I recently interviewed Oscar winning actor, Cuba Gooding Jr for Mingle Media Tv’s Red Carpet Report, at the Premiere of “Firelight“. It was held at 20th Century Fox Studios. Also, I was able to chat with other cast members, see here: Additional Cast. It was such a fun event. Check out the full interview in the video below!
Recently I was asked to host the Red Carpet Report for Mingle Media TV for the 2012 Eye on Black awards salute to Directors and Filmmakers. It was held at the Park Plaza Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The Eye on Black: Salute to Directors honors influential African-Americans, who are responsible for shaping the black experience through film and television. I had the chance to chat with honoree Director/Actress/Dancer Debbie Allen, Actress Nia Long and the show’s host, Comedian Brandon T. Jackson. I also interviewed Actress/Author Sheryl Lee Ralph, Actress/Producer Tatyana Ali, Director/Actor Bill Duke, Actress/Singer Anika Noni Rose and many others! See link below:
See the full list of Interviews here! And a very big thank you to Mingle Media TV for giving me an opportunity to shine, I had a blast! ~
My hair is by Darico Jackson and Jewelry provided by LilaRoseJewelry!~
Well the New Year is in full swing and the remnants of last year is gone. I always feel that if you start off a new year better and more productive than the last, then you’re doing good. When I started 2011, I didn’t have any of the ideas and goals that I eventually reached last year. Everything just started to unfold, and I made my mind up that I would just roll with it. I got rid of things, people, and stuff that wasn’t serving me well and made room for new and exciting things! Last year I started the year 30 lbs heavier, and this year I’m a little over 30 lbs lighter and feeling fabulous! At the beginning of 2011 all I had was ideas and visions, not really knowing how to execute them. I figured out a way. I learned what I needed to know, and now I have something to show for all of my hard work done throughout the year. I made my web series “On the Move” with Stephanie Garrett happen last year. I want it to be bigger and better this year. I have also started a jewelry line LilaRoseJewelry ,which is doing better than I’d hoped. Not to mention that I started off this year 2012 with an awesome new theatrical talent manager. I’m sure some theatrical bookings are not far behind! With Facebook pages, businesses cards, emails addresses, and twitter accounts for all of my business, I think this will be a busy and prosperous year.
I think we should all aspire to be better and more productive in the New Year and every year for that matter. Get rid of things and people who don’t serve your highest good. I think the ultimate goal is to evolve into being the best you that you can be. Stop putting so much stock into what other people are thinking of what it is you’re doing. Heck, if I worried about what someone was saying about me, I’d never leave the house and wouldn’t get anything accomplished! (LOL!) I heard a quote that said” What others think of me, isn’t my problem” and it’s true. So go out and put positive energy and hard work into your goals and visions and make them happen. This is the year to live out loud and in full effect, Go big or go home!~
See here's the thing....
This term comes from a very funny lady who is a member of an improv group that I belong to called “Consenting Adults”. We perform in theatres in and around Los Angeles. The term has been used when one draws a blank and can’t think of anything to say or do. You see, performing in improv and being good at it, you must have a really good imagination. To create the character and the scene, to make it come alive, be interesting and believable. I also think one should have an imagination when writing and I’ve had writers block for days now. Yes my universe is empty. I’ve got nothing only bored little crickets.
To be able to move someone and make them laugh, or entertain them is one of the greatest joys an artist or performer can have. Oh and it’s really fun when I get up in front an audience and can’t think of anything to say hahaha! Trust me it’s happened. I’m not proud of it, but it is what it is. I think of ideas to myself, “no not that one, “no, don’t like that one”. “Nope, not that one either” and it just goes on until one of my cast members saves me. Then there are other times when I can think of tons of stuff to say. I guess writing is the same way.
I recently made a Facebook post on not having anything to write about. Then one of my Facebook friends gave me some of his ideas. Which included but not limited to, a carrot that knows karate, speaks german and is recruited by an army of bumblebees to infiltrate the pentagon. There were some other cute funny little things too, but my guess is that they’ve all been done before. So I will stick with my empty universe for now and the crickets. Oh crap (listening) I think the crickets just left. Ah man!*
Relax it’s not what you think, silly goose LOL. I’m coming out as a writer! I have always been a writer on some level all my life. I have recently decided to do it in a public form. As a kid I would write all the time, scribbling in notebooks, writing and acting out stories. I would also write poetry. I was a weird little child. As I grew older, I would always write but never shared what I wrote with anyone only thinking of it as a hobby and nothing more.
