Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Master Koda Select Publishing~
First, I wrote about the Black Friday/Cyber Monday event that Kim Mutch Emerson and Master Koda Select Publishing Sponsors and today I am happy to let you in on a secret they told me. They have started an eBook site where readers can continue to get deep discounts on books and get the news first on any up-coming events. All you have to do is go subscribe to their newsletter in the top left corner of this website http://ebookbargainstoday.com
Oh and don’t forget to stop in at the party going on right now on Facebook. It’s not too late to get your chance to win the grand prizes. https://www.facebook.com/events/1523164247975549
Oh and don’t forget to stop in at the party going on right now on Facebook. It’s not too late to get your chance to win the grand prizes. https://www.facebook.com/events/1523164247975549
Master Koda Select Publishing 💜
Sometimes the holidays can be a depressing time. Kim Mutch Emerson and the gang at Master Koda Select Publishing have found a way to boost my spirits. Each year they host a big giveaway on Facebook to celebrate books and life. It starts on Friday after Thanksgiving and goes throughout the weekend. There’s plenty of chances to win all kinds of prizes (including a $100.00 gift card), but the best part is being a part of the fun. Laughter lifts the heaviest heart and they excel in laughter. Meet me at the party and see what I mean.https://www.facebook.com/events/1523164247975549
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Love on the Rocks
Here is a taste of what I've been up to since my last post~
Happy Watching~
Jessica~
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Writing Contest/Online Art Shop~
So here I am middle aged (I think I am... almost anyway...) and I finally entered one of my stories into a writing contest :) It only took 15 years to just get brave and send it in. I suppose I could have made more effort to have it edited by someone else, but I am happy enough to have done it. I hope it breaks the ice a little on my withdrawing from pushing forward with my writing and getting published. I have certainly been procrastinating for too many years now. It is about time I took the leap into the unknown abyss, took a risk and while in mid air, just start flapping my wings! It was wonderfully exhilarating and the feeling of accomplishment is wonderful! I haven't any results other than the action of entering the contest, but I did it, the rest is up to God or the universe.
I have also started an Etsy page :) http://www.etsy.com/shop/jessicabouchard?ref=seller_info That was also a huge leap! It is one thing to post your pictures on facebook for all your friends to see and a completely other thing to set up a business and get serious about what you are passionate about. I am passionate about art and creating beautiful things and writing beautiful stories and sharing them with the world. I am passionate about other things as well, such as theatre and dancing, but in order to do well at one thing, one must let go of the others for a short period of time.
I am feeling good about cleaning my house and organizing my space for each new project to get underway. I am working on my Etsy shop with my partner, Michael. We are both creating things together and separately to post on the site. I intend on building a business with over a hundred items for sale at one time, so I had better be organized!
Along with the pendants I have begun to post online, I am also starting on knitting projects and making felt trinkets, corsages and other jewelry out of stones.
In the meantime, I am also dedicating a few hours a week to my writing, to be sure that I continue learning and enhancing my skills as a writer. After sending my story in, I feel a heavy weight lifted off of my shoulders. It was another thing ticked off of my bucket list. I am continuing to read stories and to read about becoming a better writer....now, let's see if I can tackle getting a book publisher interesting in my picture books....
I am wondering what it is that others around me have been afraid to do with their lives, that they are now getting brave and doing? What is it that you took so long to finally experience and enjoy. What dreams of your have come true in recent years that you have been dreaming of since you were a little child? Feel free to comment and share, I would love to hear about it :)
I have also started an Etsy page :) http://www.etsy.com/shop/jessicabouchard?ref=seller_info That was also a huge leap! It is one thing to post your pictures on facebook for all your friends to see and a completely other thing to set up a business and get serious about what you are passionate about. I am passionate about art and creating beautiful things and writing beautiful stories and sharing them with the world. I am passionate about other things as well, such as theatre and dancing, but in order to do well at one thing, one must let go of the others for a short period of time.
I am feeling good about cleaning my house and organizing my space for each new project to get underway. I am working on my Etsy shop with my partner, Michael. We are both creating things together and separately to post on the site. I intend on building a business with over a hundred items for sale at one time, so I had better be organized!
Along with the pendants I have begun to post online, I am also starting on knitting projects and making felt trinkets, corsages and other jewelry out of stones.
In the meantime, I am also dedicating a few hours a week to my writing, to be sure that I continue learning and enhancing my skills as a writer. After sending my story in, I feel a heavy weight lifted off of my shoulders. It was another thing ticked off of my bucket list. I am continuing to read stories and to read about becoming a better writer....now, let's see if I can tackle getting a book publisher interesting in my picture books....
I am wondering what it is that others around me have been afraid to do with their lives, that they are now getting brave and doing? What is it that you took so long to finally experience and enjoy. What dreams of your have come true in recent years that you have been dreaming of since you were a little child? Feel free to comment and share, I would love to hear about it :)
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Painted Lady~
Art and Accessories
Hello my friends...
