Twilight

Finally, I saw Twilight!!! I have read all four books. I loved the first three: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse. Anyway, so I like Bella.. In New Moon, she went through a lot and Jacob was there in a way Edward couldn't be. As much as I adore Edward, I really love Jacob even more.
Back to the movie: Twilight captured the book really well. Most of the characters are as I imagined them to be. The chemistry between Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) are smoking. Of course, my Jacob (Taylor Lautner) was so cute! I am looking forward to New Moon as a movie. Anyway, I say go if you haven't seen it. If you never read the books, I feel you can still enjoy the movie. I have to admit. I do want to see Twilight a second time on the big screen.

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my mom. I've been having some romance issues. Being with mom and watching Twilight today brought me out of my funk. And I want to give a big Thank you and hug to Kathryn for giving me a lovely blog award. Check out her blog. She does beautiful work.

Glad you all enjoyed my birthday tribute to Jimi. I'm going to work on more videos and maybe an audio post as well. Have all these ideas swirling in my Aquarius mind. Anyway, all of you enjoy your weekend. Go see Twilight. You'll love it.

My Jimi

When I was starting my first year of acting school at age 22, I found myself lost. I had all these emotions inside but I was blocked. Like everyone, I had learned to adapt to my life; I had lost parts of myself. I needed to access these buried sides of me, if I wanted to be a grow as an actor.

One day, I went to a record store and found Jimi Hendrix. Or maybe he found me. I knew of him but had heard little of his music. On a whim, I purchased his greatest hits. I sat on my terrace and played his music. I was hooked. There was something about the music that touched me deeply.

I felt free listening to him. He became my patron Saint of Freedom, Love and Being who you truly are. His life ended tragically at age 27. I can only imagine the things he would of accomplished if he lived. His music transcends boundaries. He didn't define music as we do: rock, r&b, jazz, blues. To him it's all music.

I wish I had met him. I could of told him how he healed me with his music. The hidden doors inside of me opened up one by one from Purple Haze to May This Be Love to Voodoo Child to Angel to Little Wing to If 6 Was 9 to 1983..A Mermaid I Should Turn to Be. I could go on with the list. Even now, he is always here for me through good and bad times.

So on this Thanksgiving, I am grateful for many things. My mom, my family and my friends. I'm also thankful for Jimi Hendrix. I love you Jimi. I wish you a very Happy Birthday. I miss you.

I did this video all on my own. Yes, now I can make my own music videos!! The song is called May This Be Love. It's from Jimi's first album: Are You Experienced. It is one my favorite songs of his. Enjoy.

Something's Coming

I was playing this song when I was walking outside. I got this feeling I needed to keep playing "Something's Coming" from West Side Story. So I played it four times in a row and singing to my heart's content. Luckily, the track was deserted. I'm no kind of singer.

I believe words have power. Songs are just brimming with it. So this is my Thanksgiving wish for all of you. I hope for everyone something good is coming for you.

Who knows?
It's only just out of reach,
Down the block, on a beach,
Under a tree.
I got a feeling there's a miracle due,
Gonna come true,
Coming to me!

Happy Birthday Ricardo

I am sending Birthday wishes and kisses to my still handsome Ricardo Montalban. He is 88 years young today!! I have always had a crush on Ricardo since my days of watching him as Roarke. Ricardo Montalban, an Emmy award winner and Tony award nominee, is best known for his iconic roles as Mr.Roarke on Fantasy Island and Khan in Star Trek.

What I love most about Ricardo, that he never forgot his days as an young Mexican-born actor being confined to Latin Lover roles. He created Nosotros in 1970 to help influence stronger and positive images for Latino actors in the entertainment industry.

Only in the past years, did I discover his earlier work in Hollywood. Despite his typecast roles, Ricardo brings charm,intelligence and style. I wanted to share a wonderful clip I found of Ricardo with Cyd Charisse from the movie Fiesta (1947). Enjoy.

