The Kiss of Inspiration

As much as I love acting, my passion for it has been muted. I've haven't been feeling the crackle or desire for my main creative love. A lot of this has to do with my Sean and how it's affected my view of life.

Last night, I went out with my friend, Neo. It's just what I needed. Whenever we get together it's always a creative meeting of our minds and spirits. We mutually support, encourage and inspire each other to our highest potential. We went to see King Lear at The National Black Theater in Harlem. It was a great show. King Lear is played by Tony award winning actress Trezana Beverley. She was amazing in the role!

Neo and I both came away energized from watching the play. I arrived back home with a livelier step. I got up this morning with wings on my back. I have been flying with all kind of creative juice for my acting. I discovered a new Shakespeare monologue to work on. I'm feeling my swing again with acting.

I also got my new Jane Austen Tarot Deck!! Yipee!! I've been wanting this deck for so long. I still have to buy the companion book. (If anyone has the companion book and they don't want it, I love to have it.) The deck is lovely. I've read two of Jane's books. I have seen various movies of her novels. I won't have any problems reading with the cards. Tomorrow, I'll start using the deck for my card of the day. I look forward to diving into Jane's world and unlock all the secrets within. Here are a few images I scanned that I found to capture the essence of the feeling of the card.

This is the Chariot.


Ten of Wands and The Three of Swords


The Eight of Coins and The Seven of Cups

If you've been feeling blah about one of your creative passions. I say do what I did. Go and see your craft being done. Maybe seeing someone else do it in a show, gallery, performance, lecture will inspire you. I said yesterday we learn by doing. We also learn by watching our fellow artists at work.

I should have an audiopost of poetry either tomorrow or Monday. Look out for it.

Sweet Dreams to you all.

A Year...

Today is Swanofdreamers' first Birthday. It was a year ago today I took the plunge to start my blog. I had no idea how to do it. Would people come? Can I even write anything interesting enough all the time? So many questions and concerns.

This is what I have learned along the way.

1) The best way to learn is by doing.
2) Once you dive in, you get help in the most unexpected places.
3) Don't be afraid to be yourself in your blog. Put in all the wacky, serious, fun and adventure that is you in it.
4) You can be inspired by other bloggers; never forget your blog is original because you are. There is only one you in the whole world. Celebrate what makes you.
5) Be patient, people will find you.
6) Most importantly, your blog will evolve as you do. Go with it and see what happens.

Now for the winner of the Swanofdreamers' First Giveaway..(Drumroll please.)
Lisa of GroggyFroggy. Congratulations!!! Send me an e-mail with your home address so I can ship you your prize. Thanks everyone for entering!

I am sending loveto all who come here to read Swanofdreamers. It is wonderful to know my slice of the universe brings a smile to all who come here. So, I'm off to now go around in blogland and see what's happening with all of you.

Sweet Dreams to you all.

Fun for Thursday

Wow, yesterday was crazy. Getting acquainted with my new Laptop and playing catch up with a lot of things. Today I feel a lot calmer.

I wanted to have fun. Here is my random list of five things about me.

1) I love surfing and watch it every chance I get. Though, I can barely swim.

2) When I was a kid, I believed in a past life I was a pirate.

3) This is one of my favorite pictures. I had it for over two years, before I found out he is real person: Jason Momoa from the show Stargate Atlantis.

4) I love to wear my Dolphin earrings to remind me to flow in life like they do in the water.

5) I adore India Arie's song : A Beautiful Day from her new cd. Go on and listen.

You have one more day left for Swanofdreamers' giveaway. Please let me know if you want to enter. I'm going to announce the winner tomorrow afternoon. Sweet dreams to you all.

Happy Wednesday

Hi, everyone. Back online with only two days to spare until my Swanofdreamers' birthday. I would have been very upset if I missed that. I miss my old laptop; but, The one I got today is a beauty. I'm starting to get the hang of her.

I know I haven't been away that long. It feels like I have. All I can say from this experience that seriously make sure you back up all your files and pictures. Luckily I try to do it monthy. So I only lost a small portion of things.

Tomorrow, I'll be back with a proper post. Please don't forget the giveaway on Friday. Mabel and I will be picking the winner. I'm now going off to travel to all of your places. See what adventures have been going on in all of your own worlds.

