Mad for Laurence

My honey bun is 47 today! Okay, so Laurence Fishburne is not my honey, in an alternate reality I'm sure he is. If you have been reading this blog, you know how mad I am for Laurence. I've spent two posts on him. I decided to keep my birthday tribute short on words. If you want to check out more on Laurence, just click on his name. We all know how good he is. I decided to let Laurence speak for himself today. I'm putting two videos: one from his most famous work so far and another with him doing Uncle Will.

Happy Birthday Laurence. I send you much love and hugs. One day, I plan to work with you!!

My Fave Laurence's films:
Deep Cover
Tuskegee Airmen
Othello
Miss Evers' Boys
Hoodlum
The Matrix Trilogy
Always Outnumbered

Little Glimpses

The best thing about being a blogger is all the wonderful people I have met and became friends with on-line. I feel that whatever art you do, we should all support one another. Since I don't have cash to spend, I figure I can do the next thing.

One of my favorite ladies online Mystele is holding a giveaway on her blog called Little Glimpses. She is a self-taught folk artist. She makes heavenly angels and little girls among other artwork. So go on over and show Mystele some love. You will not be disappointed at all.

Finally, I figured out how to put a link with a person's name. Took me what five months to get that. Sometimes I can be a bit slow. Anyway, all you have a wonderful Tuesday!!

Let Go

I was going to see X-Files this weekend. Didn't happen. I'm still planning on seeing it despite bad reviews. I like to follow my own mind on movies. I read on IMDB it got crushed at the box office. Sorry, Mulder and Scully. I had a busy weekend.I read Eat,Pray,Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I was hooked from the first page. If anyone of you read it, please share what you thought of it. I also did a card reading gig on Saturday for a bridal party which was fun. What really captured my attention this weekend I have noticed a high level of frustration with my life that I don't care for. Though I have a sunny nature, lately I've been up and down a lot more than I should.

I watched one of my favorite scenes from The Revenge of The Sith on You Tube. It's where Yoda counsels Anakin he has to let go of his attachments to things. I watched it a couple of times and said I have to do the same.I have too much attachments to how I want my life to be. Because I'm not where I want to be in many areas of my life, it's causing me to dive into fear and doubt. The only thing I can control is my own thoughts. I had a lot of things thrown at me since late Winter. I need to get quiet and focus on myself. Let go. Have faith that things are to work out.

Movies, Movies

Today, I got treated to the movies. Thank you, Sean!! I saw two completely different movies as you can see: The Dark Knight and Mamma Mia.
Now, what can I saw about The Dark Knight that hasn't already been said. A wonderful cast headed by Christian Bale. You all have heard about Heath's potrayal as the Joker. Who is chilling and funny all at the same time. What I love most about the movie. Is that isn't afraid to go dark, deep and disturbing. I walked away thinking about the idea of being a hero. What price does a hero pay to retain their humanity? What about the good who fall and can't find their way back? What about us? Your thinking, Dark Knight is just a movie. We all make choices every day whether to be a force of good or tool of evil. The truth is that's easy to be bad. It's harder to be good and do the right thing. If you do the right thing, what do you sacrifice in return for that? If you want to see a richly satisfying movie, go see The Dark Knight.

On the other hand, if your having hard time as it just to be good in your real life. You don't feel like watching a movie about it. You just want to have fun, laugh and forget everything for two hours. Well, Mamma Mia is just what you need. I had blast watching it. So glad that Meryl Streep got a chance to let down her hair. I've read that she loves doing comedies. So she got her wish. It's a movie full of heart, beauty and life. Seeing not only Meryl sing and she's good; also, Mr. ex-007, Pierce Brosnan singing his heart out as well. He may not be the best singer, I give him kudos for braving it. The whole cast is great. Just go for the fun.

I had a wonderful movie day. Seeing two films that I both loved: one making me think and the other making me laugh. Have a wonderful Friday. Check out some movies. I'm going to see X-Files on Sunday. Let you all know how it is. Have a great weekend.

Happy Birthday Ira

I rediscovered Ira Aldridge when I got back into Shakespeare. My friend Neo had pushed and prodded me to go to my first Shakespeare audition in years. After that, I got hooked. While going on auditions, I found myself part of the few actors of color at the calls. I wasn't discouraged, I wanted to look into the history of actors of African descent who did Shakespeare. Then I remembered my old friend Ira Aldridge.