I know it is always so far and few between that I write. I believe it is due to so many social media sites, I should write myself a rotating list so none get so neglected! :)
So, it has been years that I have tried out many different network marketing companies and although they have been some incredible products, I either got board or just plain lost interest (except for epicure~the best spices I've ever used!). So I have recently decided that being creative as a hobby could also prove to be a part-time business that I could endure and stick to. I would never get tired of sharing something so beautiful with the world and the pleasure wont fade as I can always change up what I am doing to something new so I don't get board.
Recently I have reconnected with a man I once dated at 19, we are together again still with common interests (just different ones) and both having a love for stones. It turns out he is into mining and rock hounding. As a result of his passion, he collects stones both precious and semi-precious and tumbles many of them making them shiny and smooth. He has bags of them! I asked what he had planned on doing with them and he said nothing. He had tried wrapping them once, but it was awkward for him so he just makes the stones... I then piped up and said, I would love to try :) ....I have been wrapping ever since! I love it. It is so wonderful working with a natural stone and turning it into a fashion accessory. I will attach a few pictures of recent ones for you to see.
Along with the stones, I have been drawing and painting again. I am more and more inspired everyday. I am reading more and pushing my imagination to it's limits in writing as well.
I am currently setting up an etsy account to sell my art and accessories, so I promise to keep you posted!
Oh and Please feel free to comment on any articles or art that I post in this blog. They are much appreciated! :)
Have a wonderful and inspiring day~
And P.S. if you LOVE fudge... You must try Goudies Goodies Fudge check out www.etsy.com/shop/GoudiesGoodies and you will not be disappointed!! I tried the Elvis pie (banana and peanut butter) it was insanely delicious! Apparently the Key Lime and Cafe Latte are also #1 hits! :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I know it is always so far and few between that I write. I believe it is due to so many social media sites, I should write myself a rotating list so none get so neglected! :)
So, it has been years that I have tried out many different network marketing companies and although they have been some incredible products, I either got board or just plain lost interest (except for epicure~the best spices I've ever used!). So I have recently decided that being creative as a hobby could also prove to be a part-time business that I could endure and stick to. I would never get tired of sharing something so beautiful with the world and the pleasure wont fade as I can always change up what I am doing to something new so I don't get board.
Recently I have reconnected with a man I once dated at 19, we are together again still with common interests (just different ones) and both having a love for stones. It turns out he is into mining and rock hounding. As a result of his passion, he collects stones both precious and semi-precious and tumbles many of them making them shiny and smooth. He has bags of them! I asked what he had planned on doing with them and he said nothing. He had tried wrapping them once, but it was awkward for him so he just makes the stones... I then piped up and said, I would love to try :) ....I have been wrapping ever since! I love it. It is so wonderful working with a natural stone and turning it into a fashion accessory. I will attach a few pictures of recent ones for you to see.
Along with the stones, I have been drawing and painting again. I am more and more inspired everyday. I am reading more and pushing my imagination to it's limits in writing as well.
I am currently setting up an etsy account to sell my art and accessories, so I promise to keep you posted!
Oh and Please feel free to comment on any articles or art that I post in this blog. They are much appreciated! :)
Have a wonderful and inspiring day~
And P.S. if you LOVE fudge... You must try Goudies Goodies Fudge check out www.etsy.com/shop/GoudiesGoodies and you will not be disappointed!! I tried the Elvis pie (banana and peanut butter) it was insanely delicious! Apparently the Key Lime and Cafe Latte are also #1 hits! :)
Monday, March 5, 2012
Writing~
Hmm, well, I am wondering why it's so damn hard to focus on what I want to do most in the world? Why is it so hard for me to sit and focus on writing? I have all the tools, the information and books teaching me what to do! I just stare at the books, get all restless when the blank page is ready to be written on and then I find something else to do or make something to eat, or find someone to go have coffee with! I will even go have a bath before I will sit down and write! What the hell am I afraid of? Failing? Who cares if it sucks, I can write something else or get another day job! What if I succeed? Great!! Then I can go explore the world and write more stuff that appeals to the masses. But really? Can that be it? Are either of those excuses the reason for my stalling every time I must put the stories in my head to paper (or the computer screen)?
Indeed I need a solution! There are teens pumping out incredible stories and I'm just wasting time as if I'm in class studying a subject I hate.
Any suggestions?
Maybe I need a muse... What is a muse anyway? Inspiration? A person or is it anything that inspires you? I think mine is camping. Maybe I should get a car and go camping!!
Indeed I need a solution! There are teens pumping out incredible stories and I'm just wasting time as if I'm in class studying a subject I hate.
Any suggestions?
