Everything comes to him who waits, if he
works while he waits.
In my September 7th post I stated that my production company, TDA Entertainment, was in the development process for its next feature film titled AFRAID FOR YOUR LIFE, and I informed you that Stuart Fratkin (Godzilla) is starring in the film.
We have added Marianne Hagan (Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers) and Charlie Holliday (The Christmas Card) to the cast. Other professionals on board are cinematographer Andrea Chiozzotto (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade), stunt coordinator/special effects make-up artist John Douglas “J.D.” Ayers (In the Eyes of a Killer), and music composer Mars (Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown).
AFRAID FOR YOUR LIFE is a suspense film. I am the screenwriter, and will produce and direct. Right now I am contacting investors, which is why we are still in the development process. The proposed budget is low (but not ultra low like THE TWO SISTERS) and the story has international appeal, so I am optimistic investors see this film as a practical opportunity.
We can do anything we want if we
stick to it long enough.
We are aiming to shoot during Summer 2010. I hope you follow our journey here, and at the TDA Entertainment Web site – http://www.tdaentertainment.com/AfraidForYourLife.htm.
If you don’t scale the mountain, you
can’t see the view.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Like What You Do
The secret to happy living is not to do what
you like but to like what you do.
Several years ago I participated in a workshop, and the instructor insisted that if any of us did not like what we were doing for a living we were acquainted with our workplaces well enough to know the “exit” locations. She meant that it was better to walk out of the building and into the world to find something else to do. This was the best thing anyone could have ever told me. I started noticing people at work who hated their jobs, but were not taking any steps towards making a change.
At the time, it had been nine years since I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in English and I was working as an administrative assistant. I evaluated my circumstances and decided to go back to school. I immediately enrolled in a teaching credential program, and as soon as I graduated I started working on a Master of Education degree. This changed my life! It did not make everything perfect (I am unsure of what does), but after receiving the Masters degree, when I worked some place I did not like I left. The additional education I obtained provided me with more opportunities.
I feel free and like what I am doing, which is teaching and independently writing, producing, and directing films. Because I am willing to take risks, I am fulfilled. People who never take risks are the ones who complain, and since they are not making changes everything remains the same. It is okay to stay where you are, but as the quote above says, “Like what you do.”
you like but to like what you do.
Several years ago I participated in a workshop, and the instructor insisted that if any of us did not like what we were doing for a living we were acquainted with our workplaces well enough to know the “exit” locations. She meant that it was better to walk out of the building and into the world to find something else to do. This was the best thing anyone could have ever told me. I started noticing people at work who hated their jobs, but were not taking any steps towards making a change.
At the time, it had been nine years since I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in English and I was working as an administrative assistant. I evaluated my circumstances and decided to go back to school. I immediately enrolled in a teaching credential program, and as soon as I graduated I started working on a Master of Education degree. This changed my life! It did not make everything perfect (I am unsure of what does), but after receiving the Masters degree, when I worked some place I did not like I left. The additional education I obtained provided me with more opportunities.
I feel free and like what I am doing, which is teaching and independently writing, producing, and directing films. Because I am willing to take risks, I am fulfilled. People who never take risks are the ones who complain, and since they are not making changes everything remains the same. It is okay to stay where you are, but as the quote above says, “Like what you do.”
Monday, December 7, 2009
Humility is Better Than Bitterness
There is nothing more beautiful than a rainbow,
but it takes both rain and sunshine to make
a rainbow. If life is to be rounded and
many-colored like the rainbow, both joy and
sorrow must come to it. Those who have
never known anything but prosperity and
pleasure become hard and shallow, but those
whose prosperity has been mixed with adversity
become kind and gracious.
As much as I prefer choosing joy, I admit there are times when trials exist and I do not feel so happy. However, I embrace the challenge of the trial. I am usually disappointed with the cause of the situation, though, but soon realize that does not make the predicament any easier to handle.
When the quandary expires, I am grateful for the experience. Something that was once despised is now providing a lesson I needed to learn. Humility is better than bitterness, and the following probably sounds familiar: Everything happens for a reason.
but it takes both rain and sunshine to make
a rainbow. If life is to be rounded and
many-colored like the rainbow, both joy and
sorrow must come to it. Those who have
never known anything but prosperity and
pleasure become hard and shallow, but those
whose prosperity has been mixed with adversity
become kind and gracious.
As much as I prefer choosing joy, I admit there are times when trials exist and I do not feel so happy. However, I embrace the challenge of the trial. I am usually disappointed with the cause of the situation, though, but soon realize that does not make the predicament any easier to handle.
When the quandary expires, I am grateful for the experience. Something that was once despised is now providing a lesson I needed to learn. Humility is better than bitterness, and the following probably sounds familiar: Everything happens for a reason.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Gifts
What one has, one ought to use; and whatever
he does he should do with all his might.
I feel blessed for knowing my gifts (a.k.a. talent). I believe they include writing and teaching. Some people tell me they do not know if they have any gifts and feel they are not contributing. I respond by letting them know what I think their gifts are because I know we all have them. Usually the person who says, “I have no gifts,” is, for example, the one who is always available to help me when I move furniture or when I am unsure of what is wrong with my computer. I view these as valuable gifts, and I obviously do not have them so I am glad someone does.