Now, your saying who is Ira Aldridge? Ira was born in 1807 right here in New York City. When he was a teenager, he got bitten by the acting bug. He had his first chance to perform at the African Grove Theatre which is said to be the first Black theater in America. It was created by William Brown and James Hewlett to provide a creative place for African Americans to perform. The theatre only lasted six years, after finally being burned in 1826. The theatre had gotten strong opposition from white audiences who felt African Americans had no right to do theater let alone Shakespeare!

Ira left his home country and went to Europe to find a better life as an actor. He studied at the University Of Glasgow in Scotland in the late 1820's. While at school, he continued to act. He finally got to perform at Convent Garden in London in 1833 as Othello. Audiences reaction was a mixture of love and hatred for Ira. Still he continued on and was able to travel all around Europe doing what he loved best. He performed as Othello, Aaron the Moor, King Lear, Macbeth, and Shylock.

Ira as he got older became embraced by audiences from diverse countries such as Germany, Russia and Poland. He became a British citizen in 1863 and was eventually Knighted. The first African American to have that honor. By the time of his death in 1867 in Poland, he had received numerous awards for his acting. He left behind a wife and five children as well.

For me, Ira is a hero of mine. He shows what is possible even when so much is stacked against you. When I audition or perform Shakespeare. I think of Ira. I feel I stand in his footsteps when I take to the stage. I wish someone in Hollywood would do a story on Ira's life. His story needs to be told. He is a pioneer and should be remembered more than he is now. So I send much love and hugs to you, Ira Aldridge. Happy Birthday and you are not forgotten.

Things We Lost in The Fire

Last night, I watched Things We Lost in The Fire. I missed it when it came out last year. When I started watching it, I thought it was going to be really sad. Ultimately, it is a life affirming movie. How even in tragedy and loss we can find the courage and strength to find our way back. A great cast headlined with Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro, David Duchovny. Halle is always at her best when she gets to play women in deep turmoil and pain. I feel the real Halle comes out so much more in these kind of roles rather than in other pretty roles she is offered. Benicio Del Toro is amazing in his role! He is an Oscar winner for his work in Traffic. What I didn't know that he is only the third Puerto Rican actor to win an Oscar. I feel he doesn't get enough play as an actor. Benicio is interesting and intense on screen. I have yet to see him give a bad performance. For all my actors out there, there is a monologue at the end that is really amazing. Can I also give some love to the two child actors who play Halle's kids: Micah Burke and Alexis Llewellyn. They shine in their roles. So if you see it coming on cable, watch it. Let me know your thoughts.

Laurence alert!

I had to share this with all my Laurence Fishburne fans out there. Turner Classic Movies has a series called Elvis Mitchell: Under The Influence. He is a brotha who is a former New York Times critic who has been interviewing actors/directors all this month on TCM. Tonight is my man!! The interview is at 8pm and then repeats at 10:30pm. Also, if you are interested after Laurence's interview they are showing A Patch of Blue(1965) starring Sidney Poitier. It is an interesting film about a blind white girl who falls in love with Sidney's character.
More info on the interviews go here:www.tcm.com/2008/elvismitchell/index.jsp

The Studio Museum of Harlem

Ali and I went to the Studio Museum of Harlem on Sunday. They kicked off their Target Free Sundays. They had wonderful goodies: free ice cream, water, trail mix and exotic chips. The fun event of the day was receiving a free museum canvas bag then being able to decorate it. They had ribbons, lace, paints, crystals, beads, feathers,etc lined up at tables for you to choose from. A d.j. was spinning music, so you got to jam while doing your bag. I decorated mine with colors of blue, pink and red in pretty feather boas, hearts, feathers and butterflies. All girlie stuff that is so me.
The artwork in the museum is wonderful. Part of their current exhibit is on Kehinde Wiley. His paintings are gorgeous. The men in them are vibrant with color. To me they appeared as if they were going to step out of the paintings. The picture I posted don't do them justice. There are so many more gorgeous paintings, photographs and installations that beg attention your attention. So please take a trip to Harlem and check the museum out. Bring the whole family. Target Free Sundays lasts I believe until November. For more information, go here: www.studiomuseum.org/

Audition

I actually had my first real audition since my show in June. It is for an independent film. I know like that is so long ago! Actors get twitchy when they don't audition and work. I feel good about how the audition went. The director was cool and laid back. I performed my favorite monologue from an episode of the Twilight Zone.

