of mind;

I'm bitter, querulous, unkind.

I hate my legs, I hate my hands,

I do not yearn for lovelier lands.

I dread the dawn's recurrent light;

I hate to go to bed at night.

I snoot at simple, earnest folk.

I cannot take the gentlest joke.

I find no peace in paint or type.

My world is but a lot of tripe.

I'm disillusioned, empty-breasted.

For what I think, I'd be arrested.

I am not sick, I am not well.

My quondam dreams are shot to hell.

My soul is crushed, my spirit sore;

I do not like me any more.

I cavil, quarrel, grumble, grouse.

I ponder on the narrow house.

I shudder at the thought of men....
I'm due to fall in love again."

— Dorothy Parker

The two most beautiful words in the English language are 'cheque enclosed."

— Dorothy Parker

Some things never change, eh?

Choices...

2010-05-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

My cluttered mind has never been more apparent than right now. I was going to sit down and write a philosophical and meaningful post, but it came out as a mindless stream-of-conscious-rambling that bored the hell out of me; I can only imagine what it would have done for you. Click...I'm outta here....let's blow this self-indulgent pop stand! Rantings from a very confused mind. Maybe I should rename the blog: Confessions of a Confused Mind. Nah...I'll leave it. For now, anyway.

Here I am...once again at a crossroads. Seems like I'm ALWAYS at a crossroads. What's the matter with me? In the movie in my mind, I somehow seem to think that "this" (whatever "this" is) will be the next chapter of my life. The next BIG moment. And the orchestra swells, and we hear the strings, and the drums and the camera zooms in for a close-up...and then...as I gasp in anticipation...

NOTHING happens.

Because it's not a movie. It's my life. Damn! All this time I was hoping this was a movie. If it were, I think it would be either an old-school Woody Allen flick, or a Wes Craven horror film. "Don't go in there Deb...it's BAD in there." Wouldn't that be great, if you heard that advice everytime you were about to make a terrible decision? "Don't do it...it's bad..."

Ah well...life just doesn't work that way, does it?

I'm trying to reinvent myself; yet, it seems all the good inventions have been taken. Anybody got any ideas? I can use all the help I can get...

Edamame

2010-05-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know...I'm a little late coming to this party--but it's only recently that I discovered the joys of edamame. What? You know what this is, right? Of course you do. They're soybeans. And who woulda thought they would be SO delish?

I'm sure there are tons of ways to enjoy them/prepare them, but frankly, I like snacking on them right out of the shell. I know they're available out of the shell, but I like the work of getting them out of the shell and into my mouth. That's part of the fun.

Here's the thing folks: I'm a snacker. (That's snacker, not slacker!) Sad, but true. And when I'm sitting at my computer working on my writing assignments, or editing a manuscript, or reading screenplays and writing coverage, it's very easy for me to chomp away on a bag of peanut M&M's or some other easy-to-munch convenience snack that will cause detriment to my body, mind and soul.

BUT edamame...aahhh.....I have one bowl filled with them on one side of the desk...and another empty bowl on the other side (for the empty shells) and I've got that whole hand to mouth coordination thing going, while I snack away on something healthy and fun to eat.

I get a frozen bag of them (in the shell, slightly salted) at my local Trader Joe's (where else would I shop...my loyalty to Joe is amazing!) I heat them up for a quick 2 minutes ( I like them warm, but you can eat them cold) and I'm good to go! Plus, they are WAY LESS expensive than a megabag of Peanut M&M's. Not to mention SO MUCH better for you! And no crash from the sugar rush. I see this as a win-win situation.

So tell me...do you know about this wonder food? Do you like it? How do you eat them? In the shell or out? Warm or cold? I'm now on the edamame band wagon and want to know what you think about this fun and delicious snack! I eagerly await your comments!

Mind Control

2010-05-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

By Joe Notaro

I'm always in awe of artists who see things in a visual way. Painters, sculpters, photographers, graphic designers...I might be able to paint pictures with words, but I wish I could actually paint with images. I wish I had that gift. Unfortunately, I don't.

My friend Joe, whom I've known since forever, does have the gift and he recently helped me out with the graphics for the poster for my upcoming short play, MIND CONTROL, in the Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival. I sent him the script, he read it, and immediately came up with this great concept for the poster. He was able to do it quickly, and when he sent it to me, I immediately loved it.

A little nip and tuck here, a little tweaking there, and it was done! Sent it in to the Samuel French PR people and they loved it too!

So I'm sending a huge shout out to Joe Notaro for helping me and creating this really cool artwork. THANK YOU JOE!! I appreciate this so, so much!

