Testing The Waters

"It really don't matter if I lose this fight...  all I wanna do is go the distance." ~ Rocky (1976) There are some films that strike a deep chord in the hearts and minds of audiences,  "Rocky" and all the subsequent sequels are among those films  (well, with the exception of Rocky 5) . Each movie in the "Rocky" franchise has the ability to stand alone as a film, which is a testament to Sylvester Stallone as a writer and as an actor. With Rocky Balboa Stallone created an endearing lovable loser character that everyone could not only identify with but also root for. The success of the franchise is due in part to the raw, undiluted brilliance of first movie, "Rocky." GOING THE DISTANCE One of my absolute favorite scenes from the first film is when Rocky reveals to Adrian his goal for the fight against Apollo Creed. In that scene he declares, "all I wanna do is go the distance." Its such a humble goal - Rocky doesn'...

As I look back on the feature articles I've written I can't help but to notice some commonalities. While each person is unique and involved in totally different professions each has a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their lives.  They each are doing what they love to do. This month I'm excited to introduce you to Jessica Smyth. I met Jessica a couple months ago and as we all do when meeting someone new I asked the usual conventional questions. When Jessica informed me that she was an equestrian I literally did a double take, I mean its not every day you meet a woman in her twenties that rides horses competitively. I have had a love of all animals my whole life but horses have a special place in my heart. I have an intense love and respect for horses -- they are incredibly beautiful and complex creatures. Their honesty, presence, and power simply take my breath away. ATTENDING A COMPETITION My husband and I have never attended an equestrian competition ...

April 15, 2013 Its Patriots Day, a civic holiday that commemorates the first battles of the American Revolution. It is celebrated and observed yearly with the Boston Marathon. By now you know what comes next... what was to be a moment of celebration for the on-lookers and all the runners instead turned into horror, explosions and blood shed. Martin Richard has been identified as the 8-year-old boy who was one of the three people killed by one of the blasts. He and his family lived in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester. Martin was running up to the finish line to congratulate his dad (Bill Richard) on completing the race. His mother, Denise, sustained critical injuries and his sister, Jane, suffered extensive injury to one of her legs.  There were 176 injuries. 3 deaths. There were countless number of heroes that day and to me Martin Richard is among those heroes. A SIGN OF HOPE Martin Richard had recently participated in a  peace rally at his school... this i...

So, sometimes I sit down to write my weekly blog and I know what I'm going to write about. Usually by the time I sit down at my computer and put my fingers on the keys to type I've done all the research and compiled all the necessary info and photos I'd need to tell the story BUT this week was different. After spending 5 days in Monterey I came back and I had a bit of writers block. Well, actually it was writers block fueled by indecision, I could not decide on this weeks subject.  I wrestled with the idea of sharing with you guys my experience in Monterey. Monterey at one time served as both the Spanish and Mexican capital of California from the late 1700's to early 1800's and is celebrated as one of the most historic towns on the West Coast. It was a relaxing vacay and writers block aside, I returned home inspired and invigorated but I could not settle on what to write about for this weeks post... I mean, while in Monterey I did find out some really cool...

You know that old adage: "Birds of a Feather Flock together?" I think we are all inexplicably drawn to people with whom we share common interests. Looking over the landscape of my life I know this is why most of my friends are artists. If there is one common thread between all artists it is this: in order to engage in our artistic expression (what ever that is, dance, painting, writing etc) there needs to be an openness, we need to be vulnerable and remain available to the creative process. SOCIAL BUTTERFLY  I am a self-professed (and confessed) social butterfly, I absolutely love meeting new people and usually sit on the edge of my seat, riveted by every detail of their life's journey. This is why I adore writing these monthly features, I've heard so many wonderful stories over the years. I'm grateful to have this outlet to share them with you. I hope each feature article inspires you, in some way, to pursue your dreams. IT'S ALL 'BOUT THE JOURNEY...

When Martha Graham said:  "Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion"  I believe she was referring to dancers like Kiki Lucas; the subject of this months "Testing The Waters" Feature Story. I  had the distinct pleasure of becoming friends and working with Kiki Lucas while she was living in Los Angeles.   She being a fellow Aries woman we hit it off instantly.   To this day I continue to feel incredibly blessed to have known and worked with her. At the time, I was performing in and producing cabaret shows and she  graciously agreed to choreograph a couple of numbers for a few of my productions.                                                                                      ...