Maybe I need a muse... What is a muse anyway? Inspiration? A person or is it anything that inspires you? I think mine is camping. Maybe I should get a car and go camping!!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
CHristmas?~
I am wondering two things...
1) If I had a cat would having feline company make it feel more like Christmas?
and
2) Blogging... I think it is like an extended facebook status.
It is officially Christmas Eve and yet, I look at my tree (beautifully decorated with red and gold beads and balls, butterflies, sparkly shoes, and a Russian ballerina I picked up in St. Petersburg) and while I admire the pretty lights and sentimental decorations, I realize that it doesn't feel at all like Christmas at all to me. Last week, when I was baking for three days, playing Christmas music loud and dancing around with flour on my face, it felt like Christmas. I couldn't wait until Saturday when I was having a few friends and family over. No one showed up but my friend, her mom (who is also my friend) and her baby. I was decked out and had spent the afternoon making mini pizzas for appies and ended up eating most of them for dinner (probably equaled a medium pizza if it were whole). After that I had another girlfriend stop by for a bit on Wednesday, and then I went to my sisters engagement party. Now it's just me waiting for a visit with family for dinner, and waiting to take down decorations (which I started doing tonight). I almost want it to be over, which is odd, considering that I couldn't wait to have Christmas. I could not wait to decorate and bake and have people over. I feel strange not caring in the least that it is here. I usually love this holiday as much as my birthday (that was a real let down this year too).
I sure as hell hope that 2012 is an amazing year, and I hope it is not the end of the world! That would really suck! I haven't lived in France long enough to learn the language yet. (I haven't actually even lived there before.) I haven't been to Africa to see wild animals in there habitat, or rented a hut for a month in Thailand, or gone to Hawaii to explore its tropical wonders. No, I am not ready for the end of the world. I suppose it doesn't matter anyway. My grandpa kept telling me over and over in the hospital a month before he died, that he wasn't ready to die. Then he died. Was that of a broken heart, or loneliness or health reasons, I'll never really know. I stopped visiting him in January or the beginning of February. I got so depressed, I couldn't handle it. I couldn't stay there watching him suffer and tell me he wasn't ready and not have a way to make it better for him. did take him coffee and treats when I was visiting. I know he appreciated it. I made the best coffee. He came over at least once a week before he died and would always tell me how I made the best coffee. I made him an americano with espresso from the Italian Mocha machine and add fat free canned cream with two packets of the yellow sweetener. He loved it. Anyway, I was hoping that 2012 would be an amazing year, it got me thinking about my birthday and then I started thinking about grandpa, because January through march makes me think of him. He was in the hospital in January, then he died in March the 17th or the 18th, it's a little unclear to me. Wow, that was a random babble if I ever had one. Sorry if that through you right off track! lol but thanks for reading (sort of lending me an eyeball in place of the ear~very thoughtful!)
Christmas spirit? I will be honest. I almost feel like staying home and skipping it all together. It feels like a big hassle. I have been non stop for moths and now I have a place to be creative and relax, and I would kind of like to do that. Maybe that will be my present to myself... (yah right!) lol
So my other thought was that blogging seems somewhat of a journal entry or a really long status on facebook. I guess it is good then that most of my facebook friends don't read my blog or they might see my scroogy attitude and be disappointed! lol The truth is I love writing in a journal, but lets' be truthful about it... I haven't written more than four entries in the past year. I think to many people kept reading them and invading my privacy so I stopped writing super personal stuff, so blogging is about the intensity I write anywhere anyway, so I might as well share it with anyone interested (especially journal readers! Eat your fill of my life's gossip, um, if that is what it is).
I guess the computer is my cat today, as I am talking to it as I type, it feels like I am writing to someone so it's somewhat interactive and well, I don't have to feed it or you, so I am already miles ahead of the game~
And you know what else... I think it's kids that make Christmas. I moved towns and without a car, I am stuck at my place instead of joining my family for Christmas movies and hot chocolate. watching the little one get all excited when Rudolf's nose glows or wiping their sticky hands or snuggling by the tree lights. yup, that's what is missing, Children. I have so may in my life, they are just not here today, so I guess I should get to bed and go see some of them tomorrow for kisses and smiles~
MERRY CHRISTMAS~
1) If I had a cat would having feline company make it feel more like Christmas?
and
2) Blogging... I think it is like an extended facebook status.
It is officially Christmas Eve and yet, I look at my tree (beautifully decorated with red and gold beads and balls, butterflies, sparkly shoes, and a Russian ballerina I picked up in St. Petersburg) and while I admire the pretty lights and sentimental decorations, I realize that it doesn't feel at all like Christmas at all to me. Last week, when I was baking for three days, playing Christmas music loud and dancing around with flour on my face, it felt like Christmas. I couldn't wait until Saturday when I was having a few friends and family over. No one showed up but my friend, her mom (who is also my friend) and her baby. I was decked out and had spent the afternoon making mini pizzas for appies and ended up eating most of them for dinner (probably equaled a medium pizza if it were whole). After that I had another girlfriend stop by for a bit on Wednesday, and then I went to my sisters engagement party. Now it's just me waiting for a visit with family for dinner, and waiting to take down decorations (which I started doing tonight). I almost want it to be over, which is odd, considering that I couldn't wait to have Christmas. I could not wait to decorate and bake and have people over. I feel strange not caring in the least that it is here. I usually love this holiday as much as my birthday (that was a real let down this year too).