What do you think of the poster? Does it make you wonder what the play is about? Does it titillate you to want to know more? As always, I welcome your comments and am eager to hear your thoughts!

Continuing Education?

2010-05-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

Every artist I know goes through periods of doubt regarding whether or not they are following the right path. I go through this all the time. Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of stuff in my email inbox about choosing other careers. I wonder if the Universe is trying to tell me something.

Sometimes, I wonder what might have been if I had pursued a business degree or studied marketing. When I first went off to college to the University of Redlands, all I wanted to do was be an actor. I was so narrow-minded at the time, I never allowed myself to look around to see all that this beautiful Southern California University had to offer.

Recently, I took a drive out to the desert, and passed through the Inland Empire on my way to Palm Springs. I forgot how gorgeous that area is. I remember my parents being amused when they visited me at school one time and saw all these girls sunbathing on the lawn while snow-peaked mountains hovered over us in all their splendor. That’s California for ya!

I have often thought of going back to school; enrolling in a continued education program. You know that old adage: “If I knew then, what I know now…” Well, if I knew then what I know now, I would have definitely taken some courses to sharpen my business and marketing skills. I sure could use some of those skills these days. I think if anyone was looking for a California business school, U of R would be a great place to go. I remember this great little 24-hour doughnut shop very close to the campus. Not sure if that doughnut shop is still there, but we used to make doughnut runs for our 1AM study sessions and we’d get the apple fritters hot out of the oven. That, of course, is not the best reason to go back to college, but it’s a great place to start, don’t you think? And if you got your degree in business, think of all the doughnut shops you could open!

Anyway, let me know what schools, colleges or universities you like, and if you have or are considering continuing your education. I’d really love to hear your stories!

Support for the Arts, Anyone?

2010-05-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

Photo by Salvatore Vuono

Before I get to the business at hand, I must send out an enormous thank you to Absolutely *Kate for publishing my story "Coils of Gold" on her amazing site AT THE BIJOU! The story was inspired by an incredibly fascinating photo taken by my friend Damian. To see the photo and read the story, please head on over to AT THE BIJOU. There are many other things to see and read while you're there, so stay awhile and enjoy yourself!

Absolutely *Kate always likes to interview the authors she publishes, and in her interview with me, she broke the news wide open of that tidbit of information I hinted about in my previous post. So if you haven't read it there, I'll tell you now.

My short play, MIND CONTROL, has been accepted as one of the 40 finalists for the 35th Annual Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival. Whoa! Wow! Mind-blowing! I'm stunned. Seriously. I am beyond thrilled, but seriously stunned and still wrapping my head around the information. BroadwayWorld did an article about the fact that this year, Samuel French received a record number of submissions. Over 880. And they narrowed it down to 40. Six will get publishing contracts! Can I say it again? WOW!

After getting over the initial excitement, I'm now overwhelmed with the logistics of the situation. I need to wear the producer's hat for this thing; a role I'm not too comfortable playing. I have to get my tush out to NYC (the festival takes place July 13th-18th), I have to get a director, a cast, and find a way to pay for all of this. YIKES. Daunting....but not impossible.

I'm not asking for a handout, folks...I'm simply asking for some fundraising ideas because this opportunity is too good to pass up, doncha' think? It's not like I'm trying to produce a massive Broadway-scale production...just a 12 minute play that will help convince the Samuel French powers that be to realize this play needs to be in their catalogue. But of course, even that takes money when you're doing it all by yourself. Which I am.

They say if you don't ask, you don't get. So, I'm throwing it out there. And I'm hoping for some positive feedback. I apologize if this is clumsy and awkward...it is not my area of expertise. But...if you don't ask, you don't get. So, I'm asking....

Thank you in advance for your advice and good wishes for this humble writer...I look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions.

Back to the Blog!

2010-05-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Photo by Salvatore Vuono

Forgive my negligence to this blog! It's been two weeks since my last post. Time seems to be getting away from me lately. I hope you haven't deserted me. I've been traveling to distant lands...okay, well not that distant, but I did go up to Portland, Oregon for a week. Pretty darn beautiful, I must say. Never saw the color "green" look quite so green! It was absolutely amazing.

I saw waterfalls! Up close and personal that made me gasp out loud. Oh, the beauty of nature--do you realize how incredibly cool and spectacular waterfalls are? I guess I didn't fully appreciate them until now. Sorry it took me so long Ms. Mother Nature.

I came home last Monday and hit the ground running, catching up on old work and new gigs galore. So it's all good. I do have some exciting news to announce, but you're going to have to wait a little bit longer. I'm not quite ready to fully go public with it yet. Needless to say, it's delightful news and I'm pretty excited. Now you're going to have to check in regularly to find out what it is. A real cliffhanger, huh?