I hope everyone discovers his/her gifts and utilizes them regularly.
he does he should do with all his might.
I feel blessed for knowing my gifts (a.k.a. talent). I believe they include writing and teaching. Some people tell me they do not know if they have any gifts and feel they are not contributing. I respond by letting them know what I think their gifts are because I know we all have them. Usually the person who says, “I have no gifts,” is, for example, the one who is always available to help me when I move furniture or when I am unsure of what is wrong with my computer. I view these as valuable gifts, and I obviously do not have them so I am glad someone does.
I hope everyone discovers his/her gifts and utilizes them regularly.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Choose Joy
It is easy to be pleasant
When life flows by like a song,
But the man worth while is one who will smile,
When everything goes dead wrong.
For the test of the heart is trouble.
And it always comes with the years,
And the smile that is worth the praises of earth
Is the smile that shines thru the tears.
I know people who always look like they are mad. I do not understand this. One person has shared with me that that is a sign of insecurity. So far that makes sense, but not much.
I realize that crises will appear often, so saying, “This, too, shall pass,” and smiling while saying it is really the best solution. Be happy all the time. Choose joy. You will probably be healthier.
I want a soul so full of joy –
Life’s withering storms cannot destroy.
When life flows by like a song,
But the man worth while is one who will smile,
When everything goes dead wrong.
For the test of the heart is trouble.
And it always comes with the years,
And the smile that is worth the praises of earth
Is the smile that shines thru the tears.
I know people who always look like they are mad. I do not understand this. One person has shared with me that that is a sign of insecurity. So far that makes sense, but not much.
I realize that crises will appear often, so saying, “This, too, shall pass,” and smiling while saying it is really the best solution. Be happy all the time. Choose joy. You will probably be healthier.
I want a soul so full of joy –
Life’s withering storms cannot destroy.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Acceptance
We like someone because. We love someone although.
I think this quote is fun and true. It takes more strength to “love someone although,” but most of us do it everyday. I notice I usually learn and grow from accepting loved ones as they are. Another reason why I do it is because I realize they are accepting me for who I am.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Joy in Serving
It is in loving, not in being loved, the heart
is blessed; It is in giving, not in seeking gifts,
we find our quest; Whatever be your longing
or your need, that give; So shall your soul
be fed, and you indeed shall live.
Being a Key Club Advisor is an honor for me. Key Club is an international community service organization for high school students, http://slp.kiwanis.org/KeyClub/home.aspx, sponsored by Kiwanis International. On a regular basis I see young people volunteering to help others. These students are future leaders, dedicated to service projects and fundraising.
Sometimes we love and are not loved back. Sometimes we give and receive nothing in return. We serve because it warms our hearts and we feel joy. Joy in knowing we helped someone who needed assistance. Joy in seeing how happy it made the person we helped. It sincerely does feed our souls and we are full.
is blessed; It is in giving, not in seeking gifts,
we find our quest; Whatever be your longing
or your need, that give; So shall your soul
be fed, and you indeed shall live.
Being a Key Club Advisor is an honor for me. Key Club is an international community service organization for high school students, http://slp.kiwanis.org/KeyClub/home.aspx, sponsored by Kiwanis International. On a regular basis I see young people volunteering to help others. These students are future leaders, dedicated to service projects and fundraising.
Sometimes we love and are not loved back. Sometimes we give and receive nothing in return. We serve because it warms our hearts and we feel joy. Joy in knowing we helped someone who needed assistance. Joy in seeing how happy it made the person we helped. It sincerely does feed our souls and we are full.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Loss is Gain
Measure your life by loss instead of gain;
not by the wine drunk, but in the wine
poured forth, for love’s strength
stands in love’s sacrifice; and who suffers
most has most to give.
My father passed away when I was 11 years old. It was devastating because children (including me) think their parents will always be there for them. My father’s death was the biggest loss I ever suffered.
Other “losses” have occurred throughout the years, including periods of unemployment. But those experiences pale in comparison to losing someone close to me. My suffering after father’s passing has given me strength required for handling other “losses.” I see people panic over small things, and feel I walked through a large thing that changed my life. Even though no one wants to lose anything, it is only then that we gain the most.
not by the wine drunk, but in the wine
poured forth, for love’s strength
stands in love’s sacrifice; and who suffers
most has most to give.
My father passed away when I was 11 years old. It was devastating because children (including me) think their parents will always be there for them. My father’s death was the biggest loss I ever suffered.
Other “losses” have occurred throughout the years, including periods of unemployment. But those experiences pale in comparison to losing someone close to me. My suffering after father’s passing has given me strength required for handling other “losses.” I see people panic over small things, and feel I walked through a large thing that changed my life. Even though no one wants to lose anything, it is only then that we gain the most.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Change
The door to the human heart can be opened only from the inside.
Most people think they are perfect and see no need for change. The truth is we are all works under construction. Some friends have been honest with me about changes they are trying to make in their lives. It is not easy, and no one can do it for us. Our hearts can only be opened from inside, and the heart is where change begins.
