This week was a journey. It was a journey filled with many emotions. Let’s just cut to the chase, shall we? So what is the latest on my artistic pursuit of creative rebellion? Well, lets see I started film class last week at Art Sake Studio. Check it out at http://www.art-sake.com/art-sake.com/Home.html. The class rocks and I already feel like I am learning more than I could imagine from one class. The class is inspired by one of my favorite author’s Julia Cameron (author of book ” The Artist Way”). This class encourages its patrons to attend as many auditions as possible in order to unleash the inner artist and to encourage personal growth. So this Saturday, I went to Full Sail University’s open casting call for local films. I was expecting to audition for two movies. However; when I arrived there was a long table set up with about six creative projects including video game auditions. There was a moment of panic followed by sheer excitement. I went down the aisle and signed up for each casting available. There I sat with five clipboards filled with information about each casting, followed by sides. “Sides” refers to the specific set of lines from the script of an acting project that your child (or you) must learn prior to an audition. It took some time to organize all the paperwork, sign the releases and remember which “Sides” belonged to the appropriate paperwork. I thought, ”If I can figure out how to organize this mess, it’s half the battle.”
I highly recommend auditioning at Full Sail. The staff was very friendly and the casting directors were also friendly, approachable, and eager to get the best shot. The directors were professional and provided feedback. Check out Full Sail’s site at http://www.myspace.com/fullsailcasting. I was there from 3 pm until 6:30 pm auditioning for five projects. It was a long wait but worth it. Why? Because I left with increased confidence. I felt great about the performances I gave and the courage it took to show up. So I encourage you to do the same. Find the courage within to do something you’ve always wanted to do and do it, without question.
Film business has taken the driver’s seat this week. So last night I changed it up by meeting with a friend and co-writer to solidify our song and to make arrangements to record in the upcoming week. Cannot wait to share with you! Mostly, I am feeling very grateful for the support of my husband and family which allows me to go on these auditions. Our daughter Olivia Daisy always inspires and her smile pushes me onward.
It’s been a week’s journey. It feels like this is really happening. That I am becoming the artist I always wanted to be.
After my last blog, I was filled with excitement to sing at Credo Coffee shop. I had been rehearsing vocal and guitar for over a week in order to perform there for what would be my 2nd time. The guitar was becoming my friend and I let go of my grudge against it. You see the guitar and I have a “love/hate” relationship. But recently I decided to give it another try on my terms. So when my baby girl fell asleep and with my husband’s support; I practiced chords on guitar and strummed along to my original tunes. I felt fairly confident that I was ready to showcase my original songs, even if my guitar skills were not perfect. However, sometimes things happen for a reason. The weekend prior to open mic, the guitar was not tuned. I tried tuning it several times, using different tuning methods but was not successful. I was losing hope and wondered if the guitar was broken. But really I felt like the broken one because I was so disappointed. What I really wanted was the last two days (weekend) to rehearse. And well with a baby, various creative endeavors and life; it just didn’t happen. With that being said, I am glad it did not. And thankfully, the guitar was fixed. It turned out that only ONE STRING was out of tune. But due to limited time and my desire to perform at my best; I chose to sing at next open mic. I’m thinking about trying out Austin’s Coffee Shop next week. Sometimes I am too hard on myself. One missed open mic is nothing in grand scheme of life. The important thing is that I am playing the guitar and not giving up on this creative growth.
Sometimes the unexpected actually turns out to be a great thing! So after my disappointment, I set my mind on the next creative goals. And with a tuned guitar, I felt that opportunities were endless. Then I got a phone call from my agent. She wanted to submit me as print model for Scholastic Books catalog. I was excited and of course said “Yes!”. I booked the job and arrived at Scholastic Books on Thursday. It was such a positive experience and the team of artists, directors and photographer were professional. This is another experience that reaffirmed my love of entertainment field. I enjoy print modeling as much as acting and singing.