Sweet Dreams to you all.

Crash

I had a whole post ready about the Oscars and other great stuff. Unfortanely, my computer who I call Red 5, has crashed. (If your a Star Wars fan, you'll get the Red 5 reference) Yes. I am upset. I am writing this post from my local library. I may have to get a whole new PC. So I'm hoping to up again by Wednesday night.

Please don't forget to enter Swanofdreamers' giveaway celebrating my blog's birthday. Just leave a reply you like to be entered. I will be back soon. Thank you all for your wonderful comments about Somewhere in Time and Christopher Reeve. For all those who have never seen the film, let me know what you think when you do watch it.

As always, Sweet Dreams to you all.

Somewhere In Time and Christopher

Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve), is a college student, who just has his first play produced. He is basking in the glow of success. An old woman dressed in black from a bygone era comes in. Everyone stops talking. She goes to Richard. He turns and looks at her surprised. She says Come back to me then presses a gold timepiece in his hand. She walks away leaving Richard and the crowd stunned. He has no idea who she is and why she gave him the watch. Ten years pass, Richard is restless and creatively blocked playwright. He leaves Chicago and checks in on a whim at a picturesque hotel. And there he finds his destiny in a picture of a beautiful woman from decades ago..

That is the beginning of one of my favorite movies: Somewhere in Time. I was 11 years old when I saw it on HBO. I was hooked from the first viewing. Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour ,as Richard and Elise, to this day are one of my all time favorite romantic couples. SIT fed my eleven year old romantic soul and still does now. The idea of True love; It can overcome any obstacle thrown its way. If you have never seen the film, I can only say please watch it. Though at the time it came out, it was panned and ignored. It has grown a devoted following.

Over the years, Somewhere in Time has influenced me in ways beyond ordinary movies. I like to share some of these moments with all of you. 20 years later, I came across INSITE decicated to Somewhere in Time. I was on their mailing list. I found out they were hosting a one night showing of SIT on the big screen at the multiplex at 42nd and 8th ave in Manhattan. It was the in honor of the 20th anniversary of the film. So on a cold day in October, I found myself with one of my best friends surrounded by a whole slew of SIT fans. Some fans dressed in the era of the film. Not only were we all excited about seeing the movie, Jane Seymour has confirmed to be there. And there was a rumor Christopher Reeve would show up as well!!

It was one of my favorite nights. To see SIT on the big screen after years of watching at home. It was amazing. Even thinking about it now, makes me glow. Before the movie started, the stars came out. Jane lovely as always. The biggest cheer came for Chris. I stood up with so many others clapping and hollering. Afterward, they had a beautiful reception. I saw Jane up close. We are the same height; She is so tiny. Chris later came out; You could go take a picture with him. I wanted to tell Chris how much I loved him over the years, I felt shy and full of so many feelings that night. I ended up not talking to him; Despite that,I left with my friend beaming over this magical night. I would in time regret letting my shyness hold me back. Two years later, Christopher Reeve died. I was heartbroken. I had missed my opportunity to speak to him. At the time of his death, I was going through a low point personally and ready to quit acting. A month later, I had a dream.

I dreamed I was at my local park. I was standing there feeling dejected. Then Chris came out of nowhere towards me. He was dressed exactly like Richard. I was overjoyed to see him. He took my hand and walked me over to a bench. He gave me that Christopher Reeve stare I know so well from his movies. I tried to apologize for the day when I could of spoken to him. This is what Chris said to me. It didn't matter, now. I am a good actress and I needed to keep going. Not to give up on my dreams. That he would be watching over me. We talked a little more. Then he said he had to go. We hugged each other goodbye. He reminded me not to forget what he told me. He tipped his hat at me then disappeared from my sight.

As I promised Chris, I did continue acting. Was it really him? Did he break the barrier of death and time to come to me in my dreams? I'll leave the answer up to all of you. Last year, I found myself cast in a show on Shakespeare's Sonnets. We all had to pick four sonnets to perform. Not just recite them. My director, Ken wanted us to connect with each piece personally. I picked Sonnet 54# as one of the four. I choose Chris as the person I was speaking about in the sonnet. When I practiced. I used his picture to talk to him. Each sonnet had to have music as an introduction. Of course, I used the theme from SIT with the vocals on it. It was my favorite sonnet to perform each night.