Most people think they are perfect and see no need for change. The truth is we are all works under construction. Some friends have been honest with me about changes they are trying to make in their lives. It is not easy, and no one can do it for us. Our hearts can only be opened from inside, and the heart is where change begins.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Fringe
In April I started watching the science fiction drama series Fringe (on FOX Television Network). At first I was confused because the stories are “out there,” and I had to learn the characters. However, I kept watching, hoping to gain an understanding of the concepts. I love being challenged!
Now I look forward to watching episodes every Thursday night, and even have a favorite character. I like Agent Phillip Broyles, because I see him as the most intriguing and complex character on the show. Also, Lance Reddick who plays Agent Broyles is an outstanding actor.
Thanks to writers of the episode “Earthling,” which aired last week, series spectators are able to see a brilliant example of how multidimensional a character Broyles is. In this story I carefully observed his significance, as he takes a huge risk by defying a superior, and viewers learn about his personal life, which brings versatility and a level of mastery to this series that I think was missing. Obviously there are other aspects to this episode, but I hope Agent Broyles continues to be more dominant in stories.
Now I look forward to watching episodes every Thursday night, and even have a favorite character. I like Agent Phillip Broyles, because I see him as the most intriguing and complex character on the show. Also, Lance Reddick who plays Agent Broyles is an outstanding actor.
Thanks to writers of the episode “Earthling,” which aired last week, series spectators are able to see a brilliant example of how multidimensional a character Broyles is. In this story I carefully observed his significance, as he takes a huge risk by defying a superior, and viewers learn about his personal life, which brings versatility and a level of mastery to this series that I think was missing. Obviously there are other aspects to this episode, but I hope Agent Broyles continues to be more dominant in stories.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Horror Webisodes
I enjoy watching programs on the Internet. Do you remember in an earlier post I mentioned watching the comedy series They Came From Outer Space on Hulu? Recently two horror shows have been brought to my attention: Fear Clinic (http://www.fearnet.com/shows/fear_clinic/index.html) and Roger Corman’s Splatter (http://splatter.netflix.com/).
Fear Clinic stars Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, Danielle Harris and Lisa Wilcox. People with phobias go to Dr. Andover (Englund) for help in curing the fears they have, but they end up getting more than they bargained for! It would be nice if this series could continue or be expanded into a feature film. I think it could work.
Splatter stars Tony Todd and Corey Feldman (sinister performance), and is directed by Joe Dante. Rock-and-roll star Jonny Splatter (Feldman) has fame and fortune. One day he decides to end it all, but his will has let him live on. Over the course of the night, the five people who come to his home to hear his last will and testament will be able to testify as to his cruelty. At the end of each show, viewers vote for who they think Jonny should torment (from beyond the grave) next.
These are fun webisodes. Keep in mind they are intended for mature audiences. If you know of other Web series’, not just horror, please let me know about them.
Fear Clinic stars Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, Danielle Harris and Lisa Wilcox. People with phobias go to Dr. Andover (Englund) for help in curing the fears they have, but they end up getting more than they bargained for! It would be nice if this series could continue or be expanded into a feature film. I think it could work.
Splatter stars Tony Todd and Corey Feldman (sinister performance), and is directed by Joe Dante. Rock-and-roll star Jonny Splatter (Feldman) has fame and fortune. One day he decides to end it all, but his will has let him live on. Over the course of the night, the five people who come to his home to hear his last will and testament will be able to testify as to his cruelty. At the end of each show, viewers vote for who they think Jonny should torment (from beyond the grave) next.
These are fun webisodes. Keep in mind they are intended for mature audiences. If you know of other Web series’, not just horror, please let me know about them.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Celebrating Halloween
Halloween–October 31, eve of All Saints’ Day (Christian); there are also roots in the Celtic tradition–is a very interesting day. Some call it a tradition, and others call it a holiday. This may just be a play on words; either way, Halloween is acknowledged every year in a big way.
As a child, I used to enjoy picking out or putting together a costume to wear and go trick-or-treating with my sister and friends. Also, during the month of October there was usually a fair in town with a haunted house included. Even though sometimes I was scared, I still felt excitement from the experience. Then there was the pumpkin exercise. I liked carving the jack-o-lantern and baking the seeds.
Now as an adult, I appreciate candy being on sale in October and greet the trick-or-treaters who stop by my home. I think this is harmless fun, and notice most people seem to embrace this tradition. Happy Halloween on October 31st and have a joyful All Saints’ Day on November 1st!
As a child, I used to enjoy picking out or putting together a costume to wear and go trick-or-treating with my sister and friends. Also, during the month of October there was usually a fair in town with a haunted house included. Even though sometimes I was scared, I still felt excitement from the experience. Then there was the pumpkin exercise. I liked carving the jack-o-lantern and baking the seeds.
Now as an adult, I appreciate candy being on sale in October and greet the trick-or-treaters who stop by my home. I think this is harmless fun, and notice most people seem to embrace this tradition. Happy Halloween on October 31st and have a joyful All Saints’ Day on November 1st!
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