I sure as hell hope that 2012 is an amazing year, and I hope it is not the end of the world! That would really suck! I haven't lived in France long enough to learn the language yet. (I haven't actually even lived there before.) I haven't been to Africa to see wild animals in there habitat, or rented a hut for a month in Thailand, or gone to Hawaii to explore its tropical wonders. No, I am not ready for the end of the world. I suppose it doesn't matter anyway. My grandpa kept telling me over and over in the hospital a month before he died, that he wasn't ready to die. Then he died. Was that of a broken heart, or loneliness or health reasons, I'll never really know. I stopped visiting him in January or the beginning of February. I got so depressed, I couldn't handle it. I couldn't stay there watching him suffer and tell me he wasn't ready and not have a way to make it better for him. did take him coffee and treats when I was visiting. I know he appreciated it. I made the best coffee. He came over at least once a week before he died and would always tell me how I made the best coffee. I made him an americano with espresso from the Italian Mocha machine and add fat free canned cream with two packets of the yellow sweetener. He loved it. Anyway, I was hoping that 2012 would be an amazing year, it got me thinking about my birthday and then I started thinking about grandpa, because January through march makes me think of him. He was in the hospital in January, then he died in March the 17th or the 18th, it's a little unclear to me. Wow, that was a random babble if I ever had one. Sorry if that through you right off track! lol but thanks for reading (sort of lending me an eyeball in place of the ear~very thoughtful!)
Christmas spirit? I will be honest. I almost feel like staying home and skipping it all together. It feels like a big hassle. I have been non stop for moths and now I have a place to be creative and relax, and I would kind of like to do that. Maybe that will be my present to myself... (yah right!) lol
So my other thought was that blogging seems somewhat of a journal entry or a really long status on facebook. I guess it is good then that most of my facebook friends don't read my blog or they might see my scroogy attitude and be disappointed! lol The truth is I love writing in a journal, but lets' be truthful about it... I haven't written more than four entries in the past year. I think to many people kept reading them and invading my privacy so I stopped writing super personal stuff, so blogging is about the intensity I write anywhere anyway, so I might as well share it with anyone interested (especially journal readers! Eat your fill of my life's gossip, um, if that is what it is).
I guess the computer is my cat today, as I am talking to it as I type, it feels like I am writing to someone so it's somewhat interactive and well, I don't have to feed it or you, so I am already miles ahead of the game~
And you know what else... I think it's kids that make Christmas. I moved towns and without a car, I am stuck at my place instead of joining my family for Christmas movies and hot chocolate. watching the little one get all excited when Rudolf's nose glows or wiping their sticky hands or snuggling by the tree lights. yup, that's what is missing, Children. I have so may in my life, they are just not here today, so I guess I should get to bed and go see some of them tomorrow for kisses and smiles~
MERRY CHRISTMAS~
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Umm, yes, there was Thanksgiving... And now Christmas!
Well, it sure has been awhile~ once again!
It turns out, that there was a thanksgiving after all. My brothers decided against the cancellation of such a wonderful holiday so we managed a lovely setting at my mamma's house. There were homemade turkey name tags and table settings, A cozy murmur of chit chat and children and a glowing mamma as she entertained all us kids and grand kids at her place. And it was wonderful~
It is funny how things turn out! I had desired it and it manifested! The truth be known, I LOVE the holidays!! All of them! I always look forward to my sister showing off her cooking skills and my brothers bonding while the sisters, mamma and I all gossip about random (and sometimes quite boring) everyday life things. I love how mom always wants to help and all the kids run around showing off toys, battle moves, reading skills and building Lego houses (which I tend to take part in at every visit as well).
And that's just mom and my siblings part of the family~ On dad's side (a big french Canadian family) we all gather at an aunties place, and we feast! (we had a thanksgiving there as well, but Pepere wasn't there so it wasn't quite the same). We gather and chat about what new endeavors life has brought us since our last family gathering and even more kids run around doing their own things, (always loving the attention of anyone who will listen!) and I'll be honest, I really love having each and everyone of them in my life!