I know this was a long post. I just wanted to share how the power of movies can affect people years after they are made. I am forever in debt to all those involved in making Somewhere in Time and Christopher Reeve.
See, Chris I didn't give up. I'm still an actor.

As always, Sweet Dreams to you all.

Dreaming

I know today I was going to talk about another favorite film. Some personal events have intervened. Anakin and I said goodbye last night. I promised myself not to cry. I did. I know it's not like I'll never see him again. Still it was painful for me for him to go. I went to bed feeling upset and moody.

Then I had this dream. It reminds me of the quote by Emily Bronte:
“I've dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they've gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the colour of my mind.”

I dreamed about Gerry.Or all you know him better as Gerard Butler. I've have been quite Gerry mad since "300" came out. He's just one of my favorite actors. Okay, on to the dream.

Gerry and I were with a gang of people. We were sitting at a booth in a diner. I turned to look him and then he gazed over at me. Then it dawned on him that I liked him. I blushed realing he knew my secret and went to leave. He came after me; Took my hand and we walked down the street together just talking. Then we went to a party at my old apartment. I walked into my childhood bedroom. He came and put his arms around me. Then he started kissing me. It was vivid. Even when I was waking up, Gerry kept pulling me back into the dream. He kept saying "I'm not going to let you go." It was as if he knew I was dreaming, even though I didn't. When I finally woke up. For about an hour, I kept feeling the sensation of his hand in mine. All of this compelled me to do the picture above and the collage of pictures of Gerry you see below



Trust me when I say my dream life is vivid. This has to be one of my top ten greatest dreams. What does it all mean? I'm sure part of it is a reaction to Anakin's leaving. The dream comforted me immensely. Tomorrow, I promise I'll be back with my another favorite film. If you like to share a vivid dream of yours with me. I love to hear all! And it doesn't have to be with Gerry or a famous person. Don't forget the clock is ticking for my giveaway. Just let me know if you like to enter. The giveaway is a lovely book and some other surprises.

As always, Sweet Dreams to you all.

Paris Blues

One of my favorites, Diahann Carroll, was on a talk show about ten years ago talking about her life. My mom and I both love her. We were watching. She then began speaking about how she had loved Sidney so much. About one of the films they made together called Paris Blues (1961). Then they showed the clip of it. It showed her and Sidney Poitier!! We both had no idea they were romantically involved. My mom, who is a big movie fan, never heard of the film. By the end of the week, I had gotten the movie on VHS.

I love Paris Blues for many reasons. First, you get to see a Beautiful Black couple in love in Paris. For the early sixties, I don't think you can get better than Diahann and Sidney for showing Black Love on the screen. Second, it also stars Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Third, it shows one of my favorite cities. I've always had a fascination for Paris.

The story is Sidney and Paul play musicians living in Paris. Two American schoolteachers come for a vacation. The two couples fall in love. The big question is which couple will stay together past the vacation? I won't spoil it by telling which couple it is.Also, Paris Blues highlights the fact that Paris has been an escape and haven for African American artists. A place where they can create and be judged by their talent and not their skin color. For me, Paris has always been a romantic place fueled by this idea of freedom and beauty. I always wanted to walk the streets that Josephine Baker and James Baldwin did. One day, I will..

If you get a chance to watch it on TCM. Or can rent it on netflix it, check out Paris Blues. I'm sure you'll come to love it as I have.Thanks to everyone sharing their favorite fun movies from yesterday. I'll be back tomorrow to talk about another favorite movie of mine. Here is a trailer for Paris Blues.


Sweet Dreams to you all.

The Pirate Movie

I finally fixed my feed for Swanofdreamers!! I kept thinking I had solved it before. From now on, my posts should be coming in to Google Reader. So please update it in your links.

Now on to the good stuff. It's Tuesday and sunny here in The Bronx. In honor of the Oscars, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite fun movies. The kind of movie that is really silly and you just love it. A movie that would never even make it at the Oscars. Unlike some actors, I'm not ashamed to say some Oscar Winning movies leave me cold. They are wonderful movies; yet, I'm not going to put it on when I need a lift.