In the meantime, it's good to be back to the blog. I'll try not to be away too long next time. Oh...before I forget...a major shout out to my new and dear friend Absolutely Kate. She featured me on her blog AT THE BIJOU (with the Rabbit, Rabbit post I wrote here last month.) She also included a delightful interview because she is a delightful woman. I've used that word "delightful" three times now. I must be delighted with it! Ohhhhh...that was lame...I will now stop! Anyway, please go check out Kate's terrific blog(see...I didn't use "delightful" again!) It features some really amazing writers and it's a very, very fun read!

Okay...gotta run. I promise I will be back soon. It WON'T be two weeks before you hear from me again. So tell me...what have YOU been up to these past two weeks? Seen any good waterfalls lately?

Communication Breakdown Burger

2010-04-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine who lives in Portland Oregon told me about this whimiscal pub called McMenamins. Apparently, there are quite a few of these places in the Pacific Northwest and there's a whole charming history to the company as well. Check them out if you want to find out more.

My friend also told me they have on their menu an item called a Communication Breakdown Burger. I love the name of this burger. Since we are currently going through Mercury Retrograde, it seems like the ideal time to eat one. After all, communication does typically break down during Mercury Retrograde. I wonder if, whoever named this burger, did so because she was having a difficult time communicating. Thus, this burger was born. I'd like to think that's how it happened, but honestly, I have no idea.

Anyway, the burger consists of cheddar cheese, grilled mushrooms, onions and bell pepper. According to the menu it comes with fries too. Yum. Sounds delish. With the exception of the bell pepper (a vegetable I am NOT fond of) I'm all in! I don't eat burgers too often, but boy...I'm a sucker for a good one and this sounds like a good one.

I will have an opportunity to have one of these delectable delicacies as early as next week. I'm heading up to PDX and I'm sure that the Communication Breakdown Burger will be only one of the many highlights I will experience. I'm looking forward to the trip.

McMenamins Communication Breakdown Burger

photo by MissBeeGail

I'm not crazy about traveling during a Mercury Retrograde, but I've done it before and you just have to remember to go with the flow. It might be worth it, just to take a big juicy bite of that burger!

So let me know if any of you have been up to Portland. And if so, have you been to McMenamins? Did you eat that big, beautiful burger pictured above? I'd love to hear about your experience. I hear they have some pretty great brew up there too!

Until the next time...signing off as I head up north! Peace.

Interview with a Playwright

2010-04-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

As I previously mentioned, my experience doing the world premiere of "Triangle Logic" at the University of Central Florida, exceeded my expectations. I truly LOVED working with the entire creative team in Orlando. Now, the gift that keeps on giving...Brooke M. Haney, the brilliant actress who did an amazing job creating the role of Claire in the play, conducted an interview with me for her thesis in regards to the actor's role in developing new plays. Click here to see the interview in its entirety and production photos from the show.

http://theactorsroleindevelopingnewworks.wordpress.com/

Thanks Brooke! You're the best. I truly hope we will have the opportunity to work together again!

Encounters...

2010-04-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a series of short fiction regarding the different encounters people experience in their day-to-day lives. I mentioned that I was working on a short story in my last post, and was inspired by Bonnie's paintings. So...after much deliberation, I have decided to post the story here. I'm breaking out into a cold sweat, but here ya go. Hope you enjoy!

The Bohemian

The sink was backed up and apparently so was the plumber’s work order because they said they couldn’t get to it for at least a day, maybe two. The slight stench of rotten eggs lingering in my garbage disposal was enough to propel me out the door. I headed down to the beach. I needed the cool breeze and the salt air to get me out of my pissy mood.

It was the weekend, and crowded with families as I suspected it would be. But I found a bench perched on a slight hill and facing the calm sea. The sun glinted off the twinkling waves and I briefly closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and allowed my tense self to relax. I needed to be in this moment; to enjoy the warm day, the sun on my face, the spectacular view, and I needed to forget, for a little while anyway, about all the annoying obstacles I seemed to be facing in my life lately.

I opened my bag and pulled out the notebook and pen that I stuffed in there at the last minute. I knew I would want to write, and I didn’t want to lug my laptop with me. I loved writing longhand and I never did that anymore. I got comfortable on the bench. Pulled my legs up into a crisscross position and found a blank page. Put pen to paper and began my rapid-fire stream of consciousness writing.