It just goes to show you that sometimes change is a GREAT thing and that unexpectancies can be GREAT. Here are some quotes that I stumbled upon when looking up “unexpectancies, change.”
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” -Maria Robinson
“Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” -Anonymous
“All great changes are preceded by chaos.” -Deepak Chopra
“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.” -C.S. Lewis
“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe
“If what you’re doing is not your passion, you have nothing to lose.” Unknown
Lately the word “Acceptance” has been on my mind. I hardly feel like writing tonight as I am one busy mommy and entrepreneur these days. But I miss writing to you, my blogger friends. So yesterday I started pondering over how I am feeling, as many artists do. The words that popped up in my mind are “gratitude and acceptance”. As I have written in previous blogs; I have been feeling immense gratitude for the people, things and places that fill up my heart and mind. The book “The Magic” has inspired me like never before. However, the word “Acceptance” took me by surprise.
So I asked myself, “Where is this word coming from?” The answer: I accept who I am today, not tomorrow. I have spent a great deal of time planning my future and daydreaming. I’m a big believer in futuristic thinking but sometimes people get stuck in either the past or future. I began to feel stuck in the future, not knowing how to be present minded. Still-I am working on being more mindful each day.
The future is now. As I made plans for the future; I also began to feel stuck in the mindset of ”why aren’t my dreams happening sooner? and I will be happy when….” How many of you have felt this way? So I realized I have been living for the future. Although I have been making strides towards my goals of being an actor, singer and writer; it was never good enough. So I asked myself, ” What can I do now to be happy?” What can I do, while pursuing my dreams that will be a “muse” to my creative ideas?
The entrepreneur in me has come up with a vision. I look forward to sharing this plan with you, as soon as it is copyrighted.=) So back to the word “Acceptance.” I’m learning to accept that I am always going to be the “type” to want a job that is spontaneous, creative and in a healthy, happy environment. After browsing the internet about the word “Acceptance.”, I found a few quotes that inspired me and would like to share with you tonight.
“To be given permission to be confused — and remain confused — for as long as it takes would have been a huge gift.”
― Janet Jackson, True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself
“In life one has a choice to take one of two paths: to wait for some special day – or to celebrate each special day.”
― Rasheed Ogunlaru
The price tag that you put on your soul will determine the people and circumstances in which you find yourself.”
The Magic has begun! If you did not read my previous blog, allow me to bring you up to date. I have been reading “The Magic” by Rhonda Byrnes. It is truly inspiring me to do more, be more, share more. I highly recommend this book, if you haven’t already figured that out. LOL. Anyways, I miss writing to you; my invisible blogger and fans.
So here is the latest on my artistic journey, in case you are wondering. I have been researching the top recording studios in Central Florida. So far I have narrowed my search to a select few. This week I will be touring facilities and making a decision about where to record the latest song (a co-write). Please stay tuned, as I will be posting this song. Also, I am preparing for next open Mic night in College Park. Although I am not a professional guitarist; I will be attempting to learn as many chords, and strum like crazy for the next two weeks in order to be ready for open Mic. I have vowed that if I do not feel confident in my amateur guitar skills; nothing will stop me from singing. So, I will be singing Acapella.
“Come hell or high-water” (I think that is how the saying goes; I will continue to push forward with my singing/acting and entrepreneurship. This journey has not been an easy one as I have been challenged by adversities. However, it is the resilience, determination and passion which I truly feel will lead me in best direction and create success along the way.
It is the journey not the final destination that really matters after all. I’m enjoying the small moments, the precious ones with our daughter Olivia and being grateful for this life. I’m truly grateful for you, my invisible readers. Although I cannot see you; I know you exist. Thanks for your comments and feedback.
I am reading this awe-inspiring book called ” The Magic” by Rhonda Byrnes. It from the series of books beginning with The Secret, then “The Power” and now “The Magic” regarding the Law of Attraction. There is a paragraph at start of first chapter which truly captures the essence of “The Magic”.
