So...What Happened to Easter?

Last Friday, I was in a fitting room at the Banana Republic at The Grove in Los Angeles. I had
found the most adorable fit and flare sleeveless LBD (little black dress). It was my size, on sale with an additional 30% off. It fit perfectly. I clicked a quick dressing room photo which I sent to my husband before stepping out of the fitting room to see the dress in the three-way mirror.

A smiling sales associate stepped beside me. "That looks really nice on you. Are you thinking about wearing it next Sunday?"

I gave her a blank stare. "Sunday?"

"Yes. Easter Sunday."

"You must be mistaken. It can't be Easter."

"It's early this year."

Now that I thought about it, store displays were featuring brightly colored displays while I'd seen commercials featuring bunnies and chocolate--but somehow I never put it together. How had Easter completely fallen off my radar?

I was raised Catholic and attended mass every Sunday. I went to a Catholic school from kindergarten through the twelfth grade where I was taught that Easter was the most important day on the Christian calendar.

As a kid I looked forward to visits from the Easter Bunny who made a quiet deliveries early on Easter morning. I never appreciated EB's accomplice, my mother, who was responsible for creating the most beautiful baskets. She filled colorful straw baskets with cellophane grass and a plush pastel bunny surrounded by traditional candies.  Candy was a rarity in our house. My sister and I went trick or treating on Halloween night, only to have our candy stash thrown away two days later. My mother claimed the fun was in collecting the candy--and no, I've never forgiven her for destroying this childhood ritual. But Easter was different. As soon as we awoke we attacked the baskets eating chocolate eggs, bunnies and Peeps--before breakfast.

Usually the Saturday before Easter we'd color eggs which were also in our baskets. During the following week the eggs would make for novelty items in our lunch boxes. Some were turned into  Easter egg salad, which always seemed tastier than plain old egg salad.

For Easter Sunday mass, my mother usually dressed my sister and me in matching dresses which were accessorized with matching hats, lacy anklets, pocketbooks and black patent leather shoes.

Dinner was always a family affair which seemed to be at one of my grandmother's houses. which always smelled of roast leg of lamb, baking ham and homemade cakes.

I remember looking forward to the Peanuts special, It's the Easter Beagle Charlie Brown which usually aired sometime the week before Easter. This special had a weak storyline, but amazing music. Vince Guaraldi composed jazz variations of Beethoven classics.

My most memorable Easter was the year my family went to Italy. On Easter Sunday we were in Vatican City receiving the Pope's blessing. This incredible experience was followed immediately by another as we stepped into St. Peter's Basilica where we saw Michelangelo's Pieta.

When I was a senior in high school, I remember going to Easter mass with my family, then brunch, and then home. That was it. My parents retired to their bedroom where my father took a nap and my mother settled in with the current novel she was reading. My sister and I, having nothing else to do, went to the mall. This is the last Easter I remember spending with my family. I'm sure there were others, but this was a turning point; I was growing up and holidays were beginning to lose their magic.

I rarely came home for Easter when I was in college. I do remember going to brunch with a friend and her parents one year. After mimosas and French toast, I went to a callback for a summer production of  A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. (I was cast in the production and heartbroken when my parents insisted that I come home that summer. Theater at Emerson College was one thing. Outside of college in the real world was another.)

While living in Chicago, I was the Easter Bunny in Carson Pierre Scotts department store on year. Frankly, I found the costume frightening as did many of the small children who were forced to sit on my lap for photographs. Quite by accident, I developed a trick that usually stopped small children's tears: I wiped my eyes as I pretended to cry. Misery loves company and the child, feeling sympathy, would stop crying to console me. One little girl brought me carrots.

When I first moved to Hollywood, I was determined to get to a Sunrise Service at The Hollywood Bowl. But then I realized how early sunrise actually was and never made it.

For the past several years, Easter Sunday has just been another day at work.

Back at Banana Republic, a chime indicating a text message draws my attention away from my reflection in the three-way mirror. My husband is telling me to purchase the dress, but by now I've decided I don't need another black dress, especially for Easter Sunday. I thank the associate who reminds me that the dress is going for a great price. True. I love bargains, but I leave the LBD in the fitting room,

Earlier today I was in a CVS and saw shelves full of Easter candy. I remember loving the foil covered milk chocolate eggs, but I can't find any. I find Hershey Easter kisses, which are the same thing in a different shape, but I really want chocolate eggs because it's Easter. I leave with nothing.