I had my head down, writing ferociously when I smelled the patchouli. It’s one of my favorite smells in the whole wide world. People either love it or hate it; I have found there is no in-between. But me? I love it. I’ve loved it ever since I was sixteen years old and this guy who I had a huge crush on wore it to work every day. He was nineteen and the prep cook at the restaurant where I had my first job. His name was Alex. He was the first crush I had ever had on someone who was a “real” person and not some actor or rock star. Alex was cooler than cool. And he wore patchouli. My brother called it “hippy stink,” but I didn’t care. Something about that musky fragrance got my motor running, and after Alex gave me my very own bottle of oil, I wore it all the time. Back in my youth anyway. I don’t wear it anymore. It’s too strong and overpowering. But I will burn patchouli incense from time to time when the mood strikes.

So now, here I was, at the beach smelling my favorite fragrance. I looked up and saw this bohemian-type guy walking toward me. He was short with long hair, and had a paisley scarf tied around his head. He looked like he had walked directly out of the 1960’s. His Levis were filled with holes and not the strategically placed holes like the designer jeans you buy that way. He had earned the rips and tears in those pants. He wore a gauzy, sheer white shirt that fluttered in the breeze. He had leather bands on each of his wrists and one silver hoop earring in his left ear. His mustache and goatee were well-trimmed, not shabby. And of course, he was barefoot. The wide strap of his messenger bag fell diagonally across his chest, and he carried a large sketch pad under his right arm. Patchouli oil emanated from his very soul. We made eye contact and he grinned at me broadly. He had great teeth and a sweet smile.

“Is that your man?” he asked, gesturing to a guy who had just asked me for the time. Now the guy was back to tossing a Frisbee with his kid.

“What?”

“That guy over there? You with him?”

“No,” I answered indignantly. I thought it was a weird way to start a conversation. “He just wanted to know what time it was.”

“Ahhh,” he replied. “I was gonna say…you could do better.”

I laughed. “Thanks. I guess.” I put my head back down into my journal.

He sat down next to me on the bench and out of the corner of my eye I watched him chew on a piece of grass and stare at the ocean. I also noticed he had an incense stick tucked behind his ear. He pulled his messenger bag off his shoulder and set it down on the ground in front of him. Then he turned his attention to me.

“You’re a writer, huh?” He had turned his body to face me, and pulled his legs up in a crisscross position to mirror me.

“I write,” I answered, never lifting my head.

“Maybe you’ll write about me sometime.”

I looked at him and he was genuinely smiling at me. He wasn’t creepy or on the make; he seemed truly sincere and inquisitive.

“Maybe I will. Ya never know.”

“You gonna be here for awhile? Writing?”

“I guess.”

“Can I draw you?”

“Can you what?” I really wasn’t certain what he was asking.

“I’m an artist. I sketch, draw, paint. I’d like to draw you.”

“Um…I don’t really…”

“You don’t have to do anything,” he interrupted. “You don’t have to pose or nothin’. Just sit there, like you’re doing. I’m gonna go over there, and capture that pretty face if ya don’t mind.”

“Uh…okay. As long as I don’t have to pose or sit still. I’m not really comfortable with that.”

“Don’t worry love. Just keep doing what you’re doin’. ‘Kay?”

“Okay.”

He took a box out of the bag. He opened it and seemed proud to show me his supply of charcoals, pastels, and colored pencils. He picked up the sketch pad and moved about 25 feet away from the bench. I watched him get himself situated, and then I went back to my writing. I thought he was an amusing little fellow, quirky as hell, but then, I suppose, so was I.

I looked around and watched the man with the Frisbee and his kid; the families picnicking on the grassy area above the shore, and then I looked back at my new artist friend. I realized suddenly that he might want money for his efforts. Why else would he be here on a day like this filled with potential customers?

“Hey,” I yelled over to him.

“What’s up, love?”

“I can’t pay you. For the drawing. I don’t have any money.”

“I’m not drawing it for you. I’m drawing it for me. I don’t want your money, sweetheart. I just want to capture that sweet face of yours.”

“Oh. Well, now I feel stupid.”

“No need.” He smiled that warm grin of his and continued to do his thing. “Hey, do you mind if I light this?” He pulled the incense stick from behind his ear and held it up for me to see.

“Not at all. Is it patchouli?”

“What else?” That grin again. He lit the stick and stuck it into the ground and proceeded to draw on his sketch pad.

I went back to my writing, and got so involved in what I was doing, I forgot about the fact that I was being studied and captured on his drawing pad. I loved breathing in the patchouli scent which overpowered the smell of hot dogs and barbeque. I was enjoying myself; hadn’t felt this relaxed in a long time, and was able to get some very good ideas down on paper.