I could feel the lessons I learned from doing the sonnet show had changed my acting. I got to my core quicker. The words came from a honest place inside of me with little effort. I even forgot about the director. I really connected and allowed myself to flow. I am happy. The direction in which my acting teachers first sensed, way back in the 90's, how I would mature as an actor is finally happening. That is exciting.

Friday Jam

It's Friday. I have a lot on my mind. I wanted to post something fun and upbeat for today. I was surfing around You Tube and found the perfect song. Here is a favorite lady that me and my mom both love: Eartha Kitt. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Diahann

I love Diahann Carroll! She is one of my long time favorite actresses. Today she celebrates her 73rd birthday. This lovely, elegant, strong actress and singer allows no one to define her except herself. That takes courage especially in acting.
She broke stereotypes in the t.v. show Julia ( 1968-1971) playing a registered nurse who is a single mother raising her son. At the time, critics charged this was unrealistic portayal of African American women! Ironically, at the same time, my mom was doing the same raising me. So I always found that charge so funny.
Diahann starred with James Earl Jones in Claudine (1974) which earned her Best Actress Oscar nomination. Of course, in the 80's and 90's she burned up television screens everywhere. First, as Dominique Deveraux as she described it "The First Black Bitch on Televison" in Dynasty. Who could forget Diahann all glammed up in those beautiful dresses and furs. Always putting Alexis (Joan Collins) in her place. Then, as Whitley's oh so bourgie mom in A Different World. She most recently has been appearing on Grey's Anatomy.
If I have to confess, one of my favorite roles of Diahann is in Eve's Bayou. Where she played the wise woman, Elzora. It is goes against the kind of roles she is always cast in. I suspect that is why she wanted to do it. She shines to me in the part.
As you can see, I can go on and one about this lady. So I'll end it by saying. Happy Birthday Diahann! I send you love, kisses and hugs. May you have many more birthdays to come.

My Fave Diahann films/tv shows:
Carmen Jones (1954) her film debut
Paris Blues (1962)- I'm going to dedicate a whole post to this film soon.
Julia (1968-1987)
Claudine (1974)
Dynasty (1984-1986)
Eve's Bayou (1997)
Having Our Say: The Delaney Sisters' First 100 years (1999)

Desert

I can be patient most of the times. Right about now, I can feel it unraveling. I have gotten not a whisper of an audition. Also, my copies of my headshots have been delayed for over a month now. After enjoying doing my sonnet show, I wanted to find something else to dive into. I feel like I'm walking in the desert. It's dusty, hot and dry. I'm doing my best to stay cool and moist. I know things go in cycles. I have to ride it out which I am. I have a new Shakespeare monologue I'm going to work on. There is a beauty to the desert. My mission is to find the beauty in the moments I have right now.

Cabin In The Sky

This Wednesday on Turner Classic Movies at 11pm, they are showing the musical Cabin in The Sky (1943) starring Ethel Waters,Eddie Anderson, Lena Horne and directed by Vincente Minnelli. If you want to see the movie that helped propel Lena to stardom or haven't seen in it a long while then you should check it out. It was at the time one of the most successful all-star African American films ever made. The story is simple: Little Joe (Eddie Rochester) is at danger of losing his soul. His wife Petunia (Ethel Waters) is doing her best to keep him on the right road while Georgia Brown (Lena Horne) is tempting him to stay in his bad ways. I haven't see it in years, so I am looking forward to watching it again myself.

Tuxedo Cat Love

Friendship comes in all forms. One of my best friends happens to have four legs and fur. Her name is Mabel. She is 12 years old and has the prettiest green eyes. Mabel is my cat. Or should I saw I'm her human. She is a little black and white cat or what is better known as a tuxedo cat.