It reads “I am here to tell you that the magic you once believed in is true, and it’s the disillusioned adult perspective of life that is false. The magic of life is real and it’s as real as you are. In fact, life can be far more wondrous than you ever thought it was as a child, and more breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and exciting than anything you’ve seen before. When you know what to do to bring forth the magic, you will live the life of your dreams. Then, you will wonder how you ever could have given up in believing in the magic of life!”
The key discussed at the start of this book. And I say “start” because I have just begun reading this book. The key is one word: Gratitude. Yes, many of us daily give thanks for “our bread”, friends, family and say thank you to the stranger who kindly opens the door. However, the author challenges us to give an abundance of thanks with intention and regularly. There is a 28 day journey to bring forth the magic into your life by gratitude detailed in the book. The book also provides activities to increase gratitude.
So I want to say a big THANK YOU to Rhonda Byrne and the team that created this book “The Magic”. Why? Because the more I give; the more magical my life becomes. As Willie Nelson (singer-songwriter) quotes ” When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” I have been aware of gratitude and believe I am a grateful person. However, I can be doing so much more to express gratitude and give back.
I hope that this blog inspires you, the reader, to continue your journey of attracting magic to your life. Give, give, give!!!
So I have decided that if I don’t have anything to say; I am just not going to say it. Here is what I have to say about 3/13/13.
Don’t you just love those numbers 3-13-13. How cool is that?
Sometimes in life we are given experiences to foster personal growth. When we could be angry, sad, scared, hurt; we can make the active choice to be happy, grateful, loving, and to channel our emotions in a positive direction.
I have learned from wise teachers, mentors and of course my parents how to be a leader. Leadership in my view is about being a role model, setting appropriate boundaries when necessary, being a positive individual, empowering others and taking calculated risks. It is also about being open-minded, respectful and listening to other’s views.
I’m learning a lot about leadership. But I have also learned by watching “leaders” who are not leading.
Right now I am actively fine-tuning a song which I CANNOT wait to share with you fellow bloggers, family and friends. What does leadership mean to you?
Here are some great quotes I found about leadership.
“Leadership in position not title.” Donald H McGannon
“What chance gathers she easily scatters. A great person attracts great people and knows how to hold them together.” Johann Wolfgang Von Goeth
“The people follow the example of those above them.”
Chinese Proverb
“It is absurd that a man should rule others, who cannot rule himself.” Latin Proverb
And with that, goodnight. Sleep well and have a great week ahead! Go out there and show you can be a great leader!
Not much to say about Day 60. Why? Because I survived through another day of being sick. Last night I checked into an urgent care clinic for what I thought was the Flu. But thankfully, it turned out to be a bad cold and ear infection. Still I felt miserable. There were a few things/people who deserve honorable mention for their support.
A special thanks to my mom, dad, Art (my husband), Olivia (daughter) and to Glee.
GLEE (the show) really helped me survive while being sick. I was able to catch up on a few episodes and I’m always inspired by this show to continue shooting for the moon (my dreams). And of course a special thanks to my sisters and friends for your text messages which rooted for me to recover.
Day 60 marks my goal for 60 posts, in sixty days. Overall I have 111 posts (my lucky number “11″). I’m excited about this journey because I am creating the life I have always dreamed of, except now I am actually putting my thoughts into action. So from here on out, I will only be posting blogs about a personal journey of becoming the artist I always imagined. We are all children at heart. And now I am talking directly to you, fellow blogger and/or viewer. You can tap into your “element” and bring your inner child to life. Do what you love to do! Thanks for supporting and following me on this journey.
Day 58 wasn’t so great. Day 59, you take the cake. Not a good cake.
That is my attempt at humor while drowning in tissues with mild grade fever, sore throat, body aches etc…
So I thought, what will I post for this day? And the only thing that came to my mind was the song “Staying Alive.” I kept thinking” ha, ha, ha, ha stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive…ha ha ha”
So here are some lyrics from this song below.
Lyrics from Bee Gee’s “Staying Alive”
Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother
Singer, Writer
Kimberly Beaman