But recently I have felt compelled to write. It’s flowing out of me like a faucet that won’t turn off. It’s opening me up. As I grow older and more grounded in my core, I want to tell stories and share ideas to inspire people. I hope to learn and evolve as a writer and as a creative person. I think to”come out” as a writer on a public form no less, is a scary thing for me. To be judged and get criticized, you betcha! I have chosen to think of it as the universe taking me to the next level and I am going to feel the fear and do it anyway. I will be unapologetic in my truth and my mind is made up and my vision is clear. It’s like watching a tv show, film, or a stage performance. You take what you want from it and you leave the rest. Can I get an amen up in here!~
Sangria!
On my recent trip to Santa Barbara we went to a great mexican restaurant called Carlitos Cafe and Cantina on State Street. I have been a few times before and the food is amazing! It’s truly a great place to eat and it’s always crowded. Usually there’s a wait to get in, but this evening we got seated right away. First I ordered their garden salad with the cilantro dressing. Then I had the red wine sangria with real fruit. And finally, I got chicken enchiladas verde with rice and black beans and they were off the charts good! Although I only ate half of it, as I’m on a diet program, but seriously this is one of the best places I have eaten at. The atmosphere was festive along with the live Latin jazz musicians it made for a beautiful evening. Checkout the video and see for yourself!
Arroyo Burro Beach, also know as Hendri’s Beach by the locals, is an off leash dog beach. It’s a great location at the foot of the Santa Barbara coastal bluffs on the eastside of the beach. You can let your dog run and play to their hearts desire.
If you are a tourist it makes for a great place to make a pit stop to relax and play with your furry friend. There is a restaurant and a snack bar for you to grab a bite. There are also picnic areas, showers, and restrooms. The parking is free and the park closes at sunset. In this video you’ll see my dog enjoying herself on the beach. Even on an overcast day it was beautiful.
I am beginning to realize that people like to pee on your parade. They like to diminish your hopes and dreams and make you feel small. With most people, their perception is their reality. Well I am here to tell you that is not my reality! I operate at a higher consciousness, and it is my belief that your own thoughts and actions determine your destiny. Not what someone else’s limited perception or opinion is about you. They can’t think beyond what they see in front of them. When you know and feel that all things are working together for your good, have faith in your beliefs and stay the course. Keep on keeping on, even if you can’t see it.
In recent times, I have had people tell me that I won’t be successful because of my gender, my race, my size, my age and even my cache. Yes in the 21st century we still have people telling us that we won’t become successful because of these things. Then they want to argue with you and tell you that by their statistics, in a (condescending tone) ” That you’re just not going to make it, “it’ll never happen for you”. Oh really? Well I’ve got news for you. You don’t get to determine my destiny! No one knows what the future holds for you or anyone else. They are not privy to what the universe has in store for me or you.
I say use your haters, the naysayers, and the non-believers as fuel to move forward and stay on your path. Let the negativity keep you praying, keep you motivated, keep you in the gym, and keep you focused; what ever it is! Have it keep you working so hard, that you will get that job, partner, and life you want. Become the very best person you know how to be. Never forget that the wise always stay the course.
In closing I say this. Let all that negativity and foolishness make you a fighter and become stronger because of it. Grow a thick skin so when craziness comes at you, it won’t drag you down. You’ll get right back up, dust yourself off and try again. Thank them for helping you move forward into greatness. Remember that they may piss you off and hurt your feelings, but they don’t get to determine your destiny. Now go forward and prosper!~
We are exactly where we’re supposed to be. I have heard this quote often and sometimes it’s comfortable to hear and sometimes it isn’t. You see, I am an agentless actor/host in Hollywood, and I’m hustling to get a new one, but as of this writing, I have yet to find one. I am “in the meantime” stage of life. I have decided to take this approach and continue on my path anyway. To be able to stretch my creativity and tap into the wellspring of that can bring such joy and balance to the soul. I guess I have what I need for the moment, and I am grateful to have projects like producing my videos, making jewelry, and writing to keep me busy and focused. They do bring a sense of purpose and value to my life. Isn’t that what life is all about? So what shall a person do in the meantime? Find joy in the things you love and bring you peace of mind such as, spending time with family or friends, painting, or walking on the beach, whatever that is for you. I feel that it’s all a part of the grand design preparing us to see the vision for our lives, to slow down, take note, and learn. So I sit in a quiet knowing that all things are as they should be; “in the meantime.”~
PS: I just got a new Talent Manager!! Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you! I am very happy!~