My legs had fallen asleep, so I stretched them out in front of me and then stood up to stretch my entire body. My stiff neck needed motion, so I closed my eyes and rolled it around and around to get the kinks out. With my eyes closed, I felt his touch on the back of my neck. His hands were warm and strong as he massaged me. I jumped a bit. I wasn’t used to someone entering my personal space so freely. Touching me without permission. It was weird, but I could not deny that it felt good and I let him continue to rub my shoulders for a little while longer.

I opened my eyes and moved away from him.

“Thanks,” I said. “Did you finish the drawing?”

“Why are you so tense? You got a lot of knots in there.”

“I’ve got a lot on my mind. Did you finish?” I quickly asked, wanting to change the subject.

“You want to talk to me love? Empty that sweet head of all those negative thoughts?”

“No. But thanks for the offer.”

“Why are you so guarded?”

“I’m not.”

“Yes you are,” he chuckled. “But it’s cool. I won’t push.” He picked up his bag and started packing up his materials.

“Hey,” I said. “Can I see the drawing?”

“Nope.”

“That’s not fair. I want to see how you drew me.”

“Then dump the contents of your brain in my lap. And we’ll have ourselves a trade.”

“Why are you so curious to know what I’m thinking? It’s not that interesting, trust me.”

“Oh, I doubt that. Look around…you’re the most interesting person here.”

“No. I think maybe YOU are the most interesting person here.”

“Thank you love. And thank you for letting me draw you. You are a stunning subject.”

“Stunning? Hardly. But thanks for the compliment.”

“I don’t suppose you’d like to give me your phone number?”

“Oh. Um…well…”

“No worries. It’s cool. Don’t look so scared, my guarded little friend.”

“I’m not scared of you," I said, feeling scared.

“Okay. Whatever you say. Maybe I’ll see you here again some time? Do you come here a lot to write?”

“Not as often as I should.”

“Well, come around more often, and maybe we’ll cross paths another time.”

“Okay. Maybe I will." I started to let him go, but thought it was worth another try. "Hey…one more thing?”

“What’s that sweetheart?”

“Can you please let me see the drawing? I’d really like to know what you see, when you look at me.”

He hesitated, but then opened the sketch pad and let me have a quick peek. Then, before I had the chance to study it in more detail, he closed the book, and tucked the pad under his arm.

“That was amazing. Can I see it again?”

“No darlin’. I gotta go. You liked it?”

“I like it a lot. But that’s not what I look like. I definitely don’t look like that.”

“Yeah, you do. You just don’t know it.”

He leaned over and gave me a light kiss on my cheek. When I didn’t move or flinch, he got bolder and gave me another kiss…this time on my mouth.

“You sure you don’t want to give me your phone number?” he teased.

I laughed. That was how I answered him.

“Okay then…until next time, love.” He blew me another kiss and then walked off down towards the beach.

I watched him move through the crowds effortlessly…a vagabond on the road again. His patchouli scent lingered in the air as I gathered up my things to leave. The image of his drawing was etched in my mind and I knew it would remain there for a long time. Someone in this world saw me as beautiful. Perhaps I needed to see myself in a similar way. I didn’t even know his name, but I would always remember him as Mr. Bohemian.

Thanks Mr. Bohemian. Thanks for truly allowing me to see that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Hmmm….maybe I should have given him my phone number…

by Bonnie Joy Bardos

Bohemian Bloggers

2010-04-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

I am truly enjoying blogging and as I make my way around the Internet, introducing my blog to the world, I have met some really cool artists along the way. I have always been drawn to creative types; people who march to the beat of a different drum...perhaps it is because I include myself in that group. I would like to take the time, every now and then, to introduce you to some of my new blogger friends.

First up: Ms. Bonnie Joy Bardos. I found Bonnie because I googled the word "bohemian"--looking for an image to accompany a story I had recently written. There, on her blog--Bohemian Artist: Painting & Thought , I found the most beautiful pieces of art. One of Bonnie's paintings was the perfect image to go with the story I had just written aptly titled "The Bohemian." I was so moved by her artwork, I had to contact her.

Bonnie lives across the country from me, but I already feel like we are friends. (After all, we are now friends on Facebook, so that means everything, right?!) But seriously, I immediately connected with her and felt like we were kindred spirits. I know if we ever do meet in person, it will be like seeing an old friend.

Here is the painting that initially took my breath away. I encourage you to visit Bonnie's site and see even more amazing artwork. She's the real deal!

