Inspiration

Tonight, I got a pep talk.  Very unexpected.  Not requested. Out of the blue.

I just finished watching a movie with my dear friend.  I  was reading the credits, and was surprised to see that the lead actor in the film also penned the script. He wasn't a big name actor, but he did have a role in a sitcom.  I shared this with my friend and he flatly said, "you could do that".

I tossed him a weak grin and continued watching TV.  Noticing, he said it again, "you could".  "You could create your own show or write a movie if you wanted".   At this point, I give him a bewildered look, trying to figure out where this is coming from, as this is a person who rarely speaks and is king of the one word answer.

He goes on and on about all the things I've done in the past, my skills, etc. I'm staring at him, half listening, mostly wondering if he's had too much caffeine or if I'm being punked.

He then said, "I believe in you and I don't even know all the things that you can do.  You should believe in yourself".  That one stuck... and nudged me out of my complacency.

I don't know what prompted him to tell me that.  He told me he didn't know either, but maybe it was something I needed to hear. "Perhaps God was trying to tell you something", he said.  I think he's right.  I  do believe God tries to tell us things and that He works in mysterious ways.

I hear you.  I'm going to get on it!

God bless the messenger.

Stay tuned. :-)

Superbowl Sunday

Superbowl Sunday!  For me that meant... Movie Marathon! LOL.

I watched an old Hitchcock movie, an independent film, and some shows taped on the DVR. Later on, I cheated and watched some of the popular commercials on the web.  Aren't they really the best part, anyway?  Okay, stop screaming.

At least, this year I knew who the competing teams were prior to the big day.  That was me trying to get involved in the Superbowl madness.... or me trying not to seem so oblivious. Take your pick.

Heard it was a good game.  Go Colts!  Kidding!  Yay Saints!   Maybe next time I'll watch.  Again... Kidding.  LOL.

And now back to my regular scheduled programming.

Stay tuned! :-)

Retail Therapy Goes Awry

Yay, Saturday! I decided to take in a little retail therapy today.  It's been awhile since I went shopping, so I decided to treat myself to a few outfits. I probably would've enjoyed the experience more if I wasn't 4000 pounds!

Yes, I'm exaggerating, but that's how I felt. The extra poundage I put on last year showed up, big time, in those unforgiving, dressing room mirrors.  Trying on clothes was like a bad contortionist act... and was just as painful. Is it me or is the clothing made smaller these days?  I know, I know, it's me!  Sigh!  I need to put down the fork and pick up some exercise classes.

Needless to say, trying on outfits wasn't much fun. Neither was the three-hour hunt for an item that didn't look like it should've been a bedspread or a couch cover.

My joy moment came when I was done shopping. I almost ran to the car, I was so happy it was over. I was also pleased that I managed to find a few things that actually fit.  Even happier when I returned home and could finally rest my very tired feet.  When I realized I didn't have anything else pressing to do and could just relax... I was elated!  Those moments are few and far between and I was appreciative.

Couch time trumps retail therapy... at least for today!   I'll take it.

Stay tuned. :-)

Action!

Tonight I attended "Wordplay",  a play where the performers share unique stories from their lives while a DJ adds songs and sound effects throughout their act.  It was different and fun.

Hearing the true stories of the performer's lives intertwined with humor, heart, sarcasm and song, was both entertaining and engaging.

I invited my friend, a former comedian, to come along.  Sometime during the show, she leaned over and told me she was glad that I suggested this event.  I smiled to myself because I had a feeling she would enjoy it. We both had a good time and afterwards, shared reviews of the show and ways we would have done it.  No surprise, of course, from two producer gals. LOL.

My "joy moment" tonight was hanging out with a friend, sharing some laughs and experiencing something new.  I'd say that's a pretty good Friday night.

Stay tuned. :-)

Mic Check!

Today I took my first ever voice over class.  It was so much fun!  And...  I'm getting one on one instructions from one of the veteran performers in the biz.

She's a no nonsense teacher and a pro.  I'm happy to have found her.  It was also nice to hear her say my voice was unique and could do well in animation.

After she downloaded me with a lot of introductory information, I had a chance to go into the booth for the first time and do a very quick voice over. It was funny hearing my own voice booming in my ears as she played my tracks back to me.  I was pretty suprised at how natural some of it was coming to me. I seemed to be implementing her directions very quickly.

It was truly the highlight of my day! First, because I was experiencing something that I've always wanted to try. Second, I knew I'd researched and found a great teacher who would help me build skills in this arena. Lastly, I could tell this would be loads of fun and possibly (waaaay down the line, of course) financially rewarding.  For right now, I just want to learn all I can and enjoy the process.

I must rest now... and nurture my instrument!  LOL!  

Stay tuned! :-)

Ha!

Comedy. One of the best stress relievers, ever!  It's amazing how a really good joke or funny story can lift your spirits or turn your mood around.

A funny show on television had me laughing out loud tonight... repeatedly!    All the crazy stress from the day was released and I was left feeling better and renewed. It was definitely my joy moment for today.

Added bonus... it was free and Au Natural.  End result, calm and peace. Laughter really is the best medicine.  No kidding!  LOL.

Stay tuned.  :-)

In This Moment...

My joy moments today were simple and sweet. Joy for me was driving home in relatively light traffic, enjoying a pretty good dinner and watching my fav Tuesday shows on the Telly.

Later, I purchased tickets to a play for a friend and myself  for Friday night.  I'm looking forward to it because it combines three things I enjoy, original writings, comedy and music. I think my friend, a former comedian and fellow producer, will enjoy it, too.

Now, I plan to wrap up the evening with a cup of my favorite chamomile tea before calling it a night... by midnight... a little earlier for a change.

Happy, Happy.  Joy, Joy.  That's me.  Right now.  In this moment... And grateful.


Stay tuned :-)

Wake Up Call

Out of the blue, I got a call from my mother telling me how talented I am.  You're probably thinking that's what mother's do. But this call was a little different.

She told me she was watching a professional woman being honored for her work on an awards program and thought of me.  She said, although I am doing fairly well, I have not reached my full potential.  She then said I had so much talent that was not being fulfilled.  Say what?!  She's never said that to me before... she's always been a proud and boastful mama.  Proud of my somewhat steady career in television production and that someone thought a few my scribbled stories were good enough to be published.

But what I found most surprising about what she said is that I'd been feeling the exact same way, lately. That I'm supposed to be doing more. That I'm capable of much more. That I'm not living my life's full purpose. There are many things I've put off, never completed or avoided altogether.  The time is now. I have felt this way for awhile but just haven't acted on it.  She said a lot more during that conversation and every bit of it was what I've been feeling or thinking... but never told anyone.

I needed that wake up call. I needed to hear it out loud and not just as a nagging whisper in my private thoughts.  I have to stop procrastinating and follow through on my dreams and goals.  I need to work on the things that will hopefully, take me to the next level and and allow me to live the life that I dream about.

I think this is part of the journey that I'm on with this blog.  We'll see.

Stay tuned :-)