Hot Men on a Cold Day

It is 31 degrees out here in The Bronx. I live right next to a river which means it feels like 21 degrees. I'm a winter baby, so I can deal with the cold. What is bad is that last Sunday is was 63 and now it's 31. We need to ease into the cold!! Anyway, I know some of you in other places are snowed in or just dealing with the frigid temps.

I bring you something warm to keep all my ladies out there toasty. For my male friends, sorry I'll have to catch you the next time around. Here is the 100 Sexiest Men compiled by People. Hugh wears the crown this year. For once, I agree with them.Are all your favorites there? Are some missing? There are some men missing for me. Anyway, enjoy the men they do have.

Take me to Paris

I have a little over two months to go till my birthday.I love celebrating birthdays: my own and others. It's the one day of the year, I feel you should really celebrate yourself. I talked about this in an earlier post of mine I want to go to Paris for my birthday. Now, I always like to look at the glass half full, I have to admit the prospect of me getting to Paris is looking dimmer as January 24th gets closer. I want to celebrate my 40th birthday in Paris.

Recently,I've done a lot of letting things I desire go and let the goodness of my creator step in. It is my deepest wish to be able to go to Paris and enjoy my birthday there. If there is a way for this to manifest, I open myself to the possibility of this happening.

Just writing that, I feel better. So is there anyplace any of you want to go for you next Birthday? Do share. I can't be the only one longing to travel to somewhere else.

A Good Day

I had a great acting day. I had to go in and do voice recording on a short film I acted in. I'm slowly getting use to seeing myself on camera. Actors are notorious for not being able to watch themselves. I'm no exception. There is one scene where I looked really huge on camera. My clothes were ill fitting. This was a no budget film, I seriously needed a dresser. Anyway, the acting is decent. I'm happy with the result. It is true the camera adds 10 to 15 pounds to you. I'm in the process of releasing more weight. I ideally like to be a size 12. That's where I'm shooting for. I'm a size 16, working down to size 14.

I just got a copy of a short film I did last year in the mail on Tuesday. Once I get this film in December. I'm going to with the magic of windows media maker make a reel for myself. A reel is basically a showcase for an actor. So directors, casting, agents and producers can see what you act and look like on film. Once I finish the reel, I'll put it up on Swanofdreamers.

My director, Suchi, is from India. She came here to study directing at New York Film Academy. Sushi said she love to work with me again. Would I consider to come to India to work in Bollywood on a film, if she called me? I was like yes!! You call me and I'll go. Bollywood is the nickname of the Indian Film Industry. They make more movies out in India than here in the U.S. I was really honored she asked me that. Gave me a good feeling. It would be such an adventure. I'll see what comes.

My date with James

I had a very special lunch date today.


I know he is known for dating tall, slim model types. James says it's all hype. He really prefers voluptuous petite woman. I said "Well, I'm the woman for you." James leaned in and took my right hand. I stared into those lovely blue eyes. James replied "I've been waiting for a woman just like you." We shared a romantic lunch over Martini's.

Okay, so maybe that's not how my day went. Hey, it could happen..

Anyway, one of my bests, Ali, and I went to see Quantum of Solace starring the delicious Daniel Craig. Bond is out for blood in this movie. He is kicking ass left and right from Italy to South America. It is pure action, adrenaline and excitement. I adore Judi Dench as M.

We went to see the movie at one of the best theaters in Manhattan: Ziegfeld Theatre. It is The place for Movie premieres. The decor is deep valentine red in seats and curtains, chandeliers in the ceilings, and pictures of old movies all around.


Then we journeyed to Alice's Tea cup. There are three locations in Manhattan. We went to the one on E.64th Street. It's an ode to Alice in Wonderland. It is whimsical inside. Our teas were yummy. The scones were so good and huge!! You get two with your pot of tea. We ate our Vanilla scones there. We both took a scone home to eat later. Ali had the Peach scone and I had a Banana chocolate scone. I can't wait to eat mine.


I had a good Tuesday. I hope all of you did too. Go see Quantum of Solace. If you like action, Bond is your man.