Tomorrow I'll go to work and look forward to enjoying dinner with my husband and a good friend
afterwards. This year we're doing Italian. I know there will be good wine and conversation. I'll try not to wear black for a change.

After I get home and attend to my pets and household chores, I might watch  It's the Easter Beagle Charlie Brown, mainly to listen to Vince Guaraldi's jazz score. Who knows? I may be able to recapture some of the magic from the Easters past.

The Most Valuble Asset for Performing and Creatve Artists: Your Health

Once again I've put way too much on my plate while trying to balance acting and writing careers, running household and being the perfect wife. Recently, I had to reevaluate my priorities.  It's a matter of health.

A Cautionary Tale
Things had been going well. My first audition of the year resulted in a booking. I was auditioning regularly and had a high callback ratio. I was working a day job that I actually enjoyed, working with a group of creative people on public speaking presentations centering on historical events--and I love history. Life was good.

On Monday evening, my husband  and I had a friend over for dinner. It was pleasant evening that ended with my husband and I watching a favorite TV show. Then we went to bed.

My husband fell asleep quickly. But I'd been having more and more difficulty falling asleep lately; my mind was constantly racing with random thoughts. On this night I also found myself unable to relax.  I felt weird. I was out of breath like I'd just run a race. My heart was pounding and felt like it was about to burst through my chest. I had a horrible headache which caused dizziness.

Something was wrong. Not wanting to wake my husband, I slipped out of bed, went online. According to WebMD I was exhibiting symptoms of a stroke...the online info said to call 911. I didn't. Instead, at 2:10AM I woke my husband who took me to a nearby emergency room where I was given a thorough exam that included several neurological tests.

No. I was not having a stroke. In fact I was embarrassed with the diagnosis of sleep deprivation and anxiety.

The ER physician wanted to know what was happening in my life. I replied that things were good. He asked me to think back over the last few months to find a possible cause of stress. The month before we had some unexpected repairs done in our home which disrupted our home life and made it necessary to change our routines. That was defiantly a source of stress, but that was a month ago. He informed me that stress never leaves the body. When he asked me about my everyday routine, it was apparent I was burning the candle at both ends; doing far too much on any given day and only getting four to five hours of sleep a night. He prescribed, relaxation, rest, sleep (he wanted me to take a sleeping aid for a few nights), and told to follow up with my GP. Finally, he gave me a work release for the next day and instructed me to call in sick to work.

I didn't listen. After just a few hours of unrestful sleep, I resumed my regular routine. I was at a commercial callback at 10AM before going to my day job where I remained until 5:30PM. Instead of going home, I kept an appointment with my hairstylist before returning home after 8PM. I went to bed early, but only managed to sleep for three or four  hours. I got up early the next morning and began all over again. I was not going to let a little lost sleep and stress get in my way.

Is it any wonder that I ended up with the same symptoms--only worse a few days later? This time I listened to my body--and made myself and my health the priority. The End

My story is not unusual among performing and creative artists. Many times we find ourselves balancing our craft with the everyday demands of life (family, day jobs, household, etc.) Sometimes we see ourselves as super beings and strive to do everything...and to do everything well.

Many creative professionals are perfectionists and possess vey strong work ethics. (An old boss at a former day job told me he hired actors whenever possible because of their strong work ethics and attention to details.) We want to do well in all aspects of our lives, especially in our artistic efforts. So is it any surprise that some of us are taking on more than we can handle and find ourselves trying to perform an impossible balancing act?

-An LA actor friend had just sent her husband, also a working actor, off to New England where he would be doing a play for two months. She was getting their seven year old daughter to and from school everyday and arranging for a sitter when necessary, going on auditions and subsequent bookings, working a part-time day job, and running their household. One day, while shopping for  ingredients to make homemade cupcakes for a next day school event, she was rushed from an area grocery store via ambulance due to chest pains. While she was sure she was having a heart attack, she was diagnosed with anxiety.

-A dancer on a cruise ship performed her two nightly shows while ill, though she managed to conceal her condition  from the cast and crew. She performed the next night as well, only this time she collapsed backstage after the second show. She had the flu with a fever of 102 degrees. 

-One Saturday, an LA actor woke up with a bad stomach ache, but went to work the day job-which was somewhat physical. No amount of Pepto-Bismol would provide relief. By the end of the day the actor decided not to wait to contact their own doctor on Monday morning, and went to an urgent care facility. Less than two hours later, a (non-emergency) appendectomy was performed. They were home the next day. Had this person waited the appendix could have ruptured meaning a more invasive surgery and a long hospital stay and recovery. 