Next is Christmas. It is right around the the corner! I am so excited! I have been invited to one sister's home for an open house (she was just recently engaged to a wonderful man while off in Hawaii) on Christmas eve, Christmas day consists of Coffee with mom, Presents with dad's family, a quick stop at my adopted families house, then to my other sister place for dinner with mom and more siblings (and their children). Boxing day, stopping off at adopted grammy's home on the way to my third brothers place for another holiday dinner~
Now tell me~ Do I sound deprived? lol! Not one morsel!! I am so excited! I think that perhaps not having children or even a partner (not interested in either at the moment) that I am more inclined to love it like a child, wanting more of it in my life! I love the hustle and bustle (and being able to give the kids back) then winding down in a peaceful home in whatever manner I so choose without having to be considerate of someone else in my space~ *sigh* I know, how selfish! lol!
I have just finished a hot mocha made with espresso, carnation hot chocolate, and milk~ I intend on being up for awhile. Maybe I will write a little more or perhaps I will attempt to draw~
I can't believe Christmas Eve is in two sleeps!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
It turns out, that there was a thanksgiving after all. My brothers decided against the cancellation of such a wonderful holiday so we managed a lovely setting at my mamma's house. There were homemade turkey name tags and table settings, A cozy murmur of chit chat and children and a glowing mamma as she entertained all us kids and grand kids at her place. And it was wonderful~
It is funny how things turn out! I had desired it and it manifested! The truth be known, I LOVE the holidays!! All of them! I always look forward to my sister showing off her cooking skills and my brothers bonding while the sisters, mamma and I all gossip about random (and sometimes quite boring) everyday life things. I love how mom always wants to help and all the kids run around showing off toys, battle moves, reading skills and building Lego houses (which I tend to take part in at every visit as well).
And that's just mom and my siblings part of the family~ On dad's side (a big french Canadian family) we all gather at an aunties place, and we feast! (we had a thanksgiving there as well, but Pepere wasn't there so it wasn't quite the same). We gather and chat about what new endeavors life has brought us since our last family gathering and even more kids run around doing their own things, (always loving the attention of anyone who will listen!) and I'll be honest, I really love having each and everyone of them in my life!
Next is Christmas. It is right around the the corner! I am so excited! I have been invited to one sister's home for an open house (she was just recently engaged to a wonderful man while off in Hawaii) on Christmas eve, Christmas day consists of Coffee with mom, Presents with dad's family, a quick stop at my adopted families house, then to my other sister place for dinner with mom and more siblings (and their children). Boxing day, stopping off at adopted grammy's home on the way to my third brothers place for another holiday dinner~
I have just finished a hot mocha made with espresso, carnation hot chocolate, and milk~ I intend on being up for awhile. Maybe I will write a little more or perhaps I will attempt to draw~
I can't believe Christmas Eve is in two sleeps!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Monday, October 3, 2011
No Thanksgiving!
Well, I'm not sure how to feel about this: Thanksgiving is all about family for me, giving thanks for my family and how big the family is growing and how many beautiful children there are and how we can share it together. For me spending quality with my family is how I feel love. (it is my love language).
I am really disappointed that a couple of family members who spend tons of time together have decided that there will be no thanks giving, that to me is like telling a child, there will be no Christmas. We have only 4 holidays in 365 days that we all get together for a united occasion and celebrate. What is our culture coming too?
When I was in Italy, a family doesn't look at the circumstance, they just find any reason they can to get together, even dinner at mom's every Saturday night. I really miss that sense of togetherness. Yes, there are uncomfortable moments or times when siblings and each other or their parents have an argument, or there is a slight tension between in laws, but they just make it happen, because nothing in this world is more important than family. Family is the center of the universe there and they always find something to talk about, laugh about, smile about or even argue about but nothing is thicker than the ties of family. Without family, what else is there but just simply existing? Italy taught me how great my family is but it has also showed how much I miss out on.
I am very disappointed and my reaction was that of absolute disbelief. It is a holiday, a time for family to get together, I repeat a time for family to get together! Are we falling apart as a family, as a quadrant? I wonder if it would make a difference if I had my own home for everyone to come to or if it really is that they just don't care anymore?
Well, I guess I can live vicariously through the rest of the world or live in a story where family comes first. One thing I do know, I will be sure to find other things to be thankful for even though I feel let down by the decision of some of my family members.
Happy Thanksgiving~
I am really disappointed that a couple of family members who spend tons of time together have decided that there will be no thanks giving, that to me is like telling a child, there will be no Christmas. We have only 4 holidays in 365 days that we all get together for a united occasion and celebrate. What is our culture coming too?
When I was in Italy, a family doesn't look at the circumstance, they just find any reason they can to get together, even dinner at mom's every Saturday night. I really miss that sense of togetherness. Yes, there are uncomfortable moments or times when siblings and each other or their parents have an argument, or there is a slight tension between in laws, but they just make it happen, because nothing in this world is more important than family. Family is the center of the universe there and they always find something to talk about, laugh about, smile about or even argue about but nothing is thicker than the ties of family. Without family, what else is there but just simply existing? Italy taught me how great my family is but it has also showed how much I miss out on.