Random and wacky facts

I feel to be a true blogger sometimes you have to share not only the deep stuff but the truly random and even wacky stuff about you. So here is mine. Yes, it's all me and true.

1) I dislike Nutcrackers. Yes, some people fear clowns, I fear Nutcrackers. It's really bad with Christmas right around the corner. They are everywhere!!!

2) I started reading Romance novels when I was 13.

3) I love wearing skirts especially long ones.

4) I love all chocolate except Chocolate ice cream.


5) As a kid, my friends would call me Rudolph because my nose would turn red from the cold. (Yes, my nose still turns red even now.)

Vote for Lando

Happy Friday everyone. It is a misty day in The Big Apple. I just saw this and had to share. I think it's so funny especially with the election we just had. Since this is my 150th post, it's fitting that it has Star Wars theme too it. Enjoy.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Happy Birthday Gerry

Okay, where can I start with my adored Scottish honey. Yes I do call ,Gerard Butler, Gerry because we have that kind of relationship. We go way back to 2006. So I was with my friends and we went to see 300. I kept thinking who is this actor playing Leonidas? Where did they find this man? Who is he? Why oh why can't I be in a movie with him? After 300, I was on a mission to see every movie Gerry did. I almost have. So I'm pretty much Gerry mad.

Gerry turns 39 today. Your only getting better, sweetheart!! Best Gerry movies? All of them. Okay, let me try to exercise some restraint. I have whittled it down to five. I have to throw in that RocknRolla is a must see for a Gerry fan. I promised to keep this list to five. Here it is.

Top Gerry Movies (not in any particular order)
Phantom of The Opera - Singing and Brooding Gerry
Dracula 2000- Sexy Gerry
300- Kick ass Gerry
Dear Frankie - Sweet and Solid Gerry
P.S. I Love You- Whimsical and Romantic Gerry

Happy Birthday Gerry!! Much love and kisses to you.

Dreamboard

I love participating in Suzie's dreamboard post for every full Moon. Mine is quite self-explanatory.

Thank you

Today is time for some love and thank you's. First, to Lady Prism for gifting me with this lovely award.


In the mail today, I got my beautiful Mermaid necklace and bookmark from Carmen. I am wearing my necklace now. I wish I had a digital camera now to share how lovely it is. It is my new favorite necklace.

Also, I wanted to say thank you for all the wonderful people who have decided through Google to follow my blog. I like to call them my fellow dreamers. Even if your not with the whole following blogs thing, I thank everyone who has come here to read and leave comments. It is all of you who help to make Swanofdreamers come alive.



Have a fab Wednesday night everyone.

The Duchess

I went to see The Duchess starring Kiera Knightley and Ralph Fiennes. What a movie. You have love, romance, passion, betrayal displayed on a backdrop of great actors and gorgeous clothes.



Kiera is Georgiana, The Duchess of Devonshire who does her best to make a marriage work to her indifferent and icy husband, The Duke. In her quest for own personal sense of freedom, she confronts head on the double standard set for women in her time. There are parts in Georgiana's life that are heartbreaking.



Did I talk about the clothes? I have to. I adore clothes from the late Georgian period to the Regency era. Full of lace, frills, silks, ribbons adorned all over on dresses, gloves and hats. The hair piled high with feathers and ringlets. Lockets with faces and flowers on it. Simply fab.





It is an engrossing film. If you want to get swept away for two hours, then go see The Duchess.

Bills

While I'm still celebrating myself as an actress, sistah still has to pay bills. Do you ever go to the mail with a ache in your tummy knowing there are bills waiting for you? I do at times. Today is the last day of paying rent. I'll do it later on today. I am thankful that I have an place to call my own, clothes to wear and food in my frig. I say Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all I do have. Being thankful does ease the money woes.

I love the tv show: Supernatural. This is from three episodes back. They did a clip of my Jensen Ackles (Dean) singing at the end of the show. You may have seen it. I need some Jensen and silliness to get through the day. Enjoy.

Success is a state of mind

I was listening to Craftcast earlier today. Alison Lee, the host, was talking about the nature of success in her last podcast. She suggested that we need to update and redefine what success means to us to keep growing creatively. It really struck home with me.