My #1 fun movie is The Pirate Movie(1982). When I was a teenager, they played The Pirate Movie so much on HBO. It seemed like HBO showed it every two days. I was hooked from the first. It's a modernized version of the opera: The Pirate of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan. It's sweet,fun and filled with happy songs. I adore it!! Kristy McNichol, who was one my favorite actors as a kid, is so good as Mabel; Christopher Atkins is dreamy as her suitor, Frederic. And I can't forget my two favorite Pirates in the movie. The Pirate King played by the wonderful Ted Hamilton. Samuel played by Chuck McKinney is hilarious as the lone brotha in the pirate crew. Did I also say how I love the costumes!!

Christopher as the honorable and cute Frederic.


The Happy Ending big dance number


Now it's your turn. Share with me one of your favorite fun movies. I love to hear what they are. If you love The Pirate Movie too, please let me know that. Don't forget to enter my Swanofdreamers birthday giveaway.

As always, Sweet Dreams to you all.

Monday and Anakin

A big hug to everyone who came and joined in on the wonderful Valentine's Day party hosted by Kathryn. I had a blast! Blog parties are always fun. One day I want to host one myself. I have to think of a good theme. Maybe to a movie? I have to think on that. My Twin and her daughter came over to spend night on Valentine's Day. They gifted me with pretty heart balloons!!
I love balloons.

I also got bittersweet news. My friend Anakin is moving to Boise, Idaho on Thursday! He just got a job working for a company over there. I'm happy for him;He's been wanting to get out of New York. I'm also sad because I'll miss him. Anakin and I dated for over two years. Then we broke up but have remained close friends. I still love him, very much.I'm asking if anyone knows about Boise, can you share any cool places or neighborhoods there? He doesn't know anyone there. Right now, he's concentrating on packing. So anything you could tell me, I appreciate it.

I should have another audiopost on poetry this week. Maybe as soon as tomorrow. I wanted to share this cool site:1000 Journal Project. You can peek into the journals of people from all over the world. It's amazing. And Hulu where you can watch your favorite tv shows and films. They have the second season of one of my faves: Forever Knight. Any FK fans out here? I also checked out their movie selection. I see they have Somewhere in Time. Good choice, Hulu.

Please don't forget. Swanofdreamers birthday giveaway is still going on. If you want to enter, just let me know. Click here to read more. I'll be back tomorrow. As always, Sweet Dreams to you all.

Happy Valentine's Day

Among my friends, I'm known as the Romantic one. This day always means a lot to me whether I'm solo or in a couple. I feel Valentine's Day is about Love in all forms. Of course, I'm delighted to be part of Kathryn's Soul Journal Valentine Party.

This Valentine's Day I dedicate to my forever friend Sean. For those who don't follow my blog, My friend Sean passed away unexpectedly in January. It has been for me a deep personal loss in my life. Today, I don't talk about the sadness of his passing. I want to talk about Sean's love and what his life taught me.

Sean was a beautiful person inside and out. He always made sure to let me know how much he loved me and how important I was to him. I always knew I had him come what may. Our bond showed Love has no color.


Love sees with the heart. The only thing that matters is the happiness that is created together.


Always take time for the people you love. Stay close in anyway you can. You never know when this will be the last time.


Love is Eternal. Even if someone dies, the love doesn't end. It lives on...


Love breaks Time and Space. That those who gone before us, will be waiting for us to be reunited. This time will be Forever.


Thank you so much for sharing the day with me and My Prince of Hearts: Sean One last treat for all of you, this captures the eternal feeling of love for me. This the ending of the classic movie: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir from 1947.

Happy Valentine's Day. Sweet Dreams to you all.

A bit of a story...

Happy Friday the 13th. I wanted to share a romantic meditation I wrote for myself a few years back. I tweaked it a bit in honor of Valentine's Day tomorrow. Here is some romance and sweetness for all of you.



I am in my turquoise dress with ebony ballet slippers on. I wear a rose quartz stone in the shape of a heart around my neck. I walk down a long corridor under the eyes of a golden full moon. The doors to one of the smaller hall are wide open. I enter and it is deserted. The room is lit only by candlelight. The sound of music floats in from the main ballroom;I am captivated by the beautiful haunting music. I begin to dance by myself.