I am very disappointed and my reaction was that of absolute disbelief. It is a holiday, a time for family to get together, I repeat a time for family to get together! Are we falling apart as a family, as a quadrant? I wonder if it would make a difference if I had my own home for everyone to come to or if it really is that they just don't care anymore?
Well, I guess I can live vicariously through the rest of the world or live in a story where family comes first. One thing I do know, I will be sure to find other things to be thankful for even though I feel let down by the decision of some of my family members.
Happy Thanksgiving~
Friday, September 16, 2011
It's Been Awhile~
Yes, it has been awhile since my last post...
I have been on a roller coaster ride though! I find that when life is crazy twisting and turning going up and down with no real direction, it is much easier to forget about writing. Of course, when I look back on my life and see all twists and turns from a distance, I realize I should have been writing all along, but that being said, I have been reflecting in that manner since I can remember, so I don't see a pattern change now!
To start, I had been auditioning for plays for an entire year when I finally found a club I could help out in November of 09. I was lighting and sound for Over the Hills and Through the Woods. Shortly after that show, I landed my first role. I was cast as Gert in Lost in Yonkers, by Neil Simon. It wasn't just any role! It was a funny part that's for sure, and it was a great role to break the ice for me. I actually never knew it was a funny role until opening night and when the audience laughed... I felt so much joy! My heart grew so big.
It was also in a play that was participating in festival, which at the time meant nothing to me. Festival is when all of the shows across BC perform in front of a judge for their zone, then the winner from each zone go to Mainstage in Kamloops, BC in front of a different judge to decide which zone has the best performance, to land the best performance award for all of BC. Our show won the Fraser Valley Zone and then went on to win Best Performance for all of BC. I was given an honorable mention :) It truly was honorable seeing as there were about 20+ supporting female actors and only 4 or 5 were mentioned, He said I executed my part Beautifully! Considering I have really bombed most auditions from bad nerves, I felt on top of the world!
After, or rather during Lost in Yonkers, I had been given another part as Ms Ida Rhinegold in Dirty work at the crossroads, but they cancelled 2 days before opening night. I was a little upset about that... And so before Mainstage I had also auditioned for Bard in the Valley. They saw how I bombed my audition (I had never read Shakespeare in my life to my knowledge~but I loved the movies...) As I was leaving, Probably without a call back, the producer, whom I knew, asked me how Lost in Yonkers was doing... I said great! and then the assistant director said, what Lost in Yonkers? I told her for the Langley Playhouse, and she went, 'THAT was YOU?! Here read this!' And that was how I got the part of Audry :) It really pays to know people or have them know you! (and actually, it didn't pay, not in cash anyway! lol It was all volunteer) That was a wonderful experience as well.
I should back up a little. When I was rehearsing for Bard, I was there but not completely present, I wasn't aware of it at the time, but it was because I was still Gert! I had felt like Gert through the entire run and when Mainstage was over, I sat back on the grass before a run through with As You Like It and realized I had to say goodbye, I closed my eyes under the sun and cried. It was so hard to let her go after all I had been through becoming her. After I let go of Gert, I became present in Bard, I felt a little hole, but I was present. At that moment,t I had remembered what I had loved about theatre when I was young. The commitment, the training and sculpting of a character. It was so wonderful, such an amazing experience. I must say, I am truly grateful to Mary and her prodding and enticement to take the role in the first place and to everyone in the show. It was one of the best experiences of my life this far!
OTHER STUFF~
So, as you may have read, I have been self publishing my first picture book in the My Friend Series, My Friend Jacob Moon. I had started it last year after my grandfather and a dear friend of mine Bob had both passed away. My year was rough, emotionally, I guess that's part of the reason why theatre was so much help. I really needed to be creative. When I had decided to self publish my first book, it was so surreal. I had no idea how I was going to manage it, financially, creatively, and time wise, but it all came together. I had help form a friend to pay for it, and with the push of encouragement from my mother, I drew the pictures and they were much more beautiful than I had imagined. I had never done anything like it before so there was a period where everything was on hold. I wasn't sure how to press forward without a few tools and guidance so I sent out a little prayer at the end of December (after four months of stressing) and a week later the person I needed to help me sort out all the errors was directed to me. I knew at that point I was definitely on the right road. So I spent the next two months tweaking the art and then the following four months, in between rehearsals and shows, having people read and edit the book until I finally asked my magnificently talented brother to help me to edit it properly. He did, even musically. I knew it was ready. So I sent in the finally copy and said yes, I am happy with it and my first copies arrived at my door 2 weeks ago. I cried! It was so amazing after such a long process (with the ten+ year period it took to even start publishing it) to see it in color sitting in my hand. I was so happy. I still am. I love it! I can't wait to print out copies to sell it here in Canada and do book signings! I can sell it online in the states, so I will attach the link. Every has loved it, children and adults alike. I am sure you will too! It is about a little boy with cancer who teaches us to embrace life today, rather than waiting on what may never come tomorrow~
So as you can see, it has really been a wonderful year creatively, in finding my color again. It took about 15 years to find it, but those 15 years were filled with different color. Now, I go confidently into the direction of my Dreams~ Painting and writing and traveling and hopefully dancing and singing my way into my Dreams come true~
Thank you for taking the time to read this, I appreciate having someone to share these wonderful experiences with. If you enjoyed it, please leave me a comment in the comment place below~
Have an amazing weekend filled with inspiration to follow your dreams come true!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
My Friend Jacob Moon~
I am so pleased that my picture book is about to be published!!! Only a couple more weeks and my baby will be done!