Thankfully these scenarios as well as my own had happy endings. But there also stories of those who have ignored messages from their bodies, and whose stories don't end happily..

A woman who at age 26 never had a Pap Smear, was required to get one during her physical before she began working as a dancer at a large resort. The test revealed she was in the early stages of cervical cancer. She now admits that she'd just never taken the time to see a doctor despite a few warning signs.

Another performer found a lump in her breast which was advanced breast cancer. While over 40, she'd never had a mammogram.

Lastly, I know of one incredibly gifted actor who let a minor and treatable infection go untreated. He continued his usual fast-paced routine that included playing basketball. The infection eventually reached his heart and killed him. This man was in his thirties, in good shape, and by all outward appearances, healthy. Had this man seen a doctor and gotten on a cycle of antibiotics and possibly taken it easy for a few days, he'd still be with us.

When I had  my own health scare (more than ten years ago now), I made some simple changes in my life that have helped keep me healthy. I'm not talking weight loss, just maintaining my health.  

While I'm not a doctor,(though I've played one on TV), I'd like to share a few common sense things to keep in mind. Most are common sense. So please consider these few friendly reminders.

Eat Sensibly/Eat Healthy. The better you eat the better you feel, and the better your body will function. After my scare, I began to watch my salt and processed sugar intake, which meant I was reading food labels. I basically eliminated most processed and fast food. Anything high in fat was cut to a minimum. I stopped eating red meat and pork. I rarely drink soda. I was never big on snacks, but when I do try to stick to fresh fruits and veggies, yogurt.  I still enjoy an order of fries or a favorite desert on occasion. The key is everything (including alcohol and caffeine) in moderation. Know your BMI. Use this number a  guideline to maintain a healthy weight.

Hydrate. The old adage of 8 glasses a day is no longer true. Instead, think about how much you weigh and divide that number in half. That's how many ounces of water you should drink per day. For instance, a person who is 200 pounds, should drink 100 oz. of water per day to be adequately hydrated. Consider making water your default beverage.

Have a physical every year. See your dentist twice a year. Get an annual flu shot. Ladies, see your gynecologist. Make sure you schedule appointments for  the tests and screenings that are recommended (mammograms, colonoscopies). While some test are unpleasant and sometimes embarrassing, they are potentially lifesaving. (many states have programs for standard screenings if you are uninsured.) Here's a list of suggested screenings, though always consult with your own physician.

 

Exercise. Make exercise a part of your life and choose something  you enjoy that you won't dread doing. A good walk can help to clear your head, while stretching (yoga & Pilates) help with flexibility, circulation and sleep. I love fitness DVD's that allow me to exercise without leaving home.

Don't Smoke. Or, stop smoking.

Get enough sleep. The number of hours will differ for each person, though most of us need anywhere from six to eight hours a night. Remember sleep allows your body to recharge.

Listen to your body & do what it says. You know yourself and your body better than anyone. You
know when you can treat yourself or when you need to seek medical attention. Waiting too long can sometimes lead to complications and a hospital stay for conditions that could have otherwise been treated easily. 

It's okay to stop (or at least slow down). This is not a sign of weakness. In fact I believe stopping

when needed is a show of strength and self- respect. Remember, if you don't stop, your body will stop you. (Years ago as I was getting ready to move to LA, I scheduled myself to work 18 hours a day for two weeks solid at three different jobs. Ten days in, I woke up one morning unable to move. Exhaustion won. I dropped one job for the remaining  few days.) 

Your body is your most important instrument and an incredible machine which must be maintained to keep you going physically and mentally. Your body is your dwelling that allows you to exist. This is where you think and create. Your body transports you from one place to another.

Without your health, you can't give 100% to yourself, your craft or to those around you.

While good health is important to everyone no matter their profession, it is especially important to artists; our bodies are the vessels which allow us to practice our crafts. 

Take care of your body and your body will take care of you. After all, you only have one.

 

 

 

 

A Casual Conversation Planted Seeds for a Series of Novels...and a New Artistic Direction.

In 2006, my husband Tony and I wrote and performed a show for the Fringe circuit. The experience took us to several cities where we saw many live shows and met performing artists from all over of the country.

While in Indianapolis, we joined another married couple for dinner one evening; performers who were also doing a show in the Indianapolis Fringe. Christian and Catalina amazed audiences with magic and telepathy, while our show was a series of stories based on our marriage and living in Hollywood.