Mabel and I go way back. My mom and I picked her from the bide-a-wee in Manhattan. Mabel was so skinny and dirty. She had been found wandering around the streets of lower Manhattan as a kitten. I often wondered if she had just gotten lost or had been thrown out. As soon as I saw her, I knew she is the cat for me. With love, food and warm place to sleep Mabel grew into a lovely cat.

12 years later, Mabel and I are still the best of friends. Mabel loves to caress my face with her paws. She is known to teleport from room to room which I heard is an ability a lot of cats have. She is shy when meeting new people. Once she knows you, Mabel is known to curl up on your bag or lay next to your shoes. I never seen anyone get as high as Mabel when she has some catnip! She is a loyal, affectionate and sweet-natured cat. I am so lucky to have her as my friend.

Summer

Sunset is stretched across the sky. Night is almost here. I love the long summer nights when the days seems to go on forever. The nights have their own sparkle to it. There is something about summer that makes anything seem possible around this time. So I wish you all a beautiful Friday night. Here is an old favorite of mine from Miss Jackson from way back in the 80's. I so wish she had did a video for this song!! Well, enjoy.

Happy Birthday Richard

It is fitting with Ebony's list of the 25 coolest brothers, that one of the 25 is celebrating his birthday today. I'm talking about Richard Roundtree. The tall, handsome brotha that made me even as a little girl ooh and ahh all over the place. I still love him even now. We all know about him starring as Shaft. One of the few African American films of the 70's that actually was directed by an African American director, Gordon Parks.

After finishing the Shaft Trilogy, Richard has distinguished himself in various roles over the years. He has appeared in numerous movies and television shows including Roots. In the past three years, I have seen him all over in the place in Desperate Housewives, Heroes and most recently, Speed Racer.

Richard not only being a good actor, he is a courageous man. He was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 but successfully beat the disease. Richard has made it his mission to educate men of the dangers of breast cancer.

Richard Roundtree belongs to that exclusive class of African American actors who showed Hollywood that a brotha can be a successful, bankable leading man. I send love and kisses to you Richard. Happy Birthday and many more to come!

Weekend

It has been a wonderful weekend, so far And it's not over yet!! My mom and I had blast on Friday. Lady Luck smiled on me and gifted me with extra cash. On Saturday me and one of my best friends, Ali, went to the 37th annual International African Arts Festival in Brooklyn. It's been going on since Thursday and ends today.
Brothas and Sistahs in all shades with locks, twists, braids, and fros filled the place. People selling food, teas, jewelery, clothes, shoes, paintings, posters, etc. Singers, dancers, stilt walkers, clowns entertaining the crowd. Though the day started out gray, the sun came out and the sky got blue.
So we had a great time eating delicious cake, buying things and enjoying the positive vibe of our people. Ali got a beautiful wall hanging of a pregnant woman. We both brought the same bag in different colors. The picture below is the front of my lovely bag I got from the festival. Since I wear my hair natural, I just felt the bag calling me. The ladies who I brought it from can be found at unitees.com
I hope all of you are enjoying your holiday weekend as well.

Happy Thursday

It's a big holiday weekend. If your like me, an unemployed actress, then your kind of on a long holiday already. Still, I am looking forward to the 4th. Tomorrow, My mom and I are going to Empire City at Yonkers Raceway for some good old fashioned gambling.
My mom is gracious enough to be treating me since cash is tight at this moment. So I am hoping I can win some money. I have been lucky like that before. It's always when I need the money the most I hit it. Sistah, needs a brand new pair of shoes, headphones, clothes, and well you get the idea.

Everyone have a great 4th. I'll be back on the weekend here.

Vision Board

Today is a new moon, as well as the second day in a fresh new month to have grand adventures. What is to manifest in July? Well, I have been watching Oprah and she had two part show on the laws of attraction. I was inspired to do a vision board for myself. I haven't done one in ages. I put it up close to my private altar at home, so I can see it every day.
I'm a true believer in co-creation of our lives with God. Of course, there are things that come that are outside of our realm. There are lessons we are meant to learn, so we can grow and evolve. Most of our lives are really created by our thoughts and actions.
My Vision Board is chock full of my dreams and hopes for myself. I am making steps to put these into motion. I like the idea of seeing all of it laid out to keep me on track.
I wish for all of you a July full of health, love, wealth and adventure.