I must add: when you truly desire something, when you know what you want the outcome to be, when you are pumped for amazing results and when you don't let other distractions take your attention away from your ultimate goal... That's when things start coming together like a whirl wind. People come into your life that were never there before, opportunities arise that you hadn't thought about before and doors that you never knew existed - open! What amazing process and the journey has just begun!!! Where will this take me? Who will I meet? Where will I travel? What will I be inspired to write? This is so exciting!!!
I must add: when you truly desire something, when you know what you want the outcome to be, when you are pumped for amazing results and when you don't let other distractions take your attention away from your ultimate goal... That's when things start coming together like a whirl wind. People come into your life that were never there before, opportunities arise that you hadn't thought about before and doors that you never knew existed - open! What amazing process and the journey has just begun!!! Where will this take me? Who will I meet? Where will I travel? What will I be inspired to write? This is so exciting!!!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Wow!! What A Great Start To The NEW YEAR!!!!
Last year was probably the worst year of my life! Bar none! I experienced turmoil and sadness like never before and everything awful I may have experienced in years previous, well that stuff came back to haunt me too!
Things were looking up nearer to the end of the year, but it still had a lot of pain attached to it. Even new years eve was nothing special, although the people were wonderful, we just watched a movie on t.v. and ate frozen food (cooked of course).
AND Then it happened....
THE NEW YEAR!! Wow! January first was brought in celebrating with friends! Mo made amazing homemade blueberry waffles and Colin made amazing espresso and Baily's what a combo! :) sunshine, champagne and OJ, Pictures to capture the smiles, and catching up with people that I haven't seen in ages or even years! That's how New Years morning is supposed to be brought in!
Later in the afternoon, I went to my dad and mom's place, picked them up (almost got knocked over by a bear, or so I thought before I realized that it was just the biggest friendliest bear look alike~dog [rescued]) and then we met up with my sister Brandy at the Boathouse restaurant where we proceeded to have an amazing lunch and a beautiful visit together. Unfortunately Brandy left for work, but I was able to finish bringing in the new year with mom and dad. We talked all evening and I drove home with my heart filled with joy from such an amazing day.
So since that first day, the year has been moving straight up hill!!! I have finally found an artist that is going to help me scan and touch up my art!!! He is a professional exactly in that field (water color and digital enhancement). I am completely honored to have him working with me on my book! I am ecstatic actually!
On the same day of the artists confirmation, I also had a phone call from the Langley Players saying that I got the part I had auditioned for!! I finally after 8 auditions in the past year got my first part!
Now, although a phone may seem to be no big deal... I was able to buy an iphone 4!! I have been without a phone for 4 months, since I drowned my last iphone in a cup of coffee while it was plugged in! So, not only are things rolling along beautifully, but I am also re-connected with the world again!!!
So, definitely, this year is off to an amazing start!!
I have been painting and writing and now acting, and completing my manuscript and on my way to having a full and extremely successful year! Wahooo!
Speaking of success... I can only get there if I take action, so I had better get to work! I am going to finish my personal data entry! It has to get done and since tomorrow never comes, today it must!
Have an amazing week!!!
Things were looking up nearer to the end of the year, but it still had a lot of pain attached to it. Even new years eve was nothing special, although the people were wonderful, we just watched a movie on t.v. and ate frozen food (cooked of course).
AND Then it happened....
THE NEW YEAR!! Wow! January first was brought in celebrating with friends! Mo made amazing homemade blueberry waffles and Colin made amazing espresso and Baily's what a combo! :) sunshine, champagne and OJ, Pictures to capture the smiles, and catching up with people that I haven't seen in ages or even years! That's how New Years morning is supposed to be brought in!
Later in the afternoon, I went to my dad and mom's place, picked them up (almost got knocked over by a bear, or so I thought before I realized that it was just the biggest friendliest bear look alike~dog [rescued]) and then we met up with my sister Brandy at the Boathouse restaurant where we proceeded to have an amazing lunch and a beautiful visit together. Unfortunately Brandy left for work, but I was able to finish bringing in the new year with mom and dad. We talked all evening and I drove home with my heart filled with joy from such an amazing day.