Once our drinks arrived at the table, Catalina proposed our next show. “You should do a show about your experiences as actors in Hollywood! People would find it fascinating.”

This sounded strange. “But it’s not fascinating! It’s just what we do.”

Catalina disagreed. “Not to people outside of the industry who are dying to know about the real Hollywood! I’ve enjoyed listening to your stories and I'm sure others would too!”

Hollywood is a city, an industry and a state of mind. For Tony and me, it’s home.

While we never wrote that show, I never forgot Catalina’s words --words that may have planted the seeds for my contemporary romantic series, Fall Again. The  four-part series follows the lives of  working artists and takes place over twenty years.

When I began to write the first novel in  the Fall Again series, my focus was bringing the tortured romance of  my two central characters, Marc and Lauren, to life. But this is also very much a story about the lives of working actors. I found myself thinking about my own experiences in the industry along with experiences of my fellow actors and other artists. Many of these events found their way into my manuscript and became elements in the careers of the actors in Fall Again.

When we first meet Lauren Phillips, she’s just completed her first day of work on a network soap, the fictional Clayton’s Crossing. For years, daytime dramas provided work and on the job training for many actors (Brad Pitt, Julianne Moore and Meg Ryan, to name a few.) My first job on network television was on NBC’s Days of Our Lives. Like Lauren, I was nervous…especially when I learned my first network television scene would be with Genie Francis, (formerly Laura Spencer on General Hospital), who was soap opera royalty! This was Genie’s first day as reporter Diana Colville. She comes to Salem’s University Hospital searching for someone who can identify a person in a photograph and approaches the nurse at the desk…me! I had five lines of dialogue that day. (For the record, Genie Francis was very nice and helped make this day smooth and memorable.)Ten days later, I was back on set, and would return to DOOL regularly as Nurse Evelyn for ten years.



When I booked a job on this show I couldn't believe I'd
 be working with an actor I'd admired and grown up watching. 

In the third novel, Lauren will book a job as a guest star on a sitcom. The event was inspired by my own appearance on The Robert Guillaume Show. Yes, I was thrilled when I booked the job and loved working with Robert who I had admired and watched for most of my life. But for me this was just another job; it’s what I do. For every amazing day in an actor’s career, there could be hundreds ordinary days.

The Fall Again series starts with Fall Again: Beginnings where actors Marc and Lauren are auditioning at the same Los Angeles casting studio.This is the first time they have seen each other in over twenty years. The story then shifts to New York City in the late 1980's where Marc and Lauren meet, become good friends and eventually fall in love. While Marc and Lauren are actors, many of their friends also have careers in the arts. There is a writer, a dancer/choreographer, a comedienne, and an award winning poet. We follow this close knit group of friends in the early years of their careers. There are a variety of day jobs, family conflicts and work related separations. During the series, the careers of the secondary characters will also be followed.


The second and third books, Fall Again: Lost Boy and Fall Again: California Girl (available this summer), follow Marc and Lauren's careers during their twenty year separation. While both are working actors, their lives and artistic journeys are very different. Both encounter events(9/11, entertainment industry strikes) that effect their careers  as they both continue to evolve and grow as artists. There will be relationships and other personal issues including growing older in business that fixated on youth.

The final novel, Fall Again: Reunion (available this fall) reunites Marc and Lauren after a twenty-two year separation. Together, they will try to find balance between their personal lives and careers as they again, consider a romance.

I wanted the Fall Again series to  realistically reflect the lives of creative and performing artists, (though every creative will follow his or her own unique path). The series is grounded in the real world of working artists. All of my characters are dedicated to their careers. They are professional, diligent, and as a result, are earning livings as performing and creative artists. Those working in  creative and performing fields are often misunderstood by those in more traditional jobs who often have misconceptions of artists being frivolous, lazy and unfocussed. (I addressed this subject earlier this year in the post, Artists, Angst and Tee Shirts)

As an actor, there are often circumstances that are beyond my control. But as an author I’m enjoying complete control of the world I've created. I'm finding that my two careers are supporting each other since creativity feeds creativity.

In Fall Again, my goal was to provide a realistic glimpse into the lives of working actors and other creative artists. Hopefully I’ve dispelled some misconceptions of those in creative professions, while telling Marc and Lauren’s love story. I want my readers to experience the triumphs and heartbreaks throughout my character’s careers, and most importantly, enjoy their journeys.

The Fall Again series unknowingly began almost ten years ago over a casual dinner conversation between creative people in a creative environment.  Albert Einstein said it best--creativity is contagious.


Fall Again Series