"Three Bird Woman" by Bonnie Joy Bardos

Let me know what you think of Bonnie's artwork, and if you have suggestions for other bohemian blogs, please send them my way. I would love to meet them!

When It Rains, It Pours...

2010-04-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hello! My name is Debbie and I'm a playwright.

Sometimes it takes a lot to wrap my head around that idea. However, in the last 4 months I will have had a total of 3 of my pieces produced. That's not exactly turning me into David Mamet or anything, but if I'm looking at the glass half full, that's pretty darn good!

In a recent post, I said you shouldn't identify yourself by your occupation...BUT I do identify myself as a writer. I think about writing all the time. I can't get away from the ideas that pour into my head. I go to the grocery store, and it's a story; I go to the bank, and the teller treats me in a particular way, and it's a story; I break a drinking glass on the kitchen floor, shards of glass have flown everywhere, and yes, you guessed it--it's a story! Obviously, not all my thoughts are manifested into stories, plays or whatever, but you're getting the idea about how my brain works, right?

I have this great book by Adair Lara called You Know You're a Writer When... It's one of those small little books with lots of quotes and one-liners, but almost all of them ring true. Here's a sample:

"You know you're a writer when your office is any cafe with an outlet." (And free WiFi!)
"You know you're a writer when your heartbeat quickens whenever you enter a bookstore."
(Never fails)
"You know you're a writer when you liked the book better than the movie." (Always!)

Now, onto some shameless self promotion:

My latest work, Out with the Old... will be presented as part of Theatre Encino's 2nd Annual Ten-Minute Play Festival: "Transplantation Society: Stories of Change." I love 10-minute plays, and I'm so happy to be part of this festival. They produced one of my pieces last year and it was a grand ol' time. Anyway, if you're in the LA area, come on by next weekend--April 17th & 18th. There are three shows throughout the weekend, and 15% of the proceeds will be used to aid hunger and homelessness in the San Fernando Valley. Plus, it's a really fun evening of theatre! Hope to see you there!

I'm hoping to continue to be prolific in the upcoming months. This blog is helping to keep me accountable for my writing, and I'm loving meeting all my new blogger friends and hearing about their creative journeys. More about that in my next post!

Ignorance is Bliss

2010-04-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

I'm happy and excited to announce the world premiere of my newest play: Ignorance is Bliss: A Global Warning, which will debut on Wednesday, April 21st. And since it's a play about global warming, the premiere is perfectly timed to coincide with this year's Earth Day! How cool is that?

I was commissioned to write this work for the Pittsburg High School Drama Department in Pittsburg, Kansas. Last year they did a wonderful job with my play phat girls, and the director, Greg Shaw, was looking to do a piece on global warming. Enter me! I said, "hire me...I'll write a play for you on global warming!" So they did. And then I did. Wrote it, I mean. And now here we go...

It was incredibly challenging. Lots of research, obviously. And I wanted to make sure the play was entertaining as well as educational. I didn't want the audience to feel like they were sitting in a lecture hall. How the audience will react, remains to be seen, but I will be interested to see how this show is received. I hope it entertains as well as informs. I do know I tried very hard to make it amusing in certain scenes. I know what you're thinking...."Global warming is not a funny topic..." I agree. But, I did try to create some levity throughout the piece. Just a little bit. It's also poignant and meaningful, for those of you who might be worried about that!

Greg and I were in constant communication as he received my drafts and read and rehearsed the play with his students. I got their feedback as well as Greg's and I tweaked, and cut and rewrote until all of us were satisfied.

So now in just two short weeks, the production will come to fruition. It's exciting and I'm proud of the work I did on this play.

Stay tuned...I'll let you know how it goes. I'll post pics. I'll welcome your comments. And if you want me to, I'll write a play for you! Just let me know!

Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Illustration by Michael Sowa

And a special shout-out to the person who turned me on to the interesting world of Michael Sowa. You know who you are!

Happy Easter to all those who celebrate. And to everyone else, ease up on those chocolate bunnies! Just remember that all Easter candy will probably be 1/2 price tomorrow--so stock up for next year!

Quoting Mr. Einstein...

2010-04-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

"Of what is significant in one's own existence one is hardly aware, and it certainly should not bother the other fellow. What does a fish know about the water in which he swims all his life?

The bitter and the sweet come from the outside, the hard from within, from one's own efforts. For the most part I do the thing which my own nature drives me to do. It is embarrassing to earn so much respect and love for it. Arrows of hate have been shot at me too; but they never hit me, because somehow they belonged to another world, with which I have no connection whatsoever.

I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity."
~Albert Einstein

Rabbit Rabbit!!