My recent close calls to moving up the ladder in acting still stings. I really thought about Alison's words. It's time for me to look at my acting life from a new perspective. When I started drama school after college in the 90's, I was surrounded by a group of wonderful actors. We were all confident and looking forward to the future. As the years have gone, many I knew left their dreams behind for many different reasons. Some have formed new dreams. Most have left acting because of rejections, financial instability, too few good roles,etc. The list is endless.

But, me who was always called hardheaded. (And I still am) Well, I just keep going. I love acting. It has been my dream to be to be a working and successful actor. In the middle of the night when I feel my lowest, the dream shines brightest in my inner sight. A voice whispers just go to that one more audition. That is how I have kept going as an actor.

Success to me is not all about money or fame. It's also about patience, dedication and faith in yourself even through challenging times. If you met me at 15, I would tell I'm going to be an actor when I grow up. If you met at 25, I tell you that I'm actor. You meet me now, I am still an actor. I audition. I act on stage and in independent films. I constantly work on my monologues,and, actively pursue work.

So today, I am celebrating myself as an actress. Just thinking about my expanded idea of success makes me feel good and strong. Success starts within and then moves outward. Success is truly a state of mind.

Enchanted Cottage

I have a b&w gem for all my romantic movie lovers out there. The movie is Enchanted Cottage (1945) starring Dorothy McGuire and Robert Young. I have been hearing about this movie for years and finally saw it the first time in 2006. Since them it has become one of my new favorite movies. It is being aired on Saturday at 9:30pm on Turner Classic Movies. It is a about a lonely woman and WWII vet who meet in a magical cottage. That's all I can tell you because anything else will ruin the movie. I hope you all get a chance to watch. If your going to be out, set your DVR or VCR to tape. After you see the movie, let me know what you think.

DreamThought #5

Do not fear mistakes;there are none.
-Miles Davis

Destiny

Last night, I was shouting with joy and pride when the magic number of 270 came! Watching Barack's speech made me think about him being The 44th President is a symbol for so many things.

I often wonder does Destiny choose us for great things? Or do we chose to make our own Destiny great by stepping out of what is "possible" and reach for what others believe is 'impossible". I am proud that America showed the world we can move past our history and elect Barack for President. I have no doubt in my mind that an Obama Presidency blasts open the White House for more diverse Presidents to come. One day the gender of a President will be a woman! We will see a President who is Latino, Asian and First Nation. I look forward to seeing all of this unfold in years to come. I hope you do too.

New Dawn

I went out to vote earlier today. It made me so happy to see all these people coming out to vote. Exercising their right as Americans to vote for a new President. I can feel the excitement and change in the air. I respect and admire Barack and Michelle for their courage and strength to forge a new trail where few have gone before. They stand now on the threshold of history. A new dawn is coming. I'm ready for it.

Good Monday

I hope Monday finds everyone feeling good and happy. I had a great interview for a seasonal job. I'm so hoping I'll get it. It is creative and the pay is decent. Since I need a day gig right now, I rather have fun while I work. It has something to do with goodies like this: and.

I should know by tomorrow whether I got the gig or not. I had a great Halloween hanging out with my Twin to celebrate her birtday. On Sunday I was doing some serious blog partying. There were two parties: One for Day of Dead celebration and the other for the Birthday of Marie Antoinette. The amount of creativity, imagination, beauty I found at all these wonderful blogs are inspiring. I had so much fun. I love blog parties!!! We all have so much creativity inside waiting to come out. I say let it out and express all of you. The world needs this.

I feel we are all artists. Everyone's medium is different. Also, thanks for all the great love on the Beauty and The Beast video I did. I'm going to work on some more videos. I have ideas just surfing in my Aquarian mind.

One more thing, tomorrow is Election Day. Please get off your chairs, unplug for a bit of time and Vote! Please remember, people have marched, been beaten up, harassed, jailed and killed for the right for all Americans in every color and creed to vote. Don't waste their sacrifices by not voting.