So since that first day, the year has been moving straight up hill!!! I have finally found an artist that is going to help me scan and touch up my art!!! He is a professional exactly in that field (water color and digital enhancement). I am completely honored to have him working with me on my book! I am ecstatic actually!
On the same day of the artists confirmation, I also had a phone call from the Langley Players saying that I got the part I had auditioned for!! I finally after 8 auditions in the past year got my first part!
Now, although a phone may seem to be no big deal... I was able to buy an iphone 4!! I have been without a phone for 4 months, since I drowned my last iphone in a cup of coffee while it was plugged in! So, not only are things rolling along beautifully, but I am also re-connected with the world again!!!
So, definitely, this year is off to an amazing start!!
I have been painting and writing and now acting, and completing my manuscript and on my way to having a full and extremely successful year! Wahooo!
Speaking of success... I can only get there if I take action, so I had better get to work! I am going to finish my personal data entry! It has to get done and since tomorrow never comes, today it must!
Have an amazing week!!!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tis the Season...
Well, Merry Christmas!! I am sitting in a cafe. I started off with a red rooibos espresso but it just didn't cut it! I needed the real stuff! So here I am on the 21st of Dec and it is cloudy with a touch of sunshine~ Strange times we are having! I am certainly not complaining though!! I really love being able to go out and with summer tires, I would be home bound in the snow!
I have no desire to be home bound as I always love this time of year, but I am realizing that living in someone else's place makes it feel less authentic. I miss having my own decorations up and my own space to drink a glass of wine while watching a Christmas special all snuggled up on the couch. Hot choco with a dash of grand marnier is also a favorite! Regardless, I get stuck in my room (by choice, since I prefer my own company when at home)and without the usual Christmas cheer I am used too~ The same cd is playing over and over here at the cafe, I have been here an hour and it has already played 4 times so I have my youtube site playing my alternative playlist. I love social networks! (I really should be doing my English assignment, but this blog and every other social network has been a great distraction for me :)
I have been quite busy over the past few months with theatre. I had been doing the light and sound for a play, over the hills and through the woods, where I also helped with make up. I also did make up for a show in abby called remember me, then helped with a play in Surrey Snow white and the 7 vertically challenged excavators. I was so happy and so busy, then nothing. no shows. It has been really boring without it! When I was doing the shows I was busy and so I found more motivation to get things done, I found my reason to wake up everyday. I can't wait for the new year so I can get back into it!!!! I am looking forward to the day I get into a play acting! Or on T.v :) That would be even more wonderful!! Working along side of some babe! lol! I guess I should just say that although it has been quiet for the past two weeks, I have really found my art again and that makes me really happy! I have been painting, and creating, writing, working in the theatre community and working on my book! I haven't enjoyed life this much in many years!!!I am excited to sing Christmas carols with one group in two days!! FVGSS It will be so fun to sing and be a part of something so wonderful!!! Maybe that will bring the Christmas cheer too!
Well, enough of my babbling!! I hope you find a way to enjoy the holiday and to be happy everyday regardless of your situation!!
I have no desire to be home bound as I always love this time of year, but I am realizing that living in someone else's place makes it feel less authentic. I miss having my own decorations up and my own space to drink a glass of wine while watching a Christmas special all snuggled up on the couch. Hot choco with a dash of grand marnier is also a favorite! Regardless, I get stuck in my room (by choice, since I prefer my own company when at home)and without the usual Christmas cheer I am used too~ The same cd is playing over and over here at the cafe, I have been here an hour and it has already played 4 times so I have my youtube site playing my alternative playlist. I love social networks! (I really should be doing my English assignment, but this blog and every other social network has been a great distraction for me :)
I have been quite busy over the past few months with theatre. I had been doing the light and sound for a play, over the hills and through the woods, where I also helped with make up. I also did make up for a show in abby called remember me, then helped with a play in Surrey Snow white and the 7 vertically challenged excavators. I was so happy and so busy, then nothing. no shows. It has been really boring without it! When I was doing the shows I was busy and so I found more motivation to get things done, I found my reason to wake up everyday. I can't wait for the new year so I can get back into it!!!! I am looking forward to the day I get into a play acting! Or on T.v :) That would be even more wonderful!! Working along side of some babe! lol! I guess I should just say that although it has been quiet for the past two weeks, I have really found my art again and that makes me really happy! I have been painting, and creating, writing, working in the theatre community and working on my book! I haven't enjoyed life this much in many years!!!I am excited to sing Christmas carols with one group in two days!! FVGSS It will be so fun to sing and be a part of something so wonderful!!! Maybe that will bring the Christmas cheer too!
Well, enough of my babbling!! I hope you find a way to enjoy the holiday and to be happy everyday regardless of your situation!!
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