2010-03-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, this is not a post about Easter. First of all, I'm not an Easter-type of gal, and second it's just a coincidence that I'm writing this post so close to the Easter holiday. Actually, it has to do with the first of the month. It just so happens tomorrow is April 1st. Nothing to do with April Fool's Day either. Oy...so much explanation for all the things this post ISN'T about. Here's what it IS about:

I've always been a voracious reader, even when I was a young lass. I never did the "Nancy Drew" thing, but I did like the Trixie Belden series. Also, a young girl detective, not unlike Nance, but a little more cool. Plus, she lived in New York like me (only she lived upstate in a richer, woodsy area but still...we were both New Yorkers. I don't know where Nancy Drew lived.) Anyway, it was from the Trixie Belden books where I learned about "Rabbit, Rabbit" and I've held on to it ever since. That in itself may be a little pathetic, but what can I tell you?

Basically, this is how it works. On the last day of the month, before you go to sleep, you make a wish. Say the wish out loud. And then once the wish is made, you cannot speak again. Go to sleep. Happy dreams! Then, when you wake up on the first day of the new month, the first words out of your mouth have to be...you guessed it..."RABBIT, RABBIT!"

So I've been doing this for all these many years...making a wish on the last day of the month, waking up yelling "Rabbit, Rabbit" on the first day of the new month. I don't think my wish has ever come true...but I still do it.

I've blown it plenty of times, and sometimes I would even put a little note on my alarm clock to remind me to say "Rabbit, Rabbit." Sometimes I would make the wish at 11:59pm and yell "Rabbit, Rabbit" at midnight. I don't think you have to yell the words, but for some reason I always do.

So here we are, March 31st, another chance to make another wish, and tomorrow on April 1st, here's wishing that wish will come true.

What will you wish for?

Writing Exercise to Challenge Your Brain

2010-03-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

Ernest Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in six words. His response?

"For sale: baby shoes, never used."

Wow, right? Six words was all he needed to paint a very powerful picture! So, I thought I would try this exercise and man, oh man, is it ever difficult. Sheesh! Tell a story in six words? Oy vey!

I finally wrote something that I was satisfied with. But, it's 7 words. I wonder what Papa Hemingway would say? But for what it's worth, here's what I came up with:

Bankrupted woman seeks employment at gun factory.

What do you think of my 7-word story?

Try it! It's very challenging...but it will give your brain a great workout. I truly believe that less is more. And I would love to hear what you come up with.

Living the Creative Life

2010-03-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

Recently, a former student of mine, asked me for advice on living the creative life in the “real world.” I believe that some people can’t help being creative in their everyday life. This particular young woman is one of them. Whether your occupation is a bank teller, a lawyer, a truck driver, or a food server, you are the one who is ultimately responsible for choosing whether or not your life is a creative one.

Making a living in the creative life is a different story. I suppose it depends on your definition of creativity. Some people make a living doing other people’s tax returns, and they like what they do and that’s entirely enough creativity for one day, thank you very much. But maybe they’re not entirely crazy about their work, so when they go home they need to build some furniture. Or spend the evenings painting sunsets. Or they play guitar, or play with clay. I truly believe everyone needs a creative outlet. If you get your paycheck from that outlet…FANTASTIC! But if not, it doesn’t mean you should live without creativity in your life.

Photo by laffy4k

Don’t let your “occupation” define you. If you work as a cashier, doesn’t mean you’re not a musician. If you clean other people’s houses for a living, doesn’t mean you’re not a painter…you get where I’m going with this?

In Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way, she recommends you take yourself on a date once a week. I love this idea. I know many of you will find this difficult because your schedules are already so crammed. But if you can carve out the time to do something YOU want to do…sit and look at the ocean, curl up in a bookstore with the new novel you’ve been wanting to read, go grab yourself a cup of really, really good coffee and just sit…don’t talk, don’t listen…just be with yourself. Believe it or not, this is a creative thing to do. We’re all so wrapped up in our day-to-day life we lose the artist inside ourselves. Go find your inner artist. She is there, trust me. And she wants to hang out with you from time to time. So go buy yourself a box of Crayolas and have at it!

Please let me know what sorts of thing you do to tap into your creative self.

A Word or Two About Writing

2010-03-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

Photo by Gonzalo Barrientos

Ask any writer about the writing process...go ahead...ask them. Say somethin' like, "Hey you...writer...tell me about your process..."
For every writer you ask, you'll get a different answer. Every writer has his or her own way of going about things. Maybe the arrangement of things on the desk has to be just so. The cup of coffee has to be on the right side or the left side. It has to be 5AM. Or 2PM. Some writers have to wear the blue, hemp "writing" hat in order to get any work accomplished...(so, okay...that's me!) Some writers have to write longhand. Others can only write on a laptop. And others still are die hard old school worker bees and must write on a typewriter.