Suddenly, I sense someone in the room with me. It is him. He walks in, beautiful as always to me. Long amber locs flow down his shoulder framing his strong masculine face. His eyes are sparkling amber. He moves closer to me. I almost panic then I remember the silver mask I wear from the party. He doesn’t know who I am.

He sweeps me into his strong embrace. I feel enfolded in love and warmth. He smells of ocean: clean and fresh. We begin to dance. I let my head lean on his broad chest. I feel as if I am dancing on air. We say not a word but our bodies speak for us. We dance and dance. Suddenly, he stops and gazes down at me. He leans down to kiss me. I tilt my head up to him and our lips touch. Our kiss is sweet and succulent. He whispers “Let me see you.” He caresses my face. I begin to take off my mask....

I hope you all enjoyed the story. Tomorrow, I'll be back with a longer post. It will be about Love being eternal.

Sweet Dreams to you all.

Thursday Love

Two days before Valentine's Day! I am celebrating the day in the spirit of all kinds of love. Celebrating the love of friendship, family and romance. Being a romantic is about how you view the world. Viva Valentine's Day. Please make sure to come by on Valentine's Day, I have a special post planned.

Now, I got a knock on my door. My fab mail lady had a package for me. Tina aka Sweetina sent me the prize I won at her blog giveaway. I am awed by all the creativity and kindness that is here in Blogland. I wish my photo skills are better to show how beautiful the gifts Tina gave me. Here are a few photos. Thank you, Tina!! You are the best.

Tina wrapped her gifts so wonderful. Look at this pretty package with a Hello Kitty tag! I love Hello Kitty.



Here is my Blue bird of Happiness. Which I need right now.


This totally blew me away. If you follow the blog, you know I've talked about wanting to go to Paris. Tina created this Inspirational board for me. Wonderful.


Here is me wearing the red heart necklace from Tina. I redyed my hair. It's a lot brighter than I originally wanted. I know I look sleepy. I stayed up late.


These pictures are just a taste of the beauty and creativity of Tina. Go on over to her blog and say hi.

I've been in a Sentimental Mood. Listen to Ella as you continue reading. My thoughts thinking of the meaning of love and romance. Fitting for this day. I went through my old scrapbooks filled with images from magazines. I found lovely images I wanted to share fitting for the time. I know things are challenging for us all. Now, more than ever we need to dream, create and believe in the power of goodness and love.

This is a perfume ad for the fragrance Jontue from the 80's. I always loved this image.


A beautiful couple on their wedding day. Makes my heart smile. This is from an old Essence Magazine.


This is from my Wedding dress files. Simply gorgeous.


Whew. That was a long post. Hope not to long for all of you. I'll be back tomorrow. As always, Sweet Dreams to you all.

P.S. Don't forget to enter Swanofdreamers' blog birthday giveaway. Click here for details

Tuesday creative

Happy Tuesday everyone. I've been thinking about creating my own acting opportunities. I'm fed up being what I call an "acting monkey". (No offense to Curious George and other monkeys.) Coming in and smiling. Doing my audition and getting great feedback. Then waiting for a call or a job I want falling through. I know a lot of artists get to this point in their careers. What kind of acting opportunities? I have ideas swirling in my Aquarian head. How will I do it? I don't know yet but it's all part of the journey. This is my year of adventure, right? As I let that creative part of me start stirring, I have other creative projects going on.

I wanted to share scans I did from Victoria Magazine from Feb 1999 issues. These are the work of British mixed media artist, Sarah Lugg. The pictures fit for Valentine's Day.

This is the cover.


Here is another look at Sarah's lovely hearts.


Now, Love spelled out beautifully.


I always loved her work. She inspired me to do my own work on tags.Here are two of my tags I have done so far.



It's fun doing the collage tags. I'm currently working on more. I have been working with the program: paint.net. I'm still getting the hang of it. Here's one picture I did of my Gerard Butler as The Phantom. He is now the The Phantom of Hearts in honor of Valentine's Day.


Don't forget to enter for Swanofdreamers' birthday giveaway. You can see the countdown on the right side of the screen of the big day. The details are in the post below. Also, go visit Kathryn and join in The Valentine's Day Party on the 14th. I am participating and it will be fun. I have all kinds of romantic lovlies planned for the day.

As always, Sweet Dreams to you all.