Oh, my goodness, the list goes on and on. But from what I understand, most writers, myself included, do engage in the dance of procrastination. For me, I am mostly writing these days in the morning. When a good idea comes to me in the night, while I'm sleeping (and it often does) I'd better get my butt up and write down the idea, otherwise it is lost forever. I've tried to talk myself into believing that the idea is SO good, so lucid, that it will be there in the morning. It never is. NEVER. Maybe a remnant of the idea, but only if I'm lucky. I'm usually not!

I can think of a million things to do that have nothing to do with writing prior to plopping down and getting to the task at hand. The funny thing is, once I'm IN it...once I've started, and I'm engaged, I love writing. Don't get me wrong, it's hard as hell. Mostly rewriting is hard. Writing is fun. Rewriting is ARDUOUS. I love that word. That's why I do this. I love words.

Photo by Billie Hara

If you want to write for a living, then you have to treat it like a job. A job you love...but a job nonetheless. You can make your own hours, you can write whenever you want, where ever you want. You can wear your pajamas, or your sweats or a suit and tie for that matter. But you need to set goals, and be disciplined, and write EVERY SINGLE DAY! It's like exercise. You have to do it every day to see results. To get better at your craft. Sure you need a break now and then. So take a break...I'm not stopping you. But it's essential to keep those wheels greased!

There are tons of books out there on how to write. But I say, if you want to write, don't read about it...DO IT! If you do want to hear what the pros have to say, here's a couple of suggestions:

Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird. Even if you don't want to be a writer, you should read Anne Lamott. She's amazing, adorable, humorous...I love her. Read everything she's ever written. You'll be glad you did.
And of course, I must recommend my main man, Mr. Stephen King. His book On Writing shoots from the hip. He tells it like it is, doesn't sugarcoat it. Before I die, please let me meet Stephen King and thank him for the hours of reading pleasure (and terror) he has given me. But in On Writing, he was very much my teacher, and there is no finer teacher than the master himself!

DISCIPLINE. Say it with me. DISCIPLINE! Good! Because that's what it takes. Just write! Not every word has to be gold. Not everything you create has to be read by somebody else. But if you want to write...if you want to call yourself a writer, then be a Nike ad, and JUST DO IT!

Thank you for your attention during my diatribe. Now write me a comment...that's a good way to get started!

What are you thinking, Donna Simpson?

2010-03-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

Ok...this is a disturbing post for me to write, but I felt it was necessary. First of all, let me preface this by saying that I am no stranger to body image issues, weight gain, weight loss, all that jazz. I have certainly had my share of the yo-yo syndrome and it's taken me a long time to make peace with my body. I'm not sure that I am at peace, but I've come to the conclusion that I will never be a skinny-minny and that's okay. I want to be healthy and fit and feel good in my own skin. I wrote a play called phat girls that deals with these very issues. It's not about being thin...it's about being healthy.

So that being said, I've been reading about this woman named Donna Simpson who is striving to be the heaviest woman in the world. She's currently 600 pounds and is hoping to put on at least 400 more.

My question is: WHY? Why would you put your attention and energy into being UNHEALTHY! We have so much information these days regarding health, fitness, body weight, etc. And I don't understand why someone would willingly stuff themselves with foods that can lead to heart attack, diabetes and stroke. It's just like somebody who starts smoking. Why, with everything we know about the hazards of smoking, would you willingly start BEFORE you even have the addiction?

If Donna is content with how she looks and feels, then more power to her. But at this point, it's not about self-esteem and body image. It's about knowingly putting things in your body that are hazardous to your health. She has a life partner and young children. She is 42 years old. Doesn't she want to be around for her family? It's been documented that she is eating junk food galore: burgers, fries, chips and doughnuts; though apparently her favorite food is sushi. She is most definitely, without a doubt, going to become incredibly ill and I can't believe she's doing this just so she can be in the Guiness Book of Records.

Another victim of wanting instant fame? This is NOT the way to go about it. Is she just another one of the many folks out there hoping for their own reality television show? They can call this show Watch Donna Kill Herself because that is exactly what is going to happen if she continues on this path to self-destruction. She wants to reach 1,000 pounds in the next two years. Really, Donna? Really? This is your aspiration in life? Hmmm...

So tell me, what are your thoughts on Donna's quest to achieve morbid obesity? Fabulous or foolish? I think I've made my thoughts clear.